DPW Director Randy Brown goes over his large budget items with the Capital Expenditures Committee on Thursday night. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
SOUTHWICK – The Department of Public Works’ Director Randy Brown met with the Capital Expenditures Committee on Thursday night to discuss the larger items in the DPW’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget.
When examining the paving and construction portion of his budget, Brown noted that there are several paving projects with costs over $25,000. The paving and drainage replacement on Cedar Street and Bonnieview Road is estimated to cost about $140,000 as the bottom of the drainage pipeline is deteriorating along with sinkholes forming near the pipeline.
“Its met its useful life,” said Brown.
One of the larger items in the FY20 budget is a culvert replacement on Fred Jackson Road estimated to be $425,000. Brown stressed to the committee that if it was decided to not replace the culvert and the culvert failed, it could become a major issue.
“Then you’d have to shut the road down,” said Brown.
With roads being a necessity, Brown informed the committee about the six-year capital paving plan that he’s developed. Consisting of a list of paving projects that would need to be done each year for six years, Brown would like to spend $3 million each year.
“If you’re driving around town, it’s not hard to see that our roads are falling apart,” said Brown.
Brown added that he’s had conversations with the Finance Committee in the past about doing a bond to pay for the capital plan.
“Think about what they’ll look like without any more work to them,” said Brown.
Continuing the paving discussion, Brown also pointed out North Longyard Road, Robin Road, South Loomis Street, and Tannery Road all need have new drainage systems put in place and paved.
“That would go a long way saving these roads,” said Brown.
Going through equipment, Brown has requested a mini excavator, with an expected cost of $53,000. Currently without one, the DPW would benefit with the versatility a mini excavator can provide for numerous projects.
“They can go in real tight locations,” said Brown. “This would be a very useful tool.”
At the moment, if the DPW needs a mini excavator, they rent the machine at a rate of $800 per day.
A new mowing tractor is being requested as the current one is a 1995 Kubota tractor that has been deemed to not be safe anymore.
The committee will take Brown’s suggestions and feedback of the items back to the Select Board and the Finance Committee, who make the ultimate decisions with the proposed budgets.
