HomeMy WebLinkAboutLibrary Board Minutes 2026 01-12-26APPROVED 2/9/26
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Yorkville Public Library
Board of Trustees Meeting
Monday, January 12, 2026 7:00pm
902 Game Farm Road – Michelle Pfister Meeting Room
The Library Board of Trustees meeting was called to order at 7:00pm by President Theron Garcia, roll was
called and a quorum was established.
Roll Call:
Theron Garcia-yes, Sharon Mix-yes, Valerie Burd-yes, Tara Schumacher-yes, Jason Hedman-yes, Keri Pesola-
yes, Jackie Milschewski-yes, Wendy Gatz-yes, Ryan Forristall-yes
Others Present:
Library Director Shelley Augustine, Friends of the Library President Kathi Bell, Superintendent of School
District #115 Dr. Matt Zediker, School District #115 Director of Communications Brent Edwards
Recognition of Visitors:
Ms. Garcia recognized staff and guests.
Amendments to the Agenda: None
Presentations:
Dr. Matt Zediker, Superintendent of School District #115, made a presentation regarding the school's Master
Plan and referendum on March 17. This process started in October 2024 and they held 18 listening sessions to
ensure the community was informed. He said the school district is the first or second fastest growing district in
Illinois. In 2002, there were 2,400 students and in 2025 there were over 7,100, resulting in overcrowding. He
said safety is an issue especially for the high school students who must cross the street several times a day. He
said some early childhood students must be turned away due to lack of room. The referendum will be for $275
million and the school district will add $20 million to that amount. He said for a home valued at $323,000, the
tax increase would be $577. If the referendum passes, the money can only be used for what is specifically
spelled out on the ballot question. Plans are for a new elementary, middle school and significant high school
addition, as well re-purposing of buildings and other building improvements.
Dr. Zediker opened the discussion to questions/comments. Trustee Forristall noted the traffic on Game Farm Rd.
is already congested and he asked how additional students would be handled. Dr. Zediker said the City Council
will address the traffic question. He projects the building improvements would add 10-15 years of use and he
gave an approximate cost of each of the upgrades. Ms. Garcia asked about additional parking for the high
school. He said Yorkville Grade School could be demolished to create more parking and green space. Mr.
Zediker detailed how some of the other existing buildings would be used. Ms. Burd said a focus on football
might encourage votes in favor of the referendum. A partnership with IVCC will be maintained. If the
referendum passes, it is hoped that work could begin in the fall of 2026 with 2 new buildings opening in 2028.
Approval of Minutes: December 8, 2025
Motion by Ms. Garcia, second by Ms. Milschewski, to approve the minutes as presented. Roll call: Mix-yes,
Burd-yes, Schumacher-yes, Hedman-yes, Pesola-yes, Milschewski-yes, Gatz-yes, Forristall-yes, Garcia-yes.
Carried 9-0.
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Correspondence: None
Public Comment: None
Friends of the Library Report:
Kathi Bell presented the FOL report, starting with a summary of the Treasurer's report. She also reported the
following: 18 donors have contributed goods for the raffle baskets for the used book sale on March 7th, the
possibility of reinstating mini-golf and the Murder Mystery event on January 25. She said the Midland States
Bank will provide refreshments for the event. The Friends also approved money for Valentine's Day treats for
the staff.
Staff Comment: None
Report of the Treasurer:
Financial Statement
Treasurer Milschewski said there was nothing outstanding to report for this month.
Payment of Bills
Ms. Milschewski entertained a motion to approve the bill list as presented and Ms. Garcia seconded.
$24,492.97 Accounts Payable
$46,839.99 Payroll
$71,332.96 Total
Roll call: Burd-yes, Schumacher-yes, Hedman-yes, Pesola-yes, Milschewski-yes, Gatz-yes, Forristall-yes,
Garcia-yes, Mix-yes. Carried 9-0.
