Hebron ranking roads

HEBRON — Roads, and all that go with them, dominated the November 22 meeting of selectmen.

Selectman Jim Reid reported that he'd met with the town road committee last week and the members set some goals, and plan to consider others. 

There will be a ranking of all of the town roads on a simple five-level scale to clarify priorities for repair or reconstruction. He said the committee heavily favored reconstruction, but as most are new to the intricacies of town government, he was concerned that  they might not have grasped all of the factors that must be considered in executing a project in the public sector. 

Reid also said that the road committee seemed receptive to an idea recently suggested by the Buckfield selectmen concerning shared resources for public works programs, just as Hebron has done in the past, and will continue to do in the future with Minot. 

For example, after one recent road construction project, ditching and shoulder work were required by both Minot and Hebron. The towns each had equipment to do one of the tasks, but would have had to rent the missing apparatus. However, by sharing the gear, both towns got their projects completed. They've also coordinated projects such as pavement striping, to the advantage of both towns.

Chairman Richard Deans agreed that such a practice could work out well, if the taxpayers of both towns could be assured that the specific projects would be equal in terms of expenditures, as has been done with Minot.

Reid stressed that any new arrangements with Buckfield would not be permitted to interfere with the long and mutually-advantageous relationship Hebron has with Minot.

Road Commissioner Warren Packard said the summer road work was nearly finished. Only one culvert, on Allen Road, was not yet replaced, and that would be accomplished soon. Also, said he would investigate a report of a tree fallen into a graveyard on Merrill Hill Road.

Packard also reported that the winter roads season is upon us. The first sanding sortie had been made that very morning, on Back Street. He added that the new driver handled the chore and performed it well.