The discussion on the skate park project revealed financial complexities, with the original contract requiring a bond for completion. However, the lack of a specified amount and limitations from the bonding agent, who could not provide a bond greater than $300,000 due to licensing and insurance constraints, created significant challenges. The total estimated project cost stood at approximately $400,000, with fundraising efforts reaching about $375,000. Concerns were raised about the town’s estimate that the project could cost up to $1.5 million, which was met with skepticism from the commission.

To navigate these challenges, the commission considered a restorative bond rather than a completion bond. This approach would focus on restoring the site to its original condition if the project were not completed. The financial implications of this option were significant, with estimates for the restorative bond being considerably lower than those for a completion bond. Quotes for restoration ranged from $20,000 to $50,000, with the commission needing to ensure the project’s financial feasibility and explore additional fundraising options. The urgency of the timeline was emphasized, with the desire to finalize the agreement by the end of August to align with the project’s construction schedule.

The commission planned to consult with Chris Ruth the following day, potentially involving other relevant parties to expedite the decision-making process. An informal meeting was suggested to discuss matters ahead of any official votes.

Meanwhile, Wallace Park faced repeated incidents of vandalism, including damage to playground equipment. The commission discussed potential solutions, such as installing a mosquito anti-loitering alarm, which emits a high-pitched frequency audible only to younger individuals. This motion-triggered device could help deter loitering and vandalism when the park is closed from dusk to dawn. However, there was skepticism about its effectiveness, leading to suggestions of installing cameras as a more straightforward approach to address the ongoing vandalism.

The commission also highlighted a recent visit to the park where a large group of kids was congregating, raising safety concerns and resulting in a call to the police department for assistance. The installation of the mosquito alarm was estimated to cost around $700, adding to the challenges of finding a viable solution to prevent further incidents.

The meeting further delved into the logistics of the skate park project, which included contract details, timelines, and potential impacts on existing facilities. The commission discussed the necessary components of the contract, particularly the dates and bond details. There were concerns about the contract’s potential ramifications and the involvement of the finance committee, with a desire for transparency to avoid future disputes.

The possibility of the select board rejecting the project was contemplated, leading to discussions about ownership and responsibility for the park if the board disapproved of accepting the gift. Concerns were raised about the community’s perception of the commission if the project faltered post-construction, emphasizing the importance of site restoration as the skate park construction was expected to alter existing facilities, notably the T-ball field.

The timeline for the project was scrutinized, with the original schedule in the master plan now in question. Concerns were raised about how the construction process might disrupt not only the T-ball field but also the broader community perception of the skate park project. The construction’s impact, extending beyond the designated area, necessitated additional restoration efforts and potential disruptions.