Commissioners approve engineering, janitorial, kitchen and fiber contracts; multiple procurement votes pass

The Merrimack County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 22, 2025, approved multiple procurement and facilities items intended to support county operations and the nursing home, including an engineering services agreement for wastewater permitting, a new janitorial contract for county buildings, kitchen equipment purchases, additional registry position rates for the nursing home, and a below‑ground fiber run between two county facilities.

Why the items were on the agenda

Presenters told the board these items are routine but necessary to comply with regulatory requirements and improve operations. Chris Peterson explained that the county must conduct additional groundwater monitoring and submit a permit package to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) as the facility transitions from unlined lagoons to lined lagoons. Underwood Engineering — which previously worked on the ARPA‑funded wastewater treatment project — provided a services quote and a proposed three‑year services agreement with no upfront retainer and an estimated $5,000 to assemble the permit package.

The county requested proposals for janitorial services for the old courthouse and the county attorney’s office. Seven responses were received; Pro City (Manchester) won the evaluation on price and past work and was awarded a contract at $3,008.90 per month. The board approved a purchase of four refrigerators and one warming cabinet for nursing‑home dietary operations, and approved adding receptionist and health information clerk rates to the county’s nursing‑home registry program to help recruitment and reduce overtime.

The board also approved a subsurface fiber run between the nursing home and the McLeod Building, using existing conduit and manholes. County staff said the fiber run will support future renovations and will enable the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension to move into the McLeod Building with its own network connectivity.

Votes at a glance

- Engineering services agreement (Underwood Engineering) — motion to approve the services agreement and proceed with permit package preparation (quote: $5,000 to assemble the permit). Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Janitorial services contract (Pro City) — award at $3,008.90 per month for the old courthouse and attorney’s office. Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Kitchen equipment purchase — four refrigerators and one warming cabinet for the nursing home and employee dining; procurement approved. Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Registry program rates — add receptionist and health information clerk rates to the nursing‑home registry pool to aid recruitment. Outcome: approved (voice vote). - Fiber run between nursing home and McLeod Building — below‑ground fiber installation using existing conduit and manholes. Outcome: approved (voice vote).

Each motion passed on unanimous voice votes with the three commissioners present recorded as voting in favor.

Regulatory and procurement notes

Peterson told the board DES rules require professional engineer stamps on permit submittals; the engineering agreement is intended to ensure compliance with DES and EPA requirements tied to the wastewater project. The janitorial award followed an RFP and on‑site tour; staff said Pro City toured the facilities and provided the lowest responsive bid. The fiber work will be subsurface, using three existing manholes between the buildings.

Ending

The board advanced these facilities and procurement items to avoid regulatory delay, reduce operational overtime at the nursing home, and prepare connectivity for upcoming renovations. Several approvals were unanimous by voice vote; staff will proceed to finalize contracts and schedule work.