Select Board conditionally awards transfer‑station concrete and electrical work to low bidder, requests references

The Tamworth Select Board on March 25 conditionally approved awarding the concrete pad and electrical work required to install a new ground‑level municipal solid waste compactor, selecting U.S. EV Power Systems (a division of Notchland LLC) as low bidder subject to receipt of positive references and confirmation of insurance and schedule.

What the board reviewed

Rick Maroon (department head) and town staff reported they opened bids for concrete and electrical work to support a recently purchased ground‑level MSW compactor. The low concrete bid listed by USEV Power Systems was $4,925; other concrete bids were substantially higher (Conti Property Solutions $10,738.40; East Coast Foundation ~$5,890; Cobalt Construction ≈ $27,810). For electrical work Cobalt Construction bid about $18,005.60 while USEV bid $3,300.

USEV’s principals were described in meeting materials as Tom Bergeron (mechanical) and Gary Bergeron (master electrician); staff said a USEV principal indicated one of their principals would be on site if awarded. USEV also included an addendum price for recommended steel wear plates ($3,100).

Board concerns and decision

Several board members expressed concern at the large bid spread and asked staff to seek local references and documentation of insurance, equipment and scheduling before final award. The board discussed possible disruption to transfer‑station operations while electrical trenching is installed and asked staff to confirm whether the work could be done in April without closing the site for regular days.

A motion to award the concrete and electrical work to U.S. EV Power Systems was made, amended to be contingent on the town receiving at least three positive references and verification of insurance and an acceptable construction schedule, seconded, and approved by roll call.

Other transfer‑station updates

- Bathroom: A pre‑construction meeting for the new transfer‑station bathroom was scheduled for April 2; the septic design was approved and the town will contract separately with the architect (H E B and Alba Architects) to perform construction inspections on an hourly basis. - Compactor schedule and operations: Staff said USEV’s work may require trenching under the traffic lane and could force an operational adjustment for the transfer station for one day; staff proposed operational alternatives to minimize disruption. - Prefab building study: Engineers are exploring a future prefabricated building for sorting/compaction; town funds remain available from a town‑meeting appropriation and Sanborn Head will report back on feasible building types and cost per square foot.

Who spoke (selected)

- Rick Maroon, Department Head (transfer station report) - Richard Roberts, Select Board member (oversight; participated in site visit) - Emily, Town Administrator (bid opening, contract administration)

Clarifying details

- Bids received: concrete — U.S. EV Power Systems/Notchland LLC $4,925; East Coast Foundation ~$5,896; Conti Property Solutions $10,738.40; Cobalt Construction $27,810 (figures as read at bid opening). Electrical — U.S. EV Power Systems $3,300; Cobalt Construction $18,005.60. - Addendum (steel wear plates): USEV add price $3,100. - Staff requested at least three positive references and proof of insurance before executing the contract.

Next steps

Staff will obtain references, insurance certificates and finalize a construction schedule; if references and submittals are acceptable, the town will finalize contracts with U.S. EV Power Systems/Notchland LLC and coordinate the work to minimize transfer‑station disruption.