Greenwich RTM approves $1.161 million interim appropriation and bonding authorization for North Street Bridge after electronic-vote glitch

The Representative Town Meeting approved two actions to keep the North Street Bridge replacement on schedule: a $1,161,000 interim appropriation and a separate bonding authorization to cover the full project if needed. Both measures were presented by Jim Michael, Commissioner of Public Works.

Commissioner Michael said the project was taken to bid and the lowest qualified construction bid was $3,883,451. DPW added 10% for incidentals and proposed a 15% construction contingency. With incentive provisions and contingencies the total projected cost is $4,760,563. The town has previously approved about $3.7 million for the project and expects a Connecticut Department of Transportation Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program grant that will reimburse roughly $4.27 million; after accounting for the grant the town’s net exposure is expected to be about $500,000. To cover the bid gap and contingencies the RTM approved the $1,161,000 interim appropriation (vote recorded: 201 in favor, 0 opposed, 2 abstaining).

BOC and the finance and public-works committees recommended approval after questioning. Committee members noted the 15% contingency is higher than typical but said the contingency was included to avoid a mid-summer interim appropriation request if costs rise during the condensed summer construction schedule. The town is also offering a $200,000 incentive if the contractor completes the summer phase early; incentive amounts decline $20,000 per day over 10 days and liquidated damages of $40,000 per day apply if the contractor extends beyond the allowance.

The bonding resolution to authorize issuance of bonds for the project was taken up separately; committee reports explained that the town would seek authorization for the full project amount but expects to bond only what is needed (roughly $500,000) if the state grant arrives as expected. The bonding vote initially failed to record reliably because of an electronic-voting malfunction. The moderator paused the meeting while staff rebooted the system and reopened voting; after the reboot the bonding authorization passed in the re-run.

Commissioner Michael emphasized DPW vetted the low bidder through its consultant, consulted the Connecticut Department of Transportation on past project performance and confirmed the contractor is an approved group-4 bridge contractor. Committee members added that state reimbursement for these grants is typically provided in advance of construction.

The RTM’s action keeps the North Street Bridge project on track for summer 2026 construction and authorizes a funding structure that the town expects will be covered largely by state grant dollars, with a modest local contribution if necessary.