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Selectboard debates culvert sizing after hydraulic study; members ask for cost estimates
Summary
Board members reviewed a hydraulic study and debated moving to larger culvert sizes (a referenced 60-inch recommendation) versus typical practice (30-inch). They asked staff to compile cost estimates and show how larger culverts would affect capital planning.
Tinmouth Selectboard members spent substantial time on July 10 discussing culvert size and drainage after staff circulated a hydraulic study.
Members reacted to a recommendation that referenced 60-inch culverts in some places, with one member saying, “That was ridiculous” in response to a 60-inch proposal; others argued 30 inches is more typical and would handle heavy flows in most locations. Staff noted that extreme storm events can overwhelm any size culvert and that the hydraulic study and state guidance need to be reviewed. The board asked staff to compile cost estimates for larger pipe sizes so the town can consider reserving capital funds for future replacements.
The board also discussed where culverts might be upgraded as part of longer-term planning rather than immediate replacements, and a member proposed including a ballpark estimate in the capital plan to inform potential budgeting ($20,000–$50,000 ranges were discussed as example figures for planning purposes).
