[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6304413,"mediaKeyId","2462461-1bd57119b669dd7e115d8d2346abe913","parentId",2462461,"title","Short updates: wastewater study, wastewater solar array site plan, building painting RFP and trail maintenance work","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4193000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2462461-1bd57119b669dd7e115d8d2346abe913&start=4193&end=4193","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2462461-1bd57119b669dd7e115d8d2346abe913/thumbnail_4193000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6304413/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Short-updates-wastewater-study-wastewater-solar-array-site-plan-building-painting-RFP-and-trail-maintenance-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304413-d4e63dc90511285dc64fd444d1bb18e6/orig.mp4?Expires=1776041231&Signature=XOpBvQgVXN4JAJT91zrpvrPm-8D91RduwXpjWOuDEVI1pn4TEmvRi1G5RDI-gr4C55y1Rbsj3ILjOEo0UYPA3exo4ZNZuY-EnJvx8JG824gyt4Q3bg5-cG9ByaK0dMhMawYx1GHpg~z5EMq23eCfRTNcoW9n-hRAjPsk4zN2UNRu5p-vWv4o9a25Ery8SC1g~tEpMaHgDPfgcc3bpJ-QanikZEyMQMfmifU-0zppToC7G4pxtdefc2uI5Dk~WdBotFg30pO~-w39ZLYbpzfI6Qsti~-baD-7K35jh9YiZGwRa4XQRGNSoN9K~sVk4q-tXZnYYBfMHZjEwD-PKzZwuQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of West Swanzey NH","date","2025-02-28T19:09:25Z","article","Town staff provided a series of brief project updates across infrastructure and facilities.

Highlights
- Wastewater: A pilot study and historical operational review for the wastewater treatment plant are underway; staff said the pilot study is in progress and further public engagement (including an evening meeting) is expected in spring.
- Solar array: A proposed solar array at the wastewater facility is scheduled for planning-board site-plan review at its next meeting.
- Building painting: An RFP for exterior painting (Fenhall, Putkin Hall and the Grange) will be posted; the DPW director recommended bidders may propose any combination of buildings and provide bulk pricing on the proposal form.
- Trail maintenance and culverts: Contractors are assessing culverts and railbed shifting on the Ashmila Trail (areas south of Riley Conservation Area) with at least one local contractor ('Joe') indicating he may be able to perform culvert repairs at reduced town cost. Tree removal and brush-clearing work completed in the prior fall opened several trail segments; work must stop by April 15 to comply with Northern long-eared bat seasonal restrictions.

Why it matters: these smaller project updates show ongoing town maintenance and planning work that will affect capital timelines and public engagement in the coming months.

What was not decided: No contract awards or final approvals were recorded in the meeting for these items; staff said RFPs and planning-board processes will continue.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Swanzey Select Board: February 26th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff gave brief updates on ongoing town projects: wastewater treatment plant pilot studies and historical review, a solar array site plan going to the planning board, a building exterior-painting RFP, culvert/railbed repairs on local trails, and scheduled tree removal related to trail improvements.","taxTitle","West Swanzey, Cheshire County, New Hampshire","taxId",75717,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6304418,"Selectboard approves minutes and consent agenda; confirms nomination to economic development advisory committee",190,14000,204000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2462461-1bd57119b669dd7e115d8d2346abe913&start=14&end=204","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2462461-1bd57119b669dd7e115d8d2346abe913/thumbnail_14000.jpg","/articles/6304418/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Selectboard-approves-minutes-and-consent-agenda-confirms-nomination-to-economic-development-advisory-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304418-dc47a8b860fa0a68d43dfb67f4f1196c/orig.mp4?Expires=1776041231&Signature=M3MSeXzNz-wB4bcMvIN8VdiBnk7-8-uj3kDmaS~A4JjZApRm4Y9Ad-ZHpge-VYF8YOioZbjyn0NK8moiuxa-48Zou-pfsTDAVIBg6KhBUj5E4PKPC7jOLkziyOF-yYEZJbEc~9UrFtMHin-ONsNGedFWFA7CxycfsdrXSL45En~IGgNkSVLR6f4hKVVZUlMdpeehNL-u1cHT~fCjn-6G9bxdvmWfqhUonpmHGXeIp7PZr1vsH5nC9tCToCKr8094HbsmC-fY6pNgdEo6tNxO8hsBqrStl-LE~KOPh65zMDMtGb7g4mN1cXYs5iO-xkcgwTv5QKOaVyS75WEsqczoIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the start of the meeting the Selectboard approved multiple minutes and the consent agenda, then moved to nominations.

