Record of Proceedings
Ritter Public Library Board of Trustees
Regular Session
Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
The Board of Trustees of Ritter Public Library convened in regular session at 7:00 PM in the Ritter Public Library Community Room. Warden called the meeting to order with the following members and visitors present:
Lois Arnold: Present
Doug Brown: Present
Chad Coolidge: Present
Mary Deucher: Present
Marie Warden: Present
To Swear In:
Julie Armstrong-Sexton and Jacob Raffo
Employees:
C. Grizzell, C. Springer, A. Folley
Visitors:
Michelle Morris
Oath of Office for Julie Armstrong-Sexton and Jacob Raffo:
Do you solemnly swear 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 Ritter Public Library, Erie 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?
J. Armstrong-Sexton and J. Raffo – “I do
Certification of Notification:
Springer certified that a notice of the meeting had been published in the February 5, 2026, edition of the Vermilion Photojournal, in addition to the Ritter Public Library social media outlets and Library Website.
Approval of Minutes:
Springer noted that the next meeting was listed as February 11 – Amended to 10th. Warden noted a misspelled name. Arnold moved that the January 2026 Regular Board Meeting minutes be approved as amended, and Brown seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Correspondence:
None
Director’s Report:
Grizzell reviewed the Director’s report (attached).
Discussed the 2026 Community Event Series.
We have created a “staff store” online with Crestline. All staff will get a $25 voucher to put to something they would like with the library logo on it.
Grizzell applied for a Summer Outreach Intern Grant.
The door count was 1,070 for the Chocolate Festival!
The staff development bowling night was a success! The staff report that they really enjoyed it. It was very nice to get to spend personal time together.
Financial Report:
Springer reviewed the Fiscal Officer’s report (attached).
Brown moved to accept the financials as presented, and Deucher seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Reports:
Building & Grounds
Brown reviewed the Building & Grounds committee meeting (attached).
Discussed the permeable parking lot and getting it redone. Grizzell has been sending out feelers to get quotes, discuss the Scope of Work a little further.
Warden asked about the summer food programs. Grizzell stated she is looking into it further.
Assignments
Committee openings were included in the Board packets. Board will review openings and choose committee assignments to confirm at the March meeting.
Public Comment:
None
Old Business:
Non-Bargaining Unit Paid Time Off Accrual
Grizzell discussed the plan for non-bargaining PTO. All management and administration will now accrue throughout the year to follow the new Bargaining Contract. Management and Administration will accrue at a rate of 218 hours per year. This will include 176 “old” vacation hours, 28 personal hours, and 14 old floating holiday hours.
Grizzell asked that the Board approve that all management will move to accrual, at the same rate.
Warden moved to change the non-bargaining unit PTO to accrue to mirror the contract, at the same Mgmt/Admin schedule, and Armstrong seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
Inclement Weather and Emergency Closings Policy
Arnold reviewed the Inclement Weather Policy. Stated that with the changes the Counties are making regarding “snow levels” she moves to pull Inclement Weather Closing out of Policy and put into Procedure, so the Director has more discretion.
Arnold moved to remove the Inclement Weather and Emergency Closings Policy and move it to Procedure, and Coolidge seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
April Staff Day
Grizzell told the Board that we will be closing on April 3rd, 2026, for a Staff Development Day. We will be doing AED/CPR/FA training with the Red Cross.
Acknowledgement of Service for Joe Weeks
Warden read an Acknowledgement of Service for Joseph Weeks (attached).
Discussion regarding Committee Assignments – completed assignments will be filled and sent to all Board members, along with a contact list.
Reminder that there is an OLC Trustee Workshop on March 7. Grizzell will sign us up.
Move to Adjourn:
Coolidge moved to adjourn and Arnold seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:50pm.
The meeting was adjourned until Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 7:00pm at the Ritter Public Library.