Board Minutes from May 6, 2026

Meeting Commencement: The La Porte City Public Library Board of Trustees met in special session on May 6, 2026. President Chingren called the meeting to order at 6:02 PM with members Heather Chingren (remote), Brynna Hemsath, Mindy Rottinghaus (remote), Terri Vopelak, and Linda Weidemann present. Member Renee Jesse was absent. Library Director Jake Rochford-Volk was present as a representative of library administration. No members of the public were present. Unless otherwise noted, all actions passed by affirmative and unanimous vote of all members present.

Regular Business: Motion by Vopelak, seconded by Rottinghaus to approve the agenda as presented. Motion by Weidmeann, seconded by Hemsath to approve the April 20, 2026 meeting minutes.

Unfinished Business: Motion by Vopelak, seconded by Weidemann to approve $7,500 of expenditures.

New Business: Motion by Rottinghaus, seconded by Vopelak to approve the policy revision as presented with an amendment to require DCI background checks for all library employees upon hire. Motion by Vopelak, seconded by Hemsath to approve the policy revision as presented with an amendment to exempt minors from background checks.

Meeting Closure: Motion by Weidemann, seconded by Hemsath to adjourn the meeting at 8:44 PM.

Board Minutes from May 18, 2026

Meeting Commencement: The La Porte City Public Library Board of Trustees met in regular session on May 18, 2026. President Chingren called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM with members Heather Chingren, Brynna Hemsath, Renee Jesse, Mindy Rottinghaus (remote), Terri Vopelak, and Linda Weidemann present. Library Director Jake Rochford-Volk was present as a representative of library administration, and Library Programs Coordinator Zac Neuendorf was present to represent library staff and provide a report on summer programming. No members of the public were present. Unless otherwise noted, all actions passed by affirmative and unanimous vote of all members present.

Regular Business: Motion by Weidemann, seconded by Vopelak to approve the agenda as presented. Motion by Jesse, seconded by Weidemann to approve the May 6, 2026 special meeting minutes.

Motion by Hemsath, seconded by Jesse to approve payment for the monthly bills as presented.

New Business: Motion by Chingren, seconded by Rottinghaus to reject Bahr’s application.

Motion by Hemsath, seconded by Weidemann to offer the position of Library Director to Jos ©e Varboncoeur. Motion by Weidemann, seconded by Chingren that if Varboncoeur rejects the offer, the Board will seek additional information from Dianne Gregory for review at a Special Board Meeting. Motion by Chingren, seconded by Rottinghaus to offer starting pay of $21.75 with a 4.00% increase after six months of employment and allow negotiation for pay not to exceed $46,144.80 ( $22.185) to start this fiscal year and continue through the entirety of fiscal year 2027.

Meeting Closure: Motion by Weidemann, seconded by Hemsath to adjourn the meeting at 7:43 PM.