Meeting report · Select Board
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Select Board — April 13, 2026
The meeting was characterized by standard administrative approvals, ceremonial items, and professional updates without significant public confrontation.
Public impact
Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01
Groundwater Supply Improvement Projects
Large-scale infrastructure investment totaling $4.39 million for construction and engineering. Affected: All Exeter residents relying on municipal water systems
other high impact
02
Tax Abatements and Exemptions
Broad impact through the approval of various veteran, elderly, disability, and charitable exemptions affecting the total tax base. Affected: All property taxpayers in Exeter
other high impact
Decisions logged
Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Table March 30th, 2026 meeting minutes due to a late addendum.
The board voted to delay approval until the next meeting.
Motion carries
Acceptance of New Hampshire Saves rebate check ($21,575.67) and allocation to Recreation Revolving fund.
The rebate for 10 Hampton Road renovations will be put back into the recreation revolving account.
Motion carries
Adoption of the Town of Exeter Credit Card Policy.
The policy is effective immediately, with new cards and signed agreements to be rolled out within 30 days.
Motion carries
Approval of various tax abatements and exemptions (Veterans, Elderly, Disability, Charitable, Religious, and Educational) for tax years 2025 and 2026.
Numerous specific map/lot exemptions were approved.
Multiple motions carried
Authorize Parks and Recreation to contract with MCP HVAC for a mini-split system in the Dan Healey concession stand.
Amount: $6,925 from the recreation revolving fund.
Motion carries
Authorize Parks and Recreation to contract with Honorable Dimensions LLC for a drop ceiling in the Dan Healey concession stand.
Amount: $1,975 from the recreation revolving fund.
Motion carries
Award contract to N. Grenice and Sons Inc. for the groundwater supply improvements project.
Amount: $3,877,750.
Motion carries
Award contract to Underwood Engineers Inc. for construction phase engineering services.
Amount: $510,000.
Motion carries
Approve outdoor dining permit fee waiver for Mr. Jamie Lopez (In by the Bandstand).
Prorated fee of $100 for May 1st through October 31st, 2026.
Motion carries
Accept March 2026 donations for Pairpoint Park.
Totaling $13,117 to be held in the Pairpoint Park fund.
Motion carries
Topics discussed
Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
▶ 05:49 Swearing-in of New Police Officers
Chief Josh McCain presided over the swearing-in ceremony for four new officers: Bailey Bush, Ryan Avy, Blake Dunlap, and Jeff Gilman.
Speakers: Nico Papacos, Josh McCain, Town Clerk
▶ 15:10 Public Hearing: New Hampshire Saves Rebate
A public hearing was held to discuss the acceptance of a $21,575.67 rebate from New Hampshire Saves related to renovations at 10 Hampton Road and determining whether to allocate the funds to the General Fund or the Recreation Revolving account.
Speakers: Nico Papacos, Melissa Roy, Greg Stevens, Julie Gilman
▶ 25:37 Phillips Exeter Academy Update
Outgoing Principal Bill Rosson provided updates on Academy construction projects (building renovation, dormitory conversion, and a new swimming pool) and expressed gratitude for the relationship between the Academy and the Town.
Speakers: William Rosson, Nico Papacos, Daniel Chartrand
▶ 55:10 Select Board Committee Reorganization
The board conducted the annual reorganization of committee and commission representations for board members.
Speakers: Nico Papacos, Daniel Chartrand, Molly Cowan, Nancy Belanger, Julie Gilman
▶ 7:10:53 New Credit Card Policy
The board discussed a proposed formal policy for municipal credit card usage, including clarifications on the purchase of food for town-related purposes and the handling of rewards/points.
Speakers: Nico Papacos, Melissa Roy, Julie Gilman
▶ 1:03:13 Tax Abatements and Exemptions
The board reviewed and voted on various tax year 2026 exemptions including veteran, elderly, disability, charitable, religious, and educational exemptions, as well as property tax abatements for the 2025 and 2026 tax years.
Speakers: Nico Papacos, Unidentified speaker
▶ 1:09:16 Dan Healey Concession Stand Improvements
Discussion regarding the installation of a mini-split HVAC system and a drop ceiling at the Dan Healey concession stand to improve employee safety and climate control.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Greg
▶ 1:14:59 Groundwater Supply Improvement Projects
The Public Works Department presented bids for groundwater supply improvement projects, including construction and engineering services.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Bob Kelly, Steve, Daniel Chartrand
▶ 1:22:51 Outdoor Dining Permit Fee Waiver
A request from the restaurant 'In by the Bandstand' to waive a prorated outdoor dining permit fee due to recent property improvements.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Roy
▶ 1:24:49 Pairpoint Park Donations
Acknowledgment of donations received in March 2026 for the design and construction of Pairpoint Park.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
▶ 1:28:31 Town Manager's Report
Updates on professional development, the transition to the new town manager, budget processes, and upcoming town meetings.
