Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Restoration Bond topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Selectmen approve $156,000 restoration bond figure for Olson MHP, subject to Conservation review
Summary
After hearing two cost estimates from Patriot Holdings and its consultants, the board agreed to accept a $156,000 restoration-bond figure to allow the developer to obtain a surety and keep work moving, but made the approval conditional on the Conservation Commission's sign-off at its July 9 meeting.
The selectmen on June 22 voted to accept a $156,000 restoration-bond calculation for remediation work at the Olson mobile-home-park project, provided the Conservation Commission reviews and approves the final restoration plan at its July 9 meeting.
Attorney Patrick Green and Patriot Holdings representatives told the board they had provided two estimates: a contractor's installation estimate of roughly $77,000 and a higher, conservative "worst-case" estimate of about $156,000 that included five-year monitoring, scientist oversight and contingency. Patriot's representative said the company inflated its bond estimate to cover unknowns so it could secure a bond quickly and continue construction.
The board debated whether accepting the higher figure before Conservation's formal review would place undue pressure on the commission. Conservation members said they had only just received the latest materials; they planned an on-site review with the county forester and the consultant before their July 9 meeting.
"We were willing to have a special meeting if they came in with the plan," a Conservation representative said, urging the board to let the commission formally recommend a bond amount. Patriot representatives said the bonding company needs roughly a week to issue a surety once amount is set; they asked the board to set the number so the bond could be in hand quickly.
After discussion, the board approved a motion to accept the $156,000 bond amount but conditioned the speeded process on the Conservation Commission's subsequent approval. The motion passed 4-1-0.
The selectmen also reiterated that occupancy permits and further site work remain contingent on Conservation's approval and any required adjustments to the plan.
