The Medina County District Library Board of Trustees met in regular session on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Medina Library. With a quorum present, President Caleb Parker called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Roll call: The following members were present: Caleb Parker, Brian Harr, Sarah Vachon, Ann Marie Flannery, William Koran, Christopher Jakab and Kimberly Krzemienieswki.
Library staff members in attendance: Julianne Bedel, Executive Director; Allison Gaebelein, Fiscal Officer; Suzie Muniak, Deputy Director; Tina Sabol, Community Engagement Director; Emily Henry, Human Resources Director; Christine Gramm, Medina Branch 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 Parker welcomed all in attendance.
Disposition of Meeting Minutes: Mr. Harr motioned, and Mr. Jakab seconded the motion to approve the March 16, 2026, regular meeting minutes. Ms. Vachon abstained. Motion carried.
Disposition of Special Meeting Minutes: Ms. Vachon motioned, and Mr. Harr seconded the motion to approve the April 9, 2026, special meeting minutes. Mr. Koran abstained. Motion carried.
Approval of Financial Report: Mr. Harr motioned, and Ms. Flannery seconded the motion to approve the March 2026 financial report. Motion carried.
Fiscal Officer Allison Gaebelein highlighted that March 2026 receipts totaled $2,310,606.43, while expenses totaled $953,461.99. There was an unexpended cash balance of $19,236,810.81 minus outstanding encumbrances of $3,678,091.50 leaving an ending unencumbered balance of $15,558,719.31.
General Fund revenues are high this month due to the first half of the year property tax disbursements from the Medina County Auditor. General Fund revenues for the first quarter of 2026 are down 11.8% compared to last year, and General Fund expenses are only slightly decreased by 0.01% compared to the first quarter of last year.
March 2026 PLF came in at $377,433.55. This is $23,639.86 higher than March 2025, and $21,433.55 higher than budgeted for this month. The year-to-date total for the PLF is $1,120,789.26, which is 4.94% higher than the 2026 budget.
March 2026 investments earned $60,978.92 at an average weighted interest rate of 3.726%. The year-to-date interest total is $156,069.81.
Our financial audit has been scheduled for May 4 – May 8, 2026. This audit covers calendar years 2024 and 2025. The Library will welcome Charles E Harris and Associates on site at the Medina Library. Board members should expect to receive notifications directly from the auditors during this first week of May.
Mr. Parker asked whether the decrease in General Fund revenues during the first quarter was attributable to the PLF. Ms. Gaebelein responded that although the PLF revenues are down 6% compared to last year, the decrease was also related to the timing of the property tax disbursements this year compared to last. The final first-half property tax disbursement is currently expected to be received in April.
Executive Director’s Report: Executive Director Julianne Bedel highlighted that circulation for March 2026 increased 4% over March 2025, with physical items being down 3% and digital circulation up 16%. Overall year-to-date circulation is up 3% from this time last year. The door count decreased by 4%, while computer usage increased by 4%. The number of library programs increased by 13%, and overall program attendance was up 27%. Community meeting room bookings are steady from last March, and the number of people attending community meetings increased by 17%. The number of passport applications being processed was even with this time last year.
Ms. Bedel stated that the Library is finishing its annual policy review and will have a modest number of recommended changes for the Policy and By-laws Committee to consider in May. She also reported that the Facilities Plan documents have been received and are under final review. The Library anticipates scheduling the Bialosky team to present the report at the regular meeting on May 18.
Ms. Bedel shared information regarding Ohioans to Protect Public Services, a broad-based statewide coalition of more than 65 organizations including representatives of police, fire, and emergency medical personnel; educators; caregivers for seniors, children, and people with disabilities; health care providers; libraries; parks; business and labor; and supporters from both political parties. She noted that the Ohio Library Council has been working with others on the steering committee which organized this coalition. Last week the coalition went public with initial information and basic facts on Ohio property taxes through its website: www.protectpublicservices.org. The coalition encourages anyone interested in more detailed information to read more from the Ohio Office of Budget & Management, Policy Matters Ohio, Tax Foundation, and Ohio Bond Counsels. Links to these organizations can be found on the website.
In recognition of National Library Week, Ms. Bedel thanked two important groups of volunteers – the Friends of the Library and the MCDL Board of Trustees for the work that they do to make MCDL a vibrant and active part of life in Medina County. By donating time and talent, these groups ensure that the Library can meet the needs of our community both now and in the years to come. Thank you!
