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Burton seeks state aid for road, waterline repairs
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - April 07, 2011)
Burton seeks state aid for road, waterline repairs
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
Burton Village officials are putting together plans for the repair of Rapids Road and possible replacement of aging waterlines on Seco Street and Elmar Boulevard.
Village officials agreed Monday at a workshop that those projects would be the focus of an application for state aid through the public works program, formerly known as Issue 2. The money would be awarded in July 2012.
Fiscal Officer Christopher Paquette said, once details are known on the estimated costs for the projects, the village can better determine what work is financially possible.
Officials have been looking at a road resurfacing and possible waterline project for Rapids Road for nearly a decade. In 2004, the village estimated road repairs there at $196,000.
Mayor Thomas Blair Sr. said the road has only deteriorated more since the village last looked. "If you've been down Rapids Road, you know we have a huge problem down there," he said.
It is the village's third busiest road, after East and West Center streets (Route 87) and North Cheshire Street, he said.
But the cost for making the repairs has grown significantly.
Councilman Craig Ronyak said costs have likely risen by as much as 60 percent since 2004.
Village Engineer George "Chip" Hess said sewer lines along the road are newer and likely would not be part of the project. He said waterlines, however, may require some attention, because they have needed maintenance over the past few years. He said several unknowns, such as the width of the right of way, will have to be determined.
Curt Johnson, chairman of the village board of public affairs, said the village should take all needed work into account so it can be handled with one project. "If we need to do this project, we need to do it well," he said.
The last project to use public works monies was waterline work and paving along North Cheshire Street. The village paid 70 percent of the costs, Mr. Paquette said.
Mr. Hess said not all the money has to be used in a single year, and some of the work could be phased in. Some of the money also may be used for road repairs on Garden Street, if there is enough, he said.
Mr. Blair said the village also may want to seek money for waterline repairs on Seco Street and Elmar Boulevard, which he often cited as being in dire need.
Mr. Paquette said, while the village may not have all the funds necessary for the projects at this time, recent water and sewer rate increases will provide more dollars. He estimated that the village will have about $1 million from those rate increases in about three years.
Street foreman Marty Motil said the street department would put as little money into Rapids Road this year as possible because of the possible future work. He said his crews would fill potholes, but chip-and-seal work should be reserved for other roads, such as Cook and Hickox streets.
Mr. Blair agreed, saying, "Until we know, just put Band-Aids on it."
He also said the village should look to at least correct some "trip hazards" on the sidewalks. Although an ordinance places the responsibility for sidewalks on residents, he said, it is unlikely that the village would ask them to do that.
The ad hoc committee agreed to meet again 4 p.m. April 26, the day after Village Council hears a presentation by Mr. Hess regarding plans and cost estimates for the projects.
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