DPW Project
Everything related to the new DPW Project.
2025 May 27
AHBC Update Highlights Strained Process
Work session surfaces trust issues and questions about next steps
During a Select Board meeting, officials reviewed outcomes from an Ad Hoc Building Committee work session focused on the DPW project. While some strengths were noted, all members identified back-channel communications and internal division as serious impediments. With the committee split into opposing camps and pricing soon to be released, questions were raised about whether the existing structure can credibly guide the project forward.
video clip edited for clarity and length
Tags: DPW, AHBC
2025 May 27
Questions Emerge About a “Shadow” Committee
Public records prompt scrutiny of Truro’s DPW planning process
At a recent Select Board meeting, a Truro resident presented public records he says reveal a pattern of behind-the-scenes coordination involving committee members, staff, and a consultant tied to the DPW project. He argues that alternatives were never seriously considered and warns the process could expose taxpayers to unnecessary costs.
While urging the town to continue planning work, he called for greater transparency and oversight before further commitments are made.
2025 Apr 22
AHBC Update Signals Ongoing DPW Planning Challenges
Select Board hears brief status report on AHBC
In a short update to the Select Board, the Ad Hoc Building Committee liaison reported on the current status of the DPW facility project. The discussion outlined progress, remaining challenges, and noted that the committee is hoping to receive the first schematic from Weston & Sampson by May 5.
2025 May 14
AHBC Work Session Recast Ahead of Key Decisions
Facilitated session aims to address challenges and next steps
At a recent meeting, the Select Board agreed to revise the structure of an upcoming Ad Hoc Building Committee work session. Citing timing concerns and internal difficulties, members supported a smaller, facilitated discussion limited to the committee and its liaison. The session is intended to address internal challenges, surface unresolved issues, improve alignment, and and help members decide whether to seek reappointment as current terms near expiration.
2025 Feb 25
a year ago
Citizens express need for a $20 million cost cap
“If it doesn’t begin with a 1 it will end up a zero”
1y
2025 Jan 30
a year ago
OPM Update
Provides his estimate of cost in the $26M to $30M range
Suggests how to get to about $20M: “If you want to lop off $8, 9, 10 million you’ve got to cut out about a third of something… It’s an option… It depends on your priorities…”
1y
2024 Dec 10
a year ago
Update from OPM
OPM comments Town Hall Hill site looking like a fit.
Select Board question: It appears that the DPW will fit on the Town Hall site?
OPM:
"Based on what I've seen so far, and if it gets smaller obviously it's going to fit even better."
"I'm asking for the architect to come up with the next level of drawings [as the] site here would require careful sequencing and phasing ... again in all due respect to the [DPW Study] Group, they did a very nice job looking at a concept -- the concept needs to be developed slightly further."
OPM:
"Based on what I've seen so far, and if it gets smaller obviously it's going to fit even better."
"I'm asking for the architect to come up with the next level of drawings [as the] site here would require careful sequencing and phasing ... again in all due respect to the [DPW Study] Group, they did a very nice job looking at a concept -- the concept needs to be developed slightly further."
"...it's 25M to 30M, it can get smaller here -- how might that look is really what we're talking about and ultimately what does the town want."
"...my cost of $29.2 million that I started off with is the cost for a brand new building on a brand new site somewhere in town."
"...my cost of $29.2 million that I started off with is the cost for a brand new building on a brand new site somewhere in town."
Tags: DPW, OPM
1y2024 Dec 10
a year ago
Update on Environmental Site Assessment
DPW Environmental Site Activities update from HRP
2024 Oct 22
a year ago
Owners Project Manager hiring
- Jarrod Cabral, DPW Director
Tags: DPW, OPM
1y2024 Sep 12
a year ago
Focus Turns to Defining DPW Facility Requirements
A clear statement of requirements is one of the next steps to be taken
The Ad Hoc Building Committee held a detailed discussion about how to define clear requirements for a future DPW facility. Participants raised questions about changing square footage estimates, consultant recommendations, and past cost-reduction efforts. The conversation highlighted broad agreement that existing concepts are purely conceptual and that clearer, agreed-upon requirements will be essential before advancing design or site decisions.
Tags: DPW, THH
1y2024 Sep 12
a year ago
Ad Hoc Building Committee Update of Phase 2 Environmental Findings
Finalizing testing including monitoring wells
"In short, nothing precludes us from developing the site."
