A point of discussion was the severe funding gap for road and sidewalk maintenance. The Public Works director, Christine Clancy, highlighted that current tax revenue covers only about a third of the required funds to maintain Chelmsford’s roads effectively. The town’s annual Chapter 90 funding of approximately $775,000 has remained stagnant over the past decade, despite rising construction costs. Clancy detailed various maintenance methods, such as pothole repairs, micro-sealing, and pavement reclamation, but emphasized the need for an additional $2.5 million to maintain the town’s pavement index. The committee was informed that there are 187 miles of existing roadway and 462 miles of sidewalk, with a backlog of $75 million in maintenance needs posing a challenge.

Clancy mentioned that the town had completed nearly 10 miles of paving and 2.5 miles of sidewalks last year, costing just under $5 million. She elaborated on a systematic approach facilitated by a pavement management database system to prioritize repairs. The upcoming year plans include improving about 10 miles of streets and additional funds for specific projects, such as a $500,000 sidewalk on Turnpike Road, requiring an extra $600,000 for completion. She also noted that the weather influences project progress, with favorable conditions extending the work season this year.

The discussion also touched on how other towns handle similar funding gaps, with some creating their own sidewalk paving crews to manage costs. Chelmsford often utilizes in-house design work and engineering to save on costs compared to hiring consultants. This strategy is seen as a significant cost-saving measure for the town.

Another major topic was the proposal for a tree and invasive species inventory and management plan, requesting $75,000 in funding. The town is experiencing a significant loss of its tree canopy, estimated at about 1% per year, translating to a 10% loss over the past decade. Factors contributing to this loss include storm damage and invasive species, which hinder tree growth. The committee acknowledged the need for a structured approach, similar to urban forestry management plans in cities like Cambridge and Newton. A pilot program is proposed to assess approximately 20 miles of roads and town properties.

The committee recognized that simply removing invasive species often leads to stronger regrowth, necessitating a strategic management approach. Public outreach and education on invasive plants were deemed essential, with the tree committee’s website needing updates to assist residents better.

Infrastructure concerns continued with the discussion on the replacement of a sewer force main on Progress Avenue. The Public Works director noted that the ductile iron piping, installed in the 1980s, is experiencing failures, likely due to corrosion. The force main on Progress Avenue, aged 35 to 40 years, showed signs of deterioration with recent breaks costing approximately $110,000 in emergency repairs. The department proposed using fused high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe as a replacement material, with plans to conduct the work in-house to save at least $150,000. Clancy expressed confidence in the department’s ability to handle the project without external contractors.

The town’s sewer capacity constraints were also addressed, impacting the ability to accommodate new residential and commercial developments. A sewer moratorium had been enacted to manage capacity better and understand the situation. The department identified infiltration and inflow (I&I) issues, particularly around manholes, contributing to excess flow. Efforts to inspect and line 200 identified manholes could potentially remove 22,000 gallons per day from the sewer system, creating capacity for new developments.

The committee also considered Article 8, focusing on the McCarthy Middle School exterior recreational area adjacent to the police station. The proposal includes constructing new tennis, street hockey, and basketball courts, with an estimated cost of $675,000. The high school has recently seen the installation of new courts, strategically placed to minimize residential noise impact. The committee acknowledged the importance of connectivity in the area, with plans to incorporate a walkway and seating area to enhance accessibility.

Additionally, the committee discussed the digitization of town documents, with a proposal for $300,000 to create a searchable digital archive. The initiative aims to improve the preservation and accessibility of historical records across all departments.