Speakers: Speaker A (Miss Rory)
▶ 1:34:46 Select Board Committee Reports
Reports from Select Board members regarding solar energy, state legislation, planning board updates, and sustainability/conservation activities.
Speakers: Selectwoman Gilman, Selectwoman [unnamed], Speaker A (unnamed)
Controversy & dissent
Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.
Potentially controversial issues
01
Charitable Tax Exemptions
Tax exemptions for large entities can be a point of contention regarding the tax burden shared by other residents. A specific $24.2 million exemption was notable enough to require a member to recuse themselves.
Board position: The board moved to approve the exemptions for various categories including charitable and religious organizations.
Internal dissent
Daniel Chartrand recused himself from the vote regarding a $24.2 million charitable exemption to avoid a conflict of interest.
medium concern
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Action items
Who owes what, by when.
Roll out new credit cards and ensure all cardholders sign the new policy agreement within 30 days.
Assigned: Melissa Roy / Finance · Due: May 13, 2026
Hold an additional meeting on May 14th at 8:15 a.m. to sign the tax warrant.
Assigned: Select Board · Due: 2026-05-14
Obtain an update from CSX and the state regarding the Park Street Bridge.
Assigned: Miss Rory / Mr. Cronin
Review energy costs (gasoline, heat, AC) over the last two months.
Assigned: Miss Rory
Provide updates on 250th commemoration events in the meeting packets.
Assigned: Miss Rory
Notable statements
I consider our location in the town of Exeter a great strength of the academy. — William Rosson · Discussing the collaborative relationship between the school and the municipality. ▶ 25:49
I'd like to recuse myself. — Daniel Chartrand · Recusal during the vote for a $24.2 million charitable exemption. ▶ 1:04:25
We are starting all of the CIP and budget processes. — Miss Rory · Updating the board on upcoming fiscal planning and noting voter desire for constraint. ▶ 1:29:43
The solar dashboard is up and running for the transfer station solar array. — Selectwoman Gilman · Reporting on the ability for citizens to monitor energy generation and environmental impact. ▶ 1:34:46
Public comment
What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
5
Total speakers
5
Addressed
0
Partial
0
Not addressed
Melissa (Interim Town Manager)
Addressed
Melissa presented a notice for a public hearing regarding a $21,575 New Hampshire Saves rebate check received from renovations at 10 Hampton Road. She requested that the board consider allocating these funds back to the Recreation Revolving account rather than the general fund, noting that the department used its own funds for various project costs.
Key concern
Whether to allocate the unanticipated $21,575 rebate to the general fund or back to the Recreation Revolving account.
Board responseThe board engaged in a discussion regarding the account balances and the potential for splitting the funds. After hearing the reasoning, the board voted to accept the rebate and allocate the funds back to the recreation revolving fund.
The board followed the speaker's recommendation and held a vote to implement her proposal.
William Rosson (Principal of Phillips Exeter Academy)
Addressed
The Principal provided a farewell update as he prepares to depart his role, expressing gratitude for the town's collaboration. He provided updates on three major academy construction projects: the main building renovation, the conversion of the Baptist church into a dormitory, and the construction of a new swimming pool.
Key concern
Providing a status update on academy projects and expressing gratitude to the town during his transition.
Board responseThe board members expressed mutual gratitude, thanked him for his leadership and transparency during the pandemic, and wished him well in retirement.
The board directly responded to his remarks with personal gratitude and well-wishes.
Dan (Select Board Member)
Addressed
Dan thanked the Principal for his relationship with the town, specifically noting the expertise of Mark Leighton (Academy facilities director) serving on the town's facilities advisory committee. He also highlighted the academy's history of providing volunteer labor to the Parks and Recreation department.
Key concern
Expressing appreciation for the Academy's personnel and community support.
Board responseThe Principal and other board members acknowledged the comments and shared further positive anecdotes about the academy's community involvement.
The board engaged in a reciprocal exchange of appreciation.
Greg (Parks and Recreation)
Addressed
Greg requested approval to use the recreation revolving fund to purchase a mini-split system and a drop ceiling for the Dan Healey concession stand. He explained that the extreme heat in the current structure is straining appliances and creates an unbearable environment for employees.
Key concern
Authorization to contract for HVAC and ceiling improvements at the concession stand to improve safety and efficiency.
Board responseThe board asked clarifying questions about the quotes and the impact of the ceiling on heat retention. They subsequently passed motions to authorize both the HVAC contract and the ceiling installation.
The board approved both requested expenditures.
Bob Kelly (Water and Sewer Chair)
Addressed
Mr. Kelly presented two contracts regarding groundwater supply improvement projects: one for construction and one for engineering services. He noted that the bids were within budget and that the recommended contractor has a successful history with the town.
Key concern
Approval of contracts for groundwater supply improvement construction and engineering services.
Board responseThe board discussed the low bid amount and the contractor's reliability. They voted to award the contracts as recommended.
The board approved the recommendation to award the contracts.
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Report composed by
grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-05-31.