Selma Appearance Commission recommends pollinator gardens at three town sites

The Selma Appearance Commission voted April 21, 2025, to forward a recommendation to the Town Council to install pollinator gardens at three town properties — Edgebrook, South Raiford Street and the town library — and to seek council approval for related payments and final design.

Commissioners considered the proposal after a Parks and Recreation staff member presented photos and a planting plan, saying the gardens would “add beauty to the facilities” and benefit pollinating insects. The presenter said the plant list was developed in consultation with Kroger Road Produce and was chosen to complement existing pollinator plantings in the cemetery.

The commission’s recommendation is advisory; a Parks and Recreation staff member told commissioners the next step is for staff to present the plan to the Town Council and seek an official vote on funding and final design. The presenter also said the volunteer Earth Day event that would install the gardens was being moved from Saturday to the Friday before because of a forecast chance of rain and that the work window is planned for about 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Commission discussion included a request for transparency about the process for routing the item to the council and a note that the Certificate for 203 West Oak Street had already been approved at staff level. Commissioners moved and voted to forward the recommendation; the vote was recorded as in favor with no objections.

The commission also noted that the historic district field trip scheduled to follow the meeting is informational only and will not include votes or decisions.

If the Town Council approves the recommendation, staff will return with details on funding, planting specifications and a proposed installation schedule for final approval.