Board Meeting Minutes 10-16-23

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; Jillian Bernas, John Caporale, Anita Forte and Amy Mueller.

Trustee Mueller joined the meeting at 6:05 p.m. 

BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT

None

STUDENT ADVISORY TRUSTEES PRESENT

Muhammad Arshad

OTHERS PRESENT

Julie Doren, Dave Hardt, Annie Miskewitch, Tom Pritchett, Paul Piraino, Jason Santos, Molly Scheibler, Gail Tobin, Beth Valenziano

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Public comments were heard.

BOARD COMMENTS

Trustee Pye stated it was extremely fun to see the community come out in droves for the Time Capsule Opening. She expressed appreciation for the Library’s financial fitness programs that were featured in the Daily Herald, and is currently registered for several upcoming programs. Trustee Pye attended a great juried art reception at the Elk Grove Village Public Library.

Trustee Gilbert had a wonderful time at the Time Capsule Opening event with her husband and daughter. She enjoyed seeing Trustees, past and present, and how much of the community turned out for the event. Trustee Gilbert attended a Banned Books Week event featuring Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, author Nic Stone and faculty members. All spoke on the importance of

Intellectual Freedom. She noted that National Coming Out Day was last week and reminded all that there are still attacks on LGBTQA+ materials for libraries locally and nationally. Trustee Gilbert remarked, in response to an overturned challenge of the book Gender Queer, a recent referendum in Iowa stripped the Pella Public Library Board of Trustees of its powers and redistributed it to the City Council. She asked everyone to please keep an eye on these happenings.

Trustee Bernas noted the Time Capsule Opening event was well-organized with a wonderful turnout and a beautiful celebration for our community. She is looking forward to the Sister Cities Commission event in Hoffman Estates and the Toast of Schaumburg event in November. Trustee Bernas expressed her thanks to Executive Director Miskewitch and Executive Assistant Julie Doren for keeping Trustees apprised/updated of community events.

Trustee Forte attended events mentioned by her fellow Trustees, and is looking forward to many more upcoming events. At a recent event, she spoke with a librarian from Minnesota and discussed the importance of both librarian and Trustee engagement with regard to the challenges libraries across the country are experiencing.

Trustee Caporale thought the Time Capsule Opening event was well run and impactful to see the resounding support of the community. He realizes, as a new board member, the importance of the Library in the community as was so happy to see the community’s participation to reflect that.

Trustee Mueller apologized for her tardiness. She said the turnout for the Time Capsule Opening was amazing, and commended Library staff for adapting to last minute changes in a seamless manner. Trustee Mueller expressed that Trustees must always be proactive with material challenges.

RAILS – Trustee Mueller

None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Forte seconded that:

The September 18, 2023 Library Board Meeting Minutes be approved. The motion passed unanimously.

Discussion included two corrections in the minutes.

APPROVAL OF BILLS

Trustee Pye moved and Trustee Forte seconded that:

The Library Board approve the September 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.

Discussion included how BP credit card payments are processed.

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 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.

ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

There will not be an Executive Session.

STUDENT ADVISORY TRUSTEE REPORT

SAT Muhammad Arshad reported new teen program series, a Finals Refresh room for 1st semester finals and a continued emphasis on college readiness.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Trustee Seyring reminded fellow Trustees to share words of encouragement with displaced staff working under less-than-ideal circumstances due to the renovation. She congratulated Hanover Park Branch Manager Gail Tobin for 31 years of service with the Library. Trustee Seyring congratulated Executive Director Miskewitch for her appointment as Board President of Wellness Insurance Network (WIN) consortium. Trustee Seyring attended the 25th year Time Capsule Opening event and was impressed with the community turnout. She highlighted the Trustee Tip listed in the Director’s Report that provides an excellent description of the important role of library trustees, including goals and responsibilities.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Executive Director Miskewitch announced full staffing in the Administration office with the hiring of HR Generalist Michael Cannon and Business Manager Holly Hyman. She reported on newly installed second floor booth seating. Deputy Director Scheibler shared her recent interaction with

