Warren-Newport Public Library District
Lake County, Illinois
Board of Trustees
Susan K. Niemi, President
Ronald J. Friedman
Thomas J. Colwell, Vice-President
Nancy Jackson
Steven J. Weinberg, Treasurer
Laurie Styrcula
Nancy E. Sheldon, Secretary
Regular Meeting
March 15, 2011
Call to Order
President Niemi called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Trustees present: Colwell, Friedman, Jackson, Niemi, Sheldon, and Styrcula
Trustees absent: Weinberg
Also present: Director Stephen Bero; Recording Secretary Laura Stone; WNPL
staff members Kevin Getty, Jan Marsh, Paula Pena, and Noreen Reese; Don
McKay and Julianne Scherer of NHA; Steve Bruszer and Anthony Rosignolo of
Berglund Construction; and trustee candidates Bob Diehl and Jo Beckwith.
Pledge of Allegiance
President Niemi led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Consent Agenda for:
a) Secretary’s Report: Approval of minutes as received or corrected:
i. Regular meeting of February 15, 2011
ii. Executive Session of February 15, 2011, to remain closed to the
public
b) Acceptance of Financial Statements for February 2011
c) Acceptance of the Director’s Report for March 2011
d) Acceptance of the Patron Suggestions for February 2011
e) Approval of developer donation agreements (if any)
As there were no developer donation agreements, Trustee Colwell moved and
Trustee Sheldon seconded a motion to approve Items (a)i, (b), (c), and (d) of the
Consent Agenda. The motion carried on a voice vote.
Items removed from the Consent Agenda:
Trustee Sheldon removed item (a)ii. for separate action. Trustee Friedman
moved and Trustee Jackson seconded the motion that item (a)ii. remain closed
as amended. The motion carried on a voice vote.
President’s Report
President Niemi thanked everyone for their condolences regarding the death of
her father.
President Niemi reminded everyone about the rules of the Open Meeting Act
with regard to trustee emails. Trustee Styrcula reviewed rules for
communication between committee members.
Reports of Other Trustees
Trustee Friedman reported that he and Director Bero attended the ILA
Legislative Breakfast on Monday, February 21, 2011. Director Bero introduced
Trustee Friedman to state representatives who are doing what they can with
Illinois’ limited finances.
Trustees Friedman and Styrcula attended the ILA Trustee Forum Workshop
held on Saturday, February 26, 2011. Trustee Styrcula’s report was included
on page 62 of the board packet. Trustee Friedman discussed House Bill 1869,
which refers inquiries to the state website for complete details, saving copying
costs, as well as the amendment of response time from five to ten days.
Trustee Sheldon asked about the two-tiered IMRF plan. Director Bero detailed
the SLEP Program, which does not apply to the WNPLD pension program. The
two-tiered plan is not retroactive; it starts with new hires.
Correspondence, Communications, and Public Comments
a. Written:
i. Memoranda from attorney Roger Ritzman – None.
ii. Current photos of library construction were passed among the
Board.
b. Other:
President Niemi and Director Bero reminded the trustees to complete
their Statement of Economic Interests.
b. Recognition of visitors and public comments
President Niemi recognized trustee candidate Bob Diehl who asked for an
explanation of IMRF. Director Bero responded with the definition of the
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund.
Treasurer's Report
Trustee Colwell moved and Trustee Friedman seconded a motion that the bills
payable for March 2011 and payrolls for February 2011 be approved for
payment. The motion carried on a roll-call vote as follows:
Ayes: Colwell, Friedman, Jackson, Niemi, Sheldon, and Styrcula
Absent: Weinberg
Trustee Styrcula moved and Trustee Colwell seconded a motion that the Board
approve the application for payment #4 by Berglund Construction Company,
Invoice #51022 in the amount of $326,384.55 (three hundred twenty-six
thousand three hundred eighty-four and 55/100 dollars) for construction
through February 28, 2011. Discussion regarding change orders followed.
The motion carried on a roll-call vote as follows:
Ayes: Colwell, Friedman, Jackson, Niemi, Sheldon, and Styrcula
Absent: Weinberg
Reports of Standing Committees
Policy Meeting of February 28, 2011
Trustee Sheldon provided an oral update of the committee report, noting that
the amendment to the by-laws regarding vacation benefits would be addressed
later in tonight’s meeting. With regard to the Group Study Room Policy,
trustees were asked to bring comments to the next committee meeting.
Building & Grounds Meeting of March 8, 2011
Trustee Styrcula provided an oral update of the committee meeting report.
Finance Meeting of March 8, 2011.
In Trustee Weinberg’s absence, Trustee Friedman gave an oral update of the
committee meeting report.
Personnel Meeting of February 28, 2011
President Niemi provided an oral update of the committee meeting report,
reminding trustees that revised Policy 303 will be voted on later in this
meeting.
Trustee Development Meeting of March 7, 2011
Trustee Friedman gave an oral update of the committee meeting report. The
Trustee Training Workshop to be held at Dominican University in Grayslake in
June was discussed.
