The Regular Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees January 15, 2026.
CALL TO ORDER
President Magnelli, called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Magnelli, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Zaporowicz-Short.
ABSENT: Magnuson.
Also Present: Wittmann, Furfori, Sciaccotta, Stam, V. Bitters, Clark, Rachlin, R. Short, S. Short.
RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
Sarah Short, Bob Short, and Jamie Rachlin were recognized as visitors. A brief “Go Mom” was offered by Sarah Short. The Shorts departed the meeting at 7:39 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no comments from the public.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Krebs, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD DECEMBER 10, 2025 BE APPROVED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.
Trustee Ringelstein moved, seconded by Trustee Krebs, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD DECEMBER 11, 2025 BE APPROVED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.
Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD DECEMBER 18, 2025 BE APPROVED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.
Trustee Parent moved, Seconded by Trustee Ringelstein, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 18, 2025 REGULAR BOARD MEETING BE APPROVED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Director Wittmann reported that we began receiving tax money. We received a 20% initial payout from the county, and my sources say that the rest of the “fall” money should begin rolling in over the next couple of weeks. They are supposed to release more money by January 20.
She also reported that we are on target for spending at this half point in the fiscal year, with the exception of our attorney bills. We are at 75% spent out. With the remodeling project and needing attorney reviews for contracts and agreements, we will likely overspend in this category.
APPROVAL OF CURRENT BILLS
Trustee Ross moved, seconded by trustee Parent, THAT REGULAR PARKWAY CHECKS 32265 THROUGH 32312 TOTALING $142,901.93 FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY; MANUAL PAYMENTS TOTALING $21,984.04 FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER; DECEMBER NET WAGES TOTALING $156,295.22; DECEMBER PAYROLL TAXES IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,879.16; AND DECEMBER IMRF GOV ONE DEBIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,323.67. A Roll Call vote on the motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Ross, Ringelstein, Krebs, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Magnuson. The motion carried.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Island Withing A City—
The Island Within a City Committee met tonight to discuss the process of the book. Director Wittmann reported that Jennifer Storelli, Julie, and she have gone through several rounds of edits on the book, and they feel it is ready for the first Committee review of the manuscript. She would like the Committee to read through the whole thing and offer feedback by February 1st.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Remodeling Plans for Various Ares of the Library—Jamie Rachlin Presentation—
Jamie has served as the library’s financial advisor for more than 20 years. He remarked that it was great to be back at the library and to see many familiar faces. He noted that it was interesting to reflect on the financial plan developed 20 years ago. Jamie reviewed approximately $2.5 million in anticipated capital improvements, noting that additional needs will continue to arise as the building ages.
He reported that the library is in a very strong financial position. The operating fund balance is close to 100%, fully unrestricted, and readily accessible. Jamie explained that while this is a strong position, maintaining a fund balance above 100% may require reassessment. He advised that a range between 50% and 100% is ideal, emphasizing that dropping below 50% would be concerning. With an average operating income of approximately $4.5 million, the library has sufficient cash on hand to operate comfortably.
Jamie noted that debt service payments will be fully paid off in 2027. While surplus funds can be accumulated, there are limits to how much should be retained. Over the past several years, library revenue has ranged between $4.8 million and $5.6 million, while expenses have increased. Net ordinary income averages about $4.5 million annually, which has contributed to growth in the fund balance. Overall, he emphasized that the library is financially strong.
Jamie outlined three potential funding options for the capital improvements: using all cash, borrowing funds, or a combination of cash and debt. He noted that interest earned on retained cash can partially offset the cost of borrowing. He advised against borrowing for more than five years.
Using all cash would require drawing $2.5 million from the operating fund balance and special reserve fund, though replenishment could begin immediately. Jamie cautioned that this approach would create a somewhat stressful year financially. Borrowing the full amount would allow the library to continue operating as it has for the past 20 years, maintaining the status quo. He noted that interest rates are trending downward and that the library could likely secure a variable-rate loan by bidding the project out to multiple banks.
Jamie also explained that the library can continue transferring funds into the special reserve, even while carrying debt, allowing the reserve to continue growing. As an alternative, he presented a hybrid option, using part cash and part debt, such as borrowing $1.5 million with debt service paid off over three years.
