Raynham Sewer Commission Approves Route 44 Pump Control Project Oversight
Commission authorizes superintendent to proceed with Tata & Howard proposal pending clarification on system integration costs
RAYNHAM - June 12 - The Raynham Sewer Commission has authorized Superintendent Robert Carey to move forward with a construction oversight proposal for the Route 44 Pump Control Project, pending clarification on certain costs.
During their June 11 meeting, commissioners reviewed a proposal from engineering firm Tata & Howard for construction oversight services on the critical infrastructure project.
The proposal includes construction administration, field observation, and system integration services with a lump sum fee of $49,000 to be invoiced monthly based on percentage of completion.
"We had $275,000 for a project cost estimate. Of course, the contractor came in at $178,396," Carey said, noting they were well within budget with approximately $96,000 remaining.
Commissioner Joe Bickel raised concerns about the system integration portion of the proposal, which allocates 104 hours at what calculates to approximately $225 per hour.
"104 man hours divided by $23,500 is $225 an hour, which to me seems a little steep," Bickel said. "If there's actual hardware that we're purchasing, that would be different."
Carey explained that the system integration involves upgrading the programming from SLC505 to Compact and updating the operator interface terminal for the new control panel.
"I believe they probably have to do some programming where they're at, get it all set up, come down and then download it into the equipment that the contractor is putting in," Carey said.
Chairman Joseph Bettencourt suggested authorizing Carey to proceed with the agreement subject to getting clarification on the fee structure.
"I would like to give him the authorization to sign under the condition that he can come back with an explanation that Mr. Bickel accepts or was satisfied with," Bettencourt said.
The commission unanimously approved the motion, giving Carey flexibility to move forward with the time-sensitive project while addressing the cost concerns.
The Route 44 Pump Control Project is already underway, with the contract awarded to low bidder Fall River Electric. A project kickoff meeting is scheduled for June 23, with the contractor directed to begin with the civil process.
Planning Board Chairman Christopher Gallagher emphasized the importance of not delaying the project, citing a previous incident where one of the controllers had locked up, preventing a pump from running. Tata & Howard had to send a programmer to reset it.
"We did have an issue back in February-March. One of the controllers had actually locked up on us and we couldn't get the pump to run, so they had to come and plug their laptop in and go into the program and reset it," Gallagher said.
In his superintendent's report, Carey detailed several ongoing projects and maintenance activities across the sewer system.
The department has completed wet well cleaning at 34 pump stations, with Route 44 Pump Station being completed on the day of the meeting. Gallagher showed before and after pictures of the wet wells, demonstrating how they become loaded with grease, rags, and wipes before cleaning.
"You can see all the debris in there. Those things really get loaded up with grease and rags or whatever. Wipes are famous for being flushed," Carey said.
The newly designed pump from Gorman-Rupp installed last month at the White Street pumping station is performing well, Carey reported. "The guys tell me it really runs nice. Nice and quiet," he said.
The department has also received and processed the third quarter sewage treatment bill from Taunton, amounting to $151,546.
The Optim Generator Project is nearing completion, with Tilton Electric having completed the punch list. Carey expects to process the last payment request at the next meeting.
Eight surplus generators are scheduled for auction from June 26 through July 10 on GovDeals, along with items from other town departments.
Carey also reported on the South Street Old Colony Bridge replacement project, which will affect the sewer force main crossing the bridge. The project is expected to be advertised for bid on June 27, 2026, with construction starting in fall 2026.
"The project intends to remove and replace the bridge in half sections. The intent is to allow existing utilities, which will include the sewer force main, to remain intact," Carey explained.
Other projects mentioned include gas main work on Route 138, highway improvement projects on Hill Street, paving projects in the Elm Street East area that required replacement of 12 sewer manhole covers, and the Alberta Street water main replacement project.
Carey also noted that work on the West Pine Estates development is progressing well, with the sewer main "pretty much all installed in the phase one" area.
The commission's next regular meeting is scheduled for July 9.
Watch the complete meeting courtesy of the Raynham Channel.
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