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LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
Monday, November 13, 2023
Central Library
6:00 P.M., Youth Program Room
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 and Amy Mueller. 
 
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
 
Trustee Anita Forte 
 
STUDENT ADVISORY TRUSTEES PRESENT
 
Jamie Caracas

OTHERS PRESENT
 
Aaron Bock, Michael Cannon, Julie Doren, Annie Miskewitch, Raj Nagaraja, Paul Piraino, Jason Santos, Molly Scheibler, Bobbi Sloan and Beth Valenziano. 
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS
 
Public comments were heard.  
 
BOARD COMMENTS
 
Trustee Pye attended the Veterans Day Ceremony at Town Square where she spoke with State Representative Michelle Mussman and thanked all Veterans for their service. Trustee Pye recognized National Native American Heritage Month and National Homeless Youth Month. 
 
Trustee Gilbert had a great time at a Trick or Treat event in Hanover Park. She attended the ILA Conference in Springfield, Illinois. 
 
Trustee Bernas confirmed that area day cares are receiving the Library’s multilingual rhyme club materials, as her daughter has been taking part in the program.  
 
Trustee Caporale expressed deep respect for Veterans and their service. He attended Coffee with the Trustees and engaged in positive interactions with patrons. He attended his first Strategic Planning Committee meeting.  
 
RAILS – Trustee Mueller
 
Trustee Mueller noted an excellent article on Girls Who Code clubs in the RAILS newsletter. 
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
 
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Pye seconded that:  
 
The October 16, 2023 Library Board Meeting minutes; the October 30, 2023 Strategic Planning Committee Meeting minutes; and the November 2, 2023 Personnel Committee Meeting minutes be approved. 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Discussion included two minor corrections in the Regular Board Meeting Minutes. 
 
APPROVAL OF BILLS
 
Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that: 
 
The Library Board approve the October 2023 Bill List. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale 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 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 be an Executive Session under Section 2(c), (21): Discussion of minutes of closed meetings. 
 
PRESENTATION OF FY2022-2023 AUDIT REPORT FROM ATA GROUP, LLP, CPAS & ADVISORS
 
ATA Group LLP Accounting Managing Partner Raj Nagaraja introduced himself and noted a clean audit report. He gave a brief overview of the written audit report, noting healthy cash funds and investments. He shared that the audit ran smoothly and Finance Department staff were helpful throughout the process. 
 
Discussion included praise from the Trustees and Executive Director Miskewitch on the performance of Finance Director Beth Valenziano. 
 
STUDENT ADVISORY TRUSTEE REPORT
 
SAT Jamie Caracas presented an updated presentation highlighting upcoming Library events has been shared with school librarians and career counselors. SAT Caracas expressed interest in having a Library pop-up event at one of the local high schools’ basketball games. 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT
 
Trustee Seyring noted the holiday lights on the building look very nice. She worked the Library’s table for a Halloween event at Woodfield mall. Trustee Seyring attended Coffee with the Trustees and interacted with German students visiting the Library. Trustee Bernas called attention to information on checkout receipts, noting the value of items borrowed. Trustee Seyring attended a Sister City event in Hoffman Estates and the Toast of Schaumburg.  
 
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
 
Executive Director Miskewitch highlighted Trustee training opportunities in her report. She will be attending an event honoring Senator Murphy at the Des Plaines Library. Director Miskewitch requested Trustees consider attending the North Suburban Legislative Forum in December. She and Deputy Director Scheibler attended the Urban Libraries Council (ULC) Conference in Seattle where they learned about the growing loneliness people are experiencing and the role libraries can play. Trustee Pye congratulated IT Director Jason Santos’ 27 years of service.  
 
DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
 
Deputy Director Scheibler noted the Washington Post will be available online for patrons in December. She shared that the two Assistant Branch Manager positions have been filled. Deputy Director Scheibler attended the ULC conference. She enjoyed the Library’s Halloween Hoopla event, which was popular and well attended. She provided an update on the Person in Charge (PIC) group.  
 
DEPARTMENT REPORT
 
Access Services & Circulation – Aaron Bock
 
Access Services & Interim Circulation Director Aaron Bock provided an overview of improvements to services and processes in both departments over the past year and plans for the upcoming year. 
 
COMMITTEE REPORTS
 
Strategic Planning Committee – Chair Pye 
Committee members reviewed year two of the Strategic Plan and discussed next goals, including a Trustee retreat with a tentative date of January 13, 2024. 
 
