NEW GLOUCESTER – Selectmen on Monday reconsidered the purchase of a one-ton dump truck from either Casco Bay Motors or Rowe Ford of Westbrook, based on complications learned after the board’s recent approval.
Town Manager Rosemary Kulow said the Casco Bay Ford salesman refused to state a delivery date and accept the $100 per day penalty, saying that Ford wouldn’t allow it. On the other hand, said Kulow, Rowe Ford Sales in Westbrook had no problem with the contract purchase agreement.
Selectmen authorized the town manager and public works director to proceed with awarding the bid to whichever dealer they preferred, and that the price not exceed $39,500.
In other business, after failing to garner bids to replace the wood siding at the Meeting House building in historic Lower Gloucester, the board will solicit bids directly from several businesses. It is hoped that primed, first-coat-painted factory siding can be installed by fall. If necessary, the project will be completed with a final coat of paint next spring.
When selectmen put the project out to bid, no bidders responded.
The board approved renting a backhoe from Southworth Milton Caterpillar for 12 months at $18,000. Public Works Director Kevin Doyle said the town could purchase the machine at the end of the contract for $55,000.
If the equipment is purchased, it would have to be prioritized by the town Capital Improvement Committee’s ranking system before the purchase goes to voters.
Finally, the Royal River Youth Conservation Corps was lauded by selectmen. The youth workers completed building trails to the Royal River and planted trees, shrubs and flowers at the New Gloucester Fairgrounds.
“They did a super job, and we thank them very much for their contribution to the conservation and beautification of our community resource,” said Town Manager Rosemary Kulow.
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