Lakeville fire station contractor signed; start delayed pending Natural Heritage clearance and $15,120 turtle mitigation

Page Construction has an executed contract, bonds and insurance in place for the Town of Lakeville fire station project, but the contractor will not receive a formal notice to proceed until the state Natural Heritage program signs off on use of the site, committee members said at the Oct. 8 meeting.

Taylor, a town staff member overseeing the project, told the committee that the contractor and design team held a kickoff meeting last Friday to review responsibilities, change-order and request-for-information procedures and points of contact. "No turtles were found," Taylor said after a sweep by LEC biologist Brian Madden, referring to an eastern box turtle survey conducted to meet Natural Heritage requirements.

The finding clears one hurdle but not the final authorization. Committee members said Natural Heritage offered the project an alternative to land protection: a calculated donation to an eastern box turtle mitigation fund. The committee reported that the required payment is $15,120. Staff said they will place a recommendation for the Select Board to approve that payment on an upcoming agenda so Natural Heritage can release the site for active work; staff estimate Natural Heritagerelease could take roughly two to three weeks after receipt of the payment and associated reporting.

Contract administration details remain in motion. Staff said Page Construction has assembled subcontractors and is preparing to mobilize (clearing, fence installation, trailers and temporary power) but will not begin ground-disturbing work until Natural Heritage provides…