Highway superintendent outlines CHIPS spending, salt purchases and equipment plan

Highway Superintendent Joe updated the board on highway operations, CHIPS funding and recent expenses, including a winter season that required heavy material use and equipment planning.

Joe explained that the 284 contract is the mechanism the town uses to spend CHIPS (Coordinated Highway Improvement Program) state funds for blacktop road repairs, chip seal, guide rails and related work. "For those who are new or don't understand the CHIPS, it is a coordinated highway improvement program. It's state monies that we are given to repair our roads," he said.

He reported that December production included about 1,100 tons of salt, costing approximately $85,000, and described differing salt-use practices between the town and the village. A board member asked whether spreader settings could be adjusted; Joe replied there is an adjustment but said operational choices and heavier traffic in the village explain heavier salt application there.

Joe described a shift toward midsize vehicles with smaller plows on dirt roads to reduce surface wear and said the town will retain several large trucks while not continuing large-truck replacements for all uses. He also said the town was still awaiting DEC paperwork for a new gas tank installed to specifications and that typical procurement and bidding would be used for a planned parking-lot project if the board wishes to move forward.

The board signed the 284 contract so the highway department can begin using approved CHIPS funds once administrative requirements are satisfied.