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Highway update: East Road grant, chip seal timing and plan to pay $25/hour to attract road workers
Summary
Highway staff reported progress on an East Road grant and contractor estimates; the board discussed chip-seal timing (work expected in August) and recommended a $25/hour starting wage for a posted road worker position to attract applicants.
Dave, the town highway staff, told the select board he has asked contractors for estimates for culverts, headwalls and aluminum box culverts needed for an East Road grant project and expects chip-seal work around Aug. 9. He said he is still awaiting a firm cost estimate. "I should be getting an estimate," he said.
Board members discussed long-term maintenance and relative costs of chip seal versus full blacktop resurfacing, with one member citing recent quotes ranging from about $600,000 to $1,000,000 per mile for blacktop on comparable roads. Members suggested saving annually for larger capital projects and noted ARPA funds could cover remainder costs on some projects.
On staffing, the board discussed a posted 0.333 FTE highway worker position and agreed that starting pay should be higher than the local minimum to attract candidates. One member said "$25 an hour starting pay" would be appropriate and that additional pay could be offered for CDL holders. The board asked Dave to gather estimates and to bring grant paperwork forward for signatures when ready.
