Board reviews $2.56M pump-station design recommendation for Arcadis

Town staff briefed the board on PW10, a proposed professional-services agreement to design and construct the final phase of the Knollwood pump-station work. The contract value discussed in the meeting was roughly $2,563,000.

A municipal representative explained that Arcadis, the firm recommended for the third phase, had worked on phases 1 and 2 and therefore brings operational knowledge of the town's hydraulics and geology that can make its bid more accurate and comprehensive than lower-cost offers from other firms. "Arcadis did the engineering for the 1st 2 phases, which gives them knowledge and experience that others likely do not have," the consultant said.

Board members asked for documentation of the comparative bids and itemization showing why lower bids were not equivalent in scope. One member said earlier construction problems were contractor performance issues rather than engineering deficiencies and asked whether any concerns about Arcadis' prior work had been documented; staff said there were no outstanding complaints in phase 1 and a justification memo had been posted with the resolution for transparency.

The discussion ended with staff confirming the procurement followed a competitive process, that the recommended firm had relevant site experience, and that the contract justification and memo had been posted to the town's packet. The board did not record a final vote on PW10 during the work session.

What happens next: staff will provide the bid comparisons and post the full justification in the meeting packet prior to a formal board vote.