Wells Select Board approves sole-source design contract for fire substation to meet ballot timeline

The Wells Select Board voted unanimously on Feb. 17 to approve a $98,000 sole-source contract and to accept the design-phase scope for a proposed fire substation that town staff and the architectural firm LaValle Brinsinger previously studied.

Town staff presented a revised concept and a cost estimate for later renovation and construction that put total project costs in the $4.4 million to $4.5 million range. The design scope approved on Tuesday covers detailed architectural work, engineering coordination and documents that would be needed to go out to bid for construction.

Board members debated whether to use a sole-source procurement or run a competitive bid process. “It’s my opinion that we’re on a very limited time frame that we need to get something done up there,” said Select Board Member (Speaker 5), who also said he was uncomfortable with sole-sourcing but worried a full bid process would jeopardize scheduling for a November ballot. Town staff and other board members said the firm’s existing familiarity with the site and past facility studies would shorten the schedule.

An engineer in the meeting estimated a public competitive-bid process would take at least two to three months to prepare documents, advertise and review responses — a timeline staff said could push the project past the November ballot window.

Select Board Member (Speaker 4) moved to approve the sole-source scope and fees for the design phase; the motion was seconded and passed on a 4-0 voice vote. The board then approved the motion to accept the proposed scope of design-phase services as presented.

Next steps identified by staff include completing the detailed design documents and, if the board chooses, bringing a finalized package to voters if the town places the project on the ballot. No construction contract was awarded Tuesday; the vote covered only design-phase services.