The Great Neck Library’s Nominating Committee is seeking community members to apply to fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees, following the removal of Trustee Douglas Hwee on Tuesday.
Five board members present at a Tuesday meeting unanimously removed Hwee for alleged “neglect of duty” and “misconduct.”
The board declined to comment on the specifics of the case.
Robert Schaufeld, president of the library’s Board of Trustees, said hiring a library director, studying how to better use space in the Parkville and Station library branches, and getting work done on the landscape plans are on their agenda.
But having one less member could make finishing this much harder, Schaufeld noted. The seven-member board and its committees need five members conduct business. Other committees, which have four members, need three present to work.
“It’s very important because if we’re short one person, that makes it much more difficult to get a quorum and we need a quorum to function,” Schaufeld said.
Schaufeld previously said that the board and its committees tend to meet once a month. A trustee, however, could expect some work outside the meetings like responding to emails, phone calls and dealing with any unexpected issues.
A library board’s responsibilities include developing a strategic plan and budget, overseeing programs and services, and ensuring the library abides by local, state and federal laws. Additionally they can appoint people and hire or fire the library’s executive director.
Trustee applicants must be a resident of the Great Neck School District and 18 years of age or older. They also need a valid Great Neck Library card or registered to vote with the county Board of Elections.
To be considered, send a letter and resume by Monday, Aug. 21, to The Chair of the Nominating Committee, c/o Great Neck Library, 159 Bayview Avenue, Great Neck, NY 11023-1938.
