Notes from WCPL Board Meeting

We returned to open session somewhat after 9 PM- maybe 2-3 minutes past.

A motion was passed to authorize counsel to file an objection to the election. The lawyer got up and was going to leave but couldn't get out of the building and had to return to the conference room....

Next, there was a little discussion about dates -for meetings? I'm not sure- and then [Board Member #1] offered the floor to [Board Member #2], who started reading a letter which included his resignation, effective immediately.

He said his action resulted primarily from the creation of the union. He has never believed in an adversarial relationship between management and employees. He said having a union makes it impossible for him to stay; unions discourage excellence and promote mediocrity, he said. It was very quiet in the room. [Board Member #1] asked if they could decline to accept the resignation at this time and let everyone have a chance to talk with him over the coming month. He declined. He would not be attending anything else with the library. Could they get him to come to the public entities meeting the library is hosting (later this month, I think) so they could honor his service? No. So [Board Member #1] accepted his resignation with regret. [Board Member #3] was weeping quietly by this time.

[Board Member #2] moved to adjourn. He was the first trustee out of the building. By the time she passed where [we] were standing near circ after the meeeting ended, [Board Member #3] was crying out loud and wiping her eyes. I think the lawyer...tried to console her as they went out the door.