Ian Peery

The Budget Committee reviewed the amended budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year and the tentative budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Additionally, the committee evaluated renewal options for employee health insurance coverage for the upcoming 2026-27 period.

The board approved the annual authorization for library non-resident participation and reviewed closed session minutes. The treasurer's report and corresponding bills were accepted. The library director provided updates on collaborative community projects, facility upgrades including new shelving and carpet, professional design services for library improvements, and a quote for boiler replacements. Departmental reports detailed ongoing inventory projects using mobile technology, preparations for upcoming community events such as an Easter egg hunt and STEAM festival, and staffing updates.

The board accepted the annual county tax distribution statement and the semi-annual statement of receipts and disbursements. The treasurer's report regarding bills was approved. Reports were provided on library renovation plans, budgeting processes for the 26-27 fiscal year, upcoming author visits, the Superhero Saturday event, staff hiring, and professional development workshops for educators. Further updates included information on carpet and furniture replacement, passport training for staff, and a new policy to waive vehicle registration service fees for qualified veterans. The board also voted to close the library on the day of the Glendale Heights Fest fireworks performance and discussed adding more detail to Friends reimbursement checks.

The board discussed and took action on several items, including the authorization of the Statement of Economic Interest, the establishment of regular meeting dates for the 2026-27 period, and the acceptance of the 2024-25 fiscal year audit. Financial matters included the ratification of December 2025 expenditures and the approval of the January 2026 bills. The Librarian's report covered a variety of operational updates, such as findings from the recent audit regarding bond payments, a long-term capital replacement plan based on an engineering study, the completion of required staff training, and recent personnel changes and recruitment efforts. Additionally, the board scheduled a future Personnel Committee meeting.

The meeting involved the adoption of the agenda and reports from various areas. Key financial actions included accepting the Bills Approval Report for November 2025 and authorizing a wire transfer for a bond payment due in December. Operational discussions included the near completion of the annual audit, the finalization of the technical services and librarian's office swap, and the completion of an engineering study which revealed no major issues with capital and building systems, prompting investigation into non-urgent improvements. The library received a publicly accessible Narcan cabinet from the DuPage Health Department. Management reports highlighted a library field trip, the addition of the NewsBank database, and updates on passport certification timeline changes affecting the next certification date. A Lead Clerk announced her departure to take a full-time position elsewhere. Action items approved during the meeting included the PR-01-25 Programming Policy and the Per Capita Grant Application. The board also authorized canceling the December board meeting, with bills to be paid normally and affirmed in January.