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Committee approves April vendor invoice package; staff warns against withholding payments to Fontaine
Summary
The Walpole School Building Committee voted to approve the April vendor invoice package totaling $949,830.95. Staff cautioned that payments to contractor Fontaine are contractual obligations and cited Chapter 149 concerns if payments were withheld as a protest.
The Walpole School Building Committee approved the April vendor invoice package on May 6, totaling $949,830.95, which included a Fontaine requisition of $725,930.34 and other invoices for Vertex, TapPay and landscape coordination work.
At the meeting, Patrick (project staff) noted community concern about payments tied to the VIP package and emphasized the committee's fiscal obligation under the contract. Patrick said the scope of work had been performed and certified by TapPay and warned against withholding payment in a way that could expose the town to claims. He said, as recorded, that the matters were “governed by, general log 149," and added that Fontaine had been performing the contracted scope and submitting certified pay requisitions.
The motion to approve the vendor invoice package was moved by Ms. Giositz and seconded by Dr. Goff. The committee polling recorded several yes votes and two abstentions (one from Jack Fisher and one recorded by the chair, who said they would abstain because Jeff Fisher had lost connection). The invoice package vote passed with the abstentions noted.
Why it matters: The invoice package represents a significant monthly draw on the project account and the Fontaine requisition reflects work nearing completion; staff framed approval as a financial obligation rather than a new endorsement of contested work.
Details: The vendor package amount was $949,830.95. Fontaine's requisition portion was $725,930.34 and staff reported Fontaine at roughly 94% contract completion. TapPay performed invoice certification related to Fontaine pay applications.
Next steps: The committee approved the invoice package; staff will process payments consistent with contract terms and prepare any required documentation for MSBA reimbursement and project accounting.
