New Boston names interim fire chief; Select Board authorizes up to $4,500 for footbridge repair

The New Boston Select Board publicly welcomed Rick Leandu as interim fire chief at its July 20 meeting, citing Leandu’s 19 years with the New Boston Fire Department (including about 12 years as lieutenant) and six years with the Wilford Fire Department.

The board also reviewed a report from the New Boston Conservation Commission that members had voted to accept $3,232.50 in donations earmarked for the New Boston Rail Trail; the commission will include the donations in its quarterly report to the Select Board and in the annual town report as required by RSA 36‑a:2.

On a related item, the board considered a maintenance and repair proposal for the South Branch (Mill Pond) footbridge. Town speakers and the conservation chair discussed material choices and contractor availability; red pine was recommended over hemlock for longer service life. The contractor’s initial estimate (about $3,005.28 plus added 12‑foot pieces) rose with additional pieces and coating/fasteners. After discussion the board authorized the Conservation Commission to proceed and approved an authorization not to exceed $4,500 from the Mill Pond expendable trust (motion seconded and approved by voice vote).

The board asked the conservation and highway staff to coordinate logistics (delivery and material handling) and to return with final accounting and a report when the work is complete.