Board Meeting Minutes 9-19-22

LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
Monday, September 19, 2022
Central Library Workshop (or view online via Zoom)
7:00 P.M.

CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL

President Jillian Bernas called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT

Jillian Bernas, President; Julie Wroblewski Bosshart, Vice-President/Secretary; Theresa Seyring, Treasurer; Anita Forte-Scott, Emily Gilbert, Amy Mueller, Carole Pye

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT

None

STUDENT ADVISORY TRUSTEES PRESENT

Muhammad Arshad, Ameenah Zawahir

OTHERS PRESENT

Aaron Bock, Sarah Kochan, David Hardt, Jennifer Hunt, Annie Miskewitch, Tiffany Nash, Dan Pohrte, Jason Santos, Gail Tobin, Beth Valenziano, Emily Vinci, Patricia

PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

BOARD COMMENTS

Vice-President Wroblewski Bosshart attended the retirement party for Hoffman Estates Branch Manager John Ericson. She also attended Navigating Your Financial Future ILA Noon Network webinar and shared some takeaways. Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart said the Library’s Septemberfest parade entry was wonderful. She attended the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon and found it informative. Finally, she commented on the engaging photo on the cover of the Fall Guide.

Treasurer Seyring marched in the Septemberfest parade with the Library. She also attended the Legislative Luncheon, staff picnic and John Ericson’s retirement party. Ms. Seyring commented on ALA’s statement condemning the destruction of libraries in Ukraine.

Trustee Forte-Scott noted she attended many of the same events. She is also registered for the ILA Annual Conference and looks forward to attending. She appreciated the Library’s Year in Review. Ms. Forte-Scott highlighted the Library’s 60th anniversary and noted she picked up a special limited-edition card.

Trustee Pye heard from patrons who enjoyed the website design class and the Senior Activity Box for caregivers of those experiencing memory loss. She noted the recent Township Bus Tour was a success. Ms. Pye noted she enjoyed meeting staff members at recent events such as the staff picnic. She attended the programs with artist Richard Hunt and appreciated the interview with the artist and the work from Library staff to host the program.

Trustee Mueller commented on action taken in Ukraine to preserve history as libraries are destroyed. She and Treasurer Seyring interviewed three students as candidates for SATs and they are excited to introduce the newest SAT later in the meeting.

Trustee Gilbert recommended two articles from the recent ILA Reporter: one about intellectual freedom challenges to programs, the other about native language storytimes.

RAILS - Ms. Gilbert

Ms. Gilbert highlighted a recent post from the RAILS blog about library advocacy and talking to your representatives about supporting libraries.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Trustee Pye moved and Vice-President Wroblewski Bosshart seconded that:

The August 23, 2022 Regular Board Minutes be approved.

There was no discussion.

The motion passed unanimously.

APPROVAL OF BILLS

Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that:

The Library Board approve the August 2022 Bill List.

Discussion included clarification of where the credit card bill is listed on the bill list.

Roll Call Vote:

Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart Yes

Mrs. Seyring Yes

Ms. Forte-Scott Yes

Ms. Gilbert Yes

Mrs. Mueller Yes

Mrs. Pye Yes

Ms. Bernas Yes

The motion passed unanimously.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Treasurer Seyring reviewed the balances of the various funds, noting causes for change to each fund. She reviewed total revenues for August, including grant revenue and a private donation. Ms. Seyring discussed expense trends for the year, comparing them to the budget and to last year’s trends. She explained that fluctuations in the investment portfolio are to be expected and reviewed interest rates for various investment types. Ms. Seyring reviewed cash flow projections, including when the Library expects to begin paying for the upcoming renovation.

Treasurer Seyring and Finance Director Valenziano answered questions regarding the private donation and where it’s reflected on the balance sheet.

ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

The presentation from Product Architecture + Design and Featherstone will be before the President’s Report. There will be no oral report from the Fiction, Movies and Music Department. There will not be an Executive Session.

PRESENTATION FROM PRODUCT ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN AND FEATHERSTONE

Representatives from Product Architecture + Design and Featherstone gave an update on the upcoming renovation of the second floor of the Central Library. They discussed changes to the plan since last presenting to the Board, phasing of the project and material samples, and answered questions from Trustees.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

President Bernas wished a happy 60th anniversary to the Library and thanked all who have served over the years – Trustees, staff, partners, community members and more. She also shared a conversation she had with a patron regarding programs or services for young adults with disabilities who have aged out of the offerings from school districts. Ms. Bernas also mentioned upcoming mental health training that will be available in October. Finally, she noted she’ll be absent from the October board meeting and appreciates the patience of her fellow Trustees with her absences.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Executive Director Miskewitch expressed her appreciation to new Director of Facilities Paul Lisack for his attention to all matters in his area, including time-sensitive items included in the strategic plan, such as funding or incentives on solar energy options.

Ms. Miskewitch answered questions regarding Trustees participating in outreach events, energy efficiencies for the Library, the printed Guide and the organizational chart.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Deputy Director Hunt noted the new Hoffman Estates Branch manager will be starting soon, and gave kudos to all involved in the idea and implementation of the program with artist Richard Hunt.

Ms. Hunt answered questions about the 3D printer, the upcoming One Book, One Community initiative and FOIA requests.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Access Services – Aaron Bock

Access Services Director Aaron Bock gave an overview of what the Access Services team does for the Library, goals for the year and some recent accomplishments.

STUDENT ADVISORY TRUSTEE REPORT

SATs Ameenah and Muhummad met with the school librarians to talk about plans to promote the Library throughout the year. Muhummad introduced himself briefly, noting how he uses the Library and that he’s excited to serve as an SAT.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Approval of the 2022 Property Tax Levy

Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded that the Board approve the 2022 Property Tax Levy.

Discussion included confirmation that no changes has been made since the previous vote on the levy.

Roll Call Vote:

Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart Yes

Mrs. Seyring Yes

Ms. Forte-Scott Yes

Ms. Gilbert Yes

Mrs. Mueller Yes

Mrs. Pye Yes

Ms. Bernas Yes

The motion passed unanimously.

Approval of Bill Payment to Product Architecture + Design in the amount of $75,000

Trustee Forte-Scott moved and Treasurer Seyring seconded that the Board approve the bill payment to Product Architecture + Design in the amount of $75,000.

Discussion included explanation of the fixed-fee charge for architectural services.

Roll Call Vote:

Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart Yes

Mrs. Seyring Yes

Ms. Forte-Scott Yes

Ms. Gilbert Yes

Mrs. Mueller Yes

Mrs. Pye Yes

Ms. Bernas Yes

The motion passed unanimously.

Review of Policy: Filming and Photography

President Bernas and Executive Director Miskewitch asked Trustees to review the draft of the policy. The Board will vote on the policy at the October meeting.

Ms. Miskewitch answered questions about the proposed policy including lawyers’ review, safety of children and how this relates to the Code of Conduct.

ADJOURNMENT

Vice-President Wroblewski Bosshart moved and Trustee Pye seconded the meeting adjourn at 9:29 P.M.

The motion passed unanimously.