Select Board approves DPW gravel and winter sand contracts; transfer station progress reported

The Select Board on Aug. 10 accepted Department of Public Works recommendations to award the crushed gravel contract to Onyx Corporation (low bid $27.50 per ton) and the winter sand contract to Sun Excavation (Scott Tiedemann) at $19 per ton.

DPW Director Joanie (S13) said three firms bid the gravel contract with the high bid at $37.25; she recommended Onyx, which provided the low bid and supplied gravel last year. For winter sand, Joanie said bidders were limited because local sand pits are depleted; she recommended Sun Excavation at $19 per ton. Board members discussed ton vs. cubic‑yard conversions; Joanie explained the town follows a conversion practice used by the town of Amherst and checks ticketed tonnage on scales as needed.

Joanie also provided a progress update on the transfer station: crews began the last wall section, a new trash compactor arrived, the old compactor was moved, and Eversource work to upgrade the pole was underway. She told the board that Jennings (contractor) had kept the transfer station open throughout construction and that taxpayers had reacted positively to visible progress.

The board approved motions to accept the DPW director’s contract recommendations by voice vote.