Library Board

Monday, August 16, 2021 7:00 p.m. I. Call to Order The Board of Trustees of the Wheaton Public Library held their regular Board meeting on Monday, August 16, 2021. Board President Laurie Metanchuk called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Members present in person at roll call: Christine Fenne, Al Herbach and Laurie Metanchuk. Attending via Zoom were: Bob Lyon, Joe McHaley, Kathryn Staron and Vallari Talapatra. Absent: Bob McDonough and Simone Morton. Ms. Morton entered the meeting via Zoom at 7:04 p.m. Betsy Adamowski, Library Director, Ed Sirovatka, IT/Facilities Manager, and Lisa Christell-Sandri, Library Finance/Business Office Manager and recording secretary for this meeting, were also in attendance. II. Citizens to be Heard At 7:28 p.m. JTC, a citizen viewing via Zoom, stated their concern about a balanced forum for controversial issues, specifically the Critical Race Theory presentation in July. They asked if there was a plan to allow the other side of the issue to be addressed. Mrs. Adamowski explained that it is the Community Engagement Department that finds and plans the library’s programs and that the CRT (Critical Race Theory) program was highly popular with 240 people registered. She stated that the library had received a few requests for a program representing the other side, but it has been a struggle to figure out and find resources for that. She further stated that she has asked those individuals to suggest speakers and is awaiting a response. Mrs. Adamowski said that the library tries to strike a balance and knows there has been some controversy lately with many things that the community wants to learn about. She stated that suggestions will be reviewed when they are received. The citizen was encouraged to email Mrs. Adamowski with suggestions. CONSENT AGENDA III. Minutes for the July 19, 2021 Board Meeting IV. Minutes for the July 28, 2021 Board Planning Meeting V. Financial Reports for July 2021 and Bill Listing for August 2021 Payment Mr. Herbach moved and Mr. Lyon seconded to approve the Consent Agenda items. Roll Call Vote Ayes: Mr. McHaley Mrs. Fenne Ms. Talapatra Mr. Lyon Ms. Staron Ms. Morton Mr. Herbach Mrs. Metanchuk Nays: None Absent: Mr. McDonough Motion Carried 1  WHEATON PUBLIC LIBRARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES August 16, 2021 VI. Library Director’s Board Report for July 2021 Mrs. Adamowski started by stating City Manager Mike Dzugan asked her to look into future building and capital projects. She is currently looking into getting a roof study from Studio GC. She also noted that the parking lot resurface/repair will be included in the City’s schedule in CY2022. Mrs. Adamowski explained that the newly passed legislation to provide library cards (Cards for Kids) is for school-aged children who are on reduced or free lunch. She went on to say that the new Maintenance Assistant position had just been posted and that there are some good candidates to interview for the Community Engagement Coordinator position. Mrs. Adamowski mentioned her ideas for next year’s Mad Fore Plaid fundraiser. There will be a family oriented one during the day in the Youth Services area and an adult one in the evening. She is still working on the details. (Discussion moved to Item II. Citizens to be Heard) VII. Unfinished Business: None VIII. New Business: A. Motion to Approve Computer Use Policy Mrs. Adamowski stated that the policy needs to evolve with the library. She also noted that WPL’s internet is filtered. Mr. Herbach moved and Mrs. Metanchuk seconded to approve the revised policy. Roll Call Vote Ayes: Mr. Lyon Ms. Talapatra Mrs. Fenne Ms. Staron Mr. McHaley Ms. Morton Mr. Herbach Mrs. Metanchuk Nays: None Absent: Mr. McDonough Motion Carried B. CY2022 Budget Process Mrs. Adamowski noted that President Laurie Metanchuk will appoint a Finance Committee. She said that Treasurer Simone Morton looked over the process timeline and was good with it. Mrs. Adamowski then went over the budget’s timeline with the Board. IX. Board Member Comments (Round the Table) Mrs. Adamowski said that Studio GC will report on the West Plaza project at the September meeting. IX. Adjournment: There being no further business of the Wheaton Public Library Board of Trustees, Mrs. Fenne moved and Mr. Lyon seconded that the meeting be adjourned. A voice vote was taken and the motion for adjournment carried at 7:47 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Lisa Christell-Sandri Finance/Business Office Manager 2