Select Board approves bids, equipment purchases, easement acceptances and committee appointments

The Wells Select Board approved a slate of municipal actions on May 5, 2026, including contract awards, equipment purchases and property‑related conveyances.

Bids and capital projects: The board accepted the low bid from Samaran Excavation and Irrigation for $278,756 to reconstruct the athletic field at the Walter Marsh Recreation Area. Tina, who presented the bid analysis, said engineers conducted a site walk and reviewed bid tabulations; the selected bidder will handle irrigation and coordinate with Gorm Sand and Gravel for fill and transport.

Public safety equipment and disposition: The board approved purchasing a CF Moto UForce 1000 XL UTV from Northeast Motorsports for $15,448 to replace a 2016 Kawasaki Mule for EMS/ocean rescue, citing immediate availability and short lead time. The board also authorized selling the surplus 2016 Kawasaki via an online auction platform. The board accepted a bid from Harrison Trader Enterprises for rope‑rescue equipment at $18,056; staff said local training resources will be used rather than vendor training for that purchase.

Easements and property actions: The Select Board accepted two sidewalk and temporary grading easements conveyed by FiveStar Holdings LLC (the Starbucks developer) and Wells Auto Wash to support future Route One corridor bike lane and sidewalk work; DOT had required the easements and a $30,000 contribution toward corridor engineering/construction. The board also approved a set of quick‑claim deeds releasing municipal liens on several foreclosed parcels where payments had been received.

Other business and governance: The board approved accounts payable and payroll warrants (including a May 5 warrant for $743,640.73) and accepted donor gifts to Founders Park. The board tabled approval of the March 24 minutes pending verification of recorded motions. After entering executive session the board appointed Haimey Dream to the WCSD school board, renewed a term for Adam Bloom Pa Kopoulos on the budget review committee, and renewed Mike York’s term on the Shellfish Conservation Commission.

Motions on the meeting’s actions passed unanimously unless otherwise noted; where vendors or dollar amounts were presented, the board approved the procurement or conveyance as described by staff.