Inspection finds Plaistow water tower coating failing; board weighs repair, replacement and relocation

PLAISTOW, N.H. — Town staff told the Board of Selectmen on Aug. 11 that a recent inspection of the municipal water tower shows the exterior coating has exceeded its effective lifespan and is failing across the structure, and that the tower’s ladders and railings do not meet current OSHA safety-climb standards. Town Manager Miss Colby summarized the Timberline inspection report, saying the report found "the exterior coating system is past its effective lifespan and is failing throughout the tank" and that Timberline documented "superficial surface cracking" but no immediate structural failure. The report also flagged that ladder railings and the safety-climb system do not meet OSHA requirements enacted after Nov. 19, 2018. Colby told the board the tower currently hosts four wireless carriers — AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon and DISH Wireless — under multiyear leases that generate recurring revenue the town estimated at roughly $125,000 to $150,000 a year (town staff said the figure could be higher with the newest tenant). The town manager reported there is a capital-reserve/trust fund established for tower maintenance; she recalled the balance as "in excess of $300,000" but said the precise fund balance will need to be verified in town records. The board discussed options: extensive repainting and targeted repairs to slow corrosion and address safety hardware; replacing the tower with a new structure that would allow carriers to relocate equipment; or commissioning a feasibility study to evaluate coverage, topography and whether a consolidated site (for example near the police station) would improve public-safety and carrier coverage. Colby noted a grant tentatively awarded to the town covers equipment but not construction, and she said staff must confirm lease terms with carriers and whether the trust fund permits replacement rather than maintenance. The board also discussed forming a telecommunications subcommittee to review inspection findings, consult with police and fire on coverage needs, verify trust-fund language, obtain contractor cost estimates, and recommend next steps to the full board. Select Board members emphasized both preserving the revenue stream and addressing safety requirements cited in the inspection. Next steps: staff will circulate the inspection and contract reports to the board, verify the trust-fund balance and its allowable uses, obtain contractor estimates or a scoped feasibility study, and bring recommendations back to the board; members suggested fire and police participation if relocation or consolidation options are analyzed.