Town of Weathersfield, Vermont
Highway Committee
4874 Route 131
April 10th, 2007
Present: Norman John Arrison, Selector
Laurence J. Melen, Town Manager
Westley W. Hazeltine, Highway Superintendent
Robert L. Corbo, Jr.
Nathalie Corbeau
Raymond E. Stapleton, Chief Engineer,
West Weathersfield Volunteer Fire Department
The Highway Committee met at the end of the driveway to 4874 Route 131, to review a request by Nathalie Corbeau to create a new private roadway to serve two (2) additional lots south of her residence.
The Committee proceeded to walk down the proposed roadway, at distance of three hundred and fifty feet (350') to the existing house, and an additional five hundred feet (500') to the location of a common driveway which would serve the two (2) new lots. This is outlined in a sketch plan which the Committee received on March 26th, 2007.
The Committee walked down a steep embankment to a curve in the driveway. Superintendent Hazeltine reported that the curve had sufficient radius for passage of emergency apparatus. Ms. Corbeau also noted that the grade was adequate for passage of standard passenger cars. Chief Engineer Stapleton advised that a pull-off at the top of the embankment, just off Vermont Route 131, would be necessary to allow a pumper to be parked for the start of a hose run down into the property. Chief Engineer Stapleton advised that, to reach the end lots, it would probably require areas to stage two (2) additional trucks, one in the area of a stream noted on the sketch plan, and another by the entrance to the common driveway.
The Committee then noted a culvert, five feet (5') in diameter, where the existing driveway crossed a year round stream. The roadway at this point was constructed to thirteen feet (13') in width. Ms. Corbeau advised that the culvert had been installed in 1998. Superintendent Hazeltine inspected the culvert, and reported it was in good condition. Superintendent Hazeltine also reported that it was sufficient to allow passage of a fire truck.
Mr. Corbo advised that they intended to install two (2) pull-offs by the culvert, which could be used by emergency vehicles. After discussion, Chief Engineer Stapleton advised these would have to be a minimum of thirty-five feet (35') long by twelve feet (12') deep.
The Committee then walked up the existing driveway grade to the Corbo/Corbeau residence. Just past the residence, the proposed roadway had already been roughed in. Ms. Corbeau advised that the alignment would be changed and widened, and the slope re-cut to diminish the grade, allowing easier passage for vehicles.
As the Committee walked the roughed in road to the location of the two (2) new lots, Ms. Corbeau pointed out the location of two (2) additional pull-offs.
When the Committee reached the end of the roadway, where the common driveway served the two (2) new lots, it was noted that the new roadway had been roughed in past this point. Mr. Melen advised that, in order to provide a ‘hammer head’ turn-around, it would be necessary to construct the roadway for a minimum of forty feet (40') past the driveway entrance.
After walking and observing the property, it was the unanimous recommendation of the Highway Committee that the Select Board allow the construction of a private roadway serving this property, with the following conditions:
1. Covenants shall be included in all deeds documenting:
(a) This private roadway would not be considered for acceptance by the Town in the future; and
(b) The property owners shall be responsible for all maintenance of the private road; and
(c) Neither the Town nor any emergency service shall be responsible in any way should an emergency vehicle be unable to access the private road due to circumstance beyond the Town's or service’s control; and
2. The property owners, Mr. Corbo and Ms. Corbeau, shall construct the roadway as depicted on the sketch plan received March 26th, 2007; and
3. The roadway shall be constructed to Town highway standards for structural requirements; and
4. The roadway shall be constructed to a minimum width of fourteen feet (14') for its entire length, to a minimum of forty feet (40') beyond the final driveway; and
5. All pull-offs shall be constructed to the same highway structural requirements, and shall be a minimum of thirty-five feet (35') long by twelve feet (12') deep; and
6. The property owners shall be responsible for submitting a distinct roadway name, complying with the State of Vermont 9-1-1 addressing standards, to the Town, and will be responsible for installing a street sign at the intersection of the new roadway with Vermont Route 131. This street sign shall conform to street signs being used by the Town.
There being no further business, the Committee adjourned at 4:55 P.M..
Respectfully submitted,
Laurence J. Melen