A digitally-enhanced image of the planned parking area at the intersection of Cross Town Trail and Handle Road in Dover.
DEDC specialist Patrick Moreland presented a project overview for the Cross Town Trail, a system of easy to moderate hikes with interpretative signs about the local environment. The Cross Town Trail is open year-round to the public. Moreland said plans are in the works for a parking lot on Handle Road, a user-friendly trail map, and debris cleanup. Engineering services are needed and Moreland asked that requests for proposals be sent out as soon as possible. “We’re hoping the engineering starts by summer,” said Moreland.
Moreland requested $12,500 for the project, but one selectboard member thought it was too early to make a decision. Dwayne Coneeny questioned Moreland’s proposal to pay contractors by the hour. Coneeny thought overall costs should be secured instead. “I would much rather you say here’s ‘A’ and here’s ‘B,’ and this is what it’s going to cost,” said Coneeny.
Moreland said an hourly rate would be “appropriate” and he assured Coneeny that labor costs would not exceed the budgeted amount. Coneeny maintained it is difficult to judge anyone’s work by an hourly rate. “Some will be productive, others will drink coffee,” said Coneeny.
Moreland believed paying by an hourly rate may save the town and the project money. In the end, Moreland suggested that he meet with the selectboard, evaluate the RFPs, and start the project. “I think if I took you for a walk (on the trail) you’d have a different conclusion. The costs could be higher. I think this is the way it ought to be handled,” said Moreland.
The selectboard approved $12,500 for the Cross Town Trail predevelopment plan, engineering and map planning, and trail maintenance. Coneeny voted against the motion. In a separate motion, the selectboard also waived an $85 zoning fee for parking lot construction.
Greg Fisher suggested that Moreland consider volunteers for trail maintenance efforts. Eddie Barber, on the other hand, suggested that Moreland put up a sign asking pedestrians to clean up after their pets. “It is gross and disgusting,” said Barber. “You can’t step anywhere. It’s unethical and the trail belongs to the public.”
Moreland thanked Barber for his suggestion.
A discussion took place about an upcoming Tri-town Economic Development Committee meeting. The Tri-town Economic Development Committee is considering a bi-town planner position for Dover and Wilmington and the committee is drafting a job description. Goals for the bi-town planner may include attracting broadband Internet and cellular telephone systems to the Deerfield Valley; providing support services for area businesses that can maximize their potential and provide living wages; encouraging industry development; reducing the costs of doing business in the area; enhancing the towns’ job and tax bases; ensuring safe transportation; and developing a comprehensive tourism plan.
Nona Monis, Tri-town Economic Development Committee chair, said the bi-town planner would not duplicate Moreland’s efforts in Dover, but the candidate will provide expertise in assessing, recommending, and implementing long-term economic development strategies for both towns.
The selectboard also discussed the Town Hall smoking policy. Selectboard chair Linda Holland received an e-mail from Kids in the Country day care requesting a designated smoking area at the Town Hall building. Holland said she received two complaints of smoking near the day care center.
Holland suggested a designated smoking area near the handicap entrance. Barber, on the other hand, wanted smoking prohibited on the town property. “Do you think they’re going to walk all the way around the other side to smoke? I think you should ban it all together,” said Barber. “Just put signs up. They’ll get used to that very quickly.”
No decision was made on the Town Hall smoking policy.
Post a Comment