The Medina County District Library Board of Trustees met in regular session on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Medina Library. With a quorum present, President William Koran called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Roll call: The following members were present: William Koran, Mark Krosse, Sarah Vachon, Brian Harr, Ann Marie Flannery and Christopher Jakab.

Library staff members in attendance included: Julianne Bedel, Executive Director; Allison Gaebelein, Fiscal Officer; Suzie Muniak, Deputy Director; Ann Plazek, Outreach Services Manager; and Jennifer O’Neill, Deputy Fiscal Officer acting as recording secretary. 

Approval of the Agenda: Mr. Harr motioned, and Ms. Flannery seconded the motion to approve the agenda. Motion carried. 

Recognition of Guests and Comments from the Public: President Koran welcomed all in attendance. 

Disposition of Meeting Minutes: Ms. Vachon motioned, and Mr. Jakab seconded the motion to approve the May 19, 2025, regular meeting minutes. Motion carried.

Approval of Financial Report: Ms. Flannery motioned, and Mr. Krosse seconded the motion to approve the May 2025 financial report. Motion carried. 

Fiscal Officer Allison Gaebelein highlighted that May 2025 receipts totaled $850,414.08 while expenses totaled $973,009.11. There was an unexpended cash balance of $18,419,827.10 minus outstanding encumbrances of $3,019,624.72 leaving an ending unencumbered balance of $15,400,202.38. 

General Fund revenues are up 6.5% over the prior year-to-date, and General Fund expenses are up 4.0% compared to the same year-to-date period.

May 2025 investments earned $84,792.47 at an average weighted interest rate of 3.993% as compared to $88,349.45 in May 2024. The 2025 year-to-date total investment earnings are $306,337.18.

May 2025 PLF came in at $422,522.28. This is $30,288.34 higher than May 2024 and $21,878.28 higher than budgeted. The year-to-date total for the PLF is $1,918,948.41 and is up 10.03% from 2024 and up 9.71% from the 2025 budget. So far this year, the PLF distribution has continued to come in over estimates.

Mr. Jakab asked if there is an emergency or reserve balance fund. Ms. Gaebelein responded that the Library does not currently have this fund and has not had one in the recent past but will research the possibility of opening a new fund. 

Executive Director’s Report: Executive Director Julianne Bedel highlighted that the overall circulation was up 3% from May 2024. Circulation of physical items was down 4% and circulation of digital items was up 17%. Overall computer usage was up 16% and Wi-Fi use was down 1%. Meeting room bookings were up 12%. The number of new library cards issued was down 17%. The number of passport applications was up 14%.  The number of programs offered was up 5%. The door count remained the same as this time last year.

The Ohio Senate passed a state operating budget for Fiscal Year 26-27 (HB 96). The Ohio House didn’t concur with the changes made by the Senate, and the legislation will go to a Conference Committee to reconcile the differences. In the current budget language, Ohio libraries will see a cut in state funding in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 beginning July 1. FY 2025 ended with $504,594,157 distributed to local libraries through the Public Library Fund (PLF). It is unlikely the Conference Committee will agree with the governor’s proposal to fund libraries at 1.75% of the General Revenue Fund. HB 96 changes the PLF to a line-item appropriation and funds the PLF at $490 million in FY26 and $500 million in FY27. However, the Senate version deducts an additional $10.3 million annually ($20.6 million over the biennium) from the PLF to fund the following state agencies and statewide services: the State Library of Ohio, the Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN), the Regional Library Systems, and the Ohioana Library Association. This means that $10.3 million will be deducted from the PLF each year of the biennium before PLF funds are distributed at the county level. Public libraries will see approximately $479.7 million in FY26 and $489.7 million in FY27. Thank you, Trustees, for your work in advocating for public library funding to our state legislators. I will continue to monitor and share information with you as it becomes available during these last few weeks of the legislative process.

In May, the Directors Team had the first of two scheduled leadership workshops facilitated by Kathy Sullivan of Talent Principles. Organized around the DiSC leadership profiles system, the focus is to work as a high-performing team by identifying tools to help us communicate more effectively, reduce potential conflicts, and build emotional intelligence capabilities. This continuing education opportunity will conclude with the second session scheduled for July.

Congratulations to Suzie Muniak on being appointed to the Board for Project: LEARN of Medina County effective June 1. Part of their mission “is to promote lifelong learning and equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to achieve their personal and professional aspirations.” This dovetails nicely with Ms. Muniak’s work here at MCDL, and we’re proud to have her serving in this role.

Congratulations to Allison Gaebelein on her appointment to the upcoming 2026 Signature Class of Leadership Medina County. She will have a busy year in Leadership, but I’m so pleased that she’s interested in that experience. It will be a wonderful chance for her to forge even more community connections.

