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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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July 17, 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

by | July 19, 2025

The Regular Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees July 17, 2025.

CALL TO ORDER

President Braun called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M.

ROLL CALL

Present: Magnelli, Ross, Ringelstein, Parent, Krebs, Magnuson, Braun.
Present Electronically: 
Absent: 
Also Present: Wittmann, Bacarella, Furfori, Lewis, McPhillips, Stam, Williams, V. Bitters (7:40 P.M.).
Also Present Electronically: Wachholder, Clark.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
Monica Wachholder was recognized.

PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE ISLAND WITHIN A CITY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD JUNE 26, 2025 BE APPROVED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Ringelstein, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD JUNE 26, 2025 BE APPROVED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Director Wittmann reported that we concluded the year in strong financial standing. We only slightly exceeded our budget on a few items, and we anticipate having over half of our Fiscal Year 2026 expenses covered. Additionally, we expect to have sufficient funds to transfer to the Special Reserve Fund, provided Jamie Rachlin believes it’s a strategic decision for us.

APPROVAL OF CURRENT BILLS

Trustee Magnuson moved, seconded by Trustee Magnelli, THAT REGULAR PARKWAY CHECKS 31925 THROUGH 31972 TOTALING $113,269.59 FOR THE MONTH OF JULY; JUNE MANUAL PAYMENTS TOTALING $16,196.98; JUNE MANUAL CHECKS 31862 THROUGH 31924 TOTALING $132,670.23 ; JUNE NET WAGES TOTALING $155,363.29; JUNE PAYROLL TAXES IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,686.54; AND JUNE IMRF GOV ONE DEBIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,206.82. A roll call vote was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Budget Committee—
The Budget Committee, acting as a committee of the whole, has completed its review of the 2025-26 fiscal year’s projected revenues and working budget. A vote on the tentative Budget and Appropriation is scheduled for August. Director Wittmann specifically recognized Jennifer and Ellen for their exceptional assistance with the budget, highlighting it as a true group effort, with the management team always willing to help, and Dan also reviewing the budget with her.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Per Capita Grant FY2025—
We were awarded the FY2025 Illinois Public Library Per Capita Grant in the amount of $35.931.00. We have until June 30, 2026 to expend the funds.

NEW BUSINESS

Working Budget—
The committee discussed the proposed working budget and reviewed all the line items. Director Wittmann asked the Board to approve the proposed FY26 Working Budget. Director Wittmann will fix the mis alignment in the working budget spreadsheet. Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, THAT THE WORKING BUDGET FOR THE FY 2025-2026 BE APPROVED. A roll call vote was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.

Ordinance 2025-2, Ordinance Authorizing an Additional Tax for the Maintenance, Repairs and Alteration of the Library Building and Equipment—
Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Magnelli, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2025-2, “ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN ADDITIONAL TAX FOR THE MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS AND ALTERATION OF THE LIBRARY BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT.” A roll call vote was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.

Door Security Installation Proposal—22VETS Technologies, Total Automation Concepts—
The Library received two bids for the door security installation project: Total Automation Controls submitted a bid of $45,760 for a cloud-based solution, offering a 3-year warranty. 22Vets, LLC submitted a bid of $46,345, offering a 10-year warranty. While Total Automation Controls is the lowest bidder by $585, their warranty coverage is significantly shorter than that of 22Vets, LLC. After evaluating the proposals, Justin Pathmann recommends awarding the contract to 22Vets, LLC, citing the longer 10-year warranty as a more cost-effective and reliable option for the Library over the long term, despite the slightly higher initial cost. Trustee Magnuson moved, seconded by Trustee Parent, TO ADOPT THE DOOR SECURITY INSTALLATION PROPOSAL FROM 22VETS TECHNOLOGIES. A roll call vote was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.

Ruth Igoe Memorial—
Trustee Ringelstein has spoken with Patti Mann regarding the memorial service. The family’s preferred dates are Thursday, August 7, or Saturday, August 16, which fall close to Ruth’s birthday on August 5th. We are asking the Board to select a date and time for this small dedication, which will honor Ruth. Light refreshments will be served.

Disposal of Surplus Library Personal Property—
Trustee Ross, seconded by Trustee Krebs, TO APPROVE THE DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS LIBRARY PERSONAL PROPERTY. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.

Six Month Raise—
Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, THAT BRIAN VALESH’S ANNUAL RATE BE INCREASED FROM $53.000 to $54.590 and CEYLAN YILDIZ HOURLY RATE BE INCREASED FROM $18.00 TO $18.54 EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2025.  A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.

Personnel Changes—
Megan Pecaro, Circulation Clerk, has resigned. Her last day will be August 14, 2025.

Any Other Business— 
There was no report.

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Director Wittmann’s Librarian report was discussed as items occurred on the agenda. She is going on vacation for two weeks.

COMMUNICATIONS

Letter from Illinois Representative Brad Stephens thanking for the library’s participation in their Kid’s Health and Safety Expo. Notice of changes to our account agreement from Parkway Bank.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Trustee Braun said the animal program that took place this last weekend was great. A lot of people came, even the police came to check it out. Director Wittmann wanted the Trustees to take a look at the Fish Tank.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Ringelstein, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED.  A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M.

Categories: Board Documents.

July 17, 2025 Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

by | July 19, 2025

The Regular Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees July 17, 2025.

CALL TO ORDER

President Braun called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M.

