Board backs natural resources grant
GUILFORD — GUILFORD - The Selectboard voted on Sept. 12 to support a grant to inventory the town's natural resources.
The town's Conservation Commission is in charge of applying for the state's municipal planning grant, which covers a portion of the project's costs and is used for things like research and public outreach.
Board member Gabrielle Ciufredda estimated the town's portion as $3,300, and noted the Conservation Commission has just over $1,700 to contribute.
Ciufredda noted the natural resources inventory is listed as a priority in the town plan, and the planning commission approves of the project.
The inventory will include “things of geological importance, plants and animals,” and other significant natural resources on public and private land, Ciufredda said.
The public will have access to the completed inventory via the town plan, the town's website, and the Windham Regional Commission's website, and the state may use the inventory for regional mapping.
Although the town applied for this grant last year and didn't receive it, feedback Ciufredda received from the state indicated Guilford's application was strong, but there was much competition and not much funding.
Better late than never
GUILFORD - Town officials recently received a maintenance agreement from the state Agency of Transportation about a grant sought in 2013.
The town applied for funding from the High-Risk Rural Roads Program to manage the intersection of Guilford Center and Weatherhead Hollow roads. “We've had many [accidents] on that corner,” Town Administrator Katie Buckley said at the Sept. 12 regular Selectboard meeting.
At that meeting, Buckley presented information she had recently received from the AOT agreeing to install roadway markings and signage warning drivers of the dangerous intersection, but the town must be responsible for all maintenance to the markings and signs.
The board agreed to sign the agreement.
Lenker resigns as emergency management director
GUILFORD - Ron Lenker resigned as the town's emergency management director, Town Administrator Katie Buckley announced at the Sept. 12 regular Selectboard meeting.
Lenker has served in the position since March 2015.
According to a letter Board Chair Sheila Morse sent to the Selectboard in her absence, Lenker assumed the role during a difficult time of many changes with emergency management.
Morse also noted Lenker “got the town through the Vigilant Guard” exercises.
In her letter, Morse expressed her “deepest appreciation” to Lenker, and the other board members agreed with her sentiments.
Board member Gordon Little suggested the board hold brainstorming sessions to identify a new emergency management director.
The board appointed Morse as the interim emergency management director.