[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-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",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":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,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6051992,"mediaKeyId","3421455-98e515ff450b015d101fd5ab383920cf","parentId",3421455,"title","Selectmen award LED smart‑lighting contract to Affinity LED after competitive bids; one board member dissents","audioSeconds",2380,"startMs",6811000,"endMs",9191000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3421455-98e515ff450b015d101fd5ab383920cf&start=6811&end=9191","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3421455-98e515ff450b015d101fd5ab383920cf/thumbnail_6811000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6051992/New-Hampshire/Selectmen-award-LED-smartlighting-contract-to-Affinity-LED-after-competitive-bids-one-board-member-dissents","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051992-b320ae66b19aca91e45e7ca32554080f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771093842&Signature=kdaB-bTYBCc~yo0d-G~0FTubvm38wyyVXbN93Jg2rsTrJanWlVwiLyImb2dpMi7z18t6p7FJFeCaJdtX1UxmhBoyjA6K82AIF3ItzuGwSHiaOB00gFJGs70arQyO2DG6KoGD86GA7muGCM9B7wFBQHBVy-svSvGVXf8xxfkt1bfSWtFza1Gn30hGRt9sjDat7aStdVuXHqIy9fzcUd7LvX03vqEyn3TsaVH-H4ETcHk9h0CavYj5SlU54l7kXGPUBaThRKbhLk3qukwceRPNpUtRhMlxWr5Ph67qyYwusNp~iaiXpvwWMISnnDa~t1OilOwyGhr2m1Ue48zSdaJ4-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town Council of Milford NH","date","2025-05-12T00:00:00Z","article","The Board of Selectmen voted 4–1 on May 12 to award a townwide LED smart‑lighting conversion contract to Affinity LED for the presented base scope (municipal buildings and parking lot work). The board excluded the Keyes Field alternate in the approved motion; the vote was 4–1 with Director Lessard (the staff presenter) recorded as the dissenting vote.

Public Works staff presented two responsive bids. Affinity’s total bid for the base scope was approximately $398,000; Resource Lighting submitted a lower base‑scope number (about $359,000) but Resource’s proposal was declared non‑responsive at the bid opening because of a post‑bid change requested by the vendor. Town staff reported that Affinity’s audit and incentive documentation to Eversource were already in the utility’s system (some submitted earlier), which produced a larger documented utility incentive and a higher projected annual savings in Affinity’s energy model; Resource said it had not had adequate time to finalize the Eversource incentive paperwork during the short bid window and asked for reissuance or consideration. Resource’s representatives asked the board to reissue the RFP; they said an updated Eversource incentive estimate would lower the town’s net cost by tens of thousands of dollars. The board declined to re‑open the bid process and approved Affinity’s bid for the core work.

Affinity’s owner and team presented energy models and letters of agreement for incentives and cited higher projected annual energy savings; Affinity also offered an 8‑year warranty. Resource’s CEO described his firm as a veteran‑owned company and asked the board to reissue the RFP to capture finalized utility incentives; Resource noted it planned to use a local electrical contractor if chosen.

