The Westhampton Free Library Board of Trustees, which has been operating with just four members for the past three months—one fewer than mandated under state regulations—appointed three new members on Tuesday morning.
At the special meeting, which lasted only five minutes, Westhampton Free Library Board President Tom Moore read off a resolution to appoint Robert Santucci, Eric Mirell and Mary Anne Yutes as trustees. The now seven-member board immediately entered a closed-door executive session after the announcement.
According to the resolution, the board received three applications from those offering to serve on the volunteer board, and each applicant met with the sitting trustees on February 10.
Ms. Yutes, who is a licensed insurance professional and has experience fundraising for nonprofits, is filling the seat vacated by Karen Andrews. Ms. Andrews stepped down in November after serving for 12 years. Ms. Yutes’s term will end on July 17, 2019.
The other two new members, Mr. Santucci and Mr. Mirell, both have terms ending on July 15, 2020.
Mr. Santucci, who worked as an attorney for 39 years, enjoys reading and wants to continue to provide free and open access to the library for all community members, according to a press release.
Mr. Mirell, a software engineer and the current president of Island Business Group Inc., wants to bring new and fresh ideas to the position, according to the same release.
The newly appointed members joined library trustees Jennifer Mendelson, Susan Rosenberg, Barbara Matros and Mr. Moore at the dais on Tuesday.
The New York State Board of Regents stipulates that library boards must have a minimum of five members, and a maximum of seven members, Mr. Moore previously stated.