Bradley Public Library District Board of Trustees met Jan. 21.
Here are the minutes provided by the board:
President Bayer called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
Trustees Present: Jody Andriano, Nick Allen, Karen Bayer, Lucson Edme, Paula Goodwin, Brandon Hawkins, Jessica Trudeau
Trustees Absent: None
Also Present: Jodie DePatis, Director, Marie Cowden, Recording Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Trustee Allen made a motion to accept the minutes of the November 19, 2025 Regular Board meeting. Trustee Andriano seconded and the motion carried by unanimous vote.
Trustee Allen made a motion to accept the minutes of the November 19, 2025 Executive Session. Trustee Andriano seconded the motion and the motion carried by unanimous vote.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
FINANCIAL REPORT AND APPROVAL OF VENDOR PAYMENTS:
Trustee Bayer made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted and to accept vendor payments in the amount of $48,648.18 for the month of November 2025. Trustee Hawkins seconded and motion carried by roll call of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent.
Trustee Bayer made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report as submitted and to accept vendor payments in the amount of $41,774.07 for the month of December 2025. Trustee Hawkins seconded and motion carried by roll call of 7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT:
(Statistical Reports Attached)
Director DePatis stated the following:
• Building: Right before Christmas, two furnaces were found to have major issues. The repairs for both furnaces and an air conditioner are $18,000 which includes a $1,500 discount. Ruder Technologies replaced a damaged HDMI receptacle in the Drassler meeting room and moved the fax machine. Six new tables were ordered for the art room including 2 that are height adjustable. Total cost from LFI is $12,166.70.
• Programs: Spring programming is in progress. Preschool programs will begin in February. The mobile pantry on November 24 served 114 families and December 9 served 108. Many families were grateful for the food assistance. The next mobile pantry is being scheduled for the Spring. Ross fundraiser benefitting youth programs at BPL is scheduled from February 7 to March 1.
• Legal: The FY2024-25 receipts and disbursements report were filed with the Kankakee County Clerk. The FY2024-25 audit availability notice and 2026 meeting dates notice was published in The Daily Journal.
• Personnel: Youth Services Associate Britini Broughton is taking a sabbatical leave and is expected to return for fall 2026. Circulation Clerk McKenna Jones will be helping with programming in the youth department along with her regular circulation shifts. Annual reviews are being conducted. COMMITTEE REPORTS: None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
• FY2024-25 Audit: Trustee Bayer inquired if any Trustees had questions concerning the audit. No one responded with any questions.
NEW BUSINESS:
• Secretary’s review of closed meeting minutes: Trustee Bayer made a motion to keep closed meeting minutes closed. Trustee Trudeau seconded the motion and motion carried by unanimous vote.
• Statement of Economic Interest: Trustee Bayer informed Trustees that they will be receiving an email in February instructing them to fill out Statement of Economic Interest.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of specific employees:
At 6:15 p.m. Trustee Allen made a motion to go into Executive Session. Trustee Hawkins seconded the motion and motion carried by unanimous vote. At 6:21 p.m. President Bayer declared Executive session concluded and meeting returned to open session.
COMMUNICATIONS/CORRESPONDENCE: Thank you cards were received from Bradley Public Library staff thanking Trustees for the Christmas bonus.
ADJOURNMENT: At 6:28 p.m. Trustee Hawkins made a motion to adjourn. Trustee Allen seconded and motion carried by unanimous vote.
The next regularly scheduled board meeting will be Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
https://www.bradleylibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Board-Meeting-Minutes-January-21-2026.pdf
