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Selectboard pauses Otter Creek Lane repair plan after engineer reports and cost concerns
Summary
Board members expressed strong reservations about a Landmark proposal for work on Otter Creek Lane with a proposal discussed at roughly $244,000; members agreed to pause major spending, pay for completed engineering, and perform additional field review with local contractors before proceeding.
The Selectboard raised concerns about a Landmark proposal to fix persistent drainage and erosion issues on Otter Creek Lane after an engineering proposal and associated price tag drew questions from several members. The Chair said she was "struggling with that expenditure or proposed expenditure" and called for a re-evaluation in spring after further field assessment; the figure discussed in the meeting was about $244,000. Members favored paying the engineering invoice that has already been submitted but agreed not to commit to the larger construction contract without additional review.
Several members recommended an on-site walk with experienced local contractors/engineers (the Chair suggested coordinating with Chris Acker) to observe water flow in wet conditions and to pursue lower-cost alternatives that could satisfy grant guidance. "He convinced an engineer...and it has gotten the project down to something that's within grant guidelines," the Chair said of prior work, but she still urged more conservative public spending and clearer justification before a town-wide appropriation is considered. The board agreed to keep the project on hold for now and to report back after additional fieldwork and discussions.
