Commissioners to hold special meeting for ditching and culvert replacement contract

By Bill Pearson
Staff Writer

    DOVER-FOXCROFT — The commissioners voted unanimously to hold a special meeting next week to award a contract for ditching and culvert replacement along a 1.5-mile section of the Shirley Road in Blanchard. The county opened seven bids on Tuesday from six local firms and one from Lewiston.

    The commissioners tabled the vote to give County Manager Marilyn Tourtelotte time to consult with Road Commissioner Tracy Lord about each bid’s specifics.
    The bids ranged from $15,975 to $39,600. Three bidders also provided certificates of insurance. Those bidders were Bennett Construction, Guilford, $19,940; Herrick Construction, Abbot, $18,680; and Freeman Excavation, Greenville, $39,600.
    The other bidders were Flint Construction, Lewiston, $15,975; Dan Daigle, Greenville, $20,000; Thomas Adkins, Monson, $25,600; and Belmont Construction, Greenville, $19,850.
    Prior to the meeting, the commissioners indicated they weren’t required to award the contract to the low bidder. The commissioners based their decision on the price, contractor’s experience and consultant’s recommendation.
    “It looks like we got a pretty good mix of bids,” said Commissioner Eric Ward. “We have a lot in the $16,000-18,000 range. After going through a couple of these where we didn’t select the low bid, we may need to put a little more thought to avoid some phone calls we’ve been getting.”
    In other action, the commissioners approved the hiring of three part-time correction officers. The new officers are Matthew Holmes, Aileen Roberts and Scott Moulton. The new hires will begin their training on Monday, June 3 with a two-week training session at the Penobscot County Jail in Bangor. They will return for a one-week session at the Piscataquis County Jail. The training will conclude with a final week in Bangor.
    The new officers are expected to be ready for their positions by June 28, according to County Jail Administrator Dave Harmon.
    The commissioners also finalized an agreement with two snowplow contractors to extend their service for three additional years at the same price. William London, of Milo, will continue to plow the unorganized territories in Orneville, Katahdin Iron Works and Ebeemee. Brian Howard, of Sangerville, will continue to plow Elliotsville Plantation.
    The commissioners will hold a special meeting at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29 to award a bid for the maintenance work on the Shirley Road in Blanchard.