Residents praise new surface; Oakland staff reserve material for additional lifts pending budget and legal review

Residents told the Town Commission on Aug. 12 they were pleased with a recent road surface application in parts of town and asked whether the same material could be used on nearby streets. Resident John Hammerstein and others said the finished product looked "very solid" and that they did not see dust or delivery disruption. Public Works Director Mike Parker told the commission the town has reserved material to add an additional lift on Arrington and that contractor work will resume when the commission gives the OK and driveway work is complete. Parker said East Vic is a "prime candidate for actual paving" because of cut‑through traffic, but any pavement plan will depend on budget and legal review. Commissioners and staff discussed funding and timing. Staff noted the current fiscal year’s road budget is nearly expended and that the next budget cycle will begin in a few weeks; staff said they will investigate whether impact‑fee funds or other sources can lawfully pay for additional lifts and will consult the town attorney. Residents asked for clearer scheduling and communications so neighborhoods understand priorities and timing for future phases. Public works also reported progress on several other town projects during the meeting: Catherine Ross Road construction between Oakland Avenue and the charter school is open to traffic and will be paved in the coming weeks on a Saturday to avoid school traffic; Pulte drainage work and new canal crossing remain under construction; street‑signage replacement in a defined phase is complete; and landscaping and irrigation for a roundabout centerpiece are in place with signage to follow. No formal policy change or budget appropriation was adopted at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with cost and legal guidance so the commission can consider allocation in the upcoming budget cycle.