Progress Report on the long-range plan – Fundraising update
Director Bero met with Claress Pettengill, Director of Institutional
Advancement at Carmel High School in Mundelein, and Bill DeVore,
Foundation Director of the College of Lake County. Both recommended
identifying a specific cause for donors to rally around. Director Bero discussed
moving donors up to higher giving levels, fundraising campaign ideas, and
future trends in Friends of WNPL donations. Possible new donors, donor
solicitation and donor recognition were discussed. Trustee Colwell commented
he finds Director Bero’s efforts very refreshing.
New Business
a. Building Project Update
Steve Bruszer of Berglund Construction provided an update of the building
project, noting milestones and some changes in phasing. Discussion ensued
regarding future possible closing to complete large amounts of work in the
most efficient manner.
b. Approval of Owner Change Order #2 in the amount of $49,375.12
Trustee Colwell moved and Trustee Jackson seconded a motion to approve
Owner Change Order #2 in the amount of $49,375.12 (forty-nine thousand
three hundred seventy-five and 12/100 dollars). The motion carried on a roll-
call vote as follows:
Ayes: Colwell, Friedman, Jackson, Niemi, Sheldon, and Styrcula
Absent: Weinberg
c. Celebrating Milestones in the building project
i. Topping-Off Ceremony
At 8:04 p.m., the trustees and Director Bero left the meeting room to
sign the beam to be installed at the top of the new building.
ii. Rededication of the Storytime Room
Following discussion among the Board, Trustee Sheldon moved and
Trustee Styrcula seconded a motion to table setting a date for this event
until the April meeting. The motion carried on a voice vote.
d. New Policy 4040 Identity Protection, first reading
Trustee Colwell moved and Trustee Sheldon seconded a motion that accepted
the policy as amended. The words “library district” have been changed to
“WNPLD.” Trustee Colwell commented this is a good policy. The motion carried
on a roll-call vote as follows:
Ayes: Colwell, Friedman, Jackson, Niemi, Sheldon, and Styrcula
Absent: Weinberg
e. Approval of board self-evaluation instrument
President Niemi solicited comments from Trustees Friedman and Styrcula.
Following discussion, Trustee Friedman moved and Trustee Styrcula seconded
a motion that the Board accept the “Board as a Whole Evaluation Tool” as
amended as an annual means to assist the Board to meet its obligations to its
constituents. The motion carried on a roll-call vote as follows:
Ayes: Colwell, Friedman, Jackson, Niemi, Sheldon, and Styrcula
Absent: Weinberg
f. Discussion on Board email guidelines for drafting of new policy
This item was referred back to the Policy Committee and will appear on the
April agenda.
Unfinished Business – Policy Work
a. Revision to Policy 303 Vacation Benefits
Following discussion, Trustee Colwell moved and Trustee Friedman seconded
(Trustee Sheldon rescinded) a motion that Policy 303 Vacation Benefits be
approved as amended.
The motion carried on a roll-call vote as follows:
Ayes: Colwell, Friedman, Jackson, Niemi, and Styrcula
Nays: Sheldon
Absent: Weinberg
b. Amendment to Policy 1001 Bylaws: Revisions to Article 6, including
incorporation of the Trustee Development Committee as a standing
committee
Trustee Sheldon moved and Trustee Friedman seconded a motion that changes
to Policy 1001 Bylaws be accepted as recommended by the Policy Committee.
The motion carried on a roll-call vote as follows:
Ayes: Colwell, Friedman, Jackson, Niemi, Sheldon, and Styrcula
Absent: Weinberg
Public Forum
Bob Diehl asked a question about overtime.
Executive Session
Trustee Friedman moved and Trustee Sheldon seconded a motion that the
Board enter into executive session to consider the performance of a specific
employee and invite Director Bero to join the meeting later. The motion carried
on a roll-call vote as follows:
Ayes: Colwell, Friedman, Jackson, Niemi, Sheldon, and Styrcula
Absent: Weinberg
The board adjourned to executive session at 9:04 p.m.
Trustee Friedman exited the executive session at 9:37 p.m.
Reconvene in Open Session
The board reconvened in open session at 9:46 p.m.
Announcements
a. By the chair:
i. Upcoming calendar
1. Next regular Board meeting: Monday, April 18, 2011, 7:00 p.m.
2. Next Committee meetings:
a. Finance – Thursday, April 14, 2011, 8:00 p.m.
b. Policy – Monday, April 4, 2011, 6:00 p.m.
c. Building and Grounds – Thursday, April 14, 2011, 7 p.m.
d. Trustee Development – Monday, April 11, 2011, 7 p.m.
3. Other dates:
a. Grand opening of the new Fountaindale Public Library,
Bolingbrook, Friday, March 25, 2011
b. Consolidated election, Tuesday, April 5, 2011
c. LACONI Annual Trustee Banquet, Friday, April 15, 2011,
Cantigny Golf, Wheaton
Adjournment
Trustee Sheldon moved and Trustee Colwell seconded the motion to adjourn
the regular meeting. The motion carried on a voice vote.
President Niemi adjourned the meeting at 9:54 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy E. Sheldon
Secretary
Laura Stone
Recording Secretary