Selectboard hears contractor on road repairs, rink problems and solar-project tree removal

The Stratford Selectboard on March 9 heard a briefing from contractor Mike Lynch on this winter’s road work, parking-lot deterioration, and related maintenance needs.

Lynch said his company performed additional snow removal beyond the standard contract this season, and that the town experienced higher plowing, loader use and salt consumption because of weather conditions. He recommended a multi-year rotation to address the town’s worst road segments and said he will provide cost estimates and gather quotes for paving and other material options.

On the Town Hall parking lot, Lynch recommended reshaping, adding gravel and improving drainage as near-term repairs, with paving quotes to follow. Selectman Harry Juergens raised the parking-lot item for board consideration during the meeting.

Lynch also described difficulties maintaining the community ice rink this season, citing poor ice conditions and methane bubbles in the rink base; he recommended relocating the rink next season and testing different base-preparation methods to improve reliability.

Separately, Lynch updated the board on the town’s solar project timeline and said some tree removal will be required to meet environmental restrictions; he additionally noted upcoming timber-harvest activity in the area. The contractor did not provide exact costs at the meeting; he said estimates and paving quotes will be supplied to the board for future consideration.

The board took no final action on any of the contractor’s recommendations at the meeting and asked Lynch to return with written estimates and quotes.