Board Minutes April

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 15, 2025 
Sutliff Room 

Call To Order 

Nikki Cebula called the meeting to order at 6:04 pm. 

Attendance 

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

Adoption of Agenda:  

Sean Blake moved to adopt the agenda. 2nd by Rick Rubin. Motion passed unanimously. 

Approval of Minutes  

Sandy Zirke moved to approve the Regular Board Meeting of March 18, 2025. 2nd by Cheryl Bruce. Motion passed unanimously.  

Board Education: 

  • Adult Services Manager Elizabeth Morrison, Adult Services Assistant Manager Katherin Vaughn, & Library Assistant Bob Curtis spoke about The Charlie Cart. Gave a visual presentation on the items inside the Charlie Cart. Such as the blender, convection oven, and how it all works. They also explained the feedback we have had so far on the programs Adult Simple Snacks & After School Snacks. 

Public Participation:  

  • Raylene Lorwinski wanted to see the inner workings of a Board meeting & wanted to know the state of the library in general. 

Treasurer’s Report 

Sandy Zirke moved that the Board approve the payment of bills for February 2025 in the amount of $269,100.10. 2nd by Bryan Van Sweringen. Motion passed unanimously. 

It was reported that the library received $108,623.05 in PLF revenue. 

 Sandy Zirke moved to accept the April Financial Report subject to audit. 2nd by Sean Blake. Motion passed unanimously. 

Board President Report: 

  • This month, I was fortunate enough to attend a dinner where Cuyahoga Falls Schools honored Andy and the Cuyahoga Falls Library as an exemplary partner. 
  • I would like to read to you what was said, because I think it shows exactly how we are living up to our vision and mission- and people can verbalize it- even when they do not even know the vision and mission language! 
  • “About a year ago Cuyahoga Falls Schools began planning the opening of the Black Tiger Family Center (BTFC). One of the first emails I sent was to Andy Harant at the Cuyahoga Falls Public Library. Without hesitation, Andy responded with enthusiasm, eager to be part of this initiative. From that moment forward, he and his team have been invaluable partners in bringing the BTFC to life- attending countless planning meetings, assisting with our ribbon-cutting event, and even offering the library as a collection site for donations. 
  • “At first glance, a district family resource center that provides food, clothing, and household essentials might not seem directly connected to a public library. However, the Cuyahoga Falls Public Library exemplifies a forward-thinking, community-centered approach. 
  • “Their participation in this initiative is just one example of their commitment to serving the entire community. Beyond their role in supporting the BTFC, the library actively promotes family stability and success through a variety of programs, services, and connections to Ohio Means Jobs- ensuring that parents, families, and caregivers have access to essential resources for a brighter future. 
  • “But the library’s impact doesn’t stop there. It is a true community hub. From after- school snacks and engaging teen programs like Anime Club to elementary literacy nights and EL family resource events, the library creates safe, meaningful opportunities for young people to learn, connect, and grow. 
  • “These efforts play a vital role in student well-being and prevention, reinforcing the idea that healthy youth thrive in a strong, supportive community. 
  • “Cuyahoga Falls Public Library stands as a shining example of what it means to be an engaged and proactive partner. Their dedication to education, inclusion, and whole-family support makes a lasting impact, empowering our students and families to thrive. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and their commitment to our Black Tiger Family.” 
  • We really are “the place” and no matter what happens- I believe we will NOT go back… our staff is invested in our community and vice versa. Bravo Cuyahoga Falls Library, Bravo! 

Committee Reports: 

  1. Building: No Report 

  2. Policies/Bylaws Review:  
    Reviewed Section 11 of the Employee Handbook. 

  3. Finance/Audit Committee: No Report 

  4. Graefe Memorial:  
    On March 20th, Jim Bearly thanked the Cuyahoga Falls Library for taking such good care of the Graefe Memorial.

  5. Personnel Committee: 
    The personnel committee met on March 30th. After review, there will be four changes made to the Fiscal Officer Review Tool. 

  6. Affleck Scholarship Committee: No Report  

  7. Strategic Planning Committee: No report 

  8. Art Committee (Ad Hoc): No Report 

Director’s Report: 

  • Director Harant provided an update on the current status of the Public Library Fund in the State Budget process. He also reviewed advocacy efforts of CFL and OLC, including the wonderful job of staff mobilizing our patrons to make calls and write letters and emails. The overwhelming show of support from the community was encouraging and very much appreciated. 
  • State Representative Derrick Hall will be visiting for a library tour on Friday, May 2. 
  • Director Harant discussed the honor of being recognized by the Schools with the Community Cares Award and thanked Assistant Director Jennifer Reynard, Children’s Services Manager Amy Galluch, and many others for their work with this essential partnership with the Schools. 
  • The annual report of statistics to the State Library was submitted. 
  • CFL hosted Cuyahoga Falls City Schools’ Family Literacy Night on April 7. Thanks to trustees Karen and Cheryl for helping. The lower level was packed with families. 
  • National Library Week was April 6-12 and National Library Workers Day was April 8. Staff members and trustees received CFL t-shirts and Summer Reading pins. 
  • CFL submitted two presentation proposals for the OLC Conference this fall. One for the Books and Dragons program and one for the Fiscal Officer evaluation process 
  • CFL hosted the City’s Neighborhood Ambassadors on March 27. Director Harant presented an overview of CFL to the group. Mayor Walters and several City leaders attended, and a few people were inspired to sign up for library cards. 
  • Director Harant highlighted the Stuffie Sleepover and Virtual Author Chat programs from his written report. 

Personnel Report: 

Bryan Van Sweringen moved that the Cuyahoga Falls Library Board of Trustees approve the March 2025 Personnel Report. 2nd by Sean Blake. Motion passed unanimously. 

Unfinished Business: None 

  • New Business:   
  • Staff Development Day 2025 
  • RESOLUTION 2025-13: Move that the Cuyahoga Falls Library Board of Trustees approve the library being closed October 13th,2025 for the purpose of conducting a Staff Development Day, Cheryl Bruce. 2nd by Rick Rubin. Motion passed unanimously. 

Adjournment: 

Sean Blake moved to adjourn the meeting. 2nd by Mike Dunton. Meeting adjourned at 7:42 pm. 

Approved by Nikki Cebula Board President

Approved by Bryan Van Sweringen Secretary