City of Wheaton Library Board met Nov. 18.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
I. Call to Order
The Board of Trustees of the Wheaton Public Library held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, November 18, 2019, in the Library Board Room. Board President Christine Fenne called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present at roll call were: Christine Fenne, Alan Herbach, Bob Lyon, Bob McDonough, Joe McHaley, Laurie Metanchuk, Simone Morton and Vallari Talapatra. Absent: Kathryn Staron. Betsy Adamowski, Library Director and Lisa Christell-Sandri, Library Finance Manager and recording secretary for this meeting, were in attendance. Mrs. Fenne led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
II. Citizens to be Heard
There were three students in attendance as a requirement for their AP Government class: Syd Mark, Nancy Murphy and Tori Goins. Mr. Ted Utchen also attended and addressed the Board again with his concerns that the library provides specific purposes and those don’t include patrons who sit in the library with their belongings. He also stated his concerns about how bright the lighting is at night and that it is a waste of electricity. After Mr. Utchen was finished, Mrs. Fenne responded by noting that the library has a Patron Conduct Policy; everyone is welcome as long as they follow the rules. She also stated that the library is a warming and cooling center for the public. About the lighting, Mrs. Fenne said that the lights are being turned off daily and that there are emergency lights that do remain on and from the outside at night, it may seem very bright due to all the windows the library has.
III. Department Presentation – Donna Freymark, Adult Services Librarian
Mrs. Fenne introduced Ms. Freymark, noting that she is our Genealogy Specialist. Ms. Freymark stated that she has been at the library for nearly 30 years. She has three main responsibilities: selection and weeding of half of the fiction, genealogy, history, and part of the 600’s (non-fiction); programs: genealogy speakers and local history sessions; and working at the Reference Desk. She also submits a column 3 times a year for “Then and Now”, a DuPage Genealogical Society publication. She responded to questions from the Board members.
CONSENT AGENDA
IV. Minutes for the October 21, 2019 Board Meeting
V. Financial Reports for October 2019 and Bill Listing for November 2019 Payment
Mr. McDonough moved and Mr. McHaley seconded to approve this month’s Consent Agenda items.
Roll Call Vote
Ayes: Ms. Morton
Mrs. Metanchuk
Mr. Herbach
Ms. Talapatra
Mr. Lyon
Mr. McHaley
Mr. McDonough
Mrs. Fenne
Nays: None
Absent: Ms. Staron
Motion Carried
VI. Friends of the Library Report – Mrs. Adamowski
Mrs. Adamowski said the Friends’ November Book and Art Sale brought in over $10,000.
VII. Library Director’s Report for October 2019
Mrs. Adamowski noted that the DVDs have been moved to be included within the AV area. The wall that will have the donor tree is ready to be painted and lighting installed. The aim is for the donor tree to be installed in mid to late December. There will also be a free-standing interactive tablet that will contain donor and donation information. Mrs. Adamowski told the Board that promotion for the January mini- golf event, Mad fore Plaid, is starting. Mrs. Adamowski thanked Mrs. Fenne and Mr. Herbach for their budget presentation to the City Council. Mrs. Fenne mentioned that she felt it went well. Mrs. Adamowski added that they were asked a lot of good questions by the Council members. Mrs. Fenne asked about the Director evaluation for 2020. Mrs. Adamowski stated that since they had just been done in June for library staff, she was recommending that new ones didn’t need to be done unless the Department Head felt there was a significant change and the Board could follow that if they wanted.
VIII. Unfinished Business
None
IX. New Business
A. Motion to Approve Closing the Library on February 7, 2020 instead of January 24, 2020 for Staff In-Service Day
Mrs. Adamowski explained that the speaker had to reschedule. Mrs. Metanchuk moved and Mr. Lyon seconded to approve the motion. A voice vote was taken and the motion was carried.
X. Board Member Comments (Round the Table)
Mrs. Metanchuk appreciated the work that the staff is going through for the move to Polaris. She also mentioned that she was going past the library and noticed that the back that faces Adams Park did seem brightly lit. Mrs. Adamowski said that she will look into it. Mr. Lyon asked if it the policy that the Board members pay for fines. Mrs. Adamowski responded yes. Mr. McDonough asked what happens to weeded books. Mrs. Adamowski stated that the Friends look through them and take what they can sell. The leftover books that are in decent condition are sold to Better World Books and the Friends and Library split the small profit. Mr. McDonough also asked about the Library having a gift shop. Mrs. Adamowski said that she was open to the idea before the café opened. It’s an idea that would need a lot of work.
XI. Adjournment
There being no further business of the Wheaton Public Library Board of Trustees, Mr. McDonough moved and Ms. Morton seconded that the meeting be adjourned. A voice vote was taken and the motion for adjournment carried at 7:52 p.m.
https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11182019-1300
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