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Select Board — April 27, 2026

The temperature was elevated by a high-stakes public allegation regarding health hazards and government negligence, though the board responded proactively.

Date Monday, April 27, 2026 Duration 2.3h Speakers 1 Public comments 4 Decisions 29 Lively
▶ Video

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Summary AI-generated to surface controversy & community impact without bias — always verify against the actual meeting before relying on it.

At the April 27 Select Board meeting, a high-stakes public comment brought a serious issue of government accountability to the forefront. Resident Adam Gaston reported that a family was displaced due to mold and toxic exposure, alleging that Exeter’s code enforcement officers failed to respond to evidence of landlord negligence and legal breaches.

The situation at 11 Chestnut Street raises urgent questions about whether town departments are effectively protecting residents from hazardous living conditions. In response to the outcry, the Board promised an immediate investigation, with the Interim Town Manager tasked to look into the claims the following morning.

Beyond this immediate crisis, the Board also made several significant decisions impacting the town’s long-term finances and infrastructure. This included a 4-0 vote to amend a loan agreement to $2.5 million to fund the final design phase of the new surface water treatment plant, and a discussion on 'Complete Streets' guidelines that will change how future road projects incorporate bike lanes and pedestrian safety.

We will continue to monitor the results of the code enforcement investigation and the progress of the water treatment plant funding. Residents deserve to know that both their health and their tax dollars are being managed with transparency and diligence.

Apr 27, 2026 2.3h long 1 speakers 4 public comments 29 decisions Lively
❝ Notable statements ↔ Drag to browse

“I am asking for these departments to do the jobs that they are paid to do... I expect an inspection of 11 Chestnut Street.”

— Adam Gaston · Public comment regarding alleged landlord negligence and town inaction. ▶ 23:12

“Tomorrow morning we are going to look into this immediately.”

— Niko Papakonstantis · Response to the resident's complaint about mold and code enforcement. ▶ 39:18

“The word 'incremental' appears frequently in the document... It's going to be a process of finding opportunities to incorporate these safety elements into projects as funding becomes available.”

— Scott Bogle · Clarifying that the Complete Streets policy does not mandate immediate changes to all roads but follows an opportunistic approach. ▶ 1:35:33

“The guidelines are not about doing everything all at once. They're about making smarter decisions project by project.”

— Silus Richards · Advocating for the adoption of the Complete Streets guidelines. ▶ 1:15:07

“We're looking at off-road connections utilizing easements we might have or water/sewer lines.”

— Unidentified speaker · Explaining the strategy for creating safe pedestrian and bike corridors. ▶ 1:44:03

“Expressed pride in the negotiation and respectful collaboration between the Conservation Commission and the Fort Rock Riders.”

— Unidentified speaker · Reporting on the trail work framework agreement. ▶ 2:05:18

“Expressed skepticism toward HB 1319, noting it creates a 'third layer of government' to achieve the goal of saving money.”

— Unidentified speaker · Discussing municipal bills in the NHMA legislative bulletin. ▶ 2:15:02
This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

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

Approval of a $2.5 million loan amendment for the final design phase of the town's water treatment plant.

What was discussed

Shift in how road projects are designed to include transit, walking, and biking amenities.

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Kristen Murphy, Isabelle Johnston, David Hopsot
What was discussed

A report on the importance of protecting vernal pools for species like spotted salamanders and wood frogs, particularly regarding road hazards on Drinkwater Road.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Tanisha Johnson, Jason Throne
What was discussed

Coverage of Patriot's Day events and upcoming musical performances by the Rockingham Choral Society to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Gabe Perez, Dr. Gregory Byron
What was discussed

An update on the annual 5K event benefiting medical and dental care for underserved communities in Guatemala.

Speakers: Adam Gaston, Niko Papakonstantis, Melissa Roy, Nancy Belanger
What was discussed

Resident Adam Gaston reported family displacement due to mold and toxic exposure, alleging negligence and lack of response from town code enforcement officers.

Speakers: Niko Papakonstantis, Melissa Roy
What was discussed

The board issued a formal proclamation recognizing Municipal Clerk's Week and thanking Andrea Kohler and Jennifer Shupe.