Mr. Krosse asked about the supply chain issues in Collection Resources. Ms. Bedel responded that there have been issues since 2020 during COVID and more issues recently partially due to potential tariffs, according to our vendors. The Library is looking at other providers and is currently ordering items unprocessed to increase fulfillment rates. Mr. Krosse inquired about the fiber connection that was installed at Buckeye Library. Ms. Bedel responded the new connection will increase bandwidth and speed. Mr. Harr commented on the incredible 1,000 children registered for the Summer Reading Game (SRG). Ms. Bedel said it was a record number of sign-ups in the first two days. Staff visits to schools, publicity in the paper and having the SRG starting earlier are likely contributing factors.

Communication: The Library received a thank you note from Mr. Brian Feron, President of the Medina County Historical Society, recognizing Lisa Rienerth and the FHLC staff for help researching and producing the America 250 project books: Voices of the Revolutionary War and Remembering Our Patriots in Medina County. The Library received a note from Ryan O’Cull, Director of Business Affairs of Medina City Schools, in thanks for Kindergarten Readiness Kits. Finally, the Library also received a note from Amy Busby, Director of Community Relations at Medina City Schools, in thanks for supporting their first Bike Rodeo.

Personnel Report: Mr. Vachon motioned, and Mr. Krosse seconded the motion to approve the May Personnel Report. Motion carried.

Human Resources highlights from May 2025 include welcoming four new staff members. There were no promotions, departures, or milestone anniversaries. There was one leave of absence compared to two last month.

HR and Finance staff are meeting with ADP to roll out the performance management module to begin modernizing that process as discussed in the Strategic Plan. Emily Henry and Pat Bernauer are working with staff to kick off our re-imagined Leadership U later this month. Leadership U is an internal leadership development program. It will focus on identifying and developing participants’ personal leadership style, communication, collaboration, and project planning. Program goals are to develop leadership habits from any position while learning about MCDL as an organization and employer, while building networking and mentorship relationships across our company. Application to the 10-month program is open to staff at any level who have been with MCDL for at least a year and have acceptable performance evaluations. We are excited to re-launch this initiative, which was sidelined after COVID, with a new focus.

Board Committee Reports:

Personnel Committee: Ms. Vachon reported that the committee met on June 4, 2025, to meet with local health insurance brokers.

Buildings Committee: Ms. Flannery reported the committee met on June 16 to discuss the Facilities Master Plan Project. Mr. Harr asked about the scope of the plan. Ms. Bedel responded the plan will look at major mechanicals, space planning inside and out, and finishes and furniture.

Resolution 25-07:Ms. Flannery introduced the following resolution and moved its passage: Selecting And Authorizing An Agreement With Bialosky And Partners, Architects, Llc For Design Services For The Facilities Master Plan Project

The Executive Director and Fiscal Officer recommend the Board of Trustees select Bialosky and Partners, Architects, LLC (“Bialosky”) as the design professional who is most qualified to provide design services for the Facilities Master Plan Project (the “Project”), and request authority to negotiate and execute an agreement with Bialosky.

Rationale:

1. The Board requires the services of a design professional to provide master planning, design, and construction administration services for the Project.
2. Sections 153.65 through .71 of the Ohio Revised Code prescribes a qualifications-based selection process, which is required to be followed by public entities when design professional services are needed.
3. In accordance with the statutory process, the Executive Director and Fiscal Officer advertised a request for qualifications for design professional services. Several statements of qualifications were received and, following evaluation of the statements of qualifications, Bialosky was identified as the most qualified to provide design professional services for the Project.
4. The Executive Director and Fiscal Officer recommend the Board selects Bialosky as the most qualified firm to provide design services for the Project and request authority to negotiate and execute an agreement with Bialosky for the master planning scope of the Project in an amount not-to-exceed $125,000.

The Board of Trustees resolves as follows:

1. The Board selects Bialosky as the most qualified firm to provide the design professional services for the Project.
2. The Board authorizes the Executive Director and Fiscal Officer, working with legal counsel, to negotiate and execute an agreement for master planning services with Bialosky in an amount not-to-exceed $125,000, and to execute any other documents, including purchase orders, consistent with the intent of this resolution.

Mr. Jakab seconded the motion.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Krosse – Aye; Ms. Flannery – Aye; Ms. Vachon – Aye; Mr. Harr – Aye; Mr. Jakab – Aye; Mr. Koran – Aye. Motion carried.

Policy and By-laws Committee: No Meeting

Finance Committee: No Meeting

Unfinished Business: None

New Business:

Outreach Services Presentation: Outreach Services Manager Ann Plazek gave a presentation highlighting Outreach programming and Bookmobile events in 2025. The Memory Café at Buckeye Library has a consistent following. Memory Care program topics include winter reminiscing, TV quotes and catchphrases and presidential pets. The Bookmobile has made stops at the Litchfield Fun Fest, Hickory Ridge Literacy Night and Union Square. Upcoming events include Small Hands, Big Dreams Open House and New Kindergarteners Play Date at Neura Park.

