Hutchison reported that the Friends of the Library are preparing for their annual Mum Festival book sale, to be held on Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The FOL attended the Magics Ready to Learn School Supply Giveaway on August 9, and plan to purchase books to be given to attendees at the Mrs. Claus Storytime event at the Christmas Walk on November 29.   

Vice President Doll called for the nomination of officers.

Moved by Leskanic, seconded by Leonard, to nominate Doll as President. Ayes: Cheatham, Doll, Leonard, and Leskanic. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Moved by Doll, seconded by Leskanic, to nominate Leonard as Vice President. Ayes: Cheatham, Doll, Leonard, and Leskanic. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Moved by Doll, seconded by Leskanic, to nominate Cheatham as Secretary. Ayes: Cheatham, Doll, Leonard, and Leskanic.  Nays: None. Motion carried.           

Moved by Leskanic, seconded by Lenard, to close the nominations. Ayes: Cheatham, Doll, Leonard, and Leskanic. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Resolution 26-2025 – Moved by Leskanic, seconded by Leonard, to accept the slate of officers as follows: Doll as President, Leonard as Vice President, and Cheatham as Secretary. Ayes: Cheatham, Doll, Leonard, and Leskanic.  Nays: None. Resolution adopted.

Moved by Leskanic, seconded by Cheatam, to accept the minutes of the August 2025 Board meeting. Ayes: Cheatham, Doll, Leonard, and Leskanic. Nays: None. Motion carried. 

­Director’s Report

Circulation: Hutchison reviewed the August 2025 statistics.  

Programs & Publicity: Hutchison distributed the August 2025 publicity packet, highlighting several recent and upcoming programs and outreach events.

Donations: Gifts were received from the following individuals and organizations in August 2025: Martha Bidlingmyer, $2,000.00; Cooper, Adel, Vu, & Associates, $100.00; Tuesday Study Club, $125.00. 

Moved by Leskanic, seconded by Leonard, to accept the donations. Ayes: Cheatham, Doll, Leonard, and Leskanic. Nays: None. Motion carried. 

Strategic Plan: Hutchison provided an update on the Strategic Plan, noting that the current plan will be concluded in December 2025, and suggested that a new plan for 2027 and beyond be developed in 2026.  

McMullen entered the meeting at 6:45 p.m.

Other: Twenty-three employees, Board members, and others represented BPL in Barberton’s Labor Day parade on September 1, 2025. 

Hutchison shared that Yoto audio players and cards would soon be available for circulation from the Library of Things collection. 

Hutchison informed the Board that department updates would resume in 2026. 

Fiscal Officer’s Report

The Public Library Fund tax distribution for the Barberton Public Library was $92,691.91 for August 2025.

Brickner reviewed the financial reports, bank reconciliations, reappropriations, and bills paid for the month of August 2025. There was a discussion regarding an inflating error noted on the bank reconciliation, which Brickner has been working to resolve. 

Moved by Leskanic, seconded by Leonard, to accept the financial reports, bank reconciliations, reappropriations, and bills paid for the months of August 2025. Ayes: Cheatham, Leonard, Leskanic, and McMullen. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Moved by McMullen, seconded by Leskanic, to move to executive session to consider the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion, or compensation of an employee or official at 7:04 p.m. Roll call: Doll, aye; Cheatham, aye; Leonard, aye; Leskanic, aye; McMullen, aye. Brickner, Futrell, and Hutchison left the meeting. The meeting returned to regular session and Brickner, Futrell, and Hutchison returned at 7:39 p.m.

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: No meeting was held.  

There was a discussion regarding performance evaluations for the Director and Fiscal Officer. 

The Board noted that, going forward, they will consider one cost of living wage adjustment for employees annually at the beginning of each year and discontinue the practice of approving merit raises mid-year. 

Summit County Library Trustees Council: No meeting was held. Brickner and Doll will attend the annual SCLTC meeting, scheduled to be held virtually on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Communications and Correspondence 

OLC Legislative Update: Hutchison shared updates from the Ohio Library Council regarding changes in library trustee terms and cybersecurity compliance. 

Community Correspondence: None.  

Old Business

There was a brief discussion regarding the Staff Development Day being held on October 13, 2025. 

A personnel committee meeting was scheduled for Monday, October 6 to discuss the final draft of the Employee Handbook and Operating Manual. 

There was a discussion regarding Trustee vacancies, applicants, and interview questions.  

New Business 

Hutchison presented the Board with a staffing recommendation. 

Resolution 27-2025 – Moved by McMullen, seconded by McMullen, to hire Marcus Nicholson as a full-time Librarian in the Children’s Services Department, regularly scheduled at 35 hours per week, effective September 22, 2025.  Ayes: Cheatham, Leonard, Leskanic, and McMullen. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Moved by McMullen to adjourn the meeting at 7:52 p.m.