Southborough library trustees authorize under-$5,000 repair at book drop, seek DPW clarity

The Southborough Library Board of Trustees voted May 11 to authorize a concrete repair at the book-drop area, with the library to pay a vendor coordinated by John Parent and to use available state-aid funds for the work.

Library Director Ryan told trustees that John Parent inspected the damaged platform and that the likely scope would be a jackhammer-and-repour job that should remain below the town $5,000 bidding threshold. ‘‘John says yes, and we might be able to get it even less than that,’’ Ryan said. Trustees agreed the repair is a safety issue and urged prompt action to avoid further deterioration.

The board also aired broader frustration with unclear town maintenance responsibilities. Several trustees recounted instances where the Department of Public Works declined to undertake lawn, parking-lot or concrete repairs that had previously been handled for the library. Trustee Janet urged the board to seek a clear written delineation of duties and budget responsibilities from DPW and facilities.

Marguerite, who chaired the meeting, moved that John Parent be authorized to coordinate the repair and that a letter be drafted to DPW, facilities and the select board seeking clarification on the chain of responsibility for library grounds and maintenance. The motion passed with trustees voicing their support in roll call (transcript lists Landry, Mady, Quinty, Donnie and Davis among those saying aye).

The board appointed trustees Janet, Mamie and Jane Davis (with Ryan’s input) to draft the clarification letter, and Ryan said he would consult past examples to document which tasks DPW has handled historically. He said he will proceed with obtaining quotes and share them with the trustees; the board agreed to revisit any substantive changes to the sign language or repair scope before final purchase or work begins.

Next steps: Ryan and John will secure vendor estimates and an initial repair quote; the trustee drafters will send a formal letter to DPW/facilities/select board asking for written guidance about which grounds and small capital repairs the town will fund going forward.