2015.10.14 Council Agenda Item 06
Summary
Order to accept a Homeland Security grant in the amount of $225,000 towards the purchase a new harbor master boat and to authorize an application for a Small Harbor Improvement Program grant to help the Town replace floats at Town Landing.
A public comment period will be included with this item (3 minutes).
ACTION: Council action is anticipated.
Description
In 2014, the Police Department applied for a grant through the Homeland Security grant process to replace the harbor master boat. The grant was not approved. In 2015, they applied again and were awarded $225,000. Currently there is $270,000 budgeted in the department’s Capital Improvements Program for replacement of the boat, which is approximately 20 years old and showing its age. As part of the grant application process, the Department selected a replacement boat from SAFE Boat International, because its design and qualities are suited for the multi-faceted duties the department encounters at the harbor. This new boat will have all-weather capability with an enclosed cabin, fire fighting equipment, and state of the art electronics, allowing the department to operate in all weather conditions. The cost of the boat is $327,000 and the grant amount is $225,000. The difference of $102,000 will be the local share, significantly less that the amount of $270,000 which is currently projected in the Capital Improvement Plan.
Additionally, the Department would like to apply for a Small Harbor Improvement Program (SHIP) Grant from the State of Maine. This grant would be used to replace a number of the floats at Town Landing. Many of these floats are between 15 and 20 years old and, due to the hostile marine environment, there is a need to begin replacing them. Currently, the Town budget includes approximately $5,000 per year for repairs. The estimated replacement cost is $120,000, with the actual cost being determined through a bid process. The SHIP Grant would reimburse the Town for 50% of the cost.