- Jarrod Cabral, DPW Director
Tags: DPW, THH
1y2024 Aug 15
a year ago
Ad Hoc Building Committee Update of Phase 2 Environmental Findings
Continues testing including monitoring wells
"Nothing right now precludes development of the site."
Tags: DPW, THH
1y2024 Jul 23
2 years ago
Select Board Discussion of Phase 2 Environmental Progress
So far a green light for site development.
"We will have a full report...in maybe 6 to 8 weeks...Right now there's nothing that precludes any development on the site."
Tags: DPW, THH
2y2024 Jul 16
2 years ago
Board of Health Discussion of Phase 2 Environmental Progress
Further test pits not finding anything requiring action.
"We don't have the results back yet for all the tests, but assuming that there's no further action needed on the holes we've already done, we could possibly wrap this up in a couple of months."
Tags: DPW, THH
2y2024 Jul 11
2 years ago
Ad Hoc Building Committee Discussion of Phase 2 Environmental Findings
Initial test pit findings, with one having buried oil containers.
Contaminated soil has been removed, and awaiting testing and further testing,
Tags: DPW, THH
2y2024 Jun 27
2 years ago
Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Funding For Next Steps
Votes: 393 Yes, 94 No, to create a schematic design for the DPW at Town Hall Hill
Tags: DPW, Town Meeting
2y2024 Jun 25
2 years ago
Select Board Discussion of DPW and Town Meeting Votes
Next steps to be taken at Town Hall Hill.
Includes next step of hiring an Owner's Project Manager
Tags: DPW, Weinstein, Town Meeting
2y2024 Jun 18
2 years ago
Select Board Goals
DPW Goal discussion
"The SB will prepare a Town Meeting article for the public works facility."
Tags: DPW
2y2024 Jun 11
2 years ago
Select Board Review of Ballot Question 2
Recommendation to approve the engineering budget on June 27 ballot.
Bob Weinstein claims to be the 'skunk at the party' and continues to advocate for the Rt6 site in spite of Town Meeting votes and the specific exclusion of that site in the funding warrant article that passed. While citing the cost of delay, he wants to vote against funding of the next step.
SB Chair Areson "disagrees with Bob's insistence to not vote for this ... I want to see this pass so we can get some design work done. So I am absolutely in favor of this."
Tags: DPW, Rt6, THH, Weinstein, Areson, Cabral
2y2024 May 28
2 years ago
Select Board Goal #4 Review
Next step to approve the engineering budget on June 27 ballot.
Weinstein continues to advocate for the Rt6 site in spite of Town Meeting votes and the specific exclusion of that site in the funding warrant article that passed.
Select Board Policy 37: "The Select Board must operate ... in conformity with all decisions made by Town Meeting."
Tags: DPW, Rt6, THH, Tangeman, Weinstein
2y2024 May 23
2 years ago
Ad Hoc Committee: Parking and Site Fill Balancing
Plans evolve for the site, including parking
Members conclude that the site can generate its own fill, and that any contaminated soil can be kept on site and environmentally capped.
Tags: DPW, THH
2y2024 May 23
2 years ago
Ad Hoc Committee: THH Environmental Study
Plans to do a thorough environmental analysis of the Town Hall Hill site before construction.
Members agree that doing a proper analysis and remediation is a good next step. Funding will be provided as a result of the June 27 ballot approving the results of the May 5th Annual Town Meeting.
Tags: DPW, Environmental
2y2024 May 5
Town Meeting Votes against DPW at Route 6 and for DPW at Town Hall Hill
Route 6 Site Rejected, and Funding Passed to Design on Town Hall Hill
Six Key Votes on May 4-5 affirmed the Town Hall Hill site:
STM Article 2 - Change of Use of 340 Rt 6
A majority of more than 2/3 of the voters rejected the change of use of the parcel on Rt 6
Overwhelming rejection of Article 2 - Change of Use
SB Vice-chair Areson voted against Article 2.
STM Article 3 - Borrowing Authorization of $28.3 million for DPW construction
Failed by more than a 2/3 majority of the voters
STM Article 4 - Borrowing Authorization of $2.8 million for DPW engineering
No site was specified. 66.7% in favor required to pass, and only 47.3% voted in favor.
