MEEKER | The Meeker Public Library Board held its regular December meeting with all members present.
Before approving the agenda, Secretary/Treasurer Toby Leavitt proposed moving the Pledge of Allegiance to follow the call to order. The board approved the agenda with the change.
During public comment, community member Jennifer Key addressed the board with concerns about board transitions, transparency, and governance.
“Because we’re at the end of your [Michael Cobb] term, and there hasn’t been an interview for a new position again, I asked questions about how that transition’s going to happen,” Key said. She questioned whether a vacant seat would remain unfilled and whether elections of new officers would be postponed.
Key also raised concerns about public comment documentation, saying comments discussed at prior meetings were not reflected in the minutes. She suggested board members’ comments be written into the minutes to ensure transparency and public access.
Referencing a county commissioners meeting held last month, Key disputed a statement made during that meeting regarding book recommendations.
“Michael said that you guys had never made any recommendations about books in the library, and that’s not true,” Key said, citing a recommendation related to the book Toxic Empathy, which she described as disturbing but now available in the library.
Key also addressed remarks made by the spouse of a board member at that meeting, stating that three men on the library board were controlling decisions. She said she found those claims troubling and urged the board to consider the intent of its bylaws, which place responsibility on the board as a whole.
“This is a great library,” Key said, adding that she hoped board members would reflect on historical examples of governance as they make future decisions.
Barone Middle School teacher Kris Casey also spoke during public comment, praising a recent library presentation her students attended.
“It was a great presentation,” Casey said, noting students learned how to access online newspapers, magazines, and historical articles. “The kids were delighted. They found articles from the 1800s and thought that was the coolest thing in the world.”
Following public comment, the board approved the Nov. 19 meeting minutes with amendments. Leavitt noted the minutes should reflect that board member Keri Grieser abstained from a vote related to a school presentation. She also corrected a transcription error that misidentified a board member.
The board approved the Dec. 3 meeting minutes as presented.
Certified public accountant Paul Wilson of Clifton, Larson, Allen Wealth Advisors, LLC., joined the meeting via Zoom to review the October and November financial reports. Wilson said he was still working through accruals as part of year-end preparation ahead of the annual audit.
“The audit is technically due July 31,” Wilson said, adding that McMahon & Associates is scheduled to begin audit work in February, with information to be sent in mid-January.
The board accepted the October financial report as presented. November repairs and maintenance totaled approximately $9,000, largely for painting and flooring. The November financials were also approved.
Library Director Kristina Selby presented her monthly report, noting a minor update to program statistics to reflect total attendance. December programming included a craft afternoon, a short stories and snacks event, and a holiday card-making activity held during Meeker’s Old Fashioned Christmas, which drew more than 50 attendees.
Looking ahead, Selby said the library will offer eight recurring monthly programs beginning in January 2026, not including outreach events.
“We really have 10 monthly programs starting in January,” Selby said.
The board later discussed facility improvement proposals, including mini-splits for the children’s room and reference area and replacement of three rooftop units. Members approved an HVAC budget proposal from Patrick Vision Program pending review of terms and conditions and approved a service agreement with Patriot Heating and Cooling not to exceed $88,962, subject to potential rebates.
Attorney Glory Schmidt explained the structure of the service agreement, noting requirements related to governmental immunity, insurance, and sales tax for special districts. The board approved the agreement with provisions allowing termination or suspension if necessary.
The board also discussed ongoing county appointment interviews, which are expected to continue through December and possibly into January. Schmidt confirmed she received an invitation to attend a joint meeting involving the library board, county commissioners, and the Town of Meeker.
The board agreed Schmidt should attend the meeting, scheduled for Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. at the courthouse. The meeting will be public and require proper notice.
Before adjourning, the board approved its 2026 legal holiday and closure resolutions. Members tabled discussion of the public comment policy for future workshops scheduled for Jan. 20 and Feb. 17 and confirmed that the temporary levy reduction will remain in place for the upcoming year.
A winter reading program, with prizes, is one of the new programs being implemented by the Meeker Public Library staff in the new year. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO