Bellingham Selectboard Elects Hennessy Chair, Awards $572,000 Standpipe Contract

BELLINGHAM -- June 15, 2026, Bellingham Selectboard reorganized Monday, electing Michael Hennessy chair unanimously and Donald Martinez vice chair by a three-to-two vote. The board then worked through a full agenda, awarding a $572,000 contract to RJ Forbes Painting Incorporated of Attleboro for Chestnut Street Standpipe Rehabilitation, the second-low bidder after the apparent low was disqualified for insufficient experience, and noting the work avoids an estimated $2 million full rehabilitation. The board authorized a $20,000 contract with Hill Group to study whether the town's self-insured health insurance model remains cost-effective, with results to be shared with employee unions. To address a $1.8 million funding gap on the Hartford Avenue corridor improvement project, the board unanimously approved a consulting contract with Camoin Associates to develop documents for a District Improvement Financing program, with a possible Special Town Meeting as early as September 22. Non-resident Silver Lake day passes will rise from $7 to $15 and seasonal passes from $60 to $75, while resident rates remain unchanged, after staff cited social media posts in neighboring towns directing visitors to the beach specifically because entry was free after gate hours ended.