01/19/2010Page 1 of 2
1/19/10
MINUTES
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
January 19, 2010
The Village Board met in the Board Room of the Village Hall at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January
19, 2010. In attendance were:
Village Board Staff
Harriet Rosenthal, Mayor Kent Street, Village Manager
Robert Benton, Trustee Peter Coblentz, Village Attorney
Alan Farkas, Trustee Robert Fialkowski, Director of Finance
Thomas Jester, Trustee
Mary Oppenheim, Trustee
William Seiden, Trustee
Barbara Struthers, Trustee
Deerfield Public Library – Facility Improvement Initiative Update
Mr. Ken Abosch, President of the Deerfield Public Library Board of Directors, provided an
update report concerning the Library facility at 920 Waukegan Road. The information reviewed
included a history & problem statement; a list of identified needs and concerns; a review of
actions taken by the Library so far; an Executive Summary of Architect’s findings; a listing of
conceptual improvement options; process and steps being taken to consider the matter and attain
public involvement and feedback; as well as some statistical and financial information for the
library operation. A copy of the 2009 facility analysis report prepared by PSA Dewberry
Architects was provided to each Village Board member.
Trustee Jester advised that a coordinated parking study and improvement plan for the Library,
Village, Presbyterian Church and the Park District should be done in conjunction with this effort.
Trustee Struthers noted that temporary arrangements to host library activities off-site should be
considered as part of the project.
Trustee Farkas suggested including a review of constructing a new building vs. updating and
remodeling the existing facility.
Trustee Oppenheim endorsed the process underway, noting it was similar to what was
successfully done for District #109 when she served on the School Board.
Trustee Benton appreciated the information and public engagement underway in contrast to that
provided for the previous library referendum.
Trustee Seiden appreciated the report and encouraged further information sharing with the
community to avoid surprise developments.
Page 2 of 2
1/19/10
Mayor Rosenthal thanked President Abosch and the other Library Board members and staff
present for their thoughtful approach to the matter and keeping the Village Board advised of their
efforts in this regard.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:28 p.m. following unanimous approval of the motion to adjourn
made by Trustee Benton and a second by Trustee Oppenheim.
Minutes prepared by:
_________________________________________
KENT S. STREET, Village Manager