The Dresden Fire Department may have to replace its emergency radio repeater due to communications dead spots, Fire Chief Steve Libby told selectmen Monday.

“We have a lot of issues with the fire department radios,” Lilly told the board.

Libby said a survey showed the repeater was a mismatch to the department’s emergency radios following changes in Federal Communications Commission (FCC)-permitted signal frequencies.

“It is a safety issue,” said EMA Officer Sonia Libby. She said it is dangerous to firefighters if they cannot communicate in emergency situations.

Former selectman Dave Probert said the board had been assured the system was compatible when it was first installed several years ago. Lilly said a replacement repeater would cost $6,000. He said he was exploring grants to cover the expense.

“If it comes down to it, you can take it out of your budget,” Selectman Allan Moeller Jr. told Lilly. Chairman Dale Hinote assured Lilly that the board would sign off on any grant application.

In other business, selectmen approved the nomination of Kevin Campbell to the appeals board. Selectmen are looking for volunteers to fill two vacant positions on the planning board and one on the budget committee. 

Selectmen said they would look into the cost of mailing a paper version of the town’s online newsletter, The Communicator, to residents. Probert said many townspeople do not have a computer or online access to local news. Returnable bottle proceeds might be applied to cover printing costs, Moeller said.

Administrative Assistant Trudy Foss said the town had received a bid of $8,500 on a 18-acre, tax-acquired lot off Dodge Road. A signed contract with the buyer requires payment by Friday, July 29, she said.

Selectmen said they would hold a workshop soon to address the disposition of other tax-acquired properties.