Peterborough officials approved more than $1 million in bridge repairs and advanced several ordinance changes and warrant articles during a March 17 Select Board meeting.
The board accepted two bids from Cold River Bridges, LLC, totaling about $1.003 million, to rehabilitate bridges on Grove and Elm streets. Assistant Town Administrator Seth MacLean recommended the contractor, citing competitive pricing and past performance.
The Grove Street bridge project, funded through the Downtown TIF, was awarded at $531,895 and is scheduled for June and July. Repairs to the Elm Street bridge, funded through the Bridges, Culverts & Dams Expendable Trust Fund, will cost $471,723 and are planned for July and August.
The board also approved several updates to the town code.
Fire Chief Ed Walker proposed adopting the town’s first fireworks ordinance, modeled after Antrim’s. The rules would allow Class C fireworks between 6 and 11 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, New Year’s and Independence Day, and require permits. Violations would result in a warning for a first offense, followed by $250 and $500 fines and loss of permit privileges for repeat offenses.
Recreation Director Craig Fraley proposed a new $85 seasonal pass for boat rentals, which currently cost $7 per hour, and a $25 increase to nonresident beach stickers, from $185 to $210.
“We sold out at $185 in three weeks last year, so we don’t see an issue in having non-residents pay a little more,” Fraley said.
Town Administrator Nicole MacStay also introduced updated Right-to-Know guidelines, noting the town previously lacked clear public-facing procedures and had relied on a 2015 state memorandum. An attorney drafted the new, town-specific policy.
The board approved all proposed code amendments.
It also recommended adding two petitioned warrant articles to the May 12 Town Meeting ballot. One asks whether school budget decisions should remain under local control rather than be subject to a statewide spending cap. The other calls on the state to ensure adequate funding for essential services and avoid shifting costs to local taxpayers.
Residents will vote on the articles at Town Meeting.