Board discussion touched on payback period estimates, warranties, fixture performance, and whether to include a Keyes Field alternate that would add additional lighting to courts and parking; the board approved the core scope without Keyes Field. Staff will return with contract documents and implementation scheduling; work will be invoiced/financed in a way that draws on utility incentives and reduces net town cash outlay during the financing term.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Milford NH Board of Selectmen Meeting - May 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","After a contested bid review and public comment, the Board of Selectmen voted 4–1 to award the town’s LED smart‑lighting conversion contract to Affinity LED for the core scope; the Keyes Field alternate was excluded.","taxTitle","Milford Board of Selectmen, Milford, Hillsborough County, New Hampshire","taxId",76029,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6051998,"Milford dog‑park advocates pressed the board for a site plan; town and Conservation experts warn of wetlands and threatened species at preferred field",696,2362000,3058000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3421455-98e515ff450b015d101fd5ab383920cf&start=2362&end=3058","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3421455-98e515ff450b015d101fd5ab383920cf/thumbnail_2362000.jpg","/articles/6051998/New-Hampshire/Milford-dogpark-advocates-pressed-the-board-for-a-site-plan-town-and-Conservation-experts-warn-of-wetlands-and-threatened-species-at-preferred-field","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6051998-bd7cc643f0a071db8e540019c432fdaf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771093842&Signature=bbXbe2TK0a3AwlW9lMevkvidIwj3Jmh9p3YYJJ300ZbRvN6WXBXznnJIrrpd6edo0F6GxbP-hhN0vDVffj3fqxLRxRrIWLNqXmoXISwcSPVErtfh5D-zg8pL4BCQQfwODAfkUT3GJs1GazIH8VPsEDXoTUdxNjKAeHnLiHuvbvFHSLP2vdmSzbG5cJmKS3JcOKeT-3YesEK5ZQPqztx-mLBNy81cR39aFoVL-vMG57YaBDTXJmV-b~MYTjXllh-KK17eWFO-caJb2RRDpN0aMeW1qjeGYu21pJ7er4wcoZRHi5BV4xtCQkd8w7j4L-K2n5Mrn-Ksf973Gxd7F3gBDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Milford Dog Park Association representatives told the Board of Selectmen on May 12 they have roughly $37,000 in fundraising and want to proceed with a one‑acre fenced dog park near 127 Elm Street (the site previously under consideration). The association said a major barrier is a required pedestrian crossing across a floodway/stormwater channel; preliminary bids for a footbridge were described as $75,000–$100,000. The group asked whether the board and town would continue to support that location or whether they should pursue alternatives (for example, land at Heron Pond Road).

Nicole (town staff) and other town representatives reviewed permitting and site constraints: the 127 site includes a stormwater channel and regulatory floodway and will require FEMA review; fencing in a floodway may require case‑by‑case negotiation with FEMA and possible design constraints (breakaway fences, elevated structures). The town’s trails/connectivity plan includes smaller and larger pedestrian crossing concepts; the smaller crossing and a larger crossing were both submitted to a local grant program (TAF) but grant response is pending.

Conservation and Fish & Game representatives raised environmental concerns for an alternate site at the south side of Heron Pond (Brock’s property), telling the board that New Hampshire Fish & Game’s non‑game and endangered wildlife species program had instructed the town not to mow that field April–October to protect reptiles and other species that use the site. A volunteer with the conservation group said the state’s Natural Heritage Bureau considers the exact species locations confidential; Fish & Game identified the presence of a Blanding’s turtle and a hognose (hognose/“hard‑nose”) snake in public remarks during the meeting. The conservation speaker said the field often ponds and supports species of greatest conservation need and that the town has received guidance to avoid mowing during key months.

Selectmen discussed alternatives: build a smaller temporary park at Heron Pond (which proponents said would “eat up” the $37,000 fund), pursue fundraising and a warrant article for larger capital (board members suggested a warrant article next year could ask voters for a one‑time appropriation to complete the full plan), or pursue private‑funded construction and donate the facility to the town (the association said it expected to assume most fundraising and upkeep responsibilities). The board asked the association to produce a simple site sketch/GIS snapshot for each proposed location and to work with staff to explore temporary crossing options and grant opportunities for the pedestrian bridge. Town staff said they would perform a site visit before committing to any location.

No formal vote or commitment of town funds was made. Board members suggested pursuing a phased approach: test a temporary crossing and fencing solution while continuing grant searches (including a TAF grant already submitted), develop a clear cost estimate for the bridge and long‑term site work, and consider a warrant article if additional taxpayer funding is needed.","The Milford Dog Park Association asked the selectmen for clarity on a proposed 1‑acre dog park at 127 Elm Street; the group has about $37,000 in funds. Town staff, conservation volunteers, and Fish & Game representatives said parts of the preferred Brock’s/Heron Pond site are wet and host rare species, complicating development and permitting.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6052003,"American Rivers offers funding and technical help to update 2014 dam study; Milford selectmen and state dam officials outline next steps",683,873000,1556000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3421455-98e515ff450b015d101fd5ab383920cf&start=873&end=1556","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3421455-98e515ff450b015d101fd5ab383920cf/thumbnail_873000.jpg","/articles/6052003/New-Hampshire/American-Rivers-offers-funding-and-technical-help-to-update-2014-dam-study-Milford-selectmen-and-state-dam-officials-outline-next-steps","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6052003-089ab1eef989926c0ce713dc50c67920/orig.mp4?Expires=1771093842&Signature=oB9LPFLdJPCOd5cS3~6LHJFkmjAGjvdFYGQltWQTqRtD3a85hu5W1YMP~iC7HyGuquyOD-e8f-7mfN3xTYLbCQ3jFaGm3sIbYKxGiFYUd7~Wdzi82mAW5M-gGulAEcRZhZwm7Qwy7J~eA6rEu8BeYgNOizGmX4GGOn9EFlxzOxBKi-PHhJNh1scJqU4D26u-BEpbVEk9K6Kg3AaR8mNntEGu5nZbjIUeTZErbuaD6v1~HckeKIhjOvr40jfjh49csd~FdFDaMC2zIBvz~R6IO7JGUvIW9KCkFlKQObMklYYAffcJuneJunP0Y4FJDs1ge4AhOLxg6R1yTUjQPup-yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Andrew Fisk, Northeast regional director for American Rivers, told the Board of Selectmen on May 12 that his organization has private foundation money available to help Milford update the 2014 study of the Goldman and McLean dams and to fund follow‑up technical work if the town chooses to proceed. Fisk said American Rivers can provide a range of support from updated analyses and community engagement to full project management and fundraising for removal if a community decides removal is its choice.

Representatives from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) Dam Bureau explained their routine oversight: both dams are classified as low‑hazard structures and DES inspects such dams every six years, including downstream conditions. DES staff said inspectors have previously issued notices identifying concrete deterioration, debris in outlets, and some erosion on abutments, but that current deficiencies had not yet risen to the level of imminent public‑safety threat.

Fisk and DES staff described the scope of technical work required to update the 2014 analysis: (1) update hydrology and hydraulics modeling to reflect current flows; (2) update sediment‑volume estimates behind each dam (a key cost driver); and (3) produce an updated opinion of probable cost for either maintenance/repair or removal. Fisk said the 2014 work had identified detectable contamination in some upstream sediments tied to nearby cleanup sites and that that prior assessment was preliminary; further sampling could be scheduled later in the process if needed.

Speakers from the community and the Conservation Commission raised concerns about aesthetics, local recreation, potential impacts on the downtown riverfront, historic values, and the results of a March warrant article (which had failed 63%–37%). A range of residents said they supported updated data to inform future decisions; others stressed that some residents prioritized preserving the visual and economic character of the downtown riverfront.

American Rivers emphasized it does not undertake long‑term dam maintenance; the organization’s primary role is funding, technical support, and, in some cases, managing removal projects when communities choose that path. Fisk said the Goldman Dam’s private trust owner had indicated little interest in maintaining the asset and that American Rivers could consider support for removal if the town and other stakeholders wanted that route. DES staff reminded the board that removal or reconstruction would trigger federal and state permitting, including Section 106 (historic preservation) review and Corps of Engineers and state dredge‑and‑fill permitting as applicable.

