Council authorizes purchase up to $185,000 for Sand Hill Road and 687 Lisbon St. as fill/staging site after split vote

The council voted to authorize acquisition of parcels at 6 Sand Hill Road and 687 Lisbon Street for up to $185,000 to secure a city fill and staging site for public-works materials and excavated soils.

Public Works Director Kevin Gagne told the council the city has been using a former quarry at 94 River Road as a staging area but that capacity is approaching a year's remaining storage. The Sand Hill parcel, Gagne reported, has a recent history of use as a staging/stockpile area and sits near existing maintenance operations; acquisition would provide the city a nearby location to accept catch-basin grit, trench spoils and other clean stormwater-related materials without using the municipal landfill.

The owner sought to sell the two parcels together, Gagne said, and offered flexibility on how material on the site might factor into negotiation. Several councilors urged caution and asked for a negotiated price and property survey before concluding the sale. One councilor noted that the parcels' assessed combined value was roughly $33,000 and expressed concern paying many times assessed value; others said an available, city-controlled fill site is valuable operationally and could avoid future disposal costs.

After discussion, the council authorized the acquisition by a 4-3 vote. Opponents preferred further negotiation and a firmer fiscal justification before committing $185,000; supporters stressed operational need for a secure fill/staging site and the risk of higher costs later if no municipal option is available.

Ending: Staff said they will continue negotiations and proceed within the council's authorization; if the purchase closes, Public Works will coordinate surveys, legal review, and integrate the site into operations.