By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

As owner of Corn Shop Trading, Mark Grenda knows many shoppers and guests use the crosswalk between his store and TD Bank.

The current streetscape plan eliminated the crosswalk, since paths exist in front of Renys and at the top of the hill near the former United Methodist Church.

Knowing there is a lot of tractor trailers that roll along Main Street, Grenda feels the lack of a crosswalk poses a real safety concern. He noted that pedestrians would unlikely walk up or down the street to the two crosswalks to go to his store or the ice cream shop; they would simply cross where it was most convenient. So, he asked Bridgton selectmen to reconsider the decision to eliminate the existing crosswalk between the bank and his store.

Senior Civil Engineer Colin Dinsmore of HEB Engineers Inc. suggested that if selectmen decided to place a third crosswalk in that area, it should be located in front of the existing Longplayer music store and run toward the ice cream shop, and not to be located in the existing spot.

“That crosswalk is not in a good location as there are no curb ramps on either side,” said Dinsmore, noting that new construction would need to meet ADA (American Disability Act) requirements. Dinsmore said the music store spot “actually works fairly well and wouldn’t require much modification to the work that has already been completed.”

The two catches: 1. A parking space designated in front of the music store would be eliminated; 2. Adding the crosswalk would cost about $8,000 to $10,000.

To make crosswalks truly visible to motorists, the town decided to use a “decorative” look. Selectman Bear Zaidman wondered if the cost could be reduced by sidestepping the decorative look? Dinsmore felt costs could be reduced, but selectmen ultimately decided to keep the design consistent with the rest of the project.

Town Manager Robert Peabody pointed out that the added decorative crosswalk would be quite visible for vehicles traveling down the hill toward the heart of downtown. One reason officials went with the “decorative” look was an attempt to slow traffic.

“It’s a busy crossing area,” Selectperson Carmen Lone said. “Safety is the reason this is a good idea. We were probably remise not putting money for this in the project, but I do like it. It makes sense.”

Dinsmore said the rule of thumb regarding crosswalk placement is 400 feet apart. The proposed crosswalk measures out at 370 feet.

One hurdle was to contact the music store building owner (Andrew Lowell) to get his thoughts regarding the elimination of a parking space. Selectmen instructed Peabody that if the building owner agrees with the crosswalk proposal, the town will move forward with the addition. At press time, attempts have been made to reach Lowell, but they have been unsuccessful.

Dinsmore noted that construction work will resume soon. The light posts were the first of the new items of the streetscape project to surface. Dinsmore said an informational kiosk — listing the direction of parking, playgrounds, parks and the Stevens Brook hiking trail — will be placed near the Magic Lantern property.

In other meeting notes:

School budget snapshot. SAD 61 Superintendent Al Smith gave selectmen a quick snapshot of the proposed budget, which the three district towns would see a less than 3% assessment hike.

Some of the quick points Smith touched on included:

1. In the technology line, since there is a moratorium on the state laptop program, SAD 61 will use funds to upgrade existing systems (such as a main fiber optics line that is 20 years old).

2. As for trends affecting the budget, student population numbers continue to increase. Smith said the senior class that will leave LRHS this year numbers 120, while next year’s freshmen class totals about 150.

Another rising segment of the student population is the number of pupils entering SAD 61 schools that don’t speak English. When Smith arrived as superintendent, there were four to five students that required special help, whereas now, the figure is up to 19. To address the increase, the budget includes a half-time position.

To ensure student safety, SAD 61 is following a trend across the nation to hire a resource officer.

3. Cost for transporting students requiring special services outside of SAD 61 is also up.

The budget (80% is salaries and benefits) overall is up 4.9%, Smith said.

As a side note, Smith gave a short update regarding the Crooked River School expansion/renovation project.

“It’s no secret that the costs have skyrocketed,” he said. “The questions are what can we do and how can we do it? Given the economy right now, it’s been challenging.”

Smith admitted that some adjustments will be needed to keep the project within financial parameters. If additional money is needed, SAD 61 would look to cover costs through the fund balance, and would not seek additional local tax dollars. A pre-bid meeting was held on March 5 with five to six construction companies represented along with 15 to 20 subcontractors. Bids were scheduled to be opened today, March 19 at 2 p.m.

Shawnee Peak Holdings abatement for $22,829.22 for tax years 2018 and 2019 was approved by selectmen. The “value was adjusted to reflect items that are BETE (Business Equipment Tax Exemption program) eligible,” officials noted.

The Maine Legislature enacted a change in the BETE program in February 2018.

“The state changed the rules and the notice came in the middle of the ski season,” Shawnee Peak owner Chet Homer told selectmen. “It was not picked up by the assessor and there was no change to the accountant’s submission.”

Both Homer and the town lost money due to the change, so the ski resort owner requested only 50% of the abatement due (about $45,000).

Homer, who has owned the resort for the past 26 years, said 400 people were employed by Shawnee Peak this past winter.

Heat pump replacement. The town has received good mileage from heat pumps servicing the municipal complex, but eventually, it is time for replacement.

The complex was outfitted with 15 units, which carry a life expectancy of 15 to 25 years. Five have already been replaced, now another group is set to be phased out. Units targeted are ones servicing the Police Department and Court Room areas.

“We’ve been proactive. These units are 28 years old,” Town Manager Robert Peabody said. “The new units don’t break down a lot, they are pretty efficient (use what you need) and are one of the best systems out there.”

The police department unit (a Carrier horizontal ceiling mounted, 18,000 BTUs) will cost $5,571, while the court area unit (24,000 BTU) is priced at $5,801.

Selectmen approved taking $11,332 from the Municipal Building Reserve account to purchase and install the new units