About a dozen residents of Route 73 were present at the Rochester Selectboard’s Monday, Feb 13 meeting for a hearing about replacing four bridges on that road.

Mark Colgan of BHV Engineering, who is project manager on the four bridge replacements, went over the project definition, design, and construction.

Rob Young of VTrans spoke about the state’s accelerated bridge program aimed at minimizing impact to the community and the environment. Two of the bridges are emergency recovery projects and the other two were built 83 years ago.

The projects include Bridge #13 (Brandon Brook, washed out by Irene), Bridge #15 (constructed in 1929 at Bingo corner), Bridge #16 (constructed in 1929 at Corporation Brook) and Bridge #19, the temporary bridge onto Route 100, put in place after the permanent one was demolished by Irene.

Colgan said the goal is to have both of the emergency recovery bridges done within the next two years.

Proposed design criteria to be considered include site specific special conditions, pedestrian/ bicycle use, aesthetics, flooding history, and historic resources. He also explained the pros and cons of various construction methods that could be employed.

Anyone who has questions and comments about the bridge projects may send them to: Vermont Agency of Transportation, Structures Section, One National Life Drive, Montpelier, Vt. 05633, Attention: Jennifer M.V. Fitch, P.E., by February 24.

In other news, Mary Russ of the White River Partnership spoke with the board about the hazard mitigation grant program. Initially, five Rochester landowners expressed interested in buyouts, but only two properties are eligible—one owned by John Graham and Beth Frock, and the other by Steve Mackay.

Russ said the last piece for the town to consider is new guidance on costs that should become line items in the town budget. The board voted to submit the two applications on the Graham-Frock property and the Mackay property, and also voted to designate Doon Hinderyckx as the signatory on the hazard mitigation paperwork.

The board voted to renew its annual contract with the Addison Humane Society.

A letter of resignation was received from the town’s animal control officer, Deborah Turnbull. Mark Belisle was appointed to fill that post for the current term.

The Green Mountain National Forest is putting together information about repairing forest roads in Corporation and Chittenden Brook. Comments may be directed to the forest service office in Rochester.

Constable Tom Simpson and the board discussed the continuing topic of replacing the town cruiser. There is money for that purpose in the reserve fund and the board set a target date of replacing the cruiser before next fall.

Board chair Larry Straus noted that the town has had to change sand suppliers, since the previous vendor no longer had sand of the correct composition. He said the new sand is being mixed with the old while that lasts, and so it may look a little lighter in color.

The next regular meeting of the Rochester Selectboard will be Monday, Feb. 27 at 6:15 p.m. at the town office.