Stacy Tovar

The Personnel Committee meeting reviewed the current Director compensation process. Detailed information regarding the evaluation rubric and comparative data on director compensation at peer libraries were presented to assess market alignment. A recommendation is scheduled for the February Board meeting to adjust Director Long's salary to match the determined market rate.

Key discussions during the meeting included committee reports, where the Personnel Committee reviewed the Director raise process, noting that details would be explained at the February meeting. The Board President provided an update on the impact fees ordinance meeting and confirmed Trustee appointments for Friends Liaisons. The Library Director mentioned that the Per Capita Grant application would be sent out for review and reminded members to complete the Statement of Economic Interest. Other business involved the unanimous approval of the Owner Architect Agreement with Engberg Anderson and the approval of the Proposal and Contract with Shales-McNutt Construction Services for the Geo-Thermal Project. A date of May 16 was set for the Adopt-A-Highway event.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Key discussions included the presentation from Sikich, which resulted in the unanimous approval of the 2024-2025 Audit. A presentation on Geothermal heating was also delivered, reaching a consensus to move forward. Committee reports covered the six-month Director review recap. The Library Director's Report involved discussions on community engagement options following the rotary disbanding, legislative updates, and action plan items for the Strategic Plan. Other business included communication regarding Toys for Tots location, post-trauma care and volunteering, and a commitment to review Per Capita ILA standards.

The Fremont Public Library's "Connected Futures" Strategic Plan aims to enhance its role as a community hub by fostering connection, creativity, and learning. The plan is built upon four strategic goals: Connect the Community, Expand Outreach and Access, Innovate Operations, and Embrace the Future. It seeks to make the library more responsive and inspiring, expand services beyond its physical walls, and ensure it remains a welcoming, inclusive, and technologically advanced resource for all residents.

The Board of Trustees convened a closed session to discuss the selection of a candidate to fill a public office, as authorized by 5 ILCS 120/2(c)(3). During the session, the trustees conducted an interview with candidate 5.