GREENSBORO – The select board approved two large vehicle purchases at its July 9 meeting that consisted of a mixed agenda.
Continuing discussion from prior meetings, Chief Dave Brochu Jr. of the Greensboro Fire Department informed the board he found a used, but like-new, base model firetruck with a top-mount pump for $495k. The board approved the purchase, contingent on financing arrangements after board member Ellen Celnik suggested approving the purchase, as prices continue to rise.
Road Foreman Tom Camarra proposed the town replace its current F530, with a standard cab and pick up body, for a heavier-duty F550 with a crew cab and dump body. He said the benefits of a smaller dump truck include use for small hauling jobs, and it could navigate areas too small for a ten-wheeler.
After comparing bids for an F550 versus an F350 truck, member Mike Metcalf felt that an F350, equipped with a crew cab and dump body, would be adequate and should cost less. The board also examined the difference in cost of upgrading to a diesel engine. Camarra told the board a diesel truck could easily fuel up at the town garage, thus getting better mileage, and the diesel vehicle would have a higher trade-in value.
After more discussion, the board approved the purchase of an F350 truck from Lamoille Valley Ford.
Camarra reported the crew has been working on Salls Road, cutting trees and brush, ditching and replacing culverts. Gravel crushing at the pit is almost finished.
Some members of the public were present to voice concerns about the poor condition of Black’s Point Road. Board Chair MacNeil said, as a Class 3 road, it must be maintained such that a pleasure car can navigate it. Christie King said the road hasn’t been graded by the town in at least four years, and a pleasure car cannot really get through safely at this point. King said she heard the fire department is not required to travel down the road for fear of damaging equipment, a major concern for residents in the area.
Chris Philips said he’s also concerned about emergency vehicle access. It was suggested that widening the road from from ten to twelve feet would be a real improvement, and with some grading and gravel the road would meet Class 3 requirements. The town reserves the right to trim or cut trees within its 45 foot right of way, making this option viable.
In other business, the board welcomed back Treasurer Brett Stanciu, who had been on sick leave since November.
Scribe and FEMA oordinator Josh Karp said he has almost completed reimbursement requests for the 2024 flood. Karp is sending VTrans his resume as required, hoping to be approved soon to serve as the Municipal Project Manager for the Breezy Avenue bike and pedestrian scoping study.
Dan Predpall reported FEMA is paying KAS Engineering to put together a scaled down version of their Wilson Street drainage improvement project. It would still be designed to handle a 100-year flood event, and would begin at the top of the town parking lot instead of up behind residences on Wilson Street. The cost of the revised project is expected to be around $200k, less than half of the original proposal. Predpall said a local contractor may be able to do the job for less, and if the town did some of the construction management, there could be some savings.
The board discussed the proposed position of town administrative assistant. It was noted the assistant town clerk is a separate position, and likely does not have the capacity to assist with grants. Celnik said grant coordination would be an important part of the new position. The board asked Karp to write a full job description.
Christine Armstrong said all town employees should have clear job descriptions and clear benefit packages identified because the voters need this information, as they are the ones who ultimately approve the proposed budget. Armstrong also suggested that a committee be formed to review outside appropriation requests, similar in structure to the ARPA committee of a few years ago.
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
