ADA improvements coming to Nequasset Park

Wed, 03/07/2018 - 8:45am

A plan to make Nequasset Park’s swimming area and boat launch in Woolwich Americans with Disabilities Act accessible is moving ahead.

On Monday afternoon, the select board reviewed the park plan with Sue Ellen Whittaker and Joan Jordan, co-chairs of the Nequasset Park Improvement Committee, and consultant Jonathan DeWitt of Pine Tree Engineering, Inc. The town has $20,000 to begin the work; $15,000 of which is grant funding from the state. Bids will be sought in the coming weeks.

Whittaker hopes there will be enough money to complete most of the planned improvements to the swimming area and parking lot. She said Pine Tree Engineering in Bath is exploring the possibility of applying for additional funds from the state Bureau of Parks and Recreation. “We have a good chance of getting additional funding from the state,” she added.

When the improvements are completed,Whittaker said the park will be the first in the area to be ADA compliant.

During the regular board meeting that followed, Selectman Allen Greene suggested the Solid Waste & Recycling Committee sponsor a town cleanup day. Volunteers would be sought to help cleanup roadsides, cemeteries and town properties. The town office would supply plastic trash bags. The other selectmen supported the suggestion. They plan to discuss the idea with Jonathan Appleyard, Solid Waste & Recycling chair.

EMS Director Brian Carlton said the town’s contract with North East Ambulance Service ends in  June 2019. He recommended forming a committee to compare proposals from other ambulance providers and weigh these with coverage being provided by the town.

Carlton said a FEMA official would be in town Monday, March 12 to discuss damages and expenses incurred by the town during the Oct. 30 windstorm.

The board approved spending up to $500 to purchase an emergency mark-up board. It would have a map for first responders to show where trees and power lines were down in a weather emergency.

The town office will look into purchasing new American flags for Route 1 this summer. They’ll replace flags and staffs destroyed by the Oct. 30 storm. Road Commissioner Jack Shaw noted roads had been posted to heavy load limits. The board renewed a liquor license for Montsweag Road House on Route 1. The board meets next at 6 p.m. Monday, March 12.