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LIBRARY BOARD
MEETING
Monday, September
18, 2023
Central Library
Workshop (or view online via Zoom)
6:00 P.M.
CALL
TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
President
Seyring called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
PLEDGE
OF ALLEGIANCE
BOARD
MEMBERS PRESENT
Theresa
Seyring, President; Carole Pye, Vice President/Secretary; Emily Gilbert,
Treasurer; John Caporale, Anita Forte and Amy Mueller.
Trustee
Bernas joined the meeting at 6:01 p.m.
BOARD
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
STUDENT
ADVISORY TRUSTEES PRESENT
Muhammad
Arshad and Jamie Caracas
OTHERS
PRESENT
Julie
Doren, Dave Hardt, Annie Miskewitch, Tom Pritchett, Paul Piraino, Jason Santos,
Molly Scheibler, Bobbi Sloan, Lori Teipel, Beth Valenziano
PUBLIC
COMMENTS
Public
comments were heard.
BOARD
COMMENTS
Trustee
Pye expressed that seeing staff and colleagues at community engagement
opportunities, including the Labor Day parade and the Legislative Luncheon, has
been great. Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle
stopped by the Library’s Farmers’ Market pop-up table. Trustee Pye recognized Executive
Director Miskewitch had proactively supplied information on the recent spate of
threats at area libraries in the August Board meeting packet. Trustee Pye
congratulated Finance Director Beth Valenziano on her eighth year of employment
with the Library.
Trustee Gilbert met with patrons and
made buttons at the Library’s pop-up booth at Septemberfest with HR Director
Piraino and Circulation Assistant Cheryl Freeze. She attended the very
informative Legislative Luncheon. Trustee Gilbert expressed a message of
solidarity with Library staff’s recent experiences and gratitude for continuing
to provide services the next day, demonstrating grace under stress with the
recent bomb threat.
Trustee Bernas apologized for her late
arrival to the Board meeting. She expressed her gratitude and appreciation for
the professionalism Library leadership and staff displayed over the previous
week, demonstrating they were well prepared in their response to such an event.
Trustee Bernas is thankful for the opportunity to be out in the community and
meet patrons where they are, such as the pop-up table at the Farmers’ Market
and the 2023 Run to Read event at Dirksen School in Schaumburg.
Trustee Caporale participated in the Labor
Day parade, his second parade since joining the Board of Trustees. He echoed
fellow Trustee sentiment about the handling of the unfortunate bomb threat.
Trustee Caporale is looking forward to the opening of the Time Capsule.
Trustee Forte thanked everyone for
allowing her to remotely attend last month’s Board meeting due to a work
commitment. She commended staff for their professionalism and conduct during
last Tuesday’s incident. Trustee Forte arrived at the Library soon after the
building had been evacuated, waiting with some members of the Administrative
team for the police and bomb sniffing dog to give an all clear of the building.
Trustee Forte enjoyed the Legislative Luncheon with fellow colleagues where she
learned good information. She is looking forward to the opening of the Time Capsule.
Trustee Forte encouraged everyone to register for the virtual Book Challenges on the Rise: Support Your Freedom
to Read on October 2. The program features Illinois Secretary of State Alexi
Giannoulias and former STDL Director, now RAILS Executive Director Monica
Harris.
Trustee Mueller expressed her belief
that the idea of threats to libraries are linked to book bans and to not let
them shut our freedoms down and not let them scare us into submission. She viewed
the second-floor remodel pictures on the Library’s Facebook page and is excited
to see real progress.
RAILS
– Trustee Mueller
None
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES
Trustee
Forte moved and Trustee Bernas seconded that:
The
August 28, 2023 Library Board Meeting Minutes be approved.
The
motion passed unanimously.
APPROVAL
OF BILLS
Trustee
Gilbert moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that:
The
Library Board approve the August 2023 Bill List.
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
TREASURER’S
REPORT
Trustee
Gilbert reviewed the financial reports, making note of balances in the various
funds. On the balance sheet, the General
Fund decreased by approximately $1.2 million due to expenses exceeding revenues.
She also highlighted a few line items and discussed why they
are above or below budget at this time, and gave an update on the status of
various Library investments.
Discussion included
portfolio investment activity and staffing as it affects the budget.
ADDITIONS
OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
There
will not be an Executive Session.
STUDENT
ADVISORY TRUSTEE REPORT
SATs Muhammad Arshad and Jamie Caracas shared an
updated presentation of September and early October programming with school
librarians and Career Advisors. They reported on upcoming events for high
schools including homecoming and a fall blood drive.
Discussion included Trustee Forte proposing a pop-up
event with the Library van at football games.
PRESIDENT’S
REPORT
Trustee Seyring marched in the Labor Day
parade with a beautifully decorated Library van. She commented on the wonderful
crowds and enthusiasm for the Library. Trustee Seyring hosted the Library’s
Pop-Up table at the Farmers’ Market and received many nice comments from people.
