Bradford Select Board asks engineers to pursue low fire-station bid, awards mowing contract and extends tiny-home moratorium

BRADFORD, July 22, 2024 — The Town of Bradford Select Board voted Monday to ask its engineering consultant to validate and pursue the low construction bid for a proposed new fire station, awarded a roadside mowing contract and extended a moratorium on boarding houses and tiny homes while the Planning Board finishes ordinance updates.

The board, chaired by Edward Nevells, asked Plymouth Engineering to follow up with DP Porter, the low bidder at $1,999,000, and to check paperwork and negotiate any reductions before the town decides whether to award the contract. Keith of Plymouth Engineering said the firm will review submissions for completeness and that the contractor would have one year to complete the job under the draft contract; he also discussed liquidated-damage provisions.

The move followed the public opening of six bids for the fire station. The bids read aloud included: DP Porter — $1,999,000 (low); McNaughton Construction/Corinna — $2,062,345.78; Bowman Construction/Newport — $2,206,000; Aaron Newcomb/Holden — $2,206,000; Nichols Construction/Bangor — $2,190,256; and Lupo Inc./Etna — $3,359,930. Plymouth’s last project estimate had been $1.96 million, and board members discussed contingencies during the meeting.

"We will review the packets. Make sure all the paperwork is appropriate," Keith said about Plymouth Engineering's next steps. He also noted that the contract allows one year for completion from the signing date.

Chair Edward Nevells moved that Plymouth Engineering pursue the low bid from DP Porter, validate the bid package and, where possible, negotiate reductions; Carlene Oakes seconded. The motion passed by a show of hands, 5-0.

In other formal actions, the board awarded the roadside mowing contract to Kyle Pederson (low bid $2,800.00). Terrie-Sue Allen moved to proceed with Pederson; Carlene Oakes seconded. The vote was recorded as four in favor with one abstention (Levi Surette).

The board also extended the town's existing moratorium on boarding houses and tiny homes for 180 days to give the Planning Board time to finish revisions to the land-use ordinance. Planning Board member Joyce Dyer flagged legal feedback that requires further corrections; Chair Nevells' motion to extend the moratorium passed 5-0.

The Fire Department reported a $7,008.72 grant to purchase a Lifeline Arm chest-compression device, battery and charger. Because the grant did not cover the full cost, the board approved using $2,911.00 from the reserve account to make up the difference. Carlene Oakes moved to use the reserve funds; Timothy Bubar seconded and the motion passed 5-0.

Votes at a glance: - Approval of July 1, 2024 minutes: motion by Terrie-Sue Allen, second Edward Nevells; recorded vote 3-0-2 (Levi Surette and Carlene Oakes abstained). - Accounts Payable #45: approved (motion Edward Nevells; second Timothy Bubar) 5-0. - Payroll warrants #43, #44, #46: approved (motion Edward Nevells; second Timothy Bubar) recorded 4-0-1 (Carlene Oakes abstained). - Motion to have Plymouth Engineering pursue DP Porter low bid: motion Edward Nevells; second Carlene Oakes; passed 5-0. - Roadside mowing contract awarded to Kyle Pederson: motion Terrie-Sue Allen; second Carlene Oakes; vote recorded 4 in favor, 1 abstention (Levi Surette). - Moratorium extension on boarding houses and tiny homes (180 days): motion Edward Nevells; second Carlene Oakes; passed 5-0. - Use of reserve funds ($2,911.00) for Fire Department equipment: motion Carlene Oakes; second Timothy Bubar; passed 5-0.

What’s next: Plymouth Engineering will validate the DP Porter bid package and report back to the board. The Planning Board will continue ordinance revisions; the moratorium remains in place for 180 days. The town will post awarded contracts and next steps as procurement and review proceed.

Reporting note: Quotes and motions are taken from the July 22, 2024 Select Board minutes and the meeting transcript; vote counts and dollar amounts were read into the official record during the meeting.