Committee authorizes DPW to expend up to $500,000 in Eversource reimbursements for paving account

DPW Director Jorge Jaime requested authorization to expend up to $500,000 in Eversource reimbursements into project account 19411 (DPW street paving) to streamline processing of payments for utility-related trench restorations and joint resurfacing projects. Jaime said the city has already received some reimbursements and is expecting additional payments as Eversource completes work and invoices the city; the account currently holds roughly $102,000 from prior receipts. He asked the committee to authorize a $500,000 spending limit so DPW does not need to return to committee for every check the utility issues. Committee members asked how Eversource reimbursement amounts are calculated; Jaime said the utility and the city use a volume/density module and the department performs its own estimates — the two approaches generally align. The committee voted to authorize DPW to expend up to $500,000 in Eversource reimbursement funds into the paving account and to return if additional authority is needed beyond that amount.