She also attended the Schaumburg Township Disability Fair on Saturday morning
with Executive Director Miskewitch and Outreach Associate Sandy Kurth. Trustee
Seyring complimented staff on the professional handling of directing patrons during
the bomb threat. She thanked Schaumburg police for handling the situation
efficiently. Trustee Seyring credited Executive Director Miskewitch with making
a good call clearing the building and bringing in police for confirmation.
Trustee Seyring requested her fellow Trustees share words of support with staff
working during the remodel. She also reminded Trustees of the importance of
signing up for pop-up events.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Miskewitch
highlighted items in her report, including applauding staff for their
professional handling of last Tuesday and showing up Wednesday ready to serve.
She recognized change has been a constant since 2020 with COVID through the
current renovation. Trustee Gilbert stated
the Bortal is great and useful, while recognizing it has to be maintained. Executive
Director Miskewitch welcomes feedback on the Bortal. Trustee Pye likes the
gains made on the Library’s social media platforms. She questioned if staff
receive feedback on comments provided in the Board packet. Executive Director
Miskewitch stated staff should be informed by department managers. Trustee
Bernas recommended free online tours of the water treatment plant and believes the life cycle of water would
make a great educational program.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Deputy Director Scheibler commended
staff on their handling of the bomb threat. She met with the Person in Charge
(PIC) group reviewing Library coverage and handling bomb threats. Included in
next month’s board packet will be a new public services report tied to the
Strategic Plan.
DEPARTMENT
REPORT
Fiction, Movies & Music –
Lori Teipel
Fiction,
Movies & Music Director Teipel presented an overview of the department’s
newest materials, services and programs.
COMMITTEE
REPORTS
None
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
None
NEW
BUSINESS
Approval
of Bill Payment to Prime Architectural Metal and Glass in the amount of
$36,315.00
Trustee
Gilbert moved and Trustee Forte seconded that the Board approve payment to Prime
Architectural Metal and Glass in the amount of $36,315.00
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
Approval
of Bill Payment to Diverzify Pro, LLC in the amount of $40,057.86
Trustee Forte moved and Trustee Pye seconded that the Board
approve payment to Diverzify Pro, LLC in the amount of
$40,057.86.
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
Discussion
included clarification of the financial status of the second-floor remodel.
Approval
of Bill Payment to Integrated Specialty Contactors, LLC in the amount of
$94,800.60
Trustee
Mueller moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded that the Board approve payment to Integrated
Specialty Contactors, LLC in the amount of $94,800.60.
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
Approval
of Bill Payment to Jensen’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in the amount of
$25,402.81
Trustee Forte moved and Trustee Mueller seconded
that the Board approve payment to Jensen’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in
the amount of $25,402.81.
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
Approval
of Payment to Airport Electric Company in the amount of $352,754.06
Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Mueller seconded
that the Board approve payment to Airport Electric Company in the amount
of $352,754.06.
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
Approval
of Bill Payment to Applied Communications Group, Inc. in the amount of
$66,789.90
Trustee Pye moved and Trustee Caporale seconded
that the Board approve payment to Applied Communications Group, Inc. in
the amount of $66,789.90.
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Payment to Featherstone, Inc. in the
amount of $47,798.80
Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Bernas seconded
that the Board approve payment to Featherstone, Inc. in the amount of $47,798.80.
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
Approval
of Bill Payment to Bradford Systems in the amount of $25,221.26
Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Forte seconded
that the Board approve payment to Bradford Systems in the amount of
$25,221.26.
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
Approval of the Independent Contractors Agreement and its
attachments with TK Elevator Corporation for modernization services for an
amount not to exceed $146,659.82 with initial progress payment of $73,329.91 to be
approved and paid
Trustee Caporale moved and Trustee Mueller seconded
that the Board approve payment to Independent Contractors
Agreement and its attachments with TK Elevator Corporation for modernization
services for an amount not to exceed $146,659.82 with initial progress payment
of $73,329.91.
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
Discussion included modernization versus
replacement of the elevator and the start and finish dates listed in the
contract. It was noted the documentation provided by the vendor was not as
polished as desired. Director Miskewitch acknowledged and agreed, and mentioned
it has been challenging to connect and receive needed documentation from the company
with extreme lack of follow through on their part. She has been in consult with
our lawyers and our architects to review all correspondence.
Approval of Bill Payment to Interiors for Business, Inc. in
the amount of $103,639.50
Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Forte seconded that the
Board approved payment to Interiors for Business, Inc. in the amount of
$103,639.50.
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
Approval
of 2023 Tax Levy Ordinance No. 2023-2024-3
Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Forte seconded
that the Board approve 2023 Tax Levy Ordinance No. 2023-2024-3
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.
OTHER
None
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Gilbert
seconded the meeting adjourn at 7:25 P.M.
Roll
Call Vote:
Trustee Gilbert Yes
Trustee Bernas Yes
Trustee Caporale Yes
Trustee Forte Yes
Trustee Mueller Yes
Trustee Pye Yes
Trustee Seyring Yes
The
motion passed unanimously.