Actions taken
- The board voted to approve the minutes of the regular meeting on Feb. 19 and the nonpublic meeting on Feb. 19. The board also approved special meeting minutes for September 23 and two special meetings in January (Jan. 6 and Jan. 21). The motions were made and seconded and the board voiced approval by saying \"aye.\" No roll-call vote record with member names was provided in the transcript.
- The consent agenda was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.
- The board approved the nomination of Angelo \"Skip\" DiBernardo to the Economic Development Advisory Committee by motion, second and voice vote; the board said \"aye.\"

Why it matters: these routine approvals and the nomination finalize administrative records and fill a vacancy on an advisory committee that advises the town on economic development matters.

What was not recorded: The transcript did not capture which board member formally moved or seconded each motion by name, nor did it record an itemized roll-call tally.","The board approved several meeting minutes, the consent agenda, and the nomination of Angelo \"Skip\" DiBernardo to the Economic Development Advisory Committee.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6304423,"Town hears options for Community Power renewal: 30-month stable contract, green default and potential small program fee",2194,1775000,3969000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2462461-1bd57119b669dd7e115d8d2346abe913&start=1775&end=3969","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2462461-1bd57119b669dd7e115d8d2346abe913/thumbnail_1775000.jpg","/articles/6304423/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Town-hears-options-for-Community-Power-renewal-30-month-stable-contract-green-default-and-potential-small-program-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304423-d9d0fc12b9638b8bc25286e1778e6ba6/orig.mp4?Expires=1776041231&Signature=V2UWk-SEdmkXXumcJvAfEKVqRiqXjlRxGOHr2pQi43hs33ohOomWq3R5lmYPQazYN1fMGBqKb5AgWfGK-yik3GSdtB3WgZfxsnr3aG~6d942TsCg~sgX3CdMvyN0epk2eneOThmnnmqAVS5-udapE72jbyZFd8J3l1ba~6WRd0gEKP54okfi1Hb9DLKbq1KTzMQgHbsUw67xjQ9IjK-ku6VgGKFaZvICW37rw6cwhkqqpGyPA6ssHng71Gl3MiP6sqCqtCRpi8GHLJtkqSdd8kqBicKmsgzzCFrT-ENZ4GKkKUYzQFcr1pcREasufy8mKihuZNN46W~3~6oh2kKFOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Town staff and the energy commission discussed options for renewing the town's Community Power supply contract, the composition of default products and an optional program fee to support local energy assistance and weatherization.

The program: a town-supported community power product
Town staff said Swanzey Community Power launched in June 2023 and currently supplies roughly 2,600 customer accounts and about 18.5 million kilowatt-hours annually. Staff reported the program's default product includes an additional 10 percentage points of renewable energy on top of the state minimum (making the town default 35 percent renewable in 2025). The presenter said about 91 percent of customers remain on the default product.

Contract term and timing
The current supply contract renews in December. Staff recommended beginning renewal pricing work in the spring; suppliers can present renewal pricing typically in April. Staff said the town commonly seeks longer-term stability (a 30-month fixed-price contract) to reduce exposure to price volatility, and several members of the energy commission and the board indicated a preference for preserving the 30-month stability if acceptable pricing is available.

Green default versus program fee
Energy commission members discussed two program design levers:
- Keep a green default (the town's current default includes an extra 10% renewable energy). Staff said keeping the green default imposes a small per-kWh premium (described in discussion as a few tenths of a cent per kWh) but increases the program's renewable content.
- Create a small per-kWh user fee (discussed for Keene and other towns at between 0.07' and 0.125' per kWh) to fund local assistance such as weatherization or emergency bill help. Staff said any fee would be town-managed and would require a policy for how funds are disbursed; the Public Utility Commission review could add 60 days to implementation if required.

Participation, sweeps and new accounts
Staff explained the administrative sweep process: new accounts are initially served by Eversource and the town can run a sweep report to enroll new customers into the community power default (with an opt-out letter sent to new customers). The board discussed the practical timing of sweeps for multifamily developments and other incoming meters; staff said new meters produce individual mailers for each meter.

Decision process
The energy commission planned a recommendation meeting in early March; staff said the town can proceed with a supplier and a 30-month product if the commission recommends it. Board members asked staff to be prepared to finalize a decision at the board's March meeting if the energy commission reached a recommendation.

