SELECTMEN’S MEETING

June 4, 2001

Members present: Blaine Delisle, Eric Osgood, Brad Reed, Daryl West, Selectmen; William Jewett, Road Foreman; Representative Mark Woodward; Senator Susan Bartlett, Robert C. Philbrook, Rosemary Audibert, Clerk.

Eric called meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Eric stated that the purpose of this meeting is to open up the bids for the guardrails for the Power House Bridge.

Eric asked the Board if they were in support of rebuilding the covered bridge. All Board members present said that they were.

Eric stated that the Town has four options.

Do nothing.

Install guardrails and open to traffic and leave as with only a deck.

Rebuild bridge as original with no steel beams

Keep the steel beams and build the covered bridge.

Board agreed that option 4 is the way the Town should go.

Blaine stated that the Jefford’s money could take up to three years to come. Covered bridge are being built with laminated beams instead of steel. Laminated beams are not authentic; Johnson should stay with the steel beams. Willie stated that a bridge with steel beams would be able to support as much as a state road.

Mark suggested that should write a letter to historic preservation and AOT and tell them what the town would like to do and get them to sign off on that. Then the next step would be to put out request for proposals. Blaine to write letter. Mark stated that the bridge could be built in a shop next winter and set on with a crane. Willie stated that was done in Cambridge with the bridge that was built by Blow & Cote.

Brad stated that he read a study regarding traffic that goes across the bridge at an average of 580 cars per day. He is in support of placing guardrails on the bridge. Willie stated that Jim Smith is working on getting a grant for the clean up and guardrails. Eric asked the board before the bids were opened up what would be a reasonable amount for getting the bridge opened to traffic. Board agreed on $12,000.00 to $15,000.00 for about 10 months. Willie stated that there is a 3 to 4 week waiting period for the materials.

Received one bid from Blow & Cote for steel guardrails in the amount of $29,520.00. Willie stated that six companies were notified, Tatro, Manosh, CCS, Blow & Cote, Lafayette, and Daniels. Daryl moved to reject all bids, Blaine seconded, so voted.

Eric stated that he has e-mailed Senator Jefford’s office and they would be willing to try to get money if the project runs over $250,000.00.

Susan stated that she was successful in getting $250,000.00 into the AOT budget for the Power House Bridge. Mark stated that the board has decided to write a letter to historic preservation and AOT stating that the Town plans to build a replica of the bridge at the time of collapse. Susan stated that should only write a letter to Secretary of the Agency of Transportation, Brian Seales, stating that the Town is ready to do out to bid and ask for information that is needed to receive the money. Blaine stated that may need the advice of engineers for technical assistance.

Board thanked Susan and Mark for all the work that was done on this project.

Mark stated that the State has put more money into the Pilot Program and school block grants.

Blaine moved to adjourn, Brad seconded, so voted.

Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by

Rosemary Audibert