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Residents press Select Board on clearing brick sidewalks; board seeks cost options
Summary
Multiple residents urged the Select Board to commit to clearing village brick sidewalks after storms, citing safety concerns for pedestrians. Board members and staff raised liability, equipment and budget constraints; the board asked staff to gather cost estimates and contractor options for further consideration.
A lengthy public discussion on Jan. 20 focused on whether the town should clear the brick sidewalks in Belgrade village during winter.
Several residents described narrow, uncleared sidewalks that force pedestrians into the road and said the situation poses safety risks — particularly for elderly residents and people using walkers. One resident who had been clearing sidewalks said she was discouraged when a town letter suggested private individuals could be held responsible for damage; she urged the board to clarify liability and provide town assistance.
Board members and staff raised practical concerns: the town’s facilities and maintenance crew is already stretched; clearing brick sidewalks with tractors or mechanized blowers can damage bricks or, when salted, cause heaving and repeated repair. The board noted prior votes and past discussions had left sidewalk maintenance as a recurring issue and that a Friends of Belgrade Lakes escrow existed for some repairs (an escrow balance was discussed but not committed to routine maintenance). Several people suggested a trial approach or contracting the work to a private vendor for day‑after storm clearing.
Select Board members directed staff to obtain firm cost estimates, to check equipment suitability and to ask contract counsel whether existing escrow funds or reserve accounts could legally be used for limited maintenance. The board did not change policy at the meeting but asked staff to return with options, costs and a recommended path forward.
Next steps: staff will solicit quotes from contractors, consult with the winter maintenance contractor about incorporating village sidewalks into an addendum, and report back with a cost estimate and legal guidance on use of existing escrow funds.
