BY MIKE ATKINSON

Carl Knapp, Weare Public Works Director, told selectmen July 2 that the trash compactor at the transfer station has “major problems” and is on the verge of breaking down.

“We need to repair the trash compactor or close the transfer station,” said Knapp.

Knapp stated that “the minimum repair for the compactor is $4,000, but if the repair is not done soon, the cost will be greater.”

Knapp expressed concern with spending the $4,000 to repair the 18-year-old compactor and citing a repair in 2000, said “if we repair the compactor, we will have spent $12,000 on repairs and that is 20 percent of the cost of a new one.”

“The trash compactor can be repaired,” cited Knapp, “but I am not recommending that.” The cost of a new compactor is $65,000 but Knapp said that there is not enough money to replace it.

Selectman Wendy Clark believes it is “silly to keep putting money into the compactor” and proposed leasing one.

Knapp said he will research the costs for leasing a compactor but “it will take at least 10 to 12 weeks to get a leased unit.”

According to Knapp, if the trash compactor fails in the coming days, “we have two open-top demolition trailers which can be used” to hold the trash.

Selectmen Chairman Heleen Kurk said a special meeting can be arranged to discuss more immanent options if the compactor fails before the next selectmen meeting.

In other business, Selectmen approved the Weare Police Department to accept a New Hampshire Highway grant of $7,990 to purchase two new dashboard cameras for the police cruisers.

Police Chief Greg Begin said the department will purchase three cameras from Digital Ally with the grant paying for two of the cameras.

Begin stated that the grant is a “50/50 grant” whereas the town will pay for half of the cost of the cameras and the grant will pay for the remaining amount.

Kurk said that “the cameras provide proof to incidents and provide safety for the community and for the police.”