September 21, 2026 Regular Board Meeting

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Board of Trustees Regular Board Meeting

Monday, September 21, 2026

The meeting was called to order at 6:33 PM by President Wyckoff

Present

Carla Wyckoff, President; Tom Shubert, Vice-President; Angela Daniel, Secretary; Craig Mancuso, Michael Jundi, Richard Bedell

Absent

Emily Hegner

Others Present

Missy Littell, Director; Casey King, Fiscal Officer

Public

Action Items

Motion No. 260921-1 Approve August 17, 2026 Regular Minutes

Shubert moved, Jundi seconded:

Resolved: That the Library Board Minutes of August 17, 2026 Regular Board meeting be accepted and approved.

The roll being called on its adoption, the vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Wyckoff, Mancuso, Bedell, Daniel

Nays:

Abstain:

Motion carried.

Finance

Motion No. 260921-2 Approve the August 2026 Treasurer's Reports

Jundi moved, Mancuso seconded:

RESOLVED: That the Library Board of Trustees approves the August 2026 treasurer’s report.

MTD Bank Report for Year 2026 Month 08 -Stow Munroe Falls Pub Lib

The roll being called on its adoption, the vote resulted as follows: 

Ayes: Wyckoff, Shubert, Bedell, Daniel 

Nays: 

Motion carried.

Program

Director's Report

Motion No. 260921-3 Accepts the Director's Report

Mancuso moved, Shubert seconded.

Resolved: That the Library Board of Trustees accepts the written August 2026 Director’s report.

The roll being called on its adoption, the vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Jundi, Wyckoff, Daniel, Bedell

Nays:

Motion carried.

Discussion Items

Director Littell shared with the Board the status of the new credit card payment system, Princh. The integration of the software has not been successful, and work continues to implement this new payment feature for patrons using our printer and copier services. The Fiscal Officer advised the Board that sales tax is to be remitted to the Ohio Department of Taxation for all print and copier services.

The Board was made aware of the latest update regarding the current BWC claim involving a former staff member. A hearing was set for October 2, 2026 by the Ohio Industrial Commission.

Board Committees

Finance

Mr. Bedell stated that the Finance Committee recommends the following:

Motion No. 260921-4 That the Board of Trustees Approve a Higher Credit Card Limit.

Resolved: That the Board of Trustees approve increasing the library’s credit card limit to $25,000.

The higher credit line is necessary to meet the long-term spending goals of the library’s upcoming rewards-based credit card program with Huntington National Bank. 

The roll being called on its adoption, the vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Bedell, Daniel, Jundi, Wyckoff, Shubert, Mancuso

Nays:

Motion carried.

Motion No. 260921-5 That the Board of Trustees Approve the Revised 2026 Budget.

Resolved: That the Board of Trustees approve the revisions to the 2026 budget.

The roll being called on its adoption, the vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Bedell, Daniel, Jundi, Wyckoff, Shubert, Mancuso

Nays:

Motion carried.

Operations

The Human Resources Committee recommends the following:

Motion No. 260921-6 That the Board of Trustees Rescind the Over-the-Counter Cash Disbursements Policy.

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library
Manual of Library Policies
Subject: Over-The-Counter-Cash Disbursements
Date Adopted: April 26, 1995
Resolution No. 250616-6

“Lost and Paid” refunds to patrons under $10.00 will be handled by the counter in cash providing there is evidence of payment by the patron through the CLEVNET system or a receipt accompanies the request for refund. All transactions over the $10 amount will be handled through the Finance Department, with the Fiscal Officer verifying the transaction and creating payment by means of mailed check to the patron. All transactions for “Lost and Paid” over the counter in cash will be noted on the CLEVNET system and a receipt will be given to the Fiscal Officer for balancing purposes.

The roll being called on its adoption, the vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Bedell, Daniel, Jundi, Wyckoff, Shubert, Mancuso

Nays:

Motion carried.

Motion No. 260921-7 That the Board of Trustees Approve the Added Language in Reference to AI-Generated Works in the Collection Development Policy.

Mission and Objectives of the Library’s Collection

The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (SMFPL) collection shall enhance the educational, informational, recreational, cultural, and social growth of the community. To this end, the library:

1. Provides significant books and other printed, recorded, or electronic materials.
2. Organizes materials to facilitate their use.
3. Provides guidance and aid to the people in their use of the library’s resources.
4. Promotes the continued self-development of the public in the direction of cultural, creative, educational, and recreational goals.
5. Provides free access to information regardless of the view expressed in the materials.  

Responsibility for Materials Selections

Responsibility for selection of books, recorded materials, electronic resources, and eclectic items is and shall be vested in the Library Director. However, the library director may delegate to such members of the staff as qualified by reason of training, the authority to interpret and guide the application of the policy in making day-to-day selection. Any library materials so selected shall be upheld by the Library Board. Questions concerning materials or resources will be referred to the Director for resolution.

