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Select Board weighs contractor quotes and in-house work to clear stumps at town office site
Summary
The board reviewed three quotes to remove stumps and prep the town office lot — grinding for $2,500, a $7,500 quote, and a $9,500 comprehensive package — and discussed renting an excavator versus hiring a contractor; liability and volunteer-insurance coverage were raised.
Board members reviewed options to remove stumps and prepare the town office site, discussing contractor quotes, excavator rental costs, and the possibility of completing the work in-house using town volunteers.
Presenter summarized three proposals: a stump-grinding quote for about $2,500 (Ernie Shaw), a $7,500 quote for stump removal, and a comprehensive package (remove stumps, prep site, add fill, grade and pave) for $9,500. The presenter also priced an excavator rental at $2,300 for two days or $2,800 for a week, which includes liability coverage, and said local volunteers might be available to operate rented equipment.
Members debated trade-offs: contracting would ensure the work is done cleanly and avoid the town's labor burden, while an in-house approach could save several thousand dollars. One member noted the town could postpone fill until spring and grind stumps now, using ditching work in the spring to complete grading and gravel placement. The board also discussed volunteer liability: volunteer work would fall under MMA volunteer insurance, but employee-performed in-house work carries different liability implications.
No final procurement decision was made. Members asked staff to obtain additional quotes and to verify liability coverage details for volunteer work; one member volunteered availability over Thanksgiving weekend to help with in-house work if the board pursues that option.
