Board hears updates on benches, parking-lot schedule and Phase III archway grant

Board member Howard Krasne reported that 10 benches ordered for downtown arrived earlier than planned and were shipped in error, creating additional costs the board is asking Krasne to resolve with the vendor. Krasne said some other ordered items are listed as shipped but have not yet been received and that he will work with the Parks Department to arrange storage until spring.

Troy Paquette, a guest who provided a parking-lot update, said the work is running slightly late but he still expects the lots to be completed before JCF Days. Paquette said each lot should take roughly three to five days to finish. He noted that screening is included in the bid package but that screening may be removed if bids come in over budget; he also said requests to name or rename lots to honor recent contributors would be routed through the City Council.

Paquette reported that archways are part of Phase III of the park plan and remain in the grant process; no specific timeline or funding details were provided at the meeting. Lainey Paquette, representing MainStreet, distributed a list of sponsored items supported by MainStreet and updated the board on new branding work, including website updates, a refreshed logo and color palette. Board members suggested reviewing past sponsorships to free funds for new programs and agreed to send the sponsorship list to absent marketing lead Lindi Janulewicz for further consideration.

No formal board action was taken on procurement, naming or grant items during the meeting; staff were asked to continue vendor negotiations and storage coordination.