The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library supports and is supported by the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, the Freedom to Read, and the Freedom to View, which affirm that free and convenient access to ideas, information, and creative experience is of vital importance to every citizen today. These documents are the guiding principles for this collection development policy.

Principles

No policy can replace the judgment of librarians. Instead, this policy will aid in the selection of library material. Good material selection must be based on a thorough knowledge of the community’s needs, resources, and issues, combined with a thorough knowledge of the library’s collection and overall balance.

The selection of all library material should be as objective as possible. Selection influenced by personal prejudice, especially when rejecting an item, is censorship. When selecting material of a controversial nature, a selector will make every attempt to present balanced points of view and opinion. Popular demand will be considered to maintain community interest in and support of the library; however, material selection by popular demand must be guided by consideration of merit, use, cost, and balance in the library’s overall collection. Selectors will abide by both the Freedom to Read Policy, Freedom to View Statement, and the Library Bill of Rights.

The materials budget will be expanded to meet the demands placed upon it, and to ensure that those demands are proportionately served. Regarding areas of controversial material, a limited budget cannot excuse a one-sided collection.

Each suggested title must be given an honest, objective appraisal analysis prior to purchase. If a requested title does not meet the library’s Collection Development Policy, the selector is not justified in buying it. Selection by the library staff of any material should not be construed as the library's endorsement of the views or opinions held therein. 

Criteria for Selection

Certain factors influence the selection of library materials. Among these are:

• The importance of subject matter to the collection
• Bestsellers and popular culture items
• The community
• Appropriateness of format for intended use and audience
• Availability of material, for loan or for purchase
• Timeliness or enduring nature of the material
• Authoritativeness
• Inclusion in standard or local bibliographies or indexes
• Costs
• Physical characteristics, including ease of use, durability, and clarity of presentation

Formats

Suggestions from the public are welcome, will be considered, and evaluated. The selection of new materials will be made according to merit and potential use. Consideration also will be given to demand. All decisions on new material will be based on the reviews and criticism appearing in selection aids, periodicals, brochures, and bibliographies, and/or upon the reading and examination of the materials by staff members.

Scope of the Collection

The collection will be built upon representative materials including those which portray divergent, avant-garde, and controversial points of view, providing library patrons with resources upon which conclusions may be drawn after a free examination of all sides of an issue.

The library recognizes its obligation to provide reference and research materials both for the direct answering of specific questions and for continuing research. It also recognizes the purposes and resources of other libraries in the community and shall make effective use of interlibrary networks.

Adult Services Collection

The Information Department has an extensive collection of materials included but not limited to books, graphic novels, recorded materials, audio-visual recordings, digital materials, magazines, eclectic items, and the local history collection.

Local History

The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library Local History Room preserves and promotes the history of the communities of Stow and Munroe Falls.

The Library will preserve and maintain the materials in the Stow-Munroe Falls Local History Room for future generations by using accepted preservation methods and providing access to the materials under safe and secure conditions. Local History will work with other entities, such as historical societies, genealogical societies, and libraries, to educate the public on the holdings of the Local History and on the history of Stow and Munroe Falls.

The Local History Room will include materials about the history of Stow and Munroe Falls, Ohio, and, to a lesser extent, materials about the surrounding geographical areas of Summit and Portage Counties, the state of Ohio, and the Connecticut Western Reserve to set Stow and Munroe Falls within their historical context. Genealogical records and family histories pertaining strictly to the founders of Stow and Munroe Falls may be collected.

Local History will make every effort to collect and preserve old and current materials for use in meeting the research, educational, and recreational needs of our patrons. Materials that do not fit within the collecting policy will be referred to local historical societies. The Local History Librarian reserves the right to withdraw materials that do not fit within the scope of the Local History. Withdrawn items may be returned to donors, offered to other depositories, donated to the Friends of the Library, or discarded.

Eclectic Collection

The Eclectic Collection is an assortment of nontraditional items that complement our mission to provide excellence in library service to all who seek access to information, recreational, educational, and cultural materials of any format.

The Library will select materials for the Eclectic Collection based on the needs and interests of library patrons. The Library reserves the right to take an item out of circulation temporarily to use for library purposes (programs, training, etc.) or for repairs.

Teen Services Collection

A collection representing the recreational and information needs and interests of teens, ages 13-18, including advanced juvenile titles and appropriate adult titles, will be provided. Curriculum-related, reference, and in-depth subject materials are supported in the general collection for use by students of all ages and of diverse backgrounds. The same criteria for selection of adult materials apply to teen materials. The content, style, format, and appeal to teens are considered. The Teen collection consists of books, graphic novels, recorded materials, videogames, and electronic resources.

Children's Services Collection

The Children’s Services Department has an extensive collection of materials including but not limited to picture books, board books, beginning readers, chapter books, graphic novels, nonfiction books, recorded materials, and digital materials.

