Gardiner Service Committee reports $1.1 million Chapter 90 award, major paving and infrastructure projects planned

Councilor Tassoni told the Gardiner City Council on Monday that the city received Chapter 90 roadway funding later than usual but in a larger amount this year, increasing from about $600,000 to about $1.1 million and shortening the available construction window. "The funding arrived in early August, leaving about 2 and a half months for construction instead of the full summer," Tassoni said. He listed current and upcoming paving and infrastructure work funded by Chapter 90 and other grants: current paving on Green Street and portions of Beach and Haywood Street; upcoming milling and new handicap ramps on Cross Street and sidewalks and ramps on Lakeview, Plymouth, Chatham, Idaho, Highland, Glacier, Reservoir Hill, and Sylvan Road; and paving of Elizabeth Street following a new water-main installation. Tassoni also reported a $450,000 state grant for Pearl Street and Betsy (Betty) Spring Road to the rotary, and said a $130,000 roof replacement at the Crystal Lake water treatment facility will begin soon. "The salt shed installation bid came in under $100,000," he said, and the city expects three months for completion. Tassoni said the James Street pump station will be rebuilt using a nearly $1,000,000 grant, with bidding to begin shortly, and the city is pursuing funding to replace aging DPW equipment. The committee also reported recent playground work, including replacement of sand with about $17,000 worth of rubber mulch at Pulaski Playground and a $500 donation from Unitil; dog-park drainage repairs; and plans to move usable equipment to Bickford Playground. Staff reported that updated FEMA flood maps had raised resident concerns and that staff would assist with documentation to avoid unnecessary flood-insurance costs. Safe Routes to School and Elm Street reconstruction work will begin this fall with underground work followed by sidewalks and roadwork in spring; the city also noted a Safe Streets for All award of $280,000 with a $57,000 state match. A public meeting on an MVP grant for the Keys Road culvert was scheduled for Oct. 22, Tassoni said. The council voted to place the service-committee update on file.