The Hancock Fire Department applied for two separate grants to fund new self-contained breathing apparatuses for the team and a new tanker. The Hancock Select Board also discussed enforcing resident-only parking at Norway Pond beach and will have a public hearing in July.

The fire department submitted two applications recently to the Federal Emergency Management Agency Homeland Security grants.

One for 17 self-contained breathing apparatuses which would allow for each responder to have an air pack under their seat. Currently, the department has 15 packs that are 11 years old.

The other grant is to replace the fire department’s tanker. Originally built in 1988, the current truck has been patched together over time and passes inspection each year, but it needs to be updated for easier use.

While there is no quote for the price yet, the department aimed high with an estimate of $450,000 on the grant application.

This is their third time applying for the grant.

Both of these grant proposals require the recipient to pay 5%, which is estimated to be $9,605 for the air packs and $21,728 for the tanker.

If the department receives the grants, they will be voted on at the town meeting in March. It’s unknown when the decision for the grants will be made.

Parking at Norway Pond

The board proposed enforcing resident or taxpayer-only parking on the beach.

Town Administrator Jonathan Coyne researched practices in neighboring municipalities and found that every town within the Contoocook Valley School District enforces parking permits and issues fines.

Coyne said this problem dates back 20 years.

While there is a sign on the beach that restricts entry to residents and their guests, the board agreed this should be expanded to taxpayers only and enforced. The goal is to add the beach parking to the current Hancock parking ordinance, which fines $25.

Elizabeth Villaume, chair of the board, plans to draft an ordinance based on the town of Peterborough’s rules for Cunningham Pond.

The discussion will continue at the next meeting and at the public hearing about beach parking enforcement on July 13.