ROLL CALL

Present: Magnelli, Ross, Ringelstein, Parent, Krebs, Magnuson, Braun.
Present Electronically: 
Absent: 
Also Present: Wittmann, Bacarella, Furfori, Lewis, McPhillips, Stam, Williams, V. Bitters (7:40 P.M.).
Also Present Electronically: Wachholder, Clark.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
Monica Wachholder was recognized.

PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE ISLAND WITHIN A CITY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD JUNE 26, 2025 BE APPROVED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Ringelstein, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING HELD JUNE 26, 2025 BE APPROVED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.

FINANCIAL REPORT

Director Wittmann reported that we concluded the year in strong financial standing. We only slightly exceeded our budget on a few items, and we anticipate having over half of our Fiscal Year 2026 expenses covered. Additionally, we expect to have sufficient funds to transfer to the Special Reserve Fund, provided Jamie Rachlin believes it’s a strategic decision for us.

APPROVAL OF CURRENT BILLS

Trustee Magnuson moved, seconded by Trustee Magnelli, THAT REGULAR PARKWAY CHECKS 31925 THROUGH 31972 TOTALING $113,269.59 FOR THE MONTH OF JULY; JUNE MANUAL PAYMENTS TOTALING $16,196.98; JUNE MANUAL CHECKS 31862 THROUGH 31924 TOTALING $132,670.23 ; JUNE NET WAGES TOTALING $155,363.29; JUNE PAYROLL TAXES IN THE AMOUNT OF $64,686.54; AND JUNE IMRF GOV ONE DEBIT IN THE AMOUNT OF $25,206.82. A roll call vote was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Budget Committee—
The Budget Committee, acting as a committee of the whole, has completed its review of the 2025-26 fiscal year’s projected revenues and working budget. A vote on the tentative Budget and Appropriation is scheduled for August. Director Wittmann specifically recognized Jennifer and Ellen for their exceptional assistance with the budget, highlighting it as a true group effort, with the management team always willing to help, and Dan also reviewing the budget with her.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Per Capita Grant FY2025—
We were awarded the FY2025 Illinois Public Library Per Capita Grant in the amount of $35.931.00. We have until June 30, 2026 to expend the funds.

NEW BUSINESS

Working Budget—
The committee discussed the proposed working budget and reviewed all the line items. Director Wittmann asked the Board to approve the proposed FY26 Working Budget. Director Wittmann will fix the mis alignment in the working budget spreadsheet. Trustee Parent moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, THAT THE WORKING BUDGET FOR THE FY 2025-2026 BE APPROVED. A roll call vote was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.

Ordinance 2025-2, Ordinance Authorizing an Additional Tax for the Maintenance, Repairs and Alteration of the Library Building and Equipment—
Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Magnelli, TO ADOPT ORDINANCE 2025-2, “ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING AN ADDITIONAL TAX FOR THE MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS AND ALTERATION OF THE LIBRARY BUILDING AND EQUIPMENT.” A roll call vote was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.

Door Security Installation Proposal—22VETS Technologies, Total Automation Concepts—
The Library received two bids for the door security installation project: Total Automation Controls submitted a bid of $45,760 for a cloud-based solution, offering a 3-year warranty. 22Vets, LLC submitted a bid of $46,345, offering a 10-year warranty. While Total Automation Controls is the lowest bidder by $585, their warranty coverage is significantly shorter than that of 22Vets, LLC. After evaluating the proposals, Justin Pathmann recommends awarding the contract to 22Vets, LLC, citing the longer 10-year warranty as a more cost-effective and reliable option for the Library over the long term, despite the slightly higher initial cost. Trustee Magnuson moved, seconded by Trustee Parent, TO ADOPT THE DOOR SECURITY INSTALLATION PROPOSAL FROM 22VETS TECHNOLOGIES. A roll call vote was taken and the results were as follows: AYES Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Ross, Parent, Krebs, Braun. NAYS None. ABSENT None. The motion carried.

Ruth Igoe Memorial—
Trustee Ringelstein has spoken with Patti Mann regarding the memorial service. The family’s preferred dates are Thursday, August 7, or Saturday, August 16, which fall close to Ruth’s birthday on August 5th. We are asking the Board to select a date and time for this small dedication, which will honor Ruth. Light refreshments will be served.

Disposal of Surplus Library Personal Property—
Trustee Ross, seconded by Trustee Krebs, TO APPROVE THE DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS LIBRARY PERSONAL PROPERTY. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.

Six Month Raise—
Trustee Krebs moved, seconded by Trustee Ross, THAT BRIAN VALESH’S ANNUAL RATE BE INCREASED FROM $53.000 to $54.590 and CEYLAN YILDIZ HOURLY RATE BE INCREASED FROM $18.00 TO $18.54 EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1, 2025.  A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.

Personnel Changes—
Megan Pecaro, Circulation Clerk, has resigned. Her last day will be August 14, 2025.

Any Other Business— 
There was no report.

LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Director Wittmann’s Librarian report was discussed as items occurred on the agenda. She is going on vacation for two weeks.

COMMUNICATIONS

Letter from Illinois Representative Brad Stephens thanking for the library’s participation in their Kid’s Health and Safety Expo. Notice of changes to our account agreement from Parkway Bank.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Trustee Braun said the animal program that took place this last weekend was great. A lot of people came, even the police came to check it out. Director Wittmann wanted the Trustees to take a look at the Fish Tank.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Ringelstein, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED.  A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 P.M.

Categories: Board Documents.