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Pullman codifies Neil Public Library board; council confirms two trustee appointments
Summary
City council adopted Ordinance 25‑10 to add Neil Public Library and its board of trustees to city code and confirmed two new trustees, Whitney Callahan and Karen Weatherman.
The Pullman City Council on June 10 adopted Ordinance 25‑10, formally codifying the roles and responsibilities of the Neil Public Library Board of Trustees, and confirmed two appointments to the board.
Ordinance 25‑10 adds a new chapter (1.51) to Pullman City Code defining the powers and duties of the library board, clarifying the respective responsibilities of the mayor, city council, library director and trustees. "By enacting this ordinance, the city council affirms the importance of a dedicated community‑focused board in stewarding our library's future," said Kate Watts, chair of the Neil Public Library Board of Trustees, during public comment.
Councilmembers praised the adoption. "Having this codified after 102 years is something the library board has worked toward for a long time," Mayor Benjamin said during the meeting.
Following the ordinance vote, the council confirmed appointments to the Neil Public Library Board of Trustees: Whitney Callahan (term beginning July 1, 2025, through Dec. 30, 2029) and Karen Weatherman (term Jan. 1, 2026, through Dec. 30, 2031). Councilmember Anne Parks moved to appoint the two candidates; the motion passed on a voice vote recorded in the minutes.
Board representatives told the council that the ordinance aligns the library’s governance with American Library Association best practices and gives clearer operational authority to the board to adopt policies on library materials and services. Trustees also thanked city staff and former library director Dan Owens for assistance during the ordinance drafting process.
No amendments to the ordinance were recorded during the council meeting, and the ordinance passed unanimously.
The council also scheduled related library items for ongoing administration, including onboarding for the two incoming trustees and the search for a new library director.
