Council approves Fort Barton fence RFP, DPW labor transfer and ARPA restoration; renews planning contract

The Tiverton Town Council moved through several administrative and capital items in one block of business, approving measures intended to maintain ongoing projects and staffing.

Fence at Fort Barton: Council authorized funding to advertise a request for proposals for fence work at Fort Barton, part of a safety and viewing‑preservation effort along a cliff edge. Staff described the fence as a low or partial obstruction intended to preserve views while preventing falls; the motion to approve advertising the RFP carried unanimously.

DPW seasonal labor: The council approved a budget transfer of $3,710 to cover seasonal maintenance labor after the DPW extended seasonal help beyond what the original budget allowed.

ARPA restoration for fire overtime: The council authorized transfers totaling $108,117.57 to restore ARPA funds that had previously been allocated to fire department overtime. Administrator Carter explained the prior use of American Rescue Plan monies and said restoring the funds would preserve town accounting and allow future reimbursements to be handled appropriately. The motion passed unanimously.

Planning contract renewal: Council authorized the town administrator to finalize a renewal of the planner services contract with Weston & Sampson under a state mass price agreement, on a month‑to‑month basis while the town advertises for an in‑house planner.

Each of these items passed with a motion and a second; the meeting record shows unanimous consent on these administrative votes.