Library board votes to move monthly meetings to Muskego City Hall amid accessibility and connectivity concerns

The Muskego City Public Library Board voted unanimously on May 19 to move its monthly public meetings to Muskego City Hall beginning in June, following a lengthy debate about accessibility, security and unreliable internet at the library.

The board amended an existing motion — moved by board member Kristen — to change the meeting site from Meeting Room 4 at the library to city hall and approved the amended motion by voice vote. The board agreed to re-evaluate the location in January to determine whether connectivity improvements make a return to the library feasible.

The move followed public comment from a resident who urged the board not to relocate and cited Wisconsin open‑meetings law and a prior lawsuit as reasons to avoid unnecessary expense. The mayor and Jeff, the city attorney, told the board the current back-room setup is difficult for the public to find and that city hall offers a free, more accessible alternative. ‘‘You should err on the side of being more public and more transparent,’’ the mayor said during the discussion. City attorney Jeff added, ‘‘In my opinion, it is a violation of the open meetings law,’’ and warned that defending a complaint could cost the city at least ‘‘$20,000.’’

Board members expressed mixed views. Several said they value the library setting but acknowledged connectivity problems that make remote participation difficult. Director Kelsey explained recent purchases were intended as outage backups for a limited number of computers and do not solve building‑wide internet issues; she said city IT staff and private providers are exploring fiber options that might be cost‑effective within 18 months.

On the procedural votes, the board first approved an amendment to the motion to designate Muskego City Hall as the meeting location and then approved the main motion as amended. Board members instructed staff to coordinate with the city clerk to reserve city‑hall rooms for the remainder of the year and to revisit the decision in January.

The change affects public access to meetings and the mechanics of remote participation; the board said it will continue to record meetings and provide written minutes. The board adjourned the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

What happens next: staff will confirm room reservations with the city clerk and the board will review the location in January, after planned or potential internet upgrades at the library.