Town reviews asbestos-removal quotes for upcoming demolition; low local bid favored

The board reviewed quotes for asbestos removal discovered at a structure slated for demolition. Jeff (speaker 6) told the board that testing for asbestos and lead had already been performed (costs earlier in the project about $1,500) and that two local quotes came back: one just under $6,500 from a local contractor (noted in the packet as the lower local option) and another near $14,000 if routed through the previously used demolition contractor.

Town Administrator (speaker 1) said the asbestos removal was not included in the original project budget and that contingency funds are depleted, so the board will need to decide whether to pay directly from a town account or to use remaining project/bond funds. Board members asked whether due diligence had been completed on the low bidder; the response from staff was that the low bidder (Always Wrecking / GM demo group referenced in minutes) is a local demolition contractor with prior experience and that asbestos removal is part of their services.