Red Feather Mountain Library District
Policy Committee Agenda
January 13, 2026, 11 AM

Held at the Red Feather Community Library, Stenzel Community Room and electronically by Zoom

Call to order:
Determination of a quorum
Reading/correction of the minutes of December 9, 2025, meeting

Employee handbook
Art Display Policy for Ruth’s Gallery
Children’s Safety Policy
2026 policy review

Open discussion
Policies ready for a full board vote

Red Feather Lakes Community Library is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need reasonable accommodation, please contact Creed Kidd, 970-881-2664 (help@redfeatherlibrary.org).

Attending by Zoom? Contract Creed Kidd 970-881-2664 (help@redfeatherlibrary.org) for more information

Red Feather Lakes Community Library is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Monthly Library Board and Policy Committee meetings
Time: Jan 13, 2026 11:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Meeting ID: 831 6151 3288
Passcode: 651549

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Red Feather Mountain Library
District Policy Committee Minutes
December 9, 2025, 11 AM
Held at the Red Feather Community Library, Stenzel Community Room and electronically by Zoom
I. Call to order: Bill Grindle called the Policy Committee Meeting to order at 11:09 am.
II. Determination of a quorum: Bill Grindle, Patrice Diem, Leonard Tipton, Ross
Reid, Creed Kidd, Jena Paonessa, Darlene Kilpatrick
III. Reading/correction of the minutes of November 11, 2025, meeting: Motion made by Patrice Diem and seconded by Ross Reid to approve the amended minutes of the November 11, 2025 Policy Committee meeting. Motion passed.
IV. Employee Health and Benefits Policy 2026: The committee continued to read each bullet item and revise or approve. Motion made by Bill Grindle and seconded by Leo Tipton to approve the revised Health and Benefits Policy –
2026 Calendar Year and forward to the full Board for a vote. Motion passed. V. Employee Handbook: tabled until January; two section remaining
VI. CFNC/Library/Friends MOU: Completed last meeting and sent to Friends for approval
VII. Art Display Policy for Ruth’s Gallery Children’s: tabled until January
VIII. Safety Policy: The committee continued to read and revise each item of the Children’s Safety Policy to be recommended for a vote next month after being cleaned up.
IX. Open discussion: none
X. Adjournment: Motion made by Leonard Tipton and seconded by Bill Grindle to adjourn the December 9, 2025 Policy Committee Meeting at 12:02pm. Motion passed.
Red Feather Lakes Community Library is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event. If you need reasonable accommodation, please contact Creed Kidd, 970-881-2664 (help@redfeatherlibrary.org).

Red Feather Mountain Library District
Children’s Safety Policy
Children play a significant role in the use and operations of Red Feather Lakes Community
Library. We believe that providing a first start with reading materials, juvenile-oriented DVDs, science/technology/nature kits and other viewing materials, games, and other agerelated materials are critical in developing informed, well-rounded, responsible adults. Children’s programming has equally high priority.
Children’s library visits should be safe, warm, comforting, illuminating, and productive.

1. We encourage parents to attend the library with their children. Younger children (eight or under) must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible guardian. The library is a public space, and a guardian should be present to monitor use, resources, behavior, and comfortable interactions with other library users. At the discretion of the Library Director or Librarian-in-charge, parents may be requested to accompany their children at the Library.

2. At the close of library hours staff will ensure that children have the means of pickup or other accommodation of reaching home. Telephone calls and other means of communication with parents or authorized guardians are necessary. In the case of a parent being unable to reach the library on time, parents are encouraged to contact the library. The library will remain open until other arrangements can be made. At the extreme, this may include consultation with Larimer County Social Services or the Larimer County Sheriff’s Office.

3. Use and borrowing of library materials is a parental responsibility.

4. Library staff or volunteers will not individually transport children.

5. Signed parental release forms are required for enrolled programs or out-of library programming.

6. Cameras are located inside and outside the library to ensure that proper security is maintained, including the outside children’s play areas.

DRAFT 12-09-25
Red Feather Mountain Library District
Children’s Safety Policy
7. Library staff and volunteers must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check and sex-offender list check before beginning with the library.

