Monthly Report delivered  by Town Manager at October 13, 2021 Town Council meeting:

This evening’s agenda has a significant volume of work for the Town Council, however I thought it would be an important time to update you on current projects of note and initiatives. 

The public safety / public works communications tower is close to completion, the remaining items for the project are connecting electricity by Central Maine Power, and then final installation of antennae, which is expected by the end of October. 

The Shore Road planning and engineering continues. Survey work was performed this summer, along with the identification of power, sewer, water, and gas line infrastructure. Sebago Technics is continuing with preliminary design work, and as noticed on this evening’s agenda, the Town has received Municipal Partnership Initiative (MPI) funding we received through our membership in PACTS and MDOT. Construction on this project will take place over two years, with an update to come at a workshop to discuss with the council preliminary designs along with planned neighborhood outreach.   

There continue to be discussions with encore renewable energy regarding the solar field installation at the recycling center. They have encountered significant cost increases due to material prices, and we are discussing an amendment to the agreement that I will be provide to the council for consideration next month. 

The EV charging station project continues. Revision Energy will be doing the installation with the community services building installation to be complete this fall, and then this winter / early spring at Fort Williams. This project received financial assistance by two Efficiency Maine grants. 

The Willow Brook/Cross Country Sewer Embankment Culvert Replacement project continues, with the engineering, environmental, and regulatory permitting in process. Planning board review is next, and the project submission will be in the end of October for a November meeting. It is envisioned that the Permitting/Design and bidding in November in 2021 and construction to take place in August 2022.   

In September I completed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund application, and the Town will receive a total of $982,649 in ARPA funds, to date the Town has received the first of two installments of $491,324, with the second half to be received in six months. I will be providing council with a formal order of acceptance to consider and recommendation for use of the funds for the November agenda. 

There are other items currently in planning and development, but thought this would provide an update on some of the larger items. 

Respectfully submitted,

Matthew Sturgis

Town Manager