2022
Board Minutes
February 15, 2022
President David Reed called the February meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of
Trustees to order at 4:30 p.m.
President Reed administered the oath of office to new board member Darcy Mollo.
Present were board members Jane Farero, Gloria Gubbels, Darcy Mollo, David Reed, Gail
Russell, Ellen Vogel, and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Cynthia Maxwell.
Board member Spencer Lawrence was absent.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the December meeting. Motion by
Ellen Vogel to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Gary Wheeler. Motion passed by
voice vote.
The January board meeting was cancelled due to the lack of a quorum.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The December financial report prepared by Lauterbach & Amen was presented. Motion
by Ellen Vogel to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Gail Russell. Motion passed by
voice vote.
The January financial report prepared by Lauterbach & Amen was presented. Motion by
Gary Wheeler to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Gloria Gubbels. Motion passed by
voice vote.
No bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
No correspondence was presented.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
No report was presented.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Director Maxwell’s report for December through January included the following
Bees have been removed from the south air handler and the unit is now functioning.
The SAT grant has been submitted with all the appropriate documentation.
On December 17 the staff held their annual holiday get together.
Director Maxwell completed all the staff evaluations before the December board meeting.
Director Maxwell’s report for January through February included the following
The cleaned air handler unit has triggered a fire trouble alarm. The second alarm was
triggered by low batteries in the unit. Getz has been notified of the problems.
Library staff and patrons will be required to wear masks and observe mandated protocols
until the library is notified of a change for this type of facility.
Director Maxwell attended the PrairieCat Delegate Meeting on January 25, 2022. RAILS
is encouraging libraries to join “Find More Illinois” as a future alternative to OCLC. The fees
for the service for 2022 are being waived.
A patron has been asking personal inappropriate questions about a staff member. The
situation has made the library staff very uncomfortable. The patron has received a verbal
warning about his inappropriate behavior and an incident report has been placed on file about
this behavior.
` Director Maxwell will be sending an e-mail to board members in the next few days about
a trustee gmail account she has developed.
No staff meeting was held due to extensive sickness among staff members.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds Committee/ No report given.
Finance Committee/ No report given.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Director Maxwell has not received any information from CORE on the items still not
completed in the Soderstrum Room.
At this time, no contractor has been found to finish the ceiling in the staff breakroom.
Tomorrow at 9 a.m. cameras will be used to investigate the foundation under the front
stairs leading to the second floor of the library.
NEW BUSINESS
Ellen Vogel, Spencer Lawrence, Jane Farero and President Reed will be meeting in the
coming week to finalize where hard copies of the library survey will be placed. At that time it
will also be determined how long the surveys will be available to the public.
A library board member expressed concern about the front steps are not being cleared of
snow and ice when necessary. In the past there has been a problem of what can be used on the
steps for ice removal without damaging the integrity of the steps. Director Maxwell is to look
into what can be done to make the steps useable under adverse weather conditions.
Protocols for what needs to be done when the library staff is exposed at the library by a
patron with Covid 19 are in place.
A serious problem with the boiler has been identified and a valve needs to be replaced as
soon as possible. The cost of the replacement is $4,515. Motion by Ellen Vogel to replace the
valve at a cost of $4,515. Seconded by Gail Russell. Motion passed by voice vote.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary
Board Minutes
March 15, 2022
President David Reed called the March meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of Trustees
to order at 4:30 p.m.
Present were board members Jane Farero, Darcy Mollo, David Reed, Gail Russell, Ellen Vogel,
and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Cynthia Maxwell.
Board Members Gloria Gubbels and Spencer Lawrence were absent.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the February meeting. Motion by
Gary Wheeler to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Ellen Vogel. Motion passed by
voice vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending February 28, 2022 prepared by Lauterbach & Amen was
presented. Motion by Ellen Vogel to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Darcy Mollo.
Motion passed by voice vote.
