Annual report of the Town of Hampton, New Hampshire

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PERSONNEL: FULL-TIME 41
PART-TIME 22
TOTAL 63
Activities at the Public Works Department during 1998 were exciting
and challenging. Mother Nature didn't bury us in snow but she made up for it
repeatedly throughout the year with bouts of heavy rain and high winds which
brought flooding, downed limbs and shoulder washouts. Our work schedules
were constantly changing but our crews were flexible and completed most of the
projects planned. We hope that we contributed to a better Hampton.
Sidewalks
The department completed the sidewalk reconstruction project on the south side
of High Street installing a finish course of hot top from Lamprey Terrace to
Locke Road. Finish hot top was also applied to the Park Ave. sidewalk. A new
section of sidewalk was constructed on Mill Road from High St. to Emery Ave.
and the old section from George Ave. to Ann's Ln. was reconstructed. We
anticipate that next year we will replace the section of sidewalk on Mill Rd.,
from High St. to Winnacunnet Road. Sidewalks on Concord and Dover Aves.
were also reconstructed with concrete.
Sewers and Drains
The sewer and drain crew is small but very productive.
They are responsible for
keeping the storm water drainage system and the sewer system flowing. In
accomplishing this feat in 1998 they cleaned 35,517' of sewer line, 3,796' of
drain line, and 402 catchbasins; repaired 12 and installed 9 sewer laterals;
installed 1,447' of new drain line; responded to 32 plugged sewer lines of which
12 were the responsibility of the Town; inspected sections of sewer and drain
lines with the video camera; cleaned debris off catch basin covers to prevent
and/or alleviate flooding; and a myriad of other tasks. Additionally, there were
99 new entrances into our sanitary sewer system requiring 159 inspections; 107
permits were issued; and 421 locations were made for contractors, utility
companies and the public. Drainage improvement projects were completed on
Pearl St., Exeter Rd., North Shore Rd., Woodland Rd., Concord Ave., Towle
Farm Rd., and at the Marston School. Robinson Construction installed drain
lines on River Ave. and the State of NH installed drainage on Q St.
Snow
Snow fall during 1998 was relatively light but still labor intensive. Four storms
deposited a total of 24 inches of snow requiring plowing, snow removal,
sanding and salting. The cost of "fighting a snow storm" in 1998 was
approximately $885 per inch, somewhat less than in years past. This doesn't
include follow up sanding/salting and spot treatment for daily melting.
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