Langford Board Votes To Cut Library Hours

    The Langford Board of Trustees convened last Tuesday, administering an Oath of Office to Matt Fries, who was appointed as a Trustee for a three-year term. Fries replaces outgoing Jordan Hupke. Additionally, Orrie Jesz was re-appointed as Board President for a one-year term.
    Per board action, major changes will be on the horizon at the Langford Public Library. Following an executive session at the end of Tuesday’s meeting, the Board approved reducing the library’s operating hours from 40 to 19 hours per week, transitioning full-time employee Nicole Hoines to part-time with no benefits, and capping her weekly hours at 19.
    Earlier in the meeting, Langford resident Paul Steiner addressed several concerns with the Board, including the presence of raccoons, squirrels, and birds in an abandoned property, the issue of dogs running at large in the town, and a proposal to install a platform near a dumpster for residents’ convenience.
    Maintenance items were also addressed, including the decision to transition electrical services from overhead to underground near Elm Street and the approval of purchasing a jetter head for approximately $1,100.
    In new business, the Board reviewed three sanitation bids from Dakota Waste Solutions, LLC; Lehr Sanitation Service, LLC; and A-1 Sanitation & Recycling. However, no motion was made, and further discussions are scheduled for June’s meeting. (See the meeting minutes in this week’s Public Notice section for exact bids). Additionally, the Board approved a hay land bid from Ryan Kramer for $150 and the first readings of two ordinances regarding the transfer of grant funds for the library and fire department.
    In a motion, the Board waived member pay for a special meeting held in April. Other approvals included a building permit for Robert Wagner, the 2023 Annual Report, and the purchase of stain and staining supplies for wooden play equipment at the Park of the Pines.
    Addressing old business, the Board approved ordering electrical supplies to correct code violations on Hickory Street and the second reading of an ordinance regarding the Cable TV Franchise Agreement with Venture Communications. (See the public notices in this week’s paper for the full ordinance.)
    The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, at 5:00 PM.