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On Tuesday night, the Selectmen met with a representative from the state, site engineers, the road agent, and citizens to discuss options with respect to the Northwood Bridge. The present plan is to make any necessary repairs to the bridge to reopen it until the Town Meeting in March 2009. At that time, we will request that funds be appropriated for a complete rehabilitation or replacement of the bridge based on the recommendation of site engineers.
The selectmen further voted to release funds not to exceed $10,000 to allow the engineers to complete their analysis of the site. Two options are currently being considered. Option 1 would be to place decking over the current bridge such that one lane of unrestricted traffic would be open to public use. Such a decking is not immediately available and would have to be constructed. Option 2 would be to fill the sinkhole and repair the footings of the bridge. This option is the most timely, but requires an emergency wetlands permit from the Department of Environmental Services. While all indications were that the permit would be quickly forthcoming, as of Friday, September 05, 2008, no permit has been received by the Town Office.
The Selectmen's Office cannot commit to a timetable for reopening the bridge until all necessary permits are in hand, but is hopeful that the situation can be resolved by the end of October. Rest assured, we understand the inconvenience of the bridge closing to affected residents and are working diligently to solve the matter as quickly as possible. Further questions can be directed to the Town Office at (603) 664-2192.
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The Strafford Town Selectmen have been notified by the state that an emu in Barnstead has been confirmed as having Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The Commissioner of the NH Department of Health and Human Services has placed Strafford on a list of communities considered to be at "moderate" health because of the EEE discovery in Barnstead.
EEE is a rare but serious viral disease that is spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. Birds are the source of infection for mosquitoes. We are urging all residents to take the following reasonable precautions for themselves and their families:
- Eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding locations.
- Be aware of where mosquitoes live and breed and keep them from entering your home.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing protective clothing or by using an effective insect repellant (such as one containing DEET).
More information can be found at www.dhhs.state.nh.us/DHHS/DHHS_SITE/default.htm
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The new Town Office has really come along in recent weeks.. Currently, contractors are working on finish work within the structure, with an anticipated building completion date of the end of September. The Strafford Garden Club has graciously agreed to provide their expertise in planning the landscape surrounding the building, and we are currently seeking strong bodies to make that vision a reality. Construction of the road connecting the Post Office drive to the parking lot and connection of utilities are the last remaining action items to be addressed before moving in. We are all eagerly looking forward to working in our new, beautiful space!
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