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Select Board considers short-term septic fix to open 76 Main Street community center as sewer and elevator bids rise
Summary
Facing much higher-than-expected bids for sewer connection and elevator work at the 76 Main Street community center, the board discussed a short-term septic repair (estimated $2,500—$10,000) to allow limited occupancy in May and agreed to delay a special town meeting vote while gathering final bid numbers.
The Select Board debated whether to include additional borrowing for the new community center on a special town meeting warrant after updated bids raised costs for a sewer connection and the elevator. Town staff and department heads reported that a full sewer connection could push the project cost much higher and that elevator bids remain incomplete.
Chris (DPW/operations staff) described a short-term fix for the site's failed septic system that he said could be done in-house or by a contractor for a modest amount. Chris reported a contractor estimate of about "$2,500 for a distribution box replacement" and said Town staff believe in-house repairs could be done for a similar, small amount; a town engineer suggested an upper bound for more extensive short-term work could be under $10,000. The board discussed using the temporary septic repair to open the first floor in May while pursuing final bids for a permanent sewer connection and elevator installation.
Why it matters: if the board does not secure a short-term fix or accelerate a sewer connection, project timing could force a special town meeting or delay openings. Brandon and others noted that septic repair money would be expended if the town later connects to sewer, but members weighed that against the public benefit of opening community space sooner. Several members said they preferred the septic short-term fix and to delay a special town meeting until final bids and elevator numbers are in.
Board actions: the group agreed to move ahead with a short-term septic repair approach to allow limited building use while staff finalize bids and cost estimates for sewer and elevator work. They also discussed options to split elevator procurement (shaft work vs. equipment) so some work could proceed before a town meeting vote if appropriate.
Ending: The board directed staff to pursue the short-term repair and return with final elevator and sewer bids for a future meeting and possible town meeting warrant language.