What was not decided
No contract was signed at the meeting. The board did not vote to implement a new customer fee or to change the default product; those items were left to the energy commission to recommend and to a future board decision.","Staff briefed the board on the Community Power program renewal timeline, the town's current default product (35% renewable), options to keep or change the green default, a proposed small customer fee to fund local weatherization/assistance, and timing for a decision before contract renewal in December.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6304428,"Town outlines $1.72 million repair plan for rail-trail washouts; town to cover 20% match",789,143000,932000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2462461-1bd57119b669dd7e115d8d2346abe913&start=143&end=932","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2462461-1bd57119b669dd7e115d8d2346abe913/thumbnail_143000.jpg","/articles/6304428/West-Swanzey/Cheshire-County/New-Hampshire/Town-outlines-172-million-repair-plan-for-rail-trail-washouts-town-to-cover-20-match","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6304428-d273208e9272fe37160490c1e4febe29/orig.mp4?Expires=1776041231&Signature=PAMFXu~Ywv5U1UYjn8-bLSbCDkgVzOU7CsLnms8mTyD1hFcnB5X0v~jYnufoj6-p7m8phjlcblGmx~h5Mc3T62AH1ilcW8W9UkdJ79Ne96MQmBAZJ7TlNVSJj4dsaNhwDX3wn04d1DzCP422rekqvX13jEkvxxreEBYIOaJUqe1wEPcgle-CVlZQGbBv0nOk~u5AQ41fRj4FwQVI0w00-mjmsY1DzvNc6df0cyLnkbSZbsabbTO6VXmjB-epdoXB1ey7lQrN5Rt3cH8IdUhw6ZDfuP0ZGZQNd7xFJ1Zq8XHK20wuKwBAIrrGcv9LSaHpHNkKsezrsrKotl2XZP0QhA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Selectboard discussed plans to repair four major washouts on the Cheshire Rail Trail and options to pay the town's required match for a federal/state Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant.

Under the current estimate presented at the meeting, the repair work for the four washouts between the two Holbrook Road crossings is $1,720,000. Town staff said the TAP-funded portion would cover 80 percent of that cost, leaving the town responsible for 20 percent (about $344,000). Town officials said they already have some match funds but remain short by roughly $100,000 to $125,000, depending on final numbers.

Why it matters: the rail trail serves regional recreation and tourism users and several crossings were damaged by storm-related washouts. Repairing the trail preserves public access, reduces ongoing maintenance risks and allows planned trail improvements to proceed.

Key details and funding options
- Project scope: repairs cover four of seven washouts between the two Holbrook Road crossings; three additional northern crossings (which did not fully wash through the rail bed) will be addressed separately using an ARPA award obtained by a snowmobile club.
- Estimated construction cost for the four-washout TAP project: $1,720,000; town match: 20% of that amount.
- Local funding options discussed: existing warrant-article money previously approved (amounts already spent would remain valid); a potential application to the Mascoma Bank Foundation (presenter said the foundation's maximum award per application is $25,000); a possible GIA grant to cover materials (the Bureau of Trails contact said the town could use GIA funds for materials and some equipment costs); FEMA unanticipated revenue was also noted as a possible source.
- Timing: the TAP project would be scheduled for construction in 2027, and a separate Christian Hill bridge project (federally funded and historic-resource driven) is expected next year. Town staff said the Christian Hill bridge replacement project includes moving and reusing the existing historic bridge at the Eversource substation washout; that bridge installation is part of a separate funded project.

Bridge reuse and logistics
Town staff described the reuse plan for the Christian Hill bridge: the larger federally-funded Christian Hill project will replace or repair the culvert and make space for reusing the historic timber bridge at a washout near the Eversource substation. Staff explained the primary structural issue for the existing bridge is its abutments rather than deck timbers, and that moving and reinstalling the bridge would require additional abutment work.

Next steps and risks
Meeting participants agreed by consensus to pursue the Mascoma Bank Foundation application (up to $25,000) with Cheshire County's grant manager helping to prepare the submission with town staff. Staff also said they would pursue an application for the GIA/materials grant in 2027 if construction timing requires it; GIA funding decisions are fast and would need to align with the construction year, introducing timing risk. The town may also need a future warrant article if the CAP/TAP project does not progress within the current appropriation time window.

What was not decided
No final contract award or construction contract was approved at the meeting. Exact engineering contractual details, final funding commitments and the precise value of grants not yet awarded were not specified.","Selectboard members discussed repair of four major washouts on the Cheshire Rail Trail, a state TAP grant that will fund 80% of the estimated $1,720,000 project, reuse of the Christian Hill bridge for a separate crossing, and options to cover the town's roughly $340,000 share.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Short updates: wastewater study, wastewater solar array site plan, building painting RFP and trail maintenance work

Selectboard approves minutes and consent agenda; confirms nomination to economic development advisory committee

Town hears options for Community Power renewal: 30-month stable contract, green default and potential small program fee

Town outlines $1.72 million repair plan for rail-trail washouts; town to cover 20% match