VERNON — The Vernon Library Trustees' decision to abruptly remove Library Director Kris Berberian from her position more than two months early has many of us in town asking questions.
Taxpayers elect the trustees to oversee and serve the best interest of the library and town overall. As taxpayers/residents, we are asking the library trustees to answer the following questions.
• Are all Vernon library trustees familiar with the Vermont Open Meeting Law?
• Do all Vernon library trustees, especially the chairperson, seek to follow the Vermont Open Meeting Law?
• In keeping with the Vermont Open Meeting Law: Since Kris was dismissed on April 24, what was the date of the warned trustees' meeting where the early dismissal of Vernon Library Director Kris Berberian was discussed?
• Was there taxpayer/public participation allowed at that meeting?
• Did the warning for the meeting list the subject of dismissing the Vernon library director on the agenda?
• Are there library trustee meeting minutes available to the public showing the trustees' vote on the early removal of Berberian from her position?
• Why was Berberian dismissed from her position and asked to leave more than two months early rather than allowing her to leave on June 30 as planned and fulfill the transition she was leading until then?
• Was Berberian dismissed with paid leave?
• How is paying Berberian to be on leave a responsible use of taxpayer monies?
• Why did trustees choose to end Berberian's employment by unexpectedly appearing at the library on April 24 and dismissing her, telling her to immediately pack up her things and leave? How did this show respect or consideration for Berberian as a dedicated town employee of 10 years?
• Did trustees discuss their decision with other library staff and consider them?
• Did trustees consider the consequences of their decision to the library patrons and the overall day-to-day functioning of the library's services and programs?
• How did the trustees serve the best interest of the taxpayers or the town with their action?
We are sending copies of this letter and questions to each Vernon Library Trustee. We hope to hear answers.
We would like to thank Kris Berberian for her years of hard work and dedication to our town library. Many of us will miss her.