Plaistow selectmen approve police vehicle, Town Hall ramp and fence repairs; waive Old Home Day fees

The Plaistow Board of Selectmen approved a series of purchases and event waivers during their June 15 meeting, voting unanimously on vehicle, facility and event items.

Interim Police Chief Jason Mazza told the board the department needs a multi‑use vehicle after an administrative pickup was reassigned to the Building Department. Mazza presented two pricing options: a fully outfitted vehicle (just under $65,000) and a stock model about $5,000 cheaper. Selectman Jay DeRoche moved to approve purchase and outfitting up to $60,000, saying the vehicle would serve the entire department. The motion, seconded by Selectman Jonathan Gifford, passed 5‑0‑0. The purchase is planned to be paid from the Police Detail Fund.

Town Manager Greg Colby presented bids to replace an 8‑foot fence around the Town Hall generator and condenser. Selectman Jonathan Gifford moved to accept a $6,075 quote for an 8‑foot vinyl fence across the rear of Town Hall; the motion was seconded and approved 5‑0‑0.

Colby also presented quotes to remove and replace the front wheelchair ramp. The board discussed a base masonry and replacement cost of $47,575 versus an enhanced option with radiant heat that would raise the total to $65,225. Vice Chair Bill Coye said he preferred to forgo the heated option. Selectman Tyler Schorman moved to spend $47,575 for the ramp replacement without radiant heat; Selectman Gifford seconded and the motion carried 5‑0‑0.

On event logistics, Chairwoman Liz Kosta and Vice Chair Bill Coye led a motion to waive temporary food‑license and vendor registration fees for Old Home Day for a list of community organizations including Scout Troop 18, the Plaistow Lions Club, the Friends of the Plaistow Library and others. The waiver passed 5‑0‑0; organizers described a multi‑day schedule of contests, performances, a parade and fireworks.

Votes at a glance: - Approve vehicle and outfitting up to $60,000 (mover: DeRoche; second: Gifford) — Vote: 5‑0‑0 — Funding: Police Detail Fund. - Approve 8‑foot vinyl fence across Town Hall for $6,075 (mover: Gifford; second: Schorman) — Vote: 5‑0‑0. - Approve ramp replacement for $47,575, no radiant heat (mover: Schorman; second: Gifford) — Vote: 5‑0‑0. - Waive specified Old Home Day food‑license and vendor fees (mover: Coye; second: Schorman) — Vote: 5‑0‑0. - Appointments and minutes approvals listed below.

The board regularly noted funding sources during discussion: the police vehicle would come from the Police Detail Fund; ramp funding would draw partially from trust funds and the balance from contingency, and fence work was a standard facilities expense. The board did not approve the heated ramp option; members cited cost and maintenance concerns. The matter of vehicle outfitting included a projected one‑month turnaround for delivery.

The meeting proceeded to additional votes and administrative items before adjourning.