Selectmen award skate‑park construction contract to Kuzno, approve fundraising to close $38,250 gap

The selectmen voted June 23 to award the town’s skate‑park construction contract to Kuzno (apparent low bidder) for $253,250 and authorized the project to proceed while the local committee continues to raise roughly $38,250 to cover the remaining cost.

Joey Kusno, representing Kuzno, told the board the firm would subcontract the specialized concrete work (similar to pool finishes) and handle groundwork and drainage; the firm listed Rampage as the concrete subcontractor. Kuzno’s bid is higher than a 2024 estimate of $220,000, reflecting rising material and concrete costs. “We actually tonight we have Joey Kusno here tonight representing Kuzno,” a board member said when introducing the contractor.

The project funding shown to the board included a $110,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, $50,000 in donations from the bureau, $44,000 from the Maine Skate Park Association, $7,000 in in‑kind public works labor and $4,000 from an individual donor, leaving a $38,250 shortfall against the Kuzno bid. Grant rules require procurement and a project start this season; the board and committee said they will pursue local fundraising, discuss TIF or business contributions, and may use change orders or phasing as a contingency.

Motion and outcome: A motion to approve Kuzno’s bid for $253,250 and to allow the contractor to proceed while fundraising continued was moved and seconded; the chair called the question and the motion carried without a recorded roll‑call vote.

What’s next: The contractor and town will finalize contract paperwork and schedule work this season to comply with grant terms. The skate‑park committee will continue targeted fundraising and seek additional local donations.

Attribution: Reporting based on remarks from Joey Kusno, town staff, and selectmen during the June 23 meeting.