Selectmen receive downtown project update; raise lease and ferry-assignment concerns

Selectmen heard an operational update on the downtown infrastructure project and discussed a draft inter-island Thoroughfare Lease with North Haven, along with questions about recent ferry vessel assignments.

Kevin Hughes gave the downtown update in Gabe’s absence, reporting crews have been working at multiple locations, temporary water lines are being installed and Island Excavation (Jake Stanley) will perform temporary paving of the parking lot the next day. The board was told crews will be working in front of the Public Safety Building.

Separately, selectmen said they met earlier that day with North Haven’s Select Board to review a draft Thoroughfare Lease. Members identified unresolved items that will affect final terms — notably what will be shown in “Exhibit A,” the amount of a security deposit and the requirement for a $5 million insurance endorsement. Selectmen planned a follow-up meeting with the Lewis sisters to address lease issues.

Town Manager Marjorie Stratton also reported operational changes to island ferry assignments: the Dinsmore had arrived in Rockland to replace the Spear (which will shift to Swans Island), and the Thompson will move to the Island Boat. Selectman Brandon Osgood asked why Vinalhaven appears to be used frequently for new-boat assignments, a question the minutes record but do not show a formal response or action.

No formal votes were recorded on the downtown operations update or the Thoroughfare Lease discussion; the lease remains under negotiation and will return to the board once key exhibits and insurance/security terms are clarified.