By Scott MacKeen
Contributor
8/28/08

(previous)
Some residents called into question the fairness of a plan that would eliminate private way plowing for roads that the town has historically plowed.
One resident called it a “disgrace,” saying that potential cuts would “constitute a disregard for the safety and wellbeing of the town and its citizens.”
“We pay the same real estate taxes and would expect to get the same services from the town,” added Gaskins Road resident Peter Mullin.
Others said they have lived in town for years without having to worry whether or not their street would be plowed in the winter.
Said Holmes Lane resident Bill Edwards: “When we moved in, we were told the town had always plowed (our street). That was 1969, and they’ve plowed (our street) every year.”
“It sounds like it has been a custom, which concerns me,” said Selectmen Chair Kathy Fagan.
Walter Heller, director of public works, was not available at the meeting last week as he was on vacation. He had discussed the matter with the board two weeks ago. The Selectmen requested Heller provide a list of private roads including which were plowed in the past.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) currently plows around six out of the ten miles of private roads in town, according to what Heller told the Selectmen two weeks ago. Last year, around $200,000 was appropriated for all of plowing, a figure that was about half what was actually money spent.
“We had a tough winter last year,” said Fagan. “You really can’t use that as a baseline for now, but there definitely is a money element with the economy we’re experiencing right now.”
Selectman Marion McEttrick said that the board is in the process of gathering information, as they try to determine the condition of some of the private roadways.
She said that the process going forward should take into account the condition of certain roads being plowed.
“We understand this effects all people who live on private ways,” she said. “But the primary concern is to make these roads navigable. If we can’t do that, we shouldn’t be sending our DPW trucks in there and (have them) break their blades.”
Heller has said he will provide the Selectmen with a full cost analysis for winter plowing costs, with recommendations for private roads based on road conditions. Selectman John Shields said a list of the town’s private ways is needed in order to solve the problem on a case-by-case basis.
”We need to really go through this with a fine-tooth comb, which is why we need the list,” he said.
Fagan said any potential plans would also have to take into account ownership rights. Some questions about private way ownership and maintenance raised at the meeting were brought to Town Counsel John Flynn, according to Fagan. She said town officials will work to determine whether or not the town is responsible for maintaining certain private roads which are in disrepair.
“I guess the real problem is there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason as to which (private roads) are being plowed and which are not,” she said.
“Some (roads) are in terrific shape and are not being plowed. Others are in horrible shape are plowed.
“I think the issue going forward is fairness: How can we make it so it’s fair? How do we make it economical at a time when the economy is tough everywhere?”