Erving Select Board Authorizes Sewer Force Main Replacement Bid Release

ERVING -- March 15, 2021, Erving Select Board unanimously authorized bidding on a sewer force main replacement and received an emergency procurement waiver for a second sewer repair at the March 15 joint meeting with the Finance Committee and Capital Planning Committee. The Arch Street sewer force main project carries a probable cost estimate slightly above the town's existing $1.57 million borrowing authorization, with bids due April 14; Select Board Chair Jacob Smith said the board hopes competitive market conditions bring the project within existing authorization. Town Administrator Brian reported that the state Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance approved an emergency procurement waiver the same day for a Route 2 pump station repair, with at least three quotes to be solicited and a contractor recommendation expected at the next meeting. The joint session also reviewed a draft Annual Town Meeting warrant that includes a $3,295,920 Erving Elementary School appropriation, a roughly $60,000 DEP-mandated infiltration and inflow testing article funded from wastewater retained earnings, a $150,000 capital stabilization deposit from free cash, and a new $15,000 PEG access appropriation to pursue an operating agreement with a local community access television station. The OPEB trust fund balance stood at approximately $4,499,479 as of June 30, 2020, with the addition of this year's $300,000 deposit expected to push it just past $5 million.