Resolution 25-08: Ms. Vachon motioned, and Mr. Harr seconded the motion to approve the Memorandum of Understanding.

Resolution For The Medina County District Library To Ratify A Memorandum Of Understanding With Seiu Modifying The Wage Article In The 2023-2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement.

WHEREAS the Library and SEIU are parties to a collective bargaining agreement covering the period from June 1, 2023, through May 31, 2026 (the “CBA”); and the Library completed a compensation study in early 2025, to assess, among other things, how the wage rates in the Union Salary Scale contained in Appendix B of the CBA compare to prevailing wage rates in the Library’s labor market; and

WHEREAS the Library and the Union met to discuss possible adjustments to Article XX of the CBA relating to 2025 wage increases as well as an updated union pay scale; and

such discussions between the Library and SEIU culminated in the Memorandum of Understanding attached hereto as Exhibit A; and

WHEREAS bargaining unit employees represented by SEIU voted on June 6, 2025, to ratify the Memorandum of Understanding.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of the Medina County District Library, That:

SECTION 1: The Board hereby approves amendment of Article XX, Sections C and D of the CBA and the substitution of the new Appendix B-1 that is attached to the Memorandum of Understanding to replace Appendix B of the CBA, as fully described in the Memorandum of Understanding attached hereto as Exhibit A.

SECTION 2: The Board authorizes the Executive Director to execute the Memorandum of Understanding on behalf of the Library and to take all steps necessary to effectuate the implementation of the amendments to Article XX, Sections C and D and the implementation of the new Appendix B-1, all as described in the Memorandum of Understanding.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Krosse – Aye; Ms. Flannery – Aye; Ms. Vachon – Aye; Mr. Harr – Aye; Mr. Jakab – Aye; Mr. Koran – Aye. Motion carried.

Disposal of surplus/obsolete equipment: Ms. Flannery motioned, and Mr. Jakab seconded the motion to declare the attached “2025 Surplus Equipment Inventory” list of equipment as surplus and authorizes the Fiscal Officer to conduct a sale of these items to the public, and the Executive Director to donate or dispose of any unsold items. Motion carried.

Resolution 25-09: Ms. Vachon motioned, and Mr. Krosse seconded the motion to approve the 2026 Tax Budget as presented for submittal to the Medina County Budget Commission. Motion carried.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Krosse – Aye; Ms. Flannery – Aye; Ms. Vachon – Aye; Mr. Harr – Aye; Mr. Jakab – Aye; Mr. Koran – Aye. Motion carried.

Resolution 25-10: Mr. Krosse motioned, and Ms. Flannery seconded the motion to approve Wine and Canvas events September 6, 2025, and October 11, 2025, at Medina Library. Motion carried.

Service Recognition for Theresa Scherry: Mr. Koran recognized Payroll Coordinator Theresa Scherry on her retirement after more than twenty years of OPERS public service, including her three years at MCDL. The Board of Trustees expresses deep appreciation for Theresa Scherry and her role in the Library’s family. They wish her health and happiness in the next chapter of her life.

Donations: Mr. Harr motioned, and Ms. Flannery seconded the motion to approve the following donations for May. Motion carried.

1. Joseph and Elaine Kisvardi: Painting entitled Land’s End
2. Kiwanis Club of Medina: $72
3. Tony Marini: Book titled Pennie the Christmas Pickle
4. Steven Andrews: Copy of his book, The Wonder of Play
5. Louise Toutant: $150 in memory of Eleanor Cremeans
6. MOMS Club of Medina West: Toys for ME Children’s play area
7. Lodi American Legion Post 523 Inc: $500

The donations were accepted with gratitude.

Trustees Comments:

Ms. Flannery thanked Ms. Plazek for her presentation. She congratulated Ms. Muniak and Ms. Gaebelein on their appointments.

Mr. Harr congratulated Ms. Muniak and Ms. Gaebelein on their appointments. He thanked Ms. Plazek for her presentation. He commented again on the great start of SRG!

Ms. Vachon congratulated Ms. Scherry on her retirement. She congratulated Ms. Muniak and Ms. Gaebelein on their appointments. She thanked Ms. Plazek and the Outreach team for the wonderful service they provide.

Mr. Krosse gave special kudos to staff for maintaining community ties, particularly partnering with Ohio Means Jobs and advocating for the Dementia Friendly programs. He thanked Ms. Plazek for her great presentation.

Mr. Jakab congratulated Ms. Muniak and Ms. Gaebelein on their appointments.

Mr. Koran thanked Ms. Plazek for her presentation and for being so visible in the community. He congratulated Ms. Muniak and Ms. Gaebelein on their appointments.

Adjournment: There being no further business, Mr. Harr motioned, and Ms. Vachon seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:13 p.m. Motion carried.

William Koran, President
Sarah Vachon, Secretary

NEXT BOARD MEETING
Monday, July 21, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Highland Library