Resident urges replacement of culvert after town ditching near Durand East

Bob Ross Jr. told the Randolph Board of Selectmen during the Jan. 13 meeting that recent ditching performed by the road agent extended 8 to 10 feet onto his property without prior notice and had damaged plantings and his ability to mow the area.

"It had not been done in years," Ross said, describing a culvert he described as sinking and creating a divot that causes trucks with trailers to "bounce and make loud noises." He added that high water after heavy rains has backed up into his basement and that, in his view, the current culvert cannot handle increased runoff from recent timber cutting in the Broadacres area.

Selectman Richard Fournier said anchor ice had formed in the stream, blocking flow and causing water to run onto the road at the corner of Durand East, and that the town would "replace[] in kind." Michele Cormier, chair, suggested an on-site meeting in the spring when snow is gone so all parties can review the situation and seek a solution.

Ross also raised concern that the ditching work had created an area he can no longer mow and that the work destroyed flowers planted by his wife. He said the area remains "extremely wet up until July." The minutes record no formal vote; the board's next step is an on-site review and follow-up discussion in warmer weather.

The minutes do not specify whether the road agent, Paul Kenison, will be present for a site visit or whether the town has a timetable for replacing the culvert or confirming the extent of right-of-way versus private property disturbance.