He emphasized that there is no single “right” answer and that each option has tradeoffs. Using all cash would provide peace of mind sooner and could allow increased income to support materials, programming, or staffing. Using debt allows interest earnings on unspent cash to partially offset borrowing costs.
Jamie reiterated that the library is in excellent financial condition.
During discussion, Trustee Krebs asked about differences between three-year and five-year loan terms. Jamie responded that the rates would not differ significantly, with the five-year term potentially being slightly lower. Director Wittmann expressed greater comfort with using debt service in order to maintain a financial cushion and preserve funds in the special reserve.
Trustee Magnelli raised concerns about loan interest rates. Jamie stated that loan size would not significantly affect the rate and that bids would be solicited from multiple banks, with final approval requiring a board vote. He noted that the current market rate is approximately 4% and that the library’s tax-exempt status is advantageous.
Trustee Parent expressed dissatisfaction with the idea of a variable-rate loan. Jamie noted that the library has earned approximately $90,000 in interest so far this year, with about 90% already collected, though he cautioned that interest earnings will decline over time. Trustee Magnelli suggested that a hybrid cash-and-debt approach may be a good option, and Director Wittmann agreed. Trustee Magnelli requested additional time to review the numbers more closely. Trustee Parent also requested a copy of Jamie’s presentation.
Finally, Jamie advised timing any borrowing approximately 60–90 days before the project goes out to bid.
Jamie Rachlin left the meeting at 8:23 P.M.
Per Capita FY2026—
The Per Capita FY2026 is due on January 30, 2026. Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Zaporowicz-Short, TO APPLY FOR THE FY2026 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 “ILLINOIS PUBLIC LIBRARY STANDARDS” 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 voice vote was taken and the motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Community Kindness Day—
Director Wittmann reported that Community Kindness Day will take place on Saturday, April 25. Trustee Ringelstein provided an update on the Kindness Committee’s planning efforts, noting that the committee is just getting started and has several new ideas in development that are not yet ready to be shared. Director Wittmann added that the library is planning a variety of activities for the event, including a craft and puzzle swap, Kindness Bingo, EcoShip, and a “Blind Date with a Book.” The Social Services team will also coordinate a community cleanup, similar to last year’s event.
Rethink Projects, LLC Proposal for Interior Renovation—
Director Wittmann reported that the proposal is from Justin Pathmann’s project management firm. He gave the Board the presentation last month. He did include his fees in the budget number that were presented to the Board last month. Trustee Ross moved, seconded by trustee Zaporowicz-Short, TO APPROVE THE PROPSAL FROM RETHINK PROJECTS, LLC FOR INTERIOR RENOVATION. A Roll Call vote on the motion was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Ross, Ringelstein, Krebs, Parent, Zaporowicz-Short. NAYS None. ABSENT Magnuson. The motion carried.
Disposal of Surplus Library Personal Property—
Trustee Parent moved, Seconded by Trustee Krebs TO APPROVE THE DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS LIBRARY PERSONAL PROPERTY. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.
IRS Mileage Rate—
The IRS has changed the mileage reimbursement from .70 cents to 72.5 cents per mile.
Six Month Raise-Sabrina Wilks—
Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Parent, TO APPROVE AN INCREASE TO SABRINA WILKS’ HOURLY WAGE FROM $15.00 TO $15.45 EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2026. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.
Annual Raises-Brian Valesh, Ceylan Yildiz—
Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, TO APPROVE AN INCREASE TO BRIAN VALESH’S SALARY FROM $54,590.00 TO $56,227.70 AND AN INCREASE TO CEYLAN YILDIZ’S HOURLY WAGE FROM $18.54 TO $19.10 EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2026. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.
Personnel Changes—
There were no personnel changes this month.
Any Other Business—
There was no other business.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Wittmann’s Librarian report was discussed as items occurred on the agenda. She reported that she received the AIA agreement from the architects and they were sent to the attorney for review. She also reported that she and some managers would be meeting with the architects and Justin Pathmann on January 27th. Attorney Friker reviewed the AIA document and he created a rider and it was sent to the architect.
COMMUNICATIONS
Thank you note from the Family of Gus Magnelli.
FOIA request from Bill Meyer requesting complete and unredacted copies of the following records relating to burglar alarm, fire alarm, and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems installed, monitored, maintained, inspected, serviced, or otherwise provided for facilities owned, leased, or operated by the public body.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
There were no announcements
ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Ross moved, Seconded by Trustee Parent, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM
