Council reconstitutes Hibbing Public Library Board, appoints seven members with staggered terms

The Hibbing City Council on May 7 appointed seven people to the Hibbing Public Library Board and established staggered term end dates to restart board operations while the council considers an ordinance change on board size.

City administration reported the library board ordinance currently specifies seven members but staff had discussed reducing the board to five for manageability and quorum concerns. The administration advised that the city could change the ordinance later with an effective date to avoid forcing current members off the board immediately. Several councilors said the board had been advertised as seven seats and that seven applicants had applied; they supported appointing seven members now.

Councilors nominated and approved the following appointees and terms (as recorded): Robert Karate, three‑year term ending 12/31/2028; Dana Grzdanich, three‑year term ending 12/31/2028; Anastasia Smart, two‑year term ending 12/31/2027; Tim Rash, two‑year term ending 12/31/2027; Sam Nerby, two‑year term ending 12/31/2027; Sierra Napoli Fein, one‑year term ending 12/31/2026 (noted that the term is effectively longer because of appointment timing); and Patrick Anderson, one‑year term ending 12/31/2026. Councilors voted on each appointment by roll call/voice and recorded unanimous approval in each vote recorded in the meeting transcript.

City staff noted that if the council later amends the ordinance to reduce board size, the ordinance should include an effective date so that currently appointed members are not removed midterm. The council gave direction to staff that staging and term lengths be set as recorded to create staggered expirations so future appointment cycles will be manageable.