Selectmen Approve Phase 1 Of Bridge Repair, Town Warrant
 The Selectmen are moving forward with a study of the closed Sand Mill Road Bridge. |
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Selectmen approved a $2,750 scoping session of the closed Sand Mill Road Bridge to investigate what it would cost to repair the bridge and options for fixing it.
They agreed to pay Foresight Land Services to enter Phase 1 of the bridge repair project. The engineers will investigate the bridge, create a design, evaluate options, and provide alternatives.
The bridge was deemed by the state to be in poor condition and was closed by the town. Originally, the town planned on waiting for the state to take on the complete replacement of the bridge, however, it was found that it may be able to be repaired for a smaller cost sooner.
Public Works Director Peter LeFebvre said the state will only replace the bridge, which he believes could cost more than $1 million. If the town chooses to repair the bridge for the anticipated $50,000, it would only be a one-lane bridge. The engineer and design could cost upwards of $100,000.
"I think we have to do Phase 1," Selectman Paul Astorino said. "Phase 2 dollarwise is another discussion."
The Selectmen were urged by residents to work on a solution for the bridge because of the inconvenience of the detour.
The funds for the scoping session will come from the DPW's engineering account.
The Selectmen also approved the 2015 annual town meeting warrant, which includes a $2,498,670 town operating budget. This is a 3.5 percent increase from last year. Cheshire's contribution to education is $2,994,023, which is a 3.7 percent increase. This amount will need to be approved with a Proposition 2 1/2 override because it is nearly $90,000 over the levy limit.
Town meeting is June 8.
Selectwoman Carol Francesconi said she met with Adams Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco and Selectmen Chairman Richard Blanchard to discuss the regional school budget and options for collaboration.
"I think they were looking to see what we could share, but we don't have anything to share," Francesconi said. "They thought that we had a full-time treasurer, a full-time accountant, a full-time this, and a full-time that, but we don't have any full time except for the Highway Department."
Town Administrator Mark Webber, who also attended the meeting, said Mazzucco would like to hold these meetings every few months.
Tags: ACRSD, bridge work,