STM Article 14 - DPW Campus Design
Passed by a majority of voters.
ATM Article 13 - Borrowing Authorization of $2.8 million for DPW engineering at Town Hall Hill
Voters passed an amendment allocating up to $2.8 million for engineering and design of a new DPW on Town Hall Hill
The voters voted overwhelmingly in favor, as well as the Select Board voted unanimously in favor, along with the chair of the FinCom.
Tags: DPW, THH, Town Meeting
2024 Apr 23
2 years ago
Ad Hoc Committee: Design Fees Estimates
Weston & Sampson explains that design fee is based on level of effort and NOT a straight 10% of the total project cost.
Jeff Alberti, W&S President: "Our contracts are not based on a percentage of the construction costs. That's sometimes a misconception. We take the actual concept and then we work with each of our disciplines and we develop a labor hours that we anticipate based on the schedule and the effort.
More... "We're not tied directly to the cost of the project. It's more the effort to complete the design."
Tags: DPW, Design, W&S
2y2024 Apr 23 PC
2 years ago
Ad Hoc Committee: Public Comment
Brian Boyle discussing issues that can put the project at Rt 6 at risk.
Tags: DPW, Rt6, Size, SF
2y2024 Apr 16
2 years ago
Ad Hoc Committee: Reducing the DPW Square Feet
Discussion of reducing the square feet by about a third.
In 2018-2019 the fleet was slightly larger. Now 17 vehicles to be stored.
Tags: DPW, Rt6, Size, SF, Vehicles
2y2024 Apr 11
2 years ago
Route 6 Site Traffic Issues
Widening the curb cut onto Route 6 requires MA Department of Transportation approval, which apparently takes years.
"I've emailed [DOT], I don't know how many times about the safety concerns... And they kind of just blew all that off and said, you know what, it's going to be part of a bigger project closer to 2030-2032, when it becomes more of a bike and walkway lane improvement."
- Jarrod Cabral, DPW Director
- Jarrod Cabral, DPW Director
Tags: DPW, Rt6, Traffic, DOT
2y2024 Apr 9
2 years ago
Route 6 Site More Costly
Not the cheapest in terms of site work.
Topographically, it's a difficult site...makes some of the site work more expensive.
Tags: DPW, Rt6, Weinstein
2y2024 Apr 8
2 years ago
Route 6 Site Layout - Don't See How It Works
-- Chris Lucy (works at the DPW)
Fuel station issues
Grade, access and fire safety issues
Tags: DPW, Rt6, Lucy
2y2024 Apr 4
2 years ago
Route 6 Site Traffic Issues
"...given the sluggish response historically of the DOT, that they be appraised of what is going on. 2026 is the year that Truro is set in the DOT schedule to improve the highway."
Tags: DPW, Rt6, Traffic, DOT
2y2024 Apr 4
2 years ago
Ad Hoc Committee: DPW Vehicle Fleet Size
Starting in 2017, reduced to 17 vehicles now
Tags: DPW, Vehicles, Size
2y2024 Mar 27
2 years ago
DPW Community Forum
Some Highlights from the DPW Forum held March 27 at the Community Center
Comments by taxpayer Paul Scheufele
Expressing concern about the cost being out of proportion to the scale and needs of our town.
Comments by taxpayer Jim Vincent (also the Provincetown DPW Director)
Provincetown has similar issues as Truro and is taking a phased approach.
Discussion by taxpayer Jon Winder and DPW Director Jarrod Cabral about revisiting W&S space requirements analysis
This is a component of the charge of the Ad Hoc Committee, namely: "c) Review the specific needs/requirements, specifications, estimated costs and project time-frame..."
Questions by taxpayer Regan McCarthy, about the total debt burden the taxpayers are being asked to bear.
What used to be an average of $2 million in long term debt has balooned to $9 million already, and with what is being proposed is on its way to $100 million. Echoes commentary by Provincetown DPW Director about total infrastructure costs, prioritization, and phasing.
Video clips edited for clarity and length
Tags: DPW, Provincetown, W&S, Taxes
2y2024 Mar 27
2 years ago
Ad Hoc DPW Building Committee restricted to Route 6 site only
per DPW Director Cabral at the DPW Forum: "So for now, since the Select Board has selected Route 6, until town meeting decides otherwise, the Ad Hoc Committee will be focused on 340 Route 6."