No outstanding bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
A donation of $200 was given in memory of Clinton Quaka by his family.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The malfunction of the air handler in the west wing has been addressed by Diversified
Sheet Metal. The necessary part has been ordered at a cost of $1300 and will be installed as soon
as it arrives.
Masks are no longer required in the library. Masks, however, are still recommended.
Mr. Oliver has removed the treads on the inside south front stair as requested by city
engineer Jeremy Palm. It appears the support beam below the stairs does not have adequate
support. To get a clear view of the problem, it will be necessary to remove the plaster and lathe
below this area. The city engineer will be returning to the library on March 16 to view the area
and make a recommendation of what needs to be done.
Touchless soap dispensers have been installed by Melvin Heating and Plumbing in the
public restrooms.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
No report was given.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds Committee/ no report
Finance Committee/ no report
Fund Raising Committee/ The Committee presented a video showing Mini Golf in the
Library which has been used as a fund raiser by many libraries. President Reed and committee
members Ellen Vogel, Gloria Gubbels, and Darcy Mollo will be going to the Yorkville Public
Library on April 3 to observe their Mini Golf Fund Raiser. Motion by Darcy Mollo to begin
planning a Mini Golf Fund Raiser for January 2023. Seconded by Gary Wheeler. Motion passed
by voice vote.
Survey Group/ Information on the library survey has been posted on Face Book. Copies
of the survey have been distributed to the schools in the area and copies have also been placed in
a variety of locations throughout the city.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
President Reed will send a letter to Dr. Carl Soderstrom with some questions about the
completion of the Soderstrom Room.
The library is still looking for someone to complete the staff breakroom work.
On March 16 the city engineer will be returning to the library to obtain more information
about the problem with the inside front stairs.
NEW BUSINESS
It is now necessary for library trustees to review Serving the Public 4.0 each year. In
April the board will be reviewing Chapters 1 and 2. If board members have questions, please
send the questions to Director Maxwell before the April meeting.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:50.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary
Board Minutes
April 19, 2022
President David Reed called the April meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of Trustees
to order at 4:30 p.m.
President Reed administered the oath of office to new board member Tim Geary.
Present were board members Jane Farero, Tim Geary, Darcy Mollo, David Reed, Gail Russell,
Ellen Vogel, and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Cynthia Maxwell.
Board members Gloria Gubbels and Spencer Lawrence were absent.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the March meeting. Motion by
Ellen Vogel to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Darcy Mollo. Motion passed by
voice vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending March 31, 2022 prepared by Lauterbach & Amen was
presented. Motion by Tim Geary to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Gail Russell.
Motion passed by voice vote.
No outstanding bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence presented.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The library’s copy of the City of Streator Ordinances has been updated.
The library completed the U.S. Census survey as requested.
Google has added updates to the virtual tour of the library. The updates have been added
to the library’s website.
The library’s Mad Hatter Tea was attended by sixteen children and fourteen adults.
Staff member Tiffany Webster will be doing story time with Centennial School’s third
graders.
On April 22, Director Maxwell will be attending an event at the University of Illinois
honoring Reuben Soderstrom.
On April 30, the library will be participating in the YMCA’s “Healthy Kids Day”
promoting the library’s summer reading program
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Reed will be naming a committee to plan for the celebration of the library’s
120th anniversary on January 20 and 21, 2023.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds/ no report
Finance Committee/ no report
Policy Committee/ The committee presented suggested changes to the library’s bylaws
(Article III, Article IV, Article V, and Article VI), the meeting room policy and paid staff
holidays. These changes will be voted upon at the May meeting.
Fund Raising Committee/ Information was presented on the mini golf fundraiser the
committee attended at the Naperville Library. The committee is also looking into busing
Streator Elementary School third grade classes to the library for a library tour.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Director Maxwell has received a bid of $2500 from Proud Electric and Construction
Company to complete repairs to the staff breakroom. Motion by Tim Geary to accept Proud
Electric and Construction Company’s bid of $2500 to repair the breakroom. Seconded by Ellen
Vogel. Motion passed by voice vote.
