WOODSTOCK – Selectmen voted unanimously Tuesday to accept a bid of $9,035.95 from Pike Industries to reclaim one mile of Cushman Road this summer.

Town Manager Vern Maxfield said, “The existing surface will be ground up, graded and compacted, and the figure we have been given by Pike Industries is based on 77 cents per square yard.”

A second bid was received from Commercial Paving, which was quoted at $1.10 per square yard for a total of $12,906.

Selectmen decided to go with the low bid and indicated that they have had work done by Pike Industries in the past and have always been happy with it.

Commercial Paving will, however, be doing paving projects planned for several roads as the town goes with material called flex-pave, and Commercial Paving is the only company that handles that type of product.

Selectmen also voted unanimously to set a policy that any highway project that will cost $10,000 or more will be required to go out for bid unless the selectmen deem it in the best interest of the town to go with a contractor chosen directly by the highway crew.

As stated by Maxfield, who also serves as road commissioner, there are times when it is better to go with a local contractor that he knows specializes in specific types of job, “but I will come to the board before making such a decision. Most major projects have always been bid out in the past anyway.”

The proposal to establish a definite policy was suggested by board Chairman Percy Monk.

There will be a public hearing regarding the proposed permanent closing of the Grove Street Crossing by the Maine Department of Transportation starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 6. The hearing will be facilitated by representatives of MDOT and will be held in the town office meeting room.

Copy the Story Link