(10/27) At their October 27th meeting, the Town Council decided to install a temporary path connecting to where the decorative bridge in the community park used to be. The bridge was removed for safety reasons after years of use. While could be have been repaired, it was not ADA-compliant, and council members have expressed concern about installing a more inclusive replacement. Any plans on installing an ADA-compliant bridge will have been put on hold because of the weather and will most likely not be brought up again until the spring. For now, councilmembers hope the temporary solution that will improve park access.

Joe Birch, the Director of Public Works, presented the Town with an option to bring the existing trail 220 feet closer to the gate entrance using a five-foot wide path. The path will take the easiest route to enter the park, which many residents have already taken by walking through the grass. However, some have complained of difficult terrain if the grass is wet. Birch proposed an idea that allows Department of Public Works staff to do the work, rather than hiring out. This is estimated to lower costs, as Birch quoted the Town $3,000 for a three-day job. The estimated costs were for the option of asphalt, which while ADA compliant, is a permanent solution to this temporary problem.

Councilmembers brainstormed potential materials options after approving the plan for a 220-foot addition to the path. These include crush-and-run, mulch, or other stone options. It was noted that there is a sign at Utica Park claiming the mulched path is not ADA-compliant for strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs. Commissioners decided not to move forward until research is conducted over what materials are accommodating for all community members. The project will be in coordination with the Parks Commission, however Burgess Weddle asked Mr. Birch to propose the asphalt quote to the Council before weather became an issue of concern. Alternative materials will be reconsidered at the November 10th Town Council meeting at 7:30 pm to move forward with the temporary path.

In addition to considering the temporary path in Heritage Park, councilmembers approved plans to replace the air conditioning units and furnace of the Town Hall. Renovations began in late September and were estimated to take 8 weeks for a three-phase plan, with one week between phases for organizational purposes. The plan includes technological updates to the Meeting Room, cosmetic upgrades to the main entrance, and updating all bathrooms to be ADA-compliant.

During the approval process for the renovations, one of the air conditioning units failed, prompting concern from councilmembers over how to approach the situation as it was not previously budgeted. The five units have lasted since the last renovation of the town hall in 1990 and the Town Council agreed that it is best to replace them all at once rather than waiting for the others to follow suit. The previous estimate to replace the air conditioning units was anywhere between $50,000 and $80,000, which was not included in the original $404,000 budget for the ongoing renovations.

The Council approved $7,055 for contractors to visit the building and do a hands-on inspection to come up with a better estimate. Based upon the inspection, the contractors provided anew quote is $12,755 that includes replacing the furnace as well as the air conditioning units, significantly less then the original estimate, for a total cost of 19,810. Commissioner Gilbert moved to approve the plans, which was seconded by Brodie-Ennis and unanimously approved by the rest of the Council.

The Town Council is also planning to purchase two large metro message boards for use during water and weather emergencies, road closures, and other important events. Burgess Weddle noted that the Town has had money budgeted for the message boards since the water crisis and that $50,000 had been originally budgeted.

The council is working in collaboration with Public Works, to gather the quotes. For two new message boards, the cost would be $29,370 coming with a five-year warranty for all electronics. The quote for two used message boards of the same size was $26,000, and comes with a six-month warranty on electronics. The message boards being reviewed are solar powered with LED lights that allow for four lines of text. The Town is also looking to purchase a new permanent sign for in front of the Town Hall to display community events and other notices.