Town staff reported at the Aug. 11 Select Board meeting that paving on Loom Lake Road from the Brown's Road intersection to the unpaved section was completed, and that a new culvert for the site was installed through funding secured from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
Scott, introduced as town manager, said the culvert project was coordinated with DES and that the state provided funds so the town did not incur construction cost for the culvert. Town staff credited Joseph and DES representative Polly for securing the funding and Neil MacIver for assistance in obtaining a permanent easement for a detour that town staff said will keep residents on Loon Lake Road and nearby side streets from becoming trapped by flooding in the future. The culvert had been listed in the town's hazard mitigation plan since 2006.
The town manager also reported recent paving of Oldwood Bridal Road to the high school entrance and said Russell Street drainage work will follow completion of recent water and sewer construction; staff are finalizing contracts and bonds with Lyman Construction to start the drainage phase.
Discussion: board members thanked staff and noted the mitigation planning history. Staff said the paving and culvert measures together will improve emergency access and reduce the risk of residential isolation during major storms.
Decision/direction: informational town manager report; staff said they will continue to coordinate grants, easement agreements and contracts necessary to complete the Russell Street drainage work and other road projects.