Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Highway Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Selectboard hears highway equipment trouble, readies Archertown Road Phase II for paving
Summary
Road Agent Nutter reported equipment problems and multiple needed repairs; the board approved reverting the department to a five-day schedule and scheduled a public hearing after the recent sale of a truck returned $15,100.
Road Agent Nutter updated the Orford Selectboard on Aug. 28 that the highway crew is finishing culvert cleaning, ditching and grading ahead of Archertown Road Phase II paving work planned to begin the following week.
Nutter told the board the loader currently has no power for pushing material due to a fuel-related issue and that he has contacted John Deere to send a technician. He said the crew will need to repair sinkholes at culvert headers on East Cemetery Road and make repairs at the Upper Baker Pond and Indian Pond boat landings following recent heavy rain.
Selectboard members discussed a $4,500 estimate from Herb Austic to repair the town salt shed. Selectboard members Larry Taylor and Kevin Follensbee said they wanted to review the scope of work before Austic begins and raised whether the highway crew could complete the repairs.
Nutter said he is seeking a contractor to provide sand sifting services for winter. He also requested the department be allowed to remain on a 4x10 (four 10-hour days) schedule through September; the board said the department must follow the employee handbook and revert to a five-day schedule effective Sept. 1, 2024.
Separately, the board noted the completed sale of a 2013 International truck for $15,100 and said it will hold a public hearing on Sept. 11 at 6:00 p.m. to accept the unanticipated funds because the amount exceeds $10,000. The Selectboard plans a 2025 warrant article to return the proceeds to the Highway Truck Capital Reserve Fund and directed Kevin Follensbee to obtain photos of a 2019 F-550 for an upcoming Municibid posting.
The Selectboard did not take further formal action beyond scheduling the public hearing and asking staff to pursue repairs and contractor quotes.
