LYNDEBOROUGH – The Selectmen originally planned to use American Recovery Act Plan funds to help expand broadband coverage into North Lyndeborough and other remote areas of town. However, Town Administrator Russ Boland told the Board of Selectmen on Wednesday, March 23, both TDS and Consolidated “are moving in that direction” and could complete their work by the end of the year.

Several other uses for the money were discussed.

Completing this year’s paving plan is estimated at about $222,000 with $200,000 in the budget. Changing work planned for Osgood and New Roads could reduce that to the budgeted figure.

Boland said up to $182,000 of ARPA funds could be used.

Selectman Mark Chamberlain objected to using less paving on New Road because of the traffic. “One inch won’t hold up,” he said.

Boland also mentioned Whittemore Hill, a section of New Road paved because of washouts. It has been suggested that an adjoining section toward Osgood Road, also a steep hill, be paved as well as “being common sense.”

Using $23,000 for needed repairs to a damaged wall of the Highway Department salt shed was also considered.

The shed is used to store the sand-salt mix used in icy weather. Insurance will cover some of the work, estimated at $32,200.

Building Inspector Leo Trudeau will take another look at that.

No decisions will be made until after March 31.

Boland said the town is eligible for up to $50,000 under a Local Equipment Matching Grant from the state. He said it could be used to “recapture” money already spent on equipment. He proposed using $35,000 for Police Department radios and computers for the cruisers and the board secretary and two defibrillators.

The use has to be tied to the COVID epidemic and a request filed by June 1.

Chairman Fred Douglas noted ongoing problems with Milford Area Communications Center which is the town dispatcher. Any equipment upgrades they do could make new radios useless, he said.

No decisions were made. “Give it some thought,” Boland suggested.

Residents Charlie and Lisa Post asked the board to consider doing some work on Crooked S Road which they said is too narrow in some spots for a car to pass a delivery truck.

Chamberlain said the road is class as “scenic” and cutting trees will require a public hearing. Ditching and culverts will be discussed with the Road Agent and can be done after mud season.

The next meeting is set for Wednesday, April 6, 6 p.m., in the town office.