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Selectmen discuss splitting parking‑lot project and plan special town meeting for funding
Summary
The board discussed survey needs, deed research and financing options after engineers proposed split A/B designs; members said the full project concept reached six‑figure estimates and agreed a special town meeting (or ballot) will be needed to raise funds for any work beyond maintenance.
Board members and residents spent substantial time on April 27 discussing a proposed parking‑lot project and the need for a certified survey and deed research before construction. A resident asked whether the town holds a deed and the board said survey work and deed searches will be bundled into paid engineering if the project moves forward.
Board members described staging the work as an A/B approach to provide taxpayer financing choices: the original concept described a roughly $650,000 full build, later trimmed to options around $350,000 and a $300,000 ‘back’ project; at least one attendee claimed a local contractor quoted substantially less for limited work, but the board cautioned that single informal quotes do not replace certified engineering estimates.
Because the project is not in the current budget, selectpersons said any construction beyond routine maintenance will require voter approval; the board indicated the item will be taken to a special town meeting or ballot process so taxpayers can decide financing. Members also emphasized that the survey must be certified by a licensed surveyor as part of the engineering scope before excavation or construction begins.
Next steps: the board will research deeds, include a survey in the engineering scope if authorized, and put a funding question before voters when the finer scope and costs are finalized.
