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Orford road agent flags grader service, culvert maintenance and staffing gap
Summary
Road Agent Ted Nutter told the Board the Highway Department is prioritizing ditching and culvert cleanup, reported beavers at Indian Pond culverts, and presented two grader-service estimates; the board accepted a $3,929 quote. The town will repost an open highway crew position; a current employee leaves 05/29.
Road Agent Ted Nutter told the Orford Board of Selectmen on May 28 that ditching and clearing culverts have been the Highway Department’s top priorities.
Nutter reported beavers had returned to the dual culverts at Indian Pond and that he contacted a contractor, Ted Stafford, to address the beaver activity. He said the department’s trucks and equipment are functioning, but the grader is due for service. Two service estimates were presented: $7,396 from United Construction and $3,929 from K Knapp Diesel; the Selectboard agreed to hire K Knapp Diesel for the work.
Nutter said he is exploring a smaller ditching bucket for the backhoe because the current bucket is too wide and heavy for effective ditching and may be pursued as a trade. He is also soliciting written estimates from companies to evaluate sand sifting for town needs.
On staffing, Nutter said the Town received no resumes for the Highway Crew member opening and that the position will be reposted; Selectboard member Charles Smith agreed to list the vacancy on Fairlee and West Fairlee listservs. Nutter reported that employee Zack Shell’s last day will be May 29 and that Tim Chase will continue part-time while the department is short-handed; Chase will receive grader training from Nutter.
The board recorded the sale of a waste oil furnace for $1,600 with proceeds to be accounted for as general income.
No formal vote was required for the equipment vendor decision beyond the board’s agreement to use the lower estimate. The board did not set a hiring deadline; follow-up will be handled administratively.
