By Sarah Opdahl

At their Tuesday, July 14 meeting, New Fairfield’s Permanent Building Committee (PBC) heard an update on the bus lot that will be constructed at 302 Ball Pond Road. The process of going out to bid on the project has experienced a couple of speed bumps, including document finalization and governmental oversight questions.

Colliers International’s Mr. Mark Schweitzer explained that bid documents are nearly ready, with any final recommendations from Town Engineer Mr. Tony Iadarola’s still remaining to be put in place. At the time of this meeting the PBC was  also “waiting for the grant agreement to see if there are any conditions that are required for us to be put in the documents. But other than that, the documents are ready to go, just pending those two reviews.”

Further, PBC Chair Mr. Don Kellogg added, “We have been trying to get this memorandum of understanding from the state, and it has been the understanding, based on conversations, that this project will be funded through the Department of Transportation, and so Tony has some concerns about any contractual requirements and document review by that agency.” He said that they are still waiting on confirmation of that and guidance on what that oversight will entail. All agreed that a special meeting could be held in the coming weeks if both of those points are resolved. There are some concerns about adhering to the ideal schedule, which would involve getting as much completed as possible before concrete plants close for the winter.

Schweitzer reported on the ongoing search for a solution to stop fire tanks from leaking at the elementary school, which has been an issue for several months. He explained that they are considering an idea first discussed at a PBC meeting two weeks ago, involving injecting the epoxy in the joint between and behind the link seals, then coating the area with hydraulic cement.

Regarding the legal matter surrounding the propane failures at the high school, Schweitzer said that the process was slowed a bit due to summer travel, but the Town’s attorney is planning for a meeting with O&G to attempt a resolution.

The next regular New Fairfield Permanent Building Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 7:30 p.m.