Pembroke Embraces Innovative Paving Technology, Saving 75% on Road Repairs

Town Manager Evaluation Process Underway with Four Selected Evaluators

PEMBROKE, MA - October 2 - Pembroke is set to accelerate its road repair program thanks to a new "hot-in-place" paving technology that promises to save the town approximately 75% compared to traditional methods.

Town Manager Bill Chenard expressed enthusiasm about the new process during Wednesday's Select Board meeting. "I am super excited about the hot-in-place [paving]. I went and spent an hour of my day there today just to watch it, to see how it worked," Chenard said.

The innovative technique involves three pieces of equipment that move slowly down the road, warming, heating, and rotating the existing pavement before rolling over it. The result is a smooth surface that can be driven on immediately after the roll passes.

"As soon as that roll rolls over, you can drive on it. It's absolutely amazing," Chenard noted.

While a thin top coat will still be applied, the savings from this process are expected to be substantial. The town anticipates being able to address more roads in the coming years due to the cost-effectiveness of the new technology.

Select Board member Daniel Trabucco questioned the durability of the new method, particularly regarding issues with de-laminating that have occurred with previous micro-coating techniques. Chenard assured the board that the adhesion is "unbelievable" due to an asphalt emulsion added during the rolling process.

The state has successfully used this technology on major roadways, including Route 110 in Salisbury, which impressed town officials during a site visit.

"The savings that we're going to have over the next several years as a result of this process is going to be incredible," Chenard said.

While the new equipment is too large for some neighborhood streets, which will still require traditional paving methods, the town hopes to catch up on road repairs and implement preventative measures like chip sealing and crack sealing to extend the life of roadways.

In other business, the Select Board finalized the evaluation process for the town manager. Four individuals were chosen to participate: Lance Kennedy, Dan Sullivan, Lisa Cullity, and Jeanne Gigliotti. Board members will also complete evaluations, with a deadline of Nov. 20 for all assessments.

Board member Rich Flynn and Chair Tracy Marino were appointed to discuss the evaluations with the Town Manager. Flynn emphasized his desire to provide verbal feedback in addition to written comments, stating, "I have more to say than on here. And I just want the two nominees to go into that meeting with that information."

The board also discussed the upcoming election season. Early voting is set to begin Oct. 19 at Town Hall, continuing until the week before the election. With concerns about potential parking issues due to increased voter turnout, Chenard assured the board that plans are being developed in coordination with the police department to manage traffic flow and provide overflow parking if needed.

"We're absolutely discussing it, taking input from all of those, and working. We have significant parking along here, and then we'll work with others to expand that," Chenard said.

The town is encouraging residents to take advantage of early voting to help alleviate potential Election Day congestion.

Chenard also reminded residents of an upcoming household hazardous waste collection event on Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Hanover. The event, free for Pembroke residents who pay a trash fee, will accept latex paint, which is not typically collected at such events. Pre-registration is required.

The next Select Board meeting will include an update on town-owned parcels, with a public hearing on tax classification scheduled for Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m.