Report of the Library Director:
Ms. Augustine reported the following:
1. Two heating elements were replaced in the meeting room units.
2. Plumber replaced valve in restroom.
3. A transparency page is included on the website with info regarding FOIA.
4. Reached out to website host regarding website updates/improvements.
5. Bookmarks given to Trustees with info regarding new e-platform (Palace Project), which replaces the
platform from the previous book supplier.
6. Ms. Augustine was contacted by individual asking for used books for a bookmobile event for needy
families in the Sandwich area. Ms. Mix accommodated this request, with Yorkville being the only
library to do so.
7. Director met with Worknet Batavia location and Kendall County Economic Development Director
regarding job-seeking kiosk in library. It will be installed mid-month and staff will be trained on the use
of the kiosk. This is made available with a grant.
8. Per capita grant submitted by Director.
9. A COD student request to do practicum at this library starting in February. This is an Oswego library
employee.
10. Library will participate again in library road trip program which runs from March 28 to April 30th. The
Friends group will help provide promotional items
City Council Liaison: None
Standing Committees:
Ms. Milschewski reported the Finance Committee met just prior to this Board meeting to begin discussions on
the 2027 budget. The committee reviewed the line items and made recommendations of funds. The figures will
be given to City Finance Director Rob Fredrickson for review and he will attend the next Library Board meeting
to discuss. The budget must be approved in April, at the latest.
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Unfinished Business: None
New Business:
Recent Amendments to OMA and FOIA
A memo from the library attorney highlighted a few items relevant to public libraries, that go into effect in
January. The changes are: public meetings may not be held on election days, remote attendance is permitted for
absences due to military service and 3 items regarding FOIA requests.
Space Planning Consultant Search Discussion
Ms. Augustine presented a draft of a space needs study for a Request for Proposal. She made some
recommendations of space needs in the library based on staff input. Ms. Augustine has spoken with other
libraries and also has a list of possible consultants to whom she would like to forward the needs. Ms.
Milschewski suggested that it be discussed next month after the Trustees have an opportunity to review the draft,
so it will be included in Old Business next month. The Board briefly discussed the staff recommendations.
Executive Session:
For the discussion of minutes of meetings lawfully closed under the Open Meetings Act, whether
for purposes of approval by the body of the minutes or semi-annual review of the minutes as
mandated by Section 2.06.
At 8:15pm, Ms. Garcia moved to go into Executive Session and read the reason for the Session. Ms.
Milschewski seconded the motion and roll call was taken. Schumacher-yes, Hedman-yes, Pesola-yes,
Milschewski-yes, Gatz-yes, Forristall-yes, Garcia-yes, Mix-yes, Burd-yes. Carried 9-0.
The Session concluded at 8:31on a motion by Ms. Garcia and second by Ms. Milschewski.
New Business cont.
In Executive Session, the Board reviewed the sealed minutes of past Sessions. On a motion and second by Ms.
Garcia and Mr. Hedman, respectively, the following Executive Session minutes from “Packet 1” will be released:
March 10, 2025 Board of Trustees, March 10, 2025 Finance Committee, July 8, 2025 Personnel Committee and
August 12, 2025 Board of Trustees. Roll call: Pesola-yes, Milschewski-yes, Gatz-yes, Forristall-yes, Garcia-
yes, Mix-yes, Burd-yes, Schumacher-yes, Hedman-yes. Carried 9-0.
Ms. Garcia moved and Ms. Schumacher seconded to release Executive Session minutes from “Packet 2”, dated
April 14, 2025 and August 11, 2025. Roll call: Milschewski-yes, Gatz-yes, Forristall-yes, Garcia-yes, Mix-yes,
Burd-yes, Schumacher-yes, Hedman-yes, Pesola-yes. Carried 9-0.
Other:
Ms. Schumacher asked if the Board of Trustees should issue a statement in support of the school referendum and
said other groups have done this. The Board will discuss this in New Business at the next meeting.
Adjournment:
There was no further business and the meeting adjourned at 8:34pm on a motion by Ms. Garcia and second by
Ms. Schumacher. Unanimous voice vote approval.
Minutes respectfully submitted by
Marlys Young, Minute Taker