Speakers: Niko Papakonstantis, Daniel Chartrand
What was discussed

The board reviewed and voted on member changes for the Sustainability Advisory Committee, including a resignation and role shifts for several members.

Speakers: Eileen, Niko Papakonstantis
What was discussed

The Tree Committee chair provided an update on the 'Tree City USA' initiatives and community involvement in tree planting.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Silus Richards, Becky Moore, Dave Sharples, Scott Bogle, Niko Papakonstantis, Julie Gilman
What was discussed

Discussion regarding the implementation of complete streets principles, focusing on intersection improvements, bike lanes, and creating safe corridors using easements or off-road connections. The Town Planner and Rockingham Planning Commission presented a proposed policy to incorporate transit, walking, and biking amenities into road projects.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

A discussion on how to visually indicate updates or cost changes in the CIP to maintain transparency for the public.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

A series of motions to reappoint members to various municipal boards including the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Conservation Commission.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

The board reviewed and voted on various tax exemptions, including veterans, elderly, disability, educational, religious, and charitable exemptions.

Speakers: Steve Cronin, Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Public Works Director Steve Cronin presented a request to amend a loan agreement to fund the final design phase of a new water treatment plant.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Steve Cronin
What was discussed

Discussion and recommendation to extend the paving services contract with Bell & Flynn LLC for one year.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Review of a request from Exeter Academy to block off specific streets for their graduation ceremony on June 7, 2026.

Speakers: Melissa Roy, Daniel Chartrand
What was discussed

Updates on the train station committee charrette, drought monitoring, and housing advisory committee activities.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Planning for an upcoming public input/share session regarding the train station scheduled for August 7th and 8th.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Discussion regarding a framework approved by the Conservation Commission for the Fort Rock Riders to perform trail work, including new trails and the closure of eroded existing trails to allow for restoration.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Update on the progress of the new public safety building on Continental Drive following a recent progress ceremony.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Report on HVAC troubleshooting at the library and discussions regarding an upcoming space needs assessment.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Discussion of the Arbor Day celebration and a joint event between the Tree Committee and Seabrook Park Trustees on May 16th.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Melissa
What was discussed

Announcement of a public information session and hearing regarding water treatment in Epsom and a public forum at Town Hall regarding the Beth Israel acquisition.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Julie
What was discussed

Review of several pending municipal bills including school district election eligibility, tax caps, and the establishment of local fiscal accountability committees.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

An informational segment regarding Exeter TV's channel offerings, online availability, and the bi-weekly report format.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

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

Potentially controversial issues

01

Alleged Code Enforcement Negligence

A resident reported family displacement due to mold and toxic exposure, alleging that town officials ignored evidence of legal breaches and landlord negligence.
Board position: The board acknowledged the seriousness of the claim and committed to an immediate investigation.
high concern
02

Complete Streets Implementation

The policy involves long-term changes to infrastructure, including bike lanes and intersection improvements, which impacts road usage and requires significant capital investment.
Board position: The board supported an incremental, opportunistic approach to implementation via existing project cycles.
medium concern

