Residents raise flat-tire concerns after DOT inspector finds roads "in good shape"

Sandgate Selectboard members and residents revisited complaints about recurring flat tires on town roads after a recent inspection by Todd Eaton of VT Local Roads/Vermont State DOT.

Joe Nolan and Linda Schmidt told the board that Eaton "couldn’t find a problem with the roads" during a ride-along with town staff. Eaton recommended the Town document the Road Crew’s methods and projected timeline so the approach is on record. He also told residents they may request that the State analyze road samples themselves by sending in a sample and paying the required fee.

Residents asked why the Town had not submitted samples to the State earlier. Julie Robertson said the idea had been discussed at the prior meeting; Nolan said "that is still an option, and the Board could discuss further paying to send a sample in." Town Road Foreman Jay is preparing a plan for road rebuilding and the Board expects further updates on sequencing and timing.

Selectboard members also flagged that Eaton remarked the base of some roads will need to be built up "over the course of a few years," but that he "saw nothing that could account for the number of flat tires that have been reported." The board discussed documenting that multi-year base work so residents have a timeline to reference if they later request sample testing. No formal vote or expenditure was taken at the meeting.