Tags: DPW
2y2024 Mar 26
2 years ago
Citizens' Petition
New DPW Facility on Town Hall Hill - Engineering and Site Planning for Two Existing Conceptual Plans
Presented by Dennis O'Brien
Petitioners’ explanation: The petitioners believe that the site of the current DPW Facility on Town Hall Hill (THH) is the best location for a new DPW Facility, affording substantial cost and time savings, reducing and/or eliminatng the adverse environmental, traffic, safety, and economic impacts posed by a Route 6 site. THH is safer
More... Tags: DPW, THH, petition, W&S
2y2024 Mar 4
2 years ago
Select Board Appoints Ad Hoc DPW Building Committee
The Select Board, after delaying the appointment of this committee, appoints 5 members and 1 alternate member.
2024 Feb 22
2 years ago
Adaptive Building Reuse In Truro
Reusing Buildings is Best Practice
The Town recently reused two houses and moved them from their locations to S. Highland Rd, to give them a second life.
The Town recently reused two houses and moved them from their locations to S. Highland Rd, to give them a second life.
Reusing the 5,000 SF salt barn for vehicle storage saves approximately $3 millon:
assuming $800/SF cost new less $200/SF refurbishing cost equals $600/SF saved.
Tags: DPW, W&S, Reuse, Repurpose
2y2024 Feb 8
MISINFORMATION ALERT!
Bob Weinstein claims the DPW Study Group's architect is not registered in MA.
❗️The False Statement:
None of the members of the Study Group are licensed in MA.
None of the members of the Study Group are licensed in MA.
edited for length and clarity
✅ The Facts Checked:
Anthony Garrett, with nearly 40 years' architectural experience, is a licensed architect in several states, including MA.
Anthony Garrett's MA Architect License
Anthony Garrett, with nearly 40 years' architectural experience, is a licensed architect in several states, including MA.
Anthony Garrett's MA Architect License
from the Commonwealth's Board of Registration
Tags: DPW, Weinstein, misinformation
2023 Nov
Town Hall Hill Campus Concept Plan Receives Praise from Leading Architect
Truro taxpayer Elton Elperin, praised the DPW Campus Plan after reviewing the W&S plan and the DPW Study Group Campus Plan documents.
He personally wrote to Town officials to 'express my strong preference for the DPW Campus on Town Hall Hill over the current proposal for new facilities on Rt. 6.' In part this was due to the Campus Plan’s unique feature of repurposing and refurbishing existing structures. He
More... Tags: DPW, Elperin, Repurpose
2023 Oct 10
2 years ago
MISINFORMATION ALERT!
Chris Lucy says the DPW will not fit on Town Hall Hill.
❗️The False Statement:
That the Town Hall Campus Plan doesn't fit, and states that it measures 400' or 450' on the Meetinghouse Rd side.
That the Town Hall Campus Plan doesn't fit, and states that it measures 400' or 450' on the Meetinghouse Rd side.
edited for length and clarity
✅ The Facts Checked:
Weston & Sampson has tested the Town Hall Hill site and confirmed that a 29,600 SF DPW would fit if the well were relocated.
Weston & Sampson has tested the Town Hall Hill site and confirmed that a 29,600 SF DPW would fit if the well were relocated.
-- excerpted from W&S 2022 update. The well relocation plan has been presented in a report by expert hydrogeologist Thomas Cambareri.
✅ The Facts Checked Further:
DPW Study Group's AutoCAD concept plan cites the dimension of the border along Meetinghouse Rd. The plan shows 350.3 feet, which is within a few feet of the measurement cited by Lucy as correct.
DPW Study Group's AutoCAD concept plan cites the dimension of the border along Meetinghouse Rd. The plan shows 350.3 feet, which is within a few feet of the measurement cited by Lucy as correct.
-- from AutoCAD plan
Tags: DPW, Lucy, Town Hall Hill, misinformation
2y2023 Oct 5
2 years ago
Citizens' Petition at Pre-Special Town Meeting
New DPW Facility on Town Hall Hill - Presentation to Pre-Town Meeting
5 minute presentation by Kevin Kuechler, followed by 25 minutes of Q&A
Tags: DPW, THH, petition, W&S
2y2023 Sep 20
Town Hall Hill Campus Concept Plan Receives Positive Peer-Review
Prominent construction management firm Phelps Construction Group finds the conceptual budgets prepared by the Study Group to be accurate.
