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Richmond to prepare 2026 bids as staff closes on two remaining easements
Summary
Staff told the commission most easements for a pipe project are secured; two remain (Cochran Road and Tilden/Jericho Road). Staff recommended preparing bid documents now so bidding can proceed if remaining easements and property transfer tax returns are completed before construction in spring 2026.
Town staff told the Richmond Water & Sewer Commission on Jan. 2 that easement attainments for a pipe project are nearly complete and that the commission can authorize bid preparation while the remaining legal paperwork is finalized.
Staff said the commission has secured the majority of required easements but still needs two: a Cochran Road parcel and the Tilden/Jericho Road parcel, and noted one easement currently has only a single owner signature and may require reissuance. Staff said they will contact property owners this week to obtain remaining signatures and will work with the town attorney to gather property‑transfer data required for property transfer tax returns (PTTRs).
The commission and staff agreed that bids can be prepared and released conditionally: if easements and PTTRs are completed before construction (engineering estimated the earliest construction window as April–May 2026), then bidding can proceed without delaying the overall project timeline. Staff cautioned, however, that construction may not commence until all easements and PTTRs are in place, and the commission discussed sequencing the legal steps with the town attorney.
Commissioners asked for confirmation when the attorney provides a recommended process for secure handling of requested sensitive information, including social security numbers needed for PTTRs, and for a status update to be returned to the commission at the next select board and commission meetings.
