BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — The Martin County Public Library is moving forward on two fronts: finalizing a lease of the Collier Center gymnasium to the Martin County Extension District and seeking additional applicants to fill two vacant seats on its board of trustees.
The announcements came Tuesday morning during a special meeting of the library board.
Under the proposed gymnasium lease, the Extension District will pay $2,000 per month, utilities included, for the gymnasium. The lease excludes the walking track.
The Extension Office plans to use the gym for youth activities along with health, wellness and educational programs that currently face participation limits due to space restrictions at its existing office on Holy Street.
Jessi Muncy, a member of the Extension District Board, mentioned the possibility of a summer youth camp. However, she said the farmers market will remain at 9 Holy Street.
Gymnasium rentals will still be available through the Extension Office, Muncy said.
The terms of the lease dictate that the Extension Office will provide maintenance and program employees during program hours to oversee activities, assist with routine cleaning, manage setup and breakdown, address minor non-structural issues and provide general supervision.
The one-year lease awaits final execution by the Library Board, the Extension Board and the Roy F. Collier Community Center Board.
In other business, the library addressed two vacant seats on its board of trustees following the expiration of the terms of John R. Triplett and Denise Stepp. Officials reported receiving applications from Jessica Preece of Lovely and Gina Patrick of Tomahawk.
The Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives requires that the library submit two applications per vacancy. The state reviews the applications and forwards its recommendations to Martin County Judge/Executive Lon Lafferty, who selects a nominee. The Martin County Fiscal Court must then approve the appointment.
With two vacancies, the library must receive at least one additional application. The application not selected for the first seat can be considered again for the second appointment. Applications are available at the desk in the Collier Center.