Minutes of last Board Meeting
Minutes from Board of Trustees meeting held Wednesday, November 15, 2023 Board President Wendy Lamos called the meeting to order at 5:15pm. Roll taken with the following present Wendy Lamos, Dick Paulsen, John Lyman, Wendy Buseman, Nathan Subbert, Carol Sensor, Dale Schirmer, Lisa Peters, and Kim Manning. The Library director reviewed the warrants and statistics report for October. The library reported a significant increase in items circulated from this time last year. There was a short discussion regarding the new telescope the library recently acquired. It is a rather large and expensive piece of equipmet so a check-out policy will need to be developed to handle it. The policy committee will discuss and present a proposal at a later meeting. Motion made by Dick, seconded by Wendy B, to accept the agenda, warrants and minutes. Voice vote was unanimous.
Public comment had several attendees speak regarding the recent Board of Supervisors meeting. Old Business Agenda Items:1) Kim reported on the recent county supervisors meeting that was attended by the county librarians. The librarians pointed out that the supervisors overstepped their responsibilities when they changed the funding distribution across the county libraires. The county librarians will meet to agree upon a distribution and report back to the county supervisors. Kim also spoke with the city of Garner librarian regarding their method for calculating county distribution using different weighted variables. The point was made that Franklin County may see as much as a 30% reduction in the money received from the state. 2) The personnel committee reported on the annual raise and how it was applied to each part time employee. One PT employee who also gets vacation and sick leave receives a 5% raise while others received 7%. The committee looked at differences between part time and full time employee benefits including the value of health isnurance, vacation, and sick leave. The committee talked to each employee looking for opinions. The recommendation was that Esmeralda be given a 2% pay increase to raise her overall increase for the year to the 7% level. Discussion was had by the board regarding how this recommendation was reached and how it affects the PT pay versus the pay of the FT librarians. The motion was made by Dick and seconded by John to increase Esmeralda's pay by 2% effective in the next pay period. Voice vote approved the motion 5-2. 3) The policy committee presented the revised 'Statement of Concern' and the 'Materials Reconsideration Policy' to the rest of the board. The new materials took into account the suggestions from the challenged material committee. Motion was made by Dale and seconded by Lisa to accept the changes. Voice vote was unanimous to approve. 5) Abraham Lincoln is returning to the Hampton Public Library! Program will be on November 27th at 6pm. The library is also hosting its open house the same day. The Library will be open normal hours (9:30-5:30) and then reopen for the program at 6. The program will be held in the children's department in order to accommodate the crowd. The Trustees and staff will provide appetizers and treats to be available all day with the open house.
New Business Agenda Items: 1) Christmas Eve is a holiday for library employees but it fall on a a Sunday this year. Discussion occurrd over what day then to close to cover this holiday. Motion by Wendy B and seconded by Dale to close the library on Saturday, December 23rd to cover the holiday. Voice vote was unanimous to approve.
2) Motion was made by Dale and seconded by Dick to go into closed session. Roll call voice vote was unanimous to approve. The reason for the closed session is to evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless or irreparable injury to that indivdual's reputation and that individual requests a closed session.
The Board of Trustees exited the closed session with the following statement- the library will issue a statement regarding the tone of recent posts and statements made on social media. The board policy committee will meet separately to formulate a Facebook/social media policy for use by the Hampton Public Library and its employees.
Motion to adjourn was made by Dale and seconded by Wendy B. Voice vote was unanimous to approve.
Next meeting will be December 20, 2023 @ 5:15pm.
