Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Works topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select board to authorize conditional award for tree/brush removal pending staff verification of low bid
Summary
After receiving two written quotes for road-side tree limbing and brush clearing — one low quote around $22,886 and one comprehensive quote near $112,010 — the board told staff to verify the low bid meets safety, traffic-control and scope requirements before entering a contract; authorization to proceed was contingent on that verification.
Town staff reported on a short-timeline solicitation for tree limbing and brush removal to prepare roads for paving and culvert work. Two contractors returned written proposals: a low quote at about $22,886 (identified in the packet as "Pullen/Poolin") and a larger $112,010 proposal from Fournier's Tree Service. Town Manager Shannon told the board that three other contractors could not be reached and two declined due to scheduling.
Shannon recommended awarding the work to the lower bidder for town value but asked the board to waive the sealed-bid policy because of time sensitivity. Fournier's representatives urged the board to consider certifications, traffic control and full scope, saying the higher price reflected a broader scope and regulatory compliance. "We don't cut corners," said Josh Fornier (Fournier's owner), noting traffic control and certification requirements that a low bid might not have included.
The board directed staff to check the low bid for compliance with specifications, confirm whether flagging and traffic-control requirements and overhead-power-line considerations were included, and return with either a recommendation to award or a request for a special meeting. In the interim, the board authorized the town manager/road commissioner to contract with the low bidder provided staff finds the proposal satisfactory; funds would come from the road construction reserve.
The board did not award the contract outright at the meeting pending staff verification; members emphasized safety and scope clarity before execution.