The library recognizes the unique needs of its young patrons and will make every effort to select resources that address those needs. The materials in the Children's collection are selected in a variety of formats for children from infancy through middle grade. Materials are chosen to reflect a wide range of interests and cognitive and reading abilities, within this age group, and to instill a love of reading and learning. Children’s books are selected following the same principles as for adult materials. However, certain elements are emphasized in greater detail. The criteria used are:

• Excellence of illustration
• Appropriateness of the subject for the reader
• Variety of formats to address various learning styles and reading levels 

Government Documents

The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library is not a depository library for state or federal documents.

Textbooks and Curriculum Related Materials

The library strives to provide materials that promote continued independent learning. The Library believes that providing textbooks and curriculum materials is the responsibility of the schools, but The Library will strive to provide some curriculum related materials. The public library will not assume the responsibility for purchasing textbooks for wide and general distribution.

Local Authors

The Library supports local authors and illustrators and recognizes our community's literary and creative efforts. The Library invites local authors and illustrators to donate one copy of their recently published work for the Local Author collection. Local authors/illustrators’ works will be displayed at the library in the Local Authors section and be made available for checkout to library patrons. Once donated, the item becomes the property of SMFPL, to be used or disposed of as appropriate. Acceptance of an author/illustrator’s work does not guarantee the library will purchase additional copies or purchase them directly through the author/illustrator. Authors wishing to donate their works may drop off one copy of the book and fill-out a donation form. The following guidelines are used to make the works accessible to the community, while also maintaining the collection standards of our library:

• Must be professionally printed and bound. No spiral-bound books will be accepted.
• The author/illustrator must be a current resident of Summit County, Ohio, or the book must take place in either Summit County, Northeast Ohio, or demonstrate strong local interest.
• Must meet the selection criteria in the Library’s Collection Development Policy

The library cannot accept: 

• Review copies
• Unsolicited materials submitted by persons or publishers outside of Summit County, unless their works take place in either Summit County, Northeast Ohio, or otherwise demonstrate strong local interest
• Material with obvious damage or copyright violations
• Material in eBook, eAudio format, or another digital format

Self-Published Materials

The library is happy to consider recently published materials for the collection.

The library routinely acquires materials published by commercial publishers that meet the library’s selection criteria. The library also may purchase self-published books when they include unique local content, fit the scope of the library’s Collection Development Policy, and meet the selection criteria.

Materials receiving an independent, positive review in one or more of the major review journals (such as Library Journal, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, and Publisher’s Weekly) are carefully considered. The library is more likely to add a self-published book to the collection if it has been reviewed in a major review journal. Self-published eBooks are not considered unless they are available for purchase through one of the library’s eBook platforms.

Unsolicited Materials

The library does not pay for unsolicited material. Materials sent to the library become the property of the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library.

Maintaining the Collection 

Systematic withdrawal of materials is useful to maintain relevant resources. The same criteria will be used in weeding materials from the collection as are used in their acquisition. The decision to withdraw library material shall be based on the physical condition, use of the material, age of the material, and accuracy of the information.

Retention of Library Materials

Discarding library materials is necessary to maintain a vital, useful, and well-ordered collection. The purpose of weeding is to support a regular re-evaluation of the collection in conjunction with the selection of new and replacement material. An active and continuous weeding program is essential to maintain a viable and useful collection. This includes nonfiction that is no longer current or accurate, and once-popular fiction that is no longer in demand.

Criteria for Weeding

Selection of material for discarding is based on the following criteria:

• Material worn or irreparable through use
• Material which is no longer timely
• Material no longer considered accurate or factual
• Material which has had little recent use and is of questionable value
• Excess copies of a specific title that is no longer in demand

While the library attempts to maintain copies of standard and important works, it does not automatically replace all materials that have been withdrawn. The Library’s collection is not intended to be and shall not be considered archival. The same criteria that apply to the original selection also will apply to material replacement. The need for replacement is based on:

• Number of available duplicate copies
• Adequate coverage of a particular subject in the collection
• Demand for the specific title or subject area
• Availability of material through other CLEVNET Libraries

Replacement and duplication of older titles is extensive in the Children's collection as children read and reread favorite books from previous decades.

Lost and Replacements

Materials missing or withdrawn from the library’s collection are not automatically replaced. The decision to replace items rests on the following criteria:

• Availability of other copies in the collection
• Public interest
• Adequacy of coverage of subject matter
• Cost/availability

Gifts, Donations, Memorials, Bequests, and Trusts

The same principles of selection applied to purchases are applied to gifts. The library accepts gifts of books, pamphlets, magazines, films, music recordings, etc., with the understanding that they will be added to the library collection when needed or will be disposed of if the material is not of value to the library’s collection at the time.

Items sometimes are accepted as gifts, although they ordinarily would not be purchased. These include replacements, expensive items of limited interest, local, privately printed, or highly technical materials.

