Selectmen shift $102,261 to North Pier and fund Boathouse Park sprinkler and sod

The Board of Selectmen approved budget transfers to complete waterfront projects, including a $102,261 line‑item transfer from the White Rock Bridge project to the North Pier Rehabilitation project and a $25,000 transfer to close out work at Mystic River Boathouse Park.

Bill, who discussed both projects for the board, said the North Pier contractor needed changes (pilings, deck level, tie‑up points) that arose during construction and could not be deferred without expensive remobilization. He said the Waterfront Commission temporarily fronted funds to avoid a contractor demobilization; the town approved reimbursing those funds by transferring $102,261 into the North Pier line item. The chair moved the transfer and the board approved it on voice vote.

On Boathouse Park closeout, Bill said original plans to hydroseed the area were unlikely to succeed given summer traffic and timing. The board considered installing a sprinkler system (quoted at about $15,000) and laying sod (an initial $31,000 quote). Department of Public Works agreed to install the sod, which reduced the town cost for sod to about $5,000–$6,000; the board approved a $25,000 transfer from the White Rock Bridge project to cover close‑out change orders for sprinkler and sod installation by DPW. Bill noted there may be additional close‑out costs the team will resolve in the coming weeks.

A board member asked about the source and management of funds in the Waterfront Commission account; staff explained the commission maintains a special revenue fund designated for capital improvements and had voted to advance funds to keep the contractor on site. The board approved the transfers on voice votes.