The Medina County District Library Board of Trustees met in regular session on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Medina Library. With a quorum present, President William Koran called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll call: The following members were present: William Koran, Mark Krosse, Sarah Vachon, Ann Marie Flannery, Caleb Parker, and Christopher Jakab.
Library staff members in attendance included: Julianne Bedel, Executive Director; Allison Gaebelein, Fiscal Officer; Suzie Muniak, Deputy Director; Emily Henry, Human Resources Director; Tina Sabol, Community Engagement Director; Kelly Halleen, Brunswick Children's Services Supervisor; Linda Sutliff, Library Associate; and Jennifer O'Neill, Deputy Fiscal Officer acting as recording secretary.
Approval of the Agenda: Mr. Parker motioned, and Ms. Flannery seconded the motion to approve the revised agenda. Motion carried.
Service Recognition for Linda Sutliff: Mr. Koran recognized Library Associate Linda Sutliff for her twenty-six years of dedicated service at MCDL. The Board of Trustees expressed its sincere appreciation for Linda Sutliff and her valued role within the Library family. They extended best wishes for her continued health and happiness in the next chapter of her life. Dustin Russell, Regional Liaison from Secretary of State Frank LaRose's office, presented a citation commending Ms. Sutliff for her exemplary service to the Library. Mr. Russell noted that, after seeing a social media post regarding her retirement, he wished to personally convey the office's congratulations and gratitude. Ms. Sutliff thanked those in attendance and stated that she loved working at the Library and considered it a privilege to serve patrons in our community for twenty-six years.
Recognition of Guests and Comments from the Public: President Koran welcomed all in attendance.
Disposition of Meeting Minutes: Mr. Krosse motioned, and Ms. Vachon seconded the motion to approve the November 17, 2025, regular meeting minutes. Motion carried.
Approval of Financial Report: Ms. Flannery motioned, and Mr. Jakab seconded the motion to approve the November 2025 financial report. Motion carried.
Fiscal Officer Allison Gaebelein highlighted that November 2025 receipts totaled $474,667.13 while expenses totaled $1,034,020.77. There was an unexpended cash balance of $18,411,406.43 minus outstanding encumbrances of $2,699,813.17 leaving an ending unencumbered balance of $15,711,593.26.
General Fund revenues are up 4.1% over the prior year-to-date, and General Fund expenses are up 5.6% compared to the same year-to-date period.
November 2025 investments earned $73,079.34. Year-to-date interest totals are $692,801.30 at an average weighted interest rate of 3.96%.
November 2025 PLF came in at $375,913.20. This is $1,590.49 lower than November 2024 and $1,970.80 lower than budgeted. Year-to-date PLF totals are 4.42% higher than last year, and 3.61% over budget.
The Huntington Bank virtual credit card program initiated at the beginning of 2020 continues to be utilized, resulting in a rebate for 2025 of $4,603. This is $1,800 lower than last year's total. A few vendors have been unenrolled from the program this year due to being charged a fee to use a credit card as payment. Ms. Gaebelein said that credit card purchases from Amazon have helped make up some of the difference with the credit card rebate.
Executive Director's Report: Executive Director Julianne Bedel highlighted that overall circulation was up 1% over November 2024. Circulation of physical items was down 5%, and digital circulation was up 9%. Overall computer usage was up 7%. Meeting room bookings were up 2%, and community attendance in the meeting rooms was down 8%. The number of new library cards issued was down 42%, attributable to an unusually high volume of applications during the same period last year. The number of passport applications processed was down 23%. The number of library programs offered was up 7%, and the number of patrons attending those programs was up 2%. The overall door count was down 7% from last November.
This month kicked off Ohio Persistent Cyber Improvement training. This mandatory continuing education is required by the State under HB96. All staff are required to complete a two-hour Cyber Mindfulness course. Managers and administration will be required to take additional courses, depending on job responsibilities. Staff will have this training completed by mid-March 2026.
Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal in the Little v. Llano County case in which the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the patrons of the Llano County Library have no First Amendment right to receive information in the form of public library books. In doing so, the court overturned a long-standing precedent that prohibits viewpoint-based censorship in public libraries. The ten-judge majority embraced the argument that public library collection decisions are a form of allowable government speech that is immune from constitutional scrutiny. By declining to hear an appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court justices let stand the Fifth Circuit decision allowing the removal of books from a public library system. It is important to keep in mind that the decision does not set a nationwide legal precedent. Decisions from the Fifth Circuit apply to the states of Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Ohio falls under the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. There are other pending lawsuits on book bans in Florida, Iowa and elsewhere - in the Eighth, Ninth, and Eleventh Circuits. It is likely that at some point the U.S. Supreme Court will take up the issue if the circuits are split and reach different conclusions.
