Record of Proceedings
Ritter Public Library Board of Trustees
Regular Session
Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
The Board of Trustees of Ritter Public Library convened in regular session at 7:00 PM in the Ritter Public Library Meeting Room A. Warden called the meeting to order with the following members and visitors present:
Julie Armstrong-Sexton: Present
Lois Arnold: Present
Doug Brown: Present
Chad Coolidge: Present
Mary Deucher: Present
Jacob Raffo: Present
Marie Warden: Present
Employees: C. Grizzell, C. Springer
Visitors:
Certification of Notification:
Springer certified that a notice of the meeting had been posted to the Ritter Public Library social media outlets and Library Website. A notice was sent to the Vermilion Photojournal, but they did not print it.
Approval of Minutes:
Warden moved that the March 2026 Regular Board Meeting minutes be approved as presented, and Armstrong seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Correspondence:
None
Director’s Report:
Grizzell reviewed the Director’s report (attached).
Discussed progress with the Ritter Room renovation. It has been painted and furnished. We are waiting on the window treatments. Discussing the technology equipment with the Archival Society to make sure we get the right equipment for our needs. The groups seem to like the renovations. We will be looking for sliders to go under the new chairs, as they are difficult to move.
The Makerspace is pretty much complete; save for a few items we are still waiting on. The open house went very well. About 45-50 people came, which was unexpected. Got rave reviews from all the folks at Main Street Vermilion.
The infamous West Wall was viewed with a camera and the moisture was measured. It is the dryest place up there and the camera shows no mold.
Discussed the Staff Day, which was a great success. Grizzell stated that she very much appreciates the Board supporting two staff days a year.
Updated on the Friends, Foundation, and Endowment (attached).
Briefly discussed our new partnership with the Ohio Library for the Blind and Print Disabled.
Financial Report:
Springer reviewed the Fiscal Officer’s report (attached).
Arnold moved to accept the financials as presented, and Raffo seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Public Comment:
None
Old Business:
None
New Business:
Health Insurance Renewal
Brown presented what was offered for our health insurance renewal on May 1. We met with Wes Campbell over Teams. Briefed the Board on the renewal process and what has impacted our current renewal increase. This was not a good year for us to attempt to change providers. Many providers simply denied us.
Discussed the contributions the Library currently makes (50% deductible reimbursement and 75% up to $400) toward monthly premiums. We currently have 10 insured employees and one with a spouse.
Could potentially increase the HRA reimbursement and the premium contributions. LFGBEN proposed a $4,000.00 reimbursement.
Springer presented the different options we have to help take the onus off the employees.
Considering an MOU for the next year to increase the premium contribution and deductible contributions.
Brown moved accept the new insurance proposal with Anthem and to increase the deductible contribution to $4,000.00 and a premium contribution increase to 75% with no $400 cap. We understand that it will need to be an MOU. Warden seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Brown moved to change the Dental and Vision carriers to Guardian. Warden seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
The Board and Springer thanked Doug Brown for his hard work and expertise when looking at these changes.
Building Assessment Proposals
Grizzell presented the options for a Building Assessment. We have proposals for Bostwick Design Partnership and GPD Group. The groups stated that interviews would not be necessary, and potentially more expensive if required.
Grizzell reviewed both proposals and quotes (attached). GPD’s quote is $10,000.00 more, but they are also offering ADA accessibility and Technology assessment, which is very important to us. Feels the GPD proposal is very comprehensive. No action is necessary right now if the Board would like to take some time. Board members feel that Bostwick’s proposal was a little vague and they appreciate all the specifics that were included in the GPD Group’s proposal.
Brown moved to accept GPD Group’s proposal for the Building Assessment, not to exceed $40,000.00, to be paid from the Building Fund. Deucher seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Move to Adjourn:
Deucher moved to adjourn and Raffo seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52pm.
The meeting was adjourned until Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 7:00pm at the Ritter Public Library.