There is no new information on repairs necessary to the steps leading to the second floor.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no questions to be addressed from Chapters 1 & 2 of Serving the Public 4.0.
Director Maxwell has hired a Maintenance Person who will be taking care of the library
grounds.
Being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary
Board Minutes
May 17, 2022
President David Reed called the May meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of Trustees to
order at 4:30 p.m.
Present were board members Jane Farero, Tim Geary, Gloria Gubbels, Darcy Mollo, David
Reed, Gail Russell, and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Cynthia Maxwell.
Board members Spencer Lawrence and Ellen Vogel were absent.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the April meeting. Motion by
Darcy Mollo to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Tim Geary. Motion passed by
voice vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending April 30, 2022 prepared by Lauterbach & Amen was
presented. Motion by Tim Geary to accept the report. Seconded by Gail Russell. Motion passed
by voice vote.
No bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence presented
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Proud Electric and Construction will begin work on the staff breakroom in May.
Dell has provided the Window 11 license for the last new computer.
No smoking signs are ordered for the entrances to the library. There is to be no smoking
by the front entrance.
To date, the library has not received statistical information requested from Google.
A Hot Spot has been purchased for use in the library’s outreach programs. A service plan
was purchased from Mobil Beacon for $120 per year.
The library survey has been removed from the library’s website as of May 15, 2022.
The library has subscribed to Naeir, a clearinghouse for free and discounted merchandise.
Director Maxwell attended the quarterly Omni meeting and the PrairieCat quarterly
system meeting
Streator Unlimited is bringing a group of clients to the library weekly.
The faucet in the men’s restroom has been upgraded to a sensor faucet.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
There was no report given.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds/ The flower bed at the back door is being planted.
Financial/ no report
Policy/ suggested updates to the bylaws were presented and a recommendation for paid
Holidays for the staff was suggested.
Fundraising/ no report
Survey Group/ information will be presented at the June meeting
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The part for the boiler is still on back order.
The stair treads are still not closed. Director Maxwell is contacting an individual about
doing this work.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion by Tim Geary to follow the recommendations of the Policy Committee’s updates
to the library bylaws. Seconded by Gloria Gubbels. Motion passed by voice vote.
Motion by Darcy Mollo to designate July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas
Day and New Year’s Day as paid holidays for all staff members. Seconded by Tim Geary.
Motion passed by voice vote.
The board authorized the replacement of all the remaining restroom faucets to sensor
faucets.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary
Board Minutes
June 21, 2022
Board Treasurer Spencer Lawrence called the meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of
Trustees to order at 4:30 p.m.
Present were board members Jane Farero, Spencer Lawrence, Darcy Mollo, Gail Russell, Ellen
Vogel and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Cynthia Maxwell.
Board members Tim Geary, Gloria Gubbels, and Dave Reed were absent.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the May meeting. Motion by Ellen
Vogel to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Gary Wheeler. Motion passed by voice
vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending May 31,2022 prepared by Lauterbach & Amen was
presented. Motion by Gary Wheeler to accept the report. Seconded by Darcy Mollo. Motion
passed by voice vote.
No bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence presented.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Proud Electric and Construction is working on repairs to the staff breakroom.
No smoking signs are now in place at both entrances to the building.
All faucets in the rest rooms have been upgraded to sensor faucets.
One hundred eight individuals are registered for the summer reading program.
On June 18th over 100 children participated at the opening of the Summer Reading
Program at the city park. The Story Walk will continue at Spring Lake on June 24, 25, and 26.
A note has been sent to Streator Home Savings Bank thanking them for funding the cost
of the buses bringing 3rd grade students to the library.
Director Maxwell contacted TomKat Roofing about leaking in the 2010 library addition.
