Plainfield Library District Eyes 2016 Referendum

The Plainfield Library District board of trustees is in the early stages of looking into a possible expansion, with an eye on a potential November 2016 referendum.

Library Director Julie Milavec said the board on Wednesday approved a $19,500 contract with Normal, Illinois-based Library Planning Associates to update a space-needs and building program for the district. The same company created the plan in 2007 and 2008, prior to a failed 2009 referendum.

“It’s essentially rebooting the entire planning process,” Milavec said.

In 2009, voters were asked to approve a referendum to fund an expansion that would add on to the existing Illinois Street library, for a 70,000-square-foot main library, along with building a 30,000-square-foot branch library somewhere in the northwestern section of the library district.

Related: Plainfield Library Referendum Meeting Video from Oct 22nd

Milavec said it’s too early to say how plans could shake out for a possible expansion, but she did say whatever develops will look nothing like the 2009 plan.

“We don’t know what it will be, but we do know it won’t be what was on the ballot in 2009,” she said.

She called the 2009 election a “perfect storm,” falling during the height of the economic downturn — and with election day falling during spring break, resulting in low voter turnout. According to the Will County clerk’s office, turnout was just over 18 percent. The referendum failed with more than 73 percent of voters voting no.

Milavec said the library district tested the waters again in 2011, conducting a resident survey on the need for additional space. The response from residents?

“(They said), yes, it’s needed, but we’re not ready yet,” Milavec said.

Milavec said the board has until August 2016 to vote on whether to place the referendum on the November 2016 ballot.

Fritz delays stepping down

Also on Wednesday, board member Gretchen Fritz on Wednesday put off stepping down from the board.

Along with former Wheatland Township trustee and fellow Republican Darren Bennefield, Fritz was recently elected to represent District 5 on the Will County board.

Milavec said Fritz, who is a deacon at a Bolingbrook church and a conservative talk radio host for WIND AM560, told the board she will tender her resignation as soon as Will County election results are certified on Nov. 25.

The two-year unexpired term, which runs out in 2017, is slated to appear on the April 7, 2015 ballot.

The filing period is Dec. 15 to Dec. 22. Milavec said the board is slated to meet on Dec. 17, which is the earliest members can officially accept Fritz’ resignation and declare a vacancy for the seat.

Fritz did not return a message from Patch on Thursday.