ATHOL — The Highway Department is ready to get rolling on some road projects — literally — now that the Selectboard has approved the purchase of a motorized, 48-inch, double-steel drum roller.
Road boss Rick Tenney said the $11,500 piece of equipment will “help a lot on small asphalt projects, and with compacting dirt after grading.”
He said the department tried it out on Williamsville Road, and “it worked well.”
He said the cost could be added to an open Chapter 90 project request. He said a hydraulic unit that would be attached to a front end loader would run between $30,000 and $40,000.
Selectman Terry Dymek commented, “This is a missing piece to complete jobs.”
Selectmen reviewed a letter of interest from Donald Smith, and appointed him as the assistant emergency management director for the town.
Saying, “I like keeping busy,” Smith, who recently retired from the Fire Department after 30 years of service, said he applied because Harold Morin retired from the position. He noted he will use his own personal vehicle or the utility truck when called upon.
“Chief Richard Stevens is in charge,” Smith said. “I will assist him in the event of a major disaster.”
The emergency management team, which is separate and does not fall under the purview of the Fire Department, steps in during natural disasters, such as tornadoes and hurricanes.
Selectmen approved the use of the Phillipston Memorial School gymnasium on May 20, and Administrative Assistant Kevin Flynn reported that the Memorial Day schedule is shaping up. The celebration is May 27, starting at 9 a.m. He is working on the details, including speaker and Honor Guard. More information will follow.