It was determined that the roof on the addition needs to be replaced. The approximate cost of the
replacement was estimated at $22,000.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
There was no report from the president
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds/ The American Flag needs to be replaced. It was suggested that
the committee contact the Streator American Legion about a replacement.
Finance/ No report. Reminder that a bond payment is due this month.
Fundraising/ The library will be doing a Mini Golf fundraiser during the January 20 and 21, 2023
celebration of the 120th anniversary of the dedication of the Carnegie library building. The
committee is requesting funds from the library for building the components of the mini golf
course.
Survey/ Ellen Vogel will present information at the July meeting.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The maintenance person will be painting the staff breakroom as soon as Proud Electric
and Construction has completed their work. Then Dick’s Flooring will be laying the carpeting
which the library purchased earlier.
The library has not heard anything for from the city engineer about the structural problem
below the front steps to the second floor.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no questions on Serving The Public 4.0, Chapters 5 & 6.
The two existing air condition systems serving the main level of the library are not
working. Director Maxwell contacted Diversified Sheet Metal about repairs. The units cannot
be repaired. Diversified suggests replacing the existing air handler with a unit including a gas
furnace. Cost would be $11,700 for each unit. Motion by Gary Wheeler to replace one unit at
this time at a cost of $11,700. Seconded by Darcy Mollo. Motion passed by voice vote.
The board was reminded that President Reed will be giving a program on The
Poundstone Flag on June 23, 2022 at 6 p.m. at the library.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary
Board Meeting
July 19, 2022
President David Reed called the July meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of Trustees to
order at 4:30 p.m.
Present were board members Jane Farero, Tim Geary, Gloria Gubbels, Spencer Lawrence, Darcy
Mollo, David Reed, Gail Russell, Ellen Vogel, and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Cynthia
Maxwell.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the regular June meeting. Motion
by Gary Wheeler to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Ellen Vogel. Motion passed
by voice vote.
The minutes of the special June 27, 2022 meeting were presented. Motion by Darcy
Mollo to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Tim Geary. Motion passed by voice
vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending June30, 2022 prepared by Lauterback & Amen was
presented. Motion by Spencer Lawrence to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Gloria
Gubbels. Motion passed by voice vote.
Spencer Lawrence presented each board member with an up to date report on the
designated funds accounts.
There were no bills presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence presented.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Proud Electric and Construction has completed the ceiling repair in the breakroom. An
electric ceiling fan was also installed. Library maintenance has primed and is painting the walls.
Melvin Plumbing will be removing the old radiator and piping. Dick’s Floor Covering will be
installing the carpeting on August l.
TomKat Roofing has been notified that their bid for the replacement of the roof on the
2010 addition has been approved.
Director Maxwell is scheduled to attend the quarterly delegates meeting for PrairieCat on
July27, 2022.
Director Maxwell is purchasing cameras for the front and back doors of the library.
It was brought to Director Maxwell’s attention that patrons have inquired about why the
Streator Public Library does not have a weekly article in The Times listing activities for the week
at the library.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
There was no report given.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds/ Gary Wheeler will get a bid on repairs to the back door
from Proud Electric and Construction.
Financial/ No report
Fund Raising/ The Committee is requesting $1,500 to purchase materials for the golf
fund raiser.
Survey Group/ Only a small number of surveys were completed
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There has been no word from the city engineer on the repairs necessary to the steps on
the first floor of the library.
The breakroom repairs are progressing well.
As previously discussed, now that tax monies are available the library will be able to
replace the second nonworking air handler. Motion by Spencer Lawrence to replace the second
air handler at a cost of $10,300. Seconded by Ellen Park. Motion passed by voice vote.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no questions on Chapters 7 & 8 in Serving the Public.
Motion by Gary Wheeler to grant the Fund Raising Committee’s request for $1,500 to
begin building the necessary items for the Golf Fund Raiser in January 2023. Seconded by Tim
Geary. Motion passed by voice vote.
The election of officers was tabled until the September board meeting.
