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Fri – Sat: 9AM to 5PM
Sun: 1PM to 5PM
4613 N Oketo Ave
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
708-867-7828

4613 N Oketo Ave, Harwood Heights, IL 60706 708-867-7828

Mon – Thur: 9AM to 9PM | Fri – Sat: 9AM to 5PM | Sun: 1PM to 5PM

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April 16, 2026 Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

by | April 18, 2026

The Regular Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees April 16, 2026.

CALL TO ORDER

President Magnelli called the meeting to order at 7:43 P.M.

ROLL CALL

Present: Magnelli, Magnuson, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short.
Present Electronically: Krebs.
Absent: Ringelstein.
Also Present: Bacarella, Furfori, V. Bitters, Clark, Lewis, McPhillips, Sciaccotta, Stam.
Absent: Wittmann.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS

There were no visitors present.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no comments from the public.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Zaporowicz-Short. THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD MARCH 19, 2026 BE APPROVED.  A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Tiffany Lewis reported that the finances are looking good and they are where they should be at this point in the fiscal year. She also advised that we started receiving tax money.  

APPROVAL OF CURRENT BILLS  

Trustee Zaporowicz-Short moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, THAT REGULAR PARKWAY CHECKS 32423 THROUGH 32471 TOTALING $116,251.15 FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL; MANUAL PAYMENTS TOTALING $23,263.42 FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH; MARCH NET WAGES TOTALING $161,998.75; MARCH PAYROLL TAXES IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,457.39; AND MARCH IMRF GOV ONE DEBIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,263.47. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Island Withing A City—
The committee met to discuss the book. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS 

Bylaws Review—
Tiffany Lewis stated that Director Wittmann would like the Board to table discussion of the Bylaws until all Trustees are present. Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson TO APPROVE TO TABLE THE BYLAWS REVIEW. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Landscaping Proposal-Earth Elements—
Tiffany Lewis reported that Tony Sciaccotta reached out to three companies and only Earth Elements responded with a proposal. Tony recommended that the Board vote to approve their proposal. Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Zaporowicz-Short. TO APPROVE THE LANDSCAPING CONTRACT FROM EARTH ELEMENTS. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

Book Designer Proposals-Alex Gilbert Design, Innovations Graphic Design, Joann Pantano—
The Trustees and Committee members conducted a straw poll during the committee meeting and agreed that Joann Pantano’s proposal was the strongest. Trustee Zaporowicz-Short moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, TO APPROVE THE BOOK DESIGNER PROPOSAL FROM JOANN PANTANO. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

Funding of Remodeling Project—
Director Wittmann was not present at the meeting but directed Tiffany to proceed as follows: Based on her recommendation, Tiffany Lewis requested that the Board vote to approve the selection of a funding option for the remodeling project. There were three options: The first option was to pay for the entire project using Special Reserves and existing cash balances, with a plan to rebuild both the cash balances and the Special Reserve fund over the following years. The second option was to issue a debt certificate for the full project amount, to be repaid over the next five years. The third option was to issue a debt certificate for a portion of the cost while covering the remaining balance with Special Reserves, with the certificate to be paid off over the next three years and the Special Reserve fund replenished thereafter.

A straw poll vote was taken and the majority agreed on the third option. The Board determined they would discuss a specific dollar amount at a later date.

Trustee Magnuson moved, seconded by Trustee Zaporowicz-Short, TO APPROVE ISSUING A DEBT CERTIFICATE FOR A PORTION OF THE COST WHILE COVERING THE REMAINING BALANCE WITH THE SPECIAL RESERVES. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

Workshop Clerk Position-Revision—
Tiffany Lewis asked the Board to vote to approve the proposed revision to the Workshop Clerk position. She reported that Director Wittmann compared the Workshop Clerk position description with those of several other libraries and found it to be aligned with comparable roles. Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, TO APPROVE THE REVISION TO THE WORKSHOP CLERK POSITION. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

Disposal of Library Surplus Property—
Trustee Zaporowicz-Short moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, TO APPROVE THE DISPOSAL OF LIBRARY SURPLUS PROPERTY. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

Personnel Changes—
There were no personal changes.

Any Other Business—
No report. 

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT  

Director Wittmann’s Librarian report was discussed as items occurred on the agenda.

COMMUNICATIONS

A FOIA request was received on Monday March 23, 2026 from Thomas Nava requesting copies of all records related to an incident that occurred on or about 1-25-2026 at or near Eisenhower Public Library parking lot near handicap spaces.

Thank you email from Ridgewood Superintendent, Jennifer Kelsall.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Statement of Economic interest has to be filed by May 1, 2026. We will receive a $15.00 fine per each filer who does not meet the deadline.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Parent, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 P.M.

