[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6173306,"mediaKeyId","5382823-ed988d063de2d9f86eae0d562522f10b","parentId",5382823,"title","Trustees back gardeners'' soaker-hose plan; volunteers to supply and manage irrigation","audioSeconds",145,"startMs",3826000,"endMs",3971000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382823-ed988d063de2d9f86eae0d562522f10b&start=3826&end=3971","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382823-ed988d063de2d9f86eae0d562522f10b/thumbnail_3826000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6173306/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Trustees-back-gardeners-soaker-hose-plan-volunteers-to-supply-and-manage-irrigation","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6173306-66beb7f599a2d448d501be9e5c4fd474/orig.mp4?Expires=1775335508&Signature=JvqhNDcmmOGN1tPhfZFYFqfr4Y4W9RU5Qf6pfbAfOWfhFFFIXCSAPVriSMiMhMLSRroANkmDyoT3a5PfasS4L3mq-llmHryJiUDv1L3WzUlosUwwgm061RAdYhhjfDyPwN8edtKjwmoZdJYFt73eixUTpUOgBNu24CxPCLrOEb831MxCoU6Lp4RiiknpjhKdIFOa1StZ1FIgJvodtbEuISFT45ZrXcycKzMNP9rLxk3xUXk2kcp1hWQh9RDo1~NglOLFbHi-Lpe-56aIvT281KMq5vMoW9jj~Bmg7wMTdupk8TdoSiYt7K7VenkUJMgB5YKNmPIy~iRRNHigy3Oybw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Southborough, MA","date","2025-07-14T14:58:01Z","article","The Southborough Library Board of Trustees voted July 14 to accept a proposal from the volunteer Southborough Gardeners to use soaker hoses in the library planting beds. Gardeners will fund, install and operate the semi-permanent soaker hoses during the growing season; volunteers said hoses would be drawn from the building and removed after use so they would not interfere with grounds crews.

Trustees emphasized that the hoses will not be left unattended for long periods and that volunteers will coordinate with the town landscaper (J & J) so as not to impede maintenance work. Gardeners said the primary watering days will be Monday and usually a second day midweek, depending on volunteer availability and weather.

The board voted in favor of the gardeners'' plan and confirmed the garden volunteers will cover costs; the library will not fund the hoses. Trustees expressed appreciation for the gardeners’ stewardship and asked the director to keep facilities informed of scheduling and storage logistics.

Trustees also discussed tree health along the Route 85 berm and said that any larger site redesign tied to a future parking-lot capital project will reassess trees, sidewalks and berms as part of a coordinated design.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Library Board of Trustees 7/14/25","oneSentenceSummary","The board accepted a proposal by the Southborough Gardeners to use soaker hoses in library beds, with volunteers supplying equipment and running hoses twice weekly; trustees voted to accept the gardeners' plan with no library expense.","taxTitle","Town of Southborough, Worcester County, Massachusetts","taxId",56453,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6173310,"Library expense report: trustees note steady services, Hoopla costs and plans for Gale databases and staff development",3838,498000,4336000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382823-ed988d063de2d9f86eae0d562522f10b&start=498&end=4336","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382823-ed988d063de2d9f86eae0d562522f10b/thumbnail_498000.jpg","/articles/6173310/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Library-expense-report-trustees-note-steady-services-Hoopla-costs-and-plans-for-Gale-databases-and-staff-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6173310-54cd61473f95865bd5a3ef0f4c496c60/orig.mp4?Expires=1775335508&Signature=lQJJR3ASZ4B0EKj-GaE0ckj8W~A26uWYy0URyeIlFnom8uHE~en7I6vIc32oASJLQ0nIJY5JNddnGOVqa9eZdIw8oIjRvR~jLCuD~8IQiuIBek1Q7l1NNifgg6bUfybYtxLxvSCt9Dd5StpVJSvHCNosZaS-bwuI8uZFBC8o1TChRCqDkxt9mTbxYhoPr~uYxzkumV5mHLpCyn9K0NZxlsGPPcSvfiHW0cOwybu5-0GdZ0IR36qvzK9-X6G9UdkYWBGYA2coRUrazPRPyrMPH6LitzEKaeyvx6XZfnXQAMdLUWXfHi~zFgpdSbW10kri04HOKe8XsZpUB7Oii7rSjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its July 14 meeting, the Southborough Library Board of Trustees reviewed the director’s expense report for the fiscal year and discussed service trends and near-term funding decisions.

