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LIBRARY BOARD MEETING
Monday, January 21, 2019
Central Library Conference Room
7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT
Anita Forte-Scott, President; Gerald Bromley, Vice-President/Secretary; Theresa Seyring, Treasurer; Jillian Bernas; Hannah Hyman; David Jonen; Julie Wroblewski Bosshart
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT
None
STUDENT TRUSTEES PRESENT
Alisa Gandhi, Matthew Williams
OTHERS PRESENT
Amber Creger, Emily Gilbert, Justine Gilbert, Monica Harris, Kathy Morgan, Kate Niehoff, Katherine Sawyer, Joanne Schultz, Hollis Sienkiewicz, Bobbi Sloan, Magan Szwarek, Lori Teipel, Annie Tillmann, Beth Valenziano.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
BOARD COMMENTS
Trustee Hyman introduced some friends to the Schaumburg Library and enjoyed showing off the facilities.
Trustee Bernas thanked Executive Director Harris and Deputy Director Miskewitch for including the trustees in the upcoming community events and appreciates representing the Library at events like Good Morning Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates’ Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast.
Vice-President Bromley attended the Hoffman Estates Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast and enjoyed the event.
Trustee Wroblewski Bosshart was excited to receive a newly redesigned Library card when renewing her card recently. She also completed the Winter Challenge and noted that her book club utilizes the Book Club in a Bag and feels that its underutilized and suggests finding ways to let patrons know about this resource. Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart also asked if this particular resource might be renewable. Finally, she asked about a recently distributed employee survey and hopes the trustees can hear more about it. Executive Director Harris gave some more information about this survey, noting that Library management is continuing to look at constantly improving internal communications and our workplace culture and it will be an ongoing, long-term process to ensure we continue to improve our organization for our staff. This survey is part of that process.
Treasurer Seyring also appreciates invitations to community events and was glad to attend the Good Morning Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates Martin Luther King Jr. Breakfast events.
President Forte-Scott noted that the next upcoming event is the Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce Celebration of Excellence Awards.
RAILS - Ms. Hyman
None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Jonen seconded that:
The December 17, 2018 Regular Board Minutes be approved.
Discussion included correction of typos.
The motion passed unanimously.
APPROVAL OF BILLS
Trustee Hyman moved and Treasurer Seyring seconded that:
The Library Board approve the December 2018 Bill List.
Roll Call Vote:
Ms. Bernas Yes
Mr. Bromley Yes
Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart Yes
Mrs. Seyring Yes
Ms. Hyman Yes
Mr. Jonen Yes
Ms. Forte-Scott Yes
ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO AGENDA
There will be an Executive Session to discuss appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees; and litigation, when an action against, affecting or on behalf of the Library has been filed or is pending.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Forte-Scott shared a written report.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Executive Director Monica Harris welcomed new staff member, Communications Associate Justine Gilbert. Justine introduced herself, noting her background is in journalism and libraries. She also works at the Marengo-Union Library.
Ms. Harris called attention to upcoming community events listed in her written report. Trustees interested in attending any events should notify Ms. Harris.
Ms. Harris reviewed statistics highlighted in her report. She also noted that a 5-year review of statistics will be coming up at the end of the 2018-19 fiscal year.
Next month, Ms. Harris will have a report to assess upcoming potential repairs and their costs to assist trustees in planning a course for any proposed renovations in the coming fiscal year.
The Library launched auto-renewal recently and has already received positive feedback about this new service. The Library also launched Teen Book Boxes – a subscription service for teens.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Deputy Director Miskewitch reviewed building improvements, including new water fountains that have been replaced at the Central Library and will be replaced at the branches.
Ms. Miskewitch noted Hanover Park Branch Manager Gail Tobin has been asked to join the Hanover Park Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census.
Ms. Miskewitch highlighted some recent technology updates, including credit card swipes on the copy machines.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Community Engagement, Programs – Kate Niehoff
Programs and Outreach Manager Kate Niehoff reviewed her written report, highlighting accomplishments in Library-wide and all ages events, exhibits and general interest adult programs.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
None
STUDENT ADVISORY REPORTS
Alisa Gandhi and Matthew Williams reviewed their written report, highlighting progress on their goals and school-specific updates. Alisa noted that she signed up for Teen Book Box and is enjoying the first book staff selected for her. They are also excited to reach out to the Hoffman Estates High School library staff as that facility is set to reopen soon.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Treasurer Seyring reviewed the financial reports, noting changes in investment performance and account balances. She also noted industry recommendations for expenses and reserves based on age of buildings and other factors. Ms. Seyring reviewed expenses, highlighting a few line items and why they are above or below budget at this time.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
Review of the Executive Director Evaluation Form
These forms are included in the packet for review. Please share any comments or feedback with President Forte-Scott. The official forms will be distributed at the February meeting, to be returned on or before the March meeting. Ms. Forte-Scott will compile all the information and the Board will hold an executive session in April to review the completed forms.
Approval of Professional Development Expenses of $1,675.00 for Electronic Resources and Libraries Conference in March 2019.
Trustee Wroblewski Bosshart moved and Trustee Hyman seconded that the Board approve the Professional Development Expenses of $1,675.00 for Electronic Resources and Libraries Conference in March 2019.
The motion passed unanimously.
Approval of Waiver of Bid for sole source KI Furniture for lounge chairs and seating chairs in the amount of $69,250.50.
Trustee Hyman moved and Trustee Jonen seconded that the Board approve the waiver of bid for sole source KI Furniture for lounge chairs and seating chairs in the amount of $69,250.50.
Discussion included reminder of how this furniture will be used, how this fits into overall plans to update the Library and long-term usage of the second floor.
Roll call vote:
Ms. Bernas Yes
Mr. Bromley Yes
Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart Yes
Mrs. Seyring Yes
Ms. Hyman Yes
Mr. Jonen Yes
Ms. Forte-Scott Yes
The motion passed unanimously.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Jonen seconded that:
The Library Board exit the open session at 7:59 P.M.
Roll call vote:
Ms. Bernas Yes
Mr. Bromley Yes
Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart Yes
Mrs. Seyring Yes
Ms. Hyman Yes
Mr. Jonen Yes
Ms. Forte-Scott Yes
The motion passed unanimously.
Trustee Bernas moved and Trustee Hyman seconded that:
The Library Board enter Executive Session at 8:02 P.M.
Roll call vote:
Ms. Bernas Yes
Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart Yes
Mr. Bromley Yes
Mrs. Seyring Yes
Ms. Hyman Yes
Mr. Jonen Yes
Ms. Forte-Scott Yes
The motion passed unanimously.
Trustee Wroblewski Bosshart moved and Trustee Jonen seconded that:
The Library Board re-enter Regular Session at 8:38 P.M.
Roll call vote:
Ms. Bernas Yes
Mrs. Wroblewski Bosshart Yes
Mr. Bromley Yes
Mrs. Seyring Yes
Ms. Hyman Yes
Mr. Jonen Yes
Ms. Forte-Scott Yes
The motion passed unanimously.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Wroblewski Bosshart moved and Trustee Jonen seconded that:
The Library Board adjourn regular session at 8:40 P.M.
The motion passed unanimously.