The library welcomes gifts, trusts, or bequests for the purchase of library material. A bookplate will identify the donor and organization or person for whom the donation was made.

Censorship Policies

The Library Director is expressly charged with the legal and professional obligation to execute, in good faith and with the highest degree of skills, the Library’s Collection Development Policy. The Director has a professional obligation to resist with equal good faith, skill and vigor, all efforts by any person or group, when directed to him or her, to compel a modification of material selection or services based upon criteria that are substantially in conflict with the policies established by the library’s Board of Trustees.

No material will be excluded because of race, nationality, disability, age, political, social, or religious views of the originator. By providing free and unrestricted access to diverse information and viewpoints, the library may serve as a cornerstone of the principles of a democratic society.

The selection of library materials and electronic resources is predicated on the library patron’s right to read and, similarly, on freedom from censorship by others. Much material is controversial, and any given item may offend some people. Selections for this library will not, however, be made based on anticipated approval or disapproval, but solely on the merits of the material in relation to the building of the collection, and to serving the interests of the users.

Fictional works are selected based on individual merit. The quality of materials shall be judged on the content, not by detached excerpts. Incident and language of materials should be in keeping with the social, moral, and emotional background of the characters, and the setting. Serious works which present an honest picture of some problems or aspects of life are not necessarily excluded because of objectionable language or frankness. Any attempt by an individual or group to deny access to, or to force inclusion or exclusion, of materials or resources will be resisted.

Materials may be purchased for the library that some users might find shocking and/or inappropriate. However, if such materials meet the standards of this Collection Development Policy, the interests, and standards of the community, and are of relevant value, the Library is justified in buying such materials. Disapproval of an item by an individual or group will not determine if that item is denied to all individuals or groups.

Although materials of a sensational nature are not knowingly added to the collection, works that present an honest and realistic picture of controversial issues or aspects of life are not excluded because of the frankness of language, description, or depiction. 

Library materials are not marked or labeled in any way that indicates approval or disapproval of their contents. Labels or ratings that provide assessments such as “This material contains language that some may find offensive” are not applied to the item by the library. Materials are selected in their entirety and not subject to modification or alteration by the library staff.

This library holds censorship to be a purely individual matter and declares that, while anyone is free to reject for oneself materials or resources of which one does not approve, one cannot exercise this right of censorship to restrict the freedom of others.

Regarding the use of library materials and resources by children, the decision as to what a minor may use is the parent’s or legal guardian’s responsibility. Selection of materials and resources for the entire library collection is not restricted by the possibility that minors might access materials and resources that their parents consider inappropriate.

Copyright Law

The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library abides by copyright law. Patrons using library materials are responsible for the legal use of that material.

Procedures for Reconsideration of Library Material 

The library will reconsider any material in its collection upon written request of a patron. If a complaint is made, the following procedures are followed: 

1. Staff or board members will refer the patron to make a written complaint to the library director, using the Request for Reconsideration form.
2. If the complaint has not been resolved through informal discussion with the Director and written response, the complaint will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees and the Director.
3. A review committee will be formed to review the materials. The officers of the board and the director will compose a response. At the discretion of the Director, upon receipt of the reconsideration form, the challenged material may be temporarily removed from the collection to facilitate the review, until a decision about the material has been made.
4. The Review Committee will review the material and then evaluate the original reasons for the purchase. Works are judged in their entirety, not by passages or scenes taken out of context. The committee determines the extent to which the material fits the selection policy, and files a written recommendation to the full Library Board.
5. The Library Board makes the final decision regarding the complaint.
6. The patron will receive a written response from the director informing them of the Board’s decision.

AI Generated Works

The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library does not knowingly purchase or accept materials in which the primary content—including text, illustrations, photographs, translations, or other creative elements—was substantially generated by artificial intelligence without meaningful human authorship. The use of AI for limited editorial, research, accessibility, or production assistance does not automatically disqualify a work from consideration. AI-narrated works may be considered when the narration is clearly disclosed and the material otherwise meets the Library’s selection criteria, particularly when it improves accessibility or provides access to content that is not reasonably available in another format.

The Library will rely on information reasonably available from publishers, vendors, authors, reviews, and other credible sources when determining whether a work contains substantially AI-generated content. Materials acquired through shared collections, consortium arrangements, licensed databases, or vendor-supplied packages may not be individually selected or excluded by the Library. Materials already in the collection will not be removed solely because AI use is discovered but may be evaluated under the Library’s established criteria for retention and withdrawal.

The roll being called on its adoption, the vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Bedell, Daniel, Jundi, Wyckoff, Shubert, Mancuso

Nays:

Motion carried.

Human Resources

Ms. Daniel stated that the Human Resources Committee recommends the following:

Motion No. 260921-8 That the Board of Trustees Approve Revisions to the Leave Classification Policies.

