Posted on May 6, 2019
KENNEBUNKPORT — The Board of Selectmen approved a proposal from the Government Wharf Committee to add a new dues category for members and raise the fees to cover anticipated increases in the budget for FY 20.
Town Manager Laurie Smith said the dues will cover the cost increase for electricity to the new bait shed, and replacement of the ramp in front of the wharf. The new dues category is for lobstermen and includes bait space in the new cooler at $400 a year. Commercial dues are approved at $250 for fishermen with no bait shed access, recreation dues are $175 for boaters needing access to the float, and student dues are set at $175 yearly.
Allen Daggett, the selectman representative on the Government Wharf Committee, said the affected lobstermen were contacted and approved of the new fee structure.
“I think it’s a very fair budget,” Daggett said. “I’m all in favor of it.”
Smith said the committee is trying to establish a fund balance to take care of any future needs at the wharf as they arise.
The board approved it unanimously.
Cape Porpoise Pier Manager Chris Mayo presented his budget to the board with the biggest line item increase of $19,000 for a new harbormaster boat and hoist. Mayo said the current boat is a 1980?s era fishing boat from Florida and is no longer safe or appropriate for the job.
The board approved the Cape Porpoise Pier budget 5-0.
Mayo also gave the board an update on the upcoming dredging project. Mayo said the Army Corps of Engineers will open the bidding process for the dredging of Cape Porpoise Harbor with a window for the project to take place between Nov. 1, 2019 and May 1, 2020.
“In that time period they are expecting the harbor to be clear of moorings, so as the season progresses we will be working on making sure that’s an attainable goal and making sure the harbor is as clear as possible for the contractor,” Mayo said.
He will be updating the board and the public on the choice of contractors and timeline for the project throughout the summer.
Volunteers needed for Solid Waste/Recycling Committee
In other business, the board approved the mission and goals of a new Solid Waste/Recycling Committee.
The town is looking for residents who are interested in looking for innovative solutions to the town’s solid waste and recycling problems. Public Works Director Mike Claus has said China has instituted a waste import ban which has caused the market for recyclables to dry up throughout the United States. Claus said the cost for trash disposal in town was $152 a ton last year, and has increased to $159 a ton for FY 20.
That figure is still significantly less than the cost for recycling now. Last year the town paid $138 a ton for recycled materials, and that will nearly double to between $211 to $276 a ton this year.
“We want a group who want to get excited about recycling and alternative ways to reduce our solid waste,” Claus told the board.
The town is seeking volunteers for the committee, which will be focused on the importance of proactively engaging in the management of solid waste production and recycling efforts.
The approved mission statement says, “The Town of Kennebunkport Solid Waste Committee shall review changes in state, regional and federal recycling markets, policies, and law. The committee shall make recommendations to modify Kennebunkport’s Solid Waste policies in accord with the goals and culture of Kennebunkport along with needed reaction to outside forces.”
The committee will review potential ordinance amendments to further our solid waste and recycling goals; and recommend these changes to the Board of Selectmen. Volunteers for the committee can apply online at www.kennebunkportme.gov or in person at Town Hall.
Source: seacoastonline.com
