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Selectmen weigh lower-cost alternatives after salt/sand shed bids far exceed estimates
Summary
Town staff told selectmen a low building bid for a new salt/sand shed came in far above the town’s budget, prompting review of lower-cost alternatives including fabric structures; the board authorized further engineering review and scheduled construction planning for September.
Stonington — Selectmen spent multiple meetings this year reviewing responses to a solicitation for a new salt and sand storage facility after the lowest formal bid exceeded earlier cost expectations.
Town Manager TM Billings and consulting engineer Andrew McCullough told the board that an initial bid package returned a figure in the mid-six‑hundreds of thousands (the bid documents inerviewed by staff mentioned roughly $708,000), prompting staff to brief the board on lower-cost options including All‑wood designs and fabric‑style buildings used in other municipalities.
The move followed a staff review of alternatives from vendors including a Rubb USA fabric shelter and other suppliers. On April 15 the board voted to pursue a vendor and design that balanced durability with budget constraints; by May the town had signed a contract for site work and set an installation target for September, with additional excavation and oversight costs to be covered from budgeted project lines.
Why it matters: the shed must meet DEP and state storage guidance while providing long-term, dry storage for winter materials. The Selectmen framed the decision as a choice between a high‑upfront capital build and a less expensive structure that still meets regulatory and operational needs.
What the board directed: the Selectmen authorized staff to continue value-engineering the project, to obtain final shop drawings and to proceed with required permitting and excavation contracts. Further contract awards for site work were approved in subsequent meetings. The board did not commit to a single building vendor in these minutes and asked staff to return with final cost comparisons and a recommended procurement path.
Next steps: staff will present final quotes, permit status and construction schedule to the Selectmen before any final payment is authorized. The town expects construction to be scheduled in late summer to early fall to be ready before winter operations.
