Westport Island selectmen met Oct. 6 with representatives of companies that may bid on the town’s sand and salt shed project.

Meeting with Jonathan DeWick, Pine Tree Engineering project manager, prior to the bid meeting, the selectmen discussed some of the provisions in their agreement with the engineering company. Completion dates were reviewed, including a requirement to “substantially complete” work by Dec. 1 and complete all the work by Aug. 1, 2017.

Because a local resident, E. Davies Allen, president of Chesterfield Associates, Inc. has offered to donate equipment for an estimated $25,000 in site work and crane work, some of the discussion involved availability of his equipment and how that might affect the contract’s completion date. Allen has said his company may also choose to bid on the overall project. It was agreed that alternate dates would be included in the bid forms.

Also discussed during the initial meeting was an addition to the plan that would provide a trench to accommodate a “communications conduit” so workers in the shed can communicate with those in the town office.

The bid meeting followed. Representatives of five companies attended and DeWick reviewed the plans with them.

Those attending represented Hagar Enterprises, Blane Casey Building, Chesterfield Associates, David P. Trask and Son and T. Buck Construction.  

DeWick’s briefing referenced a list of items including Allen’s contribution and timing for his services.

Also reviewed was a reminder that the project is exempt from sales tax, the need for the roof to have a 20-year warranty, state requirements for the roof manufacturer, review and testing of materials, accommodating a 100 mph “wind load” and testing of concrete and gravel compaction.

After the briefing, the group moved outdoors to examine the site for the shed. Each contractor was charged $90 for a copy of the design and those attending were told that the selectmen reserved the right to reject any low bid.