Selectmen pause award on town‑hall roof after detailed review of bids and specifications

The Board of Selectmen opened and reviewed bids for the town hall roof on July 14. The board received proposals that included a standing‑seam metal roof, an asphalt shingle option and a stamped metal product designed to mimic slate. Members focused discussion on installation specifications — specifically the manufacturer's recommended sheathing thickness, nailing or screw patterns tied to warranty coverage, the need for half‑inch CDX sheathing versus 7/16" OSB, snow‑block quantities and removal/disposal of demolition material.

One board member made a motion to award the contract to Drew's Affordable Steel Roofing for a stamped‑slate look product with new sheathing included at an indicated total of approximately $106,469, but the motion was withdrawn after members asked staff to seek written confirmation from the contractor and the manufacturer on warranty coverage when overlaying new material over an existing roof, a precise screw/nailing schedule required for warranty, the quantity and placement of snow blocks, disposal and dumpster arrangements, and a final cost breakdown for requested changes (half‑inch CDX and additional snow‑blocking).

Members highlighted the town's prior roof problems and said contract language should require strict adherence to manufacturer installation instructions and specify the materials and fastener patterns necessary to preserve warranties. Several members also asked staff to confirm whether the bid timeline and price would change if the town supplied dumpsters or requested additional snow‑block quantities.

The board agreed to continue the matter to the next meeting after staff seeks clarifications and a revised, signable contract rather than to award the work immediately. No final award was approved on July 14.