Eighteen staff members attended at least one day of OLC's Convention and Expo which was held in Cleveland this year. Attendees explored a wide variety of topics ranging from maintaining vibrant children's services spaces to ethical considerations of generative AI. Brunswick Library Manager Connie Sureck presented a session on empathy in management, which was well-reviewed by colleagues who attended the session. Brunswick Library Associate Jenna Garrity presented a poster session on the Citizenship Corner, attended by library staff from across the state interested in creating a similar resource. It's always a pleasure to have MCDL represented at OLC and I am thankful for our library's support of lifelong learning through staff continuing education.
Mr. Krosse inquired about a visual communication board that was mentioned in the board packet. Ms. Bedel replied that Morgan Fryar, Children's Librarian in Medina, suggested developing visual communication boards for use at public service points after hearing about them at the OLC convention. Visual communication boards are used to help bridge the communication gap between nonspeaking or minimally speaking individuals and others. The boards display photos, symbols, or illustrations to help people with limited spoken language ability express themselves by gesturing or pointing to the images to communicate. Christine Gramm and the Innovation team are working on a board to be used system-wide. Once we have a system drafted, we will consult with MC Board of DD. Mr. Krosse inquired about the Makerspace cancellations. Ms. Bedel responded that a machine not working contributed to some of the cancellations this month.
Communication: None
Personnel Report: Mr. Parker motioned, and Ms. Vachon seconded the motion to approve the November Personnel Report. Motion carried.
Human Resources highlights from November 2025 include two new hires, two promotions, and one staff member left employment. There were four leaves of absence in November.
The new ADP performance management module was launched as part of our paperwork reduction efforts. Staff are currently completing the annual performance evaluations, and 2025 will be the final year using the paper system.
Several milestone anniversaries were celebrated. Teen Librarian Sean Rapacki has been with us for 10 years, and Deputy Director Suzie Muniak celebrated her 20-year anniversary. Two staff members reached their 25-year milestone. Many thanks to Anita Moncol, Collection Resources Cataloging Clerk, and Tina Forhan, Medina Customer Services Supervisor. We are fortunate to have such dedicated staff members and appreciate that they have chosen to remain part of MCDL.
Board Committee Reports:
Finance Committee: Mr. Parker reported the committee met on Monday, December 8, 2025, to review the 2026 budget.
Resolution 25 - 32: 2026 Budget: Upon recommendation of the Finance Committee, the Medina Country District Library Board of Trustees hereby adopts the 2026 budget as proposed. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Koran - Aye; Mr. Parker - Aye; Mr. Jakab - Aye; Mr. Krosse - Aye; Ms. Flannery - Aye; Ms. Vachon - Aye. Motion carried.
Personnel Committee: Ms. Vachon reported that the committee met on Monday, December 15, 2025, to discuss the evaluations of the Executive Director and Fiscal Officer.
Executive Session: Ms. Vachon motioned and Mr. Parker seconded the motion to move into executive session to consider the employment of a public employee at 6:24 p.m.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Koran - Aye; Mr. Parker - Aye; Mr. Jakab - Aye; Mr. Krosse - Aye; Ms. Flannery - Aye; Ms. Vachon - Aye. Motion carried.
At 6:33 p.m. Ms. Bedel was asked to attend the session. At 7:02 p.m. Ms. Bedel was excused, and Ms. Gaebelein was asked to attend the session. Regular session resumed at 7:17 p.m.
Policy and Bylaws Committee: Mr. Krosse reported the committee met on November 17, 2025, to discuss changes to the Board of Trustees Bylaws (Policy BRD-07). These changes included board members being appointed for four years instead of seven per HB 96, and adding the Pledge of Allegiance to the standard agenda. The proposed changes were emailed to all trustees on December 3.
Resolution 25-33: Upon recommendation of the Policy and By-laws Committee, the Medina County District Library Board of Trustees adopts the revisions to BRD-07 Board of Trustees By-laws as presented effective immediately. Motion carried.
Buildings Committee: No Meeting.
Unfinished Business: None
New Business:
Resolution 25 - 34: 2026 Board Schedule: Ms. Vachon motioned and Mr. Parker seconded the motion to approve Policy BRD-01 Board Meeting Schedule 2026 effective immediately. Motion carried.
2026 Board Officers: Mr. Krosse motioned and Mr. Jakab seconded the motion to approve the proposed slate of officers for 2026. President - Caleb Parker, Vice President - Sarah Vachon, Secretary - Ann Marie Flannery. Motion carried.
Resolution 25 - 35: Library Executive Director 2026 Compensation: Upon a motion by Ms. Vachon and a second by Ms. Flannery, the Medina County District Library Board of Trustees hereby fixes Executive Director Julianne Bedel's 2026 compensation at 3.5% increase of her current salary, effective January 11, 2026. Motion carried.
