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Volunteers advance Penny Pond Trail; board urges fundraising rather than contingency funds for electrical work
Summary
Volunteer Neil Linsky reported progress on a wheelchair‑accessible section of the Penny Pond Trail and requested town assistance to install electrical service; board members praised the project but declined to use contingency funds for electricity and suggested fundraising, nonprofit partnerships, and volunteer coordination instead.
Neil Linsky, volunteer designer and builder for the Penny Pond Trail, asked the select board on May 19 to fund an electrical service at the trailhead to support construction and future amenities. Linsky said volunteers and a local group (Burwick for a Lifetime) have donated materials and labor and that a shed purchased by that group will store tools and equipment.
Board members praised the trail and Neil’s volunteer work but expressed concern about using town contingency funds for what several members described as a "nice‑to‑have" electrical hookup rather than an essential step to finish accessibility work. One select board member said contingency funds are for emergencies and cited other unplanned needs that have been paid from that account this year.
Members suggested alternatives including: partnering with a nonprofit to accept donations, targeted fundraising (farmers market booths, business donations with plaques), asking Envision Berwick or Burwick for a Lifetime to coordinate collections, pursuing grants such as the Maine Community Foundation, and recruiting volunteers or local service projects (Eagle Scout and community service hours) to reduce costs. Town staff and volunteers agreed to explore those options and to pursue donations and partnerships before returning with a specific funding request.