Library Director Ryan Donovan told trustees the town consortium invoice from CW MARS arrived at just over $23,000 (up from about $21,000 the prior year) and that marketing and communications software (Constant Contact) also rose modestly. Trustees were advised the library anticipates and has budgeted for incremental membership increases tied to the library’s growing service population.

Trustees heard that use of Hoopla, the library’s on-demand digital service, has grown and that monthly bills occasionally exceeded the director’s informal target (the director said she watches to keep digital spend below roughly $1,000 per month). The board discussed that Hoopla’s per-checkout model produces immediate availability for users but can be more costly than wait-list systems; the director noted some patrons obtain library cards specifically to use Hoopla. Trustees asked staff to monitor usage and bills and said they would consider adjustments if monthly charges remain consistently high.

The director reported adding five library Wi-Fi hotspot devices this year, increasing circulation of hotspots and reducing wait times; the collection now totals 20 devices. Trustees said the expansion had clear community benefit and requested staff monitor demand for potential further increases.

On professional development, trustees unanimously approved reimbursing staff member Mariana $950 to attend a Library Leadership Development Program, with the director to attempt to secure external funding first (the director said she would ask the personnel board and seek grants or community-fund support). Trustees agreed reimbursement could come from state aid funds if no other source is available.

The director also said she is working with neighboring Northborough library contacts and potential funders, including the Southborough Community Fund, to restore access to several Gale research databases for the coming school year; she expected further information in August. Trustees heard the estimated annual Gale line-item is under $3,000 and that the director was pursuing an itemized quote to identify potential funding sources.

The board reviewed year-end salary and non-salary turnbacks; the director reported salary turnbacks were smaller than prior years (bringing the final non-salary overrun to a modest amount she said accounting would confirm). Trustees asked accounting for final figures and accepted the director’s recommendation to monitor digital vendors and hotspot demand.","Trustees reviewed the FY-end expense report: library consortium (CW MARS) dues rose, Hoopla digital-audio demand pushed costs higher, hotspots were expanded, and trustees approved $950 reimbursement for staff training pending funding source.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6173315,"Southborough trustees approve three-year contract and reappoint Library Director Ryan Donovan",156,3672000,3828000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382823-ed988d063de2d9f86eae0d562522f10b&start=3672&end=3828","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382823-ed988d063de2d9f86eae0d562522f10b/thumbnail_3672000.jpg","/articles/6173315/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Southborough-trustees-approve-three-year-contract-and-reappoint-Library-Director-Ryan-Donovan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6173315-ab42b927667e89bbe81f0258ca13363b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775335508&Signature=a1zH0mE7xj9g9e-Pg7l2ko3n~Jz0c~IDTzFTY66GlEXlNxj4K7W~r-SXmKEHiwPEPpkBRf33p7AbXUk61huI3cwNTS3AyMikbHFh8UECzxW5Rg45BTG4EvFgOux37rHu3SeT1celiOYc-wvTKnFybE0C7ikce8v3nFeIVhP1Whs1aMpD4Bovb194lL5CnLiyBbaRHzUTXNnyfHPmoFsRX6UI9dBPIr2V7mqRGVveWu8TXZN4chTxgh~5nY1r4XJfDzrU5vcXVC1yRI9TOAWbaVXdQBzWI1kxYa1a2JJpm7xRIMjkUXoNpKX-SVUybTUUNsmHs-04h7HVLfDhFuZBXQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Southborough Library Board of Trustees unanimously approved a three-year employment contract for Library Director Ryan Donovan at its July 14 meeting and voted to reappoint him to the position effective July 1, 2025. Trustees also agreed logistics for signing the contract and completing required signatures.

Trustees said the contract had been reviewed by town attorneys and revised through multiple drafts, and that the final document reflected attorney-recommended boilerplate and clarifications the board requested. Trustees discussed whether further clarification would require an executive session; the board concluded no additional public-session discussion was necessary and proceeded to a vote.

Trustees were told the municipal pay increase included in the contract is consistent with the town’s personnel actions (the meeting record noted a 5% increase provided through the SAP process); trustees emphasized that the first contract year does not change the pay already enacted for the fiscal year. The board also discussed logistics for signing: printed copies will be available at the library so trustees may sign in person and the signed contract will be posted per town practice.

