Verona staff outline reuse of former library for rec programs, after‑school care and rentals; council broadly supportive

Recreation staff told the Verona Common Council they see the former library building at 1030 North Franklin Street as a potential multiuse community facility for recreation programs, after‑school care, senior activities and rentable event space.

Casey Dudley, Verona's recreation director, said the city could use two main spaces in the building for rec programming — including an after‑school program that school officials have expressed interest in partnering on — and that the facility would also provide office and storage relief for several departments. "This would enable us to maybe offer some programming to kids preschool age," Dudley said, describing how the site could reduce reliance on school gyms and senior center space for programs.

Staff presented preliminary cost estimates for making the west (main) portion of the building ready for public programming: a low-end package of about $37,000 and a higher-end package near $79,000. Major items included replacing worn carpet with luxury vinyl plank in the main rentable spaces (the single largest cost), installing electronic access controls (fob or smart-lock systems), adding exterior security cameras, building a front-desk/foyer area, modest electrical work to relocate light switches and outlets, and basic office technology and furnishings. Staff said they are not proposing immediate work on the basement or an elevator upgrade but estimated elevator repairs to be roughly $15,000–$20,000 if the council later chose to make the basement usable.

Dudley described potential uses: after‑school care in partnership with the school district (staff noted the district has a Fund 80 line that could help support such programming), senior exercise classes, room rentals for private events, additional rec office space and storage for seasonal equipment. Staff suggested a phased approach — do the minimum needed to begin programming and add improvements later as demand and budget allow.

Council reaction was generally favorable. Several alderpeople said they supported continued planning and recommended a facility tour for council members and staff to see the building in person. Some council members urged a longer-term facilities and staffing assessment to guide investments; others encouraged pursuing donor or grant opportunities to offset capital costs. Alder Tucker…