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Select Board authorizes DPW director to buy trench box from Jordan
Summary
The Select Board authorized the DPW director to purchase a 6'x8' trench box from Jordan for $8,627 using the highway block grant after DPW explained safety needs, cost comparisons and use cases; board discussed rental vs. purchase and frequency of use.
The Select Board voted to authorize the Department of Public Works director to purchase a 6‑by‑8‑foot aluminum trench box from Jordan for $8,627, to be paid from the highway block grant, after a presentation on competing quotes and safety requirements.
DPW staff explained that excavations deeper than roughly 3 feet commonly require shoring and that owning a modular trench box — rather than renting — can speed emergency responses and reduce long‑term rental costs for recurring culvert, catch basin and roadside work. DPW compared three quotes: Jordan (in stock, $8,627), Iron Loft (~$9,450) and a higher configurable unit from another vendor; the director noted that modular panels allow damaged pieces to be replaced rather than buying a whole new unit.
The board examined the highway block grant balance and learned year‑to‑date spending left available funds sufficient to cover the purchase, subject to final accounting. Members asked whether renting for a construction season (estimated online rental examples ranged from about $960 per four‑week period to roughly $3,000 monthly for longer seasonal rent) would be more economical; DPW said seasonal rental could be viable but ownership is likely cost‑effective if the town expects recurring annual use for culvert/repair work.
Motion and outcome: a board member moved to authorize the DPW director to buy the Jordan 6'x8' trench box for $8,627; the motion was seconded and the board approved the purchase (no roll‑call vote was recorded in the transcript). DPW will coordinate delivery and accounting and charge the purchase to the highway block grant line item.
What’s next: DPW will proceed with the purchase, coordinate timing to match upcoming culvert/road projects and report back on delivery and initial use.