Library Director Ryan Donovan said he was comfortable with the contract language and thanked trustees for their work on the document. Trustees acknowledged a period of negotiation spanning several months and recognized staff who assisted with revisions. The board voted unanimously to approve the contract and reappoint Donovan; the board will collect signatures and the signed contract will be submitted to the town as required.","The Board of Trustees unanimously approved a three-year contract for Library Director Ryan Donovan, effective July 1, 2025, and reappointed him to the director post; trustees discussed process, attorney review, and signatures.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6173320,"Southborough library trustees agree to short-term parking-lot fixes, seek capital funding and engineering study for full replacement",201,660000,861000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5382823-ed988d063de2d9f86eae0d562522f10b&start=660&end=861","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5382823-ed988d063de2d9f86eae0d562522f10b/thumbnail_660000.jpg","/articles/6173320/Town-of-Southborough/Worcester-County/Massachusetts/Southborough-library-trustees-agree-to-short-term-parking-lot-fixes-seek-capital-funding-and-engineering-study-for-full-replacement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6173320-f348817d9b49f7f78fbbc51f2b12476c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775335508&Signature=TZlgr3DulKrN4d7H2OQLSsKOd0-nfT7xDXAs6raqJ4iNf8IYcNs1j4YOcqbgWw1Y7otravnCyN70z--gqktUsVeMHRoCcvYJ6qQfA~y9x8ylIE8MC-AAqFOzjvAsLGb0-NFKFseYX8qfVd7lkcfkbBEuYPxXS5BSkJMmrWfGCXerEUnb2KwQDA~kr~-KxuTsTNXNeVTXFRwuPMM4j7tUi5JQrdAnDlLyJvQ4FHhJiAYlDmkeVOoN76BF5BPAUG9yAgcJ94eQE3yUMtSCOd57NZ0pu758Zv3xC93jBAffyMzMCfur9TP52zYSlryyfFIoHCQC83WuVNS8fYbOVK6wJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Southborough Library trustees on July 14 directed staff to pursue short-term patching of the library parking lot and to work with the town Department of Public Works on a longer-term capital project that would require engineering study and placement on the town capital-improvement pipeline. The board did not vote to authorize construction funds at the meeting but approved follow-up steps to develop a scope and pursue quotes.

The decision responds to repeated staff and trustee reports that the lot shows “alligator” cracking and other structural failures that trustees and DPW staff said indicate the pavement’s base and drainage may need reconstruction rather than simple resealing. The board agreed short-term repairs to address safety concerns should be scheduled now while the trustees and DPW prepare a capital project request that would compete with other town projects for funding.

Trustees said the next steps are to have DPW and the library produce a defined scope of work, commission vendor quotes (three are typically sought for projects of this type), and consider an engineering assessment to address drainage, catch-basin configuration and grade changes. Trustees and staff discussed the potential need for two funding components: funds to pay a civil engineer or engineering firm to design a solution and a separate construction appropriation if the work is approved by the Capital Improvement and Planning Committee (CIPC).

Trustees and staff raised these specific planning points: whether to include drainage improvements and catch-basin upgrades that the board was told the state is requiring townwide (a change to sump/pipe configuration was described during the meeting); whether to regrade or adjust the slope so parking areas are more level; and whether to incorporate the sidewalk/path and entrances, the berm and street-side trees into a single coordinated plan. Trustees asked that design work consider the library’s planned electric-vehicle charging location so the two projects will be compatible.

Town staff present at the meeting advised trustees that catch basins and drainage details could substantially increase costs and that some repairs may fall under town capital budgeting rather than the library’s operating budget. Trustees repeatedly emphasized they wanted DPW involvement and recommended engaging a civil engineering firm with municipal experience — a consultancy such as the firms discussed in the meeting — to prepare a technical plan for CIPC review.

Trustees asked the director to follow up with DPW contacts, to obtain vendor referrals and to return to the board with a proposed scope and estimated budget before the trustees submit a capital request. No construction contract was authorized at the July meeting.

The board noted that full replacement could be expensive and may take years to schedule through the town capital process; trustees nevertheless said addressing immediate safety issues now and preparing an engineering plan are priorities.","Trustees agreed to immediate patching and to pursue capital funding and professional engineering to scope a larger parking-lot replacement, including drainage work and ADA/path improvements.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Trustees back gardeners'' soaker-hose plan; volunteers to supply and manage irrigation

Library expense report: trustees note steady services, Hoopla costs and plans for Gale databases and staff development

Southborough trustees approve three-year contract and reappoint Library Director Ryan Donovan

Southborough library trustees agree to short-term parking-lot fixes, seek capital funding and engineering study for full replacement