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Orwell board presses VTrans on Route 22A plowing, hears MERP contractor delays and other highway updates
Summary
Road Foreman reported active winter plowing and heavy sand usage; the board will send a letter to VTrans about possible overnight non-plowing on Route 22A. The meeting also covered delays in MERP repairs, a solar-access challenge at the firehouse and missing salt-shed concrete bids.
The Orwell Select Board discussed public-works operations and building repairs at its Dec. 8 meeting, including winter plowing logistics, construction delays in the MERP project, and equipment access for a solar contractor.
Road Foreman Allen M. Alger said crews have been busy plowing and sanding as winter arrived and that the town has used a large amount of sand, requiring cutbacks. Board members raised concern that Route 22A may not be plowed between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.; the board agreed to send a letter to VTrans requesting clarification or action. Gary Murdock reiterated a citizen request for a permanent "Reduce Speed" sign on North Orwell Road to support speed enforcement; Andrea Treadway noted the town now has a portable speed-sign trailer to move where needed.
Andrea Treadway reported ongoing coordination problems with MERP contractor Jason McNolty of All Points Construction Co., who has not kept to schedules for the town office, town garage and firehouse repairs. A planned standing seam roof installation was postponed because roof pans could not be made due to power issues; roofers are rescheduled and the town aims to complete the MERP work by the end of 2026.
Solar installer Jim Crawford of Green Earth Energy said the town's excavator was too large to trench from the firehouse to the panels; smaller equipment was expected the following day. The board also noted no concrete bids had been received yet for the planned salt-shed foundation and assigned Joe Pouliot and Les Wood to follow up with local contractors.
