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Advisory board recommends library upgrades from donor fund; council approval required
Summary
At an informal March 17 meeting, the Selma Recreation Advisory Board discussed three proposed uses of a donor-restricted 'Suber' fund — door accessibility upgrades, replacement computers/printers, and a children's train-themed area — and agreed to seek council approval before spending.
The Selma Recreation Advisory Board met informally March 17 to set priorities for a donor‑restricted library fund and broader parks and recreation spending; no official votes were taken because a quorum was not present.
Chair outlined three proposed projects for the donor‑designated library fund (referred to by the donor name, Suber): replace or widen the library's handicap entrance, modernize public computers and networked printers, and revamp the children's area with a train theme to better showcase local heritage. He said the fund includes designated amounts and spending rules but that the town has some flexibility in how to apply the gift.
The most immediate proposal is upgrading the library's handicap doors. The Chair said the existing doors likely fail ADA width standards and noted a contractor quote of about $8,000; he proposed budgeting up to $12,000–$15,000 to fully replace door frames, widen openings and address hardware to ensure easier access for patrons, including children who arrive by bus and patrons using mobility devices.
On technology, the Chair said the library's computers date to about 2009, leaving seven usable machines of an expected ten and no Wi‑Fi–connected public printers. That forces patrons to email documents to staff for printing and pay in cash. He recommended using fund money to replace or refurbish machines and add networked printers so the public can print directly.
For the children's area, the Chair described reconfiguring the space into a cohesive train‑themed zone — including a nonstructural half wall, a small archway, refreshed train displays and safer step‑up features for youngsters. He estimated a notional budget of roughly $30,000 but said the project could be scaled, phased or supplemented with volunteer work.
Board members also raised a separate facilities concern: the library roof may require substantial repairs (an estimate of about $27,000 was cited). Members agreed that major structural or roofing work is more appropriately funded from the town's facilities or building‑maintenance budget so donor funds can be prioritized for programming, equipment and accessibility improvements.
Because the advisory board lacked a quorum, the Chair emphasized the group can only recommend spending; formal approval must come from the town council. He advised staff to prepare firm cost estimates and suggested the board may convene a future meeting or forum to vote on a recommended spending package for council consideration.
Next steps include refining cost estimates for the three library projects, determining which facility repairs should be moved to the facilities budget and scheduling a meeting with enough members present (or forwarding recommendations to council) so formal approvals can proceed.
