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Resident questions whether tree-removal contract went to bid; selectmen OK LOSIP funds pending RFP confirmation
Summary
A resident and local tree-service owner, Matt Alterio, told the board he believes a town tree-removal job over the $25,000 bid threshold was not publicly advertised; after debate about budgeted tree funds versus LOSIP funds, the board authorized use of LOSIP funds for hazardous-tree removal contingent on confirming the bidding process.
Matt Alterio told the Board of Selectmen at the start of the meeting that a tree job discussed under LOSIP (loss of?) funds appeared to exceed the town charter’s $25,000 threshold for competitive bidding and that the town should provide proof of public/legal notice and the work scope if it went to bid. Alterio identified himself and his businesses, including Alterio Tree Service, and said there are many local firms able to bid such work.
At Item 8, selectmen discussed using LOSIP funds to remove hazardous trees the tree warden recommended. Board members asked why LOSIP funds were being used instead of the budgeted $75,000 tree allocation and requested a public-works tree plan to understand current and planned uses of budgeted tree money. Several members emphasized that if the original procurement process was not properly followed, the town should reissue a request for proposals.
Town staff and board members said they would check whether the RFP/bidding process was followed and confirm which funds are already reserved for other tree work. One selectman moved to allot LOSIP funds for the hazardous-tree removals pending confirmation that the RFP process had been followed; the motion included a caveat that the town would not proceed if the procurement process was found to be improper. The board approved the conditional use of LOSIP funds and asked Public Works for a tree plan and the procurement record.
Alterio also raised separate concerns about ‘paper roads’ on his property and a personnel stipend in a contract; selectmen noted those topics and encouraged him to follow up with staff.