DRAFT 12-09-25
Red Feather Mountain Library District
Art Display Policy for Ruth’s Gallery

Reviewed and adopted by Red Feather Mountain Library District Board of Trustees February 28, 2023.
The Red Feather Lakes Community Library accepts shows from individual artists and groups of artists. Often the Library will invite area artists to present an exhibit. Artist or group solicitations will be reviewed but not necessarily accepted. While the work of local or regional artists is preferred, presentations may be from other sources.
Once a given display has been approved, the Library Director reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of items to be included in the display and may accept or reject any or all items intended for display.
Potential artists and exhibitors should note the following:
Ruth’s Gallery is in a prominent part of the library, accessible to families and children, and this should be considered when choosing works to exhibit.
Artwork must be mounted in designated Ruth’s Gallery locations, comprising wall-mounted items and smaller items within the library’s glass display unit. Floor items are not accepted as well as ceramics or other objects that must be hung or otherwise supported.

• Ruth’s Gallery is not intended to be a commercial venue and prices are not posted. Artist contact information is a welcome part of the display. Business cards are accepted.
• It is the responsibility of the artist to install and remove the show.
• Artists may create and post statements or other descriptions of the show.
• The Library assumes no liability in case of damage or theft.
• Shows are normally one month in duration. However, variances may occasionally be made in facilitating reasonable public use.
• The dates of artwork installation and removal will be noted in the Artist Display Agreement.
Red Feather Mountain Library District Ruth’s Gallery Display Policy February 28, 2023 Page 1

• Artists will read and sign the Artist Display Agreement Form and receive a copy of that document and this policy.
Artists or groups must confirm their show with the Library one month in advance. Though occasional exceptions may be made, artists or groups are limited to one show per year.

Preference will be given to artists or groups whose work has not been displayed in the previous year.

Revision history:

Reviewed and adopted by Red Feather Mountain Library District Board of Trustees February 28, 2023.
Revised and adopted by the Red Feather Mountain Library District, October 24, 2018, allowing multi-use access during times of high public use.

Revised and adopted by the Red Feather Mountain Library District, October 28, 2015.

Approved by the Red Feather Mountain Library District Board of Trustees on August 22, 2012.

Reviewed and approved February 25, 2009. Initially approved April 20, 2006.
Red Feather Mountain Library District Ruth’s Gallery Display Policy February 28, 2023 Page 2

Amended
Folder Policy minor changes Adopted Next Review
Technology, Internet and ComputComputer & Internet Use and Wireless Access 2/24/21 01/01/24
Library Operations Policies Security Cameras and Videography Policy 6/19/24 01/01/24
Library Operations Policies
Library Operations Policies Standards of Acceptable Behavior Policy Statement of Principles submitted 5/13/25 01/01/24
01/01/24
under review
Library Operations Policies Volunteer Policy under review 01/01/24
MOU MOU – Library/Colorado State Library 4/17/24 03/01/24
Library Operations Policies Accessibility Policy 04/01/24
Library Operations Policies Employee Handbook under review
under review 10/24/24
Program Policies Art Display Policy for Ruth’s Art Gallery 01/01/25
Use of Library Services Policies Card Policy 3/21/23 01/01/25
Library Operations Policies Children’s Safety Policy under review 01/01/25
Collection Policies Collection Management Policy 9/9/22 01/01/25
Collection Policies Deselection of Materials Policy 9/9/22 01/01/25
Library Operations Policies Diversity, Inclusin and Equity statement 6/8/25 01/01/28
Library Operations Policies Emergency Closing Policy board review 7/8/25 01/01/25
Financial Policies Financial Policy 3/22/22 01/01/25
Use of Library Services Policies Interlibrary Loan Policy 2/28/23 01/01/25
Technology, Internet and ComputInternet Safety Policy for Adults and Minors 3/21/23 01/01/25
Use of Library Services Policies Lending Policy 2/22/22 01/01/25
Library Operations Policies Mission Statement 4/26/22 01/01/25
MOU MOU – Library/Friends of the Library 9/19/22 01/01/25
MOU MOU – Library/POA 2/28/23 01/01/25
MOU MOU – Library/RFHS 1/24/23 01/01/25
Program Policies Programs Policy 2/28/23 01/01/25
Library Operations Policies Public Meeting Comments policy 12/14/22 01/01/25
Library Operations Policies Public Notices policy 2/28/23 01/01/25
Library Operations Policies Records Policy 3/21/23 01/01/25
Red Feather Mountain Library District Policy roster 1/13/2026
Technology Plan Technology Plan 12/14/22 01/01/25
Technology Plan Technology Plan 12/14/22 01/01/25
Use of ECF equipment policy Technology Plan 6/28/22 01/01/25
Use of Library Services Policies User Record Confidentiality, Privacy and Removal Policy 2/22/22 01/01/25
Library Operations Policies Vision Statement 4/26/22 01/01/25
Library Operations Policies Employee Health Benefits policy 3/11/25 11/01/25
Collection Policies Book and Materials Donation Policy 1/24/23 01/01/26
Library Operations Policies Disaster Preparedness Policy 4/25/23 01/01/26
Collection Policies Freedom to read and view 2/28/23 01/01/26
Library Operations Policies Open Records Policy 1/24/23 01/01/26
Library Operations Policies Public Comments at Library Work Meetings policy 1/24/23 01/01/26
Use of Library Services Policies Social Media Policy 4/25/23 01/01/26
Financial Policies Investment policy (2023) 7/25/23 07/25/26
Library Operations Policies Red Feather Mountain Library District Bylaws conflict of interest 07/25/26
Collection Policies Reconsideration of Library Materials 10/24/23 10/24/26
Library Operations Policies Succession plan 03/11/25 03/11/28
Red Feather Mountain Library District Policy roster 1/13/2026

