Chicago City Wire

City of Wheaton Public Library Board met Aug. 19

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

I. Call to Order 

The Board of Trustees of the Wheaton Public Library held their regular Board meeting on Monday, August 19, 2024. Board President Laurie Metanchuk called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Members present in person at roll call: Laurie Metanchuk, Bob Lyon, Bob Rammer, Steve Siemer and Vallari Talapatra. Absent: Simone Morton, Al Herbach, Christine Fenne, and Kathryn Staron. Betsy Adamowski, Library Director, Ed Sirovatka, IT/Facilities Manager, Dawn Kovacs, Deputy Director, Jennifer Asimakopoulos, Adult Services Department Head, Nikki Bridges, Studio GC Architect, Lisa Christell-Sandri, Finance/Business Office Manager, and Michelle Secor, Business Office Associate and recording secretary for this meeting, were also in attendance. 

II. Citizens to be Heard 

None. 

III. West Side Plaza and Main Floor Interior Project Presentation - Studio GC 

Mr. Herbach joined the meeting at 7:01 p.m. 

Mrs. Fenne joined the meeting at 7:17 p.m. 

Nikki Bridges from Studio GC presented a slideshow to the Board highlighting the proposed project involving the West Side Plaza and the Main Floor of the library. She began with explaining the plaza project and went into detail on the plaza shaded areas as well as the space past the plaza that will include additional bike rack racks and a bike repair station. She explained that the ramp leading up to the plaza will be repaired and made larger to help wheelchairs and strollers be better accessible. Discussion occurred about the plaza and its repairs and improvements. Mrs. Adamowski explained that no work can begin until the Federal Community Project Grant is funded. At this time the grant environmental review and permit questions have been answered. 

Nikki then spoke about the Main Floor plan in the interior of the library. The idea is to create more exploration and discovery. The "spotlight" area to the left of the main entrance will have movable shelves arranged in a tiered effect that will guide the customers' eyes to the various topics highlighted in each section. Jennifer Asimakopoulos, Adult Services Department Head, explained that the purpose is to spotlight certain topics and better utilize the collection. The space will be more open with areas to sit and the windows will be more visible which will provide a view overlooking Adams Park and more natural light. 

There was a Board consensus to go ahead with the plaza and main floor plans presented by Studio GC. 

CONSENT AGENDA 

IV. Minutes for the July 15, 2024 Board Meeting 

V. Financial Reports for July 2024 and Bill Listing for August 2024 

Dr. Rammer moved and Mr. Herbach seconded to approve the Consent Agenda items. 

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Mr. Lyon 

Dr. Rammer 

Mr. Siemer 

Mrs. Fenne Ms. Talapatra 

Mr. Herbach 

Mrs. Metanchuk

Nays: None 

Absent: Mrs. Morton 

Ms. Staron 

Motion Carried

VI. Library Director's Report for August 2024: 

Mrs. Adamowski discussed some new developments with the Bean café: The City will be filming a video tomorrow, and Courtney Tedrick, Community Engagement Department Head, will be working more closely with the café team in order to incorporate café services into library programs and events. Jennifer Asimakopoulos mentioned that she was partnering with the Bean for an upcoming Small Business Networking event. Ms. Talapatra mentioned that she stopped into the Café recently and enjoyed their selection of tea. 

VII. Unfinished Business 

A. Strategic Plan - Quarter 1 Summary 

The Board discussed the Strategic Plan saying that Mrs. Adamowski had created a very thorough plan that was much more accessible and dynamic than previous plans.

VIII. New Business: 

A. Motion to Approve Wheaton Public Library Privacy Policy 

Mr. Lyon moved and Ms. Talapatra seconded to approve the Privacy Policy. 

Roll Call Vote 

Ayes: Ms. Talapatra 

Mr. Herbach 

Mr. Lyon 

Dr. Rammer 

Mrs. Fenne 

Mr. Siemer 

Mrs. Metanchuk

Nays: None 

Absent: Ms. Staron 

Mrs. Morton 

Motion Carried 

IX. Board Member Comments (Round the Table) 

X. Mrs. Metanchuk shared that board member Mrs. Kathryn Staron has turned in her resignation. Mrs. Metanchuk will speak to the Mayor about filling the vacancy. 

Mrs. Metanchuk reminded the Board that ILA will be held in Peoria on October 8-10. The 10th will be Trustee Day which might be of interest to the board members. 

Adjournment 

There being no further business of the Wheaton Public Library Board of Trustees, Mr. Siemer moved and Mr. Herbach seconded that the meeting be adjourned. A voice vote was taken and the motion for adjournment carried at 8:12 p.m. 

https://www.wheaton.il.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08192024-2609