Minutes from the Board of Trustees meeting held Wednesday, October 18th. Board President Wendy Lamos called the meeting to order at 5:15pm. Roll taken with the following present: Wendy Lamos, Dick Paulsen, John Lyman, Wendy Buseman, Nathan Subbert, Kristi Wragge, Carol Sensor, Dale Schirmer, Lisa Peters and Kim Manning. Visitors were too numerous to name. The library director reviewed the warrants and statistics report for September. The library reported an increase in items circulated from this time last year. Motion made by Dick, seconded by Wendy, to accept the agenda, warrants, and minutes. Voice vote was unanimous. Public Comment spoke regarding the recent Board of Supervisors meeting, budgeting, and the use of the Library Facebook page. 1) Dick Lukensmeyer read a statement regarding discussions held at the county supervisors meeting and how they were portrayed on Facebook. Recording played from Chris Vanness' appearance on the radio's "Newsmaker" segment from October 5th, 2023. 2) Tracy Stillwell spoke to reiterate Dick's comments regarding the supervisor's meeting. 3) Scott Stillwell stated the library director's use of the Facebook page was unprofessional and how it was used should result in dismissal from the director's position. 4) Wayne Grayland spoke to point out that what books a child reads is up the the parent. He also used his time to point out the importance institutions such as this to get creative with finding funding including fundraisers and estate planning. Old Business Agenda Items:1. The chairman of the book review committee, Liz Carr, gave a report on the committee meeting held Tuesday, September 26. There was open discussion with several members of the committee regarding how well the process worked and how well everyone worked together. Some items the committee pointed out was that usually publishers determine the audience which means if a book has a "YA" sticker, that determination comes from the publisher. Motion made by Dale, seconded by John, to accept the committee recommendations for each book. Vote was by roll call voice response. All voted yes. 2. Item was tabled until next month so that the personnel committee would have more time to discuss the issue. 3. Another change to the "Statement of Concern" was proposed. The change along with suggestions from the book review committee were tabled and referred to the process committee. The committee will meet and finalize the process and present to the board at the next meeting. New Business Agenda Items: 1) The question was asked about how to handle library closures in the event of bad weather. Everyone agreed to continue with what was used in the past. Additionally, the Saturday after Thanksgiving was brought up because of scheduling issues. Staff librarians will have worked their one required weekend and not enough part time staff is available (Family Commitments) that day to open. Also, closing the library that day would allow everyone to enjoy the numerous other activities already planned around town. Motion was made by Dale, seconded by Wendy, to close the library the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Voice vote was unanimous to approve. 2) Discussion regarding Facebook posts and the supervisor meeting. Director recognizes the results from her post on the library Facebook page. Discussion proceeded regarding what is appropriate for what should be posted on the Facebook site and to pay attention to tone. Regarding the county supervisor's meeting, the original formula for how money is dispersed figured back in 1987 was requested and found, and then shared with the county auditor. A bit of a Q/A session broke out between the supervisor's in attendance and the library board that discussed the county budget process and the effect of the cuts that may happen due to chantges the state legislature had recently made. The original proposal for library funding which the library had on file was provided to the board as well. This month's teachable lesson was from the Iowa Library Trustee Handbook, Chapter 6. An essential responsibility of Iowa library boards is to develop and adopt public policy. Library boards must be mindful that they are adopting public policies for a public services. The policies should grow out of a process of studying the issues and needs, further facts, deliberating the issues writing policy and reviewing them every three years. Motion to adjourn was made by Dale and seconded by Carol. Voice vote was unanimous to approve. Next meeting will be November 15, 2023 at 5:15pm. Summarized minutes from the Board of Trustees held Wednesday, September 20th. Roll call was taken with the following present Wendy Lamos, John Lyman, Wendy Buseman, Nathan Subbert, Kristi Wragge, Carol Sensor, & Dale Schirmer with Kim Manning Director also acting as secretary. The Director went over the Warrants for September in the amount of $17,626.63. A motion by John with a second by Kristi. Public Comment was held with several citizens continuing to censor certain books from the YA section to the adult section. The Trustees then moved on to the camera bids. Nathan suggested that the library go with bid 2. A motion was made by Dale with a second from Wendy B. and the rest of the board agreed. Progress of the Committee to advise the Trustees on the challenged books was discussed. The board will await their recommendation on the books. Kim presented the # of books and the % of the collection that is LGBTQ. Non of the various collections added up to even 1%. A motion was made to aprove Liz Carr to the Reconsideration Committee with a motion by Dale and second from Kristi. Kim shared that the HPL has received $39,000 from the Barkema Trust in the last 8 years and also a grant from Dollar General for $2000 and an ARPA Grant in the amount of $1959. Kim also shared that Frederick Blanch had gifted $2000 to the library after his death. Motion to adjourn was made by Wendy B with a second by Dale. Summarized minutes from the Board of Trustees held Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Roll Call was tkane with the following trustees present, Wendy Lamos, John Lyman, Wendy Buseman, Nathan Subbert, Dick Paulsen, Kristi Wragge and Kim Manning Director and Secretary. Wendy Lamos called the meeting to order at 5:15pm. The Director went over the Warrants for August, which included the bathroom updates. A motion from John with a second from Dick. Director went over the Monthly Statistical Reort which showed an increase in items circulated. This year the County check came much earlier than usual so the financial report showed receipts of $337,207.74 for the month. The financial report also showed that $21,788.00 paid out in bills.
