Library Board Meeting Minutes
BEAMAN COMMUNITY MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Board of Trustees Meeting
July 8, 2026 - 6:00 PM
Attending: Tony Pieper, Megan Moeller, Tari Hutchens, Sarah Kitzman and Librarian Dana Brown. Ilona Roelsgard was absent.
President Tony called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM. Megan approved the agenda, seconded by Sarah, motion carried.
Consent Agenda: The minutes of the June meeting, the bill list and circulation reports, WIFI and website visits were reviewed and approved as presented. The new budget for the 2026-27 year was presented. Dana reported she had a meeting with City Clerk Denise Hoy and said we need to make two addendums to the budget: #1 to add the Discovery Garden line item to the budget and #2 to adjust the budget figures to accommodate the adjustments made to fund the Discovery Garden line. Motioned by Sarah, seconded by Tari, motion carried. There was some discussion between Dana and Denise we make an additional addendum regarding the CD at Farmers Savings Bank. The balance now is $145,799.70 and can be adjusted as it is due today. Dana is suggesting we transfer $30,000.00 from the CD to checking to cover the recent improvements made to the Discovery Garden. The CD is to remain at Farmers Savings Bank. Motion made by Megan, seconded by Tari, motion carried. (The amount transferred is a bit more than the actual bill and there was some discussion on the overage, where did the overage funds go, according to my estimated figure, the overage is approximately $1100.00). Dana shared correspondence and Tari moved to approve the consent agenda, seconded by Megan, motion carried.
Announcements: Dana said she will be having surgery on her hand on Monday, July 27 and will be off work July 28 and 29 recovering. Sarah Doughtery will cover the library on Tuesday and Wednesday; Monday the library is closed. Megan moved we adjust the library hours, 2-6 PM, for July 28 and 29th, seconded by Tari, motion carried. Dana will post the temporary hours for those days and notify patrons via social media.
Old Business:
Discovery Garden – Megan informed the trustees of a couple issues in the Garden – the gutters on the building are full and whenever it rains the water overflows and washes the new mulch out over the limestone edgers and into the grass. She has spoken to Dave Moorman about the gutter problem. She also noted there are several bricks in the walkway on the south side of the building that are broken and need replacing. Upon reviewing the initial bid, it was determined Angell Landscaping did not include fixing the bricks, so it is a maintenance issue for the library. With the upcoming RAGBRI event the Garden could use some TLC. Dana will see about getting a workday/evening coordinated before July 23.
Library Hours – There have been just a few comments regarding the new library hours and a bit more foot traffic. So far, nothing negative. Some discussion regarding summer hours, regular hours and winter hours. To keep our accreditation, we must be open at least one hour on Saturday or Sunday during the months school is open. No action taken.
Hoopla/Bridges - After reviewing an informational sheet prepared by Dana, Megan motioned we reinstate Hoopla beginning August 1 with a patron limit of 7 items per month, seconded by Tari, motion carried.
Unattended Child Policy – the policy was reviewed and changes made, motioned by Megan, seconded by Tari, motion carried.
FUSE Studio Renewal – Dana reported she had a good meeting with Isaac Good regarding all of the technology at the library. His first recommendation was to NOT renew our FUSE subscription. He said we can use all of the tubs of supplies and follow numerous instructional YouTube videos on the internet that are free. Megan motioned we discontinue the FUSE subscription, seconded by Tari, motion carried.
New Business:
Other Library Technology – Isaac suggested we clean up the main computer that Dana uses first; noted we have 2 desktop public computers, one large monitor which is run by one laptop, one other laptop, five iPads and two 3D printers, which in his determination is quite a bit for a library our size. He recommends we get rid of two desktop computers, one 3D printer, and consider purchasing a new desktop computer for Dana. (The city is considering a new computer for the City Clerk so possibly a deal could be made to order two) Motion made by Sarah to follow Isaac’s recommendation, seconded by Tari, motion carried. (There are restrictions regarding the sale of property purchased with taxpayer money so Dana and Megan will research this and report at the August meeting on how we go about selling/getting rid these items).
Open Meetings Law - Dana informed the trustees we can have email discussions regarding agenda items; however, a vote on the items must be held at a scheduled public meeting. She also noted we must make a designated place in the library for the posting of our meeting agendas. Megan moved we designate the space beside the Open Hours sign in the front window of the library, seconded by Sarah, motion carried. Dana also noted we are fully accredited for another three years. She will post the new accreditation certificate near the door.
Book Checkout – Dana noted town patrons have 2 weeks to return a book but rural patrons have a month; she would like to make this a month time period for all patrons. This applies to books only. Megan motioned we approve this change, seconded by Sarah, motion carried.
Newsletter – Dana suggested we do away with the time consuming and expensive mailing of the quarterly newsletter and instead use email and social media to inform patrons of library happenings. She would have several hard copies available in the library and will establish an email list of patrons. Tari moved we dispense with the physical mailing, seconded by Megan, motion carried.
New Chairs for the Meeting Room – Brief discussion on the meeting room chairs; a recommendation from Denise suggested we split the cost, moved by Megan and seconded by Tari we divide the expense for the new chairs 50/50 with the City Council, motion carried.
Adult Programing – Dana has scheduled Linda McCann, an Iowa Author to present a program on Tuesday, July 28 at 7:00 PM. Her topic is “Rosie the Riveters in Iowa”.
90 Day Evaluation of the Director – Dana informed the trustees she has been employed by the library for 90 days and it is time for her evaluation. She provided evaluation forms and members are to complete them and get to Tony by July 30. He will review them with Dana prior to the August Trustee meeting.
WHEW! what a night – motioned by Sarah we adjourn, seconded by Tari, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.
Respectively submitted,
Sarah Kitzman, BCML Board of Trustees Secretary