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Select Board approves ADA ramp RFP timeline; committee to seek state review
Summary
The Mount Vernon ADA committee presented a draft RFP for a replacement ramp, with the board endorsing a posting around Feb. 15, proposals due April 15, and earliest construction start June 16; the RFP excludes generator relocation, demolition, site prep and paving, which the committee may address via separate RFPs.
The Mount Vernon Select Board heard an update on the town’s ADA ramp project and the committee’s plan to post a request for proposals in mid-February.
Dan, speaking for the ADA committee, said the group has “been meeting regularly” and proposed posting the draft RFP around Feb. 15, with a deadline for questions on April 7 and proposals due April 15. The committee expects to notify an award after town meeting, with the earliest start date around June 16 and a targeted completion date of Nov. 1, citing constraints related to the election season.
The draft RFP intentionally excludes several contract elements: relocation of the generator and tanks, demolition and disposal of the existing ramp, building restoration, earthwork for site prep and paving of the approach walk. Dan said the committee is considering either handling those pieces separately or issuing separate RFPs for general-contract work.
Christopher, who measured and reviewed the existing structure, stated directly, “The existing ramp is not ADA compliant,” and described multiple design problems including slope, landings and railings. Sherry Wenszel, a contractor who inspected the ramp, said a company that provided an estimate found the slope “close, but it was not ADA compliant,” and described rotted boards and trip hazards.
Board members discussed procurement structure and financing. Tyler emphasized this is a capital project that should be budgeted separately, and asked for cost estimates ahead of the budget committee’s April work so the project can be assigned the correct warrant article. Committee members said early estimates suggest the ramp itself may not exceed about $30,000 but cautioned that an overall project budget must include the excluded items or a separate general-contractor RFP.
The committee signaled a preference for aluminum for longevity and reduced maintenance, although members acknowledged that a wooden ramp could be built to meet ADA standards at potentially higher cost and maintenance. The board agreed it would seek review from the town’s insurer (MMA) and the state ADA/Human Rights Commission on the base design and to include explicit ADA-compliance language in the RFP evaluation criteria.
The Select Board closed the item with direction for the committee to refine budget figures and to circulate the design appendix for state vetting before posting the RFP.
