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Town staff report paving cost escalation, equipment repairs and summer program updates
Summary
Highway and parks staff told the committee that asphalt price escalation has pushed the first round of paving about $33,000 over budget, vac truck repairs and park maintenance remain priorities, and the pool and summer programs opened with updated schedules and volunteer support.
The Highway, Parks & Community Programs meeting heard a series of operational updates from staff about paving, equipment, staffing and community programming.
A highway staff member reported that the first round of paving was completed but escalating asphalt prices — an added $8 to $8.82 per ton above bid price — left the town about $33,000 over the allocation for the first six roads. "We're $33,000 over what was allocated for those," the staff member said, and warned that the next paving round could further deplete available funds, putting the timing of future roads at risk.
Staff also reported a broken vac truck in water and sewer (repair estimate discussed) and that the town is assisting with equipment while parts are sourced. Tree and storm cleanup consumed staff time following recent winds, and yard waste pickup remains heavy enough this summer to require a third truck most weeks.
At Avoncrest Park, crews encountered a large concrete obstruction that required jackhammer removal before new basketball hoops and surfacing could be completed; work must be scheduled around summer camp pick-up to keep equipment away from children during daytime hours. Staff said they expect to finish the court work once demolition and the new concrete pour are sequenced around program times.
Parks and community programs reported that the town pool opened on July 27 and passed inspection; memberships remain restricted to town residents with a small surcharge for school-district residents. Summer programming includes arts and crafts, camps, tennis lessons, water aerobics and special events; an arts partnership with the Albany Barn was approved for programming (not cash), and staff said they will return with a resolution to accept grants as required by state rules.
Staff flagged several small capital and maintenance matters — surplus equipment, a damaged Avoncrest sign (an initial repair quote around $1,800), pickleball net replacements (estimated $2,500 for new quality nets), and continuing bathroom and trash maintenance at high-use parks — and asked the board to allow staff to collect quotes and process insurance claims where applicable.
No formal budget amendments or resolutions were passed during the meeting; staff said they will provide follow-up proposals and budget options at a future meeting. The committee scheduled its next meeting for August 6 and adjourned.
