Selectmen approve Erwin Barn work and parks equipment purchases; project updates set Feb. and March targets

The Board of Selectmen on Dec. 2 authorized several public-works and parks expenditures and received a project update on downtown construction and the Erwin Barn.

Department of Public Works staff requested authorization to award a contract to AW Construction LLC for carpentry, drywall and fire‑rated interior work at the Erwin Barn: $30,500 with a $3,000 contingency, for a total not to exceed $33,500. Staff said three other quotes had been evaluated and that, after scope changes to include doors and fire-rated materials, AW Construction was the lowest adjusted bidder. The board approved the authorization unanimously.

Parks staff sought approval to purchase a New Holland PowerStar 75 tractor under the Connecticut state contract, including a trade‑in of an older Ford tractor; the total cost including trade-in was listed as $69,017.60 and funding is available in the parks capital budget. Officials noted the purchase does not include attachments (snowplow, flail mower), which will be requested separately, and discussed turf‑tread tires chosen for field and snow work. The board approved the purchase unanimously.

Staff also requested an $8,266 increase to a previously approved purchase order with CV Longo Mechanical Services to cover missing invoices for pool heater repairs; the funds are to be charged to the pool enterprise fund and the board approved the increase.

On project timing, DPW and project managers reported the Erwin Barn interior will be functional by Feb. 1 for staff use, though final punchlist items remain, and that elevator installation is scheduled and targeted to be operational and compliant by March 15. Speakers cautioned that footing removal and weather could affect pour schedules and completion.

All motions were moved, seconded and carried unanimously.