Charlton commission approves up to $20,000 for emergency replacement vault hatch on Route 20

The Town of Charlton Board of Sewer and Water Commissioners authorized an emergency purchase of a replacement hatch for a damaged subgrade vault on Oxbow Road (within the Route 20 reconstruction area), approving up to $20,000 to purchase an H‑20‑rated access assembly so the vault is not buried during upcoming paving operations.

Chris (consultant) explained that the vault’s existing hatch was beyond reuse and that the roadway contractor would place final pavement within days. “We have to move on a replacement hatch, immediately. It's not gonna be covered under the DW White / MassDOT roadway improvement because it's infrastructure the town had that was damaged prior to,” Chris said. He asked the board for authority to order a replacement with lead time of two to three weeks.

Commissioners discussed setting a not-to-exceed limit and agreed $20,000 was an appropriate maximum to avoid delaying paving while giving staff authority to source an H‑20 unit. The board voted to authorize the chair (through staff) to proceed with a purchase up to $20,000.

During the roll call, one commissioner recused himself from the vote because of a family relationship with a supplier: Commissioner Eric Groton declined to vote, saying he had a conflict (he stated EJ is his grandfather). The recorded vote was: Paul Gagner — aye; Tom Coleman — aye; Eric Groton — recused/declined to vote; Eric Bernard — aye; Robert Coleman — aye.

Procedurally, the board instructed Chris and town staff to proceed with sourcing and to communicate specifics and delivery timing to the commission and town administrative staff so the parts are on hand when the final paving is placed.