Selectboard discusses state grant to add EV charger near Tunbridge town hall

A presenter (Speaker 8) told the board about a time-sensitive state grant opportunity that could fund a Level 2 electric vehicle charger near Tunbridge town hall, and asked whether the board wants staff to pursue a contractor estimate and next-step approvals.

Speaker 8 explained the grant is limited to town-owned sites and said one of the important triggers is that a town employee must have access to the charger; the presenter said the grant at the highest level is "$32,000." The presenter described management options (an outside administrator versus town-run charging) and noted potential siting obstacles including an easement and a shared septic field on the parcel adjacent to Janet Wells' property.

Board members raised practical concerns: whether an installed pedestal would affect emergency egress, whether underground utilities or septic risers could complicate installation, and whether the limited number of parking spaces in the village makes the town-hall site the best public-facing location. One member suggested the library, the Grange or fairgrounds as alternative locations with more spare capacity.

The board did not authorize grant writing on the spot but asked the presenter to: verify the easement and septic locations with town records, obtain a vendor quote for site-specific work, and report back with a recommended site and a cost comparison before committing the town to any lease or administration model.