By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

The Moose Pond boat launch needs repairs, and Bridgton officials hope to land some state money to help fix it.

Public Service Director David Madsen recently asked the Select Board’s approval to submit a grant application for $100,000 under the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands Boating Facility Fund.

Madsen also requested approval to seek a grant for improvements at the Highland Lake boat launch and parking area.

Selectman Paul Tworog disliked receiving the proposal as an unexpected add-on to the July 11 agenda, leaving officials little time to take a closer look at the applications.

Manager Bob Peabody pointed out that due to some delays in the grant writing process, the proposals reached the Select Board’s desk later than town officials would have liked. And, the town was facing a July 19 deadline to file the applications, meaning Select Board action was needed that night.

“A delay is not in the best interest of the taxpayers,” Selectman Bob McHatton said.

Grants were used in 2008 and 2014 to address the Moose Pond boat launch.

“The problem is the ice. It moves structures around,” Peabody said.

The Moose Pond proposal calls for “complete reconstruction” of the existing, “deteriorating” public boat launch.

“The boat ramp was created using a two-panel construction that has gradually separated creating an ‘uneven, unsafe’ launching surface,” the application reads.

Work proposed includes:

• The complete reconstruction will utilize thicker, precast corrugated concrete boat ramps, and precast concrete curbing (20-feet wide by 32-feet long) to better withstand movement and associated damages from expanding ice conditions each year.

• The town will also pave approximately 5,000 square feet in the area leading down to the launch from the road.

• Materials to be used for this project will include riprap for base rebuild, eight precast corrugated boat ramp panels (10-feet wide by 4-feet long by 8-inches in diameter), 10 precast concrete curbing panels (6-feet wide by 6-feet long by 6-inches in diameter), reinforced twisted steel straps to tie the precast ramps and curbing sections together, and approximately 5,000 square feet of pavement.

• Conclusion — “A reconstructed boat launch is a necessary piece of Moose Pond waterfront infrastructure that will be used to increase the accessibility and usability for recreational activity on Moose Pond.”

The Select Board approved the grant submission, but asked Peabody to include language that the board authorizes the town manager to file the application for renovation of the Moose Pond boat launch, and Highland Lake Beach parking lot and boat launch, subject to final approval upon award by the Select Board.

“It will be clear to the state I do not have authorization,” Peabody said.

The Select Board felt the Highland Lake Beach project is both “complicated” and potentially “controversial.”

The proposal “aims to pave, stripe and install adequate drainage systems at the Highland Lake Beach parking lot and boat launch lot, aiming to enhance accessibility, safety and environmental sustainability at one of our most active, boating destination in downtown Bridgton.”

“By improving our parking infrastructure, we can reduce erosion and sedimentation issues, promote environmental stewardship, and create a positive visitor experience,” the application reads.

The work plan includes:

• The primary objective is to pave the existing beach parking lot and the boat launch area, replacing the current gravel surface with more durable pavement. This will enhance visitor access, increase safety and minimize the negative impact on the natural environment of Highland Lake.

• A paved and striped parking lot will maximize available space and provide a smooth and level surface, allowing for easy access for all visitors including those with disabilities, families with young children, and the elderly.

• There will also be dedicated, handicap spaces with easy access to the new sidewalks, crosswalks, beach and boat launch. This improvement will promote inclusivity and broaden the beach’s appeal to a wider range of boaters and beach goers.

Tworog noted that the idea of improving and paving the beach parking lot was pitched a few years ago by the Bridgton Young Professional Group, however, environmental concerns and support for keeping the area natural derailed the concept.

Although the Select Board agreed to move the Highland Lake project forward, Peabody informed The News Tuesday that the engineer’s estimate “came in much higher than our original estimate,” thus leading officials to not submit a grant application for the project this year.

In other Select Board notes:

No long-term parking at boat launch. A citizen voiced concerns that a “house boat” had been tied up overnight at the Highland Lake boat launch.

“I thought the dock was to put boats in and out. There is no signage on how long a boat can be parked there,” the citizen said.

When people have inquired at the town office as to how the dock is used, they are told it is for “temporary use only,” Town Manager Bob Peabody said.

Currently, Bridgton has no mooring ordinance. The town proposed one, but it was voted down.

“You can drop a mooring just about anywhere,” Peabody said.

Noting that an approved hotel nearby — once built — could result in more boat launch use and parking needs at Highland Lake.

“We need to be proactive,” the citizen said.

Saying “we now have an issue” and the likelihood of long-term dock use will happen, Peabody said stenciling on the dock and signage will be installed to remind boating enthusiasts that dock use is “temporary” and there is “no tie ups, launch only.”

Tax rate to rise $2. Although Bridgton picked up a “sizable” increase in property value according to Assessors’ Agent Dennis Berube, local spending — including salary increases and adding staff — pushed the mil rate up $2. So, folks with property valued at $100,000 will see their taxes go up $200.

As Bridgton creeps closer to the state line in the sand regarding property value assessment, 70%, Selectman Paul Tworog wondered if values could be “factored” rather than the town undergoing a full revaluation.

“We could factor everyone’s value, and change numbers but it’s not equitable,” Berube said. “As property appreciates in value, it’s not at the same pace.”

Long-time Selectman Bob McHatton has seen the town take both approaches during his tenure, but found “factoring is not a good way to go.”

Berube noted that when a town uses a full revaluation, “we discover more value when we go door to door.” He added, “What we’ve seen over the last couple years, we’ve seen significant growth in numbers.”

Quick takes

• Public Service Director David Madsen said the new wastewater treatment plant is expected to fire up in late October, and be fully online by the first of the year.

• Applications are being accepted for the Senior Property Tax Relief Program. Applications are available on the town’s website and at the town office counter. The deadline is Aug. 1.

• Public Safety Administrative Assistant Grace Gendron and Police Chief Phil Jones are still in the process of preparing for accreditation. The goal is for the department to be accredited ready by the end of summer.