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Selectboard approves $49,300 Sanborn Head amendment for transfer-station bathroom despite one dissent
Summary
Sanborn Head's amendment No.1 to design and bid a transfer-station bathroom for $49,300 was approved; the work is tied to a USDA $500,000 grant and must meet federal Architect/Barrier Act accessibility requirements. One member voted no, citing potential cheaper options.
The Selectboard approved an amendment to the engineering contract with Sanborn Head to design and prepare bid documents (plus construction management) for an outdoor transfer-station bathroom at an estimated cost of $49,300.
Unidentified Speaker (S5) explained Sanborn Head's amendment No. 1 is needed now because the project has federal funding from USDA (approximately $500,000) and that using the federal process increases design requirements. "When you get federal funds, some of those go for things you might not necessarily do if you just had your own money," S5 said, adding this explains higher-than-expected design costs.
Board members raised cost concerns. One Selectboard member said they intended to vote no because they thought another engineering firm might have provided a cheaper option; that member was the lone no vote when the motion passed by roll call (4 yes, 1 no).
The board also discussed accessibility standards. USDA staff advised the project must meet the Architect/Barrier Act (more stringent than ADA for some federal projects) but noted the small size of the bathroom would make compliance manageable. The board recorded the vote and will proceed with contract amendment and subsequent construction bidding.
Because the work is part of a federally funded package, staff emphasized careful documentation to remain eligible for USDA funds.
Next steps: accept the amendment, complete required federal-compliance steps, and circulate bid documents when ready.
