Town manager outlines culvert repairs, automated trash rollout and $75,000 resilience grant for solar and EV charging

Lede Town Manager Matt Sturgess reported July 14 that the town will begin culvert replacement work on Greeley Road starting July 21, is rolling out automated trash and recycling cart distribution on July 21 with official collection beginning August 4, and has received a $75,000 community resilience grant to install solar panels and an EV charging station at the West Fire Station.

Nut graf Sturgess asked residents and commuters to expect phased road closures and detours for the culvert project (two separate closures over about four weeks) and said Springbrook Farm would remain accessible via alternate entrance points. He also summarized operational changes to curbside waste: Casella will distribute informational cards to residents and the town will accept old bins at the Public Works garage through July 31.

Body Culvert work and railroad maintenance: Sturgess said culvert replacement on Greeley Road will begin July 21 and require two separate closures over a four‑week period; the town will post detours and work to minimize disruption. The manager also warned of unplanned railroad crossing maintenance the town learned about on the morning of July 14 and said staff would coordinate to reduce conflict with the culvert schedule.

Waste collection transition: The town is transitioning to automated trash and recycling collection. Cart distribution begins July 21; the new automated service begins August 4. Residents were told they may drop off old bins at the Public Works Garage (23 Drown Road) between July 20–31. Casella will mail instruction cards and town communications will appear on the website and social platforms.

Community resilience grant and volunteer projects: Sturgess announced the town received a $75,000 Community Resilience Grant for solar panels and an EV charging station at the West Fire Station. He also highlighted upcoming volunteer projects coordinated with Home Depot volunteers — ramp installations and accessibility improvements for local residents at no cost to residents or the town — and local outreach events such as Coffee with a Cop and a women veterans resources session.

Ending Sturgess said staff would coordinate with the railroad and adjust work schedules if needed. The manager closed by reminding residents of upcoming joint meetings with the school board (October 23 in Cumberland and February 12 in North Yarmouth) and said the town would post further updates online and in the town newsletter.