Smithfield council conditions $30,000 for downtown library corner project on library board sign-off

The Town of Smithfield council on Monday agreed to allow the Downtown Smithfield Development Corporation (DSDC) to use $30,000 in existing special-project funds to advance conceptual design work for a pocket park at the corner around the public library, provided the library board of trustees is notified and supports the plan.

The request, presented by DSDC and Town Manager Mike Scott, would pay a landscape designer and move the project from concept to formal design. Manager Mike Scott said the $30,000 represents $20,000 budgeted in the current year plus $10,000 carried forward from the prior year. He described the work as preparatory design and permitting steps toward a larger renovation estimated informally at $175,000–$200,000 and noted the town is seeking county assistance and grants for construction funding.

Council members pressed DSDC for more stakeholder sign-off. Councilman Scott said the library board had not yet had a full presentation and urged staff to ensure trustees are given a chance to review and comment before funds are released. Library Director Johnny Pippen was described in the discussion as having been involved in the process, but several council members said they wanted the full board to be formally notified.

After debate the council modified a tabling motion and voted to allow DSDC to proceed with the next steps — retaining the landscape designer and moving toward final design and RFPs — on the condition that the town manager confirm the library board’s blessing before the $30,000 is released. The motion, as amended, directed the manager to withhold expenditure until he had communicated the proposal to the trustees and confirmed their support; if the trustees asked for further review, staff said additional steps would follow.

Council discussion also covered related program elements: preserving existing memorial features (a monument and clock were to remain undisturbed), coordinating the pocket-park work with the upcoming Market Street redesign, and ensuring the project preserved sight lines and safety by regrading uneven sidewalks and addressing overgrown landscaping.

The council vote to adopt the manager’s modified approach was unanimous on a voice vote. No formal dollar reallocation beyond the existing $30,000 in special-project funds was approved at this meeting; council members said any additional construction funding would be pursued through county support or grants and would return to the council for approval.

Next steps described by staff: retain and pay the landscape designer to finalize plans, complete required permitting and RFPs, coordinate with Market Street redesign, and return to the council with any request for construction funding and final designs.

Clarifying details from the meeting: the $30,000 is on hand (current-year $20,000 plus $10,000 carryover); the larger construction estimate is informal and ranges between $175,000 and $200,000; library ownership and site control were described as jointly owned by the town and county; the project team intends to seek county contribution and outside grants for construction.