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library

Date Adopted: January 26, 1999

Employee Policy Manual

SUBJECT: Leave Classifications Resolution no. 231016-10

Emergency Leave

Effective January 1, 2023, a regular full-time (work 30-40hrs/wk.) employee is granted emergency leave of 24 hours per year, a regular part-time (work 20-39hrs/wk.less than 30) employee is granted emergency leave of 12 hours per year. Emergency leave cannot be accumulated from one year to the next.

Emergency leave is defined as time off granted to the employee without loss of pay for unanticipated emergencies or situations which demand the employee’s attention, and which are not covered by funeral/bereavement leave, sick leave, vacation leave, or other paid leave.

When requesting emergency leave, the appropriate form must be completed and approved by their immediate supervisor.

Examples of situation that may be considered for emergency leave are the following:

1. Accidents in the immediate family or affecting family property.
2. Unexpected home emergencies demanding immediate attention.\
   • Scheduled home/car maintenance and pet care is not emergency leave, and employees will be asked to use vacation leave.
3. Court appearance and legal work other than Jury Duty.
4. Travel conditions which make reporting to work impossible.
   • Travel conditions affecting only one employee may be considered a reason for granting emergency leave, if no other transportation, public or private, is available.
   • An emergency closing of the library is unavoidable for all employees and not considered emergency leave. See Unscheduled Closings of the Library.
5. Car breakdown.

Emergency Leave is not to be used to extend vacation leave except in emergency situations that may occur during vacation, such as a transportation strike.

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library 

Date Adopted: January 26, 1999
Employee Policy Manual

Subject: Leave Classifications Resolution no. 230116-9

Family (Maternity/Paternity)/Medical Leave

Eligibility

To be eligible for leave under this policy, a staff member (full or part-time) must have been employed for at least twelve (12) months in total and have worked at least 1,250 hours during the twelve (12) month period preceding the commencement of the leave. 

The eligible employee is entitled to a maximum of twelve (12) weeks leave in any twelve (12)
month period, if the reason for the leave qualifies under the Family and Medical Leave Act.

Family Leave

Family leave can be taken at the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child into the employee’s home for adoption or foster care.

For purposes of family leave, the employee must take the leave within twelve (12) months of the qualifying event. When a husband and wife are both employed by the Library, family leave is limited to twelve (12) weeks between the two employees.

Medical Leave

Medical leave may be granted when a serious health condition makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of their job. Medical leave may be granted for a serious health condition affecting the employee’s spouse, child, or parent and requires the employee to provide care for the affected person.

“Serious health condition” is defined as an illness, injury, or impairment that requires:

1. Inpatient care in a hospital, hospice, or residential facility including any period of incapacity or subsequent treatment in connection with inpatient care; or
2. Continuing treatment by a health care provider involving any of the following:
   1. A period of incapacity of more than three (3) consecutive calendar days that involves:
      • Treatment two (2) or more times by a health care provider;
      • One (1) treatment by a health care provider that results in a regimen of
        continuous treatment.
   2. Any period of incapacity due to pregnancy or pre-natal care;
   3. Any period of incapacity or treatment for incapacity due to a chronic serious health
      condition;
   4. Permanent or long-term conditions for which treatment may not be effective, or
   5. Any period of incapacity to receive multiple treatments either for restorative surgery after an accident or injury or for a condition that would likely result in a period of incapacity of more than three (3) consecutive calendar days in the absence of medical intervention or treatment.

Request

In the case of a foreseeable need for family or medical leave, an employee is responsible for giving a notice of thirty (30) days to their supervisor. In all other cases, the employee must give their supervisor as much notice as possible.

Certification/Recertification

When an employee requests a medical leave, the employee must furnish a written statement from their health care provider certifying that they’re unable to work and the expected date of return to work.

When an employee requests leave to care for a family member, the employee must furnish a statement from the family member’s health care provider certifying the condition, the necessity for the employee’s care of the family member, and the expected duration of required care.

The employee must comply with any request for certification or recertification as soon as possible, but not more than fifteen (15) days after the request, as a condition of leave approval or continuation of leave. The employee will pay the cost of certification or recertification.

If the Board doubts the validity of the certification provided, the Library may require, at its own expense that the employee obtain the opinion of a second health care provider designated or approved by the Board. If the second opinion differs from the original certification, the Library may require, at its own expense, the opinion of a third health care provider jointly approved by the Board and the employee. The opinion of the third provider will be considered final and binding on both parties.

When a leave has been qualified as family/medical leave, the employee will be notified of their rights and responsibilities. (see attached form)

Coordination of Benefits

Any family and/or medical leave requested under this section shall first be drawn from any and all applicable paid time off, and when such paid time off is exhausted, the remainder of the family and/or medical leave allowable under this section shall be unpaid leave.

Intermittent and Reduced and Additional Leave

In general, any employee wishing to utilize this benefit must do so on a continuous basis.

