Regular Board of Trustees Meeting, December 18, 2025
Members Present: Jennifer Doll, C. Racyne Leskanic, Heather McMullen, Holly Perry, Amy Wise
Members Excused: Kenneth Cheatham, James Leonard
Also Present: Ann Hutchison, Director; Josh Brickner, Fiscal Officer; Melissa Futrell, Deputy Fiscal Officer; Mayor William Judge
President Doll called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Judge administered the oath of office to Perry and Wise.
"Do you solemnly affirm that you will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Ohio; and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge your duties as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Barberton Public Library, Summit County, Ohio, to the best of your ability, and in accordance with the laws now in effect and hereinafter to be enacted, during your term of office?" Their reply was "I do."
Mayor Judge left the meeting at 6:33 p.m.
Hutchison reported that she had no updates from the Friends of the Library.
Moved by Leskanic, seconded by Perry, to accept the minutes of the November 2025 Board meeting. Ayes: Leskanic, McMullen, Perry, and Wise. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Director’s Report
Circulation: Hutchison reviewed the November 2025 statistics, noting that e-Media circulation continues to rise. Hutchison also noted that collaborations with community organizations, including the Barberton City School District, have had a positive impact on circulation over the past several years.
Programs & Publicity: Hutchison distributed the November 2025 publicity packet, highlighting several recent and upcoming programs and outreach events. Hutchison also noted an increase in teen outreach events and participation.
Donations: Gifts were received from the following individuals in November 2025: Joe Vernacotola, Assorted Barberton City School District records and memorabilia; Anonymous, $29.00.
Moved by McMullen, seconded by Leskanic, to accept the donations. Ayes: Leskanic, McMullen, Perry, and Wise. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Strategic Plan: Hutchison distributed copies of the Library’s current Strategic Plan, which concludes at the end of 2025, and reviewed some of the major accomplishments that resulted from the plan.
Other: There was a discussion regarding the Library’s Political Action Committee, and who might serve as the PAC’s treasurer going forward.
Hutchison informed the Board that she has completed her term as secretary for the Main Street Barberton board and has been invited to serve on the board of Barberton Area Community Ministries.
Hutchison shared information about the Library’s Winter Reading Challenge.
Fiscal Officer’s Report
The Public Library Fund tax distribution for the Barberton Public Library was $94,163.68 for November 2025. Brickner briefly explained the history and function of the PLF.
Brickner reviewed the financial reports, bank reconciliations, reappropriations, and bills paid for the month of November 2025.
Hutchison left the meeting at 7:04 p.m. and returned at 7:05 p.m.
Moved by Leskanic, seconded by McMullen, to accept the financial reports, bank reconciliations, reappropriations, and bills paid for the month of November 2025. Ayes: Leskanic, McMullen, Perry, and Wise. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Brickner presented and reviewed the 2026 Temporary Appropriation Budget, noting that the Permanent Appropriation Budget would be presented for approval at the February 2026 meeting.
Resolution 40-2025 – Moved by Leskanic, seconded by Perry, to adopt the 2026 temporary estimated revenue and appropriation budget of $2,541,255.30 as presented. Ayes: Leskanic, McMullen, Perry, and Wise. Nays: None. Resolution adopted.
Brickner informed the Board that the state minimum wage would increase to $11.00 per hour effective January 1, 2026.
Resolution 41-2025 – Moved by McMullen, seconded by Leskanic, to increase the Page position’s minimum starting wage from $10.70 to $11.00 per hour, effective January 1, 2026. Ayes: Leskanic, McMullen, Perry, and Wise. Nays: None. Resolution adopted.
Committee Reports
Building and Equipment Committee: No meeting was held.
Finance and Audit Committee: No meeting was held.
Marketing Committee: No meeting was held.
Personnel Committee: Doll provided a summary of the meeting that was held on Thursday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m.
Children’s Services Librarians Marcus Nicholson and Roxana Rathbun entered the meeting at 7:21 p.m. After introductions, they left the meeting at 7:23 p.m.
Summit County Library Trustees Council: No meeting was held.
Communications and Correspondence
OLC Legislative Update: Library Legislative Day is Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel in Columbus. Legislative Day is an opportunity for Library staff and trustees to meet with legislators to advocate on behalf of Ohio’s public libraries. Hutchison and Brickner plan to attend and would welcome any available Trustees to join them.
Community Correspondence: Hutchison shared thank you notes from Barberton City Schools students.
Old Business
Brickner shared details of the proposal from Xerox to replace printers and copy machines throughout the building, noting that the contract had been signed and delivery is scheduled for December 30, 2025.
New Business
Hutchison presented the Board with several staffing updates and recommendations.
Resolution 42-2025 Moved by McMullen, seconded by Leskanic, to hire Sydney Greenlees as a part-time Page (Shelver) in the Customer Services Department, regularly scheduled at 20 hours per week, effective December 15, 2025. Ayes: Leskanic, McMullen, Perry, and Wise. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Resolution 43-2025 Moved by Wise, seconded by Perry, to hire David Roberts as a full-time Manager in the Customer Services Department, regularly scheduled at 35 hours per week, effective January 5, 2026. Ayes: Leskanic, McMullen, Perry, and Wise. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Children’s Services Library Assistant Shayna Blair entered the meeting at 7:30 p.m. After introductions, Blair left the meeting at 7:31 p.m.
Moved by Leskanic, seconded by McMullen, to accept the resignation of Facility Services Assistant LaQuata Williams, effective December 29, 2025. Ayes: Leskanic, McMullen, Perry, and Wise. Nays: None. Motion carried.
Wise shared information about a cleaning company she has worked with that could potentially be contacted for a quote for services in the absence of a Facility Services Assistant.
Moved by McMullen to adjourn the meeting at 7:36 p.m.