Community vs. board tension

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
4
Total speakers
3
Addressed
1
Partial
0
Not addressed
Adam Gaston
▶ 21:26
Addressed
The speaker reports that his family has been displaced from their home due to mold and micotoxin exposure. He alleges that town code enforcement officers have ignored multiple communications and evidence of legal breaches regarding his landlord. Key concern
Request for accountability from code enforcement and an immediate inspection of the property at 11 Chestnut Street.
Board response
The Board Chair stated this was the first they were hearing of the matter and promised an immediate investigation the following morning, offering a follow-up conversation via email.
The Board Chair took immediate action by promising an investigation the next day and establishing a direct line of communication with the resident.
Silus Richards
▶ 1:12:00
Addressed
The speaker expressed strong support for the adoption of the complete streets guidelines. He recommended using demonstration projects to test safety improvements and suggested creating a public dashboard for residents to report infrastructure concerns. Key concern
Advocating for the implementation of the complete streets policy, specifically through incremental demonstration projects and a transparency dashboard.
Board response
The Board and Town Planner discussed the feasibility of the dashboard, noting that discussions regarding its implementation and cost are already underway with the NPOC.
The Board engaged with the suggestions, with the Town Planner confirming that the dashboard concept is already being discussed in professional circles.
unidentified
▶ 2:08:00
Addressed
The speaker supported the complete streets guidelines and specifically emphasized the importance of demonstration projects. They requested that these projects be integrated into the capital improvement process as early as possible. Key concern
Ensuring demonstration projects are funded and implemented early in the design process via the CIP.
Board response
The Town Planner acknowledged the importance of these projects and explained how they are being integrated into existing work and future planning.
The staff provided a technical explanation of how the policy is designed to be implemented through existing project cycles.
Becky Moore
▶ 2:10:05
Partial
The speaker expressed support for the previous speakers and the complete streets guidelines. She specifically highlighted the value of a public dashboard for individuals with special needs or those using strollers. Key concern
Support for the dashboard idea to increase accessibility and reporting for vulnerable road users.
Board response
The Board/Town Planner noted that discussions regarding the logistics and costs of such a dashboard are currently in the infancy stages.
The board acknowledged the idea and confirmed it was being discussed, but provided no immediate timeline or commitment for implementation.

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Approval of March 30th, 2026 Select Board meeting minutes as amended (correction of 'Elaine Hayes' spelling).
Amendment made to correct the spelling of Elaine Hayes.
Passed 4-0
Approval of April 13th, 2026 Select Board meeting minutes as amended.
Amendment made to change 'Dr. Rosson' to 'Principal Rosson' (or Mr. Rosson).
Passed 4-0
Sustainability Advisory Committee Reappointments.
Appointed Julie Gaunt to alternate (term through April 2028); moved Sarah Cough to regular member (term ending 4/27); accepted Ryan Jean's resignation; moved Carol Olmstead to regular member (term ending April 2027).
Passed 4-0
Reappointment of Aaron Brown to the Planning Board (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried (4-0)
Reappointment of Jen Martell to the Planning Board (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried (4-0)
Reappointment of Dean Hubard as an alternate to the Planning Board (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried (4-0)
Appointment of Nicholas Nordon to the Recreation Advisory Board (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Laura Wantagno to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Kevin Bomb to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Martha Panell as an alternate to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Keith Whitehouse to the Conservation Commission (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Trevor Mata to the Conservation Commission (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Michelle Krepo as an alternate to the Conservation Commission (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Pam Jedum to the Exeter Housing Authority (5-year term).
Term expires April 2031.
Carried
Reappointment of Kevin Fleming to the Exeter Housing Authority (5-year term).
Term expires April 2031.
Carried
Reappointment of Francois Elise to the Heritage Commission (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Kevin Khan to the Historic District Commission (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Don Brzleden to the Facilities Committee (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Mark Leighton to the Facilities Committee (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Nick Drinker to the River Advisory Committee (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Denise Short to the Sustainability Advisory Committee (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Nina Brun to the Sustainability Advisory Committee (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Bruce Jones to the Arts and Culture Advisory Committee (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Darius Thompson to the Train Station Committee (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Reappointment of Anthony Kellandrell to the Train Station Committee (3-year term).
Term expires April 2029.
Carried
Amend DWSRF loan agreement for surface water treatment plant design to $2.5 million.
Authorizes town manager/chair to sign associated documents.
Carried (4-0)
Extend paving services contract with Bell & Flynn LLC for one year.
Includes specific unit prices for various paving methods.
Carried (4-0)
Approve Exeter Academy graduation road/sidewalk request for June 7, 2026.
Covers street closures on Front Street and Tan Lane, with a contingency for Court Street in case of rain.
Carried
Motion to enter non-public session under RSA 91-A 32 A and D.
The board moved into a non-public session following a motion and second.
Passed 4-0

