Saint Joseph residents decry removal of library-board nominee; council pauses all nominations

The Saint Joseph City Council spent its public-comment period fielding nearly 50 speakers Tuesday evening after the mayor announced that nominations to city boards and commissions were suspended while the city rewrites its appointment process.

The comments centered on the halted renomination of Pastor Brian Kirk to the Saint Joseph Public Library board. Supporters described Kirk as a dedicated volunteer and pastor who ‘‘has done exemplary service’’ and should be reappointed; critics said his public advocacy and affiliations raised concerns about library programming and children’s exposure to certain materials.

The mayor told the chamber that, after discussions with several council members, ‘‘all nominations for all boards and commissions have been suspended until a process can be developed that will better ensure selection of qualified objective boards without the influence of misinformation,’’ and that current nominees remain eligible for future consideration.

The meeting’s public speakers included a mix of personal testimony, legal warnings and appeals to fairness. Terry Loudon, who identified himself as a resident of St. Joseph, said Kirk ‘‘has served very well’’ and that opposition to his renomination stems from his ministry and advocacy. Sean Connors, chair of the St. Joe Human Rights Commission, cited city code and warned that removal on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity could constitute unlawful discrimination: "It is unlawful for the city to discriminate on the basis of ... sexual orientation, gender identity," he said, citing the city code provisions that assign the Human Rights Commission authority to advise the council.

Speakers urging Kirk’s renomination stressed that library trustees do not select daily programming or specific materials and described the library as a community resource that must represent diverse residents. "The library is open and welcoming to all," said Elizabeth Son, who noted trustees focus on governance and budgets rather than programming. Multiple speakers, including health and mental-health professionals, warned that excluding LGBTQ residents from leadership roles can harm vulnerable youth.

Opponents voiced concerns about perceived ‘‘agendas’’ and urged the council to protect children. Joshua Blevins argued the debate was not rooted in personal animus but in a desire to prevent what he described as advocacy that could reach children. Those claims were directly disputed by other commenters who called such characterizations ‘‘dog whistles’’ and insisted books with LGBTQ themes do not ‘‘make children gay.’'

Beyond the controversy over a single nomination, many speakers called for a transparent, accessible process for filling all boards and commissions. Multiple attendees supported the mayor’s decision to pause nominations while city staff and council members design a new procedure that will advertise openings and allow broad public application.

Votes at a glance: the council approved the minutes from June 12, accepted an amended agenda adding bill 465-22 (motion by Council member Davis; second by Council member Trout), approved the consent agenda (motion by Council member Schomburg; second Trout) and passed an emergency ordinance creating a transit general manager position and appropriating workers’ compensation and budget funds for St. Joseph Transit; each recorded vote was 9-0.

The mayor said staff and council will work quickly to publish the new nomination process. With no further business, the council adjourned.