Selectmen approve clerk‑of‑the‑works MOU and contract modification for police building

The Sandwich Board of Selectmen on May 27 approved a Memorandum of Understanding to designate a clerk of the works for the town’s police building project and authorized a contract modification with New Age Homes, contingent on the town’s insurance vendor review.

Town Administrator Courtney Delaney presented the proposed MOU, describing the role’s scope, payment structure and expected availability; Selectman Adam Heard moved to approve the MOU and the motion was seconded by Caroline Nesbitt and passed unanimously.

Board members and members of the public then discussed contractor performance security options — a performance security, letter of credit, or cash/certified check — and Delaney said she is in communication with the insurer about requirements. Public commenter Rich Benton asked specifically about bond requirements given contractor challenges and cost impacts.

Selectmen also approved a contract modification with New Age Homes as recommended by the town’s insurance vendor. The board discussed foundation grades and the suggestion that a surveyor review layout and nonconformity issues before further work proceeds.

Separately, Delaney reviewed a specification change for siding on the front of the police building and said cedar would carry a higher cost; she has sought input from the Historic District Commission and the board agreed to consider alternatives after public comment that red cedar is not historically accurate or native.

Why it matters: The actions move the police‑building project forward while flagging potential cost, security and historic‑preservation tradeoffs; the board ensured insurance and bonding issues are being coordinated before finalizing commitments.

Both motions passed unanimously at the meeting; further follow‑up includes insurer coordination on performance security and Historic District Commission input on siding specifications.