The lower level of the Culver-Union Township Public Library was standing room only during the September Board meeting Tuesday, September 19.
For several weeks following the termination of Youth Program Manager Esmeralda “Esmie” Rodgers, the public advocated for transparency, sought answers, rallied online, launched a petition, and attended meetings.
The board meeting was held with four of seven appointed members. Six of the board members had previously resigned amid the public outcry following the employment termination, but one rescinded his resignation. Karen Boland was the lone board member while the Culver Community School Board took action this week to appoint two members, Amy Kindernay and James Wolf as their representatives. Martin Oosterbaan was the fourth member to round out the board roll call Tuesday night. Other appointments will be made.
During the meeting, the board approved new legal counsel Barnes & Thornburg; replacing former Legal Counsel Adam Lukenbill of Lukenbill & Lukenbill, PC who tendered his resignation as attorney for the Culver-Union Township Public Library effective immediately on September 13, 2023.
The board elected Boland as President, Kindernay as Vice President, and Oosterbaan as Secretary.
The board approved all four members to be signatories on accounts, with Oosterbaan being the signatory for the online banking and control person.
The board approved the acceptance of the resignation letters from Director Laura Jones and Assistant Director Erin Lawrence; both dated September 16, 2023 “effective immediately”.
The board opened the Public Hearing for the 2024 Budget, presented by Kathy Thomas – Financial Manager for the library. The budget estimated for 2024 was $1,152,225. The budget adoption meeting date is scheduled for Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 7 p.m., the next regular board meeting.
Boland welcomed members of the public to make comments, express concerns and ask questions noting that the board is new, a lot has changed and that they may not have all the answers immediately but are doing their best to accommodate needs, be transparent, and find the answers they don’t yet have.
There was a request for increased communication between the board, management and staff moving forward. Moving forward the chain of command will be made clear to employees so that they understand who to answer to, effective communication between employees and management will be promoted, and open communication between staff and the Board of Directors is encouraged.
The public was gently reminded that every step of the process is going to take time and requested patience. Boland emphasized a desire to move forward in a positive way for the good of current and future library employees, patrons, the community and the public at large.
