SCITUATE - September 23 - The Scituate Select Board unanimously awarded a $272,250 contract to JR and Sons Construction for rehabilitation of the Minot Beach parking lot, coming in under budget after receiving 11 competitive bids that ranged dramatically in price.
The Full Story
In what Town Administrator James Boudreau called an “incredible” result, the winning bid for the Minot parking lot rehabilitation project came in at $272,250 - well below the $291,000 set aside at Annual Town Meeting. The project generated significant contractor interest with 11 bidders participating, a stark contrast to other recent projects that received only single bids costing upwards of $600,000.
The competitive bidding process demonstrated the value of broad advertising throughout the state, with companies from across the region submitting proposals. JR and Sons Construction of Westport, Massachusetts, was selected as the lowest qualified bidder for Contract Number 25.
The board also unanimously approved a $150,000 contract with Horsley Engineering to provide professional planning services for the town’s stormwater management program compliance with EPA MS4 general permit requirements. This represents an unfunded state mandate that the town must pay to fulfill certain regulatory steps.
In addressing water infrastructure needs, the board approved borrowing $200,000 through the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust for the Clean Water Interim Loan Program. This zero-percent interest loan program helps residents connect to the town’s sewer system or replace failing septic systems, with homeowners paying back the loans with interest while the town borrows at no cost. The program has proven popular, with a waiting list of residents seeking assistance for connections that can cost $16,000-$20,000.
The board heard comprehensive presentations on two significant long-term projects. The Mordecai Lincoln Property Committee provided updates on their progress with the historic property, including completion of over 100 pages of historical documentation confirming the site contains an authentic “first period” property eligible for National Register listing. The committee is proposing to exclude private events like weddings and commercial leases from future uses, focusing instead on education and recreation programming.
Police Chief Mark Thompson presented a proposal for false alarm response fees after data showed one business generated 66 false alarms over five years, with another generating 54. The new fee structure begins charging after the third false alarm - $50 for residential properties and $100 for commercial establishments, with escalating fees for repeat offenders. The policy affects only silent burglar alarms, not fire or carbon monoxide detectors.
Recreation Director Nick Lombardo and the Scituate Basketball Association presented plans for major basketball court renovations at an estimated cost exceeding $270,000. Testing revealed moisture issues causing surface coating failures, requiring complete reconstruction with post-tension concrete, new fencing, and improved drainage. The project would renovate three courts with enhanced accessibility features.
Boudreau presented the fiscal year 2026-2030 capital improvement plan totaling $146 million over five years, with $21.7 million recommended for the coming year. Major projects include a $6 million fire station renovation, a $2.5 million police shooting range, and significant sewer and water infrastructure improvements. The plan emphasizes limiting borrowing and maximizing grant opportunities.
The Water Resources Commission presented a proposal for a $120,000 feasibility study on desalination and water reclamation technologies to augment the town’s water supply. The study would examine both ocean water desalination and treated wastewater reuse to provide 300,000-500,000 gallons per day of additional capacity during drought conditions.
The board addressed several routine matters including board appointments, with Sarah Lannon and David Stevens appointed to the Recreation Commission and Janice Murphy reappointed to the Cultural Council. The Conservation Commission received approval for $35,000 in additional trail maintenance funding, continuing their successful program managing the town’s extensive trail system.
Why It Matters
The successful competitive bidding for the Minot parking lot project demonstrates effective procurement practices that save taxpayers money while maintaining infrastructure. The various infrastructure investments address critical needs from water security during droughts to modern recreational facilities, positioning Scituate for long-term sustainability and quality of life improvements.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Award Minot parking lot rehabilitation contract to JR and Sons Construction for $272,250. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 15:21)
Motion: Award Horsley Engineering contract for stormwater management services for $150,000. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 15:49)
Motion: Adopt Clean Water Trust debt authorization vote. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 18:40)
Motion: Adopt false alarm response fee schedule. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 56:01)
Motion: Approve Conservation Commission trail maintenance funding request. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: Informal approval)
Motion: Remove Article 11 (liquor licenses) from special town meeting warrant. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:47:48)
Motion: Recommend Articles 1-10 for special town meeting warrant. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:49:52)
Motion: Approve board appointments for Recreation Commission and Cultural Council. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 2:14:22)
What’s Next
The special town meeting is scheduled for November 3rd to vote on the recommended warrant articles. The Mordecai Lincoln Property Committee will hold a public meeting to gather community input on future uses. The basketball court renovation project awaits further design development and permitting. Various committee appointments will be finalized and advertised for the Country School Site Plan Use Committee.