Highway Department Annual Report

During 2006, the Highway Department performed regular maintenance on town roadways, as well as snow and ice removal on town and county roads within the township. This work also involves grading roads, clearing ditches and removal of small trees and shrubs along roadsides that may interfere with both vision and ditch drainage.

Major work projects included work on Stedman Road and on Burrough Road, both north and south of Clinton Street. Apron work on driveways abutting Lapp Road (2005 project) was also completed. Drainage issues arose with run-off from private property during several heavy rainfalls. This issue will continue to be a problem with additional home construction each year, and will be discussed with the County Soil & Water agency, Zoning Officer and town Committees and Boards to find ways to lessen the problem. Following the October snowstorm, Highway crew members worked to remove down trees and tree limbs, to allow for safer travel and restored utilities.

The Department made its’ second of three payments on the Bond Anticipation Note for the 2004 purchase of the Highway Grader. The Superintendent’s pickup truck was replaced in early 2006 and the oldest truck sold by bid.

Superintendent Jensen attended the 2006 Highway Superintendent’s Annual School in Ithaca, represented the town at several Wyoming County All Hazard Mitigation Plan meetings, and met regularly with the Cowlesville Water District construction team to provide insight on storm drains and property issues, answer questions, and to gather information on the construction for the town. Several meetings were held with the Town Board to discuss long range road construction and repair needs in the town, the potential costs, and funding. Information and letters requesting support and guidance were sent to our state and federal representatives. The Superintendent also entered into a formal agreement with the Town of Attica on Shared Services, allowing the towns to help each other with construction and equipment needs.

During 2007, the Town anticipates work to be designed and completed to address Schoellkopf Road erosion problems due to the Cayuga Creek, with the assistance of Resource Conservation and Development agency and funding received from Senator Volker. The County Highway Department will be working on several bridges that impact Bennington residents – Cotton Hill Road bridge and Tooley Road bridge.

A new, three-year labor contract was negotiated between the Town and Teamsters Local 264 for the town’s Highway employees, effective January 1, 2007.