Minutes - 08/17/2005 - Library CommissionMINUTES OF THE AUGUST 17, 2005 SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION OF THE VILLAGE OF
OAK BROOK APPROVED AS AMENDED ON
SEPTEMBER 20, 2005.
1. CALL TO ORDER: CALL TO ORDER
The special meeting of the Library Commission was called to order by Chairperson
Melissa Salazar in the Library Meeting Room at 7:03 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL: ROLL CALL
Commissioner Salazar called the roll with the following persons
PRESENT: Commission Chairperson Melissa Salazar, Commissioners Randa
Bishlawi, William Duff, Veena Mendiratta, Janice Skowron and
Lucia Sutton
ABSENT: Commissioner Madeline Bell
IN ATTENDANCE: Meg Klinkow, Library Director and Carol Maresh, library
assistant.
3. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
LIBRARY LANDSCAPING:
Chairperson Salazar asked the members to open the discussion about their walk of
the perimeter and parking areas of the library. She requested a list of talking points
be generated to give to the landscape consultant, Marcy Stewart - Pyziak, at the 31 St
of August meeting at 6:30.
Director Klinkow gave each commissioner a packet of copies of documents
pertaining to the work that was done over the past year on landscaping.
Discussion followed:
Commissioner Duff began by stating his concerns for the safety of patrons on the
bike path. He feels it is overgrown and needs to be thinned out for better visibility
and safety.
Commissioner Skowron stated that it appears that some landscaping was done at
the entrance to Polo Drive and the path. Commissioner Bishlawi stated her desire
to see better access to the other Village facilities via the bike bath.
Skowron mentioned that soccer players sit against the walls outside. She also saw
no one sitting outside at the new Elmhurst Library.
Klinkow pointed out that Elmhurst's seating is too near the parking to feel
comfortable sitting there. Commissioner Bishlawi stated she would like seating
outside.
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Minutes Page 1 of 3 August 17, 2005
UNFINISHED
BUSINESS
LIBRARY
LANDSCAPING
Salazar also liked the idea of well planned paths with gardens all around the
Library and some benches. She liked the idea of a walking area including a
sculpture garden and tree memorial garden. Klinkow and Skowron mentioned that
the memorial garden might contain oak trees.
Commissioner Sutton asked about the history of the landscaping plan, including the
fence outside the meeting room. Klinkow explained the past and current plans.
Discussion of the fence ensued.
Mendiratta stated she did not see any need for lots of outdoor spaces. Klinkow
urged them to consider a bigger picture. She asked them to consider the question:
Are we a library only or also a community center?
Bishlawi would like to see pathways connected to the existing bicycle paths and a
planting that is low and modern to reflect the modern building.
Klinkow stated that library patrons need and want outdoor seating areas. We have
good spaces inside and need equally nice spaces outside. Patrons will claim these
outdoor spaces as their own as they have the indoor spaces. Klinkow reminded the
commissioners that they may request several designs from a designer to reflect
seating or no seating. She urged them to bring pictures of gardens they liked as
well as visiting sites that the designers have done to view the work the designer has
done in person. Once the parameters are set Klinkow will work with other Village
staff on the bid package.
All agreed that McDonald's site has a good feel as well as similarly modern types
of buildings as the library. Bishlawi asked about the original site plan and Klinkow
stated that it had a fountain and a few trees in the drawings. Klinkow stated a zero
depth fountain, one that is organically cleaned, would be acceptable for safety
reasons. She will bring a picture of the fountain that was initially picked. She urged
the commissioners to look at the www.aguafina.com website of the fountain
vendor. Mendiratta stated her view that there should be native and hardy plants.
The Tentative list of talking points:
• What are the watering /irrigation needs of the site?
• Is handicapped- accessible seating in a shaded area possible?
• What kind of soil amendments may be necessary?
• What types of trees would be appropriate for the front garden as far as
aesthetics and suitability to the site? Ornamental or shade or both?
Examples?
• What are the legal accessibility requirements for outdoor seating areas?
• What plantings include fall and winter color, as well as summer and
spring?
• What perennials are desirable?
• What native and hardy plants are desirable?
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Is a water feature feasible in our climate? What kinds of water features are
appropriate to libraries?
What kinds of trees are appropriate in the parking areas?
When do we plant butterfly bushes?
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Skowron moved to adjourn the meeting at
8:23 p.m. Commissioner Bishlawi seconded the motion.
ATTEST:
s /Carol Maresh
Library Assistant
VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK Minutes Page 3 of 3 August 17, 2005
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