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Board rejects immediate sand trucking plan after heated debate over storage and vendor trust
Summary
A motion to use an outside truck (DJ) to haul winter sand and store material off-site failed after members debated cost, procurement rules and storage conditions; the discussion included sharp personal exchanges and a decision to gather pricing before reconvening.
The Middletown Springs select board considered a motion to hire an outside truck (referred to as DJ) to move winter sand into town and to store material off-site. The motion was moved and seconded but failed to receive the votes required. Board members and staff argued over the terms of prior agreements with the storage site, the cost and whether procurement rules were being followed.
Road foreman Bill Reed urged action to ensure sand availability, describing logistical challenges and earlier contract issues with deliveries. "If I call him tomorrow and tell him we don't have trucks coming, there's a good chance we're gonna lose it," Reed said, arguing the town risked losing material if it delayed. Other members pushed back, citing missing vendor pricing and procurement procedures; a motion to move material that evening ultimately failed.
The discussion grew contentious, with several board members exchanging sharp remarks about past conduct and vendor dealings. After the failed motion the board directed highway staff to compile vendor pricing and details so the board can decide at a later meeting instead of making an immediate purchase without comparative data. Members said they may hold an additional meeting next week to resolve urgent procurement needs before winter.
