LYNDEBOROUGH – Broadband coverage for North Lyndeborough is a step closer to happening. A committee has been working on the project since last year.

The rest of the town is covered by TDS.

On Wednesday, April 20, the Board of Selectmen met with Bryan Christiansen of Comcast/Xfinity to discuss a proposed contract to bring the service from New Boston to about 60 residences along Mountain Road, the 2nd N.H. Turnpike, and adjoining roads, called the “487 coverage area.” The contract would include television, broadband/internet, home security, and telephone. If new homes are built along the route, they could be added.

About 12 residents attended the meeting. Lisa Post was present from the study committee.

The contract will be reviewed by town counsel. A required public hearing has been set for Wednesday, May 18.

Christiansen said it would require a license and a financial partnership with the town.

Town Administrator Russ Boland said ARPA (American Recovery Plan Act) funds had been designated last year for the project. The first payment was received last year about $181,000. He said the town would be “obligated for $100,000.”

Christiansen said. “We have all the materials needed in place and we are ready to go.” If the contract is signed next month, “we could be done by the end of the year.”

Boland, a New Boston resident, is already a customer and said he was in favor. Resident Mike Decubelis also spoke in favor of the contract.

Post will complete the required paperwork from her committee.

In other business on Wednesday, the board discussed the summer paving plan and the rise in costs of fuel and asphalt.

Selectman Mark Chamberlain said they planned to do all of North Lyndeborough at the same time – Mountain Road, New Road, Osgood Road and 2nd N.H. Turnpike, “because it’s cheaper to do it all at once.” After some discussion, the board approved a contract for $222,077. Some ARPA funds will be used, and adjustments made in other parts of the budget if needed.

The board approved an “authorization to speak on behalf of a property owner” form to be used by all boards and discussed a “pre-approval for septic systems form” with Building Inspector Leo Trudeau, both part of the on-going upgrade and consolidation of regulations.

The town fee schedule will be considered after some more research is done – what surrounding towns charge for various permits.

A complaint was received concerning a yard being “a junk yard.” Trudeau will look into it.

Former Fire Chief Rick McQuade was sworn in as new Road Agent.

The next meeting was set for Wednesday, May 4, 6 p.m., in the town office.