Reading the minutes - Smith Street bridge to stay open during winter months

From the minutes of the Village of Brockport board meeting minutes of 11/27/12:

o Smith Street Bridge – 2012-2013 winter closure – to close or not – It had been the previous suggestion of NYS DOT that if the Village were to close the Smith Street Bridge during the winter months it may prolong the life of the Bridge and need for repairs and maintenance. Trustee Blackman said she was of the opinion that anything to prolong its useful life would be beneficial now that the Village owns the bridge and is responsible for its upkeep. However, she learned that the bridge lasted almost 100 years with little maintenance other than washing every 3 years and painting and rust touch ups every 15 or so years. She said if DPW were to wash it annually after each winter to get the salt off it would help.

→ Trustee Blackman moved to not close the Smith Street Bridge in winter on the condition that DPW wash down the bridge annually after the salting of roads is done.

Mayor Castañeda said a motion to NOT close the Smith Street Bridge in the winter is not necessary. A motion would be necessary only if it were proposed to close it. Mayor Castañeda said DPW Superintendent Donahue will be directed as to annual washing of the bridge – to work it into DPW’s regular work schedule each spring.