2023 Aug 25
2 years ago
MISINFORMATION ALERT!
Weston & Sampson states existing Town Hall Hill DPW buildings are 50 to 70 years old.
❗️The False Statement:
Presentation by Jeff Alberti of W&S says all existing buildings are 50 to 70 years old, including the two being repurposed.
Presentation by Jeff Alberti of W&S says all existing buildings are 50 to 70 years old, including the two being repurposed.
-- to the FinComm
✅ The Facts Checked:
Actual building age per DPW Director is much less. The larger of the two being repurposed for vehicle storage, at about 5,000 sq ft, was added to in the late 80s to the early 2000s.
Actual building age per DPW Director is much less. The larger of the two being repurposed for vehicle storage, at about 5,000 sq ft, was added to in the late 80s to the early 2000s.
-- from DPW Virtual Tour
Tags: DPW, W&S, Alberti, Reuse, Repurpose, misinformation
2y2023 Aug 25
W&S Feasibility Study - Update
DPW project COST increased by $4,763,120 to $34,364,120
Including financing costs (interest) on a bond, the total cost to the taxpayer is approximately $64 million.
2023 Aug 2
W&S Feasibility Study - Review by CHA
340 Rt 6 site: $28.2M, Town Hall Rd site: $25.1M
Rt 6 site is $3.1 million more than Town Hall Rd site
Peer reviewer CHA estimates $3.1M less cost for Town Hall Hill location before repurposing over 25% of the building square feet.
2023 Jul 17
2 years ago
Rare Species at 340 Rt 6
As reported by Truro Police Department.
Truro PD Facebook page reports Eastern Box Turtle rescue!
Tags: DPW, Rt6, Environment
2y2023 Jul 1
DPW Study Group Publishes Town Hall Hill Campus Concept Plan
Volunteer group comes together in an effort to save taxpayer costs while meeting all stated requirements.
Unlike past new projects in Truro or other towns, the Select Board had no Building Committee appointments to provide independent citizen advice. Study Group members stepped forward to fill that expertise gap. And endorse the common practice (as discussed by Weston & Sampson in Tewksbury) of reaping cost savings from adpative reuse of buildings.
2023 Jun 27 8:03 PM
Select Board Votes to Select 340 Route 6 Site
...motion made without hearing from the public.
No peer review has been provided yet. Resident Deborah Rivlin surprised and alarmed that a vote took place so soon without environmental testing, and without neighborhood input at the meeting.
2023 Jun 27 8:01 PM
Bob Weinstein questions voters' role in the site choice
Town Counsel indicates that 2/3 vote is needed to change use of 340 Rt 6 to Public Works.
2023 Jun 27 7:57 PM
Sue Areson clarifies the provisional nature of the site choice
Jarrod Cabral: 'As far as choosing a primary site, right, you're looking at 340 Route 6. If you go down the road and you find there's a major problem with this, ...you can make an alternative choice.'
2023 Jun 27 7:53 PM
Neighborhood's Attorney David Reid on 340 Route 6 Site
A problem with the site... all of the presentations have been focused on the internal assessments of the site. None of the discussions have focused on the external impacts of the decision. Significant detrimental effect on the adjoining neighborhood.
2023 Jun 27 7:50 PM
Abutter Ed Kinsella Discusses Neighborhood Concerns
2023 Jun 27 4:09 PM
Select Board Chair Requires Public Comments Be Held Until the DPW Agenda Item
...and states the public will have the opportunity to speak at that time.
Agenda item 7B:
Public Works Facility Update, Discussion, and Possible Vote on Site Location
Public Works Facility Update, Discussion, and Possible Vote on Site Location
2023 May 31
Cape Cod Commission Traffic Study for Rt 6
Cape Cod Commission reports on traffic analysis for Rt 6 in the vicinity. The closest thing to data in addition to accident report analysis.
Per the report to the Walsh Committee: 'LOS E/F indicates more significant delays but does not necessarily mean that that intersection presents safety issues... For future analyses, it is suggested that additional traffic data is collected during the summer months.'
