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Board reviews strategic work plan: Haven Beach wetlands, municipal water study, schools space analysis and energy audit among priorities
Summary
County staff updated the board on a multi‑item strategic work plan that includes a wetlands delineation for Haven Beach parking, reexamination of a 2022 municipal water/sewer engineering study, RFPs for school space analysis and financial software, and an energy audit with identified project tiers.
County staff presented an update on the board's strategic work plan and timelines, a standing agenda item the board agreed to review every other month.
Immediate and ongoing tasks in the plan include: obtaining a wetlands delineation to inform parking options at Haven Beach; reexamining options in the 2022 municipal water and sewer preliminary engineering report (staff reported difficulty contacting the original author and proposed using one of three term engineering contracts or issuing a new RFP); issuing an RFP for a school space and program needs analysis (including evaluation of a sports complex) and coordinating that work with school leadership; and developing an RFP and placeholder CIP amounts for new financial management software for county and constitutional offices.
Staff reported the energy audit of public buildings (including schools) has been completed as an investment‑grade audit; it identified three project tiers and will be considered in the upcoming budget workshop. Staff also said they are exploring a joint venture proposal with the YMCA for an indoor community pool and that they will convene a meeting with the economic development authority within six months to coordinate recruitment and facility planning.
The board additionally discussed a 62‑acre county‑owned parcel with a substantial portion classified as non‑tidal wetlands. Staff and members said the uses of that parcel require clarity and suggested contacting state agencies (formerly DCR, now DEQ for wetlands advice) or seeking consultant input to identify what uses—if any—are permitted in the non‑tidal wetlands and whether grants could fund planning and engineering.
Other items in the timeline included adjusting overtime rules to require overtime only after a 40‑hour work period (effective July 1, 2025), developing a public facility master plan, reviewing the comprehensive plan through 2025, and initiating a trail and bike plan. Staff said some items may require grant funding or consultant work and that some RFPs are being deferred to ensure thorough stakeholder input and to align with the FY26 capital improvement program.
