A Public Hearing of the Eisenhower Public Library District Board of Trustees September 18, 2025.

CALL TO ORDER

President Braun called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M.

ROLL CALL

Present: Magnuson, Ringelstein, Magnelli, Parent, Ross, Krebs, Braun.
Absent:
Also Present: Wittmann, Bacarella, V. Bitters, Derrig, Furfori, Lewis, McPhillips, Sidor, Stam, Fiedler, Bulat.
Also Present Electronically: Katherine.

RECOGNITION OF VISITORS

The visitors were all recognized.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Jeff Fiedler attended the meeting and offered a public comment. He expressed appreciation for the community, highlighting its welcoming atmosphere, quality homes, local restaurants, and the library. He noted that many of his friends live in the area and are regular users of the library. Mr. Fiedler stated that, in his view, it is difficult to understand how Trustee Braun could serve as President of the Eisenhower Public Library District. He concluded by asserting that the communities of Harwood Heights and Norridge deserve better leadership and called for Trustee Braun’s resignation.

John Bulat made a public comment. He publicly called for the resignation of Trustee Braun, stating that such leadership is inappropriate, particularly in environments involving children. He expressed strong concern over a comparison allegedly made by Trustee Braun likening someone to Jeffrey Dahmer, calling it highly inappropriate and offensive. Mr. Bulat stated that he remains actively engaged in all aspects of the community and described Trustee Braun as embodying the type of mindset that condones extreme and dangerous rhetoric, including the suggestion of violence in response to public expression. He expressed disbelief that such behavior is occurring in the community and reiterated his call for Trustee Braun’s resignation from his current position as well as from any other committees or roles held on the board. He said that there is a fire storm coming for the library.

There were no questions concerning the Tentative Budget and Appropriations.

PUBLIC HEARING

This Public Hearing is being held in connection with the Tentative Budget and Appropriations of the Eisenhower Public Library District, Cook County, Illinois, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.

ADJOURNMENT

Trustee Ross moved, seconded by Trustee Parent, THAT THE PUBLIC HEARING BE ADJOURNED. A voice vote was taken and the motion carried. The Public Hearing was adjourned at 7:45 P.M.