Board Minutes Apr. 21, 2026

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES of the CUYAHOGA FALLS LIBRARY and The William and Margaretta Taylor Memorial Association

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE CUYAHOGA FALLS LIBRARY and 
The William and Margaretta Taylor Memorial Association 
REGULAR MEETING 
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 
Sutliff Room 

Call To Order: 

Robin Worthington called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. 

Attendance: 

Robin Worthington, Karen Schofield, Bryan Van Sweringen, Cheryl Bruce, Mike Dunton, Sandy Zirke, Bradley LeBoeuf, Sean Blake, Director Andrew Harant, Assistant Director Jennifer Reynard, Fiscal Officer Kevin Gemmell  

Excused: Rick Rubin, Noah Spinner, Michael Bowman 

Adoption of Agenda:  

Bryan Van Sweringen moved to adopt the agenda. 2nd by Karen Schofield. Motion passed unanimously. 

Approval of Minutes: 

Sean Blake moved to approve the Regular Board Meeting of March 17, 2026. 2nd by Karen Schofield. Seven in favor, two abstentions. Motion passed.  

Board Education: 

  • Fiscal Officer Kevin Gemmell reviewed the HINKLE report, 990 tax return, the adjusted tax schedule, and the audit process with the board. He explained the frequency at which they occur, and why the reports are submitted. As well as a general overview of what goes into each document.   

Public Participation:  

  • None 

Treasurer’s Report: 

Resolution 26-16: Move that the Cuyahoga Falls Library Board of Trustees approve the payment of bills for March 2026 in the amount of $242,139.39. Sandy Zirke. 2nd by Bryan Van Sweringen. Passed unanimously. 

Resolution 26-17: Move that the Cuyahoga Falls Library Board of Trustees add $77 to Digital Materials (101.0.54351). Sandy Zirke. 2nd by Karen Schofield. Passed unanimously. 

It was reported that the library received $133,020.34 in PLF revenue. 

Resolution 26-18: Move that the Cuyahoga Falls Library Board of Trustees accept the March Financial Report subject to audit. Sandy Zirke. 2nd by Mike Dunton. Passed unanimously. 

Board President Report: 

  • Thank you Kevin for educating the Board on some of your various duties. You are an amazing asset to our Library! 
  • Thank you to Noah and Bryan for representing the Board and joining Jen and Andy at the OLC Library Legislative Day in Columbus last month. 
  • Thank you to the anonymous donor. Your generosity is appreciated. 
  • Congratulations on the internal promotions of Brianna to Teen Librarian, Akasha to Adult/Teen Library Assistant, and Katherine to full-time Circulation Clerk. We wish Emily Kerr well as she leaves the library world to pursue other opportunities. 
  • Recently at the annual Six District Compact Appreciation Awards dinner, the Cuyahoga Falls Schools honored the Library with a community C.A.R.E. (Chemical Abuse Reduced by Education) award of appreciation for providing a welcoming and safe environment for students and their families, connecting students and staff with essential wellness resources, sponsoring teen-focused activities, having a collaborative spirit. 
  • And, finally, this is National Library Week when we celebrate the vital roles libraries, librarians, and library workers play in strengthening our community and transforming lives. I want to express my gratitude to all our library staff who make the Cuyahoga Falls Library the hub and heart of our community. Thank you! 

Committee Reports: 

  1. Building:  
    No Report 

  2. Policies/Bylaws Review: 
    Resolution 26-19: Move that the Cuyahoga Falls Library Board of Trustees approve the Cybersecurity Policy. Robin Worthington. 2nd by Bryan Van Sweringen. Passed unanimously. 

    The Committee reviewed and discussed the potential changes to the Library Board E-mail account policy. The proposed changes will be reviewed by a legal team and the committee will meet again on 5/13/26.
     
  3. Finance/Audit Committee:  
    No Report 

  4. Graefe Memorial:  
    Winter flowers were replaced with Spring flowers 

  5. Personnel Committee:  
    First draft of the Fiscal Officer Evaluation tool has been completed 

  6. Affleck Scholarship Committee: 
    Resolution 26-20: Move that the Cuyahoga Falls Library Board of Trustees approve the Affleck Scholarship Policy. Bryan Van Sweringen. 2nd by Cheryl Bruce. Passed unanimously. 

  7. Strategic Planning Committee: 
    No Report 
  8. Library Affiliated Committee 

  • Resolution 26-21: Move that the Cuyahoga Falls Library Board of Trustees approve the Falls Library Foundation as a Library Affiliated Organization per the bylaws of the Library and the proposal from said foundation. Sean Blake. 2nd by Sandy Zirke and roll call vote was called. 
  • Robin Worthington - yes                     
  • Sean Blake – yes                               
  • Karen Schofield - Abstention 
  • Mike Dunton – Abstention                    
  • Bradley LeBoeuf – Abstention                         
  • Bryan Van Sweringen – Abstention 
  • Sandy Zirke - yes  
  • Cheryl Bruce – yes 

The four Trustees who abstained are affiliated with the Library Foundation Board. Motion passed. 

Director’s Report: 

  • CFL’s informational campaign for the upcoming levy issues continues to be going well. CFL’s levy was featured in segments on both Newschannel 5 and Fox 8 News. Informational mail pieces were sent to active cardholders. Staff continued sharing information with patrons in a variety of formats. CFL Administrators spoke to various groups this month. 
  • Highlights from the Public Library Association Conference in Minneapolis were shared by Director Andy Harant and Assistant Director Jen Reyard who each attended. 
  • The Library’s new CARES Award plaque from the Six District Compact, as mentioned in the Board President’s report, was displayed for the board. 
  • CFL will be a part of this weekend’s events featuring the world’s largest rubber duck, including the All-City Art Walk, Ohio Rubber Duck Dash, and Falls Fest kayak event. 
  • CFL has been celebrating National Library Week, along with recognizing staff on National Library Workers Day with new t-shirts and special treats. 
  • Reminder for the OLC Trustees Dinner on Thursday, May 8 in Independence. 

Personnel Report: 

  • RESOLUTION 26-22: Move that the Cuyahoga Falls Library Board of Trustees approve the March 2026 Personnel Report. Sean Blake 2nd by Cheryl Bruce. Passed Unanimously  

Unfinished Business:  

  • None 

New Business:  

  • none 

Adjournment: 

Mike Dunton moved to adjourn the meeting. 2nd by Bryan Van Sweringen. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 pm. 

Approved By, Robin Worthington, Board President 

Approved By, Karen Schofield, Secretary