Questions delay action on Greenville wharf project

GREENVILLE – An unexpected delay regarding the Junction Wharf project and some unanswered questions regarding a proposed all-terrain vehicle access route prompted selectmen this week to table action on the projects.

Town officials and project engineer Al Hodsdon of Waterville had planned to meet Wednesday to begin negotiations with representatives of Wyman & Simpson Inc. of Richmond, the firm that submitted the lowest bid for the Junction Wharf project. Because of a death in a firm member’s family, the meeting was rescheduled to Sept. 22.

Although there was significant interest from contractors, only two firms submitted bids for the project and both were over budget. The town has about $825,000 to rehabilitate the rotting wharf and the lowest bid was $1,499,159.

Greenville Town Manager John Simko said discussions will focus on how to adjust the bid. “Either we successfully negotiate with the low bidder and adjust the scope of work or how we’re going to do the work, or we reject the two bids and rework our scope and re-bid it this winter,” he said Thursday. “We really don’t want to reduce the overall scope of work if we can help it; all of that work needs to be done.”

The high price of steel and the different disciplines involved in the project that include earth work, retaining walls, wood plastic composites, steel, riprap, a boat ramp, general landscaping and paving may have prevented some constructors from bidding on the project, Simko said.

In other business, the need for more information about liability and signage prompted selectmen on Wednesday to table action on a proposed, temporary all-terrain vehicle trail along Pritham Avenue until Oct. 1. Since it is a state road, the Department of Transportation has studied the request and is prepared to make a decision pending local action, according to Simko.

“It would appear to me that the town is not at risk for allowing this ATV access route; there is no added liability to the municipality.” Simko said.

All-terrain vehicle riders are liable for their actions as are other motorists, but are not required to carry liability insurance, according to the town manager.

Simko said a majority of the details about the proposed trail have been worked out. If approved by the town and state, the temporary trail will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 15 through Nov. 15. Signs will be posted at each end of the access route, from the Junction Wharf to the village, he said.

Ken Woodbury of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council is working with the town and all-terrain vehicle club to obtain a state grant for a permanent trail. The power line clearing is being eyed for the trail, he said.

“That’s going to be a real benefit to everybody…it will be a multi-use trail,” Simko said.

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