By Stowell P. Watters

Staff Writer

Kennebunkport Town Manager Larry Mead said the town may borrow $1.5 million to tackle major road projects in addition to the selectmen-approved $6.3 million budget proposal.

Mead said the proposal of $5.4 million in operating costs and a capital improvement proposal of nearly $900,000 reflect fiscal frugality.

“This is a very ‘hold the line’ budget proposal,” Mead said.

At the meeting, selectmen debated which of the proposed road restoration projects on Arundel Road, Beachwood Avenue and Stone Road would be sent to bid. Selectmen Chairman Mathew Lanigan said he would like to consider borrowing enough to cover the work on Arundel Road and Beachwood Avenue, while adding the shortest of the three – Stone Road – to the capital budget. No decision will be reached until the next meeting of the budget board.

“As soon as we come up with more numbers on the road we can move from there,” Lanigan said.

Included in the capital improvement proposal is $500,000 for culverts, ledge removal and other restorative procedures to Arundel Road.

Selectmen approved $19,500 for sidewalk construction on the stretch from Washington Court to Buttonwood Lane.

Selectmen also discussed replacing the 20-year-old roof on town hall. Problems such as rot and seepage, which Mead said have already damaged town documents stored in the garage area, led to the approval of the $21,000 project. Selectman Allen Daggett said although he would like to see the roof replaced, he does not support the proposed flat roof.

“Flat roofs on our buildings are just not the way to go,” Daggett said, adding that snow removal can lead to tears in the rubber membrane of the roof as well as accidental nail removal and shingle damage. Mead said the flat roof has a 20-year life expectancy. 

Lanigan said he would like to see the town hall completely replaced within those 20 years. But Daggett disagreed.

“I do not see a new town hall in the future,” he said.

Floor replacement at the dispatch center was approved for $23,000.

The board approved the replacement of two police cruisers for $47,300 as part of a yearly replacement plan, $39,000 for a fire department standby generator and vehicle exhaust removal system at the Wildwood Station and $10,000 for a radio replacement program for the fire department.

The board discussed whether or not to approve $8,000 for continuing the Shoreline Trolley program in Kennebunkport.

“I vote that we never do this again,” said selectman Kristi Bryant. The total figure was passed with the inclusion of the Shoreline Trolley program.

A $5,000 budget request from the Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce was slashed and because of the new commercial shellfish licensing program, the board approved allotting $4,000 for shellfish conservation, Mead said.

While these are only the selectmen and town manager proposed figures, the budget board met after the Post’s deadline to discuss their recommendations. 

An April 10 selectmen meeting will finalize the budget for inclusion on the June 10 warrant.

To contact Stowell P. Watters call 282-4337, ext. 219 or email news@kennebunkpost.com.