a patron enjoying the new seating, who exclaimed he hadn’t been to the library in six months and loves the improvements. Executive Director Miskewitch provided a Foundation update with the filing of Articles of Incorporation with our lawyer. The three members on the Foundation Board include Executive Director Miskewitch, former Library Trustee Julie Wroblewski Bosshart and author, community resident NaShantá Fletcher. Trustee Bernas commented on the increased suggestions included in the Board packet. Trustee Gilbert congratulated Executive Assistant Julie Doren on her one-year anniversary of employment. Trustee Pye commented on the many good things in the report, especially the astronomical increase of followers on Instagram in response to the Time Capsule Opening. Executive Director Miskewitch complimented programming on a great job for this once in a lifetime event. Trustee Bernas checked on the status of Town Square updates, including a standing water problem in the parking lot. Executive Director Miskewitch will follow up with Town Square management again.

DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Deputy Director Scheibler commended Public Services staff for an amazing job on the new monthly Public Services report, highlighting great things they’re doing in the community and here at the Library. She and Marketing & Communications Director Hollis Sienkiewicz hosted the Waukegan Public Library for a tour and answered questions about strategic planning and our current renovation. Trustee Pye thinks it very clever the Public Services report sections are tied into the Strategic Plan and excited for Claudia Baranowski starting her new position as Hoffman Estates Branch Assistant Manager. Trustee Seyring is very impressed with the report and all the Library offerings. Trustee Seyring inquired about the response provided to Deltek, Inc.’s FOIA request for the donor recognition wall bids. Executive Director Miskewitch responded – “we have no responsive documents. for the request.

DEPARTMENT REPORT

Hanover Park Branch – Gail Tobin

Hanover Park Branch Manager Gail Tobin presented on the newest materials, services and programs available at the Hanover Park Branch. She also noted some changes to the staff space and highlighted the future percussion play that will be placed outside this FY.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

None

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS

Approval of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Policy (annual)

Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Policy updated for FY23-24.

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 recent occurrences of First Amendment Audits at the Village of Schaumburg and the importance of Library staff preparedness.

Review of Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAW)

The Board reviewed and discussed the new Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAW).

Review of updated Vacation Time Policy

The Board reviewed and discussed the updated Vacation Time Policy.

Approval of bid for a one-year contract to ALM Group for snow and ice removal

Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded that the Board approve the bid for a one- year contract to ALM Group for snow and ice removal.

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 Johler Demolition, Inc. in the amount of $55,822.50

Trustee Caporale moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to Johler Demolition, Inc. in the amount of $55,822.50.

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 Payment to L.J. Morse Construction Company in the amount of $90,600.72

Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Pye seconded that the Board approve payment to L.J. Morse Construction Company in the amount of $90,600.72.

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 a change order for -$77,355.60. Executive Director Miskewitch will follow up.

Approval of Bill Payment to Ascher Brothers Co., Inc. in the amount of $40,821.30

Trustee Forte moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to Ascher Brothers Co., Inc. in the amount of $40,821.30.

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 Jensen’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in the amount of $44,925.41

Trustee Pye moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded that the Board approve payment to Jensen’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in the amount of $44,925.41.

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 Airport Electric Company in the amount of $104,497.84

Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded that the Board approve payment to Airport Electric Company in the amount of $104,497.84.

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 Featherstone, Inc. in the amount of $54,627.20

Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Caporale seconded that the Board approve payment to Featherstone, Inc. in the amount of $54,627.20.

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.

Review of Proposed Building Closures for 2024 at all locations

The Board reviewed and discussed proposed building closures for 2024 at all locations.

Review of Library Regular Board Meeting Schedule for 2024

The Board reviewed and discussed the Library Regular Board Meeting schedule for 2024. Discussion included a correction of the December Board Meeting date to December 16, 2023.

Review of Library Committee Meeting Schedule for 2023-2024

The Board reviewed and discussed the Library Committee Meeting Schedule for 2023-2024.

OTHER

None

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded the meeting adjourn at 7:24 P.M.
The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.