WATERVILLE — The City Council on Wednesday may take an initial vote to borrow $5.28 million for capital projects, including more than $2 million for parks and recreation.

As part of the capital projects bond, the city proposes to spend $660,000 on North Street Recreation Area improvements, $847,550 on the Pine Ridge Recreation Area, $220,000 on Green Street Park, $90,000 on Grove Street Playground and basketball court, and the rest of the $2 million on other parks and sites.

At a council meeting Oct. 19, City Manager Steve Daly outlined the proposed projects, including the North Street plan, which would include moving youth soccer fields from the North Street Recreation Area to Pine Ridge Recreation Area off West River Road so that the Alfond Youth & Community Center can build a community ice arena where the soccer fields are located now on North Street.

“It’s an outstanding plan that, if we can implement it, is going to make better use of that space than has been in the past,” Daly said at the meeting.

A dog park, athletic fields and softball field are now located at Pine Ridge and as part of the plan, the dog park would be relocated, the softball field updated, a paved parking area built, new restrooms and concession buildings constructed, and lighting installed. On North Street, the basketball court would be resurfaced, tennis courts expanded and new lights installed. Three-season restrooms would be added, shade structures built and new playground equipment installed.

Money also would be earmarked for other purposes, such as $1 million to improve streets in the South End, $167,850 for sidewalks in that part of the city, $300,000 for a second dual packer truck, $200,000 for a street sweeper and $318,000 for annual paving.

A new furnace for City Hall would be purchased for $100,000, $106,000 would go toward police vehicles, $176,000 for police body cameras, $200,000 for work at the airport, and $150,000 for improvements at the fire department.

The council must take two votes on the bond and may take only one vote Wednesday.

In other matters, councilors will consider awarding a $94,908 contract to Jordan Equipment of Hermon for a mini-track excavator with attachments for public works. The council is slated to consider taking a second, final vote to rezone 4.68 acres on Webb Road to allow for the construction of storage units. The council also will consider amendments to the city’s administrative, ethics and personnel ordinances.

The meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. at The Elm at 21 College Ave. and those wanting to take part or watch remotely may access links on the city’s website. The meeting is Wednesday instead of the usual Tuesday because elections are being held Tuesday.

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