Hernando Valencia

The board conducted an oath of office ceremony for a new member. Personnel actions included the approval of appointments for a full-time typist clerk and a part-time cleaner. Under new business, the board approved the proposed budget, tax levy, and a transfer from the reserve carryover for the upcoming fiscal year. An executive session was also convened.

Key discussions and actions included accepting the resignation of Trustee Ms. Gayle Dolowich and accepting a $50.00 donation. The Board approved several Authorizations for Payments totaling substantial amounts. Committee reports highlighted the Interaction Committee's tour of library departments to discuss enhancing patron and staff interaction. The Director's report detailed significant building and grounds issues, including ongoing leaks requiring ordered parts, elevator work, and required steel beam replacement due to rust, which will require future Board approval for estimates. The library also joined OMNIA Partners for optimized procurement. Updates were provided on conference attendance, adjustments to the Long Island Children's Museum pass program, NLS budget review, and digitization of local history archives through LILRC. Usage statistics for November 2025 were presented. New business involved the Town of Oyster Bay providing recycling services, discontinuing the Unique Collections service, and approving revisions to the Borrowing Privileges Policy. The Board also approved utilizing a state contract to obtain a proposal for the column repairs related to the Capital Project.

Key discussions included accepting the resignation of Trustee Ms. Gayle Dolowich and a $50.00 donation from Ms. Zhang. Financial reports involved approving several authorizations for payments totaling substantial amounts. The Interaction Committee toured library departments to discuss enhancing patron and staff interaction, noting plans for customer service refresher training and addressing service desk modifications. Building & Grounds issues involved ongoing leaks at a second-floor window requiring ordered parts, installation of a new ADA emergency phone in an elevator, repair of front sliding doors, and an engineering recommendation to replace sections of support beams due to rust, requiring future Board approval for estimates. Other facility concerns included a roof leak in the Theater and carpet adhesion issues, which are being addressed by contractors. The library has joined OMNIA Partners for optimized procurement. Conference reports highlighted emerging trends such as AI in libraries and change management. Adjustments to the Long Island Children's Museum pass program were noted, effective December 15, 2025, providing year-round access without blackout dates and discounted admission tickets. Nassau Library System updates covered upcoming staff training and a presentation on AI implications for library services. The LILRC final report detailed the digitization of local archives, including films, oral histories, and photographs. The library website now includes a language translation feature. Usage statistics for November 2025 were reviewed. Program highlights included the success of the Jericho Schools Art Reception and the Fall Festival. In New Business, the Town of Oyster Bay will provide recycling services. The Board approved discontinuing the Unique Collections service and revisions to the Borrowing Privileges Policy. A proposal from Renu Contracting & Restoration for the column capital project was approved utilizing a state contract. Personnel actions included approving the appointment of a new Information Tech Aide I Part Time, increases to salary scales and hourly rates for certain positions, and an increase for the Treasurer's yearly fee effective January 1, 2026.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. Financial reports led to the approval of Authorizations for Payments totaling $417,391.51. Committee reports highlighted ongoing building and grounds issues, including resolving persistent leaks on the second floor, completion of exploratory work on a support column, and the temporary shutdown of the cargo elevator pending inspection after roof leaks. Updates were provided on engagement with the Nassau Library System and the Long Island Library Resources Council, and the expansion of the Library of Things collection. The Board also conducted its annual fire drill and safety training. Statistical snapshots for October 2025 usage were reviewed. Highlights included the annual book sale, Halloween activities, visits from third-grade classes, and the first Annual Local Author Showcase. New business involved the creation of an Interaction Committee. Personnel actions included accepting the resignation of a part-time cleaner and approving the appointment of a replacement. The Board also held a brief executive session.

The meeting included the authorization for payments of library expenses. The Director's report covered the completion of the annual audit, the annual tax cap override resolution, and ongoing building and grounds maintenance, including window repairs and fire panel replacement. There was discussion regarding proposed steel beam repairs and environmental testing for the building. Additionally, the board reviewed library usage statistics and program highlights for the various departments.