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Keene board selects AES to engineer Water District 2 well project
Summary
The Town of Keene approved AES as the engineer for the Water District 2 well-drilling project and discussed oversight and EFC funding requirements. Board members debated the selection after concerns from Community Resource were raised; the resolution passed unanimously.
The Town of Keene on March 11 approved AES as the engineering firm for the Water District 2 well-drilling project, a qualifications-based selection required by the project's primary funder, the EFC.
Supervisor Joe Pete Wilson introduced the item and said "we need to select an engineer tonight." The board adopted Resolution 99-2025 to award AES the engineering contract. During discussion, board member Robert Biesemeyer said he contacted Community Resource, which "didn't whole heartedly support AES." Wilson countered that close town oversight saved money on the first well: "we spent $400,000 on the first well" and contrasted that with a neighboring town that spent about $1.2 million on a similar scope when oversight lapsed.
The board also discussed forming a working group to revisit site-plan review definitions and law language, proposing a three-step process of a small working group, consultant review and final review by town counsel. The board noted the decision aligns with EFC procurement rules requiring a qualifications-based selection rather than multiple price quotes.
The resolution passed with AYES: Joe Pete Wilson, Ann Hough, Robert Biesemeyer and Christopher Daly. No NAYS were recorded. The board also reminded the public of an upcoming tax revaluation session on March 13 at the Keene Valley Library.
