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Berwick delays $96,500 front-steps renovation after questions about railings and election accessibility
Summary
The board discussed replacing Town Hall's front steps with $96,500 granite or a brick alternative about $6,000 cheaper. Members asked staff to return with railing retrofit costs and timeline; the motion was tabled to the next meeting.
The Berwick Select Board on June 16 discussed a proposal to replace the municipal building's front steps and tabled action after members asked staff to provide more information on railing retrofit costs and the project timeline.
Town Manager Arthur presented two options: a granite staircase priced at $96,500 and a brick alternative approximately $6,000 less. Arthur proposed funding the work by using $58,317 in the masonry capital-improvement program (CIP) and transferring $38,183 from the building CIP, which would leave roughly $40,000 in that account for other projects. The manager said the contractor recommended granite for durability.
Board members expressed concern that removing existing railings for the work could leave the steps unusable for elections unless replacements fit properly or are available before the November election. Members asked staff to obtain estimates for railings, confirm whether custom railings would be required and provide an installation schedule. Some members said they preferred granite for longevity but declined to approve the project until the full cost (steps plus railings) and schedule were confirmed.
A motion to proceed with the granite quote was moved and seconded for discussion but ultimately a separate motion to table the item until the next meeting passed. Staff was directed to return with railing cost estimates and a timeline so the project can be scheduled without compromising election access or other planned renovations.