However, an employee may use this leave on an intermittent basis or reduced leave schedule (i.e., less than a full-time basis), when medically necessary or if the employee is needed to care for a family member with a serious medical condition. 

[If leave is requested on this basis, however, the employee may be temporarily transferred to an alternative position that will be more suitable for recurring periods of absence or a part-time schedule. If a transfer is made, it will be at equivalent pay and pro-rated benefits.]

A regular employee may request additional unpaid medical leave because of a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the essential functions of their job.

Prior to the date upon which the original leave will terminate, the employee must submit to the Library Director a written request, accompanied by a statement from the attending health care provider.

The health care provider’s statement must state a projected date upon which the employee may be expected to return to work.

In cases where a regular employee, who has been employed by the Library for fifty-two (52) consecutive weeks, wishes to remain off the job for child care purposes, a leave of absence without pay may be granted by the Board of Trustees, upon the approval of the Library Director. A medical or child care leave of absence may not exceed a total of fifty-two (52) weeks.

For leaves that extend beyond twelve (12) weeks it may not be possible to guarantee reinstatement in the same position held at the time the leave commenced.

Health Insurance

The Board will continue to pay its portion of the health care premium for an employee. The employee must be currently enrolled in the Library provided health care insurance plan, and is not in active pay status, but is on a family/medical leave.

The employee is required to pay their own portion of the premium by the first of each month to the Library.

An employee for whom the Board maintains health care coverage during a family/medical leave and who does not return to work at the end of the leave (for at least thirty (30) calendar days) may be required to repay the Board the amount it paid to maintain the
coverage.

Return to Work

An employee wishing to return before the scheduled end of a leave must give at least two (2) working days advance notice to their supervisor.

If the employee is on a medical leave for seven (7) or more days due to a serious health condition, the employee will be required to provide a fitness-for-duty certification before the employee is permitted to return to work.

Upon return from a family/medical leave, an employee will be restored to the position held when the leave commenced, or a position with equivalent benefits, pay, and other terms and conditions of employment.

All benefits accrued prior to the leave will remain intact, however, the employee will not accrue benefits during any unpaid portion of the leave.

An employee who fails to return to work at the expiration or cancellation of an approved family/medical leave, without satisfactory explanation to the director, will be terminated

The employee's termination date will be established as the starting date of the approved family/medical leave.

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library 

Date Adopted: January 26, 1999

Employee Manual

SUBJECT: Leave Classifications Resolution No. 230116-10

Funeral/Bereavement Leave

Effective January 1, 2023, all employees who work at least 20 hrs./wk. will be granted a leave of absence with pay of up to three (3) working days in the case of a death in the immediate family or household.

The definition of immediate family includes father, mother, grandparents, sister, brother, husband, wife, son or daughter and in-laws of the same degree of relationship or any other member of the family or household who stood *“in loco parentis” to the employee as a child.

One (1) day may be allowed when needed, for the death of a relative outside the immediate family or of other persons where the closeness of the relationship warrants.

Two (2) additional days may be allowed, when requested, to be taken as sick leave. If there is no sick leave available, two (2) days of unpaid leave of absence may be requested.

If schedules permit, time may be allowed during a scheduled working day to attend funerals of retired staff and members of their families.

If an employee is currently on an approved paid leave of absence, no funeral/bereavement leave will be paid.

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library 

Date Adopted: January 26, 1999

Employee Policy Manual

Subject: Leave Classifications Resolution no. 230515-5

Military and Family Military Leave (paid/unpaid/disability)

Military Reserves (paid)

Ohio National Guard, Defense Corps, Naval Militia, and all U.S. Armed Forces reserve component members are authorized up to thirty-one (31) days or a maximum of one hundred seventy-six (176) hours paid leave per calendar year for training purposes. The employee must submit a copy of the Active Duty for Training Orders with the request for leave and complete the required leave papers.

Uniformed Service Leave (unpaid)

An employee, who voluntarily or involuntarily enters any of the Armed Services of the United States, will be granted an unpaid military leave of absence as defined by Section 5903.01 of the Ohio Revised Code. No single leave or combination of leaves may exceed five (5) years unless the service time is for a single, initial period of service.

Disability in Military

Any employee who sustains a disability while serving in the military may; if that disability affects their ability to perform the essential functions of the job, be placed in another position consistent with the qualifications and circumstances of the employee.

Family Military Leave

To qualify for “family military leave” under the law, an employee must be:

• Eligible to take FMLA leave
• The spouse, son or daughter or parent of a Servicemember who is on active duty or who is called to active duty in the Armed Forces (including the National Guard or Reserves) in support of a “contingency operation”; and
• Requesting the leave because of a “qualifying exigency.”

Caregiver Military Leave

To quality for “caregiver military leave,” an employee must be:

• Eligible to take FMLA leave
• The spouse, son, daughter, parent or next of kin of a “covered Servicemember” of the Armed Forces (including National Guard and Reserves); “next of kin” is defined as the nearest blood relative of that individual; and
• Requesting the leave to care for a “covered Servicemember.”

