April 7, 2026: Board of Library Trustees Governance Committee Meeting Minutes

Minutes Prepared By: Megan Butman, Library Board Trustee

Call to Order and Roll Call

The Governance Committee called the meeting to order at 5:07 pm.  

Present: Megan Butman (Board Trustee, Governance Chair), Mika Yamamoto (Board Trustee, Governance Chair), Elsworth Carman (Executive Director), Billy Treece (Director of Finance & Human Resources)

Observing: Billy Treece (Director of Finance & Human Resources), Barbara Fitzgerald (Manager of Collection Services)

Public commentators: none

Public Comments

No public comments were received in person or in writing for this meeting. 

Leaves of Absence Policy Review

The governance committee reviewed the updated Leaves of Absence Policy to comply with new Illinois law addressing neonatal policy; review of the new Sabbatical & Renew Policy. The governance committee recommends adopting both policies. 

Consent Agenda Recommendation

This agenda item got pushed to the April regular board meeting. The governance committee recommends adopting this policy. 

Bylaws Review

The governance committee discussed planning to do a full Bylaw review in the future, but need to amend the sections concerning (Article VIII – Order of Business) to comply with the Consent Agenda. The Committee recommends adopting this change. 

Board Goals Session Preparation

The committee discussed a Doodle Poll to be sent in the next couple of weeks to schedule the final meeting for the strategic plan.

Board Officer Election Process

The committee discussed the Article IV of the Bylaws which states that each term of office for the Board’s Officers shall be for one year, and elections will happen at the annual meeting.  Article VI of the Bylaws says an ad hoc nominating committee will consist of three Trustees appointed by the President at least 30 days in advance of the Annual Meeting each year. The Committee shall recommend a slate of officers to the Board. To comply with this timeline, an action item will be placed on the April regular board meeting agenda to appoint a nominating committee. Trustee Yamamoto and Trustee Butman volunteer to be on this committee and recommend meeting at the Governance Committee meeting for May 5 at 5:30 pm. The vote for Officers will take place at the annual meeting in May.

Adjournment 

The Governance Committee adjourned the meeting at 6:15 pm.