November 21, 2024 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 (arrived at 7:45 pm), Alan Shnay, Alice McBride, Katherine Coleman, Lance L. Jefferson and Jessica Rodrigues
Absent: None
Staff Present: Mary VanSwol, Allison McCray, Millie Robles, Lee Hauser, Robert Hensley, and Tommie Taylor
Also present: Beth Brecher, Joshua Travis
Approval of Minutes
The minutes of the regular meeting of October 17, 2024, were approved as distributed.
Communications
Library Director VanSwol relayed the Library received a Thank You Letter from Mayor Joseph Woods and a commemorative ad book for Park Forest’s 75th Anniversary.
The library received a commendation from a patron stating that the library’s drive up window is a great service and she loves it.
Audience to Visitors
No one addressed the board.
Financial Report
Library Director VanSwol advised the October numbers are in the board packet and we are 33.3% through the fiscal year. The budget is looking good. We received and deposited the Olympia Fields payment.
Report of the Board President
President Merchant stated she would like to applaud the staff for fall festival. She could tell a lot of work went into it. There was a lot of variety and many stations with an array of different services.
Report of the Librarian
Library Director VanSwol informed the board there were 195 patrons at Novemberfest. She was pleased because there was a steady stream of patrons throughout the event. It was a great event!
The accessible computer is almost ready for patron use.
Director VanSwol introduced the new Library Assistants: Robert Hensley, and Lee Hauser who mainly work in Patron Services and Info Zone. In addition, Director VanSwol introduced Tommie Taylor as our new Security Specialist. Director VanSwol commented that she is happy to have everyone on the team.
Report of the Olympia Fields Public Library Trustee
Library Director VanSwol stated the Olympia Fields board passed their budget for 2025-26.
President Howard Robinson, Vice-President Dr. Taneen Brinson and Carolyn Johnson attended Novemberfest and worked the Olympia Fields Table.
Report of Committees
There were no committee reports.
Library Cards Policy 3rd Reading
President Merchant called for a motion for the Board to approve the Library Cards Policy as submitted.
Trustee Rodrigues motioned, Trustee Coleman seconded.
There was no further discussion.
Motion Passed.
Resource Selection Policy 2nd Reading
President Merchant requested a motion for the Board to approve the Resource Selection Policy as submitted.
Trustee Jefferson made the motion, Trustee Shnay seconded.
There was no further discussion.
Motion carried.
Cancellation of the December Board Meeting
President Merchant asked for a motion for the Board to approve the cancellation of the regular
December Board meeting scheduled for December 19, 2024.
Trustee Rodrigues motioned. Trustee McBride seconded.
Motion carried.
2025 Meeting Schedule
President Merchant requested a motion for the Board to approve the 2025 meeting schedule.
Trustee Jefferson motioned, Trustee Rodrigues seconded.
Motion carried.
Early Closure December 31 at 5:00 PM
President Merchant called for a motion for the Board to approve the early closure of the library on December 31, 2024, at 5:00 pm.
Trustee Rodrigues motioned, Trustee Shnay seconded.
Motion carried.
Community Engagement Coordinator
President Merchant requested a motion for the Board to approve the posting of a new Community Engagement Coordinator.
Trustee Rodrigues motioned, Trustee Shnay seconded.
The board discussed the Community Engagement Coordinator position.
Motion Carried.
6 Ayes, 1 Nay
Landscaping Quotes
President Merchant requested a motion for the Board to approve the landscaping contract from
Inifinity Landscaping as the agreed upon company for $14,073.
Jefferson motioned, Shnay seconded.
The board discussed three landscaping contracts.
Roll Call Vote Taken. Motion Carried.
7 Ayes, 0 Nays
Per Capita Grant Review
President Merchant addressed the board to review and discuss the Per Capita Grant Review.
The board discussed the Per Capita Grant Review.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:06 pm.