Kelley to lead first Gilford Selectboard meeting as town administrator

GILFORD — For the past 18 years, selectboard meetings have been run under the same town administrator, but all that will change Wednesday night, with Kris Kelley running his first meeting.

Kelley takes over for Scott Dunn, whose last day was Aug. 14. The former police chief was previously the assistant town administrator, and Dunn spent 10 days working with Kelley before hanging up the cleats.

A public hearing will be held at the meeting about acceptance of unanticipated money totaling $12,500 from the New Hampshire Office of Highway Safety. The grant money would be used for traffic enforcement and patrols.

Public Works Director Meghan Theriault will give an update about construction of the new public works garage, quickly nearing completion.

At the last meeting, Theriault told the selectboard painting of the masonry wall was happening, and garage doors were installed. The pumphouse was under construction, and catwalks were being built at the poll barn. She said upcoming work involved interior finishing, and permanent power was scheduled for Aug. 24.

Theriault said furniture is expected to arrive the week of Labor Day, and during the week of Sept. 14, equipment and phones are expected to be moved to the administrative side.

She said $8.3 million was spent, which is 74% of the bond, and the project was on track. Theriault said an opening ceremony will take place in the fall, likely October, as the garage side of the building needs a little more time.

The selectboard is also expected to vote on a change order for a mini split in the public works building, at a cost of $14,750.

Under new business, the selectboard will discuss the NH Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Grant resolution. The board will discuss a police department policy update regarding artificial intelligence, and a vote will likely be taken to accept $3,909.52 in unanticipated revenue. The money is coming from an insurance payment through Progressive for damage to a public works vehicle.

The selectboard will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Town Hall.