The library’s automatic back door is not working properly. It has been determined that
the motor that operates the door is too small and needs to be replaced.
Director Maxwell is requesting vacation time August 22 – 26. Motion by Ellen Vogel to
grant Director Maxwell’s request for vacation August 22-26. Seconded by Spencer Lawrence.
Motion passed by voice vote.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary
Board Meeting
August 16, 2022
President David Reed called the August meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of Trustees
to order at 4:30 p.m.
Present were board members Jane Farero, Tim Geary, Gloria Gubbels, Spencer Lawrence, Darcy
Mollo, David Reed, and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Cynthia Maxwell.
Board members Gail Russell and Ellen Vogel were absent.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the July meeting. Motion by
Spencer Lawrence to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Gloria Gubbels. Motion
passed by voice vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending July 31, 2022 prepared by Lauterback & Amen was
presented. Motion by Gary Wheeler to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Tim Geary.
Motion passed by voice vote.
No bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence presented.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The breakroom repairs and improvements have been completed.
Pastor John Gutz is working with the library to develop a seed library. Pastor Gutz, a
Master Gardener, will be giving a program at the library on the seed library.
Summer Reading 2022 ended on July 23, 2022. There was a 24% increase in
registrations over last year’s summer reading program. Final statistics on the total program
should be available by the September meeting.
TomKat has installed the new roof over the 2010 addition.
Diversified Sheet Metal has installed the second air handler unit.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
There was no report presented.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds/ Gary Wheeler is waiting for a bid from Proud Electric and
Construction on the necessary repairs to the back door of the library.
Financial/ The committee will be meeting with Director Maxwell on August 31 and
September 7 to review library financial procedures and policies.
Policy/ The committee presented the policy, Authority To Spend. The policy was
adjusted to include the more recent information that items above $25,000 must, by law, be open
for the formal bid process.
Fund Raising/ The committee has purchased supplies for the golf fundraiser in January at a cost
of $1,128.54. Saturday, September 17 at 8 a.m. the committee will be meeting to begin building
the Holes. Any board member available at that time is encouraged to join them.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
The new roof on the 2010 addition has been completed.
The second air handler has been installed
The library is still looking for bids on the repairs to the back door.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no questions on the information in Chapters 9 and 10 of Serving the Public.
Selection of a date for the annual board workshop was tabled until the September
meeting.
Motion by Gary Wheeler to approve the policy, Authority To Spend, presented by the
policy committee. Seconded by Tim Geary. Motion passed by voice vote.
Motion by Spencer Lawrence to offer the option of direct deposit of pay checks to all
staff members. Seconded by Tim Geary. Motion passed by voice vote.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary
Board Minutes
September 20, 2022
President David Reed called the September meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of
Trustees to order at 4:30 p.m.
Present were board members Jane Farero, Tim Geary, Gloria Gubbels, Darcy Mollo, David
Reed, Gail Russell and Ellen Vogel and Library Director Cynthia Maxwell.
Board members Spencer Lawrence and Gary Wheeler were absent.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the August meeting. Motion by
Ellen Vogel to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Gloria Gubbels. Motion passed by
voice vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending August 31, 2022 prepared by Lauterback & Amen was
presented. Motion by Darcy Mollo to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Gail Russell.
Motion passed by voice vote.
No bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence presented.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The annual Back Flow inspection has been scheduled for September.
The disposal of all authorized documents has been completed.
The flag has been replaced. The library purchased a second flag to have on hand.
A FOIA request was received for police reports related to the library. The party was
informed that the library does not have access to those records.
The paper work has been completed for Direct Deposit of staff’s payroll checks.
The library has received the check for the Per Capita Grant. This year’s amount was
$18,437.50.
As an outreach event, the library will have a table at Pluto Fest on September 24th
.
Director Maxwell received an email from the SAT Grant requesting a choice of three
possible start dates. November 1, 2022 was the date chosen.
