HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-10-31 MinutesBoard of Directors
Fayetteville Public Library
Meeting: October 31, 1986, 9:09a.m.
Present: Members Bobye Hay, Lois Miller, and Carol Phillips; Director
Linda Harrison; Adult Services Librarian Eugneia Donovan.
A special personnel meeting was called by President Miller at the request
of Director Harrison for the purpose of reviewing the dismissal of a staff
member. Director Harrison presented the fol -lowing information about the
dismissal:
A representative of the Project for Vittims of Family Violence contacted
Director Harrison concerning a young woman who reported harassment by
a male library employee. The young woman was a library patron who
originally was contacted in the library by the male employee. He then
proceeded with a course of action which caused the young woman to change
her residence to avoid contact and eventually to report the situation
to the Project for Victims of Family Violence. Director Harrison was
permitted to read a copy of a letter (with names deleted) from the em-
ployee to the young woman. The letter mentioned the "pool of women
available" through his position at the library and the use of marijuana
during his lunch hour.
Director. Harrison requested an opinion from City Attorney, Jim McCord on the
grounds for dismsisal. She was advised that sufficient grounds for dismissal
existed and that a witness should be present on the occasion of the dismissal.
The representative of the Project for Victims of Family Violence advised
that experienced persons who had read the letter felt the employee was a
"bomb about to explode."
On October 30, Director Harrison called the employee into her office and
in the presence of Adult Services Librarian Genie Donovan, informed the
employee of his dismissal. She offered him two weeks severance pay and
pay for accumulated leave. The employee objected loudly, refused to turn
in his keys, and asked for a meeting with the Board.
The Board listened to Director Harrison's report, then discussed the situa-
tion. They adjourned to the office of City Attorney, Jim McCord for an
opinion on the legal status of the dismissal and information on possible
avenues for employee appeal. Mr. McCord stated that the facts as described
to him indicated grounds for dismissal and that the Board was not obligated
to honor a request for a hearing. He suggested changing of library locks,
so the withheld keys could not be used. He also stated that whether or not
library employees are city employees was a "gray area" indicating that city
personnel appeal procedures were not available.
The Board Members returned to the library for further discussion. The
general feeling was that safety and undisturbed use of library facilities
for patrons were of paramount importance. The following concensus was
reached:
•
The dismissal by Director Harrison was proper in the circumstances.
A copy of the letter from the employee to the young woman (with
names deleted) should be made a part of library personnel files.
A check for accumulated pay, two weeks severance pay, and pay for
accumulated leave time should be mailed to the employee, with
a return receipt requested.
The _locks of the library should_be changed to avoid use of the withheld
keys.
The Board would hear a presentation from the dismissed employee if a
written request is made.
Clarification of the status of library employees in relation to the city
should be sought.
Respectfully submitted:
Bobbye S. 4ay, Secretary
Approved:
Lois Miller, President
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Carol Phillips, Measurer
