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Date: 1/26/2022
WILBRAHAM – Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Tanya Basch informed the Wilbraham Board of Selectmen that the repair of the Cottage Avenue bridge will cost significantly more than expected.
Originally, the quote for the bridge was $100,000, which would be split between Wilbraham and Ludlow as the bridge spans the town border. After further investigation, it was found a structural joint on the bridge is damaged.
“It’s essentially going to be a brand-new bridge joint,” after repairs, Basch said.
The new estimate is $400,00 total, with Wilbraham responsible for $200,000. Basch pointed to the highway budget as a possible funding source. The paving expenses to date have been lower than expected for fiscal year 2022 (FY22). Still, she said, “I don’t know that we’re going to be able to absorb all that.” The DPW may have to request more money at a future date to cover the repair.
Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Carolyn Brennan asked if the repairs were eligible to be covered by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, but Town Administrator Nick Breault told her, “at first glance,” it was not an option.
The bridge will not close during repairs later this year.
Breault shared with the board that Wilbraham had received an award for risk management from the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA). Basch accepted the award as she is the individual overseeing safety and compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Breault said the “ultimate goal” is keeping “the workplace as safe as possible.”
The Eastern Hampden Shared Health Services Public Health Nurse gave the board the details on an upcoming COVID-19 booster clinic for adults. A pharmacist from Big Y in Longmeadow agreed to run the Feb. 10 clinic from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial School. There will be boosters from the Pfizer and Moderna brands. A pediatric clinic is in the works.
The final contract for Catlin Architecture to build the senior center was approved and signed by the board.
A non-union compensation study was contracted out to Human Resources, Inc. Selectmen Chair Bob Boilard said a study had not been done in nearly 20 years. The study will cost $19,260 and will identify competitive pay rates to keep Wilbraham attractive to employees. Another approved action to attract employees was a pay raise for seasonal positions in the Parks and Recreation Department.
Breault recommended continuing the municipal building mask mandate through Feb. 28. The Board of Selectmen agreed, but Boilard asked that the topic remain in the agenda or weekly review as case numbers and data changes.