Selectboard authorizes $125,000 from fund balance for immediate Wall Street retaining wall stabilization

Town staff presented engineering recommendations for repairing a failing retaining wall and threatened utilities on Wall Street. Engineers proposed a two‑phase approach: Phase 1, immediate stabilization in 2026 consisting of approximately 15 feet of new concrete wall with aluminized bin wall elements at the most critical failure area to halt further movement and manage stormwater (estimated cost ≈ $125,000) and removal of the existing stairway at that location; Phase 2 would be a larger capital project for additional cantilever construction, utility relocation (including sanitary line) and further slope repair to be programmed into the next capital budget cycle.

The Board discussed limited outside funding and the need to act to prevent worsening structural and utility damage. Heather Frahm moved and Michael Schmitt seconded a motion to authorize the Town Manager to use $125,000 from fund balance for Phase 1; the motion passed unanimously, 5‑0.