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Select Board debates MSK locating change order for Route 4 waterline; motion to approve
Summary
Engineers recommended a locating service to reduce construction risk on the Route 4 waterline; the board heard debate about procurement and surprise invoices and proceeded with a motion to accept the change order after discussion.
Otter Creek Engineering representative Craig Jewett told the board that the locating service offered for the Route 4 waterline is a recommended service to improve accuracy and mitigate construction risk, and that the firm would not share in cost savings related to that subcontract. Jewett said the project can proceed without the locating work but that the information would "help the accuracy and the level of accuracy of the information, and thus help mitigate potential risk during construction." (Craig Jewett)
Several board members and residents questioned why the invoice arrived after contract initiation and whether the selection process was effectively a "no-bid" decision. One Select Board member said the timing "undermines any confidence" given past omissions; another member described the selection as qualification-based, not a no-bid pick. After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to accept the change order; the board discussed before voting.
The matter raised budget and procurement questions that board members said they would address as the project proceeds. Residents urged clarity on whether additional costs would be covered by bond funds, grants, or ratepayers; staff said more than $1,000,000 in grants have been received for the project and that the locating service, if rejected, could expose the project to higher risk and potentially higher future costs.
