Spencer, Massachusetts: ROAD MAINTENCANCE AND ACCOUNTING SYSTEM Project Advisors: Professor Fabio Carerra Professor Chickery J. Kasouf Project Group: Brett Ferguson John Shea Project Contact Information: Project Web Site: May 3rd, 2006

Context: The Specific Problem Figure 2 Municipal Location of Spencer, MA. The town of Spencer is home to an The town of Spencer is home to an extensive system of both public and private roads. Private roads do not receive state Private roads do not receive state funding, yet the town must still perform at least minimal maintenance on such roads for liability reasons. Thus, Spencer, is in need of an effective system of roadway maintenance and accounting Thus, Spencer, is in need of an effective system of roadway maintenance and accounting to better upkeep its roads.

Project Goal: This project is intended to help the Utilities and Facilities Department of Spencer, Massachusetts to manage and maintain its roads by upgrading its current system of records to a computer generated map of public and private roads.

Presentation Outline:  Additional Background  Spencer, MA  GASB  Methodology  Objectives 1-4  Collected Data  Analysis  Final Deliverables  Questions and Comments

Additional Background: Spencer, Massachusetts Over 33 square miles of land Over 33 square miles of landarea. 133 miles of Road 133 miles of Road Large historical setting, Large historical setting, partially responsible for the large system of private roads. Current roadway management system can not handle and account for all private roads Current roadway management system can not handle and account for all private roadseffectively. Figure 3: Map of Spencer adjacent to Worcester

Additional Background: GASB Governmental Accounting Standards Board seeks to improve standards of state and local government accounting and finance reporting. Governmental Accounting Standards Board seeks to improve standards of state and local government accounting and finance reporting. GASB-34 Compliance is a form that determines a town’s entire worth based on its infrastructure and can then be properly assessed by state funding agencies. GASB-34 Compliance is a form that determines a town’s entire worth based on its infrastructure and can then be properly assessed by state funding agencies. Largely beneficial for determining the value and future value of Spencer’s Largely beneficial for determining the value and future value of Spencer’s roadway system.

Methodology: Objectives: Objectives: 1. To inventory the infrastructure of both private and public roadways throughout the town of Spencer. 1. To inventory the infrastructure of both private and public roadways throughout the town of Spencer. 2. To assess the condition and compliance of roads and related standards 2. To assess the condition and compliance of roads and related standards 3. To estimate the value of the town roadway infrastructure according to GASB-34 requirements 3. To estimate the value of the town roadway infrastructure according to GASB-34 requirements 4. To design an administrative process to manage resources and capture future changes to the roadway infrastructure 4. To design an administrative process to manage resources and capture future changes to the roadway infrastructure

Data Collected: All of Spencer

Data Collected: Target Area

Analysis: Private vs. Public

Analysis: Minimum Width

Spencer Roadways by Minimum Width

Analysis: Elevation / Gradient

Analysis: Pavement

Analysis: Condition: Roads

Analysis: Condition: Street Signs

Analysis: Condition: Guard Rails

Final Analysis: Upgradeable Roads

Final Analysis: GASB Analysis For the final GASB estimate, each piece of infrastructure is individually analyzed for value.For the final GASB estimate, each piece of infrastructure is individually analyzed for value. Then, the total value of each item of infrastructure is added to the final GASB value.Then, the total value of each item of infrastructure is added to the final GASB value.

Final Deliverables: A new computer-based system of roadway inventorying and management.A new computer-based system of roadway inventorying and management. Listing of recommended private roads for town upgradeListing of recommended private roads for town upgrade Listing of infrastructure repairs in need of immediate attention.Listing of infrastructure repairs in need of immediate attention. GASB value estimate for the entire town of SpencerGASB value estimate for the entire town of Spencer

Acknowledgements: Governmental Accounting Standards Board: Governmental Accounting Standards Board: MassGov Web Site e6931c14db4a a0c/?pageID=mg2localgovccpage&L=1&L0= home&L1=Resident&sid=massgov2&selectCity=Spencer MassGov Web Site e6931c14db4a a0c/?pageID=mg2localgovccpage&L=1&L0= home&L1=Resident&sid=massgov2&selectCity=Spencer Sponsoring Agency: Utilities and Facilities Department of Spencer, MassachusettsSponsoring Agency: Utilities and Facilities Department of Spencer, Massachusetts Warren Ramsey, Public Highway Director On-Site Liaison: Karen M. Cullen, Director, DevelopmentOn-Site Liaison: Karen M. Cullen, Director, Development & Inspectional Services

Questions or Comments? Project Contact Information: Brett Ferguson and John Shea Project Web Site:

Questions or Comments? Project Contact Information: Brett Ferguson and John Shea Project Web Site: