Untitled - Town of Windham

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENTWell so much for the mild winter in January and February; along comes November and December and,800 tons of sand and salt later, the savings may not be what we thought when we started the budgetprocess. Yet, they will still be good and we did not have to take from summer funds as we have in thepast. As to summer monies, we were able to reclaim and pave Frost Road, Depot Road, a portion ofFarrwood Road, Sirod Road, Old Mill Road, Pilgrim Road and Park Street. A contract has also beenawarded to do additional work on three roads in the late spring with shim and overlay pavements. Thiswill result in one of the best years we have had in regards to the amount of footage completed throughthe summer paving process.As usual, the department completed many other normal assignments pertaining to cold patching, basinmarking and cleaning ( 900+ basins), shoulder shimming, tree and brush work, roadside mowing andtrimming, sign installation/repair/replacement, street sweeping, and road striping, etc. The departmentalso worked with the CPIA on a project on Hawley Road to impede sediments from entering intoCobbett’s Pond. This project involved new drainage and several rain gardens on both Hawley andMarblehead Roads. Thanks to the contractors who also helped make this possible.On the building and equipment side of things, we are happy to report we have received the trucksapproved by the voters; with 80% of the cost to be reimbursed through the Salt Reduction Program usingfederal grant funding. Already these trucks have shown real reductions in the amount of materials appliedduring a storm event; due to the electronic controls in use on board the vehicles. Although still too earlyto tell, we are projecting an eight to twelve percent savings over the two respective routes they handle.We would also like to note that, with two years in the new buildings, things are going very well foreveryday operations. The new salt shed has been a blessing for winter operations, as we are now able tokeep everything undercover and ready to go much sooner than previously possible at our former location.This results in less material needing to be applied and, hopefully, cuts down on traffic problems andaccidents.Although the department did not do a major road project this year, we feel we completed many of ourgoals and would like to thank the many vendors and suppliers who contributed. Also, all of the residentswho support us, have patience with us and, in many cases, lend a hand. We wish all a very happy andprosperous new year.Respectfully submitted,Jack McCartney, Highway Agent2012 ANNUAL REPORTS 91 TOWN OF WINDHAM, NH