The Marshfield Board of Public Works concluded the first phase of the Brent Rock improvements with significant savings this week, even as board members intensified their scrutiny of how the town assesses indirect costs against department enterprise funds. DPW Engineer Matt Dykeman presented a balancing change order for the Brent Rock project, noting that final quantity measurements came in lower than the original design estimates. To close the books, we do a balancing change order, which is basically like a negative change order, Dykeman explained, identifying a total contract reduction of $126,075.14. Motion Made by J. Vallier to approve balancing change order Number one, contract 2024-05 Brent Rock Improvements phase one for a contract reduction of $126,075.14. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

The discovery of the surplus prompted a discussion on how to retain the funds for future infrastructure needs. Board member John Vallier asked where the reduction would be allocated, suggesting that the money should be directed toward the next phase of improvements rather than being absorbed back into the general fund. Can we move this money to the next phase for the design so that we can get moving on the next phase? I want to make sure that we keep the buggy moving, Vallier said. Superintendent Ken Ryan noted that while some funds might return to the general fund, the department would research reallocation options for the upcoming Town Meeting. Chair Diane Jordan agreed, stating, I think that's a great idea... we could go to town meeting and ask them to move that money to the next phase as a reallocation.

The board’s focus on fiscal management extended to an ongoing audit of indirect costs charged to the DPW by the town. Vallier revealed he has filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to break down expenses ranging from $600,000 to $800,000, arguing that the current formula may be unfairly taxing ratepayers. The town told us that when they plugged numbers into that 2009 [formula], it was higher than the one they presented. We have to evaluate that. It's a ripoff of the ratepayers, Vallier said, adding that such high costs could eventually lead to layoffs. Jordan supported the investigation, telling viewers, You're getting to the bottom of it. We'll present it once all the information is together so it makes sense to the viewers.

In other financial business, the board addressed cost increases for the High School ball fields project, which is funded through the Community Preservation Committee. Ken Ryan explained that field conditions required extra work on dugouts, irrigation, and electrical conduits. Motion Made by D. Jordan to approve the ball fields upgrade agreement contract number 2026-04A, change orders number one and two for a total of $21,821.88. Motion Passed (3-0-0).

A proposed policy regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) sparked a debate over whether the town should charge additional hookup fees. Consultant Bob Drake of Kimley and Horn suggested Marshfield should remain consistent with neighboring towns that charge engineering and connection fees. We shouldn't be the lone wolf out there, Drake said. However, board member John Cusis strongly disagreed, citing his 35 years of business experience. The water is simple. It's under the plumbing inspector; it comes from the primary residence after the meter. The sewer connects on the property. We can't add restrictions, Cusis argued. A staff member named Amy supported this view, noting that case law is already decided, no additional fees. The board opted to table the policy for further legal review.

The meeting also featured a presentation on innovative pipe scribing technology to address Marshfield’s 11 miles of aging asbestos concrete pipe. Bob Drake described it as the first technology in the world that cuts the pipe into segments and encapsulates it in a gel, allowing a new pipe to be pulled through without releasing asbestos into the environment. It avoids the cost of shipping AC pipe to Ohio for disposal, Dykeman noted, adding that a demo project is planned for an easement off Tecumseh.

Finally, the board handled a routine residential request and heard operational updates. Motion Made by D. Jordan to approve the driveway permit for 133 Summer Street, David Burchil. Motion Passed (3-0-0). David Burchil told the board his ADU is about 90% complete. In his report, Superintendent Ryan announced that the water main project on Old Plain Street is finished, and a new weight restriction has been posted for the Canal Street Bridge following a state inspection. Duxbury will have to use Beach and Bay streets for any future beach nourishment trucking because they can't go through Canal Street, Ryan said.