Select Board approves $20,300 contract to repair Great Hill fire tower

The Tamworth Select Board voted June 9 to award a $20,300 contract to Tamworth House and Masonary Repair LLC to renovate the Great Hill fire tower after the conservation commission recommended the lower local bid.

A presenter for the conservation commission told the board that two bids were received and that the commission favored the local company after checking references and confirming required insurance. Board members noted a significant difference in the two bids and asked why; the presenter said the larger company proposed more staging and added scope, while the local bidder proposed a smaller‑scale approach consistent with past maintenance work.

During discussion members recalled a past instance when a contractor raised a bid after award and urged contract language to prevent post‑award increases. One board member said they would recuse themselves from the decision. The board nevertheless voted to support the conservation commission’s recommendation; the recorded vote showed three yes votes and one abstention.

Board members and staff discussed next steps for contracting and logistics: Emily (administrative staff) will process the signature file and the contract can be signed between meetings if three signatures are obtained; the contractor will coordinate start dates and site access with state forestry staff (the presenter referenced contact with Mike Powers). The board said volunteers will handle some finishing tasks (painting, step replacement) to control costs.

The board closed the item by noting that the contractor should not begin substantial work until the contract is signed, but that pre‑planning and scheduling conversations with the contractor and state staff could proceed. The town will coordinate access, signage and any temporary closures during work.