Epping moves ahead with highway vehicle bid; moderator praises new poll pads after recent vote

The Epping Board of Selectmen authorized the highway department to solicit sealed bids for a 2026 Ford F-600 chassis and fit-out after Highway Foreman Moe Hicks explained the specifications and recommended a sealed-bid procurement. The board approved the motion directing Town Administrator Jake Roger to sign contract documents on behalf of the board (motion carried 5-0).

At a 7:30 p.m. appointment, Moderator Adam Munguia updated the board about the town’s recent voting operations. Munguia said the new poll pads "were a great success and moved the lines along quickly," and suggested adding another moderator and additional ballot machines to reduce manual counting risk from write-in votes. Selectman Joe Trombley suggested a third ballot machine and using separate colored paper for some ballots; Chairman Tom Gauthier said the check-in procedure worked well.

Supervisor of the Check List Grace Lavoie later thanked election volunteers and recommended more check-in workers and pre-election training for future elections. Town Administrator Jake Roger thanked volunteers and staff who supported the elections and noted the highway crew found seven banners and brackets that may be installed downtown.

The board’s authorization allows the highway procurement to proceed to the sealed-bid stage; execution of any purchase will follow the bid results and standard municipal procurement practices.