The Board of Selectmen reviewed a drainage problem behind the new police station and heard an update on construction progress and pending change orders at its Jan. 7 meeting.

Staff and engineering representatives told the board the drainage issue behind the police-station parking area (near a tenant karate studio) requires a short engineering plan and contractor work such as catch basins, tanks and crushed-stone access. Selectmen said if the repair is modest (staff estimated under roughly $10,000) it could be handled with public-works resources or a small contract; if the repair requires substantially more, funds likely should come from the police-station project budget.

The board also received an update on the police-station project: members reviewed a change-order log through Nov. 27, discussed pending small-authority change orders that the building committee had already authorized, and reviewed site items including an extension of fencing to square off a rear impound/storage area, security cameras, site stone and potential irrigation. Members stressed the need to confirm Massachusetts Department of Transportation curb-cut approvals for the Bedford Street entrance to avoid rework and duplicate costs.

Selectmen said they will await firm cost estimates for the drainage repair before deciding which fund to use and suggested getting competitive quotes from the highway department or local contractors. The board asked staff to bring cost estimates back for a future vote. Separate votes taken earlier in the meeting (see votes roundup) included routine administrative items relating to the police-station project, and the board indicated it will schedule a tour for selectmen when the site is safe for a visit.

No formal action to shift funds or authorize large change orders was taken at the Jan. 7 meeting.