Highway Committee Minutes 11-14-2024

Highway Committee Minutes 11-14-2024

RUTLAND TOWN SELECTBOARD COMMITTEE MEETING

HIGHWAY COMMITTEE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14^th, 2024

The Highway Committee of the Rutland Town Selectboard met at 11:00 AM on Thursday November 14^th, 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

The draft budget sheets were not ready for this meeting. A meeting will be planned soon to discuss them.

The committee discussed the Post Road sidewalk project.

• The project was reviewed by a representative from the State, and they identified several issues which prevent us from applying for reimbursement for the grant.
• The pitch of the sidewalk is ¼” too great in the area of the school, there is a green strip which would be needed along the same stretch, and the crosswalk landing on Blue Ridge needs to be changed.
• To date, $92543.74 has been spent on the project. The grant reimburses up to $48,250.
• The committee discussed whether to correct the issues, at an additional expense, or forego any reimbursement.
• The current grant award expires on December 31^st, 2024. We would need to be granted an extension to be eligible for reimbursement if the issues are fixed.
• This will be discussed at a future meeting.

The committee discussed the sewer main running under Route 7 South by Cop John Drive.

• There is an ongoing issue with the sewer junction in front of Days Inn.
• It is getting plugged regularly, 3 times in the past 6 months.
• It is fed exclusively by Dennys, Days Inn, and the Eco Car Wash.
• Grease was seen the last time it was cleaned.
• The line under 7 South is a 4” line. The line going into it, and the line leaving it, are both 6”.
• Discussed various options to remedy grease being sent in the line, which are outlined in the ordinance.
• A site visit to Dennys is likely needed to ensure their equipment is working correctly.
• Discussed purchasing equipment to allow the highway crew to conduct maintenance without having to borrow equipment. The committee is in favor of it, but no action was taken.

Discussed a runoff issue reported by a resident on Post Road Extension.

• The resident, Bill Hulz, has contacted both Commissioner Sears and Board Clerk Denardo about this issue.
• During heavy rain events, he gets a large volume of water in his yard.
• Recently, it was learned that work was done in the past on his property by a private contractor.
• At that time, the town provided some material for the work, but that was the extent of the involvement.
• After discussion, the committee is in favor of providing some material, specifically crushed stone. A letter to the owner with details about this being the only involvement of the town should be sent to Mr. Hulz.

The committee discussed adjusting the level of funding to the depreciation account.

• It is currently $.005, or ½ cent. This puts in $48,000 per year.
• This was established in 2005 and has never been adjusted.
• Discussed the capital replacement schedule. A copy was not available for the meeting, but it does need to be updated.
• The life expectancy for a plow truck is between 10 to 12 years.
• There are some towns who have arrangements with dealerships for a guaranteed trade in value on the truck. Discussed how this could benefit us.
• The Western Star is a 2016, the Kenworth is a 2014, and the Freightliner is a 2012.
• A new truck completely outfitted is between $170,000 to $190,000.
• The committee would like to see the depreciation rate changed to $.01.

The committee discussed another message from the Carmel Pace HOA regarding the takeover of their road. There are some specific items which need to be brought up, including who owns the utilities underground and the need for a subdivision. After discussion, they will be invited to attend the next meeting.

 

The next meeting will be warned for November 21^st at 10:00AM

The meeting adjourned at 12:08 PM.