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Somerset council presses for FullBridge decking repairs while weighing speed against quality
Summary
Council members agreed the FullBridge decking needs prompt attention before the next pool season but disagreed about fast-track emergency procurement versus a full RFP to secure higher-quality contractors; staff said decking replacement could be completed before the season, with larger structural work to follow in spring.
Somerset — Council members signaled urgency about replacing the timber decking on the FullBridge and repairing related structural defects but split on how quickly to move. EJ, the town manager, told the council that timber decking replacement is the most immediate community-facing fix and that a targeted RFP is being prepared; he said decking work should be complete before the next pool season, with remaining substructure repairs scheduled for early spring.
"The timber decking will not be a problem for the beginning of the pool season," EJ said, adding that the project’s substructure work could proceed without wholly blocking pedestrian traffic except when decking work requires a short closure.
Councilmember Kabir argued the town needs to accelerate procurement, including consideration of an emergency contract, because "we will have a mini town mutiny if that pool is not functional at the start of the pool season." Several members pushed back against an expedited emergency procurement, urging instead that the town secure a contractor that can do the work well. "I'd rather do it right," Councilmember Debbie said, warning that rushed work could lead to long-term problems.
EJ said staff has solicited 6-foot and 7-foot fence bid options after a security assessment and is preparing a memo for potential council action; he also said a timber-deck RFP will be issued to get that immediate work underway. The council asked staff to return with clearer timeline estimates, cost information and outreach plans for residents who may be affected by temporary bridge closures.
Next steps: staff will finalize a timber-deck RFP and report back with pricing and schedule options; council members suggested the possibility of a special meeting to approve any expedited contract if necessary.
