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Selectmen approve up to $53,000 for Thompson Bridge decking after recent strikes and rising maintenance needs
Summary
The board approved up to $53,000 from the Covered Bridge Capital Reserve Fund to hire GDS Landmark for white-oak decking on the Thompson covered bridge; bids ranged around $52,200 and higher, and the board discussed additional costs for flashing warning signs (~$39,000) and cameras (~$5,000).
The Board of Selectmen authorized spending up to $53,000 from the Covered Bridge Capital Reserve Fund to replace decking on the Thompson covered bridge and to engage GDS Landmark to perform the white‑oak decking work.
The DPW director said the bridge was struck again shortly after recent repairs and that the decking has worn thin in places, with bolts popping out. The director provided two local bids: GDS Landmark (white oak decking) at roughly $52,200 and another local bid in the roughly $70,000 range. The director said that the Covered Bridge fund balance was unclear — either about $87,000 or $97,000 — and that if the fund balance was $97,000 the town could also consider purchasing flashing warning signs and cameras.
Flashing warning signs were quoted at about $39,000 for the package; installation estimates were pending and the director estimated installation could add roughly $10,000. Cameras for the bridge were described as just under $5,000. The director requested immediate authorization to schedule decking work because sourcing and milling white oak boards takes time.
A motion to approve up to $53,000 from the Covered Bridge Capital Reserve Fund for GDS to perform Thompson Bridge decking work was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The director said that if the fund balance is closer to $97,000 the town could absorb some of the flashing-sign installation cost from the operating budget but that additional clarification on the exact fund balance and installation bids would follow.
Next steps: DPW director to obtain firm installation costs for the warning signs and confirm the exact Covered Bridge fund balance before proceeding with additional purchases beyond decking.
