Municipal Corporations Committee Meeting - June 25, 2025: Appointment of Latissa Woodard to Indianapolis Public Library Board
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Municipal Corporations Committee Meeting - June 25, 2025: Appointment of Latissa Woodard to Indianapolis Public Library Board
The Municipal Corporations Committee met on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, to consider Proposal 207, which appoints Latissa Woodard (who introduced herself as Natisa Woodard) to the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees. Chairman Jared Evans presided. The committee heard from the appointee, discussed the role of libraries, and forwarded the appointment to the full City-County Council with a unanimous favorable recommendation.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Tennessee Cornelius, Third Vice President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, voiced support for Ms. Woodard, describing her as "extremely innovative, fair, and a good listener."
- The appointee's mother also spoke, attesting to her daughter's diligence and work ethic.
Discussion Items
- Councilor Keith Graves (District 9) endorsed Ms. Woodard, noting libraries' expanded social role such as serving as cooling centers. He expressed confidence in her ability to think creatively.
- Councilor Ron Gibson (District 8) praised her presentation and community support. He urged her to work closely with labor and the librarians union, and to report back to the council on library needs.
- Councilor Jesse Brown (District 13) welcomed her but voiced concerns about the condition of the East 38th Street Library, calling for equity in library investments across districts. He and others requested to co-sponsor the proposal.
- Chairman Jared Evans reminded the appointee that the appointment comes from the council, not the mayor's office, and asked for regular communication of meeting notes and updates. He also highlighted the need to improve relations between the library administration and the union, and acknowledged ongoing pay issues.
- Ms. Woodard delivered remarks off-script, expressing appreciation for the council members' community involvement and pledging to work on redefining library usage, from basic human needs to education and digital detox.
Key Outcomes
- Motion: Councilor Graves moved to send Proposal 207 to the full council with a "due pass" recommendation. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote (all ayes).
- Next Steps: The appointment will be considered by the full Indianapolis City-County Council, where it is expected to pass.
Meeting Transcript
Oh my gosh. I don't know how it's actually the thing. Oh, in the three. No, I think they have. No, then we need to start. But I think we are interested in that. So maybe you just have to uh commission of Jackson. Well, I started to wait to get the trial. Um capture road to traffic, but he's on this way. Yeah, it's part of the late because of the phone. Oh, okay. So I just need to do something like this while you call it here. Okay. She's looking for the cultural markets. Um right here some more questions. Oh, I can't complain. I love that. Okay. Good evening, everybody. I am Chairman Jared Evans. Welcome to tonight's municipal corporations committee meeting on this Wednesday, June 25th. We will begin tonight with introductions from my colleagues to my left. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Michael Paul Hart in District 20. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Brian Mowray, District 25. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Kristen Jones, District 18. Thank you, Mr. Chair. We night Allen, District 15. You're good, Jesse. I told him that was my fault. Jesse Brown, District 13. Good afternoon. Oh, there we go. Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman Ron Gibson, District 8. Good evening, Mr. Chair, and good evening, everyone. Keith Graves, District 9 on the Indianapolis East side. Thank you for being here. Thank you, colleagues. I appreciate all appreciate you all taking the time to uh convene. I know this is not our normal time of convening for this committee, uh but we did want to get this appointment in for the Indianapolis Public Library Library Board. Tonight we will be we will be hearing proposal number 207, which will uh point uh Miss Latissa Woodard to the Indianapolis Public Library Board of Trustees. Miss Woodard, if you'd like to come up and say a few words about serving on this board.
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