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Stockford planning committee backs CBA as top choice for fire station feasibility study
Summary
The Town of Stockford Fire Station Planning Committee voted informally July 7 to rank CBA first and EDM second after checking references and weighing local experience; the committee will forward a recommendation to the select board and aims for a contract and kickoff in early August.
The Town of Stockford Fire Station Planning Committee on July 7 concluded its review of applicants for a fire station feasibility study and signaled it will recommend CBA as its first choice to the select board, with EDM ranked second.
Scott, a committee member who conducted reference calls, said he contacted three references for each firm and that "for the most part, everyone got glowing recommendations." He also relayed one reference who "probably wouldn't hire them again," saying that CBA "butted heads" with that client over a required item. Committee members treated that report as a two-way interaction rather than disqualifying conduct.
The committee debated differences in organizational models: CBA is a wholly owned firm whose staff the committee could specifically request, while EDM commonly uses independent consultants. "With a wholly owned firm, you can say, ‘I want this guy, and I don't want that guy,’" a committee member said, arguing in favor of in-house control for continuity and procurement familiarity. Another member summarized the view that "I would lean more towards CBA than I would EDM," citing CBA's deeper list of Massachusetts public‑safety projects and experience with state procurement.
Members also raised operational concerns: designers sometimes push for higher-end finishes and features that exceed local budgets, and attendees emphasized the importance of confirming that the selected firm can provide a local representative within roughly a 40‑mile radius. The group discussed personnel continuity at EDM, noting that a consultant who had worked on prior projects passed away and that Bob Mitchell, who was involved previously, has had family health issues that could affect on‑project staffing.
On procurement risk, the committee referenced past Massachusetts public construction experience, including projects that attracted a single, over‑budget bid and required alternative contracting approaches. Members noted that Chapter 149/149A bidding rules can affect timelines and risk exposure on larger projects.
Procedurally, the committee agreed to take a brief poll ranking CBA first; a committee member said they would briefly confirm CBA's availability and then bring the formal recommendation to the select board (likely the next Thursday agenda). The committee outlined a near‑term timeline: a draft contract would be sent to the firm by July 21, a fully executed contract expected by Aug. 4, and a kickoff meeting tentatively scheduled for Aug. 6.
A participant on the public floor said the committee appeared to have done its due diligence and endorsed the group's direction. The committee tentatively set its next meeting for Aug. 6 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn and a voice vote in favor.
Next steps: Scott will confirm CBA's availability and the committee will place the recommendation on the select board agenda; if the select board approves, staff expect contract drafting in late July with a possible kickoff in early August.
