The future of Cherry Hill Golf Course was a focal point, with concerns about its continued operation as a municipal facility. The current irrigation system, damaged by a lightning strike, was highlighted as an issue. The system is outdated and unable to communicate with newer components, complicating repair efforts. A $40,000 request for a new controller was made, stressing the need for immediate action to prevent further damage from future electrical storms. Additionally, there was a plan for grounding devices costing $60,000 to protect against lightning strikes, though not included in this year’s budget.

The board debated the environmental implications of the golf course’s operations, particularly during drought conditions. The irrigation system draws non-potable water from a pond, and concerns were raised about the potential use of potable water if drought conditions worsen. A participant questioned the sustainability of maintaining the course under such circumstances, emphasizing the need for careful water management.

A participant also expressed reservations about investing in the golf course’s infrastructure without assurances of its long-term viability, questioning the prudence of allocating $40,000 for an irrigation system if the course might be closed.

The board also addressed the fire department’s capital requests. The department emphasized the necessity of replacing critical equipment, including fire hoses, automatic CPR devices, cardiac monitors, and protective gear. The fire chief presented a $30,000 request for hose replacements, noting the current hoses’ age and the high pressure they must withstand in urban environments.

A $44,000 request for automatic CPR devices was discussed, following an unmet request from the previous year. The department aims to enhance its emergency response capabilities by equipping fire engines with these life-saving devices. Additionally, a $130,000 request was made for cardiac monitors, essential for paramedic-level care, as the current devices are outdated and prices have risen.

The department also reduced its request for protective clothing from $50,000 to $20,000, thanks to a successful grant acquisition that provided 76 sets of gear. However, the grant did not cover all necessary components, such as helmets, gloves, and boots, highlighting the ongoing need for funding to ensure safety equipment is up to date.

A discussion ensued regarding the public safety radio system replacement, a joint initiative between the police and fire departments. The first phase, costing approximately $900,000, was approved to replace infrastructure, while the second phase, estimated at $1.1 million, aims to replace subscriber units. The new radios will operate across three frequency bands, facilitating inter-agency communication during emergencies.

The board acknowledged delays in the procurement process for the radio system, as town hall determines whether a state bid process is necessary. Delivery timelines for the infrastructure and radios are extended, with expectations of a backlog of approximately six months.

Finally, the board discussed the replacement of ambulances, with a request for a new vehicle to replace a 2016 model. The department follows a strategy to maintain vehicles for a ten-year lifespan, with the new ambulance expected by 2028, making the current one over 12 years old by then. Current procurement challenges have extended delivery times for ambulances to two to four years, complicating the department’s vehicle replacement schedule.

Discussions included the necessity of providing detailed descriptions of project requests to facilitate informed decision-making. The board also explored options for combining funds from different sources, such as the Community Preservation Act, to address critical needs like the town hall roof replacement.