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Board recommends $170,500 from surplus to finish Elm Street engineering, unlocking $4.6M loan/grant
Summary
The Thomaston Board of Finance voted to recommend a town meeting authorize $170,500 from surplus to complete engineering by Ty and Bond for Elm Street reconstruction; the engineering increase (total $370,500) is intended to unlock a roughly $4.6 million loan/grant for full reconstruction.
The Thomaston Board of Finance voted to recommend that the Board of Selectmen convene a town meeting to approve an additional $170,500 from the towns surplus to complete engineering for Elm Street reconstruction. The additional authorization would raise the engineering contract to $370,500 and allow the town to proceed to secure a roughly $4.6 million loan/grant for construction.
Rich presented the updated engineering findings, saying the project's scope expanded after core borings and public hearings. The revised plan calls for full-depth roadway replacement on Elm Street, improved sidewalk repairs, on-street parking where appropriate, and raised crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety; it does not include any greenway work. Rich said the $4.6 million estimate for construction is inclusive of the design changes.
Board members asked how to fund the additional engineering cost. Several members said bonding for a one-time engineering expense was not appropriate and recommended using fund balance. A board member moved to recommend approval and to ask the Board of Selectmen to place an expenditure of $170,500 on the town meeting warrant to be funded from surplus; the motion was seconded by Mike Matt. The board then conducted a roll-call vote: Steve Turner, Jack Deivera, George Seaborn, Luke Freeth, Mike Matt and Adam Silverman voted in favor; the motion passed.
The board recorded that it had previously authorized $200,000 for the earlier, more limited engineering scope; the newly requested $170,500 completes the $370,500 total. Tracy was asked to remove the $170,500 from the bond plan and proceed with contract paperwork for Ty and Bond.
Next steps: the board will refer the recommendation to the Board of Selectmen and, if placed on the warrant, town meeting voters will decide whether to authorize the additional appropriation. If approved by voters, the completed engineering will be used to apply for the loan/grant and to advance construction.
