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Select board debates replacement plan after cemetery mowing contractor signals resignation
Summary
The Chelsea Select Board discussed a contracting dispute after the town's cemetery mower indicated he would resign; members weighed running the current contract to term per attorney advice versus negotiating with a local contractor to take over remaining months. Board agreed to seek figures from both parties and attorney clearance before deciding.
The Chelsea Select Board on July 17 discussed how to handle a cemetery and grounds mowing contract after the incumbent contractor signaled he would step away before the end of the year.
Chair said the town attorney advised it is "safer to run him out to the end of the year" and then issue a new request for proposals. Board members raised concerns about continuing poor performance through the fall and the risk of leaving cemeteries untended if a replacement could not be lined up immediately.
"If you're going to continue to the end of the year your performance has to be what everybody expects you to do," the Chair said, recounting a conversation with the contractor and urging that standards must improve if he remains. Several members suggested reaching out to the second-highest bidder or a local contractor — identified in the meeting as Alex — to see if that person would take over the remaining months at a negotiated price.
The transcript records the town discussing a $13,500 figure tied to part of the contractor's pay, with board members noting portions of that sum came from fiscal year 2024 and some from fiscal year 2025. Board members also flagged contractual language on breach and substitution that allows the town to hire a temporary or permanent substitute under specified conditions.
Members debated practical risks: one warned that ending the contract prematurely could require a special town meeting and an RFP, and might leave the town without service for an interim period. Others urged the board to secure a firm written offer if it planned to ask the current contractor to resign earlier than his stated date.
The board took no formal vote to terminate the contract at the meeting. Instead, members agreed to: (1) ask the current contractor, Josh, whether he will provide a resignation effective Aug. 6 or Aug. 7; (2) have Town staff and representatives meet with Alex to confirm a firm price for the remainder of the season and get attorney sign-off on any transition; and (3) return the matter to the next meeting for a final decision.
The Chair said the town would avoid rushing into termination without legal review and a clear plan to avoid service gaps. "Let's double check and make sure we're safe if that's the road we are going to take," she said.
Next step: staff will contact the contractors and the town attorney and bring figures and any proposed resignation letters back to the board at the next meeting for a formal vote.