An incident of a threating nature by a library patron was reported to the police. The
individual left the library at that time. Should there be a repeat of such an incident the police will
be called and the patron will be banned from the library.
The online auction had been suspended.
The cameras for the front and back door have not yet been ordered.
The summer reading report has not been completed but will be available at the October
board meeting.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Reed presented each board member with contact information of all board
members and the library director. Committee assignments were also distributed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds/ No report given
Financial / The committee continues to work on establishing policies related to finance.
They will pass their recommendations to the Policy Committee. The Policy Committee
will review them and then make a recommendation to the board for approval.
Fund Raising / Letters have been mailed to approximately 100 potential sponsors about
the Mini Golf Fundraiser to be held in January of 2023. The committee continues to
work on building the components for the golf course. The next work date will be
October 9 from 11 to 2.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Diversified Sheet Metal will be doing a final inspection of their work before turning on
the heat for the winter.
The library is still waiting for a picture of Reuben Soderstrom for over the mantel in the
meeting room.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no questions on Chapters 11 &12 of Serving the Public 4.0.
Motion by Darcy Mollo that the library join the Streator Chamber of Commerce at a cost
of $115 a year. Seconded by Gail Russell. Motion passed by voice vote.
The Annual Library Board Workshop will be on October 22, 2022 from 9 to 12 a.m.
The Nominating Committee recommended the following slate of officers for 2022 to
2024: President David Reed, Vice President Ellen Vogel, Secretary Jane Farero, and Financial
Officer Spencer Lawrence. Nominations were opened to the floor. There were no nominations
from the floor. Motion by Darcy Mollo to have the board secretary cast a unanimous vote for the
slate of officers recommended by the Nominating Committee. Seconded by Tim Geary. Motion
passed by voice vote.
Motion by Jane Farero to continue nonresident subscription fees at $55 per year for 2023.
Seconded by Ellen Vogel. Motion passed by voice vote.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary
Board member Ellen Vogel was congratulated on being chosen this year’s recipient of the
Maxine Wargo Award for volunteerism.
Board Minutes
October 18, 2022
President David Reed called the October meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of
Trustees to order at 4:30 p.m.
Present were board members Jane Farero, Tim Geary, Gloria Gubbels, Darcy Mollo, David
Reed, and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Cynthia Maxwell.
Board members Spencer Lawrence, Gayle Russell and Ellen Vogel were absent.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the September meeting. Motion by
Tim Geary to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Gary Wheeler. Motion passed by
voice vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending September 30, 2022 prepared by Lauterback & Amen was
presented. Motion by Gary Wheeler to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Darcy
Mollo. Motion passed by voice vote.
No bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENTS
President Reed shared a letter from a library patron complementing staff member Tiffany
Webster on her program Touring the Library.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The Back Flow inspection has been completed.
Jeremy Palm met with Director Maxwell and President Reed on October 4th to share
details on the dome RRPs.
The accountant has been contacted about the PPRT tax money due the library. Our
portion has not been calculated but as soon as the calculation has been made a check will be
issued to the library.
The SAT Grant has awarded the library $139,075 for the restoration of the dome and the
murals below the dome. The grant period will run from November 1, 2022 to October 31, 2023.
Director Maxwell has ordered 1000 books for the Friends of the Library’s annual
Halloween Trick or Treat give away.
Two staff members have resigned. Melissa Badger will now be the library cataloger.
Nate Petit-Dieu has been hired as the new Information Services Associate. Director Maxwell
will be interviewing for the second position.
The library’s boiler has been shut down.
Security cameras for the front and back doors have been received but have yet to be
installed.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
President Reed distributed a hand out with contact information on board members and the
library director.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds / Request for bids on the dome restoration, electric work, and the
mural restoration will go out and need to be returned by November 3, 2022. The bids will be
opened on November 4, 2022.
Finance Committee / No report
Policy Committee / The committee will review the suggested Finance Policies for the
Library received from the Finance Committee.
