Selectmen conditionally approve new Abenaki trail entrance; require scope, insurance and public hearing on donated funds

The Wolfeboro Selectmen voted July 15 to permit the Greater Wolfeboro/New England Mountain Bike Association (GWNEMBA) to proceed with a proposed new entrance to the Abenaki trail system, subject to town policies and required paperwork.

Steve Clark, president of GWNEMBA, described recent maintenance, new signage and a revised trail map. Clark said the group has volunteers and a tracking system and has coordinated on drainage and safety concerns. "Maps will be updated as work takes place," he told the board. GWNEMBA estimated the new entrance construction at about $35,000 and offered donated funds for maintenance totaling $35,000 overall.

Selectmen agreed trustees and staff must receive a scope-of-work contract, contractor invoice(s) and a deposit before construction work begins. Because donated funds over $10,000 require public notice and a hearing under town practice, the board directed staff to place acceptance of the $35,000 on the July 23 agenda for a noticed public hearing. The board approved the motion to allow construction, 4-0, with the condition that all required documents be submitted and that any donation acceptance occur after a public hearing.