HomeMy WebLinkAboutLighr Comm. 03/29/2023Mansfield Municipal Electric Department
Minutes of Light Commissioners Meeting. RECEIVED
March29,2023 10WN CLERKS OFFICE
2023 APR I I A 1� 51
Present: Chair Jess Aptowitz, Commissioner Mike Trowbridge, C1pr�,kAla1LaLOren,
Commissioner Neil Rhein and Light Department Manager JosephSollecjTtj SSACHUSETTS
The meeting was held at the Mansfield Town Hall, room 2AB and was called to order at 5:30
PM.
A complete copy of the Board packet containing all documents that are referenced in the
minutes is on file at the Mansfield Municipal Electric Department office.
Change Order for the Equipment Storage Building floor — Manager Sollecito told the Board
that the new equipment storage building went up well and is a great facility. The specifications
called for an epoxy finish on the floor but because of the temperature in late fall/early winter,
it wouldn't work. An alternative resin product was used instead and now the floor may allow
more slippage when wet than anticipated. Manager Sollecito told the Board that there have
been may emails and meetings with TBA Architects since then. He explained there is a
difference between `non -slip' and `slip resistant' and that the specifications called for a slip
resistant, not a non -slip, floor. Manager Sollectio said that MMED will have to pay extra money
for a non -slip floor. He noted that if water froze on the floor, as there is no heat in the building,
there could be a problem with potential ice buildup. He would prefer to make the floor a `non-
slip' surface with the Board's approval of the $12,000 change order.
Commissioner Trowbridge stated that this is a design defect and that the architect should have
known but feels the Board has to approve this for the safety of the employees. There was a lot
of conversation about how this building was not going to be heated and the architect knew water
would be introduced. Commissioner Trowbridge is disappointed that the architect did not pick
up on this. Manager Sollecito said that both the Architect and Contractor communicated
disappointment that none of them picked up on this and noted that they all should have.
Commissioner Rhein questioned liability issues regarding slipping and falling. Manager
Sollecito said he spoke with counsel. Even with the extra coating it could still be slippery so
there would still be potential for liability issues. Commissioner Rhein asked if MMED had
asked the architect to pick up the extra cost. Manager Sollecito said he did ask the architect
and also spoke to counsel about it. He said MMED could always pursue it after the fact.
Clerk Bren said the Board definitely has to look out for employee safety but feels the extra cost
should be split 50/50 between MMED and the architect. She noted that they have spent $40,000
to $50,000 on change orders at this point.
Chair Aptowitz said there are two issues, the first is fixing it and the second is who is paying
for it. Commissioner Trowbridge said that MMED has to pay for now. Manager Sollecito said
in terms of the overall project cost that MMED has an obligation to pay (to Tower Construction)
and there is no reason for him to hold back their payment.
Motion: To approve Manager Sollecito to proceed with the $12,000 change order for the
floor in the equipment storage building
(TrowbridgeBren) Passes 4/0
Motion: To adjourn at 5:50 PM
(Bren/Trowbridge) Passes 4/0
Respectfully submitted: Jacqueline Lee
Signa ure of Clerk Dat of Approval
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