The Marshfield Board of Public Works convened on Monday evening at the DPW facility on Plain Street to finalize leadership transitions and address significant infrastructure updates. Following an executive session, Chair Diane Jordan announced that the board had moved to solidify a contract for Ken Ryan to serve as the new DPW Superintendent. Jordan opened the public portion of the meeting by noting, We're in the DPW Meteor room at 965 Plain Street and we're being recorded by Marshfield Community Media. The board quickly moved through immediate business, including a driveway permit for 133 Summer Street. Resident David Burchil explained the positioning of the project near Warren Avenue, stating, Warren is directly across from the head. So, so it's on on this side of the drive. Motion Made by John Cus to approve the driveway permit for 133 Summer Street, David Virtual. Vote Passed 3-0.

A major highlight of the meeting involved the financial closeout of the Brent Rock improvements. Superintendent Ken Ryan reported that final measurements for the Esplanade project came in under design quantities, resulting in a substantial credit to the town. Ryan explained, In order to close the books we do a balancing change order which is basically like a negative change order. Town Engineer Matt Kinlin expressed optimism regarding the recovery of grant funding for the surplus, noting, I think we should be able to get all of the funds still. Motion Made by John Cus to approve balancing change order Number one, contract 2024-05 Brent Rock Improvements phase one for a contract reduction of 126,75.14 and to authorize the chairman or designated person to execute the contract documents when they have been prepared. Vote Passed 3-0.

The board also addressed a $21,821 change order for high school ball field upgrades involving dugout work and irrigation relocation. Motion Made by John Cus to approve the ball fields upgrade agreement contract number 2026-04A, change orders number one and two for Northeast Sportsfield and Recreation of Marshfield, Mass for a total of $21,821.88 and to authorize the chair or designated person to execute the contract documents when they've been prepared. Vote Passed 3-0. However, a vote on the new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) policy was delayed after member Bob raised concerns regarding hookup fees. Jordan clarified that the policy already includes water and trash provisions, stating, Everything that's in here for water, sewer, trash are the things we already discussed. Kinlin argued against new fees for ADUs that utilize existing connections, saying, I would contend the way we set up the ADU policy is we're not saying it's a new connection.

Long-term planning took center stage as consultant Bob Drake of Kimley and Horn presented a proposal for a comprehensive sewer master plan. The $45,400 study aims to assess plant capacity and guide future expansions to protect the town’s water supply. Drake detailed the initial phase of the work, noting, Task one is basically looking at what your design limits are for the treatment plant capacity, what your existing flows are there today. The discussion also highlighted a new pipe scribing technology designed to encapsulate aging asbestos concrete pipes without the need for hazardous removal. Drake claimed the method is a global first, stating, This is the first technology in the world that's out there that does this.

The meeting concluded with a tense discussion regarding an ongoing audit of enterprise fund indirect costs. Member John expressed frustration with the current calculation methods used by the town for administrative overhead. John cautioned that inflated indirect costs could eventually impact personnel, stating, People will be laid off. You can't keep doing it. It's the same old ripoff of the rate payers. John Cus closed the evening on a lighter note, telling the community, I also would like to say merry Christmas everyone.

The meeting was adjourned at NONE