Brookfield Selectboard Meeting of April 5, 2016
Town Clerk’s Office on Ralph Road
The Selectboard held a duly-warned site visit (6:30 p.m.) and public hearing (7:00 p.m.) to review a proposed reclassification of a segment of the intersection of State Route 65 and Town Highway No. 3 (West Street). The state Agency of Transportation is preparing to regrade and resurface the entire length of Route 65 during Summer 2016, and is planning to do repair work at the Route 65/West Street intersection on the west side of West Street.
While preparing for the project, AOT determined there was an issue with a spur road connecting West Street on the south side of the intersection to VT Route 65 on the West side of the intersection. This segment of roadway, approximately 150 feet in length, has been in existence as far as anyone in Town can remember (60+ yrs.). The State’s research was unable to locate documentation that would clearly demonstrate the Town or State’s ownership of this Right-of Way. The Selectboard agreed, for the purposes of documentation, to proceed with the legal process for adoption of this segment as a Class III Town Highway.
Site Visit:
Selectboard: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel
Public Attendees: Jonathan Harrington, P.E (VTrans – Highway Safety and Design); Dwayne Brees, Gary Lord, Connie Karalekas; Skip and Elaine Buck
Mr. Benson provided a brief description of the purpose of the site visit and hearing, supplemented by Mr. Harrington’s description of proposed construction plans for the intersection. Mr. Harrington also provided an updated sketch depicting the plan (which is included in this record (*see below*)). The State plan includes removing material to lower the level of a portion of the western section of Route 65 to help reduce the incline and improve sight lines.
Discussion included concerns about preventing damage to an old Maple tree and potential water line on the Pagan property. Mr. Harrington said that the State will take appropriate precautions to avoid damage to adjoining landowners’ properties. There was also a description of signs that might be posted at the intersection. Mr. Benson and Mr. Harrington reviewed the specific right-of-way segment that was being addressed at the hearing.
The site visit concluded at 6:55 p.m.
Public Hearing:
Selectboard: John Benson (Chair), Jeff Kimmel
Public Attendee: Connie Karalekas
Mr. Benson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Benson asked Ms. Karalekas if she had any concerns about the right-of-way status and proposed reclassification. Ms. Karalekas and her brother (David Tucker) are joint landowners adjoining the affected segment. She indicated that she did not, and was satisfied with the State’s plan.
On motion of Mr. Benson, Mr. Kimmel second, the Board approved reclassification of the above-described segment of the Route 65/West St. intersection to Class 3 Town Highway status, as depicted on the state plan (Project Name: Brookfield, Project Number: STP 2960(1), Plot Date: 3/14/2016) submitted for the hearing.
Hearing adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
*The plan is located at the Town Office for viewing*