Manitowoc Library Board Meeting - July 28, 2026

Note: The official minutes and transcript indicate the meeting was held on Monday, July 27, 2026, but the instruction specifies July 28, 2026. This discrepancy is noted.

The Manitowoc Public Library Board of Trustees met on the evening of July 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Library Board Room and via Zoom. Vice President Pam Brick chaired the meeting. Seven members were present, three were absent, and several staff and guests attended. The board approved routine items, elected officers for the 2026-2027 term, approved a renovation bid, and discussed a major reorganizational plan. All votes were unanimous (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public offered comments.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Minutes (June 22, 2026): The minutes were approved by a 7-0 vote.
• Financial Reports: The board approved a consolidated set of budget status reports for Funds 2810 and 2813 for April, May, and June 2026, along with check registers and a financial summary. Treasurer Christopher Able noted it was the longest set of reports in his memory. The motion passed 7-0.
• Administrative Reports: The board received the Director’s Report, Manager Highlights, Monthly Statistics for June 2026, and news articles. Board members praised the summer reading program, the radio activity, new planters, and the interlibrary loan department. The director began including activity statistics in the report.
• Board Officers for 2026-2027: The Nominating Committee recommended a slate of officers: President Pam Brick, Vice President Darian Kaderabek, and Treasurer Christopher Able. The board accepted the nomination and then elected the slate via unanimous ballot, both votes 7-0.
• Welcome New Board Member: Lynn Keehan was welcomed to the board. She introduced herself, noting she was born and raised in Manitowoc, worked 22 years for the school district, and served as a library at Madison Elementary.
• Renovation of Meeting & Study Room Spaces Public Bid: The board approved a public bid for renovating meeting and study room spaces. The bid was within the already-approved budget and also recommended by the library foundation. The motion passed 7-0.
• Reorganizational Plan: Director Karen Hansen presented a reorganization plan aligned with the 2027 budget, focusing on customer service and right-sizing departments. The plan would create a public services department to staff the business center and a circulation department to manage the main desk, allowing staff specialization. Hansen stated she had communicated with all staff, who showed understanding but some anxiety about new duties. Board members asked clarifying questions about the number of service desks, effective date (January 2, 2027), and training. The plan was received as an informational update; further discussion will occur in committee.
• Future Committee Dates: The board scheduled the Finance Committee for Monday, August 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM, and the Personnel Committee for Monday, August 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM.
• Facilities and Building Updates: Facilities Manager Stacey Bialek reported on roof motor replacements (old system) now completed, management of a gull colony on the roof (approximately 30 nests, two eggs per clutch, about half died; egg depredation planned for spring), waiting for the city lift to clean globes and replace bulbs, repair of the staff entrance, fixing alarm software, and initial bids for the second-floor restaurant. New planters were the first phase of landscaping, with a second phase planned for next spring.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the June 22, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0).
• Approved the financial reports for April–June 2026 (7-0).
• Elected officers for 2026-2027: President Pam Brick, Vice President Darian Kaderabek, Treasurer Christopher Able (7-0).
• Approved the renovation of meeting and study room spaces bid (7-0).
• Scheduled the Finance Committee meeting for August 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM and the Personnel Committee meeting for August 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM.
• The meeting was adjourned at 5:26 PM.