MEEKER | After canceling its January work session, the Meeker Regional Library District Board met Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., where Board President John Moffitt raised concerns about the agenda length and proposed a 7 p.m. hard stop.
“Eighteen items under new business is excessive,” Moffitt said, suggesting remaining items be deferred. Board member Dan Olson seconded the motion, recommending legally required items be prioritized.
The proposal led to about 30 minutes of discussion.
Vice President Keri Grieser questioned the timing, noting policy items originally scheduled for the canceled work session had been moved to the January meeting at Moffitt’s request and had already been delayed.
Moffitt responded that additional items had been added and said extended meetings reduce effectiveness. Grieser countered that limiting discussion could set an unfavorable precedent.
Treasurer and Secretary Toby Leavitt emphasized efficiency, noting board members had most of the information in advance.
Olson proposed a soft stop at 7:30 p.m. and an 8 p.m. hard stop, while Leavitt suggested 8:30 p.m. The board voted 3–2 to adopt an 8:30 p.m. hard stop, with Moffitt, Olson and Michael Cobb in favor and Grieser and Leavitt opposed.
Nearly a dozen members of the public attended, several of whom were applicants for Cobb’s county-appointed seat. No public comment was offered.
The board approved the financial report, with the district’s accountant reporting expenses were below revenue and nothing was out of the ordinary. The annual audit begins in February.
Library Director Kristina Selby, attending virtually due to illness, reported steady circulation, increased program attendance and nearly 100 registrants for the winter reading challenge. She highlighted Scholastic Teachables, a digital resource for educators and families, and noted interest in new educational models supporting homeschool instruction.
Selby reported radon mitigation work is nearing completion, with follow-up testing planned, and said the library’s hot water heater likely needs replacement. Trustees were also informed of rising insurance and workers’ compensation costs.
Ann Franklin, coordinator of the Meeker International Ecology Program, joined students Iris Holmes and Hailey Cox to outline plans for the program’s 2027 Belize trip. Trustees approved increasing the library’s contribution from $5,000 to $10,000.
In old business, trustees received updates on HVAC replacements and outreach by the board’s attorney to county legal counsel regarding the intergovernmental agreement. Discussion also included roof replacement planning.
Because county commissioners tabled appointments to Cobb’s seat, oaths were postponed until February.
Trustees designated the library’s website as the official location for meeting notices, then entered executive session for about 45 minutes to discuss the director’s performance review.
After returning to regular session, trustees approved a 2.8% cost-of-living increase for staff and adopted the library card and borrowing policy. Remaining items were tabled to comply with the 8:30 p.m. hard stop.
The next workshop is scheduled for Feb. 17, with the next regular meeting set for Feb. 25.