Meeting: Intergovernmental Agreement Committee Meeting

Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Call to Order: at 10:07am by Director Grassi

Roll Call: Library: Director Renee Grassi, Trustee Jerch, President Shaul (observer only)

History Museum: President O’Hara, VP Mark Dewart

Public Comment: None

ACTION: Review and Approve Minutes from Jan. 11, 2022. Minutes were not available to review and will be considered at the next IGA meeting.

New Business:

  1. Status of the Library’s IGA with the Village– Director Grassi shared that the 25-year IGA between the LB Village and LB Library covering the property at 127 E. Scranton where both the Museum and the Library reside, expired in July 2023. The Village Administrator offered in January to draft a new IGA. Since that time, the Library has requested a draft IGA but has yet to receive it. Due to IGA expiry, the Village has stated that they will not provide the FY 23-24 financial assistance, of approximately $10,000, as outlined in the IGA. Additionally, the Village did not send a representative to today’s meeting due based on both the IGA expiry and the agenda topics. President O’Hara agreed to reach out to Village President Charlot, to encourage the Village to expedite the new IGA.
  2. Library Master Facilities Plan – Trustee Jerch provided an overview of the Library Master Facilities Plan underway with Engberg Anderson. This Plan will build upon the two building projects recently completed on the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems and the Accessibility and Universal Design reports. Items not included in these two reports such as masonry, roof replacement, lighting, etc. will be incorporated. Additionally, community and stakeholder (e.g. Museum) feedback will be gathered early in the process to ensure the Library facilities meet current needs and anticipate future needs of the community.
  3. Building Exits and Entrances – These are often blocked by patron’s strollers on the outside (e.g. mainentrance) and inside the building (outside elevator door, emergency exit on lower level). Director Grassi confirmed that, for a short-term solution, she has requested input from LBFD. Also, she confirmed the need for dedicated stroller parking was identified in the Accessibility and Universal Design report, thus it will be covered in the Library Master Facilities Plan.
  4. Parking for Museum – Parking in downtown Lake Bluff is currently a challenge. The group discussed the possibility of requesting that the Village add more handicapped parking near the library (conversion of an existing spaces). This would benefit both Library patrons and Museum volunteers with mobility issues. Additionally, the Museum requested permission from the Library to use the a Library Employee parking space for its volunteers. Trustee Jerch will bring this to the Library’s Building and Grounds committee for further discussion.
  5. Cleaning Company – Museum volunteers reported that the new cleaning company has not been removing garbage. Additionally, the museum thought the cleaning of museum space included vacuuming. It currently does not. Director Grassi will request a quote from Crystal Cleaning and share with President O’Hara as the Museum will be financially responsible for this cost.

Executive Session – There was none.

Any and all other business that may properly come before this Committee – Museum President Kathy O’Hara shared that the Museum is working to ensure its long-term sustainability, up to and including the a different space for the Museum. Additionally, they need more storage (e.g. Ice Truck, exhibits, etc.). The last big fundraising effort for the Museum was 20 years ago. Both Director Grassi and President O’Hara agreed the IGA committee should think holistically for Lake Bluff Village. Additionally, all Lake Bluff organizations – Village, Parks, Library, Schools, Museum – should be working collectively.

Next Meeting – targeted for the Fall of 2024.

Adjournment – Motioned by President O’Hara and seconded by Mark Dewart at 11:45pm.