The Regular Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees December 16, 2021
CALL TO ORDER
President Braun called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun.
Absent:
Also Present: Wittmann, Bacarella, V. Bitters, Blubaugh, Furfori, Lewis, Stam, Tomzik, Sciaccotta, McPhillips (7:32 P.M.), and Attorney Anne M. Skrodzki.
COVID DECLARATION
Declaration by the Board President that a fully in-person meeting is not Practical or Prudent because of COVID.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no comments from the public.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Trustee Parent, moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE PUBLIC HEARING HELD NOVEMBER 18, 2021 BE APPROVED. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried. Trustee Ross, moved, seconded by Trustee Krebs, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 18, 2021 BE APPROVED. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
CLOSED SESSION
Security procedures and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employees, students, staff, the public, or public property — Closed Session —
A motion was made by Trustee Parent seconded by Trustee Ross, TO CONVENE AT 7:34 P.M. TO DISCUSS SECURITY PROCEDURES AND THE USE OF PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT TO RESPOND TO AN ACTUAL, A THREATENED, OR REASONABLY POTENTIAL DANGER TO THE SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES, STUDENTS, STAFF, THE PUBLIC, OR PUBLIC PROPERTY. A roll call vote was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried. A motion was made by Trustee Parent, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, TO RECONVENE THE REGULAR MEETING AT 8:20 P.M A roll call vote was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Director Wittmann advised that the budget looks good.
APPROVAL OF CURRENT BILLS
Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, THAT REGULAR PARKWAY CHECKS 28935 THROUGH 28992 TOTALING $82,553.29 FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER; MANUAL PAYMENTS TOTALING $11,760.56 FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER; MANUAL CHECKS 28929 THROUGH 28934 TOTALING $2,028.34 FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER; VOID CHECKS 28909, 28915; NOVEMBER NET WAGES TOTALING $106,413.07 NOVEMBER PAYROLL TAXES IN THE AMOUNT OF $44,395.57; AND NOVEMBER IMRF GOV ONE DEBIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,151.25. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
There were no committee reports.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Audit FY2020-2021—
ATA Group LLC in association with McClure, Inserra & Company, Chartered, filed our Taxing Districts’ Financial Statements and Disclosures with the Cook County Treasurer in compliance with the County’s Debt Disclosure Ordinance.The audit was filed with the State of Illinois Comptroller. Chapman and Cutler filed the 2021 CDU Annual Financial Information and Audit with EMMA.
Per Capita FY2022—
The Per Capita FY2022 is due on January 15, 2022. The Board read all of Serving Our Public 4.0 Standards for Illinois Public Libraries. Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Krebs, TO APPLY FOR THE FY2022 PER CAPITA GRANT AND TO EXPEND THE FUNDS RECEIVED FOR THE PURPOSES OUTLINED IN THE APPLICATION, TO PROVIDE PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY BY SUPPLEMENTING THE LIBRARY’S REGULAR BUDGET. THE BOARD AFFIRMS THAT WE HAVE REVIEWED “SERVING OUR PUBLIC 4.0: STANDARDS FOR ILLINOIS PUBLIC LIBRARIES” DURING THE PREVIOUS TWELVE MONTHS AND COMPLETED ALL REQUIREMENTS OF THIS APPLICATION. THE BOARD AFFIRMS THAT TO THE BEST OF OUR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY, THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS APPLICATION IS CORRECT. A roll call vote was taken and the A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
Library Director Succession Plan—
Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, TO APPROVE THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR SUCCESSAN PLAN. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None.. The motion carried.
Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act Policy Revision—
Trustee Magnuson moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, TO APPROVE THE VICTIMS’ ECONOMIC SECURITY AND SAFETY ACT POLICY REVISION. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
Reader’s Advisory Policy Revision—
Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Krebs, TO APPROVE THE READER’S ADVISORY POLICY REVISION. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
Roof Removal and Replacement Contract- All American Exterior Solutions—
Director Wittmann reported that we heard back from the claims adjuster and he needs to get authorization from the LIRA Board and the excess insurance carrier before giving the final approval to move forward. He does not anticipate any pushback. We will table this until next month.
