The following report from Town Manager Patrick Fox was presented at the November 13, 2024, Town Council Meeting. 

Town Manager’s Monthly Report 

Projects, Plans and Studies: 

• Business Outreach Initiative- GPCOG will be reaching out to businesses individually to inform them of the upcoming Listening Session (December), Business Surveys (January), and a Solutions Summit (Feb/March). 

Councilor Requests and Follow ups: 

• There were Councilor inquiries into the status of cell phone coverage issues in the Shore Road area recently. In August the Fort Williams Park Committee did receive a presentation from Tilson proposing two potential cell tower designs for consideration and installation in Fort Williams Park. The committee did not vote on, or make any recommendations regarding the proposal at that time. Town staff will further explore the “small cell” technology options available at this time and bring this item back to Council shortly to offer options for improving cell coverage in this area. 

Bids, Events and Special Announcements: 

• The Town recently opened bids for the Fort Williams Pond Reclamation Project. Three bids were received for this work. The low bid was approximately $190,000, which is greater than the original project budget. Community Services will be working within the Fort Williams Fund capital work plan to utilize a portion of funds previously planned for bleacher repairs and signage to cover the Pond Reclamation project funding gap. 
• Currently advertised bids include: 
  • Public Works mower with a bid opening of November 14th. 
  • Fort Williams Playground design services with a bid opening of November 19th. (For more information on current bids please visit the Town website under Government/Regulations and Documents/Requests for Proposals.) 
• Our Public Safety Departments have wrapped up a busy month beyond their daily duties with staff and public educational events promoting fire prevention, school safety, and disaster preparedness. The Fire Department also held their annual appreciation night recognizing Department staff, including the WETeam members who responded to the distressed fishing vessel that had run aground this past January, transporting the crew to safety. 

Manager Remarks: 

Thank you to all who gave your time, or are about to contribute your time to the Community through service as an elected or appointed position. Despite how it can feel at times, serving on Council, Boards, and Committees IS appreciated by the Community. 

Special recognition and thank you to over 30 election staff that dedicated more than 1,600 hours over a three-month period to facilitate a smooth election process that included approximately 5,000 absentee ballots and a 75% voter turnout.