New Lenox Public Library District Board met Oct. 22.
Here is the minutes provided by the board:
The special meeting of the New Lenox Public Library District Board of Trustees was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by President Dr. Edward A. Tatro on October 22, 2018 at the New Lenox Library, 120 Veterans Parkway, New Lenox, Illinois.
Present were Trustees: President Dr. Edward A. Tatro, Vice President Linda Evans, Colette Loecke, Lou Broccolo, Michelle Monbrod, Ann Podoba, Bonnie Ulstad
Absent: None
Staff present: Michelle Krooswyk: Director and Recording Secretary, Michael Stubler: Business Manager, Alissa Raschke-Janchenko: Youth Services Manager
Visitors: Alex Vancina, John Chrastka
Audience to Visitors
John Chrastka, EveryLibrary – John led the discussion asking where we stand since the last time he visited the Board. Director Krooswyk mentioned that due to new management team and current Fire Protection District referendum and the amount of work required to pursue additional funding warrants a later date for anything that would need to be voted upon. Trustee Monbrod was interested to see how the Fire Protection District referendum shakes out. Trustee Evans said that they must have come in with a lot of money due to the large signs and bigger presence this time around. Trustee Tatro mentioned that he thinks it looks good for the Fire Protection District referendum; the Fireman’s Union is supporting the signage. Trustee Ulstad wants to do things right, but she also feels that it will be a harder sell later. Trustee Tatro mentioned that we are past the point of keeping the tax rate the same because as of right now the taxes would drop down and then go back up due to collection period for Will County. Trustee Broccolo said that the survey results weren’t looking good; John responded that patron’s perception of the library is a little soft right now. Business Manager Michael Stubler said that there is still a strong argument that we are still dropping taxes with a positive referendum result. Director Krooswyk said that she wants to show the community that the library is being fiscally responsible; the bonds were paid off (in 2019) prior to seeking additional funding. John Chrastka said that there is never a good time to request additional funding. He said that there needs more awareness amongst library non-users and our current patron base. In addition, there isn’t a ton of money to pour into awareness, so time is our only asset right now. A turnover in senior staff is a great opportunity to re-introduce the library to the community along with its values, vision and mission. Trustee Loecke said that there has been a great educational opportunity for New Lenox to learn about the different taxing districts and not everyone (fire, library, park district, etc.) falls under the jurisdiction of the Village. John Chrastka spoke to voter habits and voting trends, and then spent the remainder of the meeting discussing connections within the community. The Board and Director were tasked with bringing back a list of “who cares” back to the next meeting.
Executive Session
None
Trustee Comments
Adjournment
Trustee Broccolo moved and Trustee Monbrod seconded that the meeting be adjourned 8:17 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous vote.
https://www.newlenoxlibrary.org/files/board/minutes/Special%20Meeting%20Minutes%202018-10-22.pdf
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