Generally, filling empty seats on volunteer boards is rarely a competitive process, but this year there are more interested candidates than there are open seats for at least two boards: the Meeker Colorado Civic Improvement Corporation (MCCIC) and the Meeker Regional Library Board. So many candidates the Rio Blanco County Board of Commissioners scheduled a half-day for interviews with prospective board appointees on Tuesday.
LIBRARY
The Meeker Regional Library Board has two county-appointed members, one member jointly appointed by the Town of Meeker and the county, and two town-appointed members. Two seats are currently open on the five member board. Board members serve five-year terms with a two-term limit.
Dan Olson, Jere Taylor, Dr. Bob Dorsett and current board member Ellen Conrado answered questions from the commissioners regarding their interest in serving on the board and their experience with the library, as well as how they might handle potential controversies surrounding library materials. All said they would rely on state statutes and library standards, as well as the bylaws of the library itself, while being open to hearing concerns from taxpayers.
MCCIC
The Meeker Colorado Civic Improvement Corporation board is a three-member board responsible for oversight of the Fairfield apartments, which provide low-income senior housing by application. Recent concerns about the future of the apartment complex in the face of escalating costs for maintenance and repairs, as well as an outdated lease agreement with tenants, and concerns about compliance with new legislation, have generated significant discussion for the commissioners.
Former commissioner Ginny Love, Kathy Thorsby, Mona Avey, Sherri McCord, Fayanna Seely, county road and bridge director Scott Marsh, and current board member and Fairfield resident Kay Bivens were interviewed Tuesday. Board member Sharon Clapper was not available for her interview. Applicants were agreed on the need to abide by the legacy of Freeman Fairfield and the tenets of his will, the need for the apartments to remain available for seniors, and how to make the apartments self-supporting.
Appointments are expected to be made at the Tuesday, Feb. 28 commissioners’ meeting.
By NIKI TURNER – editor@editorht1885.com
By NIKI TURNER – [email protected]
