Tamworth CIP Committee adjusts vehicle timing, updates capital lines and approves minutes

Tamworth’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Committee met June 30 at the Town Office and updated the town’s capital schedule for vehicles and infrastructure while approving the minutes of its April 28 meeting.

Kathi Padgett, co‑chair of the CIP Committee, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The committee recorded attendance of Padgett, co‑chair Kyle Ball, Nick Grant, Hillary Behr and Emily Nolan; Ann Pollard was absent. Kyle Ball moved to approve the April 28 minutes with minor corrections; Nick Grant seconded and the motion carried (APPROVED 3‑0‑1, Behr recorded as the one abstention in the minutes).

The committee reviewed department reports and several capital adjustments. Nick Grant presented the Fire Department schedule, saying the 2027 line was raised from $157,000 to $167,000 to reflect a $10,000 across‑the‑board increase and higher vehicle costs. Grant reported Wonalancet renovations remain on the schedule at $280,000; a replacement identified as “E2” is estimated at $810,000 for 2029, with subsequent years shown at $184,000.

On police equipment, Ball reported a reply from Dana and read the email to the group: the cruiser scheduled for 2027 will be deferred to 2028 and cruiser costs were increased to $70,000. Committee members asked whether a line for a third cruiser remains necessary and whether a concrete figure for building improvements will be available within six months.

Highway items were adjusted to reflect reduced bridge reserves and updated replacement schedules: bridge replacement amounts were set at $150,000 per year, Depot Road bridge replacement was scheduled for after Labor Day, a backhoe was added at $150,000 for 2027, and overall roadwork was increased to $350,000 across the six‑year plan. The paving line remains at $130,000.

Transfer‑station work noted recent purchases: a mini loader and two bailers were acquired and the restroom renovation is complete; the recycling center is expected to be finished in July. Because some transfer‑station purchases used grant or reserve funds, bailers are to be removed from the 2027 capital lines.

Committee members discussed cemetery needs and asked to carry $60,000 in the 2027 CIP for vault repairs; the work is not expected in 2026 and the committee will update numbers when a contractor quote is received. The Cook Memorial Library will provide capital figures after its July meeting; the committee discussed heat‑pump options and whether library items could be moved earlier in the annual schedule.

The Planning Board will pay $23,000 to the Lakes Region Planning Commission (LRPC) toward the Master Plan process, the minutes state, and the Master Plan will be approached as a town‑wide effort. The committee noted the planning consultation line is likely to be overspent and estimated an additional roughly $18,000 will be needed. Hillary Behr said she will follow up on school capital items; the school has two more years of $500,000 listed for HVAC work and larger paving and playground projects on its spreadsheet.

Emily Nolan said the assessor contract is paid through 2027 and will be considered for renewal at that time; she will bring any recommended changes to the next CIP meeting. The committee briefly reviewed a spreadsheet of CIP items and had no additional matters.

Kyle Ball moved to adjourn at 7:07 p.m.; Nick Grant seconded and the meeting was adjourned. Minutes were submitted by Planning Board Clerk Melissa Donaldson.