By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — The Town of Naples will not be taking on the insurance responsibility of the railing and lights that were installed on its Causeway recently.

Not until the lights are on.

According to Naples Town Manager Derik Goodine, the timeline for the town to add the light poles to its insurance policy hinges upon when the Causeway illumination happens.

“If they light them, then that will be something we can discuss,” Goodine said.

His comment was in reference to the town transferring its responsibility for the lights and rails from that of the general contractor Wyman & Simpson Inc. — the company responsible for the $9 million Bay of Bridge construction project.

On Monday, both Goodine and Selectman Bob Caron Sr. said the town would not be bearing the cost of the insurance until the light poles were “energized.”

Those street lamps could be shining this month, according to Maine Department of Transportation (MDOT) Resident Engineer Craig Hurd.

“I think it should be within the week,” he said.

“The town wants the lights lit up as soon as possible,” Hurd said.

“Basically, they (the Town of Naples) didn’t want to give us a letter saying they would take responsibility for it, until the lights got turned on,” he said.

In November, as the galvanized steel railing was being installed along the boardwalk, Wyman and Simpson Engineer Kim Suhr said the company wanted an official letter from the town to MDOT that acknowledged it would assume the insurance obligation. Again, Suhr brought up the insurance issue at the Jan. 5 construction meeting held bi-monthly by MDOT.

Goodine said he was just waiting until the new additions to the Causeway were functional.

“If I were to add the lights, I would add it to (the town’s) general liability policy — as one of the town’s assets,” he said.

“As far as insurance (coverage) now: It is covered on the contractor’s bond — or something like that,” he said during a phone call on Tuesday.

In past discussions in December, selectmen had said anyone who hit or damaged the railing with a vehicle would likely have insurance that would cover costs for any damage.