Select board approves equipment purchase, office closure; recreation and hospital plans move forward

At the Nov. 6 meeting the Board of Selectmen approved several routine town business items and received updates on town facilities and personnel.

Capital equipment: Staff introduced a memo recommending early purchase of an ASV R240 skid steer (replacement for a 20–25‑year‑old machine) to serve winter and year‑round public‑works needs. The meeting record cites the expenditure amount as approximately $78,716 and said purchasing now would remove the item from the capital improvements program. The board moved and seconded the expenditure from the heavy highway/highway equipment capital reserve and approved the purchase by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript.

Office closure: The board approved a motion to close town offices early (1 p.m.) on Friday, Dec. 12 to hold a staff holiday event; the motion was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Recreation update: Recreation director Putnham reported the old swing structure at Elkins Park was removed and the playground company expects a one‑day installation in the week of Nov. 17–21 (weather dependent) or the Monday/Tuesday of Thanksgiving week if weather prevents installation; the recreation project is expected to remain under the originally requested $14,000. Putnham said the next phase may include a landscape assessment and accessibility review with up to $2,000 from capital reserves to support planning.

Hospital and planning: Select members summarized a conceptual presentation from New London Hospital proposing an addition that would include an operating room. Staff said the hospital reported no anticipated increase in water usage, conducted a wetlands review and stormwater plan, and expects construction to start next spring if plans proceed; the conceptual plan also mentioned adding about 20–25 parking spaces.

Personnel and training: Staff announced the promotion of Chris Roberts to foreman in the Department of Public Works and said a hire to fill Chris's wastewater role was made but not yet publicly announced pending the new hire's notice to their current employer. Staff also raised a tuition‑reimbursement timing question: an employee will reach six‑month eligibility in January but needs to sign up now for a course beginning in February; staff asked the board to permit pre‑registration with reimbursement contingent on the employee meeting eligibility in January.

Next steps: Staff will complete the procurement paperwork for the skid steer, manage the swing installation and follow up on the tuition‑reimbursement eligibility; promotion and hiring announcements will be finalized once the new hire gives notice.