John Hoctor

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and personnel changes. Key actions involved accepting the operating budget for the 2026/2027 fiscal year. Furthermore, the Board accepted a proposal for website redesign from Library Siteworks and approved the purchase of tables and chairs for the Miller Business Center from Agati Furniture. Travel expenses for several employees to attend various conferences and meetings were also authorized. Finally, the Board approved the disposal of numerous obsolete furniture and equipment items from the inventory, and approved payrolls and monthly warrants.

Key discussions and approvals during this regular meeting included adopting a 2.5% Cost of Living increase for staff, effective on their respective increment dates, and setting new starting rates for Pages and Food Service Workers effective January 1, 2026. The Board approved the Suffolk Cooperative Library System 2026 Operating Budget and accepted the Long Range Plan for 2026-2031, including its mission, vision, and value statements. A new full-time Custodial Worker I position was approved. Financially, the Board approved a $90,000 proposal from Knology for a two-year evaluation of the Family Place network, funded by Family Place. The scope and budget for the Greenhouse Construction Project at the Centereach building, up to $1,178,000, were approved, along with the selection of BBS Architects for related services. Personnel policies were updated regarding vacation, sick, and personal leave to align with GASB 101 standards, and the Designated Spaces Policy was updated to include the new Sensory Nook section. The Board also approved quotes for HVAC replacement in the Kroog room, purchase of a motorized riding vacuum cleaner, and renovations/tiling for two Centereach bathrooms. Travel expenses for staff attending upcoming conferences were approved, obsolete furniture was removed from inventory, and foundation funds totaling $50,000 were accepted.

The Board of Trustees discussed and approved the agenda for the current meeting. A primary discussion involved the Greenhouse Project SEQRA resolution, where the Board declared itself lead agency and determined the capital improvements—including the construction of a new greenhouse and associated walkways/utilities—to be Type II Actions requiring no further SEQRA review. The Board also approved various conference and travel expenses for several employees for upcoming events in February and April 2026. Finally, payrolls and warrants dating from December 2025 through January 2026 were approved, along with the Report of Personnel Changes dated December 31, 2025.

The Board of Trustees meeting addressed several critical operational and planning items. Key actions included the setting of dates for the annual library trustee election and budget vote in April 2026. A new Innovation Space Policy was accepted, detailing user appointments, equipment usage, material fees, and a user agreement/waiver, with provisions for intellectual property rights and safety protocols. Furthermore, the Board approved several facility and equipment upgrades, including the renovation of the facilities office, and the purchase and installation of carpet in both the Technical Service Office and the Youth Services area in Centereach. A $1,000 recognition stipend was granted to an employee for additional responsibilities. The Board also approved travel expenses for upcoming conferences and site visits, and ratified recent payrolls and warrants.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and an executive session concerning personnel matters. Key actions taken involved setting the date for the annual library trustee election and budget vote for April 14, 2026, with registration on April 7, 2026. The Board accepted the Innovation Space Policy, detailing access, usage rules, material fees, and user agreements, including waivers. Furthermore, approvals were granted for a contract to renovate the facilities office, quotes for carpet installation in the Technical Service Office and Youth Services area in Centereach, a recognition stipend for an employee in the Business Office, and travel expenses for employee conferences and site visits.