Notice: This meeting of the Lake Bluff Library Board of Trustees was held with a quorum of Trustees physically present. The meeting was simulcast for any members of the public who did not wish to attend the meeting in-person at the Lake Bluff Public Library building. Guidelines and access codes were published before the meeting so members of the public could log in. The meeting was recorded, with the recording made available through the Library’s website. As required by law, at least one representative from the Library was present at the Library while participating in the meeting.

  1. Call to Order: Board President Bonnie Shaul called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.
  2. Roll Call: Trustees Friedeman, Zaute (arrived after roll call), Graziano, Hayes, Jerch (arrived after roll call), and Shaul were present; Trustee Jardine was absent. Library Director Renee Grassi and library staff member Eliza Jarvi were present.
  3. Additions & Corrections to the Agenda: There were none.
  4. Opportunity for Public to Address the Board: There was none.
  5. Approval of Board Meeting Minutes
    1. Trustee Friedeman moved to approve the Board meeting minutes from March 19, 2024, Trustee Shaul seconded; all voted aye.
  6. Library Director Updates:
    1. Director’s Report: Library Director Grassi provided an overview of March 2024 happenings at the library. She highlighted the new addition of a grants section in the report, as well as a medical leave for a full-time manager at the library. The Library recently received a $5,000 grant from RAILS and will be hearing about the Accessibility and Technology grants at the end of April and May, respectively. There are multiple environmental tests pending results, including lead, asbestos, and air quality tests.
    2. Monthly Statistics Report: Director Grassi provided a usage overview, noting that the connection between the Library website and Google analytics has been restored and updated statistics on website visits will be available next month. There was also an increase in building usage in the past month.
  7. March 2024 Financial Reports:
    1. March 2024 Detailed Revenue & Expense Report: The Library received another PPRT disbursement after the true-up in January 2024. The Library has one more month (April 2024) in the fiscal year and anticipates that there will be a similar amount added to the fund balance as last year. Trustee Hayes moved to approve the March 2024 revenue and expense report, Trustee Zaute seconded; all voted aye.
    2. March Monthly Check Disbursement (15970-15994): The Board reviewed all checks from March 2024. Trustee Zaute moved to approve checks numbered 15970-15994, Trustee Hayes seconded; all voted aye.
  8. Committee Reports
    (Met)
    1. Building & Grounds Committee (CHAIR: Jerch. MEMBERS: Berg, Shaul): The Building & Grounds Committee discussed issues with the carpet tile and reviewed the environmental sample report quotes.
    2. Human Resources Committee (CHAIR: Graziano. MEMBERS: Jerch and Shaul): The HR Committee met March 22nd to conduct the Library Director’s annual review. The HR Committee will also meet with the Finance Committee to review the Director’s salary adjustments.
      (Did Not Meet)
    3. Bylaws & Policy Committee (CHAIR: Friedeman. MEMBERS: Zaute)
    4. d. Engagement Committee (CHAIR: Jardine. MEMBERS: Graziano)
    5. Finance Committee (CHAIR: Hayes. MEMBERS: Shaul, Zaute)
    6. Long Range Planning Committee (CHAIR: Shaul. MEMBERS: Friedeman)
    7. Technology Committee (CHAIR: Berg. MEMBERS: Graziano)
    8. Intergovernmental Committee (MEMBERS: Jerch, Grassi)
    9. Special Topics Committee (MEMBERS: Zaute, Shaul and Jerch)
  9. New Business:
    1. Grant-Funded Security Project with CVI: Library Director Grassi provided an overview of the timeline, scope and financial milestones for the security project funded by the grant received by the Library in 2019, which is disbursed on a reimbursement basis. The current CVI contract covers labor for installation and training for staff.
      1. Trustee Friedeman moved to approve the CVI Quote for Outdoor Security Cameras in the amount of $20,105.00, Trustee Jerch seconded; all voted aye.
      2. Trustee Jerch moved to approve the CVI Quote for Door Access Control System in the amount of $21,400.00, Trustee Shaul seconded; all voted aye.
      3. Trustee Jerch moved to approve the CVI Quote for Indoor Security Cameras in the amount of $35,143, Trustee Hayes seconded; all voted aye.
    2. Vliet Contribution and Village Intergovernmental Agreement: The Board discussed the possibility of a new Village Intergovernmental Agreement given that the former IGA has expired.
    3. Johnson Carpet Analysis Report: The Library received a free analysis and quote for the delamination of the carpet in different spaces of the library. The Board reviewed the five solutions provided and discussed priority areas. The Building & Grounds Committee will make a recommendation and advise the Director on next steps.
    4. Master Plan Project Plan and Updates: The Board reviewed the draft Strategic Facility Plan, with a focus on Board and Community Engagement opportunities throughout a 150-day process.
    5. Hours Pilot Report – Month 3, Mar. 2024: Library Director Grassi provided a summary of the Hours Pilot, which is halfway complete. Saturday usage increased noticeably, while weekday evening hours maintained the same ratio of usage as previous months.
  10. Library Correspondence: Director Grassi provided an overview of patron correspondence, including responses to the “Library Board Retreat: An Insider’s Look” article, Village Lake Bluff Proclamation for National Library Week, Legislation HB 4567, State of American Libraries 2024 Report and the RAILS MLI Grant Award Letter.
  11. Any and all other business which may come before the Board:
    1. Director Grassi reminded Board members that the Statement of Economic Interest is due May 1, 2024.
    2. Officers will be elected at the May meeting.
  12. Executive Session(s) if needed: There was none.
  13. Adjournment: Trustee Jerch moved to adjourn, Trustee Zaute seconded; all voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Alexandra Friedeman

Secretary