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Select Board — May 7, 2026

The meeting was largely procedural and focused on departmental updates and infrastructure planning without significant public interruption.

Date Thursday, May 7, 2026 Decisions 5 Routine

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Andover Select Board Meeting Update: May 7, 2026

Several significant decisions regarding town infrastructure and long-term financial planning were made during last night's Select Board meeting.

First, the Board moved forward with a $400,000 paving plan targeting Plains Road, Elbow Pond Road, and Flaghole Road. During the discussion, questions were raised regarding the effectiveness of the 'shim and overlay' method, particularly for Flaghole Road, and whether the town should have allocated funds to restore road width on Plains Road.

Additionally, the Board authorized two new contracts with the Lakes Region Planning Commission totaling over $27,500 for road surface and culvert assessments. While these studies provide necessary data, the Board noted that this information will be a primary driver for future road bond planning, likely targeting a 2028 Town Meeting. This means the work being done now will directly influence the scale of future taxpayer debt.

Finally, the Board addressed a past contract with R&D Paving. Rather than making a formal motion to cancel the contract, the Board decided against a vote to avoid potential "legal exposure," maintaining the stance that the contract is already concluded.

As these projects move toward the bidding phase (due May 21), residents should stay engaged with how these infrastructure investments are managed.

May 7, 2026 5 decisions Routine
Notable statements Drag to browse

“Advised against a formal vote to cancel the R&D Paving contract to avoid potential legal exposure.”

— Charlie Stewart · Discussion regarding whether the Board should formally vote to cancel a prior contract that they believed was already concluded. 00:00
This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
What was discussed

$400,000 infrastructure investment

What happened

The board accepted the proposed plan and is awaiting sealed bids by May 21.

What was discussed

$27,556.64 in professional service fees

What happened

The board authorized both the RSMS and CCDS contracts.

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Speakers: Dana Swenson
What was discussed

The Board reviewed draft minutes from the previous meeting, noting required corrections regarding the school superintendent's name and meeting headings.

What happened

Formal approval was deferred to the next meeting pending corrections.

Speakers: Don Sieburg
What was discussed

The Board performed a retroactive annual review of the town's investment and deposit policies to satisfy audit requirements.

What happened

The Board confirmed no changes were warranted and will add a notation regarding the retroactive nature of the review.

Speakers: Don Sieburg, Jeremy Cornell, Jim Delaney, Charlie Stewart, Mark Cowdrey
What was discussed

The Highway Supervisor presented a $400,000 paving plan targeting three specific road projects for the 2026 season.

What happened

The Board declined to formally vote to cancel the R&D Paving contract, maintaining the position that it is already concluded. Sealed bids from contractors are expected by May 21.

Speakers: Don Sieburg, Jeremy Cornell
What was discussed

The Board reviewed and authorized contracts with the Lakes Region Planning Commission for road surface and culvert assessments.

What happened

The Board authorized the execution of both contracts.

Speakers: Don Sieburg, Jeremy Cornell
What was discussed

The Board authorized a contract for magnesium chloride to replace current calcium chloride for dust suppression and de-icing.

What happened

The Board authorized the execution of the contract.

Speakers: Don Sieburg
What was discussed

The Board established a framework for conducting employee performance evaluations and determining compensation adjustments.

What happened

A general framework for the review process was agreed upon.

Speakers: Jeremy Cornell, Jim Delaney, Mark Cowdrey, Dana Swenson
What was discussed

The Highway Supervisor provided operational updates, and the Board authorized the sale of an old dump truck.

What happened

The Board authorized the listing of the red dump truck with an asking price of $10,000 and a floor price of $7,500.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.

Potentially controversial issues

01

2026 Paving Plan and R&D Paving Contract

The board faced a decision regarding the effectiveness of specific paving methods on Flaghole Road and the potential legal implications of a prior contract with R&D Paving. Residents often monitor road maintenance quality and contractor relationships closely.
Board position: The board opted for a 'shim and overlay' approach for most projects and decided against a formal vote to cancel the R&D Paving contract to mitigate legal risk.
Internal dissent
While the board reached a consensus on the path forward, there was spirited debate regarding the technical effectiveness of the shimming method on Flaghole Road and whether the town should formally vote to cancel the R&D contract.
low concern

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
No public comments were identified in this meeting.

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
00:00
Defer formal approval of April 16, 2026 minutes to the next regular meeting.
Pending corrections to the superintendent's name and meeting headings.
Deferred
00:00
Authorize execution of the Road Surface Management System (RSMS) contract with LRPC.
$10,000 fee for road condition assessment.
Approved
00:00
Authorize execution of the Culverts and Closed Drainage Systems (CCDS) contract with LRPC.
$17,556.64 fee for culvert inventory and assessment.
Approved
00:00
Authorize execution of the Innovative Surface Solutions contract.
Contract for magnesium chloride, including leased equipment.
Approved
00:00
Authorize listing of the old red dump truck for sale.
Asking price of $10,000 with a floor price of $7,500; final approval by Chairman Swenson required.
All in favor

