"This contract will be performed in a fishbowl because of what led up to this project," said at Tuesday morning's Board of Selectmen meeting.
His reference was to the contract to repave portions of Main Street, which includes the from the intersection at Oak Street to Farm Road.
The question of the inclusion of those sidewalks resulted in the postponement of the street repaving, impassioned debate at town meetings from both those in support and those opposed, and a on the bond which will fund the project.
and of the t, were in attendance to present their recommendation of a contractor for the work.
Their recommendation was A&J Construction, whose bid was $935,685.82 for the repaving and sidewalk installation. That figure does not include the cost of granite for the sidewalks, which will be purchased separately. It also is exclusive of the contingency percentage.
Mallozzi's suggestion of making that contingency ten percent rather than the typical fifteen, signaled he said, "That we're very serious about not having cost overruns." Board members and agreed, as well as Mann who said it, "sent the right signal."
In addition, Mallozzi said regular updates of the progress and costs of the project would be done in public session. He said that given the level of public interest, "it's the least we can do."
In calling for audience comment and noting the number of residents in attendance, Mallozzi said that today's discussion was not about whether or not the sidewalks would be constructed, which he said had been thoroughly debated, but about the contract being considered.
, noting that roughly ten percent of the bond will be dedicated to the sidewalks, asked Mann if there would be a delay in the repaving of the twenty-two roads which were part of the bond initiative. He said there would not.
, of Elm Place expressed concern about cost overruns, and asked given the lower contingency if there was a danger of a partially completed project being halted.
Pastore said that the terms of the contract were standard for a project of this kind and Mann added that recent projects undertaken by the town have come in very close to budget.
Mallozzi said, "This is a project that's going to be taking place in broad daylight," and said everyone will be doing, "their utmost to see it's brought in on time and budget."
Mann said the work is slated to begin March 15 and take seventy-five days.
Other Business Included:
- The unanimous approval of appoints and reappointments:
: Newly appointed, as a regular member and .
:
: , and were reappointed. Francesca Segalas and were new appointments.
SW Regional Communications Center: Barbara Hapoienu
Tree Warden:
- The review and approval of legal bills.
- The review of contracts under $500.
- Public Works Update
