Town Board approves solar lease with Kearsarge Energy for landfill project

The Bow Town Council made significant strides in community engagement and environmental initiatives during their March 4, 2025 meeting. A key highlight was the proposal to enhance participation in local business events, with council members advocating for better collaboration with the Bow Business Development Committee (BDC). The discussion centered on increasing attendance at business after-hours meetings, which have seen limited participation. Council members expressed a desire to involve more local businesses and improve communication about these events, suggesting that earlier involvement could lead to a more diverse turnout.

In addition to business engagement, the council approved a grant for addressing milfoil issues in local ponds. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services offered a partial grant of $18,265 for herbicide treatment and diver work to manage the invasive species. The council unanimously authorized the signing of the grant paperwork, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship.

The meeting also touched on ongoing municipal projects, including updates on the safety center and storage improvements for town records. The council highlighted the completion of fireproof storage solutions, which are crucial for maintaining important documents.

Another significant decision was the authorization for the town manager to sign a lease agreement with Kearsarge Energy for a solar project on town-owned land. This initiative, which received strong community support, aims to utilize unusable land at the town landfill and the Allen Road gravel pit for solar energy production.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's focus on fostering community involvement and advancing environmental projects, setting a proactive tone for future initiatives in Bow.