Locations & Hours
Library Cards
(847) 985-4000
SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Virtual Meeting Via Zoom
7:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Anita Forte-Scott, President; Jillian Bernas, Vice-President/Secretary; Theresa Seyring, Treasurer; Erin Flannigan-Davies; Hannah Hyman; David Jonen; Julie Wroblewski Bosshart
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
None
STUDENT TRUSTEES PRESENT
None
OTHERS PRESENT
Adam’s iPhone, Victoria Akinde, AL, Allison Bies, Lori Bies, Amber Creger, Dina, Ed, John Ericson, Janet Glatzhofer, Jenny, Jessica, JLR614, JMC, Nancy Johnson, Julie, Kate’s iPhone, Kim, Kinnari’s iPhone, Kirsten, Frank Koncilja, Sarah Koncos, Joseph Krivosik, Amy Lazar, Lisa, me, Annie Miskewitch, Cassandra Moll, John Morgan, Kathy Morgan, Kate Niehoff, Rachel Newlin, Amy Peterson, Kathy Schuessler, Gretchen Schulz, Tammy Sekulich, Hollis Sienkiewicz, STDL’s iPad, Holly Stechly, Stephanie, Sarah Strzalka, Magan Szwarek, Lori Teipel, Gail Tobin, Beth Valenziano, vheller, Emily Vinci, (847) 946-7054
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Patron Frank Koncilja thanked the Board for allowing him to attend the meeting.
Patron Janet Glatzhofer shared her specific employment situation with the Library.
BOARD COMMENTS
Trustee Jonen had no comments.
Trustee Flannigan-Davies thanked Executive Director Miskewitch for continued communication regarding reopening plans.
Trustee Wroblewski Bosshart had no comments.
Trustee Hyman had no comments.
Trustee Seyring had no comments.
Trustee Bernans had no comments.
ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO AGENDA
None
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Forte-Scott shared that the Niles-Maine District Library recently passed an ordinance with an abatement, reducing their tax line for the second installment of property taxes as a way to extend assistance to residents of their service area. This gives back a total of $1 million to their taxpayers. Ms. Forte-Scott noted this is worth consideration and review. She also met with Executive Director Miskewitch, Finance Director Beth Valenziano and Ancel Glink representatives to discuss this possibility further. She anticipates more information will be available to share with Trustees in the coming days, which can then be discussed at the June meeting.
Discussion included where the funds for the abatement are coming from for Niles-Maine and that Finance Director Valenziano is investigating exactly how this process might work.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Miskewitch reviewed the Library’s current priorities in light of the stay-at-home order expiring. These include continuing the renovation process, launching curbside pick-up service in June, allowing patrons to return items currently checked out, and having staff return to work safely.
Ms. Miskewitch reviewed her written report, highlighting ways to safely bring staff back on-site to work. She also reviewed a survey given to libraries around the area, comparing our responses to others.
Discussion included information about quarantining returned materials, and understanding total hours worked vs. total hours available and professional development opportunities available to staff from home.
President Forte-Scott asked Ms. Miskewitch to review her recommendation of June staff compensation. 20% of employees will be scheduled 80-100% of their regularly scheduled hours, 44% of employees will be scheduled 50-80% of their regularly scheduled hours, and 36% of employees will be scheduled under 50% of their regularly scheduled hours. This is due to teams working limited shifts, designed to minimize contact. Finance Director Valenziano provided additional analysis to understand this further, which Trustees reviewed and discussed.
Executive Director Miskewitch noted some roles and responsibilities will be adjusted to ensure current needs are met. She clarified that it is still uncertain how long this revised scheduling will be in place.
Trustees requested additional details and cost analysis for the June meeting so they have as much information as possible when considering staff-related decisions moving forward.
Trustees emphasized that they do want staff returning to work in order to continue receiving compensation and benefits.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Discussion of reopening plans
Executive Director Miskewitch noted this document will continue to change as more information is available and as decisions are able to be made regarding reopening. She reviewed some main points regarding entering the next phase of reopening, slated to happen sometime in June.
Ms. Miskewitch stated she continues to review guidelines from the governor’s office so the Library can be in step with plans and timing for the state’s reopen, as appropriate and when safe.
Discussion included possible changes to the Code of Conduct once the buildings reopen to the public.
NEW BUSINESS
Approval of compensation for the budgeted hours not able to be worked due to reduced staffing plan for June 1 through June 30, 2020.
Vice-President Bernas moved and Trustee Hyman seconded the approval of compensation for the budgeted hours not able to be worked due to reduced staffing plan for June 1 through June 30, 2020.
Discussion included noting that June falls into FY19/20, where July falls in a new budget year that is not yet approved. Additionally, this aligns with reopening plans because the buildings are not
open to the public and the Library cannot provide staff with their regularly scheduled, budgeted hours to work. Trustees reiterated they would like to see details, plans and options for staff compensation moving forward.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Bernas Yes
Mrs. Seyring Yes
Ms. Flannigan-Davies Yes
Ms. Hyman Yes
Mr. Jonen Yes
Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart Yes
Ms. Forte-Scott Yes
The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Wroblewski Bosshart moved and Vice-President Bernas seconded that:
The Library Board meeting adjourn at 8:26 p.m.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Bernas Yes
Mrs. Seyring Yes
Ms. Flannigan-Davies Yes
Ms. Hyman Yes
Mr. Jonen Yes
Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart Yes
Ms. Forte-Scott Yes
The motion passed unanimously.