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Castine manager outlines wildfire costs, infrastructure grants and capital work at Selectboard meeting
Summary
Town Manager Derik Goodine presented a broad operations and capital update Sept. 2, noting a wildfire could prompt a special town meeting for costs, multiple grant applications (sewer/storm, FEMA, CDS), shoreline stabilization planning, solar feasibility at the sewer plant and other infrastructure work.
Town Manager Derik Goodine presented a detailed operations and capital report to the Castine Selectboard on Sept. 2, listing items that range from an active wildfire response to pending grant work and equipment needs.
Derik said a wildfire off Route 116A is currently being covered from contingency but may lead to a special town meeting to cover costs if the event’s expenses grow. He reported engineers are arranging a concrete inspection of the town’s salt/sand shed and that a contractor will recommend repair actions. Derik also said parking signs and speed‑sign orders are in process and the Town is awaiting further details from Michael Carroll regarding Municipal Waste Hub (MWB) implications for the transfer station.
The manager noted a range of grant and capital projects: a Perkin Street sewer and storm drainage grant submission, CDS grant work on the Sea Street pump station with consultant Olver, FEMA extensions on Water Street and Fort Madison projects, sample RFPs for shoreline stabilization, and GEI continuing a waterfront/town dock study. He said Solect is preparing solar feasibility numbers for the sewer plant. Derik identified deadlines and next steps, noting RFPs for OPM and the Fire Station are due Sept. 15.
Other items in the report included: installation of a historic light outlet at Court and Main; the arrival of a new sidewalk machine (Ventrec SSV) and subsequent measurement work for a storage shed; ongoing work on a Story Walk Park; continued discussions on a Senior Tax Relief program; and housing program activity and RFP planning under the Housing Opportunity Program grant. Derik also mentioned Project Canopy final reports will inform potential ordinance work and encouraged follow‑up on a private landowner’s proposed fire pond with a possible town easement.
Why it matters: Several of these items involve external funding, consultant work and regulatory steps that could affect future budgets and timelines for infrastructure, shoreline stabilization and storm‑water projects. The possibility of a special town meeting to cover wildfire costs is an immediate budgetary consideration.
Next steps: The manager listed several follow‑ups including traplining additional traffic‑calming locations beyond Battle Avenue, advancing SME PFAS coordination (see separate action), finalizing OPM/Fire Station RFP submissions on Sept. 15 and preparing work scopes for shoreline stabilization later this fall when vegetation dies back.
