Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | September 2025

The Mokena Community Public Library District Board of Trustees centered its September 23 meeting on key financial planning, including a significant discussion about the upcoming tax levy. The board opted to delay its initial levy determination vote, directing staff to revise the figures to better align with the need to build a reserve fund for future renovations. For more on this, see the full story.

The board also took action on several other new business items, approving a landscaping project to beautify the library’s entrance and authorizing its annual transfer to the Special Reserve Fund. In personnel matters, trustees approved two new state-mandated leave policies for employees. During her final meeting, departing Secretary Marilyn O’Rourke was thanked by her fellow trustees for her dedicated service to the library board.

Board Adopts New Employee Leave Policies
Brief Title: Board Adopts New Employee Leave Policies: The trustees unanimously approved two new policies for library staff. The first is a Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave policy, a new requirement mandated by the State of Illinois for parents of children in the NICU. This unpaid leave is in addition to FMLA. The board also approved a required update to its VESSA (Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act) policy.

Library to Get New Landscaping, Considering Shade Sails
Brief Title: Library to Get New Landscaping, Considering Shade Sails: The board approved a proposal from Infinity Landscaping to install native plants and mulch in planting beds near the library’s front entrance, with work to be completed before winter. Additionally, Executive Director Cathy Palmer reported that the library is requesting quotes for sail covers to provide shade for the grassy area in front of the building, which is frequently used for hot summer programs.

Board Approves Bill Payments
Brief Title: Board Approves Bill Payments: The trustees unanimously approved the payment of bills from the check register for a total of $99,858.33. The motion to approve the payments was made by Secretary Marilyn O’Rourke and seconded by Trustee Erin Minh.