RUMFORD — The dilapidated three-story building at 438 Waldo St. opposite Route 2 and Hannaford could soon be coming down.
At Thursday night’s meeting, selectmen voted 4-1 awarded the demolition contract to Archie’s Inc. of Mexico for $21,500. The company is owned by Alan Archibald.
Selectman Greg Buccina cast the dissenting vote.
The bid for the three-day job includes removal of asbestos siding, demolition, and the removal of all debris to allow a portion of the land to be redeveloped, Town Manager Carlo Puiia said.
That’s why the prominent tax-acquired property has been labeled “The Gateway” to Rumford.
“We feel it’s the beginning of economic development to get commercial growth into that area,” Puiia said of the lot.
Prior to discussing seven bids that ranged from $46,350 by T.W. Lawncare of Mexico, to $19,400 by K.B. Corp. of Milford, Chairman Brad Adley advised the crowd and fellow board members that the board traditionally hasn’t gone with the lowest bid.
Puiia said money for the work will be taken from the Demolition Account, which contains $50,000 carried forward from last year.
When Selectman Mark Belanger motioned to go with Archie’s, Selectman Jeremy Volkernick said he’d rather go with the lowest bid.
“It’s a $2,000 savings if we go with K.B. Corp. Why go with Archie’s?” he asked.
Contractor Jim Barnett of Complete and Affordable Construction/Excavating LLC of Mexico recommended Archie’s despite Barnett’s bid of $28,750.
He also suggested that the Public Works crew be used to tear down the building to save money, but Puiia said they’re not yet trained for that type of work, especially demolishing a three-story building beside a busy state highway and adjacent property.
Puiia estimated the cost to remove asbestos between $9,000 and $12,000; Barnett estimated a higher cost due to asbestos floor tiles.
Puiia also said it would cost between $1,800 and $2,300 to remove building waste.
“If we use town labor, they’re union labor, so the wages could be higher for the town to do it,” Puiia said. “We have another town building for demolition, so we can have the town crew do it for the training.”
The board then voted for Archie’s.
Other bids included $33,000 by Almighty Waste of Auburn; $28,450 by Allen’s Excavating and Trucking of Mexico; and $19,890 by Dirt Diggers Inc. of Winterport.
In other business, the board, responding to complaints from residents, OK’d banning truckers from using engine brakes on the portion of Wyman Hill Road that descends from a crest toward Route 108 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Puiia also publicly admonished dog owners for not taking a plastic bag with them while walking their pets about town to clean up droppings.
He advised them “to have more pride in the community.”
“It really is a stain on our community,” Puiia said.
-
- Two boys ride scooters along Route 2 in Rumford toward Mexico, passing a three-story house that will soon be demolished by Archie’s Inc.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