2023 Apr
MA-Licensed Architect Anthony Garrett Joins the Group
The 'DPW Study Group' continued to develop a lower cost Town Hall Hill Campus Plan concept.
Repurposing two of the existing buildings (about 25% of the total square feet requirements) and keeping the existing fuel station were key to saving millions. Redeveloping the existing site also would produce million dollar plus savings.
Additional benefits included no environmental damage, no permitting issues such as special permit conditions, no impact on Rt 6 traffic in an accident-prone corridor, and no 'industrial' look on a visible part of Rt 6.
2023 Feb
W&S Suggested Exploring Town Hall Hill Well Relocation
From the DPW to Snow's Field or to abutting parcels
W&S noted this in their Feb 2022 update, but an analysis of well relocation was not part of the initial scope of work.
Given that the new DPW could fit on Town Hall Hill if the well could be relocated, water expert Kevin Kuechler explored the least cost way to move the well. In addition, past and present water test results were reviewed, and it was determined that there are no issues with the well water at Snow's Field. This was confirmed by independent water consultant Thomas Cambareri.
2023 Jan 10
W&S Feasibility Study - Update
DPW project COST increased by $7,000,000 to $29,600,000
2023 Jan 5
Review of W&S and Current Town Hall Hill Site
Experienced Developer Reviews Site and Plans
A new DPW can be built on Town Hall Hill in phases, while service continues. It should cost considerably less than currently projected.
2022 May 17
Job Swap
Reed and Weinstein swap jobs; Reed is now SB Chair.
2022 Feb 8
Route 6 Traffic Considerations
DPW Director to Select Board: accident history on Rt 6
Between Shore Rd and Andrew Way (just north of the School), around the Public Safety Facility
2022 Feb 8
W&S Feasibility Report - Update
COST increased by $4,618,000 to $22,600,000
DPW project scale stays at 29,608 SF
2021 Jul 13
SB votes to dissolve Water Resources Oversight Committee
Provincetown Independent: 'Water Oversight Committee Gets Flushed'
Standing Building Committee remains empty.
Standing Building Committee remains empty.
2021 Jan 1
Darrin Tangeman Hired as Town Manager
2020 Jul 14
Bob Weinstein Becomes Select Board Chair
2020 Feb 11
W&S Feasibility Study - Update
DPW project reduced to 29,608 SF; COST reduced to $17,982,000
2020 Feb 11
Paul Morris Letter to Select Board
DPW project should be scaled to what Truro requires.
The Truro Select Board Chair reads a letter from the former DPW Director about why the Public Safety site is not appropriate for a DPW facility.
2019 Jun
W&S Feasibility Report
Space Needs: 32,487 SF; TOTAL PROJECT COST: $20,655,018
2018 Dec 28
Email to Weston & Sampson With Site Preference
Route 6 site 'would be the best option.'
2018
Weston & Sampson Hired to Advise on DPW Requirements
Request: 'To perform a feasibility study to determine a new site location and requirements for a new Department of Public Works Facility.'
2016
Jarrod Cabral Appointed DPW Director
2015
Jay Norton Hired as DPW Director
2014 Dec
Paul Morris Retires as DPW Director
After announcing his retirement six months earlier.
2014 Nov
RaeAnn Palmer hired as Town Administrator
A three-year contract was announced by Select Board chair Jay Coburn. The town administrator position was vacant since February due to the death of Town Administrator Rex Peterson.
2014 May 20
Jay Coburn Re-elected Select Board Chair
2013
Bob Weinstein Elected to Select Board
1992 Nov 30
Decision of the Board of Appeals
ZBA grants special permit for new Fire Rescue Police Station
The Board includes by reference the three-page submission filed with the Board of Appeals by the Town Building Committee on Nov 18, 1992, and entitled: 'Summary of Request for Special Permit.'
1992 Nov 18
Summary of Request for Special Permit for Fire Rescue Police Station
Town Building Committee to the ZBA
Paragraph 4b: 'It is buffered from the adjoining residential zone by the large area and extensive trees.'
1992 Oct 21
Town Meeting Vote on Special Permit for Fire Rescue Police Station
Town Building Committee brings the design to the voters for approval.
'The proposed building is separated from residential areas by woods.'
It was approved by the voters and the Building Committee then requested the ZBA issue a special permit.