Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

1. Call to order – Heather called meeting to order at 5:03pm
2. Approval of July, 2026 Organizational Meeting and Regular Meeting –
   Terry motioned to approve; Carol seconded. Motion approved.
   1. July 13, 2026 - Organizational Meeting
   2. July 13, 2026 – Regular Meeting
   3. June 13, 2026 - Executive Session
3. Approval of Expenditures –
   Katie motioned to approve; Terry seconded. Motion approved.
   
   1. Prepaid Checks 74935-74941 / Totaling $10,651.88
   2. August Checks 74942-75030 / Totaling $226,019.76
   3. Prepaid Checks 75031-75033 / Totaling $3,063.94
   4. September Warrants/Checks # 75034-75116 Totaling $142,163.14
4. Approval of Financial Reports –
   Jean motioned to approve; Carol seconded. Motion approved.
   
   1. Pre-Paid Checks and Warrant Summary Report
   2. Budget Report
   3. Income Report
   4. Gifts
      1. Debra Hancher and Rich Michaud, in memory of Cheryl Pepper, $250.00
      2. J Michael and Susanne Murray, in memory of Cheryl Pepper, $50.00
5. President’s Report – Heather discussed that the budget, onboarding, budget, and strategic planning committees met and will discuss further in October’s meeting.
6. Correspondence and Communication – None
7. Public Comment – None
8. Director’s Report
   1. Director’s Written Report – In addition to his report, Ike wanted to thank Brendon and Don for all their work for our new accessible reporting system. Also, Saratoga book festival is kicking off October 1^st through October 4^th.
   2. Use Statistics (see Department Reports) - Audience engagement remained strong through August with a 66% increase.
   3. Department Reports -
      • Jen – In addition to her written report, she discussed she’s been busy with her preparation for staff day. Also, she’s been working with the Sustainable Libraries Initiative staff to produce a Pocket Response Plan in case of a disaster or other emergencies.
      • Don - In addition to his written report, Don discussed our new in-house developed system to comply with digital accessibility regulations. Also, he discussed we received a new batch of hotspots for patrons to use.
      • Kelly – She had nothing additional to add from her written report.
      • Trevor – In addition to his written report, Trevor discussed parking expiration questions that are ongoing. Also, he wants to thank the Friends of SSPL for the first ever Summer Scares partnership on August 4^th.
      • Catherine – In addition to her written report, she discussed sending three librarians to ALA conference in Buffalo in October.
      • Rob- Rob had nothing additional to add from his written report. But Ike wanted to thank Rob for his work in making sure the literacy lab has its own private space.
9. Special Reports / Committee Reports
   1. Recruitment and Onboarding Committee – Terry discussed proposed a draft that changes to the board member onboarding process, including consolidating information into digital formats and potentially designating a “board buddy” system for new members. Also, want to come up with a plan to expand board member candidates because currently all board members reside in Saratoga. Will discuss further next meeting.
   2. Budget Committee – The board is looking into expenses and comparing to other neighboring libraries.
10. Unfinished Business
    1. Adoption of Librarians’ and Library Workers’ Bill of Rights - Action Required - (Exhibit VI)
       Terry motioned to approve; Katie seconded. Motion approved.
    2. Draft Program Policy - Action Required - (Exhibit VII)
       Katie motioned to approve with modifications they discussed, Terry seconded. Motion approved.
11. New Business
    1. Policy Review Schedule – reviewing for next meeting.
    2. Requests to Appoint - (See Human Resources Manager’s Report)
       Katie motioned to approve; Terry seconded. Motion approved.
       
       1. Katherine Demarco, Library Clerk, Access and Outreach (P/T), effective August 4, 2026.
       2. Lloyd Taylor, Building Maintenance Worker, Operations (P/T), effective August 17, 2026.
       3. Kim Eldridge, Cleaner, Operations (P/T), effective August 28, 2026.
       4. Ellie Ushakov, Shelver, Youth Services (P/T), effective September 1, 2026.
12. Executive Session to Discuss two Particular Personnel Matters
13. Adjournment – Heather adjourned regular meeting at 6:01pm.

Respectfully submitted: Tonya Faiola, Senior Account Clerk