Lebanon Public Library plans summer kickoff with street closure request

The Lebanon Board of Works convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss several key initiatives impacting the community, including a street closure for a summer reading kickoff event and significant changes to ongoing infrastructure projects.

One of the most notable decisions was the approval of a street closure request for the Lebanon Public Library's annual Kenworthy summer reading kickoff party, scheduled for June 2. Jesse Fleming, head of the children's department, outlined plans for the event, which will feature a petting zoo, live music, and free snow cones for children. The street closure on Washington Street, from East Street to Meridian, will take place from noon to 5 PM to facilitate setup and teardown, with the main activities occurring from 1 to 4 PM. The board unanimously approved the request, highlighting the community's support for family-friendly events.

In addition to the library event, the board addressed a change order related to the Fordyce Road project. Concerns raised by Lebanon Utilities regarding the condition of water meter pits led to a proposal for their replacement, which was not initially included in the project plans. The total cost for this change is $162,014.28, with Lebanon Utilities agreeing to cover half of the expense. The board approved this change order, emphasizing the importance of maintaining infrastructure standards to prevent future issues.

Further discussions included two additional change orders for the 2025 street surfacing program. The first involved resurfacing a small section of Pepper Drive, which is public for the first 150 feet before becoming private. This change was approved at a cost of $5,427.12, utilizing existing contingency funds. The second change order addressed unexpected deep patching needs in an alley between Ann and Grant Streets, resulting in a reconstruction plan costing $44,144.28. Both change orders were approved, reflecting the board's commitment to improving local road conditions.

The meeting concluded with a brief mention of upcoming projects, including plans for new pickleball courts, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance recreational facilities in Lebanon. Overall, the discussions and decisions made during this meeting demonstrate a proactive approach to community engagement and infrastructure improvement, ensuring that Lebanon continues to meet the needs of its residents.