Milton Approves $6.5 Million DPW Budget Amid Concerns Over East Milton Deck Construction
Key Points
- $6,495,834 appropriated for Public Works department
- MassDOT to replace <q>crumbling</q> concrete panels on East Milton deck
- DPW maintains flexible road repair schedule to account for utility conflicts
- Residents advocate for more speed humps for traffic safety
Town Meeting members approved Article 11, a $6,495,834 appropriation for the Department of Public Works, following a discussion that touched on both long-term road planning and immediate construction defects. DPW Director Marina Fernandez addressed questions regarding the town's road maintenance schedule, explaining that the department receives approximately $1.2 million in Chapter 90 funding but keeps specific road lists flexible to accommodate utility work and weather-related delays.
The quality of recent infrastructure work was called into question by member Brian Kelly, who observed that walkways on the newly constructed East Milton deck are already crumbling.
Fernandez clarified that the town has flagged the issue with MassDOT, stating that the problem appears to be a concrete specification issue and that MassDOT will be responsible for replacing the affected panels. This exchange follows past criticisms from members like Brian Kelly and Robert Hiss regarding the longevity of materials used in major town projects, including the East Milton fire station. Additionally, member Bill White urged the department to consider installing more speed humps, similar to those on Governor’s Road, to improve neighborhood safety.
Motion: To appropriate $6,495,834 for Public Works.
Vote: Passed 200-0-0