Red Feather Mountain Library District Board of Trustees Meeting Agenda
January 13, 2026, 12 PM

Meeting at the Red Feather Community Library and by Virtual Zoom attendance
Call to Order
Determination of a Quorum
Reading/Correction of the Minutes of the December 9, 2025 Board of Trustees meeting
Correspondence
Public Comments – limited to 5 minutes each, no more than four. Conflict of interest poll
Friends of the Library Report

Finance Reports: Julie and Jena

Public Service Librarians Reports: Darlene, Janet

Committee reports: Policy Committee Policy recommended for full board review:

Director’s Report Unfinished Business:

New Business:
Committee assignments
2025 basic statistics
Services: looking ahead 2026
Webinar recording: Book Bans and Censorship: Jamie LaRue on Managing Public Comment Sessions and Material Challenges

Red Feather Lakes Community Library is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Meeting ID: 831 6151 3288
Passcode: 651549 Join instructions
https://us02web.zoom.us/meetings/83161513288/invitations?signature=kOAuRQfg9DsbsiDQO
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Red Feather Mountain Library District Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025, 12 PM
Public Hearing for the Proposed 2026 Operating Budget 12:30pm
Meeting at the Red Feather Community Library and by Virtual Zoom attendance

I. Call to Order: President Ross Reid called the meeting to order at 12:25pm
II. Determination of a Quorum: In attendance – Ross Reid, Bill Grindle, Julie Sauter, Patrice
Diem, Leonard Tipton, Annie Scott, Creed Kidd, Darlene Kilpatrick, Jena Paonessa
III. Reading/Correction of the Minutes of the November 11, 2025, and November 19, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting
Motion made by Patrice Diem and seconded by Bill Grindle to approve the amended November 11, 2025 Board minutes. Motion passed.

Motion made by Patrice Diem and seconded by Leonard Tipton to approve the amended November 19, 2025 Board minutes. Motion passed.
IV. Correspondence: none
V. Public Comments – none
VI. Friends of the Library Report: will meet in May in regard to the CNFN MOU
VII. OPENED UP PUBLIC MEETING FOR BUDGET HEARING AT 12:29PM – no members of
the public in attendance.
VIII. Finance Reports: Julie Sauter and Jena Paonesa reported as of December 4, 2025 that the Savings Account is currently at $36,015.09; the liquid CSIP is at $55,312.27 earning an average of 4.09%; the combined checking accounts have $15,569.99; $100,000 is locked up in CSIP Investment at 4.39% until 12/12/25 and will automatically move into the liquid CSIP account with a payout of $17,921; the goal for our savings account and three combined checking accounts is to keep $70,000 available (two months of expense coverage) for operations
Motion made by Patrice Diem and seconded by Leonard Tipton to transfer $15,000 from the liquid CSIP account to the savings account to cover operating expenses for two months. Motion passed.
Jena Paonessa will ask the art teacher if the library can display Red Feather Elementary School’s student work. Ross Reid is willing to share his photography. IX. Public Service Librarians Reports:
A. Programming Librarian – Darlene Kilpatrick reported that the Library trailer for storage will be picked up on Wednesday – insurance at $500 deductible paid by SEEC as reimbursement to the library; the Digital Navigator funding would need to be partially paid by us ($3,000) and the person can not work on any library duties – will use volunteers in speciality tech areas; received the NextFifty Grant to review the sustainability of the North 40 Mountain Alliance and the larger community

