The Plaistow Select Board on Aug. 11 reviewed inspection reports for the town’s elevated water tank and the cell‑site equipment mounted on it, and members discussed whether to repaint and repair the tank or replace it.

Town staff presented two inspection reports that concluded the tank’s exterior coating system is past its effective lifespan and is "failing throughout the tank," including chalking, delamination and degradation. Inspectors found superficial surface cracking but said they did not see immediate structural danger. Town Manager Beth Colby and board members said the coating failure will worsen without intervention.

"The exterior coating system is past its effective lifespan and is failing throughout the tank," the staff summary said. The reports also flagged several safety and access issues: railings and ladder components do not meet OSHA requirements introduced after Nov. 19, 2018, and a safety climb system is missing.

Board members raised three paths: contract for painting and repairs; commission a feasibility study to compare repair costs with replacement; or construct a new tower at an alternate site, possibly collocating dispatch, police and fire communications. Colby said the town has a capital reserve/trust fund established years ago with a balance the last time she checked in excess of $300,000 and suggested the fund could cover work, though she will review the original trust language to confirm permitted uses.

The tank currently hosts antennas for four carriers — AT&T, T‑Mobile, Verizon and DISH Wireless — and the leases generate roughly $125,000–$150,000 a year in revenue, Colby said. Board members asked staff to check carrier lease terms and whether carriers could be moved if the town relocates equipment. The board discussed whether a grant the town has for equipment near the police station could be applied to a new tower; Colby said the tentative grant covers equipment only and not construction.

Select Board members asked staff to pursue next steps including obtaining contractor cost estimates, exploring feasibility and coverage studies like those done in neighboring towns, and reviewing trust‑fund language and lease terms. Several members suggested forming a telecommunications subcommittee that would include police and fire representatives to study options and report back.

No formal vote was taken on Aug. 11. The board directed staff to assemble the reports, obtain cost estimates and lease information, and return with options for repair, replacement or relocation that include cost estimates and potential impacts on town revenue.