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library

Date Adopted: January 26, 1999

Employee Policy Manual

Subject: Leave Classifications Resolution no. 231016-11

Sick Leave

Accruing Sick Leave

Effective January 1, 2023, upon hire, all employees will begin earning sick leave. Full time employees (work 30-40hrs/wk.) will begin earning sick leave at a rate of .058 hours per hour 1 ¼ hours per pay or 10 hours per month for a total of fifteen days (120 hours) per year of service. Part time employees (39 or less less than 30 hrs/wk.) will earn sick leave at a prorated amount based on hours worked.

The total accumulation of sick leave allowed is 960 hours for full time, and 480 hours for part time.

Employees who have accumulated the maximum sick leave, during any given year, may use up to fifteen (15) working days or (120 hours) of sick leave without affecting their maximum accumulations.

Use of Sick Leave

An employee will be charged for sick leave only for days employee is scheduled to work.

Sick leave is provided by the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, and is intended to be used only for, short term absences from scheduled work due to personal illness and/or family illness as outlined below or injury which is not a result of or related to work activities and for medical, dental or eye appointments. Sick leave benefits are not to be used for purposes of engaging in various forms of leisure, social or personal time, nor is it to be used as a way to extend holidays, vacation periods, or weekends. The library’s sick leave policy is leave granted each year to be used for bona fide personal illness absences during that year. Employees are expected to be in regular attendance. Employees who are unable to fulfill their weekly requirement create a hardship on their department.

Employees may also use up to one-fourth (1/4) of their accrued sick leave per year for illness or health care needs of immediate family. The definition of immediate family includes father, mother, grandparents, sister, brother, partner, son or daughter and in-laws of the same degree of relationship or any other member of the family or household who stood “in loco
parentis”* to the employee as a child.

When an employee has depleted their sick leave, the employee must use the following:

• Accrued holiday leave
• Accrued vacation leave

Or apply for unpaid leave under the Family/Medical Leave Act.
*(a person who stands in the place of a parent)

Procedure

Injury or illness must be reported as early as possible on the first day of absence. When an employee is unable to report for work, the employee shall notify their immediate supervisor, an administrative staff person, or Library Director. This notification must be done at least one (1) hour before the time employee is scheduled to report for work, unless emergency conditions make such reporting impossible. An employee must contact their supervisor for each subsequent day of absence, unless otherwise instructed by the supervisor.

The immediate supervisor of the employee or the employee is required turn in a benefit request form at the end of the pay period to the Finance Department. to submit the proper sick leave request in the library's timekeeping system. An absence in excess of three (3) or more consecutive days will require a physician’s note to be provided to Human Resources. This medical certification should include a statement that the employee was not able to work or other evidence of the reason for the absence required, a statement as to the employee’s ability to return to work, and a statement of any work related restrictions placed upon the employee by the health care provider. In the absence of such evidence, vacation leave shall be charged for the entire period. An employee who abuses the privilege of paid sick leave shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

Transfer of Sick Leave

After the successful completion of a training period, a new employee may transfer their accrued sick leave from another governmental agency upon certification by the former employer.

The total amount of sick leave to be transferred cannot exceed one-half (1/2) of the applicable maximum permitted for a regular full-time or part time employee (up to 480 hours applicable maximum).

A former employee may have certification of their accrued sick leave forwarded to a new employer upon the new administrator’s request.

Payment of Sick Leave upon Retirement

Upon retirement, employees will be remunerated for one third (1/3) of their accrued but unused sick leave.

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library

Date Adopted: January 26, 1999

Employee Policy Manual

Subject: Leave Classifications Resolution no. 230220-10

Unpaid Leave of Absence

An unpaid Leave of Absence, for reasons other than military leave, may be granted by the Board of Trustees on the recommendation of the Library Director.

Accrued holiday and vacation leave must be exhausted before an unpaid leave of absence is granted.

An unpaid leave of absence shall not exceed ninety (90) days. It may not be possible to guarantee reinstatement in the same position held at the time this leave commenced.

During an unpaid leave of absence, an employee may retain their Health Care Benefits. The employee must pay the total monthly premium to the library before the library premium is prepared for payment.

The appropriate request form may be obtained from the Fiscal Officer’s office.

Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library 

Date Adopted: January 26, 1999

Employee Policy Manual

Subject: Leave Classifications Resolution no. 221219-8

Vacation Leave

Effective January 1, 2023, vacation leave is earned by all employees based upon the level of their position and years of service.

New hires are eligible to take earned vacation leave six (6) months after their hire date. No employee may take vacation leave in advance of earning such leave.

Employees may accumulate a maximum of two regularly worked weeks or (10 days) of vacation leave to be carried over to the following year.

