5:00 PM, Warwick Town Hall
1. Meeting called to order by Bob Croke at 5:06 PM
2. Commission Members: Bob Croke, Vern Bass, Todd Dexter.
Others in attendance: Bruce Kilhart
3. Announcements & Introductions:
Chair, Bob Croke asked for a change of order to the agenda to be made permanent by consensus. He would like to see the Citizen’s concerns and suggestions moved to the last agenda item before Items Unanticipated. He would like to take up posted agenda items before considering additional business brought before the Commission. All members agreed, so moved.
4. Review &Approval of last meeting minutes: Members reviewed the July 21, 2025 meeting minutes, no revisions or omissions were made. There was some discussion regarding employee vacation, sick and personal time off being up to date and part of the employee’s paystub. Matt agreed. He would like to see their paystubs reflect up to date information. Tracy has been looking into the appropriate updates with the Town’s current pay check vendor.
Bob made a MOTION to ACCEPT the minutes as read, Todd SECONDED. Motion CARRIED 3-0-0
5. Old Business: None
6. New Business:
A. Budget/Grant Updates:
Todd passed out an excel spreadsheet with the Warwick Town Budget for the Highway Department. This reflects FY24 and FY25 figures along with FY26 proposed budget. This will serve as a base line for the Commission and Highway Superintendent until Tracy can provide the FY26 operating budget. This was tabled until the next meeting for further discussion.
Grant updates will be provided by Tracy at the next meeting.
B. New/Used Truck:
Todd questioned the height and size of the truck. The existing bays in the old garage are too low and the newer shop can house the trucks but it will be tight. Vern suggested a new bay be opened up on the West side of the main building. This will allow for a taller garage door and utilize the available space.
Todd also asked how the used truck Town Coordinator David Young has been procuring from a used equipment dealer in Vermont would be funded. Bob will reach out to David. Bob asked the Commissioner’s for consensus to use Chapter 90 funds if needed. Agreed
C. Ethics Training:
Bob said all town employees, board members and commissioners have to take a short on line ethics training class. Matt reported that he and his employees have taken and passed the training.
D. Citizen Letter/ Plan for Correction:
Bob did not have a copy of the letter. He will reach out to Tracy for an update and a copy for the next meeting.
7. Unanticipated business:
A. Roadside Mowing:
Matt said Bernardston Highway brought up a Bobcat with a mowing deck and did some work on 78 and Athol Rd. He said it was difficult to keep debris off the pavement and had to sweep after mowing. He will be looking at some additional options. He said he would like to rent a rubber tired excavator with a mowing head. Right now most places have rented their equipment out. Northfield has offered their mower on days they are not using it, Matt does not want to take the chance of damage.
B. Flower Hill Road Paving:
Matt said Warner Brothers has the County Bid for 2026. They have estimated a 2” overlay with no need to mill. He will e mail the job estimates to the Commission.
C. Bliss Hill Rd:
Vern mentioned two coverts have been replaced with one remaining. He would like to see that road repaired. Matt said his schedule is full for the next two months. He will look at it later in the fall.
D.: Athol Road Culvert Update:
Matt met with Greg Brodsky from the Conservation Commission to finalize the groundwork. Conservation gave the okay to finish the work. The job is almost complete.
E. Guardrail Installation:
Matt said he will be working with the guardrail company to finalize the installation pre-work for Athol Road at the culverts. Also install a replacement a tangent end treatment on the damaged guardrail on the eastbound lane of Northfield Road. This will be covered by insurance. The estimated cost will be around $8,000.00. David Young will take care of filing the claim. Both sites have a total estimated cost of $20,000. Bob recommended the Rural Roads grant fund the project. Bob made a MOTION to fund the Athol & Northfield Road Guardrail project be funded with Rural Roads Grant funding, SECONDED by Vern, CARRIED 2-1-0
Bob abstained from the vote.
F. Supervisor in Charge:
Follow up to a citizens concern at the last meeting on 7/21, Dawn Magi who was in attendance questioned who would be in charge in the absence of the Superintendent. Todd brought this up to Matt. He will come back to the Commission with recommendations at the next meeting.
G. Milling Materials Screening:
Vern asked if Porter Transportation could resume picking up material at the town garage as agreed upon for swapping millings for crushed stone, loam and other needed material. After discussion the Commissioner’s came to consensus to have Porter resume.
Bob asked about the screening plant to screen millings for used on Warwick’s roadsides. He said the quotes so far for rentals run around $3,000 per week. Brian Miner from the Bernardston Highway Dept. rents from a New Hampshire company which has a better weekly rate. He will let Matt know who the vendor is.
H. Culvert Cleaning and Maintenance:
Bob would like to see culvert cleaning begin soon. Matt said he is looking at estimates for a jet truck rental. There was discussion regarding the old retired GMC fire truck. It was under pump maintenance right now. Todd will check with the department and see if Highway will be able to use it in the near future.
8. Citizen’s Concerns and suggestions for future agenda items: None
6. Adjourn new meeting date. Next meeting will be August 18, 2025, 5:00 PM at the Town Hall. MOTION to Adjourn was made by Vern, Todd SECONDED, CARRIED 3-0-0
Adjourned at 6:23 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Todd Dexter
Commission Member
Attachments consulted at this meeting:
Warwick Highway Commissioners Meeting Minutes – Rough Draft
Warwick Town Budget, Highway Dept – FY24, 25 and FY26 Proposed
Highway Meeting Notice & Agenda Monday August 4, 2025
E mail from Town Coordinator, David Young – Beaver Bill, WBS Pole, bid for plow truck