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FEMA timing puts Hill Road culvert at risk; Brookline readies cash-flow plan and liaisons for Lewco work
Summary
Selectboard members were warned that FEMA delays could prevent completion of a Hill Road stone-arch culvert this season. The board designated municipal liaisons for the Lewco culvert contract, signed a Hammond Engineering scope change, and reviewed a cash-flow plan that may require a short-term line of credit.
The Selectboard discussed delays in FEMA approvals that could block completion of the Hill Road stone-arch culvert this construction season and reviewed a cash-flow plan to cover multiple 2026 highway projects.
Officials said FEMA has not yet approved the submitted scope of work and four property easements are still being processed; FEMA could not provide an estimated approval date. The board was told this timing risk could keep the town from finishing the Hill Road culvert as specified in the FEMA grant award.
The board also reviewed progress on a Lewco contract for a box culvert at Ellen Ware Road. Town staff said the Lewco contract was not signed because insurance coverage terms remain unresolved; Lewco estimates eight weeks for fabrication and plans to begin work in the last week of July, with on-site work taking about 2–2½ weeks. To support contract oversight the Selectboard designated E. Mark Bills as primary municipality liaison and Mike DeSocio as alternate; the motion passed unanimously.
As part of managing multiple 2026 projects (Ellen Ware Road culvert, Hill Road stone-arch culvert, paving and Town Shed work), Chair Mike DeSocio presented a cash-flow plan showing the town may need to obtain a short-term line of credit to cover bills received in October and November, with positive cash flow expected to resume in December 2026. The Selectboard signed a change-of-scope with Hammond Engineering to continue design and construction support for the culvert projects.
The board did not set a specific contingency borrowing amount at the meeting; members said they will monitor invoices and reimbursements from FEMA and reported that if contract insurance terms are resolved Lewco work could proceed on the proposed schedule.
