May 22, 2024 Minutes
Roll Call
The regular meeting of the Olympia Fields Public Library Board of Trustees was called to order at 6:35 pm.
Trustees Present: Howard Robinson (President), Dr. Taneen Brinson (Vice President)(listened remotely starting at 6:40 pm), Sherry Demian (Treasurer), Elizabeth Hadala (Secretary), Jerry Pierson (Parliamentarian), Carolyn Johnson, and Dr. Kametta Clark
Absent: None
Also Present: Barbara Osuch and Jessica Washington
Minutes
Trustee Demian moved to approve the minutes of the April meeting.
Trustee Hadala seconded.
The motion passed.
Correspondence
President Robinson noted that he received and reviewed the Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR) and confirmed that all the trustees received the report.
Financial Report
Trustee Demian presented April the financial report. She noted that she marked the report “Self Audit” due to an error that was carried over from previous months. She will send corrected copies of all the previous reports to the trustees for their review.
The trustees discussed whether there is a way to determine the true tax collection amount for a better understanding of how tax money is flowing. Ms. Washington suggested that Trustee Demian contact Lisa Fifer-Smith, Acting Finance Director for the Village, who may be able to provide more detailed information.
Trustee Johnson suggested that the board conduct an outside audit, and possible financial firms were discussed.
Trustee Pierson moved to accept the financial reports.
Trustee Johnson seconded.
The motion passed.
Report of the Librarian
Library Director Osuch reported that this would be the last Olympia Fields Public Library Board meeting that she would be attending. Mary VanSwol will attend the June meeting. She thanked the trustees for all their support and well wishes and expressed how much she has enjoyed working with the trustees over the past 20 years. She shared copies of a special book and spring flowering plants with the trustees.
President Robinson reported that he has reached out to Park Forest Public Library Board President Sevena Merchant to coordinate a joint board celebration in June for the Library Director’s retirement.
President Robinson expressed his deep appreciation and gratitude to Library Director Osuch for her high level of dedication and support for the board. The trustees expressed how much they would miss working with Library Director Osuch but wished her well in her future plans.
Communications
Ms. Washington noted that an animal hospital and some new businesses will be opening in the Village.
Trustee Johnson and Trustee Pierson noted that they will not be available to attend the June Board meeting.
Adjournment
Trustee Pierson moved to adjourn the meeting.
Trustee Demian seconded.
The motion passed.
Meeting adjourned at 7:41 pm