During a special meeting, the council discussed the future of the Wesley Bishop South project, Monday July 23. After a unanimous vote, the council rescinded the bidding for the project and will hold of on the improvements until next year.
Previously, the council approved the use of $1.5 million from the Open Space, Recreation, Farmland, and Historic Preservation Trust Fund for the construction of a turf field, parking lot improvements and drainage improvements to Wesley Bishop Park North.
An estimated $400,000 was set for the Wesley Bishop South project to improve the parking lot, irrigation system and the recreational field.
Mayor John Button mentioned that the discussion between engineers and town Manager Scott Carew, along with requests from various sports groups, prompted the decision to delay the project until next year.
“The sports groups felt that if we moved forward now, it would negatively impact their season,” said Button. “They asked that we delay the project.”
If the town decides to dip directly into the Trust Fund for the Wesley Bishop North project, approximately $800,000 will remain in the Trust Fund, according to Chief Financial Officer Tom Merchel. If the Wesley South project is approved next year, $400,000 will remain in the Trust Fund if both projects are directly funded by the Trust Fund.
The rest of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the Town Hall/Library project.
The council received an updated status and the timeline for the project. The issue that appeared for the plan is the soils instability under the foundation. The council was presented with four options to resolve the issues with the grounds to continue on with the project.
“I am pleased with where the discussion has gone,” Button said.
The council will meet again to discuss the Town Hall/Library project, Monday Aug. 20. The discussion for the Wesley Bishop South project is pending until next year.
