By Melanie Petrucci, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Department of Public Works Director Scott Charpentier went before the Board of Selectmen Sept. 25 to present for approval the new fee schedule for plowing and sanding of private ways for the upcoming 2017-2018 winter season. The two private roads that the town maintains are Harris Avenue and Maple Lane.
The Department of Public Works has a standing policy that was amended recently relevant to the updated rates.
Charpentier said, “We are proposing a fee increase of $5 which is 2.6 percent to treat and to plow each street. The rates have been going up $5 per year for a number of years.”
This increase keeps up with the rate of inflation.
Charpentier relayed that residents are aware and that two notices have been sent. He received a call from one resident who was informed that this is a public safety issue. To be safe, the streets needed to be treated with salt.
Selectman Dawn Rand inquired if these were the only private ways that the town covered and Charpentier replied that they were.
Selectman Leslie Rutan thanked him for the clarification on the rate increase.
“We don’t want people to think that we automatically go up five bucks every year and that there is a reason [for the increase],” she said.
Town Administrator John Coderre explained that this is a voluntary program and that this provides a service for the residents of these streets. If they didn’t take advantage of the program, then they would need to contract with a private company. This is a matter of public safety.
The board unanimously approved to set the fee at $195 per storm, per private way for plowing, and $195 per storm, per private way for treatment.