By Sentinel Staff
The New Canaan Board of Selectmen approved a series of infrastructure, safety and maintenance items during its April 7 meeting at Town Hall.
Among the items approved was a contract for improvements to a fuel tank at the Parks Department garage. The Selectmen approved $10,780 for the installation of bollards and a concrete pad. Superintendent of Buildings at the Department of Public Works Bill Oestmann said the project is part of ongoing work tied to previously approved budgets.
“This fuel tank’s a little different than the normal ones,” Oestmann said. “The fuel dispensers are actually mounted to the tank themselves.”
He said the project will include a concrete pad designed to contain any fuel drips as part of the town’s environmental plan.
The Selectmen also approved $17,600 for safety upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant following a recent Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspection. The project includes installing guards around pump shafts.
Oestmann said the exposed shafts were identified as a potential safety hazard.
“Because this exposed shaft, it should be covered,” he said.
He continued, noting that OSHA inspections typically occur every five to seven years, and that the town addressed several issues during the inspection process.
The Selectmen approved $38,510 for a new fire alarm system at Waveny House. Oestmann said the upgrade was required after the state determined the building’s lift should be classified as an elevator, triggering additional code requirements.
The new system will integrate with the elevator and automatically direct it away from the source of a fire.
“If a smoke detector or a fire alarm is triggered … the elevator automatically goes to the second floor and stays up there and opens and vice versa,” Oestmann said.
The project includes replacing smoke detectors and installing a new control panel throughout the building.
Additional approvals included:
• A $293,650 contract with FGB Construction for road repaving on Dunning Road, Gerrish Lane and a portion of Summer Street. The work follows Aquarion water main installation, and the utility is expected to reimburse the town.
• A contract not to exceed $50,000 with Tighe & Bond for updates to the town’s stormwater mapping system. The work includes field mapping and integrating state Department of Transportation data.
• A $27,000 contract for playground repairs at Kiwanis Park based on findings from an annual inspection.
• A $14,186.25 contract to replace a water line at Steve Benko Pool. Officials said the existing line has multiple leaks and will be replaced with a new routing.
• A $10,000 increase to a contract with HazCompliance LLC to update safety programs and training following the OSHA inspection.
• A $10,000 increase to a purchase order with Belardinelli Tires for vehicle maintenance.
• A $15,840 contract for tree removal and pruning work.
• A $18,460 contract for granite curbing materials for use in multiple projects.
The Selectmen also approved $13,359.38 for vehicle repairs, noting the work was covered by insurance except for a deductible.
In personnel matters, the Selectmen approved removing a Parks Department employee from probationary status.
The Selectmen also approved appointments and reappointments, including:
• Art Berry as a full member of the Historic District Commission.
• Brett Dockwell as an alternate member of the Zoning Board of Appeals.
• Laura Budd to the Western Connecticut Convention and Visitors Bureau.