Ms. Bedel also reported that the community survey closed today with more than 2,000 respondents. Holy Cow! Consulting will compile and provide survey result analysis.
Mr. Jakab inquired about the OLC Trustee Dinner. It will be held on May 7 in Independence. Ms. Bedel, Ms. Gaebelein, Mr. Parker, Mr. Koran, and Mr. Jakab will attend.
Communication: None
Personnel Report: Mr. Koran motioned, and Ms. Vachon seconded the motion to approve the March Personnel Report. Motion carried.
Human Resources highlights from March 2026 include welcoming five new staff members while four left employment. There were no transfers or promotions during the month. There were ten people in active leave status.
45 employees elected to attend one of the in-person Naloxone training sessions provided by the Health Department. The Admin Team is scheduled to participate in an in-house team development workshop organized around DiSC profiles on effective leadership communication. This training builds upon the work that was completed with the Directors Team last year and widens the conversation to include our management team.
The Library celebrated five milestone anniversaries this month. Facilities Director Jason Brzezinski, Librarians Brittney Thomas and Kitty Murphy, and Library Associate Nicki James all celebrated five-year anniversaries. Laura Kettering, Buckeye Branch Manager, celebrated 10 years. Congratulations and many thanks to all!
Board Committee Reports:
Buildings Committee: No Meeting
Finance Committee: No Meeting. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 27, 2026, at Medina Library.
Personnel Committee: No Meeting
Policy and By-laws Committee: No Meeting
Unfinished Business: None
New Business:
Medina Branch Presentation: Branch Manager Christine Gramm gave a presentation highlighting services to teens. In 2025, the Library hosted 85 teen events with total attendance of 2,088. Some programs included Mini-Con, an art show, escape room activities, boba tea making and a K-pop party.
Medina Library Pressure Washing Phase Three Contract: Mr. Harr motioned, and Mr. Jakab seconded that the Medina County District Library Board of Trustees hereby authorizes the Fiscal Officer to enter into contract with Kapton Caulking and Building Restoration in an amount not to exceed $29,550 for the cleaning and sealing of the building envelope at Medina Library. Motion carried.
Mr. Harr inquired about the increase in cost from the originally budgeted $22,000. Ms. Gaebelein stated there was a slight change in the scope of the project as well as a general cost increase.
Donations: Ms. Vachon motioned, and Mr. Koran seconded the motion to approve the following donations for March. Motion carried.
Victoria Mullen: Two copies of her book Gnome More Goodbyes
Linda Sutliff: Drums and rhythm sticks for Brunswick storytime area
Steven Andrews: One copy of his book The Wonder of Play
DJ Stein: One copy of her book Eyes in the Florida Skies
Tracey Carroll: Film projector for FHLC
Brenda Haas: One copy of her book Finding Sutton’s Choice
The donations were accepted with gratitude.
Trustees Comments:
Ms. Flannery thanked Ms. Gramm for her presentation. She stated it is great to have teens engage with the community. In recognition of National Library Week, she thanked the staff for all their work. She congratulated everyone celebrating work anniversaries.
Mr. Harr thanked Ms. Gramm for her presentation. He congratulated everyone celebrating work anniversaries. He also noted it was standing room only at the Medina County Economic Development meeting that was hosted here at the Medina Library.
Mr. Koran thanked Ms. Gramm for her presentation and noted it’s important to keep teens engaged. He is looking forward to the OLC dinner.
Ms. Krzemienieswki thanked Ms. Gramm for her presentation. She expressed enthusiasm for the poetry project at the Juvenile Detention Center. While celebrating National Library Week, she thanked the staff for their service.
Ms. Vachon thanked Ms. Gramm for her presentation. She commented that it was valuable to have a safe space for teens and for them to have special and unique experiences. She congratulated everyone celebrating work anniversaries.
Mr. Jakab thanked Ms. Gramm for her presentation. He appreciated the invitation to the OLC dinner on May 7.
Mr. Parker thanked Ms. Gramm for her presentation and keeping the Library connected to all demographics. He congratulated everyone celebrating work anniversaries. He wished everyone a happy National Library Week.
Adjournment: There being no further business, Ms. Vachon motioned, and Ms. Flannery seconded the motion to adjourn the meeting at 6:36 p.m. Motion carried.
Caleb Parker, President Ann Marie Flannery, Secretary
NEXT BOARD MEETING
Monday, May 18, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Brunswick Library