Board Minutes April 13, 2026
Kewanee Public Library District
Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes
April 13, 2026
Members Present: President John sayers, vice-President Vanessa Fite, Treasurer Lea Eastman, Secretary Jessica Fornander, Felisha Rogers, Andrew Dwyer. Also present: Director David Eckert
Call to Order
President Sayers opened the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
Public Comments
None
Approval of minutes
March minutes were reviewed. Motion to approve Vanessa Fite/Felisha Rogers
Resolved, that the minutes of the March 9, 2026 Kewanee Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting Be accepted as presented.
Budget Report
Eastman presented the report. The balance sheet matches the bank balance. Transaction by detail account: page 5 – yearly expenses for Tech Soup and Splash Tech Solutions processed. Children’s chairs were purchased from Lakeshore Learning. Special Levy Transaction Detail report: page 1 – several building maintenance transactions. There was a heater issue where the elevator is, and elevator maintenance was done. David explained that he will be asking Ed’s Heating & A/C to provide more detailed invoices to know each expense such as labor or a part purchased. There is a sewer problem. Paid to have the pipes cleaned. A camera was used and they saw water about fifty (50) feet. There is backup at the end of the day in the bathrooms. The drain was blown out about three weeks ago by the city. It might need to be cleaned again. It was discussed that our pipes are off the alley in the back of the building. Annual budget vs. YTD actual – should be around 75% we are currently at 71%. Replacement taxes were received. Materials are being purchased by each department and boxes are coming in. Special Levy Annual Budget vs. YTD Actual Budget – trust account will be updated in QuickBooks to match the bank.
Approval of Bills
Motion to approve by Lea Eastman/Jessica Fornander to Approve the Payment of payroll and bills as presented. Motion was passed by roll call vote.
Resolved, that the payroll in the amount of $43,472.00 and bills in the amount of $28,589.43 be approved for payment.
John Sayers – Yes
Vanessa Fite – Yes
Lea Eastman – Yes
Jessica Fornander – Yes
Felisha Rogers – Yes
Andrew Dwyer – Yes
Department Reports
Director Report
YA computers numbers are better than last year. Flyer was shared for a local program for the 250th America’s celebration. David found a grant that was due March 21, 2026 and there was ot enough time to submit it. IT Tom will be helping with the fire panel system. He was able to find a way to page to some of the phones as there is no intercom system set up. Outdoor lighting was updated. Ken Westefer did the work on the lights. Lights were acquired from Ameren for free. Emergency lights are still needed. In Point security and email security will be purchased, which provides training for an annual fee. David mentioned a proposed bill in the Illinois congress to increase hourly wages in July. YA programming has increased this month. Circulation is down and online has increased. Denise D will be the backu0p for Sarah A. Sara B.’s story time will be available via a YouTube channel soon
Information Services
Provided in Board Packet
Youth Services
Provided in Board Packet
Circulation and Statistics
Provided in Board Packet
Technical Services
Provided in Board Packet
Technology Report
Provided in Board Packet
Tech Committee Minutes
Provided in Board Packet
Business Requiring Action
Employee Handbook Review
This was reviewed by Jodee, Lea, and David. Two letters were provided as an introduction and we will be using version one in the employee packet. This employee handbook will be sent to the lawyer and given back to review. This will be effective July 1, 2026.
Business for Discussion
Finance Committee
David discussed the finance committee. This includes the treasurer, one board member, the director, and one staff member.
Announcements
Next Board Meeting: May 11, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn at 5:14 p.m. was made by Vanessa Fite/Felisha Rogers.