Resolution 25 - 36: Appointment of Fiscal Officer: Upon a motion by Mr. Krosse and a second by Mr. Jakab, the Medina County District Library Board of Trustees hereby appoints Allison Gaebelein Fiscal Officer effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with a surety bond set in the amount of $250,000. 2026 compensation will be at 3.5% increase of her current salary, effective January 11, 2026. Motion carried.
Resolution 25 - 37: Appointment of Deputy Fiscal Officer: Upon a motion by Mr. Parker and a second by Ms. Vachon, the Medina County District Library Board of Trustees hereby appoints Jennifer O'Neill Deputy Fiscal Officer effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026, with a surety bond set in the amount of $250,000. 2026 compensation will be at 3.5% increase of her current salary, effective January 11, 2025. Motion carried.
Resolution 25 - 38: Interfund Transfer: Mr. Parker motioned and Mr. Jakab seconded the motion that the Medina County District Library Board of Trustees hereby approves the $1,700,000 Interfund Transfer from the 2025 budget from 101 General Fund to the 401 Building/Repair Fund. Motion carried.
Resolution 25 - 39: Interfund Transfer: Mr. Parker motioned and Mr. Jakab seconded the motion that the Medina County District Library Board of Trustees hereby approves the $300,000 Interfund Transfer from the 2025 budget from 101 General Fund to the 202 Virginia W. Martin Fund. Motion carried.
Resolution 25 - 40: Tax Advance Request: Ms. Vachon motioned and Ms. Flannery seconded the motion that the Medina County District Library Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Fiscal Officer to request, on behalf of MCDL, the advance payment of Real Estate Tax Collections from the Medina County Auditor for 2026. Roll Call Vote: Mr. Parker - Aye; Mr. Jakab - Aye; Mr. Krosse - Aye; Ms. Flannery - Aye; Ms. Vachon - Aye, Mr. Koran - Aye. Motion carried.
Service Recognition for Mark Krosse: Mr. Koran recognized Mr. Krosse for his dedication and contributions to the Board of Trustees. Mr. Krosse appreciates the great library system in Medina County and noted that it has been a wonderful experience collaborating with Board members, staff and patrons.
Donations: Ms. Vachon motioned, and Ms. Flannery seconded the motion to approve the following donations for November. Motion carried.
- Buck & Terri Grimm: $50 in memory of Maggie Hershberger
- Judy & David Scaife: $75 in memory of Maggie Hershberger
- Anonymous: $40
- Erica Rayner-Wodzak: $100
- Healing Hearts organization: $150 in thanks for the use of the meeting room in 2025
- Jamie Krulewitz: $50 in memory of Michael Phillipp
- Nicole Lloyd: U.S. flag carried by a military working dog during her deployment as a thank you to the staff at Buckeye for managing her library duties while she was away.
Ms. Bedel noted Buckeye Associate Flex Nicole Lloyd is a Staff Sergeant in the Ohio National Guard and was called into active duty for seven months this year. Her unit elected her to be the individual to bring the flag back to the library from her deployment in Qatar to express appreciation for her coworkers who filled in for her during her service. The flag and certificate will be framed and displayed at Buckeye Library. The donations were accepted with gratitude.
Trustees Comments:
Ms. Flannery congratulated the Library's staff members that presented at the OLC conference. She congratulated everyone celebrating milestone anniversaries. She noted that it was a pleasure to work with Mr. Krosse.
Ms. Vachon congratulated those celebrating milestone anniversaries. She thanked everyone who works to cultivate an employment environment that helps people want to stay with MCDL for so many years. She thanked Mr. Krosse for his service on the Board and expressed her appreciation for the knowledge and insight she gained from working with him.
Mr. Parker thanked the Board for their hard work during a challenging year. He thanked Mr. Krosse for his service on the Board.
Mr. Jakab thanked the staff for all the great work done this year and expressed appreciation for Mr. Koran's leadership on the Board. He noted that it was a pleasure to work with Mr. Krosse and wished him safe and happy travels.
Mr. Koran thanked the staff for all their work and thanked the Board for their service. He wished Mr. Krosse well.
Mr. Krosse thanked the staff for all their work. He thanked the Board and mentioned the great diversity of perspectives. He sent best wishes and congratulations to the new board officers. He commented that it was his pleasure to serve, and that MCDL is a wonderful library and a treasure to the community.
Adjournment: There being no further business, Mr. Krosse motioned, and Mr. Jakab seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:37 p.m. Motion carried.
Caleb Parker, President
Ann Marie Flannery, Secretary
NEXT BOARD MEETING
Monday, January 19, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Medina Library