FARMINGTON — The Board of Selectmen moved forward Tuesday on a Front Street culvert project by entering into an agreement for engineering services.

Dirigo Engineers, which helped the town apply for a $75,000 grant from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, will provide services for bidding and administration of a contract for construction.

Selectmen agreed to $4,500 for the services.

Earlier this month, the board was notified it would receive the DEP funding for the project. 

The culvert is near the turn from Main Street, at McDonald’s, onto Front Street, an area that often floods. The large culvert will carry more water, but the design is similar to what is there, Town Manager Richard Davis said.

The project was estimated at $120,000. The remaining $45,000 match is expected to be provided from the Public Works budget, he said.

In other business, selectmen signed a proclamation naming May 14 to 20 as Arbor Week in Farmington.

Farmington Conservation Commission members Sally Speich and Patty Cormier invited townspeople to this year’s Arbor Day event at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at Old North Church.

Cormier, a forester, will talk about a survey of downtown trees done by the commission. The commission got a grant from the Forest Service to determine which trees need to come down and how much value the trees provide to the town, she said.

The survey provided information to share with Public Works on safety and invasive species affecting trees in the right of way, Cormier said.

At the Arbor Day event, Public Works Director Philip Hutchins will talk about the rights and responsibilities of citizens for trees on or near the public right of way.

Selectmen questioned the condition of a large, old pine tree on Broadway next to the former movie theater. The pine is deteriorating but has sentimental value, Davis said.

Cormier said the tree should come down soon.

abryant@sunmediagroup.net 

Town of Farmington

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