Page 283 - BOXFORD

The winter of 2015 was one of the most significant for Boxford in decades. The DPW
crews worked seven weekends straight from the end of January through February. Over
100 inches fell through that period. It finally melted in early April. The harsh winter
caused a two week delay to the opening of the soccer fields in the spring.

The DPW opened up its doors and hearts in May to the kindergartners, first and second
graders from Cole School. The children walked through the garage area where the DPW
personnel showed them the equipment that we use to take care of the roads and fields in
Boxford. The children climbed into the front cabs of several pieces of equipment, and
also sat on the big lawn mowers. We then walked them into the salt shed where they
could see where the sand and salt for the winter is stored before it is applied to the roads.
They asked many interesting questions and we are confident that they learned a few
things about the DPW and how we do our job.

The DPW continued to pave roadways in accordance with the Pavement Management
Plan. This year completed the nineth year of the plan. The DPW selects roads to be
paved from the plan and also determines the selection based on the current condition of
the asphalt. In 2015, over 6 miles of roads were paved, including, Main Street from
Ipswich Road to Lawrence Road, Barehill Road, Livermore Road, Spofford Road,
Chadwick Farm Road and Great Pond Road. The shoulders along these roads were
reestablished with crushed gravel and brush cutting also occurred.

The Town Drainage Study identified a number of culverts which needed to be replaced
this year. Engineering work began on the design and permitting for the Kelsey Road
culvert, Middleton Road Culvert near Lockwood Lane, and Woodcrest Road.
Construction of the Middleton Road Culvert is planned for the summer of 2016. Other
drain pipes were maintained. Debris and brush was removed at their inlets in order to
provide for open flow during storm events.

The DPW Parks Department continues to work to improve the 19 acres of Town
recreation fields. Regular field maintenance includes fertilizing, lime application,
reseeding, aerating, irrigation and mowing. We will continue to provide the best
recreational fields for the many sports teams within the budget limitations. We wish to
extend our appreciation to the Boxford Athletic Association for their efforts to help the
DPW. We would also like to commend the Boxford Garden Club for their efforts to
maintain the beautiful flowers and shrubs at many of the Town buildings and several road
islands.

The DPW brush cutting tractor continues to maintain the road shoulders throughout the
Town. This program helps to keep shoulder foliage in check, as well as provide the space
on the shoulders for snow banks during the winter plowing season.

We welcome your comments and suggestions. You may contact the DPW at 978-352-
6555 or jdold@town.boxford.ma.us.

Respectfully submitted,

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