HALIFAX- Part of the process of replacing the Reed Hill Road bridge was a FEMA request to examine the concrete deck of the old bridge to see if it could be re-used. It cannot, and now the old, damaged deck must be removed from its current resting place, the town garage, and properly disposed of. Bids to do that were opened at Tuesday’s regular meeting by attending selectboard members Lewis Sumner and Earl Holtz. The job was awarded to low bidder RJM Construction, at a cost of $3,975.

The board also directed purchasing agent Joseph Tamburrino to issue bid requests for a snowplow for the one-ton truck and for a repeater for the highway radios. Tamburrino will discuss specific requirements for both purchases with highway supervisor Bradley Rafus.

In an update on river debris cleanup, selectboard chair Sumner reported that a 60-day extension for completing the job has been applied for; Sumner expects it to be granted. Holtz added that required easements for all four sites have been obtained.

Tamburrino told the board that the town will have to pay the cost of a concrete deck for the new Deer Park Road bridge. Other “excess” costs required to build that bridge and the Hale Road bridge to state standards are under appeal. The town has been granted extensions to submit revised cost estimates for both bridges.

Tamburrino and project manager Christina Moore feel that FEMA’s original “replacement only” estimates are low. A more realistic estimate could narrow the gap between what FEMA will pay for and what the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources will permit, should the state lose its appeal.

Phyllis Evanuk conveyed an invitation to the board from the planning commission to attend its September 11 meeting to participate in a discussion of municipal planning grants with a representative from the Windham Regional Commission. Holtz said that he was already planning to attend that meeting to discuss a Vermont Telecommunications Authority grant designed to extend better cell phone service along the Route 112 corridor.

Holtz also passed along to Evanuk the only possible source of outside funding for the Halifax Community Hall roof repair that he could find.