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Volunteers report ShopSwap container readying, donated power offer; target opening May 2
Summary
Committee presented layout and safety plans for the former swap-shop shipping container, confirmed volunteer interest, a donated power connection offer from a local electrician, and requested a budget estimate at the next meeting.
Members of the volunteer ShopSwap committee gave the selectmen an update on Feb. 11 describing steps to reopen the town’s swap shop in a shipping container at the recycling/transfer station and asking for board guidance on funding and acceptable items.
The committee representative said work proposed for the container includes floor patching with a linoleum covering, interior and exterior painting, framing a permanent entrance wall in place of one trailer-type door, and adding an additional emergency exit. A local business, Maine’s Electric, offered to donate material and labor to provide electricity to the container; the company cannot do trenching, which the committee said may be performed by the town or another local contractor.
The committee reported 12 volunteers had already stepped forward without active recruiting and proposed operating the ShopSwap Fridays and Saturdays (or Friday/Saturday/Monday options were discussed) from about 10 a.m. for a six-hour period between May and October, with two volunteers on duty at all times and closures for inclement weather. The group said they will work with the town’s insurer and building/fire officials and requested an inspection from the town’s carrier at the appropriate time.
The committee asked the board for a small capital allocation or permission to use the capital reserve improvement fund if necessary; staff noted the fund balance is approximately $174,000 after recent activity and ongoing budgeting. The committee said it will bring a specific, line-item cost estimate to the next selectmen meeting.
Selectmen and public-works staff discussed in-house work the DPW could perform: leveling and additional gravel, plywood overlay or patching for the container floor, door repairs or replacement, and the option to frame a stick-built wall on the trailer end and secure the original trailer doors in the open position. Staff cautioned that cutting openings in the trailer side requires attention to structural headers and potential for racking, and recommended avoiding large glass windows in favor of durable options.
No formal action was required; the committee will return with cost estimates, a finalized list of acceptable items, and a volunteer-training plan at a future meeting.
