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		<subject index="0" >Sewer Project Update December 2003</subject>

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December, 2003

Dear Future Sewer User: 

As promised in our September, 2003 letter, we are again writing to provide an update on the status of the Sewer System Expansion and Upgrade project.  Unfortunately, the news is extremely disappointing as we have been informed by Ludlow Construction that they will not begin work on the collection system extension project until Spring, 2004.  Although they had earlier advised us that they would be starting in the Mahkeenac area in October, we recently received a letter from them, notifying us that other commitments, together with the onset of winter weather, would prevent them from starting in Stockbridge until next year.  

This decision is theirs to make, since our contract does not require work to begin by a certain date, only that the entire project be completed by September, 2005.  These provisions are normal in the industry;   if the contract had required them to comply with specific phasing and timing as directed by the Town, the cost of the project would have been substantially higher.  This decision will not likely delay the overall completion of the project since the contract calls for substantial financial penalties to be paid by the contractor should they not finish by the September, 2005 date.  

With this  change, we are presently in discussions with Ludlow to encourage them to change their phasing in order for work in the Spring to now begin in either Glendale or Goodrich in order to avoid Mahkeenac during the busy summer season.  In this case, construction activity in Mahkeenac would therefore not begin until Fall, 2004.  We will keep you appraised on the status of these negotiations.  

On a positive note, J.H. Maxymillian has begun work on the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and is proceeding on schedule.  It is expected that the plant will be fully operational by September, 2004 and ready to accept new connections.  

We apologize for any inconvenience this action may cause.  Our research has shown Ludlow to 
be a reputable contractor and we believe they will meet the obligations of their contract.   If you have any questions, please feel free to call our project consultant, Joseph Kellogg at 413/637-5477. 

Sincerely, 

Stockbridge Sewer and Water Commission 
Donald Schneyer
Thomas Schuler
Peter Socha