Manitowoc Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting - August 25, 2026

The board met on August 25, 2026, to conduct routine business, hear public comment, and act on administrative and financial items. No agenda or minutes were available; this summary is based on the meeting transcript.

Consent Calendar

• Approved three sets of meeting minutes by voice vote.
• Accepted the financial reports as presented, including budget status for Fund 2810 and Fund 2013 and the MPL check register.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A former employee said they initially supported the library reorganization and told the library director and their supervisor, but later concluded the reorganization plan included targeting and harassing employees. They described a hostile work environment, retaliation, termination, and unethical/unprofessional statements and behaviors by management.
• The speaker alleged that managers questioned employees about conversations, listened outside an office, and pulled a non-library employee into the harassment, which they said created fear and broke psychological safety. They also referenced a board member saying the board does not get involved in personnel problems, but argued this involved serious management problems.
• The speaker stated that unemployment contacted them with a finding that the employer "failed to provide information during a fact-finding investigation. Discharge, no misconduct." They said no specific incident was given for their termination and viewed it as reorganization and retaliation.
• The speaker said termination paperwork stated they were not committed to organizational goals, despite their involvement in securing a donation to the Great Decisions Program and the Friends of the Library. They also said management told them their responsibilities would be divided among other employees, supporting their view that the termination was part of a money-saving reorganization.
• The speaker asked for their personal jump drive to be returned immediately, in good condition and with their documentation, and said Manitowoc residents should be aware of the management tactics. They also expressed concern that board inaction could look like approval of the alleged harassment.

Committee and Administrative Reports

• A piece of correspondence received by the board was acknowledged; a trustee said it was very nice and appreciated the specific details about library services and helpful staff.
• The library director/administrator explained that the online form allows the public to correspond with trustees; correspondence will not be placed on the agenda unless a trustee requests a discussion. She thanked Charlotte and Aaron for their work at the library and wished them well.
• Personnel Committee: The committee reviewed upcoming changes taking effect in January, and the board approved the new organizational structure.
• Finance Committee: The committee reviewed the proposed 2027 budget, prepared under both the new and current organizational structures, and unanimously recommended approval. The board approved the 2027 library budget, with the understanding that some city-provided figures, such as health care, are not yet known and the budget may need to be amended later. No changes were made to operating expenses compared to the current year.

Discussion Items

• Bathroom project: The board received three bids for the new bathroom project. City policy requires accepting the lowest bid. One trustee expressed concern about the large gap between the lowest bid of about $120,000 and another bid of almost $197,000, saying they did not know enough about the companies. The director explained that bids vary by company and that the city engineering department had already reviewed the bids and could answer questions.
• Personnel policy revisions: The board approved personnel policy revisions drafted by the city HR department with city attorney feedback, so that the library would match city policies and remain in line with other departments.
• Personnel committee chair: After discussion, Margaret agreed to serve as personnel committee chair. The finance committee chair was described as the treasurer by default.

Old Business / Facilities Updates

• Facilities work reported included upgrading the remaining roof/HVAC/exhaust fan infrastructure, converting old work-lamp lights to LED, and removing old Wi-Fi signs from poles to make room for new signage.
• Upcoming work included planting juniper bushes, changing over fall flowers, an all-staff event in September, and a volunteer day with a local business involving sidewalk cleaning, bench cleaning, solar-charger cleaning, windows, and landscaping.

Key Outcomes

• Approved the minutes and accepted the financial reports unanimously.
• Approved the new organizational structure.
• Approved the 2027 library budget, subject to possible amendment when final city figures are received.
• Approved the lowest bid for the bathroom project; one trustee abstained because she did not believe she had enough information about the bids.
• Approved personnel policy revisions to align with city policies.
• Appointed Margaret as personnel committee chair.
• Adjourned.