Highway Committee Minutes 11-21-2024
Highway Committee Minutes 11-21-2024
RUTLAND TOWN SELECTBOARD COMMITTEE MEETING
HIGHWAY COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21st, 2024
The Highway Committee of the Rutland Town Selectboard met at 11:00 AM on Thursday November 21st, 2024, at the Municipal Town Hall. Selectboard Clerk Joe Denardo, Selectboard Member Kurt Hathaway, Road Commissioner Dave Sears, and Town Administrator Bill Sweet were present.
Robert Clark, from Otter Creek engineering, was present to discuss several items with the Committee.
Reviewed some conceptual designs for the reconfiguration of the Western intersection of Simons Avenue and Business Route 4. Based on the review, Mr. Clark will provide some additional documents which will allow us to move forward.
Reviewed some conceptual designs for the next phase of the Post Road sidewalk project, connecting Post Road to the shared use path along Chasanna Drive. Two options were reviewed. The committee was in favor of keeping the sidewalk along the Western and Northern edge of Chasanna Drive.
Discussed the issues with approval of the initial stage of the Post Road sidewalk. Mr. Clark will provide us with some information which may be helpful in seeking reimbursement.
Discussed the sewer line running under Route 7 South in front of Days Inn. There have been several obstructions lately. Foreign objects are being put into the sewer. The exact source is not known but the Eco Car Wash, Days Inn and Dennys Restaurant are the only ones connected to it. Discussed possible remedies. Mr. Clark will provide us with some proposals.
Discussed the service road project, from Harbor Freight and Randbury Road. Mr. Clark will look at our plans and see if there are any funding opportunities which could help offset the cost.
Discussed the Town wide water study topic, which has been before this committee in the past. Mr. Clark did not have an exact grant funding source, but he will investigate it. This could benefit the Town Fire districts. Mr. Clark will get back to us with options.
The Committee met with Karl Ronn to discuss the request to take over Carmel Place.
Discussed the challenges of taking over the road, in their specific case. Utilities under the ground are owned by various entities, including the City of Rutland. The parcel does not have the road or right-of-way detailed. Maintenance on infrastructure under the road was discussed. Provided some guidance and suggestions as to where to find some of the information which is required.
The committee discussed the proposed budget for FY26.
The draft was reviewed, the childcare payroll tax needs to be included. This will be added to the social security line, which is proposed to be renamed Payroll tax. Some final numbers for the cost of telephone and internet are pending. Once those are available, the communication line will be updated.
An estimate for a new excavator was received from G. Stone.
A machine with a blade, rubber tracks, thumb, digging bucket and ditching bucket was quoted at $125,000. Discussed sources of funding. It is not known how much is available from the carryover. A trailer would be needed and would be approximately $10,000.
Discussed the costs of a new plow truck.
A quote was received from State contractors for the truck and plow equipment. The total is $238,700 and has a lead time of 12 to 14 months. There is $260,000 in the highway depreciation account. With the latest installment included there should be approximately $276,000.
A draft letter for Bill Hulse on Post Road extension was reviewed. This is for the town to provide material for his drainage work. Some minor changes were made. This will be sent to him.
A draft letter will be sent to the businesses on Route 7 South who use the sewer line which is routinely seeing issues. Some minor edits were made. A copy will be sent to the 3 businesses.
The meeting adjourned at 12:56 PM.