Staff asks board to allow FEMA-selected contractor for Windsor Road Bridge; board seeks written commitments

Town staff asked the Select Board on Jan. 15 for permission to pursue a procurement approach that would allow FEMA to select and provide a contractor for the Windsor Road Bridge repair, arguing that FEMA coverage of most costs could make an exemption to the towns usual three-bid requirement appropriate.

"If we're paying for it, can you let us pick who we need to use?" the presenting staff member said, recounting FEMAs offer to have a contractor the agency already used assess and potentially design the bridge replacement instead of pursuing local competitive bids.

Staff described preliminary funding splits relayed by FEMA: "my understanding ... is that FEMA would pay 90% we would pay 5% and the state would pay 5% of the whole project." Board members raised concerns about being tied to a FEMA-recommended design or contractor if the town does not solicit bids, and asked whether the town could still reject the recommended design or contract after FEMAs review. Staff said they would seek written confirmation and follow up with FEMA contact Marcel on Friday, with a return to the board expected in February.

Board members also asked practical questions about whether the bridge was damaged by falling trees and whether a concrete culvert might have sustained less damage, which could affect design and cost. Several members expressed conditional support for working with FEMA if the funding and protections were verified in writing.

Staff emphasized they were seeking the boards willingness to pursue a FEMA-exempt procurement path as a preliminary step; no formal procurement decision or contract award was made at the Jan. 15 meeting.