Council approves memorandum clarifying library and city roles; library board will consider the document

The New Richmond City Council voted to approve a draft memorandum of understanding intended to clarify roles and responsibilities between the city and the library board on human resources and finance matters.

Staff explained the MOU was drafted to put in writing long‑standing practices — for example, how library employees relate to the city personnel system and which body pays certain expenditures — and is not intended to change duties granted by state statute. As staff said during discussion, "library board retains all authority and power granted to the library board as contained in state statute." The library board had reviewed the document at its meeting last week and wanted additional time; staff nevertheless placed the MOU on the council agenda and recommended both bodies approve it and execute the agreement.

Councilors debated whether the council should approve before the library board acts; staff and legal counsel said the board retains statutory authority and both bodies are expected to approve the MOU. Speaker 6 moved to approve the presented roles and responsibilities memorandum; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call. Staff noted that approval by the council does not obligate the library board to execute the MOU — the board must still approve it at its meeting.

Council members said the MOU is intended to reduce future friction by documenting practice and responsibilities, and they directed staff to return any edits recommended by the library board for finalization.