By Alex Malm
One of the agenda items during the July 10 Town Council meeting was in regards to a grant for a boat launch at Scobie Pond.
Town Manager, Mike Malaguti, explained that the Conservation Commission found potential funds through a grant opportunity which specifically is designated to allow upgrades for town and city owned boat launches.
“There is a grant program that requires a match of 25% from the municipality,” Malaguti said.
Malaguti said the boat launch isn’t intended for being for boats like motor boats and instead for kayaks.
He said they received a quote for $25,500 for an all season dock. He added that it wouldn’t be required for them to take it out during the winter time.
“It doesn’t require a whole lot of maintenance,” Malaguti said.
Malaguti explained that they submitted the grant application and one of the requirements part of it is for the Town Council to accept it in an anticipated fashion and they agree to take care of the dock if they receive the grant and move forward with the project.
He stated that they applied for $30,000 and the town match for the grant would come from the conservation fund.
“It doesn’t have a budgetary impact,” Malguti said.
One question raised by the Town Council was about potential repairs or maintenance that may be needed.
Malaguti said he couldn’t guarantee it would never cost the town any money, but they could also look at working it out with the Conservation Commission if needed.
In addition to people being able to use the boat launch to go out on the water, Conservation Commission Chair, Marge Badois, said it would also be a good place for fishing for people who can’t get out on to the water, which is the case for some people who live in the area.
One concern raised by Town Councilor, Jim Butler, was in regards to more people using the parking lot for purposes other than going out on the water and is concerned there will be more people using it.
Malaguti said he was aware of some of those issues from his time as prosecutor with the town.
During the public comment portion of the public hearing, Ann Chiampa asked if residents who live in the immediate area would be contacted and if there would be any other access points saying she was concerned about there being more traffic potentially.
Malaguti said there wouldn’t be any other access points.
Council Chair, John Farrell, noted that it’s generally hard to get there.
The Town Council ultimately accepted the unanticipated revenue during the meeting.