The Meeting of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees Island Within A City Committee May 21, 2026.
CALL TO ORDER
President Magnelli called the meeting to order at 7:01 P.M.
ROLL CALL
Present: Magnelli, Magnuson, Ringelstein, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Zaporowicz-Short, Stam.
Absent: Blubaugh, Massaro, McPhillips.
Also Present: Wittmann, Bacarella, Storelli, Lewis (7:29 P.M.), Tomzik (7:29 P.M.).
RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
Editor, Jennifer Storelli was in attendance.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Zaporowicz-Short, THAT THE MINUTES OF THE ISLAND WITHIN A CITY COMMITTEE MEETING HELD APRIL 16, 2026 BE APPROVED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried.
ISLAND WITHIN A CITY
A. Island Within A City Book
i. Progress Report
Director Wittmann reported that she and Julie met several times over the past month to work on the book’s to-do list. Their work included completing revisions to the essay order and Jen’s draft Table of Contents, double-checking all bylines, reconciling release forms with essays and identifying any missing release forms, verifying the spelling of names against release forms, and addressing unresolved comments from Jen in the primary editing document.
Director Wittmann reported that Annamarie Magnelli and Chris Clark began taking photographs throughout the community to align with the photo spreadsheet, and Julie will review the images when she and Director Wittmann meet again. Trustee Zaporowicz-Short also contributed a number of photographs for the book. Jennifer Storelli organized all of the essays into order, and Director Wittmann thanked Trustee Zaporowicz-Short for providing the Nardulli essay. Trustee Magnelli commented that he hoped no one had been overlooked in the process. Director Wittmann noted that Julie compiled a list of community leaders and advised that outreach had been made to everyone; however, if individuals chose not to respond, there was nothing further the committee could do. Trustee Magnelli added that he still needs to review his photographs.
ii. Book Cover Ideas
The committee discussed ideas for the book cover design. Trustee Magnelli reported that he added both village halls to the cover concept he created. Trustee Parent suggested incorporating a satellite image in the background of the window featured on the cover.
iii. Book Cover Ideas
Trustee Magnelli presented a book cover design to the Trustees, which was well received by the committee. All of the photos used were taken by him. The committee raised a question regarding the image from the HIP. This item will be placed on the May agenda. The committee also expressed a preference for including both villages on the cover.
iv. Next Steps
Julie will compile the top three title options, and Director Wittmann will distribute them to the Trustees for a vote at next month’s meeting. The committee will continue collecting photographs, with Chris and Annamarie expected to complete photography by June 1. Director Wittmann noted that three release forms are still needed. Trustee Magnelli suggested including the Trustees’ Christmas photographs in the book, and Jennifer Storelli asked about adding an “About the Trustees” section with Trustee photographs on the back page.
Director Wittmann shared an idea for hosting a series of events featuring individuals who contributed stories to the book, rather than holding a traditional book launch. She also suggested inviting essay contributors to attend and discuss their stories with the community.
B. Next Meeting Date
The committee will meet next on June 18, 2026 at 7:00 P.M.
OTHER BUSINESS
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ADJOURNMENT
Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Magnuson, THAT THE MEETING BE ADJOURNED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. The Committee Meeting was adjourned at 7:33 P.M.
