Carlisle Approves Two Projects From of ARPA Funds

Carlisle will pave its community walking trail near Town Hall. Photo by Chris English.

By Chris English

CARLISLE — The town of Carlisle will use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money to fund two upcoming projects.

Town board members voted at their Wednesday, Sept. 4 meeting to allocate about $23,000 to pave the community walking trail near Town Hall on Crommie Road, and $6,500 for various improvements on the highway department's cold storage building.

Board members voted to spend the money after a report from Highway Superintendent Mike Broadwell on the two projects. He said paving the eight-foot-wide, 7/10th of a mile walking trail is advisable to prevent the current gravel trail from "going back to nature." Grass is growing up through the gravel at several different sections of the trail.

Broadwell said the cold storage building needs resheathing with new tin, painting and repairs to the fascia and skylights. He indicated he and his crew can do much of the work. A resident questioned why the board is using ARPA money on the walking trail since, he felt, so few people use it. The resident asked whether allocating the money to the fire department might be a better use.

Board members answered that some ARPA funds have already been allocated to the fire department and that members have not come forward with any further requests. Broadwell said pavement on the walking trail will be two inches thick.

In his report, Broadwell also recommended putting up for auction two of the town's older roadside mowing tractors. After some discussion with the board, it was decided to hold off on that action until the spring. At that time, the town might also be able to sell the old tin to be taken off the cold storage building, Broadwell explained.

Broadwell said Carlisle has recently gotten some stone for operations from a new quarry that recently opened in the town. He added his crews recently assisted the neighboring town of Sharon on some shoulder work. In addition, Carlisle will help out the town of Esperance on some work and will be reimbursed for time and equipment use.

Carlisle Town Supervisor John Leavitt asked Broadwell whether he will figure out the time and other reimbursables and the superintendent answered yes. "It will just be a couple of days, nothing earth shattering," he said.

Broadwell also reported one of the town's vehicles, a 2003 Mack truck, recently needed some axle replacements and brake work at a total cost of $1,446.

Council member Katie Schweigard reported that Carlisle's recent town-wide garage sale on Aug. 31 went well. "I think it will grow and become a nice tradition over time," she added.