Dupont board approves retroactive park maintenance contract amid safety concerns

The Dupont Town Board agreed Tuesday to hire a part‑time contract worker to clean and inspect Dupont Community Park daily and to make the pay retroactive to June 1, 2024.

Clerk/Treasurer Robyn J. Meek told the board the work will be paid at $15.00 per hour, and monthly time sheets and a daily journal will be required for insurance documentation. Member Dicken moved to approve the maintenance contract and Member Ford seconded the motion; the board recorded agreement that a contract will be executed to formalize the arrangement.

Board members cited several safety and maintenance issues that prompted the action. Meek reported the shelter‑house bathroom door does not lock properly at night and an electrician has been contacted. The town will add additional security cameras near the shelter house and bathroom and convert the exterior timer from analog to digital.

The board also reviewed recent repairs at the playground: the playhouse roof was replaced, hardware on a handicap swing was repaired, and a zip line was tightened. Meek said the artificial turf, installed about four months ago, is wearing in high‑traffic areas; she sent photos to the playground company for evaluation and potential remedial action under warranty.

To improve parking management for park visitors, the board ordered a “Playground Parking” sign to direct people to the rear lot and agreed to install parking bumpers in the back office parking area.

The board received a playground budget report and noted a community UTV ride planned for Sept. 7, 2024. The board set no further timeline for the company’s response on the turf issue; Meek will continue daily cleaning and inspection duties until the contract is executed.