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fiscal impact of infrastructure planning
At the May 7 Select Board meeting, the Board approved $27,556 in new contracts for road and culvert assessments. While necessary for long-term planning, this data is now the foundation for a major town bond expected around 2028... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/andover/select-board/2026-05-07/ #MeetingWatch
305/280 chars
technical oversight of road maintenance
The Select Board is moving forward with a $400,000 paving plan for Plains, Elbow Pond, and Flaghole Roads. Discussion surfaced concerns over the effectiveness of the 'shim and overlay' method for Flaghole Road. #AndoverNH #Infrastructure https://meetingwatch.org/nh/andover/select-board/2026-05-07/ #MeetingWatch
312/280 chars
board decision-making regarding legal risk
Andover Select Board Update (5/7): The Board declined to formally vote to cancel a prior contract with R&D Paving, citing a desire to avoid "legal exposure," despite the contract being considered concluded. #AndoverNH #Transparency https://meetingwatch.org/nh/andover/select-board/2026-05-07/ #MeetingWatch
306/280 chars

X thread

1
Andover Select Board Meeting Recap (May 7, 2026): The Board is making significant decisions regarding our town's infrastructure and long-term debt. Here is what residents need to know. 🧵 #MeetingWatch #AndoverNH
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2
First: A $400,000 paving plan was set for Plains, Elbow Pond, and Flaghole Roads. While the plan was accepted, there was debate over whether the 'shim and overlay' method is actually effective for the conditions on Flaghole Road.
229/280
3
Second: The Board authorized ~$27,500 for professional road and culvert assessments. This isn't just a routine check—this data will be used to justify a major road bond, likely in 2028. Taxpayers should watch how this data is used.
231/280
4
Finally: Regarding a prior contract with R&D Paving, the Board decided against a formal vote to cancel it, opting instead to maintain the position that the contract is already concluded to minimize 'legal exposure.'
215/280
5
Stay informed on how your tax dollars are being allocated for our roads and future bonding. #AndoverNH #LocalGovernment https://meetingwatch.org/nh/andover/select-board/2026-05-07/
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Facebook — long form

Andover Select Board Meeting Update: May 7, 2026

Several significant decisions regarding town infrastructure and long-term financial planning were made during last night's Select Board meeting. 

First, the Board moved forward with a $400,000 paving plan targeting Plains Road, Elbow Pond Road, and Flaghole Road. During the discussion, questions were raised regarding the effectiveness of the 'shim and overlay' method, particularly for Flaghole Road, and whether the town should have allocated funds to restore road width on Plains Road.

Additionally, the Board authorized two new contracts with the Lakes Region Planning Commission totaling over $27,500 for road surface and culvert assessments. While these studies provide necessary data, the Board noted that this information will be a primary driver for future road bond planning, likely targeting a 2028 Town Meeting. This means the work being done now will directly influence the scale of future taxpayer debt.

Finally, the Board addressed a past contract with R&D Paving. Rather than making a formal motion to cancel the contract, the Board decided against a vote to avoid potential "legal exposure," maintaining the stance that the contract is already concluded. 

As these projects move toward the bidding phase (due May 21), residents should stay engaged with how these infrastructure investments are managed. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/andover/select-board/2026-05-07/ #MeetingWatch #AndoverNH

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Incorporate corrections to April 16 minutes and distribute revised draft to Board members.
Assigned: Don Sieburg · Due: Before May 21, 2026
Communicate the Town's position regarding the R&D Paving contract to the vendor.
Assigned: Don Sieburg
Proceed with listing the old red dump truck for sale.
Assigned: Don Sieburg & Jeremy Cornell

Member ⁠positions

5 issues · 0 explicit · 23 inferred
Dana Swenson
Chair
Present
Approval of April 16, 2026 Minutes
Supported deferring approval until corrections are made.
Road Management and Drainage Contracts (RSMS & CCDS) YES ~
Innovative Surface Solutions Contract YES ~
Highway Department Update and Equipment Sale YES ~
Roland Carter
Vice Chair
Present
Road Management and Drainage Contracts (RSMS & CCDS) YES ~
Innovative Surface Solutions Contract YES ~
Highway Department Update and Equipment Sale YES ~
Present
2026 Paving Plan
Advised against formal vote to cancel R&D contract to avoid legal exposure.
Road Management and Drainage Contracts (RSMS & CCDS) YES ~
Innovative Surface Solutions Contract YES ~
Highway Department Update and Equipment Sale YES ~
Present
2026 Paving Plan
Participated in debate regarding paving plan.
Road Management and Drainage Contracts (RSMS & CCDS) YES ~
Innovative Surface Solutions Contract YES ~
Highway Department Update and Equipment Sale YES ~
Present
Road Management and Drainage Contracts (RSMS & CCDS) YES ~
Innovative Surface Solutions Contract YES ~
Highway Department Update and Equipment Sale YES ~
Absent
Present
2026 Paving Plan
Participated in discussion regarding paving plan.
Road Management and Drainage Contracts (RSMS & CCDS) YES ~
Innovative Surface Solutions Contract YES ~
Highway Department Update and Equipment Sale YES ~
Present
2026 Paving Plan
Advised against formal vote to cancel R&D contract to avoid legal exposure.
Road Management and Drainage Contracts (RSMS & CCDS) YES ~
Innovative Surface Solutions Contract YES ~
Highway Department Update and Equipment Sale YES ~
Present
2026 Paving Plan
Participated in discussion regarding paving plan.
Road Management and Drainage Contracts (RSMS & CCDS) YES ~
Innovative Surface Solutions Contract YES ~
Highway Department Update and Equipment Sale YES ~
Present
2026 Paving Plan
Participated in discussion regarding paving plan.
Road Management and Drainage Contracts (RSMS & CCDS) YES ~
Innovative Surface Solutions Contract YES ~
Highway Department Update and Equipment Sale YES ~

Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”

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Report composed by gemma-4-26b, grok-4.3, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-07.