Selma public works reports finish Second Street project, commissions Musco lights and flags Shafer Park safety needs

Public Works Director Tom Hahn updated Selma City Council on Nov. 4 about recent capital work and park maintenance needs, saying crews finished a major paving project in time for the band festival and that new Musco‑brand sports lights have been commissioned at Shafer Park.

"Our contractor finished the paving at 05:00 on Friday evening," Hahn said, thanking staff and contractors. He described successful commissioning of the new Musco LED field lights and said staff are organizing operational training for the control panels and access rights.

Hahn said a small playground at Shafer Park has been cordoned off for safety and is awaiting replacement or repair; he suggested longer‑term additions including a splash pad and fitness stations along the trail to promote year‑round use. "I would like to discuss a splash pad," Hahn said, noting the community's summer heat and park use.

Hahn also flagged several maintenance priorities: sidewalk trip hazards and tree‑root uplift in older sections, Pioneer Park restroom options (temporary trailers vs. permanent service) and the planned relocation of band equipment storage to the Cal Ripken snack bar. He noted an event on the city lot at McCall & Nelson will require modified traffic routing for three days.

Hahn raised pay‑classification concerns for public‑works crews, saying maintenance staff have taken on construction‑style tasks and that some lead positions were not adjusted in a prior pay study. He asked to work with HR to evaluate rates and classification language before mid‑year budget discussions to improve recruitment and retention.

Why it matters: The updates affect public safety, park programming and the city’s ability to self‑perform certain CIP tasks. The classification and pay‑scale concerns, if unresolved, could hinder recruitment for essential field staff.

What’s next: Hahn said staff will bring proposals and cost estimates for splash‑pad or playground replacements, continue sidewalk/ADA remediation, and work with HR on compensation adjustments for public‑works classifications.