Ogunquit Marginal Way Committee Reviews Path Repairs, Approves Protocols

The Marginal Way Committee met Oct. 5 at the Dunaway Center, approving September minutes, a $1,560 payment to its groundskeeper, and a revised protocols document. Members reviewed a photo presentation documenting dozens of path hazards, from cracked pavement to wheelchair accidents, and debated a draft comprehensive plan document and a liaison's report to the Preservation Fund.

Key points

• The committee voted to approve $1,560 for September groundskeeping work by Mike Allaire, and approved revised protocols with the black locust reference removed and bullet points renumbered.
• Financial report showed $11,102.99 of the $67,400 annual budget spent, leaving $56,297.01; September volunteer hours totaled 241, worth $9,590.
• The people counter averaged 61,073 passersby, with a record single day of 4,747 on Labor Day.
• Members reviewed a photo presentation on path hazards, including 17 major cracks, two wheelchair accidents this summer, and a woman who broke her wrist in three places.
• A disagreement arose over a liaison report to the Preservation Fund, with members raising concerns about conflict of interest, accuracy, and communication between the two committees.
• Members split on a draft comprehensive plan document, with some calling it a useful accountability tool and others saying it felt like a directive rather than collaboration.

Next steps

• Send the path hazard presentation to the town manager, DPW, and code enforcement officer, and arrange a meeting with the town manager.
• Obtain updated survey cost estimates for the Marginal Way.
• Check with other towns, including Kennebunk, on liability coverage for volunteers doing path work.
• Bring prior-year swallowwort totals and volunteer hour comparisons to the next meeting.
• Schedule a meeting before Oct. 15 to respond to the comprehensive plan draft.

Read the full transcript