COLRAIN — A vote which would have allowed the Arthur A. Smith Covered Bridge to be reopened to vehicular traffic has been postponed indefinitely.
Article 36 on Saturday’s Annual Town Meeting warrant, which was submitted by citizen’s petition, sought to authorize the Selectboard to set times and conditions under which vehicles may pass through the bridge on Lyonsville Road, and to authorize measures — such as speed bumps or additional signs — to ensure vehicles abide by the rules.
Currently, the bridge is open to pedestrians, motorcycles and snowmobiles.
Voters did, however, approve Article 37, also submitted by citizen’s petition, which sought to designate the area west of the historic bridge as a town park.
Both articles were brought forth by resident Jonathan LaGreze, who said at the meeting on Saturday that after a replica of the bridge was reconstructed in 2007, “it was always assumed that it would go back into use as a traffic bridge …. but there has been some resistance to it … and the reasons were political.”
Linda Magee, a former Planning Board member, did note that there was “every intent” to bring one-way traffic to the bridge after its reconstruction.
LaGreze clarified that the proposed article would give authorization to the Selectboard to open the bridge to traffic in whatever manner they see fit. That could mean opening it to one-way traffic, two-way traffic, or simply opening it to traffic on holidays, for example.
David Nims, who is a member of the Conservation Commission, said he was in favor of reopening the bridge to vehicular traffic.
“That was the original intent — to have it done and opened to traffic,” Nims said. “I think it’s pretty small for a couple of ex-town officials that did something that got it made into a foot bridge. It’s not built to be a foot bridge.”
Other residents also spoke in favor of reopening bridge, noting the importance of the landmark to the town and destination for visitors.
Nina Martin-Anzuoni, however, was not in favor of reopening the bridge to traffic, citing concerns voiced previously by public safety officials. She asked what the town’s liability would be, were it to reopen.
Town Coordinator Kevin Fox said that according to the state Department of Transportation, the bridge can be reopened to traffic; however, there would be posting requirements and the town would be responsible for the enforcement of those requirements.
“(Mass DOT) gave us a very strong warning that if we did not enforce posting requirements, we could risk our federal funding,” Fox said.
Fox added that the Selectboard had previously asked public safety officials and the Highway Department for opinions regarding the reopening the bridge, and they were “adamantly against it.”
Highway Superintendent Scott Sullivan noted the bridge had not been crash-tested.
After about 30 minutes of discussion, and just as the looming storm clouds began to open, officials made a motion to postpone the vote to a later date.
“I feel, as a Selectboard member, that I need to be responsive to the wishes of the town and the citizens,” said Selectboard member Joe Kurland. “For which reason, I think it would be a good idea for us to spend some more time before we decide on this bridge and have more time for discussion among the town members.”
Other residents also expressed concern for voting on reopening the bridge without further discussion or information on the subject.
All other articles on the warrant were approved with minimal discussion.
Only a few questions were asked of the proposed $1.7 million budget before it was passed unanimously.
Rebecca Timmens asked officials why there was an increase in the Police Department budget, during a time at which many other police budgets are being reduced.
Finance Committee member Lynn B. DiTullio explained the increase was related to additional hours needed to complete an increasing load of state paperwork.
Responding to another resident’s question about the budget, Police Chief Chris Lannon said the increase was necessary to cover dues to various organizations the department belongs to, as well as to cover the increased cost in maintenance for the radio system.
School Committee member Kate Barrows told voters that regardless of their vote to pass the town’s appropriation, the budget for Mohawk Trail Regional School District — which was approved prior to the pandemic in February — would not be approved by enough member-towns before July 1.
Therefore, she explained, the schools will operate under a one-twelfth budget until a new budget is approved and voted on by each town.
Standing in the rain, Town Moderator Megan McDonough quickly adjourned the meeting.
Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 263. Twitter: @MaryEByrne