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Select Board approves $51,540 for athletic-complex electrical infrastructure and easements to Central Maine Power
Summary
The Select Board authorized up to $51,539.84 to install electrical infrastructure for the athletic complex (power for irrigation and concession building) and approved easements for Central Maine Power to run lines on town property; bids for the next construction phase are due July 10.
The Skowhegan Select Board voted to expend up to $51,539.84 from the Parks and Recreation capital reserve account to install electrical infrastructure at the town’s athletic complex. The work covers labor and equipment to bring service for irrigation pumps and a concession building; Central Maine Power will install primary lines and the board approved standard easements for CMP to locate electrical services on town property.
Steve Conley, who identified himself as clerk of the works for the athletic-complex project, told the board that the expenditure and easement approval are needed to avoid tearing up newly finished work later and to keep the construction schedule intact. Conley said bids for the next phase — the multipurpose field and add-ons such as light bases and conduit — are due July 10; the board will decide which add-ons to accept after bids are opened.
The board approved the infrastructure expenditure and the CMP easement motions by recorded votes during the meeting. Select members and staff emphasized that the $51,539.84 request pays for the immediate work to support irrigation and the concession building; larger items such as sports-field lighting would be considered as add-ons in a later decision once full bid packages are received and funding availability is confirmed.
Why this matters: Town staff said the irrigation pump and concession power are prerequisites for turf establishment and scheduled field work. Delaying the electrical work would postpone planting and could require rework, officials warned. The multiphase athletic-complex project is funded largely through grant/CDS funding streams that require timely submittal of bid and budget documents.
What the board decided: To expend up to $51,539.84 from the Parks and Recreation capital reserve account for electrical infrastructure, and to approve CMP standard easements for location of electrical services on town property (both motions carried).
Next steps: Bids for phase 2, part 2 are due July 10; the board will consider the multipurpose-field contract and any add-on items in an expedited meeting so the town can meet grant deadlines. Staff will provide the board with the bid results and the detailed scope of any add-ons before the next vote.
Ending: The board’s approvals allow crews to proceed with power work this summer to keep the field schedule.
