A meeting of the Warwick Highway Commissioners was held on 9/15/2025 at the Town Hall
Members present: Robert Croke, Todd Dexter, Vernon Bass at 5:54pm
Members not in attendance: N/A
Others attending: Tracy Styles/Minutes Manager, Bruce Kilhart, John Gagliani
Meeting called to order at 5:07pm by Robert Croke, Todd Dexter Seconded
Board read through meeting minutes to be approved.
Todd Moved that the Meeting Minutes from 8/18/2025 be moved into the permanent record. Robert Seconded. All in Favor “Aye” 2-0-0 Passed
John Gagliani is here to discuss Capital Budget with board for the Highway dept. Has been working on getting the information for each town vehicle and equipment (Years, maintenance, replacement). Maintenance logs, washed out trucks after storms? The board is going to look at some written protocols for keeping the vehicles and equipment to have in place for longevity.
Janice Kurkowski here to talk about the Highways energy use. They are working on a new grant and would like to get some information from the Highway Dept. Would Highway be willing to add more Solar Panels to the roof? Is there plans for new buildings? Infrared heating could be available for the Garage space. Highway would be open to adding more Solar Panels. Janice will follow up with Matt to get some years for ages of equipment.
Tracy gave update on grants and budget. Massworks has been closed. Flower Hill Paving has been added to the original project request. Tracy will work on getting all invoices caught up. Will have updated numbers for next meeting.
Discussion ensued on the Screening plant for millings to be used in town.
Todd Moves to rent a screening plant for up to 2 weeks at the sum of $3000 out of the Fair Share Funding and flex the work overlay work hours during Screening operations. Todd Seconded. All in Favor “Aye” 3-0-0 Passed
Discussion ensued on roadside mowing. Potential mini-excavator as a solution. It could also be used in multiple areas for the Highway Dept. Potential funding sources Chapter 90.
Gale Rd Bridge – The condition of the bridge is not acceptable for use. If and when funding is available a plan will be made to repair or replace.
Fire Truck turnover – Todd meet with the Selectboard and Fire Dept. about turning over the truck to the Highway Dept. There are a few requirements that would need to be met before use. Vernon mentioned that the training should be recorded so that we can show to new employees as needed.
1)David Young will have be asked by the board to call the insurance company to see if a liability rider is needed for highway personal to operate the truck due to the high pressure pump.
2)Training. FD will need to train all three highway employees on pump use. Chief Larson is requiring this to ensure that everyone knows proper techniques and familiarity with the pump and its operation. He will have one or two of his FF conduct the training. We will have to pay their hourly wage out of the budget for the training which is short money compared to hiring a vactor truck or paying FD personal every time we need the truck. Chief Larson will sign off and the SB will get a copy of the letter.
3) Budget to pay for the plate, inspection(s) and upkeep. Something stating the fact we will pay for it our of the operating budget. Also buying amber lenses for the lights and any changes to lettering on the truck. Matt can look at the budget with Tracy and get back to us.
4)Freeze Protection. The fact the garage is above freezing or the truck is drained and fittings are dressed with a non toxic anti-freeze in the cold months. If not, that the lines are clear from water so they do not freeze up. If the shop is above freezing than there isn’t an issue. The concern of what type of anti-freeze is used only because it would be exhausted on the ground during use. Matt to answer this.
Discussion ensued about the compensation for Highway Laborer Kyle Buckley and Highway Admin Tracy Styles.
Todd Moved to increase Tracy Styles’s hourly rate to $20.50. Robert Seconded. All in favor “Aye” 3-0-0
Todd Moved to increase Kyle Buckley’s hourly rate to $28.39. Robert Seconded. All in favor “Aye” 3-0-0
Tabled – Personal Files – License copies and job descriptions
- Flower Hill Road paving update
- Culvert GPS marker update
- Beech Hill Road culverts
To Do:
- From Matt D. – Update John G about written protocols – Jkg424@AOL.com
- Follow up with Matt D about Idling vehicles and making sure to shut off when not in use.
- Tracy to get updated Chapter 90 totals for all funds and sub accounts
Adjournment: Todd D. moved to Adjourn meeting at 7:21pm; Robert Seconded. All in favor “Aye”. Motion passed.
Submitted by: Tracy Styles, Minutes Manager
Next Meeting: 9/29/2025 5pm