Council awards pool-fence contract to Superior Fence & Rail after debate over review time

Somerset — The Town Council voted to award a contract to Superior Fence & Rail to replace the pool perimeter fence, beginning with the creek-side section that county police advised should be raised to seven feet.

Town Manager explained the RFP evaluation and recommended Superior Fence & Rail for its pool-specific experience. Mark McAllister, who appeared on Zoom for Superior, described on-site inspection and technical approaches, saying the company could meet ADA spacing and pool-code requirements and proposing 36-inch-deep footings and bolting posts to the pool deck for additional support.

One councilor (Rohit) said the packet of proposals arrived too late and requested more time for review; he moved to table the award to allow additional public input and evaluation. That motion failed. Council President Barr and other members said they had sufficient information and that staff had answered questions during the meeting. Council then moved and approved the Superior Fence & Rail proposal for the creek-side 7-foot fence by voice vote.

Town Attorney and staff noted that Montgomery County permitting applies: fences above 6.5 feet may be treated as accessory structures and trigger setback requirements. Superior’s representative said a county permit would be sought if the final design exceeds the 6.5-foot threshold. The council asked staff to ensure county setbacks and permit timing would not delay completion before the next pool season.

The contract award moves the project into permitting and procurement; staff will return with final timeline and permit confirmations.