The Rindge Select Board discussed several uses for remaining American Rescue Plan Act grant funding, including purchases for the Fire Department and for improving air quality and security at the town offices.

During its meeting on Wednesday, the board discussed several potential items to spend ARPA funding, which was part of COVID stimulus funds. Currently, the town has a total of $83,853 left to allocate from the grant.

The board first spoke with Fire Chief Rick Donovan about two potential items for the Fire Department -- the town’s fire tanker and a canopy for the back of the department that protects some of the department’s equipment and vehicles.

The board had already previously approved $10,000 from ARPA funds to replace the canopy. Donovan explained after exploring several different options with different sizes and thickness, he had several options, ranging in price between $6,400 and $7,000. He expected an additional about $1,000 to reset the canopy.

The board agreed to approve the more-expensive option, which was thicker and would have more longevity, while still being under the estimated $10,000 price initially approved. The board agreed unanimously to the motion.

The board also discussed, but did not yet take action, on improvements to the department’s tanker truck. Donovan said the tanker pump is showing signs of failure, and the kind of pump on the tanker is no longer being made.

The board discussed with Donovan whether to replace the pump completely, or just the casing. Donovan said he’s waiting on a quote for rebuilding the pump with a new casing, but has received one quote for a new pump, for approximately $21,330.

The board agreed to a plan laid out by Donovan to receive a second quote, though the majority of the board expressed interest in a new pump replacement, rather than rebuilding the old one with  a new casing, but did not vote.

The board agreed in a 2-0-1 vote, with Selectman Bob Hamilton abstaining, to replace the town office’s security system with Monadnock Security. The cost includes some upgrades and a monthly fee which is slightly lower than the fee for the town’s current security system, and brings the town office onto the same system as other town buildings. 

 Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244, or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.