Plaistow votes 5-0 to transfer up to $120,000 for Lovers Lane tower communications equipment

The Plaistow Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Jan. 12 to approve a transfer of up to $120,000 from the Public Safety Communications Capital Reserve Fund to repair and replace aging communications equipment at the Lovers Lane tower.

Town Manager Greg Colby told the board that police dispatch staff and outside vendors have identified significant equipment age and corrosion problems that are reducing reliability. Colby said he was working with the police chief and the dispatch supervisor on the scope and that lead times for replacement equipment are measured in weeks to months. He also said discussions are ongoing with the town’s ALS provider about a possible contribution; the minutes record that the amount ALS may contribute had not been determined.

Selectman Jonathan Gifford moved to approve the transfer; Selectwoman Liz Kosta seconded. The board voted 5-0-0 in favor. Gifford suggested the town investigate disposal or resale options for old equipment; Colby said equipment lead times could require requoting if the board postponed action. The motion in the minutes reads: 'Selectman Gifford motions to approve the transfer of up to $120,000 from the Public Safety Communications Capital Reserve Fund towards the equipment replacement project at the Tower on Lovers Lane. Seconded by Selectwoman Kosta. Vote: 5-0-0. Motion carries.'

The transfer authorizes use of existing capital-reserve funds; the minutes do not record a vendor award or implementation timeline beyond the staff note on lead times. The board took the vote during the meeting’s regular session.