Select Board approves $7,096 in ARPA funds for two portable radar signs and tablet

The police chief presented options for temporary radar speed signs and recommended purchasing two units — one solar and one battery powered — plus a tablet to download speed and directional data in the field.

The chief explained the units capture average and peak speeds and can report directional counts. He told the board he chose one solar model and one lighter battery‑powered model because the battery unit is easier to move. "In an average traffic pattern, they're lasting 7 days," he said, describing expected battery life and stressing that rotating the signs preserves effectiveness.

Board members asked about data capture and whether the units take photos. The chief said New Hampshire rules do not allow the town to identify drivers with those units in this purchase. The original motion sought ARPA funding of $6,596 for two signs; board members amended the motion to add a tablet for on‑site downloads, bringing the total to $7,096. The motion passed unanimously.

Town finance staff said approximately $60,000 of ARPA funds remained unallocated but must be obliged with purchase orders by the end of the year. The board asked staff to keep the line item as a working agenda item for follow up.

Why it matters: The signs are a low‑cost enforcement and education tool expected to help the town target speed enforcement at peak times using data rather than anecdote. The ARPA allocation reduces the town's unallocated balance and triggers year‑end procurement deadlines.

Next steps: Staff will purchase the signs and tablet and provide data access procedures to police and the board.