Nicole Cieslewicz

The meeting included the approval of the Treasurer's Report for February 2025 and the approval of warrant checks and vendor payments covering the General Fund, Capital Fund, and multiple payroll periods. Correspondence included notes regarding a local teen's donation, thank you letters for an award received by the Director, and communication about library grounds beautification. Old Business regarding Committee Funds was tabled. New Business saw the approval of the proposed 2025/2026 budget that falls under the tax cap, the 2024 New York State Annual Report, and the excess report. During the Period of Public Expression, community members raised concerns about minimal craft offerings due to a program coordinator's leave of absence, with administration exploring temporary coverage. The Executive Session addressed personnel matters, including the acceptance of a resignation, the approval of a new Children's Librarian hire, and a pending decision on the leave of absence for the program coordinator. It was also noted that a Trustee would not seek a second term.

The board reviewed and approved the treasurer's report, vendor payments, and payroll expenses. Key business items included the discussion of the 2026/2027 draft budget, the adoption of a new security camera policy, and the authorization to excess the library's telephone system. Public discussion centered on the proposed budget and tax percentage increase. The board held an executive session to discuss personnel matters, resulting in the approved separation of service for a staff member. Additional reports provided updates on credit card payment integration, RFID tagging progress, the installation of a new telephone system, and advocacy efforts regarding New York State library budget appropriations.

The board meetings covered a variety of operational and administrative topics throughout the year. Key discussions included policy revisions such as the 3D printer policy, Interlibrary Loan policy, Notary Service policy, and the Immigration Enforcement Response Policy. There were extensive updates regarding facility improvements, including fire/burglary monitoring upgrades and HVAC/roof repairs, complicated by a loss of federal funding. The board also managed significant staffing transitions, including new hires, resignations, and retirements, and approved budget resolutions for the 2025/2026 fiscal year. Additionally, the board engaged in advocacy regarding civil service residency requirements, reviewed annual audit reports, and organized community outreach efforts, including library budget votes and various public engagement events.

Key discussions included approval of the Treasurer's Report for September 2025, focusing on Adult Programming budget spending and an outstanding check for the Noshing Tour. The Board approved warrant checks, vendor payments, and payrolls for various funds. Correspondence acknowledged the library's upholding of the First Amendment by carrying controversial books, alongside compliments for the Noshing Tour and Gatsby Speakeasy events. Under New Business, the Board approved the Tax Cap resolution to reserve discretion to override the statutory limit for the fiscal year July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The Board also approved quotes for a land survey and roofing repair. The Executive Session addressed personnel and employment contracts, resulting in the approval of a 3% retroactive raise for part-time staff.

The meeting covered the approval of the Treasurer's Report for November 2025 and the approval of various vendor payments and payrolls from periods in October and November 2025. Old business discussions resulted in the approval to upgrade the telephone system with Telephone Dynamics and to approve SIP trunk service with NUSO, replacing Verizon. New business included the approval for the CSEA Independence Day closing on July 3, 2026, and the disposal of excess wooden chairs from the children's room. The Board also entered Executive Session to discuss personnel and employment contracts.