Fundraising Committee / Three work sessions are planned to continue with construction
of components for the Mini Golf Fundraiser in January 2023: Friday October 21 4-6 p.m.
Wednesday October 26 and Thursday October 27 4-6 p.m. SOCU is our major sponsor for this
event with a donation of $1500.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Jeremy Palm is working to include the library work on the inside steps project in the
city’s 2023 budget.
Director Maxwell presented the board with the statistics on the summer reading program.
NEW BUSINESS
There were no questions from the board on Chapter 13 of Serving the Public 4.0.
County assessments will not be ready until November 4, 2022. Director Maxwell will
have the tax levies for approval at the November board meeting.
Motion by Darcy Mollo to approve an exception to the library’s alcohol policy and allow
a beer and wine tasting at the thank you party for the sponsors of the library’s Mini Golf Fund
Raiser in January of 2023. Seconded by Tim Geary. Motion passed with 5 aye votes and 1 nay
vote.
Personnel Committee Chair Jane Farero passed out forms used for the annual evaluation
of the library’s director. Any board member wishing to do so may fill out the form and return to
Chair Farero by November 7th. The Personnel Committee will welcome board input in making
the formal evaluation of the library director in December.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary
Board Meeting
November 15, 2022
President David Reed called the November meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of
Trustees to order at 4:30 p.m.
Present were board members Jane Farero, Tim Geary, Spencer Lawrence , Dave Reed, Gayle
Russell, Ellen Vogel, and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Cynthia Maxwell.
Board members Gloria Gubbels and Darcy Mollo were absent.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the October board meeting. Motion
by Ellen Vogel to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Gary Wheeler. Motion passed
by voice vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending October 31, 2022 prepared by Lauterback & Amen was
presented. Motion by Gary Wheeler to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Tim Geary.
Motion passed by voice vote.
No bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence presented.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Justin Proud has made a temporary repair to the library’s back door. Cost to replace the
door are estimated to be from $3,000 to over $4,000. Mr. Proud will contact the library when he
has a recommendation as to which door would be the best buy for the library.
Jeremy Palm has posted RFPS.
The library elevator has passed the yearly inspection.
On October 29th during Downtown Trick or Treat, over 1200 books were given by the
Friends of the Streator Public Library to children going through the library.
The library received a check for $82,208.01from the City of Streator for the library’s
share of the PPRT tax money received from January to August 2022. Director Maxwell will
check with the city about when they received the PPRT taxes and to check if any more tax
money has become available after August.
Bids for work on the library dome and murals were opened on November 11, 2022 at 11
a.m.
Nicole Close and Hannah Rathbun have been hired to work in the circulation department.
Security cameras have yet to be installed on the outside of the building. The board feels
that if this cannot be done by staff, Director Maxwell needs to search for someone else to
complete the installation.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
No president’s report was given.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds/ Bids for work on the dome and the murals were opened on
November 11, 2022. There was only one bid in each of the three projects.
Financial/ The finance committee has forwarded their work on to the Policy Committee
to review. The two committees will have a final recommendation of a Finance Policy for the
board to review before the December board meeting.
Fund Raising/ The committee has secured a major sponsor as well as sponsors for all 18
holes of the Mini Golf Fund Raiser to be held in January. The majority of the construction for
the course has been completed and is stored at the library. The committee will have a banner
promoting the event outside the library soon.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Director Maxwell has talked to John Pomeranke about installing the missing picture rail
in the Tutoring Room. He will also see if he can modify the table in the room so that average
chairs will be able to be used around it.
NEW BUSINESS
Director Maxwell received the necessary information from the city to calculate the 2023
tax levies. The total amount will be $344,702. Motion by Jane Farero to accept the levies.
Seconded by Tim Geary. Motion passed by voice vote.
