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Sterling reviews accessibility options for 1917 Carnegie library and readies grant application
Summary
The Sterling City Commission received a preliminary architectural report outlining five accessibility alternatives for the 1917 Sterling Free Public Library, including repairing or replacing the elevator or constructing ramps; commissioners voted 4-0 to receive the report as staff explores Community Development Block Grant options.
City Manager Ian Hutcheson introduced Grant Urban, project architect with BG Consultants, who presented a preliminary architectural report (PAR) on accessibility improvements for the Sterling Free Public Library, a Carnegie-era building constructed in 1917.
The PAR, prepared to support potential grant applications, assesses five alternatives for making the building ADA-compliant: repair the existing elevator, replace the elevator, construct ramp access, and combinations of these options. Hutcheson told the commission the library elevator "has been operating inconsistently for several months to the point where it cannot be safely relied upon for everyday use," creating an immediate accessibility problem for patrons with mobility challenges.
The report includes cost estimates that place several alternatives within the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Community Facilities Small Grants program range (projects up to $210,000) and other options within the Large Grants program (projects up to $1.5 million). Staff noted the Small Grants program requires a 10% local match while the Large Grants program requires a 20% match. Hutcheson and Grant Urban discussed that structuring the project to fit the Small Grants threshold could reduce the city’s required local match.
Stephanie Marsh-Ballinger, deputy director of the South Central Kansas Economic Development District, joined by teleconference to answer questions about grant funding and eligibility. Library Director Debbie Gibson described how the elevator’s unreliable operation affects daily library services and patron access.
Commissioner Todd Rowland moved and Commissioner Clint Bundy seconded to receive the PAR; the motion carried 4-0. Receiving the report does not commit the city to a specific alternative; the commission must later decide which alternative to pursue for a grant application and provide required cost and scope details for the chosen program.
Next steps: staff will use the PAR to complete pre-application cost estimates if the commission identifies which alternative to pursue for a CDBG application or other grant opportunities. The commission did not take funding action at this meeting.
