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Select Board agrees to limited winter maintenance on White Road
Summary
The Town of Wayne Select Board voted 4–0 to provide winter plowing up to the current residence on White Road after debating the road's legal status and cost; members asked staff to get cost estimates and noted formal closures of winter maintenance require notice and public hearings.
The Town of Wayne Select Board voted Jan. 6 to provide winter maintenance on White Road only up to the property of the current year‑round resident, a targeted decision the board fashioned after debating whether the full road is a townway or an easement.
Select Board chair moved the action and, after discussion about legal obligations and operational difficulty, the motion carried 4–0. Chair said the town could later revisit the scope if new information surfaced.
Board members and staff pressed on two practical questions: whether the town is legally obligated to plow an entire road designated as a townway and how to avoid damaging private property with plow piles. Town Manager Shannon noted the winter maintenance line has about $7,000 in surplus this year, which could be applied if the board decides to contract plowing for the limited stretch.
The board discussed procurement options: amending the current plowing contract or hiring a contractor under a separate agreement. Several members said they preferred to obtain cost estimates before committing funds or expanding coverage.
The chair noted that any formal decision to discontinue winter maintenance on a road beyond the current action would require notice and a public hearing under state procedure.
What the board voted: the motion directs the town to undertake winter maintenance (plowing) up to the current residence on White Road. The board asked staff to obtain bids and additional legal/operational detail for future consideration.
