Slectmen keep tight rein on spending

As expected when the election results were announced in March, the Board of Selectmen are keeping a tight rein on spending.

Deputy Fire Chief John Beland felt the bit yesterday when he asked the board to authorize the department to seek and accept a $30,500 grant administered by the United States Department of Homeland Security, which requires a matching contribution of 5-percent, or $1,525, from the town. Half the grant would finance the acquisition of new exercise equipment and training of fitness councilors while the balance would fund the purchase of a commercial washing machine and drying rack for cleaning uniforms and turnout gear.

The board peppered Beland with questions, most of them about the potential hidden costs of accepting the grants. Selectman Connie Grant asked whether the matching funds would require an fresh appropriation. Assistant Town Administrator Deb Shackett assured her that by adjusting priorities the funds could be wrung out of the Fire Department's current budget. Chairman Alice Boucher expressed concern about the ongoing cost maintaining the fitness equipment.

"We want detailed answers about the long-term costs and the warranties on the equipment," said Selectman Gus Benavides, who also asked where the fitness councilors would be trained, how long they would by off-duty and how much overtime would be required to replace them.

Beland, who was pinch-hitting for Chief Jim Hayes, found himself at a loss for answers. "Is there anything else I can't answer for you today?" he asked then took a page from the book United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. "I cannot remember," he said. "I do not recall."

Beland told the board that the department was considering introducing a mandatory fitness program, modeled on the regimen followed by the Dover Fire Department since the 1980s. He explained that the program would require trained fitness councilors who could prepare personal training regimens for their colleagues.

When Beland was asked if the fitness equipment and trainers would be made available to the police, Police Chief John Markland piped up "what are you trying to say?" Beland assured the board that the training facilities of the Fire Department would be open to all town employees.

NOTES: On the recommendation of Director of Public Works Sheldon Morgan, the selectmen denied a request by the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 876, to attach a street light to a utility pole at the end of Sugarbush Lane to light the driveway and entrance to their new hall. Morgan reminded the board that in 1994 the town decided against installing "any new street lights in the community" unless "overwhelming safety concerns" justified them in order to spare "the negative impact of artificial illumination along town roads." Morgan suggested instead that the Elks add downcast lighting, like that in their parking lot, to the entrance. . . . . . The selectmen declared May 12 "Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Awareness Day." The syndrome, which affects one in 10,000 births, is marked by low birth weight, small stature, slow growth and unique facial features as well as seizures heart defects, cleft palate, feeding difficulties and developmental delays. Two children in Gilford are afflicted with the syndrome. . . . . Selectman Gus Benavides commended Morgan, Fire Chief Jim Hayes and Police Chief John Markland, together with the men and women of their departments, for their unstinting service during the "long days and long hours" of last week's severe storm.