Kewanee Public Library District

Board of Trustees Meeting

March 9, 2026

4:00 PM

Minutes

Members Present: Vanessa Fite, Vice-President; Lea Eastman, Treasurer; Jessica Fornander, Secretary; Felisha Rogers, Jodee Werkheiser.  Also present: David Eckert, Library Director.

Call to Order

Vice President Fite opened the meeting at 4:05 pm

Public Comments

None

Approval of Minutes

February minutes were reviewed.  Motion to approve Lea Eastman/Felisha Rogers.  Motion Passed

Resolved, that the minutes of the February 9, 2026 Kewanee Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting be accepted as presented.

Budget Report

Lea Eastman presented the report.  The balance sheet matches the bank balance.  Transaction by detail account: page 1 - shows the new plan for United Healthcare.  Special Levy Transaction Detail Report - Workers comp insurance and liability/building insurance were paid.  Annual Budget vs YTD Actual - 66% and should be around 63% to be on target.  Received Wethersfield Township check.  Special Levy Annual Budget vs. YTD Annual Budget - E-Rates not shown on report.

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 $42,611.99 and bills in the amount of $27,928.26 be approved for payment.

Vanessa Fite - Yes

Lea Eastman - Yes

Jessica Fornander - Yes

Felisha Rogers - Yes

Jodee Werkheiser - Yes

Department Reports

Director - Eckert presented his summary of the month.  No tech committee meeting this month

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

Business Requiring Action

AV equipment for the Community Room 

Three different proposals were provided: Music Makers, Reference, and CTI. It was decided to use Music Maker to purchase the AV equipment for the community room.  Motion to approve purchase Jodee Werkheiser/Lea Eastman.

Vanessa Fite - Yes

Lea Eastman - Yes

Jessica Fornander - Yes

Felisha Rogers - Yes

Jodee Werkheiser - Yes

Kewanee Public Library District Foundation Registered Agent Change

It was discussed and it was decided that David Eckert be the registered agent for the foundation.  Motion to approve Lea Eastman/Jodee Werkheiser.

Replacement Scanner

The last purchase was in 2011.  It was discussed that a new scanner be purchased.  Motion to approve Lea Eastman/Jodee Werkheiser.

Vanessa Fite - Yes

Lea Eastman - Yes

Jessica Fornander - Yes

Felisha Rogers - Yes

Jodee Werkheiser - Yes

Personnel Policy 

It was discussed this item be tabled to a subcommittee including director and two board members, Jodee Werkheiser and Lea Eastman.  Motion to approve Felisha Rogers/Vanessa Fite.

Business for Discussion

Library Security Issues

Director David mentioned using grant funds to improve around the facility including outdoor lights and landscape removal.  He mentioned that there have been people sleeping around the brushes.  IT could also be improved including cybersecurity, protecting emails.  Panic buttons at personnel desks.  Security system does not cover the entire building and an intercom is needed.

Background Checks

Going forward Director David will be conducting background checks on any personnel in the library including employees, volunteers, board members.

Announcements

Next Board Meeting - April 13, 2026 at 4pm

Motion to Adjourn 

at 5:17 pm was made by Jessica Fornander/Lea Eastman.

Respectfully submitted by Jessica Fornander, Secretary.