Any accumulation over the maximum for all employees must be taken by the end of the last pay period of that year.

Vacation leave is earned as follows:

Full-time

• Six months through one year Year One 40 hours
• After one year through five years 80 hours
• After five years through ten years 120 hours
• After ten years and more 176 hours

Vacation time for part-time employees is pro-rated, based on the number of hours worked.

An employee should submit a written request to their supervisor for vacation leave at least ten (10) days in advance. A vacation leave will be granted to an employee upon request to their immediate supervisor. Staffing of the library is the primary consideration in determining approval of a vacation leave request.

Upon resigning their position at Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, an employee shall be paid for all unused, earned vacation leave provided employee has been employed for at least six (6) months.

All employees hired before January 1, 2023 stay at their current rate of vacation accrual.

Prior Public Service

The provision of section 9.44 of the revised code provides that the service of a person employed, other than as an elective officer, by the state or any political subdivision of the state is entitled to have that prior service counted for the purpose of computing the amount of the employee’s vacation leave.

There are exceptions to this provision. Those retired and rehired employees are specifically stated to be not entitled to have prior service with the state or political sub-division of the state counted for the purposes of computing vacation leave.

A request for certification of Prior Public Service must be completed within 30 days of hire date. A request form will be available upon hire from the Fiscal Officer’s Office.

The roll being called on its adoption, the vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Daniel, Bedell, Jundi, Wyckoff, Shubert, Mancuso

Nays:

Motion carried.

Motion No. 260817-8 That the Board of Trustees Approve the Revised HR Specialist/Deputy Fiscal Officer Job Description and Pay Grade.

Human Resources Specialist/Deputy Fiscal Officer

Job Title: Human Resources/Deputy Fiscal Officer

Department: Finance

Pay Grade: 5 6

Supervises: None

Reports to: Director

Position Summary

The Human Resources Specialist/Deputy Fiscal Officer will ensure the organization follows federal, state, local, industry labor and safety laws and policies. Work with the library administration and management team to develop strategies and best practices to support the organization's long-tem1 strategic grovvth. This position is also responsible for processing payroll and performing designated budgetary duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attends meetings and serves on committees as required
• Conducts annual in-service training 1Nith committee
• Determines necessary staffing and recommends staffing levels to Director and Fiscal Officer
• Helps in developing onboarding and retention strategies and procedures to attract, hire, and retain personnel
• Helps in verifying financial reports
• Maintains and enforces employee policy manual, procedures, and employee job descriptions
• Oversees employee benefits administration
• Participates in long term planning of the organizational chart
• Processes payroll
• Posts invoices; prints and mails budget checks
• Prepares daily money drawers, and bank deposits
• Prepares correspondence and reports
• Responsible for continuous professional development through attendance at meetings,
  conferences, in-service training sessions and committee assignments
• Works with department heads to decide what training employees need and overall workforce development
• Serves as a notary public
• Perfonns special projects as directed by Library Directon
• Prepares monthly board packets
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of two (2) years human resources experience, or an equivalent comhination of education, training, and experience.
• SHRM certification preferred or ability to obtain certification during first year of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Ability to be discreet with personal information
• Communicate effectively in written and oral form
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships \'lith the Director and co-workers
• Extremely organized and meticulous with details
• Identify employee behavior that requires discipline
• Identify qualified employees through screening and interviewing methods
• Interact and respond appropriately to patrons and staff
• Organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks
• Present a positive, professional image to the public
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software,are
• Must be able to perform basic accounting and mathematical computations with a high degree of accuracy

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• This job operates in a professional environment with exposure to central climate control, overhead lighting, and low-to-moderate noise levels.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly interacts with the public and may lift, push, or pull objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Some travel by personal automobile for off-site meetings in various settings may occur.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.
• Working hours vary based on community service event schedules and when the Library is open to the public. May include evenings and weekends.

The roll being called on its adoption, the vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Daniel, Bedell, Jundi, Wyckoff, Shubert, Mancuso

Nays:

Motion carried.

New Business

Motion No. 260921-10 That the Board of Trustees Approve the Late Opening at 10:00 AM on December 17, 2026, for the All-Staff/Holiday Breakfast.

Mancuso moved, Jundi seconded:

Resolved: That The Board of Trustees approves the late opening on December 17, 2026.

The roll being called on its adoption, the vote resulted as follows:

Ayes: Wyckoff, Shubert, Bedell, Daniel

Nays:

Abstain:

Motion carried.

Open SMFPL Foundation Liaison Position

Emily Hegner will be leaving the SMFPL Board of Trustees in November 2026.

This position will have a start date of January 1, 2027.

Adjournment

Motion No. 260817-11 Adjournment

Wyckoff moved; Jundi seconded to adjourn the meeting at 7:56 pm.

All were in favor. Motion carried.

Board Secretary ________________________________________

Board President ___________________________________________

Casey A. King
Fiscal Officer