Resident raises questions about fence work and potential planning-board conflict; commission pledges review

During the citizens-to-be-heard portion of the meeting, resident Robert Pratch and others raised concerns about recent city-funded fence work behind Stackhouse and at a 10th Street headwall. Pratch said the work completed did not match contract specifications in length or height and questioned the cost and procurement process.

"They replaced that with 4 foot fence, so that's totally wrong," Pratch said, reading from minutes and his measurements and alleging that bids and work did not match what was approved. He provided a line-item cost comparison based on retail prices and labor estimates and asked the commission to review the work and the invoice before paying the remaining amounts.

Pratch also alleged a potential conflict of interest, pointing out that a contractor involved in the work, and the contractor’s partner, appeared to have been seated on a planning board vote relating to a project when the contractor stood to benefit. He asked the commission to examine whether board participation and procurement actions complied with the city’s conflict-of-interest rules.

Commissioners responded that they would review the work, the bidding and the planning-board minutes. One commissioner noted that the mayor had said he would look back at the file and promised to ensure the work paid for was completed correctly. Staff committed to reviewing contracts, field-work and documentation and to returning with findings.

The commission did not take immediate formal action on the complaint during the meeting but instructed staff to verify job completion and compliance with procurement and planning-board procedures.