March 20, 2025 Minutes
The regular meeting of the Park Forest Public Library Board of Trustees opened at 7:30 pm.
Roll Call
Those present were:
Park Forest Public Library Board Members: Sevena Merchant, Felicia Rangel, Alan Shnay, Alice McBride, Katherine Coleman, Lance L. Jefferson and Jessica Rodrigues
Absent: None
Park Forest Public Library Staff: Mary VanSwol, Allison McCray, Tommie Taylor
Also present: Chris Janota, Kerry Adams, Rick Wackney, Beth Brecher, Jane Nicoll, and Judith Mcgee
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the regular meeting of February 20, 2024, were approved as distributed.
Communications
There were no communications.
Audience to Visitors
The Park Forest Historical Society reserved comments for the agenda item.
Financial Report
Library Director VanSwol relayed that the library is 66 2/3 way through the fiscal year.
Expenditures are meeting expectations with the exception of periodicals which is overspent for both print and online. The budget will be adjusted to accommodate the increase next year.
Report of the Board President
President Merchant notified the board that their Statement of Economic Interest is due by May 1, 2025.
She had a chance to address the Rotary Club concerning the library and focused on the butterfly garden. The library was given a generous donation for the garden about 10 years ago from a patron who passed away. She also thanked the Rotary Club which has also given the library donations over time to purchase plants & garden items.
Report of the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol stated that SWAN has processed their national change of address report. They removed everyone who moved.
Director VanSwol and the Building Coordinator have received quotes to replace the electronic sign outside the library. The north side of the sign doesn’t look as bad as the south but both sides need repair. Due to the age of the sign and the cost to repair burned out lights it makes sense to replace the sign. The sign will be the same size as it is now.
Report of the Olympia Fields Public Library Trustee
There was nothing to report.
Report of Committees
The Friends of the Library’s next meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 12th but communication about the meeting will be forthcoming.
Investment Policy – 2nd Reading
President Merchant called for a motion for the board to approve the Investment Policy as submitted, but denoted a change in the policy regarding who will direct investments for the library. She stated that the board will have financial advisors. The investment advisor(s) will be selected at a later date.
Trustee Jefferson motioned, Secretary Shnay seconded.
7 ayes, 0 nays, motion passed.
Budget Policies – Fiscal – 2nd Reading
President Merchant requested a motion for the board to approve the Budget Policies—Fiscal as submitted.
Vice-President Rangel motioned, Trustee Rodrigues seconded.
7 ayes, nays 0 motion carried.
Notary Public Service Policy – 2nd Reading
President Merchant requested a motion for the board to approve the Notary Public Service Policy as submitted.
Trustee Rodrigues motioned, Secretary Shnay seconded.
7 ayes, 0 nays, motion carried.
Library Budget FY 2025-2026 – 1st Reading
Discussion of the library budget was moved to Budget Meeting on Saturday, March 22 which will be at the library. Trustees were asked to please review the budget documents for the meeting on Saturday, March 22 at 3:30pm.
Salary Classification Chart – 1st Reading
Director VanSwol advised, the law requires employers to specify a range for salaries and keep a range for each position. Currently, the library provides the starting salary only. The Director took a class on benchmarking. To create the salary range the Library Salary Survey from HR Source was used to determine a midpoint based on an average. She then used the rate of 20% less as the minimum and 20% more as the max for the salary range. The scale includes an increase each year until employees reach the max. The benchmark will be revisited every 3-4 years and adjustments may be made as needed.
The board discussed how some libraries differentiate based on experience, skill set and education.
A request for the board to receive job descriptions was made to review job duties and ensure pay rates are comparable.
Outdoor Electronic Sign
President Merchant requested a motion for the board to approve the proposal from Martin Branding for $24,000 to replace the electronic sign.
The board discussed the options for the outdoor electric sign. It was noted Martin Branding did the electronic sign located on Orchard and Lincoln Highway.
Trustee Jefferson motioned, Vice-President Rangel seconded.
Roll call vote was taken.
7 ayes, 0 nays, motion carried.
Park Forest Historical Society
President Merchant requested a motion for the board to approve the payment of $1,650 to the Park Forest Historical Society for 50% of the Archives rent.
Chris Jonatta from the Historical Society asked for the board to approve the annual assistance of $1650 which is 50% of the current rent for the Archive office which does not include the house museum display. The Historical Society is currently located in St. Mary Church. The Joliet Diocese will close St. Mary’s this year on July 1st. The Historical Society has been in contact with Park Forest Village and others for relocation. Historical Society’s lease goes from August 1 to end of July. St. Mary’s determined the amount of $275 per month for the Archive office rent. The Joliet Diocese intends to sell property as quick as possible. The size of the archive office is 185 linear feet not including file cabinets. The museum is approximately 1200 sq. ft.
Trustee Rodrigues motioned, Secretary Shnay seconded.
Roll call vote was taken.
7 ayes, 0 nays, motion carried.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:08 pm.