Vote For Consulting Engineering Service On Water Tank, Tower-This Day In Norwood History-September 16, 1938

SELECTMEN TAKE ACTION ON TWO PWA PROJECTS TUESDAY

The Norwood Board of Selectmen took action relative to the two P.W.A. projects which have been approved by Washington on Tuesday night, voting to authorize the General Manager to engage consulting engineering service on the water tower and tank project, and to attempt to gain permission for the carrying on of the sewer project by force account or the use of day labor rather than by contract.

General Manager William C. Kendrick read to the Board the forms of the grant as received from the P W.A. outlining the conditions of the grant with the construction to be started within eight weeks of the offer and to be completed within fourteen months after beginning construction. Selectman Harry Butters suggested that an attempt be made to obtain the sewer project on force account by contacting representatives in Washington, citing the advantage of the greater labor factor in this method of operation. Manager Kendrick told the Board that he had talked with P.W.A. authorities in New York and while the attempt was worth the try he was extremely doubtful if this condition would be accepted.

Selectman Charles Holman also favored the attempt to get the project on the force account basis stating that there was nothing to lose but time. Selectman John Mutch suggested that rather than lose the grant the job might be let out on contract and the savings used for labor elsewhere. In unanimous agreement the Board voted to do all possible to put the project on the basis that would provide the most labor, and the general feeling was that failing this, the job should go ahead on contract.

On a motion from Selectman Butters seconded by Selectman Holman the Manager was instructed to engage consulting engineering service on the water tank and tower project. The manager explaincd to the Board that while he had favored the letting of the water survey contract to the Goodnough firm because they had already been on the job, this new job could be handled by anyone of several engineers in the field.

C. Roger Pearson he said had already expressed the desire of his firm to handle it. He asked the Board for instructions as to the award of the contract since it involved a sum in excess of $500. It was agreed that the manager should submit a recommendation for the engineer at the scheduled Thursday night meeting of the Board.