Bridge concerns top agenda at meeting
Florenceville-Bristol resident David Hunter and Dr. Clay Marco recently undertook an independent review and analysis of the Old Florenceville Bridge, which they presented to the council.
The analysis included taking advantage of low water levels for a closer inspection of the piers’ condition, as well as investigating possible repair options.
Hunter attended the council meeting to present their findings.
He shared that he and Dr. Marco were able to examine the base of the piers, which did not appear to show as much cavitation damage as the DTI indicated. Hunter shared several photos taken of the bridge during his presentation.
He noted that the previous report completed by the DTI was limited because it was conducted during higher water levels, in the middle of winter, and was executed using cameras, rather than an in-person inspection.
Hunter also said that the University of Connecticut has developed a repair method for steel bridge girders known as Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) encapsulation.
Hunter’s research demonstrated that this method could be an alternative and more cost-effective approach to repairing the steel girders than the proposal in the DTI report.
Hunted suggested to the council that the District take advantage of the low water levels and look into having an independent engineering assessment completed, as well as have a meeting with DTI to discuss the possibility of alternative repair options, such as using UHPC encapsulation, or if the footings and piers are still structurally sound, then removing the existing steel and installing a Bailey bridge.
Mayor Andrew Harvey, acknowledging that it is a “historical bridge” important to the municipality, agreed to look into pursuing an independent inspection, as well as setting up another meeting with DTI.
Dangerous, unsightly premises
The council voted to move ahead with action against two properties that violate the Dangerous and Unsightly Premises Bylaw. The first property, 388 Main Street in Bath, has been vacant for several years and is in a state of disrepair, posing a risk to the general public and surrounding buildings.
“That building has been neglected for a number of years. We have now had an engineer determine that it is not safe. There is no other way to remedy the situation but to bring the building down,” said Councillor Scott Oakes.
The council voted to proceed with necessary actions, up to and including the demolition of the building.
The second property at 672 Oakland Road in Oakland poses a hazard to the safety of the motoring public due to the accumulation of large amounts of junk and refuse along the roadway. It also diminishes property values for surrounding properties.
The council voted to take necessary action, up to and including remediation, including cleanup, removal of any ash, junk, rubbish, refuse, and derelict vehicles, equipment, or machinery.
Centreville Fire Hall addition gets green light
Mayor Harvey informed councillors that the District had previously released a tender for the proposed expansion; however, the winning quote had to be rejected because the pricing was beyond the scope of their budget.
He explained that the District then decided to subcontract the work instead and released an RFQ/RFP for local contractors to bid on.
Following this approach, the pricing came in within budget, and the District has decided to go ahead with the project. The addition will begin as soon as possible.
“They have a new rescue truck arriving next month with no place to put it,” explained Councillor Laurel Bradstreet. He also noted that they currently lack a dedicated training space, which will be remedied with the expansion.
“We have by far the best fire service in New Brunswick. We’re very blessed. These are good investments,” said Mayor Harvey.
NB Power transmission line concerns
Councillor Scott Oakes raised concerns regarding the NB Power transmission line that will be constructed for the Eolectric wind farm being built in the District of Carleton North.
As part of the project, NB Power is required to complete a Property Impact Assessment regarding the transmission line that will run from the wind farm to the power station in Beechwood.
However, Oakes said that communication from NB Power regarding the assessment has been nonexistent.
Oakes said he has received several calls from local farmers who have recently found NB Power representatives on their property, without having been granted permission.
This raises concerns that the Property Impact Assessment may have already been completed, without input from the property owners.
“We’re a little concerned as an agricultural community that they’re going to come and start putting towers in the middle of fields without the public consultation. Was there a better line they could have taken?” asked Oakes.
River Valley Sun spoke to Oakes after the council meeting. Oakes said that, in addition to the previously mentioned concerns, for NB Power representatives to access private agricultural property without notice constitutes a direct violation of the Agricultural Trespass Act, which was passed in 2023 and requires written permission from a property owner to access agricultural land.
“I don’t know what [these people] are carrying, what they’re leaving behind in the field,” said Oakes.
Oakes said potato fields, in particular, are susceptible to multiple viruses, such as blight.
“Farmers disinfect before going between fields. Are these people?”
Oakes told the River Valley Sun he has reached out to NB Power but has not been able to receive any information about the Property Impact Assessments.
Mayor Harvey said the District would send a letter to NB Power immediately, requesting clarification regarding the assessments, and would follow up with phone calls as necessary.
