05/22/2026
The LDL Board of Trustees met Thursday, May 21, 2026 at the Oregon Township Hall. All Board members were in attendance, as well as LDL Director Stephen Banister.
Mr. Banister announced his April 21 appointment of Ms. Rachel Babb, formerly of Germantown, TN, as Assistant Director-Public Services. Ms. Babb, formerly of Germantown, TN, will receive an annual salary of $75,000 plus benefits, and a one-time moving stipend of $6000. Mr. Banister stated she has already relocated to the Lapeer area and is excited to begin work on May 26, 2026.
The Board was asked to approve a motion to reinstate the position of Assistant Director-Public Services, for which Ms. Babb was hired, after the fact. This position was eliminated over 10 years ago, and is not currently a budgeted position. A Budget Amendment will be required to fund the position, but was not offered. Following board discussion, Brotzke, Brown, DeAngelis, Kohlman and VanBelle voted to approve the reinstatement of the position, Lawrence and Marquardt voted against approval.
During the public comment period several members of the public questioned the transparency of filling a position before it was approved, appointment vs posting the position, and whether the Director had the legal authority to fill a position for which no funds were budgeted. There was also concern that the Children's Department Head position remains vacant after almost a year.
In other business, Mr. Banister presented a proposal from ReThinking Libraries to develop a new strategic plan for the LDL. That proposal is expected to be considered at the next meeting of the LDLat 10 am on June 18. Meetings are held at the Oregon Township Hall, are open to the public and are preceded by the LDL Finance Committee meeting at 9 am.
The LDL Board meeting was held on May 21, 2026 at 10 a.m. at the Oregon Township Hall, 2525 Marathon Road, Lapeer, Michigan 48446. The board was comprised of...