Public comment was held: with several attendees commenting on the Young Adult collection, 1) Amanda Byrnes spoke providing instrustio to the Trustees about having a Reconsideration Commitee policy. 2) Dick Lukensmeyer also spoke about parents not having access to their child's records at the Hampton Public Library. The Director responded by telling the assembled group that even children has 1st Amendment rights. Dick commented back that he needed proof. 3) Karen Mitchell also spoke, saying in defense of the books, that is a big world out there with lots of ideas and opportunities, and that young adults need to be able to access all the information in the library. Also Pastor Petre spoke asking the librarians to check the percentage of LGBTQ books housed in the library as compared to 203% of Hampton residents that are LGBTQ and adjust our collection accordingly. He also noted that several books had been added to the collection presenting the other side of the issue and he appreciated that. Dustin Byrnes also spoke and shared his concern over Miller v. California case presented in the agenda, and that we needed to look into this further because we don't have all the fact.
Old Business: the Director asked Nathan about the camera bid that was going to espire 8/26/23. Nathan replied that he is in contact with Connor from Card & Co and will resolve this issue soon. The personnel committee met before the trustee meeting and decided that only Marilyn geta 7% raise due to her anniversary date. But since Esmeralda gets other benefits which include sick and vacation, as of 9/1/23 her raise will be the same as the other full-time librarias @5%.
New Business: 1) A motion was made and approved by all to have some control over a business meeting in a public setting. Rick made the motion with a second from Kristi that public comment should be placed on each monthly agenda with citizens registering ahead of time and the limit of 5 minutes. Also instruction was given by the Board members should not reply to public comment in the meeting. 2) Nathan Subbert accepted the position on the board as secretary.
The Trustee Teachable lesson: Lack of access to information can be harmful to minors. Librarians and library governing bodies have a public and professional obligation to ensure that all members of the community they serve ave free, equal and equitable access to the entire range of library resources. Regardless of content, approach, format, or amount of detail. Taken from the Freedom Manual American Library Association, eighth edition.
Motion to adjourn was made by Dick with a second from Nathan.
Next meeting will be Wednesday, September 20th, 2023
Summarized minutes from the Board of Trustees held Wednesday, July 19th, 2023. Roll call was taken with the following trustees in attendance: Wendy Lamos, John Lyman, Wendy Buseman, Nathan Subbert, Dick Paulsen, Kristi Wragge, and Kim Manning acting as secretary. The July warrants were approved with a motion by John Lyman and a second by Dick Paulsen. Kim Manning highlighted the following points from the statistical report. Circulation was 5,259 which is 459 more than at this time last year. The library added 129 new titles and removed 170 titles. The library received the last quarterly payment for FY 22/23 of $22,000 from the City of Hampton. Old Business: a motion to accept the changes to the Materials Reconsideration policy and inclusivity statement by Rick with a second from Nathan. Motion to accept the members selected for the Materials Reconsideration Committee also made by Rick with a second from Nathan. Motion by Kristi with a second from Wendy B to get written parental permission for the teen that will be on the committee. The Trustees again listened to public comments made by the 20 or so citizens that attended the board meeting still raising concerns about challenged titles that should be removed from the Young Adult section and into the Adult Section. The board will wait for the recommendation made by the Committee which will be made up of the following: Vicky Pralle, Wendy Buseman, Esmeralda Ramirez, Lily Strother, Alan Ferris, Dustin Burns and Amanda Burns. Motion to adjourn was made by Nathan with a second by Wendy Buseman.
