Selectboard accepts NHDOT change order for Archertown Bridge testing; highway staffing, culvert work discussed

The Orford Selectboard on May 27 authorized a letter to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation accepting a $13,000 change order to add material testing to the construction engineer’s contract for the Archertown Bridge over Jacobs Brook. Charles Smith Jr. said the cost will be fully reimbursed by the state.

The change order covers material testing services; the Selectboard resolved to notify NHDOT in writing that it authorizes and accepts the additional work and cost. The testing is intended to support ongoing construction oversight and quality control on the bridge project.

Road Agent Nutter told the board the Highway Department is conducting culvert cleaning and ditching and has contracted Brandon Dyke to replace two culverts on Indian Pond Road near Cole Farm Road. Nutter reported that, as of May 22, he is the only highway employee and that the town has placed a help-wanted advertisement for a full-time highway worker.

Separately, Nutter said he received two estimates to replace a large culvert on Archertown Road; Paige Excavating provided the lowest estimate. The board reminded Nutter that the crew needs to remove a concrete slab beneath a recently removed small garage; Nutter said that work will need to wait.

Also on the agenda, Anna White of UVLSRPC requested a brief meeting with the Selectboard or a representative to review preliminary engineering for a Town Office parking-lot reconfiguration; initial engineering would be grant-funded with no commitment required to proceed to a final design. The board changed the Community Nurse presentation date to June 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church.

The board did not take further formal action on staffing or culvert contracts at the meeting; project estimates and vendor selections remain subject to later authorization.