SACHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

January 20, 2026 5:00 p.m.

The regular meeting of the Sachem Public Library Board of Trustees was attended by Diane Longo, Marguerite Barone, Susan Tychnowicz, Thomas Lohr, Robert Winowitch, Neely McCahey, Kristen Stroh, and Sandra Bartalis.

The Board members previewed the board meeting items on the agenda electronically prior to the meeting. Trustee Robert Winowitch reviewed all warrants with the Director before having them presented to the Board for their approval.

The meeting was called to order at 5:07 p.m.

The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Board adopted the agenda with two corrections and one addition. Item 6C was corrected to reflect the year 2025 instead of 2024, and Item 10A was updated to change Thursday to Tuesday. An item was added to Other Business. (Tychnowicz, Lohr; unanimous)

Public Expression/Participation

None

Minutes

The Board approved the Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting on December 16, 2025. (Lohr, Winowitch; unanimous)

Treasurer’s Report

The Treasurer’s Report for December 2025 in the amount of $5,698,731.98 was approved. (Barone, Tychnowicz; unanimous)

Payroll and Related Expenses

The Payroll and Related Expenses for December 2025 in the amount of $681,851.19 was approved. (Tychnowicz, Lohr; unanimous)

Payroll Warrant #20 dated December 4, 2025 in the amount of $11,951.68 was approved. (Lohr, Barone; unanimous)

Payroll Warrant #22 dated December 18, 2025 in the amount of $187,516.68 was approved. (Barone, Tychnowicz; unanimous)

Payroll Warrant #24 dated December 31, 2025 in the amount of $13,870.78 was approved. (Tychnowicz, Lohr; unanimous)

The December 2025 Payroll Summary was approved. (Lohr, Barone; unanimous)

Schedule of Bills

The January 20, 2026 Schedule of Bills, Warrant #21 in the amount of $160,328.73 was approved. (Longo, Lohr; unanimous)

Director’s Report

The Board reviewed the Director’s report with interest. Ms. McCahey announced that the Garden of Lights was very successful, with over 10,000 visitors. She also noted that changes will be made for next year’s event.

She provided a building and grounds update, stating that the sewer ejection pump needs replacement and that a hot water heater failed that morning and will require repair.

The Beauchamp Training with the Teen Department has concluded.

At the most recent Director Zone meeting, a representative from the Suffolk County Sports Hall of Fame presented. The organization plans to reach out to libraries regarding potential permanent exhibits.

Ms. McCahey also provided updates on the library’s 110th Anniversary:

• Spring celebration: Saturday, May 16, 2026

• Adult Battle of the Books: July 18, 2026

The Board discussed the Long Island Railroad’s new policy regarding discounted monthly train passes for library patrons.

Assistant Director’s Report

The Board reviewed the Assistant Director’s report with interest. Mrs. Stroh’s report focused on highlights from 2025.

Library Statistics

The Board reviewed all library statistics with interest.

Old Business

The Board reviewed the revised Travel and Reimbursement Policy and suggested two changes:

• Replace “Uber” with “Rideshare” under Ground Transportation

• Add the word “to” in the phrase: travelers are required “to” alert Administration

The final version will be presented at the February Board meeting.

New Business

The Board approved the Legal Notice for Budget Vote and Trustee Election to be held on April 14, 2026. (Winowitch, Barone; unanimous)

The Board approved Equipment Disposal. (Barone, Tychnowicz; unanimous)

Other

The following was approved:

On the Director’s recommendation, the Board approved an update to the loan rule for American Girl Doll kits:

• New rule: 14-day loan with one renewal (28 days total)

• Previous rule: 7-day loan with 6 renewals (42 days total)

(Barone, Tychnowicz; unanimous)

Library Advocacy Day will be held on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The next Board Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Executive Session

None

Personnel Report

The Personnel Report was approved. (Lohr, Winowitch; unanimous)

Correspondence

Mrs. Longo shared a thank-you note from Sachem North High School.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 5:53 p.m. (Longo, Barone; unanimous)

Respectfully submitted,
Susan Tychnowicz