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Monday, December 18, 2023
Central Library
6:00 P.M., Workshop
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.
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
None
STUDENT ADVISORY TRUSTEES PRESENT
Muhammad Arshad and Jamie Caracas
OTHERS PRESENT
Michael Cannon, Julie Doren, David Hardt, Jessica Harren, Erin Hemmer, Leslie Jaeger, River
Cook Needham, Paul Piraino, Jason Santos, Molly Scheibler, Candace Scott, Hollis Sienkiewicz,
Erin Stevenson, Beth Valenziano and Kristin Wunder.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments were heard.
BOARD COMMENTS
Trustee Bernas acknowledged the legacy of sculptor and artist Richard Hunt. She expressed her
appreciation to Kate Niehoff as she leaves for another opportunity, as she was integral in moving
the Mental Health Committee Signature Event – Minds Matter to the Library moving forward.
Trustee Bernas supported an omnibus format for relevant approvals to start at the next board
meeting. She found value in the article Trustee Tips – 10 Things That Make a Great Board.
Trustee Caporale commented it was nice to celebrate the holiday season with the employees and
commemorate the service years of the employees. He expressed appreciation for all staff do
throughout the year. He stated the Trustee Tips article was insightful.
Trustee Pye expressed gratitude to all who were present and to all who commented on the
Facebook post and subsequent events, that she found to be deeply troubling. Trustee Pye called
attention to the passing of artist and sculptor Richard Hunt, who was commissioned by former
President Obama to create a sculpture for his Presidential library. She noted that the First Lady of
Illinois proclaimed April 24, 2024, Richard Hunt Day.
Trustee Gilbert commented on Kate Niehoff’s departure for her new position at RAILS. She
expressed she frequently calls attention to LGBTQ issues at regular board meetings, and recent
Facebook posts regarding the LGBTQ+ 101 program are extremely upsetting. Trustee Gilbert
continued that the hateful comments attacking the queer community and the Library disgusted her,
including those aimed at a former staff member who was pictured in the post. She found it
heartening to see comments in support of the queer community and such library programming, and
has deeply felt the impact of this.
Trustee Forte expressed her thanks to all who attended the meeting and acknowledged their
strength for commenting. She remarked that the Library is taking recent events seriously and is
working on a resolution. Trustee Forte is saddened to hear of the passing of sculptor Richard Hunt.
She extended wishes of peace and care for Executive Director Miskewitch and her family during
this hard time. Trustee Forte extended well wishes to Kate Niehoff on her new position at RAILS.
Trustee Mueller echoed her fellow Trustees in thanking the attendees for voicing their concerns.
She noted the Trustees have deep concerns, are taking their comments seriously and addressing it.
Trustee Mueller is very hurt by recent events. She wished Kate Niehoff well in her new position
at RAILS. Trustee Mueller is keeping Executive Director Miskewitch in her thoughts and prayers
as she goes through this difficult time and wished her fellow Trustees happy holidays and new
year in 2024.
RAILS – Trustee Mueller
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that:
The November 13, 2023 Library Board Meeting minutes be approved.
Trustee Forte abstained as she was not in attendance at the November Board Meeting.
The motion passed.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Trustee Pye moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded that:
The Library Board approve the November 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 a charge for Metropolitan Family Services, architectural firm Product, LLC
and reimbursement to Trustee Gilbert for the ALA conference in October.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Trustee Gilbert reviewed the financial reports, making note of balances in the various funds. On
the balance sheet, the General Fund increased by approximately $2.5 million due to revenues
exceeding expenses. 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 questions about investments and charitable contributions.
ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA
The SAT report will be before the President’s Report. There will be no Executive Session.
