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Council asks staff to track federal executive‑order impacts, drone policy and police‑school coordination
Summary
Councilors asked town staff to gather information on recent federal executive orders affecting grant funding, clarify mutual‑aid and deputization questions for the police department, review the town’s drone policy and report on coordination with the school district.
Several councilors asked town staff to research whether recent federal executive orders and litigation could affect the town’s grants and projects and to return findings at the next meeting.
A councilor asked whether an executive order halting federal grant programs could affect South Berwick projects and programs — including FEMA reimbursements, federal Department of Transportation funds routed through the state and any other federal funding streams. Town Manager Tim said he would investigate and report back; he noted that a federal judge had temporarily put an order on hold and said, "That order is on hold till Monday," while also cautioning that FEMA reimbursements and DOT pass‑through funds were likely areas to watch.
Councilors also requested clarity on several operational and policy questions:
- Mutual aid and deputization: Councilors asked whether the South Berwick Police Department can be deputized by state or federal authorities and under what circumstances the department would be required or permitted to assist outside agencies, including questions about cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Tim said he would ask the police chief to brief the council on mutual‑aid practices and legal limits.
- Drone policy: Councilors asked that the town’s recent purchase of a drone be reviewed against new executive actions and that the town confirm whether the drone policy restricts use to town personnel and police (and prevents deployment by outside agencies without town authorization).
- School coordination: Councilors asked for a summary of communications between the police department and the school district, noting recent state guidance to school superintendents and the need to ensure consistent local responses.
Councilors agreed to put the topic on the next meeting agenda and asked staff to gather up‑to‑date information and to present findings to the full council as the national situation evolves.
Ending
Town staff will compile answers and legal guidance where needed and return to the council with updates; councilors indicated they expect continuing, near‑term follow up as federal guidance and litigation evolve.
