Notice: This special meeting of the Lake Bluff Library Board of Trustees was held with a quorum of Trustees physically present. 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 6:03 pm.
  2. Roll Call: Trustees Friedeman, Hayes, Graziano, and Shaul were present; Trustee Zaute attended the meeting remotely and departed at 7:25 pm; Trustee Jerch and Jardine were absent. Library Director Renee Grassi was also present.
    1. Trustee Friedeman moved to permit Trustee Zaute to attend the meeting virtually via telephone in accordance with the Governance Policy; Trustee Hayes seconded; all voted aye.
  3. Opportunity for Public to Address the Board: There was none.
  4. New Business
    1. Recommendations from the Human Resources Committee:
      1. Hiring an Interim Director: Trustee Graziano reported on recommendations from the most recent HR Committee meeting. The HR Committee was provided a list of three Interim Directors who could be hired on a part-time basis with a defined scope of work drafted by Director Grassi. This Interim Director scope of work would be supported by staff members owning limited numbers of additional responsibilities. The Board will reach out to three interim director candidates with a scope of work that includes an hourly rate proposal, time period of 4-6 months and an inclusion of
      2. Soliciting Applications for a Firm to lead the Library Director Search: The HR Committee received recommendations for both individuals and firms for the permanent Library Director Search. It is recommended that an RFP is made public on the website even if below public bidding amounts for added transparency to the community.
    2. ACTION: Trustee Friedeman moved to approve the recommendation made by the HR Committee to hire a part-time interim Library Director in accordance with the Finance Committee’s recommendation of an average 20 hours per week capped at $100 per hour with negotiating power up to 15% given to the Board designee responsible for extending the offer; Trustee Hayes seconded; all voted aye.
    3. ACTION: Trustee Hayes voted to empower the HR Committee to recruit and evaluate an Executive Search firm for a permanent, full-time Library Director; Trustee Graziano seconded; all voted aye.
    4. Library Director Updates
      1. Support Needed for Current and Interim Library Directors: Director Grassi listed off some support needed between the current and interim directors, including IGA negotiation meetings, creation of Board and meeting agendas, and Board support needed from Library staff or Interim Director. The Board requested a concrete list of responsibilities and points of contact for the Interim Director period (including the History Museum), as well as a list of in-process projects and their status/next steps for the future permanent Director.
      2. Staff and Public Communication: Library Director Grassi acknowledged the communication about her resignation that was made public yesterday, including feedback from the community. Trustee Graziano noted that Evanston Library sent out communication regarding their Library Director process, including a survey to the community.
      3. Reminder: There is a regular September Board Meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7 pm.
    5. Discussion: Impact of Director Departure on Modified Hours Pilot: At the next Board meeting, there will be a report on the Modified Hours Pilot and a request for action. Library Director Grassi previewed the recommendation that will be formally presented to the Board on September 17th, which will be to extend the current pilot 6 months or longer.
    6. Updates re: Intergovernmental Agreement between Lake Bluff Village and Lake Bluff Public Library: IGA updates were provided at the Finance and HR Committee in the past week.
  5. Executive Session(s) if needed: There was none.
  6. Adjournment: Trustee Friedeman moved to adjourn the meeting, Trustee Hayes seconded; all voted aye. The meeting adjourned at 7:53 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Alexandra Friedeman

Secretary