Charles Cradethill, a resident, used the meeting’s public-comment period to press Middlesex County officials for details about a reimbursement agreement tied to the Smith Street collapse, identified in the meeting as Resolution 1276.

Cradethill asked what prompted the item’s placement on the agenda and whether the county would be fully reimbursed. A county official replied that “Resolution 1276 is the reimbursement agreement” and that the at-fault party would pay a “100% reimbursement for damages associated with the work they did.” The official did not provide a final total for the county’s costs.

During the exchange participants referenced several contract line items and estimates. Cradethill noted an item listed at $921,000. A county speaker referenced a CMH contract of $950,000 and a detour cost of $330,000, but said a final figure was not yet available. The transcript does not record a final total or a formal vote on Resolution 1276.

Cradethill said he appreciated that the county planned to seek reimbursement but urged greater public transparency about agenda items and follow-up after meetings. “I think this is an unfortunate situation. I’m glad that the county is able to secure full reimbursement from the party that’s at fault,” he said, adding a request for clearer public communication.

The reimbursement agreement was discussed only during public comment in the portion of the record provided. No formal action on Resolution 1276 (such as a recorded vote) appears in the transcript excerpt.