Strategic Planning—
Trustee Magnuson and Director Wittmann would like to suspend the discussion for this month and move forward into January. Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Parent, TO APPROVE TO SUSPEND THE DISCUSSION FOR THE STRATEGIC PLAN UNTIL JANUARY. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Covid-19 Policy Revision—
Trustee Ringelstein seconded by Trustee Magnuson, TO APPROVE THE COVID-19 POLICY REVISION. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
Required Face Coverings for Patrons, Vendors, and Visitors Policy Revision—
Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Magnelli, TO APPROVE THE REQUIRED FACE COVERINGS FOR PATRONS, VENDORS, AND VISITORS POLICY REVISION. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
Photography and Recordings Policy Revision—
Trustee Magnuson moved, seconded by Trustee Krebs, TO APPROVE THE PHOTOGRAPHY AND RECORDINGS POLICY SUBJECT TO THE REVISIONS AS DISCUSSED. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
Director’s Annual Evaluation—Closed Session—
Appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body.—Closed Session—
A motion was made by Trustee Magnelli seconded by Trustee Magnuson, TO CONVENE CLOSED (EXECUTIVE) SESSION 5 ILCS 120/2 (c) (1) AT 8:40 P.M. TO DISCUSS THE APPOINTMENT, EMPLOYMENT, COMPENSATION, DISCIPLINE, PERFORMANCE, OR DISMISSAL OF SPECIFIC EMPLOYEES OF THE PUBLIC BODY. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Krebs, Ross, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried. A motion was made by Trustee Ross and, seconded by Trustee Krebs, TO RECONVENE THE REGULAR MEETING AT 7:53 P.M. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
Director’s Annual Merit Raise—
Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Parent, THAT DIRECTOR WITTMANN’S YEARLY RATE BE INCREASED FROM $118,520.00 TO $122,100.00. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
Annual Merit Raise Recommendations—
Director Wittmann presented the annual raises, most of which are salary adjustments based on the new wage scale reflecting the minimum wage increase. Managers recommended merit increases for employees whose salaries are unaffected by the salary adjustments. Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, TO APPROVE THE ANNUAL RAISES AS PRESENTED EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2022. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
Personnel Changes—
There were no personnel changes.
Review Minutes of Closed Sessions—
The Board reviewed the minutes of the closed sessions held November 16 (2), and December 21, 2000; January 18 (1), and March 22, 2001; February 21, 2002 (2); February 19 (2) and (3), March 18 (2), (3) and (4), April 8, and June 17, 2004 (1); January 20 (2), May 19 (2), and October 20, 2005; October 21, 2010; February 17, and December 15, 2011; April 19, May 17, July 19, and December 20, 2012; September 19, 2013, October 17, 2013, November 6, 2013, November 21, 2013, December 5, 2013, December 19, 2013, February 20, 2014 (1), May 15, 2014 (1), June 19, 2014 (1), July 17, 2014 (1), Nov. 20, 2014, Dec. 18, 2014 (1), January 15, 2015 (1), May 21, 2015, November 17, 2015, January 21, 2016, May 19, 2016, July 21, 2016, October 20, 2016, December 15, 2016 (1), December 15, 2016 (2)March 16, 2017, November 12, 2020. It was determined that the need for confidentiality still exists for these closed sessions pertaining to the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal and pending litigation of a specific employee. 5ILCS 120.2 (C) (1). The Board also reviewed the minutes of the closed session held April 21, 2016, November 15, 2018, June 20, 2019, July 15, 2021, August 19, 2021, August 26, 2021, September 9, 2021, and September 16, 2021. It was determined that the need for confidentiality still exists for these closed sessions pertaining to the selection of a person to fill public office. 5ILCS 120.2 (C) (3). The Board also reviewed the minutes of the closed sessions held April 20, July 20, August 17 and November 16, 2006; May 10, 2007; February 19, March 19, 2009 and January 20, and August 25, 2011; and January 19, and December 20, 2012; January 17, 2013; August 8, 2013, March 29, 2015, April 16, 2015, May 21, 2015. It was determined that the need for confidentiality still exists for these closed sessions pertaining to the setting of a price for sale or lease of property owned by the Library. 5ILCS 120.2 (C) (6). The Board also reviewed the minutes of closed sessions held February 20, 2014, April 17, 2014, May 15, 2014, June 19, 2014, July 17, 2014, August 14, 2014, September 18, 2014, October 16, 2014, November 20, 2014, Dec. 18, 2014, January 15, 2015, and February 19, 2015, November 12, 2020. It was determined that the need for confidentiality still exists for these closed sessions pertaining to the probable or imminent litigation on behalf of the Library District. 5ILCS 120.2 (C) (11). The Board also reviewed the minutes of closed session held May 17, 2018, August 16, 2018, and October 18, 2018, July 18, 2019, October 17, 2019. It was determined that the need for confidentiality still exists for these closed sessions pertaining to the security procedures and the use of personnel and equipment to respond to an actual, a threatened, or a reasonably potential danger to the safety of employee, students, staff, the public or public property 5ILCS 120.2 (C) (8). Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, THAT THE NEED FOR CONFIDENTIALITY STILL EXISTS FOR THE CLOSED SESSIONS THAT WERE PRESENTED AND THEY WILL STAY CLOSED. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.
FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY UPDATES
Julie Stam reported that the Friends had their quarterly meeting but a quorum was not present so there was no board action. In March, they will change the voting eligibility bylaws. They discussed the possibility of having a book sale in late spring. There was discussion about not taking donations. Lisa was working in the book room. They discussed that some of the funds were used to help a homeless person get to a shelter. There was general holiday socializing.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Wittmann’s Librarian report was discussed as items occurred on the agenda.
COMMUNICATIONS
FOIA request form SmartProcure requesting any and all purchasing records from 8/16/2021 to current. Letter from the Cook county Clerk advising the library of our 2021 prior year levy adjustment. Email from Lima Foxtrot in regards to the Mask policy.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Merry Christmas. Happy New Year. Happy Holidays.
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. A Roll Call Vote on the Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Magnelli, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. A Roll Call Vote on the Motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnuson, Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 9:01 P.M.
