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Public Works board suspends road‑rating vendor, hires consultant and approves multiple funding and policy changes
Summary
At its regular meeting the Board of Public Works voted to suspend its contract with the Biolytics/Bioelectrics roadway‑rating service, authorize a $25,000 contract with Beta Engineering to re‑rate city streets, back a lease‑style fleet financing approach, raise mailbox reimbursement from $75 to $125, and accept an Eversource appropriation for pavement restoration.
The Board of Public Works approved several motions addressing road assessment, fleet financing and local policy changes during its meeting.
The board voted to cease the current roadway‑rating service provided by Biolytics/Bioelectrics after members raised accuracy and reliability concerns; the motion passed by voice vote. The board then authorized procurement of Beta Engineering for $25,000 to perform a comprehensive roadway rating and update the city’s asset‑management data.
Commissioner David Hartley moved to show support for a lease‑style financing arrangement to accelerate replacement of public‑works vehicles, and the board recorded its support by voice vote. Director Ray Bogaczynski said the approach is effectively a financing plan (five‑ to seven‑year options were discussed) intended to address critical equipment shortages that hampered response during recent storms.
The board raised mailbox reimbursement from $75 to $125 after a motion to update the Department of Public Works policy; members also moved to have staff and corporation counsel contact a resident, Steven Chase, who had requested full reimbursement for storm‑damaged property. The director will update the policy and handle the outreach.
Separately, the board approved transfers totaling $87,000 to support the new road‑rating work, program supplies and an intern, and accepted an additional appropriation of $1,069,000 from Eversource for pavement restoration where Eversource replaced gas mains. Chair Ellen Zapposaso said the Eversource contribution will be put to use restoring roadway areas disturbed by the utility’s work.
The votes were taken by voice with the board indicating approval in each instance; where specific vote tallies were not recorded on the transcript, the minutes reflect motions were approved and carried.