Summarized minutes from the Board of Trustees meeting held Wednesday, June 14th, 2023. Roll Call Wendy Lamos, Robin McKee, John Lyman, Wendy Buseman, Nathan Subbert, Dick Paulsen, and Terri McWilliams. Director Kim Manning was also present Visitors: Steve Birdsall, Ron Dunt, Dick Lukensmeyer, Traci and Scott Stillwell, Alan Ferris, City Attorney Megan Rosenberg, Lily Rosenberg. Library Staff: Esmeralda, Brenda, and Marilyn were also present. Warrants for May totaled $23,405.00. A new computer was added for the microfilm reader and for public use. 4,456 items were circulated 896 more items than last year at this time. 16 library cards were issued. The Friends of the HPL donated $3200.00 to children's programming, and other various expenses. The balance in the HPL account is $74,434.58. 92% of the expected revenue has been received with 100% having been spent. City Attorney Megan Rosenberg, was asked to comment on Iowa Code 728 and 728.7. Megan also pointed out that the trustees when evaluating a challenged book there are 3 points to consider *What do we believe the community standards are? *Do the objectionable materials include intended morbid or shameful nudity, sex, and bodily functions? *Artistic expression-What is offensive? What some people find offensive, other may not. Megan also pointed out that even if the trustees personally agree with the reasons the material is being challenged, they need to consider what the community thinks. The library is an arm of City government and moving a book from a designated area is a form of censorship. Obscenity laws are different for your home and your own businesses. Businesses have different licenses. Public Libraries have to respect freedom of expression and freedom of speech. A motion was also made to approve the Materials Reconsideration Policy and Inclusivity Statement. A motion to adjourn was made after the Director explained that the staff had recently met with Police Chief Mark Morrison regarding how to respond locally in case of a violent intruder in the library.
Summarized minutes from the Board of Trustees meeting held Wednesday May 17th, 2023. Roll call Wendy Lamos, Robin McKee, John Lyman, Wendy Buseman, Nathan Subbert, Kristi Wragge, Rick Janssen, Dick Paulsen and Terri McWilliams. Also in attendance was Kim Manning, Suzy Knipfel, Brenda Van Wert, Marilyn Moser, and Laela Ragsdale. Visitors included Angela Horner, Dick Lukensmeyer, Traci & Scott Stillwell, Alan Ferris, Matt Grohe, and Chris VanNess. Warrants were approved for May for a total of $17,917.89. The library circulated 1,131 more items at this time than last year. Angela Horner attended the meeting to present her request that the comments made on the Library's Facebook page be removed. She also requested that te books in the YA area of the library be shelved with the adult books so that these books many with LGBTQ stories not fall into the hands of children. A motion was also made to purchase another public access computer to be used as a public internet as well as the genealogy microfilm machine. Motion was adjourned with a discussion of the interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.
Summarized minutes from the Board of Trustes meeting held Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Roll Call Wendy Lamos, Kristi Wragge, Rick Janssen, Dick Paulsen, John Lyman, Nathan Subbert, Wendy Buseman, and Robin McKee. Also in attendance was Kim Manning, Director and Tracy & Scott Stillwill. April warrants were approved in the amount of $20,177.32. Books being challenged was discussed with mixed emotions. Murphy's bid was accepted in the amount of $4,619.00 to update the bathroms. Thre Trustees ended the meeting by reviewing the Library Bill of Rights.
Summarized minutes from the Board of Trustees meeting was held April Summarized minutes from the Board of Trustees meeting held Wednesday, March 14, 2023. Roll Call: Robin McKee (President pro-tem), Kristi Wragge, Rick Janssen, Dick Paulsen, and Terri McWilliams. Also present was Kim Manning Director and Matt Grohe Hamton Chronicle.March warrants of $20,239.95 approved by Rick with a second from Dick. Motion passed. The Director shared the circulation and financial reports. In February, 4,215 items circulated, which was 418 more that at this time last year. An average of 65 people visited per day this month. Financial Report has the account balance at $96,177.52 with 62% of the expected revenue has been received. The Director clarified policies regarding banned books and the young adult section in the library. The Director suggested that the trustees take the time to review the Collection Policy posted on the website, or talk to her to see the complete policy.