Steve Bakos

The board meeting included the reception of director and financial reports, as well as the approval of various vendor lists. Key administrative actions included the election of board officers and the reapproval of a 2.4% cost of living raise. The board accepted the 2027 Marathon County subscription rate and approved updates to policies regarding social media and procurement. Additionally, the board received an update on the Sirsi/Dynix Integrated Library System transition, rescheduled the September board meeting, and reviewed committee and external organization meeting minutes.

The Personnel Committee will convene to conduct an election for the position of committee chair. The primary focus of the meeting will be a closed session held pursuant to state statutes to deliberate on the performance review of the Library Director and other personnel-related matters, followed by a transition back to open session to address any necessary actions arising from the closed session discussions.

The meeting included the recommendation for approval of Amendment No. 1 to Strand Task Order 24-04 regarding construction-related services for the Braem Park Wet Detention Basin Project and the authorization of the associated contract. Additionally, a request was made to schedule a future public works bus tour.

The Housing Committee met to discuss several policy initiatives aimed at addressing local housing needs. Key discussion topics included a review of policies to provide financial incentives to builders of affordable single-family or duplex homes on vacant lots, as well as a policy to offer financial assistance for down payments and closing costs to eligible first-time home buyers. The committee also planned for upcoming engagement with area home builders and discussed the broader housing strategy.

The committee held elections for the positions of chairperson and vice-chairperson. They discussed the status of committee membership and upcoming efforts to fill vacancies. The committee reviewed and provided feedback on two draft policies: one intended to incentivize affordable housing on vacant lots and another to provide financial assistance to first-time home buyers. A comparative analysis of housing goals and objectives was presented, and a report was provided on the recent Central Wisconsin Housing Summit. Finally, the committee scheduled the next meeting and identified agenda items for the session.