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HomeMy WebLinkAbout19-130RESOLUTION NO. 19-130 A RESOLUTION AMENDING THE PATRON BEHAVIOR POLICY AND CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE LIBRARY SYSTEM OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA AND REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 15-138 WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners for St. Lucie County, Florida (the "Board") has made the following determinations: 1. On August 18, 2015, the Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 15-138 adopting a Patron Code of Conduct; and 2. The Library's mission is to advance knowledge, inspire lifelong learning and to strengthen our community. The Library's "Patron Behavior Policy and Code of Conduct" is designed to foster this mission; and 3. On April 15, 2019, the Library Advisory Board reviewed, discussed and approved the preliminary draft(s) of an updated Library System's "Patron Behavior Policy and Code of Conduct" for patrons of the St. Lucie County Library System. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida: 1. This Board does hereby repeal Resolution No. 15-138 and adopt the amended Patron Behavior Policy and Code of Conduct, attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit "A". After motion and second, the vote on this resolution was as follows: Chair, Linda Bartz AYE Vice Chair, Cathy Townsend AYE Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky AYE Commissioner Sean Mitchell AYE Commissioner Frannie Hutchinson AYE PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 161h day of July, 2019. ATTEST: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA BY hair APPROVED AS TO FORM AND CORRECTNESS: BY: f' 1; County Attorney PATRON BEHAVIOR POLICY St. Lucie County Library EXHIBIT "A" The Library, as a limited public forum, reserves the right to require library patrons to leave the premises if these rules are not followed. Refusing to leave when asked will result in law enforcement being contacted, the issuance of a trespass citation, and may result in an arrest in accordance with the Florida trespass law (F.S. 810.08). Failure to comply with any of these library policies after a request from Library staff to do so may result in law enforcement being summoned. The infractions below may include any other conduct not listed here but which disrupts or interferes with a patron's use and enjoyment of the library or the staffs safe operation thereof. Nuisances: Abuses: Automatic Trespass: (warned &/or asked to leave) (asked to leave &/or trespassed) (trespassed &/or arrested) • unfastened clothing, poor hygiene • failure to heed warning regarding • previously trespassed nuisance behavior • animals other than service • drunken / disorderly behavior • illegal activities (drugs, alcohol, animals and theft) • disruptive noises - phone calls, • panhandling, loitering • damaging property - library children, dogs/animals, material (severe) conversations • posting notices without permission • unauthorized trespassing in • fighting non-public areas • Sleeping, lying on floors/furniture, • computer misuse • verbal / physical threatening misuse of furniture • running, throwingthings, horse- • erratic or unusual behavior • weapon play • blocking aisles / exits / entrances • nudity • repeat drunken / disorderly behavior • uncapped beverages, food other • verbal abuse, foul language in • repeated offenses than packaged snacks transactions or on the phone • tobacco or vaping use • sexually inappropriate behavior • foul odors • stalking/threatening behavior • inappropriate use of bathroom • indecent exposure • unattended personal item(s) • bikes, scooters, or shopping carts brought indoors • unattended children or adults in need of supervision The length of trespass will be determined by local law enforcement or a Library Administrative team. The Library Administration Team will review the Patron Behavior Policy. The trespassed individual must sign the agreement indicating that they have read and understand the policy before library privileges can be reinstated. Approved by the SLC LibraryAdvisory Board 4/15/2019—Reviewed by BOCC )0(/X){/)0= Code of Conduct Welcome! The Library's mission is to advance knowledge, inspire lifelong learning and to strengthen our community. The Library's "Code of Conduct" is designed to foster this mission. Toward these ends, certain behavior becomes unacceptable when it interferes with this mission and compromises the rights of others, causes damage to the buildings, equipment or materials, or causes injury to oneself or others. The Library System is supported by the taxes of the residents of St. Lucie County who have a right to expect each of our facilities to be clean, pleasant and safe places for selecting materials, browsing, reading, researching, writing, using Wi-Fi, thinking, and attending Library programs. Those willing to cease unacceptable behavior are always welcome to stay. However, those unable to comply will be asked to leave. If necessary, the authorities will be called. Parents, guardians, and/or caregivers are solely responsible for the safety and behavior of their children. They are advised that children, like all Library users, are expected to comply with the Library's "Code of Conduct," and a child who violates those rules may be asked to leave Library premises. Examples of unacceptable Library behavior include: • Abusing or harassing Library patrons or staff physically or verbally. • Abusing or vandalizing Library buildings, materials, computers, equipment or other property. • Bathing, shaving, or washing clothes or other inappropriate use of the restrooms. • Begging, soliciting, hawking, peddling and/or other forms of commercial activity. • Behaving in a manner which reasonably can be expected to disturb other patrons or staff. • Being loud, unruly or boisterous. • Bicycling, roller skating and/or skateboarding on Library property. • Bringing animals, except service animals for persons with disabilities, into the Library. • Bringing weapons, or facsimiles thereof, into the Library unless authorized by law. • Consuming or possessing any food or beverage at a Library computer work station; small wrapped foods or dry snacks and beverages in covered containers are permitted in other Library areas. • Engaging in sexual activity including inappropriate displays of public affection. • Entering staff areas of the facility without being accompanied by a Library employee. • Entering without shirts and shoes. • Harassing, intimidating, stalking or prolonged staring at patrons or staff. • Leaving individuals, minors or adults requiring care or supervision unattended for long periods of time or at closing. • Loitering, sleeping or giving the appearance of sleeping. • Misusing the computers. • Operating a radio, telephone or other device at a volume that others can hear. • Placing feet on table or chairs. • Possessing, consuming or being under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. • Running, throwing or other forms of physical activity inappropriate in a Library setting. • Smoking or using other tobacco products including smokeless cigarettes. • Stealing. • Violating an active trespass warning. • Violating the St. Lucie County Library System's Internet Policy. • Wearing perfumes or having bodily hygiene that generates strong odors that is so offensive as to constitute a nuisance or health risk to others. Approved by the St. Lucie County Library Advisory Board, 07/20/2015. Approved by the St. Lucie County BOCC, 08/18/2015.