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Select Board approves $8,750 water-softener for new station; construction delays flagged
Summary
Town health officer John Paul Feignet told the board the old water-softener cannot be reused for the new building. The board approved spending $8,750 from the capital-improvement fund and authorized signature for the purchase; members also discussed contractor delays on cabinets and countertops and directed staff to consult town counsel on delay costs.
John Paul Feignet, town health officer and building clerk, told the Town of Rutland Select Board on Dec. 3 that the water-softener removed from the old station will not meet capacity needs for the new building and presented a quote from Arris (preferred vendor) of $8,750 to install a new system.
Feignet said hard well water can damage equipment and that the new building requires additional capacity (two tanks and additional design). “The hardness of the water can affect a lot of different things, pumps and equipment,” he said, and recommended the town purchase the new system to protect fixtures and apparatus.
A motion was made and seconded to expend $8,750 from the capital improvement fund to install the new system; the board approved the expenditure and then authorized a signing motion to execute the authorization paperwork. The meeting record states the motion carried (transcript: “Motion carries 5 1 0”) and subsequently that authorization to sign was made and carried.
The board also discussed ongoing construction delays at the new facility: Feignet reported a subcontractor ordered the wrong-color cabinet doors, potentially delaying countertop and finish work by two to three weeks. Board members expressed concern about continuing contractor costs during delays and asked Feignet to consult with town counsel and the general contractor (VMS) to determine whether the town can seek credits for delay-related continuing costs. The board emphasized it does not expect to absorb avoidable contractor-caused expenses.
What’s next: Feignet will discuss the matter with the general contractor at the scheduled meeting, provide cost estimates for any continuing contractor expenses, and consult town counsel so the board can determine whether contractual remedies are available. The town also discussed reuse of the removed softener at the Center Rutland station; the fire chief later indicated he could place it in Center Rutland if appropriate.
Vote/action taken: Motion to pay $8,750 from capital-improvement fund to install the water-softener passed; authorization to sign associated paperwork was granted.
