2010 Town Report - Town of Ludlow

In addition to the street paving projects the DPW provides routine maintenance and improvements to the
infrastructure. For example, the DPW maintains roadway markings, cross walks and line striping, replace and
install street signs, and street sweeping. The department has continued with a preventative maintenance program
including pavement crack sealing to extend the life of the asphalt pavement.
The Department was proactive with the cleaning of storm drain catch basins on regular maintenance schedule.
During the 2010 construction season, approximately 125 Construction within the Public Way Permits for projects
within the public way were issued, resulting in $7,110 in fees and $400 in bonds collected typically for the
construction of new driveways and installation of utility services.
SANITARY SEWER DIVISION
The DPW, through the Sewer Enterprise Fund, is responsible for the operation, inspection and maintenance of the
sanitary sewer collection system including two (2) sanitary sewer lift stations located at Chapin Street and Moody
Street. The DPW has developed a sanitary sewer line maintenance program to flush and clean the sewer collection
lines. The division responds on a 24-hour basis for sewer line obstructions and/or other problems with the system.
The Hubbard Street Sewer Separation Project was completed in December 2009 with funds Department of
Environmental Protection through the State Revolving Fund Program providing a loan for the construction and
inspection services. The project consisted of the installation of new sewer mains, storm drainage improvements and
road restoration for Hubbard, Center, Sewall, Elm, Maple, Oak Whitney and Howard Streets. In addition the project
included the installation of new water main and gas lines by Springfield Water and Sewer Commission and Bay
State Gas Company providing reliable utility services to the neighborhood. Street restoration continued through
2010 and will be completed in the spring of 2011.
The DPW issued or renewed 8 Drain Layer Licenses which generated $400 in fees and issued 27 Sewer Service
Connection Permits. The division collected a total $33,940 in fees during 2010.
TREE DIVISION
The DPW provides forestry maintenance for the town shade trees located within the public ways and on select
public properties. The division is responsible for the planting, trimming, pruning and/or removal of damaged,
diseased or dangerous town trees. The trees and branches are chipped and stockpiled for use on town projects.
Wood chips are available at the compost area for the residents as the supply allows.
PARK DIVISION
The DPW is responsible for the maintenance of the town playgrounds, parks and athletic fields as well as providing
routine maintenance to the School Department’s athletic fields. The activities consist of lawn maintenance, athletic
field striping for various sporting events and the restoration of the fields as funds allow.
The department is continuing with renovations to Whitney Park and recently converted the DPW maintenance
building into a multi-purpose use building for the community.
DPW personnel participated in the installation of a memorial dedicated to Mr. Louis “Baseball” Casagrande. DPW
personnel assisted at special events during the year which are sponsored by the town and/or organizations that
included the Memorial Day Celebration, Sunday Concerts in the Park, Veteran’s Day activities, Christmas Tree
Lighting Ceremonies and other functions conducted throughout the town and special events at the Ludlow Fish and
Game Club property.
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