Selex To Allow Upgrade

Of Clover Hill Road

By Pamala Yerrington

In response to recent Public Hearings, the Randolph Selectboard Monday discussed the request of Jesse "Sam" Sammis to upgrade the western section of Clover Hill Road from Class 4 to Class 3.

After consideration, the board moved and voted unanimously that the Clover Hill upgrade would be allowed at the developer's expense to town standards if the developer wished the upgrade to take place.

Provisions on the work needed before confirmation by the town included road width of 17.5 feet of gravel bed, ditching on both sides, and a plow turn at the terminus of the upgraded section.

John Rotter, Public Works, had outlined these provisions as a "midrange" upgrade option at the board's request with an estimated cost of $13-14,000.  

The least expensive option of a layer of gravel only ($3-4000) was judged inadequate, while the high end of widening the road to 21 feet, using winter gravel and ditching was considered in excess of real need (price tag $37,000).

Sammis had offered to pay for the gravel portion of the upgrade with the Town paying for the balance of the work on the midrange option. The costs given are calculated based on Town rates and not private contracting.

The board noted the public's concern with taxpayer funding of upgrading roads at the request of a private developer to enhance his development. The opposing view spoke on the positive impact the development would have on the Grand List over time.

The developer faces no obstacle to performing the upgrade work himself, as a process for gaining town approval already exists. This involves requesting a Right of Way use permit, having work done to meet Town Standards, and then receiving board approval of the road.

Missing Boundary Pin

Fay Sherman, property owner at 40 School St., is requesting the Town pay for the replacement of a boundary pin he believes was accidentally removed during sidewalk work performed by the Town's Public Works Department.

The work had been done about two years ago, but only recently was the missing pin noted by Mr. Sherman.  

Initially Town Manager Peter Butterfield had responded that with the length of time passed before the missing pin was discovered he felt that the Town should not be responsible for the re-survey and pin replacement and was worried about setting precedent.

The Board noted the infrequency of this situation, and also discussed the possibility of a sign-off against future claims after a specified time period when Public Works performs this type of work in future.

Selectboard Chair Jim Hutchinson asked Sherman to submit a letter and receipt for the $200 cost of the replacement pin and asked Butterfield to consult the League of Towns and Cities. Creation of a policy may be in order, he said. This matter will be under advisement for the next regular Selectboard meeting.