Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mount Vernon readies culvert grant, bridge reopening and ramp work; residents raise ditching, paving concerns
Summary
Select Board reported a $350,000 MIMA/FEMA grant plus $200,000 in DOT funds for the Bean Road culvert, said Blake Hill Bridge is substantially complete pending DOT weight ratings, and discussed ADA ramp scheduling; residents raised concerns about ditching and inconsistent RFP postings.
The Mount Vernon Select Board updated residents on several public‑works items, including a FEMA/MIMA grant award for a critical culvert project, the reopening status of a local bridge, and scheduling for an ADA ramp at the community center.
Bob told the board that MIMA has cleared a $350,000 grant for the culvert at Locks Corner on Bean Road and that the town also holds a $200,000 DOT grant for the same work — giving roughly $550,000 in project funding. He said the town should receive formal confirmation in writing within a week or two and can then issue an RFP for construction work.
On the Blake Hill Bridge, officials said the physical work is largely complete but the state must issue official weight‑rating paperwork and post DOT signage before the fire department can drive apparatus across. "We know we can get everything across, but we need weight ratings from DOT to actually drive apparatus over it," a board member said.
The board discussed the ADA ramp at the community center; site‑prep contractor Eddie Mentor said he could start immediately, but ramp contractors need measurements and ordered materials could create a six‑to‑eight‑week lead time. Because multiple community events are scheduled this summer, staff said the practical option is to delay major site work until September unless contractors can guarantee ramp completion before the election.
Residents also raised concerns about upcoming road grinding and ditching. One property owner said ditches planned to reach 33 feet from the center line put a fence and shrubs in jeopardy and asked whether the town could limit dig work at her property; staff agreed to investigate and coordinate with Lee and Kurt (contractor contacts) before proceeding.
Separately, the board reviewed discussion about transfer‑station proposals and noted Reedfield’s earlier estimate of roughly $100,000 in potential annual savings, while also saying feedback on using Reedfield has been mixed and additional study is needed.
Next steps: staff will await formal grant confirmation to post the culvert RFP, arrange DOT postings and weight‑rating paperwork for the bridge, pursue contractor scheduling for the ADA ramp (with an eye to completing work before elections), and follow up with property owners about ditching and paving RFP timelines.
