Selectmen award boundary‑survey contract to Meridian Land Services for Milford Community Land

The Milford Board of Selectmen voted 3–2 on May 27 to award a contract for a boundary survey of Milford Community Land (Map 38, Lot 58) to Meridian Land Services, a step town staff said is necessary to satisfy a permit condition related to an Alteration of Terrain (AOT) permit.

Town officials said the survey will map the perimeter of the community land and produce the legal description needed to record a warranty deed or conservation easement that, according to staff remarks during the meeting, must show permanent protection over roughly 75 acres within the parcel. The board discussed two proposals submitted in response to a town RFP; staff reported Meridian’s bid at $11,250 and Fieldstone’s at $11,840 after an apples‑to‑apples comparison.

Selectwoman Tina Philbrick moved to award the survey contract to Meridian Land Services; Selectman Paul Darje seconded. A roll‑call vote produced a 3–2 result and the motion passed, with Selectman Chris Labonte and Selectman David Friel recorded as opposed.

Board members and staff described timing and dependencies: staff said the AOT permit requires documentation of the protected boundary before ground‑disturbing work on the property can begin. During the discussion selectmen raised the option of using the local firm Fieldstone but were told Meridian already has project files and crews available to begin sooner. Board members also debated whether the board should review the final survey before it is recorded; some members said the survey could be recorded without returning to the board, while others asked for a future briefing.

Staff indicated crews could begin once the contract is executed. The board recorded the vote and instructed staff to proceed with the vendor selection process and scheduling.

No legal instrument was adopted at the meeting; the action taken was the procurement decision to hire Meridian for the survey work.