Ad Hoc Committee to Study Library, Septic System Issues

SWAN VALLEY - At their Nov. 15 meeting, the Swan Valley Community Council (SVCC) voted to form an Ad Hoc committee to research issues that came from the proposed renovations to the Swan Valley Library and the septic system used by the Community Hall and library.

SVCC chair Ken Donovan said the purpose of the meeting was to identify issues facing the community hall and library and offer solutions to be considered. “We need to consider our options as a community.”

The nearly 25 attendees discussed their thoughts on how to spend the $100,000 set aside for the Swan Valley library renovations. These will include better lighting, wiring, new shelving and a sit-stand workstation for the librarian. Other issues discussed were the hall’s restrooms which are not compliant with the American Disability Act (ADA) and the septic system that serves both the connected Swan Valley Community Hall and library.

Donovan explained that the restrooms in the community hall are not large enough for a wheel chair to turn around in and there is no room to expand the restrooms. The sewer system’s condition is unknown as it is located under the concrete pad that serves as an outdoor basketball court. He said a new sewer system would be costly.

Resident Dwayne Forder said, “It’s the septic system that is causing us problems. We can’t wait for it to fail.”

Swan Valley resident Larry Dunham suggested forming an Ad Hoc committee to research the facts pertaining to the condition of the septic system and the means to renovate it or other alternatives to relocate the buildings. Dunham agreed to chair the committee and said they would present their findings to the community in a timely fashion.

Both former librarian Fern Kauffman and present librarian Colleen Kesterson agreed the Ad Hoc committee was a good idea. Kauffman said that the library board of trustees needs to be consulted in the process of determining what to do. Kesterson said that the library was for the community and the community needs to decide what to do.

In other business, Rick Ferguson gave an update on the shooting range plans. Ferguson said that sites have been looked at but have proved to be unsatisfactory as a shooting range. “Safety and the noise level is our big concerns.” he said. “We are still working on it.”

Donovan said that those interested in receiving the edits made to the Growth Plan can receive them monthly. Contact Donovan to be added to the list at 754-5647.

He suggested making notes about concerns and bringing them to the public comment meeting when the edits to the Growth Plan are completed.

The next meeting is 10 a.m., Dec. 20, at the Swan Valley Community Hall due to some members not being available to attend in the evening.