Pending library board approval at October 28, 2026 regular meeting
Minutes Prepared By: Camayia Dantzler, Communications Specialist
Call to Order and Roll Call
President Bloom called the meeting to order at 6:31 pm. Secretary Yamamoto took roll.
Present: Colin Bird-Martinez, Megan Butman, Kristina Rogers, Annie Wilkinson, Mika Yamamoto, Virginia Bloom
Absent: Susanne Fairfax
Also attending: Elsworth Carman (Executive Director), Billy Treece (Director of Finance & Human Resources), Leigh Tarullo (Director of Collections & Technology)
Public commentators: Jim Whalen
Public Comments
Jim Whalen provided public comment regarding access to magazines and newspapers at the library. He discussed the transition from print newspapers to digital access and the challenges patrons may encounter when accessing periodicals online. Whalen noted that neighboring libraries in River Forest and Forest Park offer selections of popular print magazines, which he accesses at those locations. He concluded by recommending that the library conduct a patron satisfaction survey.
Consent Agenda (Meeting Minutes, Routine Personnel Reports, Partner Reports, Financial Reports, Executive Director’s Report & Strategic Priorities Report)
Bloom motioned to approve all items in the consent agenda.
Moved by Yamamoto. Seconded by Wilkinson. Approved by all present.
Unfinished Business
Draft Bylaws of the Board of Trustees of the Oak Park Public Library
The Board discussed the draft bylaws of the Board of Trustees of the Oak Park Public Library, reviewing several sections of the document and a redlined version incorporating the attorney’s edits. The board discussed several sections of the bylaws, such as:
- Article III. Trustees Section 3: Compensation & Expenses
- Article IV. Officers Section 2: Election & Terms
- Article VI. Committees Section 2: Establishment of Other Committees
- Article VII. Administration Section 2: Relationship Between Board & Administration
- Article VIII. Parliamentary Authority
Bloom read a comment from Fairfax, who was absent from the regular meeting but had reviewed the proposed draft bylaws. Fairfax noted the section addressing committees and recommended that the Board hold a full discussion on committees and the Committee of the Whole before proceeding with a final vote on the bylaws. She requested that the topic be added to the agenda as a discussion item for the October regular Board meeting.
The board continued discussion on the draft bylaws, where Article VI. Committees and the sections that follow were reviewed and discussed, with plans to vote on the proposed bylaws with attorney edits at the regular board meeting in October.
New Business
Draft 2–FY2027 Budget
The Board reviewed and discussed Draft 2 of the FY2027 budget with Director of Finance & Human Resources Billy Treece, including the accompanying memos and both budget versions (2a and 2b). The memos outlined the changes reflected in each version.
Draft 2a continued the approach presented in Draft 1 at the previous regular Board meeting, including a 4% property tax levy increase and deficit spending for capital expenses.
Draft 2b presented a balanced budget, generating a $235,000 operating surplus to cover capital expenditures. Several budget line items were highlighted to illustrate the adjustments made to achieve a balanced budget.
Billy and the Board discussed the changes needed for Draft 3 to support approval at the next regular Board meeting. Draft 3 will reflect a 4% levy and be presented at the October Board meeting. The Board plans to vote on the final FY2027 budget at that meeting.
Reports and Updates: Trustee Comments and Calendar
Bloom noted that the Council of Governments (CoG) meeting had been postponed and that reports might not be available in time for the October Board meeting. Bloom also announced the Elected Officials BBQ, scheduled for October 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Oak Park Conservatory.
The Board reviewed the calendar, including the Governance Committee meeting on October 6, the Finance Committee meeting on October 21, and the regular Board meeting on October 28. Bloom also discussed scheduling a special meeting to review the strategic facilities plan from Woolpert Architects, ideally before or after one of the scheduled committee meetings.
Rogers provided an update on IGoV’s upcoming panel event, scheduled for October 17, which will focus on demystifying referendums and explaining how local governments work in Oak Park. The event will feature a panel of speakers.
Wilkinson noted that she and Rogers would represent the Board at the Othering Without Belonging Conference in October, alongside Executive Director Elsworth Carman and Director of Equity and Anti-Racism Shalonda Lane.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:48 pm.