Insurance hurdle stalls Silver Maple forestry work; contractor plans July start if resolved

Commissioners reported continued negotiations over contract liability language for the Silver Maple forestry project. The commission has been working with a contractor/organization identified as MREN and with local contacts; contract language acceptable to local interests has been hard to find.

The Chair said the only contract the contractor (Lauren) could find that met the liability requirements would cost roughly $2,000 and might lead the contractor to decline the project. Commission members said they were pressing for a middle ground. The contractor’s plan, as reported in the meeting, is to submit the contract with insurance that names the town as a covered entity at the beginning of July and to start work then if the insurance and contract are acceptable.

Commissioners expressed cautious optimism but acknowledged the arrangement is not yet finalized and could slip if a last-minute problem emerges. No formal contract award or payment was recorded in the meeting minutes.

Members asked the select board and town staff to confirm insurance requirements and to note any contractor conditions before authorizing work to begin.