Discussions
- A discussion was held with the Library Board present regarding the letter received by the Mayor and Council concerning the Library Board’s proposed actions related to falsified timesheet hours and personal purchases made through the library’s Amazon account.
- The Library Board proposed that Ann work four Fridays without compensation. The Mayor and Council advised that this would be illegal, as all hours worked must be paid, and that failure to do so could result in involvement from Iowa Workforce Development, the State Auditor, and the IRS.
- The Library Board requested guidance from the Council on how to address the falsified timesheet hours. The Council suggested consulting with the city attorney to determine whether vacation or sick leave could be applied, or alternatively, that the Board could establish a repayment plan, such as a set amount (e.g., $200.00) to be reimbursed to the city each pay period.
- The Board addressed personal purchases made on the library’s Amazon account. After the original letter was received, an additional invoice was submitted, resulting in two invoices covering purchases made on five separate dates. The Board determined that Ann would immediately reimburse the full amount of $796.96, stating they believed the purchases were made in error.
- Members of the Council expressed concern regarding this decision, stating they did not believe the purchases were accidental given that they occurred over multiple days. The city clerk raised the issue when the charges were submitted for payment using library donations. Several members felt termination should be considered and warned that the Board’s decision could set an unfavorable precedent for other city employees.
- The City Clerk requested a copy of the agenda for a gathering held at the library on Sunday, January 25. The Library Board members stated they did not consider the gathering a meeting and therefore did not believe an agenda was required, indicating the decision was made Saturday night. All Board members met beforehand, and Ann was present with the Board members.
- The City Clerk advised that the gathering met the definition of a meeting and should have had a posted agenda in accordance with open meetings requirements, allowing public attendance, including City Council members.
- Library Board President Tanya stated she would contact the state for guidance and proceed accordingly.
Motions
- Meeting adjourned at 5:49 PM.Ayes: AllMover: N. LangeSeconder: K. Sander
Reports
Other Minute Items
Officials Present
- Derrick Lange , Mayor
- Alan Carlson , Councilman
- Austin Lange , Councilman
- Gene Hamdorf , Councilman
- Kasey Sander , Councilman
- Nick Lange , Councilman
- Heather Conrad , City Clerk
Visitors
Sue Hall, August Harms, Laurie Millam, Tanya Stewart, Rose Horman, Ann Harms, Danita Washburn