MINUTES

February 9, 2026

Board of Trustees Meeting

Arcola Public Library District

Those present - Mark Eadie, Debbie Sosamon, Carey Wood, Allison Cox, Emily Coombe, Tina Vandeveer (Bookkeeper), Laura Robey (Director)
Absent - Jeff Saunders, Alden Nay
In the Absence of the President and Vice President, Secretary Eadie called the regular monthly meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Public Comments

• None
• Minutes from the the January monthly meeting were presented and reviewed. Coombe motioned to accept the minutes and seconded by Sosamom. The motion carried.

Financial Report

• Financial report from the month of January was presented and reviewed. Motion was made by Cox to accept the report and to pay bills. Motion was seconded by Coombe. Motion passed with all those present voting yea, no nays.

President’s Comments

• None

Committee Reports

• None

Librarian’s Report

• Report received and reviewed. (attached)

Old Business

• Creation of two staff positions were proposed. Job descriptions for the position of Bookkeeper and Information Technology Coordinator were presented for approval. Coombe motioned to approve these positions and Cox seconded. The motion passed. These jobs are already being carried out by current employees. These criteria will appertain to these individuals going forward.
• Eadie made the motion that a bi-monthly pay period be established for all library employees. Wood seconded and the motion carried.

At 6:24 pm the board went into closed session for the purpose of establishing the wage for the newly created positions.
At 6:37 pm the board reconvened and accepted the closed session results.

New Business

• The issue of water leaking into the lower level (Children’s Room) and the deteriorating fire escape on the East side of the building was discussed. With the current freezing and thawing of snow and ice in the shaded fire escape area, once again the issue of water seeping in has been an issue. The fire escape structure has considerable rust and drainage issues. The need for a remedy to facilitate the removal of or repair of the unit was discussed and possible solutions will be presented next month.
• Concrete at the West library entrance needs safety issues rectified. More discussion next month.
• Use of the $10,000 Carnegie gift was discussed with more brainstorming needed.
• National Library Week (April 19-25) ideas were requested. Budget and ideas for next month meeting.

• Motion to adjourn at 6:55 p.m. by Eadie, second from Sosamon, motion carried.

Mark Eadie, secretary