Shovels, sand and salt are essential for snow removal, but pickle juice may also be a solution. Selectmen considered that option for the town after board member John Henry presented the unorthodox idea.

“People are coming up with a lot of innovative ways to enhance ice melting,” he said. “I’ve heard of pickle juice and wine making and beer making residue…all kinds of stuff that went down the drain until they realized it had value.”

Henry said it might make fiscal sense to have Public Works Superintendent Rob Zora investigate the option. The effect of such methods would still have to be vetted.

“We don’t know what that does to wildlife,” he said. “Or, your carpet.”

At the meeting, Town Administrator Paul Dawson also got permission to “deficit spend” the snow removal budget, meaning the town can exceed the budget to cover future storm expenses.