B. Circulation Librarian – Janet Markley shared report electronically
X. Committee reports: Policy Committee
A. Policy recommended for full board review: Motion made by Patrice Diem and seconded by Bill Grindle to approve the 2026 Calendar Year Employee Health and Benefits Policy as recommended. Motion passed.
XI. Director’s Report: Director Creed Kidd clarified the expiration date of patron library cards to January 1, 2029 so we can remove outdated patron information from the rolls and update contact information; affirmed that the septic tank will be scheduled to be cleaned; our current maintenance person will have limited hour availability, so Ben Holzworth will expand his hours; Consumer Reports, Novel List – fiction/contemporary literature, Library Aware graphics are online products that can enhance patron experience XII. Unfinished Business:
A. 2026 budget – Property tax money for 2026 will be $536,060. Proposed 2026 budget: Income $649,610 and Expenses $639,538, not including the CSIP $1,000,000 and interest made
Motion made by Patrice Diem and seconded by Bill Grindle to approve the Resolution/Ordinance for the 2026 Budget as presented. Motion passed.
Motion made by Patrice Diem and seconded by Bill Grindle to set the mill levy at 5.5% for the 2026 budget. Motion passed.
XIII. New Business:
A. Election of officers for 2026:
Motion made by Patrice Diem and seconded by Bill Grindle to elect Ross Reid – President, Bill Grindle – Vice President, Julie Sauter – Treasurer, and Patrice Diem – Secretary for the stated officer roles for the Red Feather Lakes Community Library Board of Trustees for 2026. Motion passed.
XIV. Open Discussion:
A. Drum Circle: Leonard Tipton is forming a drum circle for older children’s programming;
Bill Grindle has offered his experience
B. Executive Session Clarification: Leonard Tipton asked for clarification on calling an executive session; the President needs to be notified and the public needs to be informed beforehand.
XIV. Adjournment: Motion made by Patrice Diem and seconded by Leo Tipton to adjourn the December 9, 2025 Board of Trustees meeting at 2:43pm.

Next Policy and Documents: January 13, 2026, 11am
Next Board meeting: January 13, 2026, 12pm
Next Finance: (incorporated within the general board meeting)
January Finance Report
1.6.26
Jena Paonessa

• 1st Bank Savings Account: $15,396.82
• 3 1st Bank Checking Accounts: $20,283.56
• CSIP Liquid Account: $1,059,551.07 earning an average of 3.91% in the liquid account.
• All funds from CSIP Term are now in the CSIP Liquid Account. Total interest earned from this term is $17,920.82. Prior to scheduling a new term, decisions need to be made regarding the Capital Reserve Fund and Flex time payout liquidity. Currently, the liquid rate may be better than the term rate.
• Capital Reserve Fund: $119,232.72 is the Net Operating Income for end of year 2025 which will be allocated to the Capital Reserve Fund. If this amount is to remain liquid (accessible at all times, then it will affect the funds available for another term investment).

We will receive the County deposit before the board meeting. Last year we received about $2,885.00. We will need to vote for a transfer from the CSIP liquid account to 1stbank Savings to replenish the account. Increased monthly expenses are estimated at $46,000, so $92,000 is needed for 2 months.
• Amount needed to be transferred from CSIP Liquid Account to First Bank: $57,000.

Pro Forma Earnings (if $1,000,000 is moved to term investment)
1st Bank Balance 35,000
CSIP Balance (not including $1,000,000) 59,500
County Deposit 2,900
January Beginning Balance 97,400
January Expenses (46,000)
February Beginning Balance 51,400
County Deposit 22,000
February Expenses (46,000)
March Beginning Balance 27,400 -All liquid funds until March deposit
County Deposit 178,000
March Expenses (46,000)
April Beginning Balance 159,400
County Deposit 53,200
April Expenses (46,000)
May Beginning Balance 166,600
County Deposit 109,250
May Expenses (46,000)
June Beginning Balance 229,850

Red Feather Lakes Library
Darlene Kilpatrick
Library Board Report
January 2026

Programs and Events
• Afterschool Programs
Our afterschool programs continue to be strong and well attended. We are accepting a few additional students from the waitlist, and we’ve added more teen helpers to the Art program. These teens are either assisting younger students or working alongside them on projects, which has been a positive experience for everyone.
A clarification from last month’s report: Ben and Kylie continue to handle much of the program planning and support, while I am leading the afterschool programs with Lea (hired through Matthews House) and Pam, our new library hire who will serve as a substitute and is also paid through Matthews House. This staffing structure has helped stabilize coverage and ensure program continuity.
• Hiking Program
The hiking program remains active despite an unusual winter with fluctuating temperatures. Snow has returned, which has been welcomed by participants. We are seeing hikers travel up from Fort Collins to join the group, adding to both attendance and community connection.
• Painting Class
Susan O’Connell will teach another painting class this Saturday, held indoors and focused on helping participants paint their own landscapes. The class filled within two days. Due to high demand, we plan to offer the same class again in February.
• Upcoming Programs o Ben has made progress on launching the Minecraft program and we hope to begin offering it within the next month.
o We are also exploring new low-barrier adult programs, including a tea blending class and a mini Zen sand garden workshop.

North 40 Mountain Alliance
• Holiday Food Distribution
Christmas distribution was another major success, serving 228 people across 103 families. The Food Bank is beginning to have greater food availability again, and Larimer County provided an additional $2,000 to support Christmas food purchases.
• Angel Tree Program
The Angel Tree program had a strong year once again. Linda Witt and Caron Wilkins took the lead and did an excellent job coordinating gifts for local families.
• Community Outreach & Support
The County, along with multiple partners, continues hosting pop-up cafés to share information and connect residents with services. These events continue to strengthen trust and relationships in the community.
• NextFifty Grant
We have received the NextFifty grant funds, and I will begin working with Meghan this month to develop strategies and solutions to make North 40 more sustainable over the long term.

Library Maintenance and Preparedness
• Front Desk Manual
The front desk manual is currently being edited and reviewed. Once internal edits are complete, I will have Camille review it again for final feedback and suggestions.
• Air Quality Monitoring
Colorado State has installed PurpleAir monitors inside and outside the library. These monitors allow us to track real-time air quality, especially during wildfire season, and help us identify clean-air spaces within the building.
We will be working with the state team to incorporate this data into our STEM programming, and the public can also access the data online to check local air quality. The state is developing guidance to help residents understand how to use air purifiers effectively in their homes.
• Library Website
I am training Ben and Kylie to edit and update the library website. We plan to revamp the site and add new pages for SEEC, North 40/disaster information, and program listings, improving accessibility and communication for the community.

SEEC Update
• We now have our new 14-foot enclosed trailer, and this month we will begin moving SEEC supplies into it. This will allow Julie and Andy to reclaim their trailer, and we are very grateful for their generosity in helping us store materials during the transition.
• Kylie (doing the lion’s share ), Ben, and I have been working on a packet highlighting SEEC’s successes, past programs, and new classes for Tom and Judy, showing how their legacy continues to thrive.
• We plan to install a plaque recognizing Tom and Judy for their incredible work in establishing SEEC and helping it grow into the successful program it is today.

Education and Grants
• I will be attending Bohemian Foundation grant workshops later this month as we prepare to apply for future funding.
• I am also encouraging Ben and Kylie to identify workshops or trainings that align with their interests and professional development goals.

Red Feather Mountain Library
District
January 2026 Board Meeting, January 13,
2026
Library Director’s Report, Creed Kidd

2025 into 2026
DOLA (Colorado Department of Local Affairs) has accepted the Library’s 2026 operating budget.

CPA Dana Shriver will be on-site January 21 in closing the books on the 2025 fiscal year. This will be transmitted to Carl Henderson, accountant in Estes Park, who will prepare the 2025 Exemption from Audit (essentially a mini-audit) that must be reviewed and approved by the Library Board, submitted no later than March 31, 2026.

With the exception of interlibrary loan and Cloud Library– an e-Audio and e-Book service — use for
December 2025 (both of which are compiled by the State Library), our 2025 statistics are complete and you should see a report on or before next month’s Board Meeting.

Moving ahead into 2026 – Services
End of year statistics – and the start of a new year – is an opportunity to evaluate current services and consider new ones.

For example, curbside service — the public convenience of library staff walking checked-out materials out to the user in the parking lot.

Book bagging on a theme – where on user request the library prepares a packet of books on a given topic or by author.

Review of waiving fines for damaged children’s materials. Several libraries currently offer this service with the intent of keeping children using the library being more important than the loss of value of the materials.

Moving ahead into 2026 – Building and grounds Intended: fixing the insulating problem with the solar batteries; painting the SEEC trailer; continued sprucing up of the grounds; continued work on the playground.
Judicious increase of programming as we now have three individuals hired varying hours to do this.

Review of practices and assumptions. Based on observation; comments by the board, staff, and public. The application of what statistics tells us about specific services: over time up, down or steady – deficits and strengths.

Red Feather Lakes Community Library home page      Library catalog      Location/Hours

Red Feather Lakes Community Library / Box 123, (71 Firehouse Lane) / Red Feather Lakes, CO 80545,  970-881-2664   970-881-2836 (fax)  help@redfeatherlibrary.org