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Vinalhaven selectmen appoint vice chair, approve aquaculture lease and review downtown project funding
Summary
At its Feb. 10 meeting the Vinalhaven Board of Selectmen appointed Leslie Dyer vice chair, approved an aquaculture lease for Peter Gasperini (4–0–1), and heard updates on downtown parking bids, potential grant funding and town borrowing needs for water and wastewater projects.
The Vinalhaven Board of Selectmen on Feb. 10 appointed Selectman Leslie Dyer as vice chair and approved an aquaculture lease for local applicant Peter Gasperini while reviewing budget pressures tied to the town’s downtown infrastructure project.
The board voted unanimously, 5–0–0, to name Leslie Dyer vice chair following a motion by Selectman Pam Alley that Tom Anthony seconded. Later in the meeting the board approved an aquaculture lease for Peter Gasperini on a 4–0–1 vote, with Selectman Eric Gasperini recorded as abstaining. Selectman Leslie Dyer moved to sign the lease; Pam Alley seconded.
The meeting also included routine approvals: the board approved the meeting agenda (5–0–0), signed Treasurer’s Warrants #33 (5–0–0) and approved minutes from the Jan. 27 regular meeting (4–0–1; Eric Gasperini abstained because he was not present at that meeting) and the Feb. 5 budget workshop (5–0–0).
Town Manager Marjorie Stratton told the board the ambulance equipment line is high because the vehicle is aging. She said two items will require a Special Town Meeting: the Water District needs a Debt Assumption Agreement signed by the town before the bond bank will approve financing related to the Downtown Project, and the Waste Water Department will need to borrow to install a SCADA system required by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Stratton said the Sewer Commissioners did not support raising rates to cover the SCADA installation, so staff will pursue borrowing, noting that a general-obligation bond could secure better rates.
On the Downtown Project, a project representative identified as Brent reported the team will advertise the parking-lot bid on Feb. 11 with a bid opening scheduled for March 18. The project team warned that bids could exceed the current budget and said they are applying for a grant that could help cover shortfalls. Phase 3 planning may include drainage work and possible sewer extensions; boat-ramp work is expected to begin late this month or early next month and must be finished by mid-April due to permitting conditions. A community meeting on the project is set for Feb. 25 at 5 p.m., available by Zoom or in person at the Town Office.
Stratton also reported the town received $440 in restitution for stolen signs and that the library received a $10,000 Carnegie gift. She said she and Gabe McPhail are preparing a scope and budget and intend to submit a pre-application for a grant that would cover 50% of the cost to hire a consultant to complete work started by the Net Factory Committee. Stratton said she is also consulting local banks in advance of the expected change in the Federal Reserve leadership in May.
The board adjourned at 5:56 p.m. after a motion by Pam Alley, seconded by Leslie Dyer; the motion carried, 5–0–0.
