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Orford highway department flags equipment, staffing and winter-sand concerns
Summary
Road Agent Ted Nutter reported multiple equipment repairs, a fueling-system leak, scheduling for winter sand sifting in September and a staffing contingency plan for upcoming vacations and leaves.
At the July 24 Selectboard meeting, Road Agent Ted Nutter outlined several highway-department maintenance and staffing issues that could affect road work and winter preparedness.
Nutter said the loader needs substantial repairs but remains usable, and the fueling system has a leak with parts on order. He reported the backhoe’s air conditioner will be repaired and confirmed a radio was installed in the new six-wheeler. The roadside mower is currently being repaired; the contractor expects to be back in Orford within about two weeks.
On operations, the highway crew is still working on roadside ditching on Quinttown Road near Flat Rock and will spot-check other roads for further ditching needs. Nutter said winter-sand sifting is scheduled for September and raised the question of whether the current sand pit will be available next year, meaning the town may need to seek other sand sources.
Nutter also described his staffing plan while he is on vacation and during a concurrent medical leave of another crew member: he has asked Tim Chase to work a 40-hour week (weather permitting) and said Zack Shell will haul gravel to roads; Nutter will prepare a prioritized list of work for Shell if Chase cannot be on site.
Why it matters: equipment downtime and uncertain sand supply can affect road safety and winter response times; the board received the status report but did not vote on specific purchases or contracts at the meeting.
