Macon Reporter

Decatur Public Library Board Personnel, Policy and Public Relations met May 18.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Board President: Samantha Carroll Board Members: Sofia Xethalis, Anay Hunt, Alana Banks, Shelli Brunner, Susan Avery, Karl Coleman, Jecobie Jones 

Present  

Samantha Carroll 

Karl Coleman 

Shelli Brunner 

Susan Avery 

Absent:  

Staff: Rick Meyer, City Librarian  

Michelle Whitehead, Executive Administrative Assistant 

Alissa Henkel, Head of Programs, Resources, and Services 

Guests: 

Call to Order: Ms. Carroll, called the meeting to order at 4:31 pm. 

Public comments:  

Consent Agenda and Minutes of April 7, 2022- Ms. Carroll requested a motion to approve  the agenda and April 7, 2022 minutes. Ms. Avery made a motion to approve the agenda and  minutes as presented, seconded by Ms. Brunner. All in favor. The motion was adopted.  

Written Communications from the Public: none 

New Business 

Personnel Update (Discussion) Mr. Meyer stated the new librarian, Tye Pemberton, started on  Monday, May 2. There will be a civil service retirement coming up soon that will need to be  filled. Mr. Meyer is considering combining the circulation staff job duties into 1 title. He is also  considering hiring a local history staff member.  

Mr. Coleman joined the meeting at 4:35pm

Material Challenge Report (Discussion) Mr. Meyer reported on the material challenge that was  brought forth during the last Board meeting. The form has been sent to the requester. He has  not heard back from her yet. Mr. Meyer will answer the questions that were raised during the  Board meeting. Once the form comes back, an ad hoc committee will be formed. The committee will review the challenge, which could take up to 30 days, if needed. Mr. Meyer will report back to the Board and the patron within that 30 days.  

Old Business 

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion (Discussion) Mr. Meyer stated the DEI engagement  committee will discuss the handout tomorrow. Mr. Meyer stated he would like to hear  from that committee once they have a chance to discuss the handout. Nikki Bond is being  considered as a local consultant.  

City Librarian Annual Review (Discussion) The committee has not had an opportunity to  review the material.  

Remote Work Policy (Action) 

Mr. Meyer does not have an update. As of the last meeting, workman’s comp does cover  working at home, however, we are waiting on guidelines.  

Adult Computer Use and Internet Access Policy (Action) 

Mr. Meyer stated the portion of this policy to be addressed is patrons having appropriate  identification. We have had to turn patrons away from being able to use the computers due  to lack of identification. This has been reported as an equity issue. There is a small  population that does not have any identification. Ms. Carroll moved to strike the sentence  from the policy, seconded by Mr. Coleman. All in favor. The motion passed.  

Library Use Guidelines (Action) The topic being addressed is sleeping on Library  property. Currently, the staff are performing wellness checks for those patrons that appear  to be sleeping. This guideline applies to the interior portion of the Library. The exterior of  the Library is City Property. Ms. Avery moved to leave the Library use guidelines as is,  seconded by Ms. Carroll. All in favor. The motion passed. 

Continuing Education and Travel Policy (Action) Mr. Meyer stated we need more guidance on  who is going to attend what event. We currently use government service guidelines to keep  everyone on track. This policy includes staff and trustees. Mr. Meyer will ask some colleagues  about how they handle this action. Ms. Avery made a motion to table, seconded by Ms. Carroll.  All in favor. The motion was passed.  

Adjournment 

Ms. Carroll made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Ms. Avery at 5:12 pm. All in favor. The  motion was adopted.  

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