La Crosse Public Library
800 Main Street
City of La Crosse, Wisconsin
La Crosse WI 54601
Meeting Minutes
Library Board
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
5:00 PM
La Crosse Public Library
Auditorium (Lower Level)
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Call to Order
The Vice Chair, Kathy Ivey, called the meeting to order at 4:58 p.m.
PRESENT: Araysa Simpson, Kathy Ivey, Aaron Engel, Katie Bittner, Mac Kiel,
Rosanne Northwood, Erin Raymus, Jessica Thill, Tamra Dickinson
ABSENT: Sue Anglehart
STAFF: Dawn Wacek, Daniel Whitmore, Cynthia Arauz, Amber Leibundgut-Peterson,
Miranda Greeno
Agenda Items:
Visit from Assistant City Attorney, Gideon Wertheimer – Service Animal Policy
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Assistant City Attorney, Gideon Wertheimer, explained to the Board the edits that he
made to the Library’s Service Animals Policy. Members of the Board asked Mr.
Wertheimer a few clarifying questions. The edited Service Animals Policy will be voted
on at the regular Board meeting on October 14.
2026 Budget Updates and Discussion
Director Wacek shared with the Board a PowerPoint presentation that provided three
different possible scenarios for 2026 based on the budget reduction that will be
considered by City Council in November. While reviewing these three scenarios, Ms.
Wacek asked the Board to consider the short-term and long-term impact, impact on
services and community, impact on staff, as well as alignment with the Library’s
strategic plan.
Board members presented Library Leadership with their questions, insights, and
perspectives.
The Board will continue to discuss the 2026 budget at future meetings with the above
considerations in frame. A vote on how the Library will respond to the projected budget
cut will take place at the regular Board meeting on October 14 or November 11.
Adjournment