The select board appointed Jeff Wright as the town’s road agent during a regular meeting Monday evening.
The position was left vacant after DPW Director Kurt Grassett’s retired. Wright, who has assumed more responsibility since Grassett’s departure, told the board that he felt comfortable taking on the role.
Town Administrator Diane Kendall said paperwork would be drafted and passed on to the town clerk who will ensure Wright takes an oath of office.
During the meeting, Wright mapped out DPW’s truck-replacement plan. There was discussion about whether the department should shell out money to fix the vehicles it already owns or buy newer models. No decisions were made regarding the matter, although select board member Erik Spitzbarth and Wright agreed to sit down sometime within the coming week to further discuss the issue.
The board also discussed a denial of a driveway permit on Old Dublin Road.
Town officials said site work for the driveway began occurring without a proper permit. The homeowner has since submitted an application, although the road agent and select board members intend to deny the request.
Board member Thomas Shevenell said driveways must comply with a state safe sight distance law, which requires a clear line of vision between two points.
Town officials say a knoll and trees must be taken down in order for the homeowner to complete the driveway. Removing trees along the road is contested by at least one abutting property owner who argues that the roadway is a scenic byway and a disturbance is not allowed.
The select board said construction on Tannery Hill Road and Middle Road that began in early October and ran through the end of that same month came in about $40,000 under budget.
Board members said it should consider paying the principal down on the loan it took out on the project, which would not change the rate it pays every year but would shorten the overall term.
Abby Kessler can be reached at 924-7172, ext. 234 or akessler@ledgertranscript.com.