In a victory for residents living on unpaved private roads, Article 35 passed as a resolution to increase town grading from twice a year up to four times a year. Citizen petitioner Dave Carrier argued that residents on these streets pay significant property taxes—totaling over $800,000 annually for the listed roads—and deserve safe access. Grading them before they're really heavily pitted or damaged actually is more cost-efficient than doing it later, Carrier said.

The meeting heard emotional testimony from residents of Bluefish Cove, who described potholes so large they were referred to as craters. Katherine Toby of Water Street noted that poor road conditions turn a two-minute drive into a seven-minute ordeal, which can be life-threatening in medical emergencies. Although the article passed, it did not include a specific funding appropriation; DPW Superintendent Sean Patterson noted that while he supports the safety initiative, a formal funding mechanism must be established at the Spring Town Meeting to cover the additional costs.

Motion: Dave Carrier moves article 35 as set forth in the October 20th, 2025 special town meeting warrant.

Vote: Passed by Majority