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Council reviews beach equipment purchase and beach‑erosion funds; grants sought for walkways
Summary
Councilors reviewed a $250,000 capital request for a beach loader and $159,000 for a backhoe, discussed maintenance, and heard that three grants were submitted for access walkway repairs; staff noted the beach erosion fund (accommodation‑tax restricted) holds roughly $700,000.
Public‑works staff presented capital equipment requests that would affect beach maintenance and town infrastructure in the coming fiscal year. The staff presentation included two large items: $250,000 for a beach loader used for trash collection and a $159,000 backhoe.
When councilors asked about maintenance schedules and vendor experience operating equipment in sand and salt conditions, staff said preventative maintenance and daily washing would be performed and that some operators use galvanized undercarriages to resist salt intrusion. "They thought it was strongly recommended to do what they did, which is get a galvanized ... main frame for the undercarriage," a staff member said describing vendor guidance.
On shore protection and access, staff reported they submitted three grants for repair or replacement of access walkways and said the restricted beach‑erosion fund is supported by accommodation‑tax receipts. One staff figure given during the workshop put accommodation‑tax receipts for beach erosion at roughly $700,000 (one speaker said $762,000). Staff cautioned that some emergency beach accesses might not qualify for the restricted erosion fund because they are not publicly accessible.
Councilors asked staff to confirm warranty and maintenance terms for each piece of equipment and to return with exact service‑contract options before final approval. The town will also pursue the walkway grants and bring any required budget amendments back to council when awards and scopes are confirmed.
