Jeremy Simmick, a Bow resident, offered to pay for and have an experienced installer place a commercial beaver-deceiver device at the Branch Londonderry Turnpike pond to reduce flooding risks. “I'm willing to pay for this, with my own money and just kind of maintain it myself,” Simmick told the Select Board, explaining that the unit requires less maintenance than the existing structure and that Skip Lyle, the proposed installer, has experience locally.

The Select Board debated liability and the town's moratorium on private work on Class 6 roads. Board members asked for documentation showing the device would be donated to the town after installation and discussed whether ongoing maintenance must be performed or overseen by the named expert. One member noted the town’s prior concerns with donated devices that later required town resources to manage.

A board member moved to accept Simmick’s offer, authorize installation by the named expert, and record conditions in writing; the motion was seconded. The board first recorded a 4–1 voice tally and then reopened the vote; the final outcome recorded by the chair was unanimous approval. The board also clarified that the moratorium remains in effect for other private actors and that any future change in maintenance responsibility would require returning to the Select Board for approval.

Town staff advised documenting the gift and filing transfer paperwork once the device is installed, similar to previous donations of equipment or structures. The Select Board instructed staff to prepare any needed written agreements or donation paperwork and to make clear that the town assumes ownership after installation.

The board’s action formally allows the installation to proceed with the named installer and designates Simmick as the primary maintenance contact for the installed device; any transfer of that maintenance authority will require Select Board approval.