Sept. 7, the rocks at a walk-in area to Pinkham Pond were called jagged, dangerous, a mistake and not what pond-goers wanted. Alna selectmen and fellow residents talked more about them and the board moved closer to action.

First Selectman Ed Pentaleri’s proposal – to remove all rocks but those needed to support crumbling asphalt, get any needed state and local permits, and talk with pond neighbors about possible ways to address runoff – did not go to a board vote. Second Selectman Steve Graham wanted to first talk with the planning board and to again speak with Maine Department of Environmental Protection. And Third Selectman Coreysha Stone was going to seek a neutral, expert opinion, possibly from Coastal Rivers Conservation, on how much of the spread of rocks would have to stay to support the asphalt if the board goes with that option.

Other options stated or restated in the latest talks included leaving in place the rocks that have been there since spring and which participants have said are hard to walk or sit on; or leaving them and covering them with material that would aid traversing. 

“I think we need to come to a resolution on how we’re going to correct the problem that’s out there,” Graham said of the multi-meeting issue. As before, talk grew contentious at some points, this time with resident Jeff Spinney trying to defend himself and Road Commissioner Jeff Verney after new comments by Pentaleri. Pentaleri noted a photo he was sharing was taken by Spinney before the rocks were placed. Pentaleri said he had not photographed the site then because there was nothing remarkable about it. Officials have said the rocks were placed there after roads committee members and town officials met about runoff issues on Bailey Road and near a hydrant.

In the Sept. 7 meeting at the town office, selectmen and others reiterated the focus was working toward resolving the rocks situation, not on blame.

Pond neighbor Mike Walker reminded everyone the Pinkham Pond area also has both trash and parking issues to address. Walker said he and his daughter used to pick up the trash monthly but there was so much, they could no longer keep up with it. And he said that stretch of road is narrow and windy and the roadside parking is a problem and seems to be growing.