Selectmen approve kayak-launch expansion settlement, approve a striper purchase and consider ARPA for broadband

Stonington selectmen approved several administrative items across meetings in early 2021, including a settlement to expand kayak-launch access, approval of a public-works equipment purchase and discussion of federal ARPA funds for local infrastructure.

Town Manager Billings reported that the Ramos family granted permission to expand kayak space at the south end of Webb’s Cove, in addition to the tin-building launch area. Billings said she would contact surveyor Linda Campbell to confirm property lines and marker flags; Selectman John Robbins volunteered to help with clean-up work.

At the April 5 meeting the board approved the purchase of a gas-powered striper (line-painting/striping machine) recommended by the road foreman at a price of $3,500 with attachments; Selectmen approved the purchase 5–0 after a motion by Evelyn Duncan and second by John Robbins. The board agreed to a three-year street-sweeping contract at a previously discussed price.

In budget discussions, TM Billings noted the town expected roughly $119,000 in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds restricted by guidance to water, sewer and broadband uses; she proposed using part of that funding for components of the town’s broadband project and said an acceptance article would appear on the May town-meeting warrant.

The board also handled routine appointments, approvals to send certain foreclosed properties to bid, and two executive-session land matters that included direction to pursue a purchase-and-sale agreement for a property adjacent to the ballfield contingent on town-meeting approval.

These administrative moves reflect short-term operational decisions (equipment purchases and access agreements) and early-stage planning for capital and broadband funding.