DPW Director James Reidy encouraged town officials to fill the position rather than relying on consultants.
SOUTH HADLEY – The Town Engineer in South Hadley has left after six years to take a position in Longmeadow, and on Tuesday South Hadley Selectmen considered how to proceed with engineering projects coming up in the future.
Engineer Yem Lip was highly esteemed by the town, and John Hine, chair of the Selectboard, said he was “sad to see him go.”
Hine also said that when a job slot is empty, “it’s a good practice to take a moment to look at that position.”
With that, the Selectboard (and residents who watch Selectboard meetings on local TV), were treated to an energetic lesson from James Reidy, director of the Department of Public Works, on the benefits of having a full-time Town Engineer.
Reidy spoke forcefully in favor of filling the position rather than relying on consultants.
“Monetarily, to me, it’s a no-brainer,” said Reidy. “To not fund this position would set the DPW 20 steps back.
“I feel super-strongly that it’s not a good idea to do work through consultants, especially on simple construction or inspection.”
Reidy said hiring engineering consultants on a job-by-job basis would at least double, or as much as quadruple, engineering costs to the town.
He said the Town Engineer has duties that range from preparing plans and estimates for grant projects to inspecting and supervising construction projects.
He was especially grateful to Yip, he said, for bringing in “a boatload” of grants.
Here are a few of the engineering projects coming up in South Hadley. Many projects start with making up plans, specifications and estimates.
The town is vying for a Transportation Improvement Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to make repairs on East Street.
A corroded culvert, or covered drain, must be replaced on Sunset Avenue.
Canal Street and Taylor Street need paving.
Approval must be sought from the South Hadley Conservation Committee and Natural Heritage Endangered Species Program before sidewalk work on Brainerd Street can proceed.
About 300 feet of sewer main needs to be replaced on Newton Street.
A pedestrian bridge is needed over a culvert on Morgan Street. Mount Holyoke College has agreed to pay for it if the town comes up with the design.