No formal motion was taken. Selectmen and officials agreed to keep the discussion open; American Rivers offered to scope and fund an updated alternatives analysis if the town wished to accept private foundation resources to underwrite that next step.","A national river‑restoration nonprofit offered private foundation funds and technical support to update a 2014 analysis of the Goldman and McLean (town) dams in Milford. State Dam Bureau staff described inspection frequency and regulatory triggers; no formal board action was taken.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6052008,"Selectmen approve move to SchoolCare; town to cover 14% premium increase for employees",497,107000,604000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3421455-98e515ff450b015d101fd5ab383920cf&start=107&end=604","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3421455-98e515ff450b015d101fd5ab383920cf/thumbnail_107000.jpg","/articles/6052008/New-Hampshire/Selectmen-approve-move-to-SchoolCare-town-to-cover-14-premium-increase-for-employees","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6052008-cd16af5f7fd5c6e20706773e7a5e4200/orig.mp4?Expires=1771093842&Signature=EVggc73di3tCl2T~P6LFGidVQ5HTTzpKERBn57goqjOXUt3~VN4ZdcEgBrpkIqWAQLVmLN9Bs5Rf9wzIWbIdLYoP0i7EeGDCE26CYibUwZb5uv7KbuDmu9TWm~EmbsKq~0pGc467ka0ovlRtTOGIVI~DVJJi-LTufSaaWmU-C-VdYlH2fkZraO2kUyFqY5X~ewyZYNWcLB2qCFDyXFAU5JSLDkLceo-6sIYETb2y99CuT3zRB30eBNeI5-~FctuxR2A1CbBgYOGZvlMzT5RgnnO1SmKpHZk6hW969HXcNunFLtzd27bvfrTuFPBZIfwX4T3edG2KjnbTkNlILsOUfA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Milford Board of Selectmen voted May 12 to transition the town’s municipal health coverage to SchoolCare and to have the town cover the roughly 14% increase in premium costs for employees.

Town finance staff told the board the New Hampshire Interlocal Trust (NHIT) wind-down has left the town facing a range of quotes from carriers. According to the presentation, Harvard Pilgrim quoted about a 27% increase; Anthem’s quoted range was 22%–65%; Cigna did not respond to the town’s request; SchoolCare’s modeled increase was about 14%. The board’s motion, made by Selectwoman Tina Philbrick and seconded by Selectman LaVonte, approved switching plans and absorbing the approximately 14% additional premium across the board for every employee group the town covers, including water and sewer utility employees and the library staff. Selectman Dodge recused himself; the motion passed 3–0–1.

Town Finance Director Troy Neff (presenting the financial analysis) said the town’s undesignated fund balance could absorb the cost in the near term while staff monitor the NHIT wind‑down trustee’s updates. Neff showed a budget model that accounted for salary savings from several currently vacant positions; he estimated that, based on the largest NHIT invoice seen in February, the additional premium would be about $16,250 for that billing period and that multiplying that increase over the remaining six months of the fiscal year would produce roughly $100,000 in added premium cost for the town.

Neff said a trustee handling the NHIT wind down had indicated Milford represents about 2% of the pooled membership and that any assessments would be allocated pro rata; the trustee said some funds are being held (including by Harvard Pilgrim) and he hoped assessments would be limited. The board was told there is budget room now to pay the extra premium, and that any potential assessment tied to NHIT’s wind down could be addressed as the trustee provides more detail.

Meeting materials and the public presentation indicated the chosen approach would preserve employees’ current plan choices and honor deductible accumulations so workers would not face new deductible resets. The board directed staff to notify SchoolCare and to begin transition steps.

The board’s action was a formal authorization to switch coverage and to fund the 14% premium increase from town funds; staff were given authority to implement the transition and keep the board informed about any NHIT-assessment developments.","After hearing that NHIT is winding down and outside carriers quoted large premium increases, the Milford Board of Selectmen voted to move municipal health coverage to SchoolCare and to have the town pay the roughly 14% premium increase for all covered employees.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Selectmen award LED smart‑lighting contract to Affinity LED after competitive bids; one board member dissents

Milford dog‑park advocates pressed the board for a site plan; town and Conservation experts warn of wetlands and threatened species at preferred field

American Rivers offers funding and technical help to update 2014 dam study; Milford selectmen and state dam officials outline next steps

Selectmen approve move to SchoolCare; town to cover 14% premium increase for employees