Contractors Will Work On Sand Mill Road Bridge During Winter
CHESHIRE, Mass. — Contractors plan to work on the Sand Mill Road Bridge through the winter.
Town Administrator Mark Webber told the Selectmen on Tuesday that he issued a notice to proceed to SW Construction Enterprises, which was awarded the project late last year, and it is preparing to start the project.
"They are anxious to begin and will work through the winter," Webber said. "I told them that it gets a little cold around here but they seemed OK."
The Selectmen had agreed to go out to bid at the end of the construction season and advertised an open start time in the request for proposals in hopes that if there was a mild winter, the contractor may be able to get a head start on the project.
After witnessing the winter so far, the Selectmen were surprised to hear the Amesbury-based contractors were willing to work through the harsh Berkshire winter.
"We will work with them and, hopefully, they do a good job," Selectman Robert Ciskowski said.
The defunct bridge was shut down by the state in 2015, forcing residents to make up to a four-mile detour to get to their homes. After hearing multiple complaints, the Selectmen decided to use Chapter 90 road funds to make repairs to the bridge.
In other business, the board it is open to receiving additional applications from those interested in the Department of Public Works director position even though the deadline has passed.
The Selectmen initially were concerned because there were only three applicants, however, both Ciskowski and Selectwoman Carol Francesconi have received inquiries.
Ciskowski said two told him they didn’t apply because they did not think the salary would be enough. Ciskowski said after he told them the salary range they changed their tune.
"I didn't solicit these, they just came to me and both people … didn't apply because they did not think the salary would be good," he said. "They both felt that if it paid that much, they would have applied. Not much we can do about it now, though."
Selectman Paul Astorino noted that the advertisement said the position would remain open until filled and urged those interested in the position to send a letter of interest and a resume sooner than later because the Selectmen plan to start interviews Jan. 28.
Webber said he was in contact with one of the other applicants who lives beyond the residency requirement placed in the job description. Although applicants do not have to live in Cheshire, they do have to live close to the town.
He said the applicant would be willing to move but also has other applications out.
Webber said he was glad the Selectmen posted the position early.
"Have them send some stuff in and it sounds like there will be a handful more coming in," Webber said. "So I'm glad you folks went early."
Current DPW Director Peter LeFebvre plans to retire in April and the board wanted to bring someone to study under him before he leaves.
Tags: bridge project, DPW,
