Highway Garage post-fire repairs and capital upgrades
Multi-hundred-thousand-dollar repairs and upgrades to the Highway Garage after a fire, funded by insurance and capital reserve withdrawals, affecting taxpayers and DPW operations.
A March 2026 fire damaged the Highway Garage, triggering insurance-covered repairs whose scope and methods remain under review. Key developments include insulation choice debates, a $47k cleaning quote, and the hiring of oversight staff. The issue centers on cost allocation with Primex and long-term building safety.
The Highway Garage sustained significant fire damage in March 2026, destroying a dump truck and causing heavy smoke damage throughout the structure that required ongoing remediation.
At the March 31, 2026 Select Board meeting, Director of Public Works Herm Blanchette and Finance Director Clyde Carson outlined the initial scope of losses and the start of the insurance and remediation process with Primex.
By the April 14 meeting, the board discussed restoration plans for the garage alongside other infrastructure items, noting the need for coordinated repairs.
The April 28 meeting included an update from Blanchette on vehicle repairs and ozone treatments for affected equipment, confirming the building itself remained out of service.
On May 12, Blanchette presented two insulation repair options for the building shell with a $130,000 price difference and health concerns over potential residual odors or carcinogens in a retrofit approach; the board also approved hiring a part-time Clerk of the Works to oversee contractors.
The May 26 meeting featured an unresolved insulation decision requiring Primex input and a $47,041.05 quote for pressure washing and deep cleaning that Blanchette argued should be covered by insurance, with the board receiving the status without a formal vote.
Taxpayers face substantial unreimbursed costs and potential long-term air-quality risks depending on the chosen repair path, while the DPW operates with reduced capacity during the multi-phase restoration projected to extend into fall 2026.
At the June 9 meeting Herm Blanchette reported total insurance-funded building repairs of approximately $793k plus $34.5k in extras drawn from the Capital Reserve Fund, with detailed breakdowns for insulation, siding, roof work, fans, AC units and heat pumps; contractors were stated to be ready to begin. The board agreed to a dedicated work session on June 16 at 7 PM to review the extras. Resident Ed Mical asked whether a public hearing would be required before using unanticipated Primex funds related to the claim.
At the June 16 work session Herm Blanchette presented itemized costs for proposed garage upgrades including aluminum windows, exhaust ventilation, a propane furnace/condenser, ceiling fans and water filtration to address high sodium and iron. The board determined these require a public hearing to withdraw funds from the Highway Capital Reserve Fund. On June 23 Blanchette reported the InsureCom contract had been sent to the town attorney and Primex, with Primex covering dump-truck rental costs during extended repairs; the board scheduled the required public hearing on the extras for a July meeting.
A public hearing to consider extras for the Highway Department will be scheduled for a July meeting.
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