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Select Board opens plowing bids; debate centers on 1‑year bid with auto‑renewal vs. explicit 3‑year contract
Summary
The board publicly opened three sealed bids for municipal plowing (Richardson Trucking $400k/yr; Bridges Trucking $430k/yr; Enderle $728k/yr). Members debated whether voters’ prior authorization for a three‑year arrangement means the board should lock in a three‑year contract or use a one‑year contract with automatic two‑year renewals and 30‑day notice provisions.
The Select Board opened sealed bids for town snow‑plowing and related services on July 14 and read three submissions into the record: Richardson Trucking & Excavation ($400,000 per year), Bridges Trucking ($430,000 per year), and Enderle Trucking & Farming LLC ($728,000 per year).
Board members agreed to open the bids and defer awarding a contract until members had time to review proposals and ensure they were comparable. The chief debate among board members focused on contract length: the town warrant asked voters to allow the board to enter into a three‑year contract, but the advertised bid was for a one‑year contract that automatically renews for two additional years unless the town gives 30‑days’ written notice.
Supporters of the one‑year approach said it gives the town contractual remedies if a contractor underperforms and provides flexibility if road‑maintenance needs or equipment availability change. Others said voters who authorized a three‑year allowance expected a firm three‑year commitment and urged either awarding a multi‑year contract now or holding a special town meeting to secure a three‑year guarantee.
The board did not award the contract on July 14. Members directed staff to review bids for apples‑to‑apples comparisons and to return next week for public consideration of specifics and potential award.
Why it matters: Snow‑plowing is a high‑cost recurring municipal service; contract length affects pricing predictability and contractor incentives, and may affect the town’s ability to enforce performance standards.
Next steps: Staff will analyze the bids side by side and the board will discuss awarding the contract at a public meeting after clarifying contract renewal language and any voter‑authorization constraints.
Quotes: "If you give them the option for another two years, what's the price on that option for the next two years?" a board member asked. "Automatic renewal means the same per‑year price would hold for the renewal years," staff answered.
No award was made July 14.