STUDENT ADVISORY TRUSTEE REPORT
SATs Muhammad Arshad and Jamie Caracas presented an update on the pop-up table scheduled
for January 12 at Schaumburg High School. The Trustees thanked SAT Jamie Caracas for her
service.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Trustee Seyring attended a ceremony at the Des Plaines Library honoring State Senator Laura
Murphy’s work for public libraries. She acknowledged the passing of sculptor Richard Hunt and
his body of work. She thanked the staff for including Trustees at the Library holiday party and
expressed best wishes to Kate Niehoff in her new role at RAILS.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Deputy Director Scheibler shared highlights from the November 2023 Director’s Report.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Deputy Director Scheibler shared highlights from the November 2023 Public Services Report and
Deputy Director’s Report. Trustees commented on a partnership with the Township of
Schaumburg deaf services, a donation of OBOC books to SD54, the Hoffman Estates Branch
Manager position and the Illinois State Poetry Society’s Student Contest on February 28.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Art Committee – Chair Seyring
Committee members are pursuing a donor wall and a plaque honoring Richard Hunt.
SAT Committee – Chair Gilbert
Committee members recommend no further board member involvement. Discussion included
adjustments to SAT terms, the decision for discontinuing board member involvement and the
dissolution of the SAT Committee.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Review of Serving Our Public 4.0 Standards for Illinois Public Libraries, 2019
The Board reviewed Serving Our Public 4.0 Standards for Illinois Public Libraries, 2019.
Review of the Illinois Public Library FY2024 Per Capita Grant application
The Board reviewed and discussed the Illinois Public Library FY2024 Per Capita Grant
application.
Review of Employee Handbook Updates
The Board reviewed and discussed Employee Handbook updates.
Discussion included the employee Sunshine Fund.
Approval of Paid Leave Act for All Workers Act (PLAWA)
Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Forte seconded that the Board approve the Paid Leave Act
for All Workers Act (PLAWA).
The motion passed unanimously.
Discussion included anticipated changes and the impact of the 2024 Leap Year.
Approval of updated Capital Assets Policy
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Mueller seconded to approve the updated Capital Assets
Policy.
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 updated Service Animal Policy
Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Pye seconded to approve the updated Service Animal Policy.
The motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Payment to Midwest Mechanical in the amount of $65,207.25
Trustee Forte moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to Midwest
Mechanical in the amount of $65,207.25.
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 that the funds are intended for the Hoffman Estates Branch.
Approval of Payment to Library Furniture International, LLC in the amount of $147,247.50
Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Forte seconded that the Board approve payment to Library
Furniture International, LLC in the amount of $147,247.50.
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 Interiors for Business, Inc. in the amount of $104,798.00
Trustee Forte moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to Interiors
for Business, Inc. in the amount of $104,798.00.
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 Payment to L.J. Morse Construction Company in the amount of $100,539.68
Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Gilbert seconded that the Board approve payment to L.J.
Morse Construction Company in the amount of $100,539.68.
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 Prime Architectural Metal and Glass in the amount of $30,987.00
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Caporale seconded that the Board approve payment to Prime
Architectural Metal and Glass in the amount of $30,987.00.
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 Payment to Diverzify Pro, LLC in the amount of $34,910.15
Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Bernas seconded that the Board approve payment to
Diverzify Pro, LLC in the amount of $34,910.15.
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 Integrated Specialty Contractors, LLC in the amount of
$255,715.65
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to
Integrated Specialty Contractors, LLC in the amount of $255,715.65.
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 Ascher Brothers Co, Inc. in the amount of $30,559.50
Trustee Pye moved and Trustee Forte seconded that the Board approve payment to Ascher
Brothers Co, Inc. in the amount of $30,559.50.
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 Jensen’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in the amount of $60,002.41
Trustee Gilbert moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to
Jensen’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc. in the amount of $60,002.41.
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 Payment to Airport Electric Company in the amount of $176,182.58
Trustee Caporale moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to
Airport Electric Company in the amount of $176,182.58.
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 Applied Communications Group, Inc. in the amount of $87,127.29
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that the Board approve payment to Applied
Communications Group, Inc. in the amount of $87,127.29.
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 $54,627.20
Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Gilbert 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.
Approval of Resolution 2023-2024-1 for the Public Library Construction Grant
Trustee Mueller moved and Trustee Forte seconded to approve Resolution 2023-2024-1 for the
Public Library Construction Grant.
The motion passed unanimously.
Discussion included clarification of the resolution and use of construction grant funds.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Mueller seconded that:
The Library Board adjourn regular session at 7:27 P.M.
The motion passed unanimously by voice vote.