Highway Committee Minutes 4-4-2025
Highway Committee Minutes 4-4-2025
RUTLAND TOWN SELECTBOARD COMMITTEE MEETING
HIGHWAY COMMITTEE
APRIL 4th, 2025
The Highway Committee of the Rutland Town Selectboard met at 9:00 AM on Friday April 4th, 2025, at the Municipal Town Hall. Present was Selectboard Clerk Joe Denardo, Selectboard Member Kurt Hathaway, Town Administraotr Bill Sweet and Town Road Commissioner Dave Sears.
Discussed communication from VTrans regarding our Welcome to Rutland Town sign on Route 7 South. They have asked for it to be moved farther back, up to 30 feet, from where it is. The committee will evaluate other locations at a future meeting.
Discussed the traffic study for the Green Mountain Plaza. The study did not support our plan to redesign the intersection. This will be discussed with our VTrans rep.
Reviewed a form for residents to request fill from the Highway department for delivery. The committee reviewed it and had no changes. The cost associated with it is meant to offset the cost of delivery.
Discussed the bids for paving and manhole cleaning. The costs are very close to each other. Commissioner Sears will evaluate the bids and provide a recommendation.
Discussed what to do with the Post Road sidewalk, and grant reimbursement. The sidewalk has a pitch which brings it out of ADA compliance in a section by the school. A variety of solutions were discussed. The maximum reimbursement we can get is $48,000. Solutions will need to be discussed with our VTrans contact to ensure we will get reimbursement if this is done.
Discussed the purchase of a new plow truck. We have a quote from Viking for a new truck for $285,000 with a trade in of $50,000 for the Kenworth. It is approximately 15 months for delivery. Discussed the replacement of other trucks in the future.
Discussed the purchase of an excavator, using carryover funds. G. Stone Commercial has machines available using a cooperative purchasing plan. A trailer would be needed as well. A quote will be requested for review at a future meeting.
Discussed updating the mailbox damage policy. Reviewed issues with mailbox damage. No changes are proposed at this time.
Discussed excavation in the Towns right-of-way. Recently a fire district did some excavation and did not seek a permit. A letter had been sent to all fire districts information them they need a permit. Fire District 5 sent a reply that they do not need a permit and sent some supporting documentation. After discussion, the information will be forwarded to the town attorney for review and recommendations. Contractors should be aware of this requirement as well.
Discussed creating an excavation ordinance. Language will be drafted and reviewed at a future meeting.
Reviewed a discussion with the State E-911 Board, the Town of Mendon, and the Town of Rutland. There is a duplicate road name in our towns, Heather Lane. Discussed sending a letter to our resident inviting them to come in and talk about it. Additional discussion with the groups involved is planned.
Discussed the south end sewer issue. Robert Clark from Otter Creek Engineering was expected today but was unable to attend. The issue is persistent, and a solution is needed this year.
Discussed installing an informational sign on Route 7. The official business sign process through the state is cumbersome. A sign could be installed on top of the McKinley Avenue sign. The committee is in favor of this.
Discussed replacing the salt shed. Discussed starting the permit process through Act 250. The committee is in favor of this.
The meeting adjourned at 10:34 AM.
Respectfully submitted, Bill Sweet