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Sharon board approves arborist review for sidewalk project, seeks BOF funding
Summary
The Sharon Board of Selectmen approved a proposal from Cardinal Engineering to hire a licensed arborist to assess tree health and rooting impacts for the Sidewalk Improvement Project. The proposed fee is $15,745.87 and the board voted to ask the Board of Finance for funding.
First Selectman Flanagan said the board would pursue an arborist review for the Sidewalk Improvement Project after public questions about the impact of sidewalks on tree root systems. Cardinal Engineering proposed contracting with a licensed arborist to assess current tree conditions, determine possible impacts from sidewalk work, recommend protections for trees and sidewalks, review sidewalk material options, and present findings at a follow-up public informational meeting. The engineering firm’s proposed fee for the additional services is $15,745.87.
The board voted unanimously to accept Cardinal Engineering’s proposal and to request funding from the Board of Finance. Selectman Brett moved to accept the additional services proposal and seek BOF funding; Selectman Kearcher seconded and the motion passed "with all in favor." First Selectman Flanagan noted the arborist report would provide a baseline to help determine causes if tree health later changes in the project area.
The arborist review, as described in the proposal, is limited to assessment and recommendations; the town will still need to choose materials and funding options before construction. The board did not record additional cost estimates for subsequent construction or mitigation work. The motion sends the proposal to the Board of Finance for consideration; any expenditure from town accounts would follow the BOF’s procedures.