Categories: Board Documents.

April 16, 2026 Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

by | April 18, 2026

The Regular Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees April 16, 2026.

CALL TO ORDER

President Magnelli called the meeting to order at 7:43 P.M.

ROLL CALL

Present: Magnelli, Magnuson, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short.
Present Electronically: Krebs.
Absent: Ringelstein.
Also Present: Bacarella, Furfori, V. Bitters, Clark, Lewis, McPhillips, Sciaccotta, Stam.
Absent: Wittmann.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS

There were no visitors present.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no comments from the public.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Zaporowicz-Short. THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD MARCH 19, 2026 BE APPROVED.  A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Tiffany Lewis reported that the finances are looking good and they are where they should be at this point in the fiscal year. She also advised that we started receiving tax money.  

APPROVAL OF CURRENT BILLS  

Trustee Zaporowicz-Short moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, THAT REGULAR PARKWAY CHECKS 32423 THROUGH 32471 TOTALING $116,251.15 FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL; MANUAL PAYMENTS TOTALING $23,263.42 FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH; MARCH NET WAGES TOTALING $161,998.75; MARCH PAYROLL TAXES IN THE AMOUNT OF $66,457.39; AND MARCH IMRF GOV ONE DEBIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,263.47. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Island Withing A City—
The committee met to discuss the book. 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS 

Bylaws Review—
Tiffany Lewis stated that Director Wittmann would like the Board to table discussion of the Bylaws until all Trustees are present. Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson TO APPROVE TO TABLE THE BYLAWS REVIEW. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Landscaping Proposal-Earth Elements—
Tiffany Lewis reported that Tony Sciaccotta reached out to three companies and only Earth Elements responded with a proposal. Tony recommended that the Board vote to approve their proposal. Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Zaporowicz-Short. TO APPROVE THE LANDSCAPING CONTRACT FROM EARTH ELEMENTS. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

Book Designer Proposals-Alex Gilbert Design, Innovations Graphic Design, Joann Pantano—
The Trustees and Committee members conducted a straw poll during the committee meeting and agreed that Joann Pantano’s proposal was the strongest. Trustee Zaporowicz-Short moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, TO APPROVE THE BOOK DESIGNER PROPOSAL FROM JOANN PANTANO. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

Funding of Remodeling Project—
Director Wittmann was not present at the meeting but directed Tiffany to proceed as follows: Based on her recommendation, Tiffany Lewis requested that the Board vote to approve the selection of a funding option for the remodeling project. There were three options: The first option was to pay for the entire project using Special Reserves and existing cash balances, with a plan to rebuild both the cash balances and the Special Reserve fund over the following years. The second option was to issue a debt certificate for the full project amount, to be repaid over the next five years. The third option was to issue a debt certificate for a portion of the cost while covering the remaining balance with Special Reserves, with the certificate to be paid off over the next three years and the Special Reserve fund replenished thereafter.

A straw poll vote was taken and the majority agreed on the third option. The Board determined they would discuss a specific dollar amount at a later date.

Trustee Magnuson moved, seconded by Trustee Zaporowicz-Short, TO APPROVE ISSUING A DEBT CERTIFICATE FOR A PORTION OF THE COST WHILE COVERING THE REMAINING BALANCE WITH THE SPECIAL RESERVES. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

Workshop Clerk Position-Revision—
Tiffany Lewis asked the Board to vote to approve the proposed revision to the Workshop Clerk position. She reported that Director Wittmann compared the Workshop Clerk position description with those of several other libraries and found it to be aligned with comparable roles. Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, TO APPROVE THE REVISION TO THE WORKSHOP CLERK POSITION. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

Disposal of Library Surplus Property—
Trustee Zaporowicz-Short moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, TO APPROVE THE DISPOSAL OF LIBRARY SURPLUS PROPERTY. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried.

Personnel Changes—
There were no personal changes.

Any Other Business—
No report. 

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT  

Director Wittmann’s Librarian report was discussed as items occurred on the agenda.

COMMUNICATIONS

A FOIA request was received on Monday March 23, 2026 from Thomas Nava requesting copies of all records related to an incident that occurred on or about 1-25-2026 at or near Eisenhower Public Library parking lot near handicap spaces.

Thank you email from Ridgewood Superintendent, Jennifer Kelsall.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Statement of Economic interest has to be filed by May 1, 2026. We will receive a $15.00 fine per each filer who does not meet the deadline.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Parent, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. A Roll Call vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Krebs, Ross, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Ringelstein. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 P.M.

Categories: Board Documents.