| New Pretreated Salt To Be Used In Hubbardston | |||||
HUBBARDSTON –– The town will see a new type of salt for the upcoming winter snowstorms. Previously, the town used regular rock salt that didn’t withstand frigid temperatures. But according to Department of Public Works Director Timothy B. Kilhart, Hubbardston will now use a pretreated rock salt. Mr. Kilhart met with the Board of Selectmen on Nov. 16, and they discussed prioritizing roads for treatment. Selectmen voted at Monday’s meeting to use Mr. Kilhart’s best judgment based on snowfall amount. “We decided to re-evaluate and switch over to pretreated rock salt instead of regular rock salt,” Mr. Kilhart said. “There was so much ice last year, and this salt will help to lower the temperature to hopefully melt the ice. Regular rock salt stops working at about 16 degrees Fahrenheit, but pretreated stops working about 10 degrees Fahrenheit.” Mr. Kilhart said the salt can increase the melting factor since the pretreated salt is treated with calcium chloride. Although the pretreated salt costs more initially, he said it’s beneficial in the long run. “It costs about 50 percent more per ton, but if we only have to sand the roads twice, it’s cheaper overall,” Mr. Kilhart said. “We’ll end up using less material. The sand price won’t change.” But if the salt saves a life, it is worth the added cost, he said. “It will reduce ice on the roadways,” Mr. Kilhart said. “If we have less accidents, then it’s worth it.” He said Athol uses pretreated rock salt. He said he receives more complaints about potholes than about winter road conditions. Also at Monday’s meeting, Fire Chief Robert Hayes said he won’t take Athol up on its offer for a used ambulance in good condition that’s available for purchase. Hubbardston’s existing van is from 2000 and has about 70,000 miles on it. Athol’s ambulance is from 2008 but has double the mileage (140,000) on it. According to Town Administrator Anita M. Scheipers, Athol’s ambulance was used for frequent long-distance use; thus, it quickly racked up mileage. Athol’s ambulance would cost about $25,000. Mr. Hayes explained why it’s not worth the purchase. “It has double the wear and tear,” Mr. Hayes said. “Double the mileage. It would be one thing if our ambulance was dead, but it’s up and running. There’s another community looking to purchase it. For a community starting out, it would be a suitable solution.” Selectmen Chairman Daniel S. Galante asked if the ambulance was free would he take it? “Free is a different story,” Mr. Hayes replied. Also on Monday, selectmen voted to appoint two members to the Planning Board to replace two members who resigned. Thomas Bratko and Kendall Daly will replace Peter Carmosino and Peter Lefts –– both long-term members. They will serve a term from now until the town election on June 14, 2016. The Planning Board is responsible for land and development in the town. The vacancies were posted on the town website along with an appointment form. They meet the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Slade Building. |
My Name is Paul H Cosentino. I started this Blog in 2011 because of what I believe to be wrongdoings in town government. This Blog is to keep the citizens of Templeton informed. It is also for the citizens of Templeton to post their comments and concerns.
I was always under the impression that highway miles were easier on a vehicle than a vehicle that has lower miles, but had to stop and go, over bad roads. I just checked with Bart, and he said "usually a vehicle with that many miles, usually needs something replaced". I guess that a check of what was replaced, would give anyone interested a better idea of what this vehicle is really worth.
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