Ossipee selectmen approve new Vermeer chipper, authorize staff to pursue hydraulic blower purchase

The Ossipee Town Board of Selectmen on April 6 approved replacement of the town’s aging brush chipper and authorized staff to seek the best price for a hydraulic leaf blower.

Public works staff presented three quotes and recommended a 2026 Vermeer BC1500 15-inch-capacity chipper for $70,590 from the highway equipment ETF, citing better parts availability in the region and additional safety features compared with lower bids. “The Vermeer will be a much wiser purchase for the taxpayer,” the public works representative said, noting the machine’s enclosed mechanics, more accessible parts and a safety shut-off bar that is more likely to stop the machine if someone falls into the chute.

Board members questioned horsepower and bid details and reviewed the comparative quotes in the packet. A selectman moved to approve the public works director’s recommendation; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with the attending selectmen voting in favor.

Staff then sought authorization to purchase a hydraulic blower that mounts to the town backhoe. The public works representative said the blower would allow crews to clear ditches and bays more effectively and would fit in the town’s equipment plan. Because the unit is under the staff purchasing threshold, the director asked the board simply to authorize him to secure the lowest acceptable option; the board approved that authorization by roll call.

Both votes were presented as part of the town’s equipment replacement plan: the chipper replaces a 1998 unit long past typical service life, and the blower was described as necessary to maintain ditching work and safe roadways. The public works staff said he will return purchase details and price confirmations to the board as appropriate.

The board also handled a series of routine administrative items and other agenda topics later in the meeting.