Bowdoinham Select Board splits on paving change order, insulation contract questions

The Bowdoinham Select Board approved part of a change order for the Back Hill Road and Spring Street paving projects while setting aside a disputed portion, and approved new garage doors at the fire station and a general assistance ordinance. Much of the meeting centered on a resident's questions about a $62,000 insulation contract approved at a prior meeting, with the board declining to answer them in open session and pointing to a future executive session.

Key points

• The board approved items six through nine of change order number two (about $5,570 for a road crown on School Street and $7,072.58 for additional underdrain work), with one member abstaining because the work is in her front yard.
• A portion of the change order covering sub-base rework on Back Hill and Spring Street, roughly $19,000, was held for further discussion with the engineer and contractor.
• The board voted 5-0 to spend up to $18,000 from the fire reserve to replace all three garage doors and motors at the fire station, with insurance money expected to offset part of the cost.
• The board accepted a $57,150 Active Transportation Partnership grant for crosswalk improvements on Main Street and River Road, requiring a $6,350 match from the TIF account, but then voted to table the item after questions about whether flashing beacons would be needed if a four-way stop demonstration becomes permanent.
• A board member pressed for public answers about the timeline and handling of the insulation subcontractor issue at the public works building, and the board voted against taking up those questions in open session, citing attorney advice and a planned executive session.
• Residents criticized the board over transparency and spending, including questions about the insulation contract, the paving problems, and whether the general contractor should be held responsible.

Next steps

• The town manager will follow up with the engineer and contractor on the disputed sub-base portion of the paving change order and return with more information.
• A future change order is expected to cover two additional underdrain connections.
• The board will hold an executive session on the insulation contract issues at its next meeting.
• The board will revisit the Active Transportation Partnership grant acceptance after getting an answer on any deadline.
• The town manager will confirm that the recycling facility closure notice is posted online.
• The next meetings are scheduled for October 13 and October 27 at 6 p.m.

Read the full transcript