Richford Selectboard approves MERPS HVAC bid, roof repairs, paving contract and pays VOSHA fine

The Town of Richford Selectboard on April 6 approved a series of infrastructure and administrative actions, including a $297,437 bid to replace the Town Hall heating system under the Municipal Energy Resilience Program (MERPS) grant and a $30,000 amendment to repair missing sheathing discovered on the EMS roof.

Town Clerk Kiley Deuso told the board that two vendors withdrew from the MERPS procurement and Mountain Air Systems submitted the remaining bid of $297,437; on a motion by Selectman Alan Fletcher, seconded by Selectwoman Kristin Murphy, the board approved the Mountain Air Systems contract unanimously. Chair Steinhour then moved to amend the roofing work to include sheathing for three uncovered sections of the EMS roof at an additional cost of $30,000; the amendment passed unanimously.

The board also awarded a paving contract to Hungerford, accepting a quote of $93.45 per ton after bids from Hungerford, Pike and All State Construction were reviewed. Chair Steinhour made the motion to accept Hungerford’s bid; Selectman Alan Fletcher seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Highway staff reported the grader tires have been purchased and installed; debris clean-up dates will be posted when set.

Under buildings, the board approved two separate repair contracts from Northern Concrete: a granite-stair replacement at the post office for $8,200 and a scaled-down concrete-stairs job limited to the post office (the full concrete-stairs quote including Town Hall work was listed at $13,500, which the board removed from the scope). Selectman Alan Fletcher moved to approve the granite stairs and Selectman Joe Desmarais seconded; Chair Steinhour moved to approve the concrete stairs for the post office only, seconded by Desmarais; both motions passed unanimously.

The board appointed Sherry Paquette to the Planning Commission after Paquette asked to be considered but could not attend the meeting. Selectwoman Kristin Murphy moved to appoint Paquette; Selectman Alan Fletcher seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

In other business, the board discussed ongoing revisions to housing codes, parking-lot line marking, and the peddlers ordinance language to avoid unintentionally restricting the Harvest Festival. Resident Wade Longway attended to discuss violation letters he received about his barking dog; the board said he was not being targeted and noted multiple complaints had been filed about the animal.

Town Administrator Marissa Tessier reported that a September 2025 VOSHA inspection of the Town Hall, Fire Station and Town Garage resulted in a $2,960 fine for the Town Garage’s lack of a written hazardous communication plan. Tessier said the issue has been remedied and she has scheduled a follow-up walk-through with a VLCT representative. Chair Steinhour moved to pay the $2,960 fine; Selectman Joe Desmarais seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The board accepted the annual assessor services contract with NEMRC (same terms as the prior year) and adjourned at 6:48 p.m.

Votes at a glance - Approve March 16, 2026 minutes — Mover: Selectman Alan Fletcher; Second: Selectwoman Kristin Murphy; Outcome: passed unanimously. - Appoint Sherry Paquette to Planning Commission — Mover: Selectwoman Kristin Murphy; Second: Selectman Alan Fletcher; Outcome: passed unanimously. - Award Mountain Air Systems HVAC bid ($297,437) — Mover: Selectman Alan Fletcher; Second: Selectwoman Kristin Murphy; Outcome: passed unanimously. - Amend EMS roofing work to add sheathing (+$30,000) — Mover: Chair Steinhour; Second: Selectman Alan Fletcher; Outcome: passed unanimously. - Award paving contract to Hungerford ($93.45/ton) — Mover: Chair Steinhour; Second: Selectman Alan Fletcher; Outcome: passed unanimously. - Approve granite stairs at Post Office (Northern Concrete, $8,200) — Mover: Selectman Alan Fletcher; Second: Selectman Joe Desmarais; Outcome: passed unanimously. - Approve concrete stairs at Post Office only (Northern Concrete) — Mover: Chair Steinhour; Second: Selectman Joe Desmarais; Outcome: passed unanimously. - Accept NEMRC assessor contract — Mover: Chair Steinhour; Second: Selectman Joe Desmarais; Outcome: passed unanimously. - Enter executive session for personnel & contracts (6:14 p.m.) — Mover: Selectman Alan Fletcher; Second: Selectman Joe Desmarais; Outcome: passed unanimously. - Authorize payment of VOSHA fine ($2,960) — Mover: Chair Steinhour; Second: Selectman Joe Desmarais; Outcome: passed unanimously. - Adjourn (6:48 p.m.) — Mover: Selectman Alan Fletcher; Second: Selectwoman Kristin Murphy; Outcome: passed unanimously.

The board recorded no roll-call dissent; all recorded motions passed by unanimous voice vote of the five members present.