Lyndeborough received a $10,125 FEMA grant for building resilient infrastructure and communities, and is meant for the local hazard mitigation plan.
According to FEMA’s website, BRIC is a grant program that makes federal funds available for hazard mitigation by recognizing the need to upgrade and modernize infrastructure against growing environmental risks in communities.
At the town’s April 15 select board meeting, Town Administrator Geoffrey Allen said the town received the BRIC grant which it applied for nearly two years ago.
Allen said the hazard mitigation plan’s projected cost is $10,125 which FEMA will match up to 75%. The town is responsible for the remaining 25%.
“The grant will match $7,593 while we have to cover $2,532,” he said.
He added that before using the grant, the town has to update the plan which will start this summer, but won’t finish until the year’s end.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) is also replacing its old mower with a 2025 Scag commercial mower. Listed at $5,700, the town is only paying $4,300.
Road Agent Rick McQuade was present at the meeting and requested the board members approve replacing the DPW’s lawn mower.
“It has been welded and repaired so many times, its just time for a new one,” McQuade said.
After getting quotes from different locations, McQuade said he settled on an offer from Tyler’s Small Engine in Antrim.
“He had two left over 36 inch Scag mowers from last year,” he said. “The list price is $5,700, but he’s willing to sell it for $4,300.”
As a commercial mower, McQuade said it was a great deal. Though the town only has $4,000 budgeted for a new mower, he said he’d find the other $300 do to cover the cost.
After the select board approved the purchase, McQuade said the town should expect to see it at the beginning of next week.
Fire Chief Brian Smith, also present at the meeting, suggested the town create a new officer position for its EMS.
According to Smith, he has discussed fire and EMS reports with the state.
“When we run medical calls, we have to fill out fire and patient reports,” he said.
Smith noted the department is overwhelmed staying on top of EMS reports.
“EMS is out of control, we’re having a record year,” he said.
The new position would be for a lieutenant or captain.
“Right now we only have one rescue chief and he’s overwhelmed,” Smith said, adding that the new position’s duties would include taking over the reports ensuring they’re complete and assuming responsibilities other officers are covering down on.
He said the position would help the town with grant funding. “If our EMS reporting isn’t current, we’re not eligible for state grants.”
Smith also said if approved, the position wouldn’t affect this year’s budget.
Chair Bob Howe said he liked the idea but requested more information.
“We need a job description fleshing out what the new position will do,” he said. “If you can bring that to us at the next meeting, we can probably do it.”