MERRIMAC — The remediation of flooding at the police station is moving closer to completion.
Police Chief Eric Shears said the results of air quality testing done on July 7 show all spore count levels below 10,000, which is the guideline for high contamination, with sample counts of several areas below the control test of outside air.
In response to whether he thought there were any serious problems at the station, Shears said, "Airborne mold doesn't appear to be one of them."
Shears shared the test results at Monday night's Board of Selectmen meeting.
Building Inspector Bob Sinibaldi also presented quotes for draining and sealing the station basement. The plan calls for pumping out the water and then filling the area with concrete. A sealant will also be used to prevent moisture from seeping into the building through the concrete.
Renovating the basement would cost $21,000 for materials and labor, plus $749 for an industrial dehumidifier and $1,950 for three replacement windows. Selectmen approved the expenses and proceeding with the work.
In other business, Shears, who took over as police chief July 1, requested the appointment of four new part-time positions at the station, two dispatchers and two reserve officers. While it will take up to a month to train the appointees and prepare them for their assignments, Shears said the positions will help reduce the overtime burden needed to cover all shifts. With some officers leaving for other stations or returning to the academy for more training, Shears said it was becoming expensive to have all shifts covered. All four appointees were approved.
Shears was also given the go-ahead to pursue filling his previous position as sergeant. The hiring process would include forming a selection committee and testing prospective candidates on legal issues that police officers face. Police Chief Wayne Sampson of Public Safety Consultants, who helped develop the selection process for Merrimac's police chief, estimated the cost of the test at $1,200, Shears said. Asked if the test was necessary, Shears said sergeants are called on to answer legal questions for officers in the field and need a solid understanding of the law, not just practical experience.
Also, Department of Public Works director Rick Spinale discussed a replacement for one of Merrimac's licensed operators who was injured and will be out of work for surgery and rehabilitation. Spinale asked to hire a contractor to cover the time while the department is short the required three licensed operators and to advertise for a fourth, backup operator position.
But Finance Director Carol McLeod said the additional cost for a short-term contractor would eat up the budgeted money for the new worker. The Board of Selectmen agreed and asked Spinale to post the open position first, in hopes of filling it before needing to hire a contractor. If the position cannot be filled, they said Spinale could then bring in a temporary replacement.
Spinale also presented the quotes for the annual well cleaning, which will cost $22,600 and be covered by the water department's budget. He also presented three quotes for finishing the floor at Donaghue School. Kingdom Flooring, which completed the work to the third floor of the school earlier this year, submitted the low bid of $14,100, including labor and materials, which is within the $15,000 approved at Town Meeting. Selectmen approved both contracts.
Selectmen also met in executive session to discuss personnel matters. And the board decided to meet Monday, July 18, instead of July 25, to discuss concerns about a proposed flea market in town with Merrimac Commons Condominium Association. The meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. After next week, the board will not meet again until Aug. 8 at 7 p.m.
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