BELFAST — The Belfast City Council will meet for its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, April 7, to address an agenda that includes adding a new part-time groundskeeper, a community stage for Summer Nights concerts, and dock improvements, among others. 

The first item on Belfast City Manager Erin Herbig’s agenda is a request to appoint Tyler Aldus, of Belfast, as a part-time seasonal groundskeeper for the Parks and Recreation Department. Prior to this additional job, Aldus assumed full-time year-round maintenance responsibilities in early 2024. Aldus joining the team reportedly allowed the Parks and Rec. Department to finish fall projects while also completing winter maintenance, inventory, and other responsibilities, according to the request. 

“Since his hire, Mr. Aldus has done an exceptional job ensuring that the City Parks and facilities continue to be accessible to the public year-round and aided with many community events,” the request reads in part. 

The organizers of Belfast Summer Nights Concerts, which provide free musical entertainment each week of summer, have requested the Council consider partnering with the group to purchase a professional mobile community stage. The organization has thus far relied on  temporary plywood stages for their popular, often packed, free summer concert series, which are held on Steamboat Landing.

“As audiences and programming have grown, organizers of Belfast Summer Nights feel a larger, more stable and professional stage would greatly benefit both performers and audiences while offering the opportunity to potentially expand its use to other outdoor events in Belfast in the future,” the request reads in part. 

Councilor Chris Bitely has collaborated with the group to establish a plan for community fundraising. The estimated total cost of the stage is approximately $68,200, with the remaining balance standing at $37,200. The group secured $20,000 from the Lalli Foundation, and $11,000 in committed gifts, and are requesting a contribution of $8,200 from the City of Belfast. The remaining $29,000 will reportedly be raised by BSN through community donations from local businesses, residents, and those who just love music. 

It has been proposed that the stage be purchased by BSN and formally gifted to the City, with the City then responsible for storage, insurance, maintenance, and operational setup and breakdowns. 

The organizers of BSN, Annadeene Fowler and Ando Anderson will be at the meeting to answer any questions. 

Harbor Master Kathy Given is requesting funds to make improvements and repairs to the gangway from the City Landing to the Commercial Fisherman’s Docks. The dock reportedly needs repairs to address structural and safety issues, as it is over 40 years old, according to the request. 

The gangway is used most commonly by local fisherman, and many repairs and upgrades have been done over the years, but the aluminum is reportedly now brittle and can no longer hold a welding repair for any significant period of time. 

Given has received one estimate so far - $29,880 for a slightly larger gangway to better meet the needs of those using the passage. It is noted that Given expects to receive additional estimates that will be presented at the meeting. 

“If approved by the City Council, the Harbor Master recommends that a motion is made to authorize City staff to apply for a Harbor Management Access Grant to replace the gangway at the Commercial Fishermen's Dock, and to authorize up to $10,000 as the City's matching funds to come from the Harbor ENK Fund,” the request ends. 

Harbor Master Given will be present at the meeting to address the Council and answer questions. 

For additional details about any of the agenda items mentioned, or to read the full agenda and supporting materials, visit the City’s website.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com