Shapleigh officials report irrigation leak, July 4 crash response and $290,000 grant request for new truck

Department heads and public-safety officials updated the Shapleigh board on infrastructure and emergency-response developments, including a suspected leak in the Brickfield ballfield irrigation system, a July 4 multi-vehicle crash and a pending grant application for a replacement truck.

Public works reported irrigation heads that failed to pop up and contractor indications that a leak may require digging down about four feet to locate and repair a main line. Staff said an irrigation contractor would provide maps showing head locations and piping so crews can target repairs.

Public safety detailed a large motor-vehicle crash on Ross Corner Road on July 4 that resulted in seven patients transported and a Life Flight landing at Waterboro High School. Officials thanked mutual-aid partners from roughly 10 departments for the coordinated response.

Fire/EMS leadership said the department has applied for a grant requesting roughly $290,000 toward a new truck close to the department’s identified need; a decision is not expected until September or October. Officials said they will keep the board updated and that the grant would significantly reduce the department’s capital shortfall if awarded.

The board also discussed the code-enforcement backlog and a staff proposal to extend overlap between an outgoing code-enforcement official and the newly hired staff member (Brian Paul) for an initial three months — to be extended if necessary — to help clear the backlog. Staff will ask the outgoing official whether he is willing to provide overlap and report back.