Select Board Nov 3: Allocation of ARPA funds discussion/public meeting

The Select Board held a special remote public meeting in an effort to engage public input/suggestions for the utilization of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding.  Some of the areas ARPA funds can be used for are supporting public health, addressing the negative public health impacts caused by a public emergency, replacing lost public sector revenue, providing premium pay for essential workers/first responders, and investing in water/sewer and other infrastructure investments. 

Before the presentations and requests took place, a few callers called in to suggest some of the funding be allocated to the Milton Arts Center. Another caller suggested allocating some of the funding towards lowering town sewer/water rates.

Milton Pubic School presentation

Amy Dexter, Assistant Superintendent for Business at Milton Public Schools, provided the presentation regarding the suggestion of allocating ARPA funds for the public schools. She provided four project requests for consideration. They are as follows:

1. Student social emotional learning, priority 1 $751,145
2. School nursing support, priority 2 $235, 573
3. Enhanced/expanded educational support, priority 3 $892, 290
4. School building ventilation improvements, priority 4 $325,000

There were other needs, but not mentioned in detail as the focus is intended to be on the four main projects listed above. 

Parks and Recreation request

Bonnie Devore, Principal Clerk Parks and Recreation, provided and outlined the request and explanation for the departments’ need for an updated recreation management software program that would initially cost about $11,000 per year.

Public Works request

Michael Dennehy, Town Administrator, discussed several ‘shovel-ready’ projects that are ready to go out to bid. The plan is to discuss their needs more in depth with the Finance Committee.

The Finance Committee will review these requests made as well as others that are submitted.

Additional items of discussion

Veterans Day Ceremony 

The Town of Milton and the office of Veteran Services announce this year’s Veterans Day Ceremony which will be held on Thursday November 11, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Milton’s Town Hall. For more information please visit: Town Of Milton Veterans Day Ceremony to take place November 11, 2021 – The Milton Scene

The next Select Board meetings are scheduled to be held on November 10, and November 17.