Jefferson Fire Department approves charger replacement; pond piping cleared by DES, solar connection delayed

The Jefferson Select Board on Aug. 12 agreed to proceed with fire-department maintenance and equipment work after Fire/EMS Chief Chris Milligan presented several items.

Milligan told the board the department needs to replace a Kussmaul charger in its van and presented an $825.00 quote from state vendor Nevo; the Select Board approved moving forward with the purchase as the lowest price Milligan had found.

Milligan said he has been working with David Govatski on permitting for replacing piping at the Israel River fire pond. He reported that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) determined the town does not need permits to perform the piping repairs; Milligan said the work will be scheduled after Labor Day.

Milligan and highway staff also agreed to wait until after Labor Day to dig out and clean storm debris from the town-center pond, to allow children to continue fishing through the holiday and to coordinate available crews.

Administrative Assistant Amanda Simino told the board the town received an email from Smart Energy stating that "the part that Eversource needs to complete the connection is on back order for 3-4 months," delaying final connection and related training for the new solar array. Milligan said he and staff will continue to coordinate the solar training once the utility connection is complete.

Selectman Norman Brown asked about the long-term plan for the Waumbek pool, which has been managed at lower water levels because of unusual rainfall and stagnation; Milligan said discussions with a group called the Waumbek Partners indicate they would like to restore the pool and surrounding property but no timetable has been set. For now, Milligan said the pool remains available for fire suppression needs.

The board recorded its approvals and directed staff to schedule repairs and equipment procurement as described.