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Public Works reports Maple & Nutley signal progress, outlines paving plan and snow‑removal costs
Summary
Public Works Director Brad Baer said equipment for the Maple & Nutley signal project is installed but radio connectivity problems require an antenna solution; DPW plans to fund six lane miles of paving annually through the CIP and set a $85,000 overtime budget for snow removal.
Public Works Director Brad Baer presented the department’s FY2027 operating and CIP plans and provided progress updates on several ongoing projects.
Baer said the Maple & Nutley signal upgrade has all equipment installed but the system is experiencing radio signal and programming connectivity issues; the contractor hired a traffic‑signal specialist who recommended adding a specific antenna to boost signal strength to program the radios correctly. Baer said the assessment is under review with the engineer of record and staff will report back on the recommended solution.
On paving, Baer said the town is funded to do about six lane miles a year in the CIP to maintain the pavement condition index in a satisfactory range; the operating budget reflects only a required VDOT‑linked portion (~$262,000) while the complete paving program is about $1.2 million annually and sits primarily in the CIP. Staff explained VDOT reporting and matching requirements that determine how some paving dollars are budgeted in the general fund versus CIP.
Baer also reviewed snow‑removal operations and overtime budgeting. The department budgets 1,000 hours of overtime (roughly covering 4–5 events) and proposes $85,000 for the overtime line plus a $10,000 increase for heavy equipment replacement. He said the recent large storm exceeded the typical overtime budget and required rental equipment and near‑round‑the‑clock staffing to clear sidewalks and primary roads.
Council members praised DPW for the recent storm response and asked follow‑ups about street sweeper repairs, fuel contracting, and subgrade issues for recurring pavement failures. Baer said staff will continue to pursue contractual remedies where construction quality issues exist and will provide updates as engineering recommendations are finalized.
