Dorothy Alling Memorial Library trustees elect officers, approve new patron-services position and renew town MOU

The Dorothy Alling Memorial Library Board of Trustees met March 20, 2023 and made several administrative and personnel decisions, according to the unapproved minutes.

Trustees elected Charity Clark as chair, Shari Westman as treasurer and Karla Karstens as secretary on a motion by Barbara Mieder seconded by Steve Perkins; the motion passed. Town Manager Erik Wells reminded the board the original MOU with the Town of Williston was signed March 16, 2020; Wells said he did not see a need for changes, while trustee Steve Perkins asked the town to provide a clearer timeline for evaluating the library director. Perkins moved to renew the MOU; Barbara Mieder seconded and the motion passed.

The board recorded a $4,242 donation from the Community Fund deposited into the trustees’ account. Trustees approved creation of a new full-time 'Patron Services Librarian' position, consolidating duties with the Assistant Librarian/Youth Services role (motion by Steve Perkins, seconded by Barbara Mieder; passed). The board also approved closing the library on Monday, April 3 so staff may attend the VLA Conference (motion by Diane Downer, seconded by Steve Perkins; passed).

Personnel updates noted in the minutes included the hire of Bonnie Lord as Assistant Director/Youth Librarian, with a start date of April 24. Trustees approved funds for refreshments and a gift for retiring staff member Deb Roderer and approved funds to buy gifts for staff for Library Week (April 24–29). The board moved into executive session at 8:55 p.m. and exited at 9:07 p.m.; both motions passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.; the next meeting is scheduled for April 17, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

The minutes do not record vote tallies for motions; each recorded motion is noted as 'PASSED.'