Wells Select Board approves pier expansion bid, equipment purchases, surveys and interim police oversight

The Wells Select Board took a series of formal actions on May 19, approving bid awards, licenses, personnel appointments and a short‑term assignment of police oversight.

Harbor Pier expansion: After reviewing three bids for the South Pier expansion at Harvard Pier, the board voted to award the base bid to Riverside Marine Construction, Inc. for $627,000. Staff had reviewed differences among bids — including gangway sourcing and mobilization costs — and recommended Riverside based on quality and past performance. The motion carried 5‑0.

Ballistic vests and helmets: The board approved the purchase of ballistic vests and helmets for the fire department from North American Rescue LLC. Staff reported roughly 15 bids were considered and that North American Rescue was the only company meeting all specifications, including PFAS‑free materials; the contract amount recorded in the meeting was $53,391.80. The vote was 5‑0.

Surveys and conservation land funding: The board scheduled a public hearing for June 2, 2026, to consider releasing up to $10,000 from the Conservation Land Acquisition Fund for a boundary survey of a donation of more than 30 acres from the Salufo family that would connect to town conservation holdings. Separately, the board accepted a low bid of $8,140 from Boothbay Region Surveyors for a boundary and existing-conditions survey of the Branch Road recreational property and authorized the town manager to sign the agreement (vote 5‑0).

Licenses and appointments: The board approved multiple routine license renewals for commercial recreation businesses and liquor licenses; most motions carried unanimously although one abstention was recorded during Trailblazers Family Club votes. The board also accepted several resignations from boards and commissions and made multiple appointments, including the appointment of Jennifer Robinson as warden for the June 9, 2026 annual town meeting and a slate of ballot clerks.

Interim police oversight: The board read and approved an order, citing charter provisions, that directs Town Manager Michael Pardue to assume interim management oversight of the Wells Police Department effective June 2, 2026, while the town conducts a search for a permanent chief following Chief Joanne Putnam’s retirement effective June 1, 2026. The motion was approved 5‑0.

Labor contract: In executive session the board approved a labor contract between the Town of Wells and the Wells Professional Firefighters (union language in the record references IAFF local numbers); the motion passed 5‑0.

Votes at a glance (selected formal outcomes): - Award Harbor Pier expansion to Riverside Marine Construction — $627,000 — outcome: approved (5‑0). - Award ballistic vests/helmets to North American Rescue LLC — $53,391.80 — outcome: approved (5‑0). - Schedule public hearing to release up to $10,000 for Salufo property boundary survey — outcome: approved (5‑0). - Award Branch Road rec park survey to Boothbay Region Surveyors — $8,140 — outcome: approved (5‑0). - Approve labor contract with Wells Professional Firefighters (IAFF reference) — outcome: approved (5‑0). - Assign interim management oversight of the Wells Police Department to Town Manager Michael Pardue, effective 06/02/2026 — outcome: approved (5‑0).

Why it matters: The pier award advances a major harbor infrastructure project; equipment purchases and survey approvals reflect near‑term operational work; interim management for the police department establishes town leadership during the chief search. Several actions required fund authorizations or will appear on future agendas for implementation.