Bids opened on November 11, 2022 for the renovation of the dome and the murals are as
follows: Electric/ Proud Electric $46,197.00 Scaffolding/ $16,500.00
Plaster/ Oosterbaan & Sons $96,690.00
Mural Restoration/ Parma Restoration $130,500.00
Motion by Gary Wheeler to accept the bids presented. Seconded by Ellen Vogel.
Motion passed by voice vote.
Director Maxwell requested vacation time as follows: December 21,22,23 26 through 30
and January 2 and 3. Motion by Tim Geary to grant Director Maxwell’s request. Seconded by
Gayle Russell. Motion passed by voice vote.
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary
Board Minutes
December 20, 2022
President David Reed called the December meeting of the Streator Public Library Board of
Trustees to order at 4:30 p.m.
Present were board members Jane Farero, Tim Geary, Gloria Gubbels, Spencer Lawrence, Darcy
Mollo, David Reed, Gayle Russell, Ellen Vogel, and Gary Wheeler and Library Director Cynthia
Maxwell.
SECRETARY’S REPORT
Board secretary Jane Farero presented the minutes of the November meeting. Motion by
Darcy Mollo to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Tim Geary. Motion passed by
voice vote.
FINANCIAL REPORTS
The financial report ending November 30, 2022 prepared by Lauterback & Amen was
presented. Motion by Ellen Vogel to accept the report as presented. Seconded by Spencer
Lawrence. Motion passed by voice vote.
No bills were presented for payment.
CORRESPONDENCE
President David Reed read correspondence from Theresa Quaka. Included with the
correspondence was a donation of $150.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR’S REPORT
The security issue with the motion/fire censors has been resolved.
A number of items have been completed for the Mini Golf Outing in January. Nate
has completed the Mini Golf logo, Tiffany Webster has designed and posted promotions of the
event on Facebook, the State Temporary Liquor License has been received and Director Maxwell
continues to add information on the event on the library’s website.
A power outage created a networking issue for the public printer and security system
which has been resolved.
The library is hosting a “Giving Tree” for Parker Nursing & Rehabilitation.
The Per Capita Grant is complete and ready to submit on January 30, 2022.
A staff meeting was held in November before Thanksgiving and reviewed security issues,
Winter/Spring Library Programs and networking troubleshooting.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
No report was given.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Building and Grounds/ The committee is waiting for cost estimates.
Finance Committee/ Board members were given information on the library’s designated
funds. Chair Spencer Lawrence presented the suggested Financial Policies and Procedures for
the library.
Fund Raising/ Gloria Gubbels explained the Challenge Baskets which will be available at
the Mini Golf Outing. The committee is hoping to have 10 plus baskets to offer. Plans are to set
up the course on January 18 and 19, then to begin decorating at 7 a.m. on January 20 for the
sponsor’s event on Friday evening.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Motion by Tim Geary to move to executive session to discuss personnel issues.
Seconded by Spencer Lawrence. Motion passed by voice vote.
The board entered executive session at 4:58 p.m.
Motion by Spencer Lawrence to return to regular session. Seconded by Gayle Russell.
Motion passed by voice vote.
The board returned to regular session at 5:19 p.m.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Trim work is finished in the Tutoring Room. Work on lowering the table is still to be
done.
Money for the inside step repair and restriping of the parking lot will be addressed at the
December 21, 2022 City Council Meeting.
Tim Geary will check to see if there is a possibility that the city would consider installing
security cameras in the city parking lot.
NEW BUSINES
The board has reviewed the proposed budget of 2023. Motion by Gary Wheeler to accept
the budget as presented. Seconded by Tim Geary. Motion passed by voice vote.
Motion by Gary Wheeler to accept the Financial Policies and Procedures presented by the
Finance and Policy Committees. Seconded by Gloria Gubbels. Motion passed by voice vote.
Motion by Gary Wheeler in increase staff salaries by $1 an hour. Seconded by Spencer
Lawrence. Motion passed by voice vote.
There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:31.
Respectfully submitted,
Jane Wreith Farero
Board Secretary