William Nepstad

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. Key discussion points included the approval of the Public Comments by Visitors Policy and Rules. Visitors provided comments primarily regarding the Library District's Program, specifically the Drag Queen Story Hours. Financial discussions involved the Treasurer's report and investments, including plans for reinvesting funds maturing in July 2019, and the approval of the March 2019 bills. The Library Director's report covered statistical upticks in programming and circulation, the planning for the Latinx Festival scheduled for August 2019, and a low Culver's Fundraiser total of $250. A board member submitted a letter of resignation. New business encompassed the approval of the Non-Resident Fee for the 2019-2020 fiscal year at $154, a motion to change a patron's suspension from one year to six months, and a first review of the Tentative FY 2019/2020 Budget, where the board directed staff to pursue a budget that includes opening for a few hours on Sunday. The session concluded with an Executive Session to discuss confidential employee matters.

The meeting agenda included approval of remote attendance provisions and adoption of the agenda. Key items under the Regular Agenda involved reports and communications from entities such as the FRIENDS of the Zion-Benton Public Library, COMMUNITY 365, ZBCHC, and TIF. Unfinished Business included discussion on the tentative Fiscal Year Board Calendar for 2025-2026, setting agenda items for the next Committee of the Whole meeting, discussion on the Mobile Services plan, updates on the Lobby and Youth Services Renovation Project, and the Wood Estate Distribution. New Business items covered the Per Capita Grant, the Governmental Crime Policy Memo, a memo regarding the IMRF New Employer Contribution Rate for 2026, the Board President's resignation letter, and the election of a new Board President, potentially cascading offices. The session also allocated time for an Executive Session if necessary.

The meeting agenda included routine administrative items such as approving remote attendance requests and adopting the agenda. The consent agenda covered the approval of Treasurer's Reports and Cash Disbursements for November and December 2025, as well as Director's Narrative and Statistical Reports for the same months. Furthermore, the Committee of the Whole recommended the approval of several policies, including the Corporate Credit Card Policy, Fixed Assets Policy, Fund Balance Policy, Investment Policy, Outstanding Check Policy, Purchasing Procedure, Reimbursement Policy, and Tuition and Certification Reimbursement Policies. Under New Business, the Board was set to approve the Tax Abatement Ordinance 25.26.O.5 and set the date and agenda for the next committee meeting. Unfinished Business involved the Tentative Fiscal Year Board Calendar for 2025-2026.

The Committee discussed and edited a Proposed Ordinance for abatement in compliance with the CEJA grant, recommending passage of Ordinance 25/26-O-4, which abates the Corporate Fund by $253,087. Library finance policies were reviewed against the Illinois Public Library Standards, resulting in recommendations for changes which will be presented for approval at a subsequent regular board meeting. Additionally, the Board Treasurer is scheduled to meet with the director to ensure compliance with the Investment Policy regarding having two authorized persons present during a wire transfer.

Key discussions focused on new business items. The Board reviewed a consultant's proposal, agreeing to specify only the needed services. Support was expressed for a mobile vehicle to serve the Traveling Library, and the Board decided a visit to the Waukegan Public Library would be beneficial to clarify service goals. Regarding facility improvements, the Board determined that proposed lobby wall changes should be deferred until a later renovation project.