Personnel Committee – Chair Forte 
Executive Director Miskewitch spoke on behalf of Chair Forte, who was absent. The members discussed joining the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) and the impact this would have on recruitment and retention of employees. Foutaindale Public Library Director Paul Mills attended the meeting and discussed the process, benefits and challenges of joining IMRF.  
 
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
 
None 
 
NEW BUSINESS
 
Approval of Payment to Interiors for Business, Inc. in the amount of $31,575.35 
Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded that the Board approve payment to Interiors for Business, Inc. in the amount of $31,575.35.

Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.   
 
Approval of Payment to Agati Furniture in the amount of $91,796.23 
Trustee Caporale moved and Trustee Pye seconded that the Board approve payment to Agati Furniture in the amount of $91,796.23. 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.   
 
Discussion included the Library name being misspelled on the invoice. The vendor will be notified. 
 
Approval of Payment to Midwest Mechanical in the amount of $58,559.00   
Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to Midwest Mechanical in the amount of $58,559.00.   
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Discussion included the future redaction of sensitive financial information included on invoices. 
 
Approval of Payment to Titanium Technologies in the amount of $31,116.84 
 
Trustee Pye moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to Titanium Technologies in the amount of $31,116.84. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Approval of Payment to Hallett Movers in the amount of $95,265.00 
Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to Hallett Movers in the amount of $95,265.00. 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale 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 $139,610.96 
Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded that the Board approve payment to L.J. Morse Construction Company in the amount of $139,610.96. 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Approval of Payment to LaForce, LLC in the amount of $32,962.12 
Trustee Caporale moved and Trustee Pye seconded that the Board approve payment to LaForce, LLC in the amount of $32,962.12. 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Discussion included out-of-state notarization a document for a company operating in Illinois. Executive Director Miskewitch will provide clarification. 
 
Approval of Payment to Krueger International, Inc. in the amount of $139,876.68 
 
Trustee Pye moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded that the Board approve payment to Krueger International, Inc. in the amount of $139,876.68. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Approval of Payment to Diverzify Pro, LLC in the amount of $71,784.47 
 
Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Bernas seconded that the Board approve payment to Diverzify Pro, LLC in the amount of $71,784.47. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Approval of Payment to Warren F. Thomas Plumbing Company in the amount of $66,332.47 
 
Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded that the Board approve payment to Warren F. Thomas Plumbing Company in the amount of $66,332.47. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale 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 $133,748.23 
 
Trustee Caporale moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to Jensen’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in the amount of $133,748.23. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale 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 $111,705.76 
 
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to Airport Electric Company in the amount of $111,705.76. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Approval of Payment to Featherstone, Inc. in the amount of $54,627.80 
 
Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to Featherstone, Inc. in the amount of $54,627.80. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Approval of updated Vacation Leave Policy for 2024
 
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Mueller seconded to approve the updated Vacation Leave Policy for 2024. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Approval of Proposed Building Closures for 2024 at all locations 
 
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Mueller seconded to approve proposed building closures for 2024 at all locations. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Approval of Library Regular Board Meeting Schedule for 2024 
 
Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded to approve the Library Regular Board Meeting Schedule for 2024. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Approval of Library Committee Meeting Schedule for 2023-2024 
 
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Pye seconded to approve the Library Committee Meeting Schedule for 2023-2024. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
Review of updated Capital Assets Policy 
 
The Board reviewed and discussed the updated Capital Assets Policy. 
 
Review of updated Service Animal Policy 
 
The Board reviewed and discussed the updated Service Animal Policy. 
 
Review of Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA) 
 
The Board reviewed and discussed the Paid Leave for All Workers Act (PLAWA). 
 
EXECUTIVE SESSION 
 
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that: 
 
The Library Board enter Executive Session at 7:49 P.M. 
 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
 
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that: 
 
The Library Board exit Executive Session at 7:54 P.M. 
 
The motion passed unanimously.   
 
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded the approval of the April 17, 2023 Executive Session minutes as presented. 
Roll Call Vote:  
 
Trustee Gilbert Yes 
Trustee Bernas Yes              
Trustee Caporale Yes 
Trustee Mueller Yes 
Trustee Pye  Yes 
Trustee Seyring Yes 
 
The motion passed unanimously.  
 
ADJOURNMENT
 
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that: 
 
The Library Board adjourn regular session at 7:55 P.M. 
 
The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.