Selectboard approves up to $15,000 for fire gear and accepts $12,849.85 highway safety grant

At the June 29 meeting the Sandown Board of Selectmen voted to allow the fire department to spend up to $15,000 from the fire apparatus and equipment capital reserve to replace aging turnout gear. Fire Chief Mike Devine told the board three sets of gear need replacement because manufacturers recommend a 10-year service life. A board member moved the authorization and the motion passed on voice vote. Chief Devine said the department also reapplied for a federal grant to replace an apparatus and is awaiting decisions from the federal agency; he said the grant process window and award levels changed this year.

Later under new business, Town Administrator Lynn Blaisdell presented a highway safety grant that covers speed and DUI enforcement, distracted-driving and pedestrian/bicycle enforcement. An amendment adds funding for a movable speed sign and related software. The board moved and seconded acceptance of the amended grant terms and voted to accept the total amendment-adjusted award of $12,849.85.

Votes at a glance
- Accept minutes from the June 15, 2026 meeting: motion made and approved by voice vote.
- Fire equipment and apparatus capital reserve: motion to allow up to $15,000 to be expended for replacement gear — approved.
- Highway safety grant: motion to accept amended grant totaling $12,849.85 (including a movable speed sign and software) — approved.
- Motion to enter non-public session under RSA language cited in the meeting (personnel/reputation and employee matters) — approved; the board entered non-public as recorded.

The board did not provide line-item appropriation details beyond the $15,000 not-to-exceed authorization for gear; staff and department leaders will coordinate procurement and report back to the board as required.