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Code enforcement negligence and resident safety
During the 4/27 Select Board meeting, a resident reported family displacement due to mold and toxic exposure, alleging code enforcement officers ignored negligence. The Board promised an immediate investigation into 11 Chestnut... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/exeter/select-board/2026-04-27/ #MeetingWatch #ExeterNH
314/280 chars
Major fiscal decision/infrastructure spending
Exeter Select Board voted 4-0 on 4/27 to amend a loan agreement to $2.5 million for the final design phase of the new surface water treatment plant. This is a significant fiscal commitment affecting all residents. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/exeter/select-board/2026-04-27/ #MeetingWatch #ExeterNH
297/280 chars
Infrastructure policy shifts
The Select Board is moving toward a 'Complete Streets' policy for road projects. While staff say it's an 'incremental' approach to adding bike lanes and pedestrian safety, the formal vote is being pushed to the next meeting... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/exeter/select-board/2026-04-27/ #MeetingWatch #ExeterNH
310/280 chars

X thread

1
Serious allegations of negligence were raised at the April 27 Exeter Select Board meeting. A resident reported that families have been displaced due to mold and toxic exposure, alleging that town code enforcement failed to act. 🧵 #MeetingWatch #ExeterNH
253/280
2
Adam Gaston testified that town officials haven't responded to evidence of legal breaches and landlord negligence. In response, Board Chair Niko Papakonstantis promised the Interim Town Manager would investigate 11 Chestnut Street 'immediately' the next morning.
262/280
3
This highlights a critical question: Are our town departments doing the jobs they are paid to do? We are tracking this investigation to ensure accountability for resident health and safety. #ExeterNH #CivicAccountability https://meetingwatch.org/nh/exeter/select-board/2026-04-27/
244/280

Facebook — long form

At the April 27 Select Board meeting, a high-stakes public comment brought a serious issue of government accountability to the forefront. Resident Adam Gaston reported that a family was displaced due to mold and toxic exposure, alleging that Exeter’s code enforcement officers failed to respond to evidence of landlord negligence and legal breaches.

The situation at 11 Chestnut Street raises urgent questions about whether town departments are effectively protecting residents from hazardous living conditions. In response to the outcry, the Board promised an immediate investigation, with the Interim Town Manager tasked to look into the claims the following morning.

Beyond this immediate crisis, the Board also made several significant decisions impacting the town’s long-term finances and infrastructure. This included a 4-0 vote to amend a loan agreement to $2.5 million to fund the final design phase of the new surface water treatment plant, and a discussion on 'Complete Streets' guidelines that will change how future road projects incorporate bike lanes and pedestrian safety.

We will continue to monitor the results of the code enforcement investigation and the progress of the water treatment plant funding. Residents deserve to know that both their health and their tax dollars are being managed with transparency and diligence. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/exeter/select-board/2026-04-27/ #MeetingWatch #ExeterNH

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Immediately investigate the claims of mold exposure, water intrusion, and code enforcement inaction at 11 Chestnut Street.
Assigned: Melissa Roy (Interim Town Manager) · Due: Next morning
Provide an update to the Select Board regarding the investigation into 11 Chestnut Street.
Assigned: Melissa Roy (Interim Town Manager) · Due: Not specified
Include Complete Streets policy on the agenda for a formal vote at a future meeting (targeted for next Monday).
Assigned: Town Staff · Due: Next meeting
Polish the Complete Streets guidelines for the next meeting.
Assigned: Melissa Roy · Due: Next Monday
Investigate the feasibility and cost of a public reporting dashboard for infrastructure concerns.
Assigned: Steve Cronin
Look into implementing a process to visually identify updated items in the CIP.
Assigned: Town Staff
Revisit the appointment of a representative to the RPC regarding term limits.
Assigned: Select Board
Address the vacancy on the Historic District Commission.
Assigned: Select Board
Follow up with Madison and Doug regarding resident information and property owner contact.
Assigned: a speaker · Due: Tomorrow
Continue working to resolve HVAC problems at the library.
Assigned: Don Brialden and Julie

Member ⁠positions

6 issues · 0 explicit · 24 inferred
Present
Public Comment: Housing and Code Enforcement ✓
Committed to an immediate investigation into the mold and negligence claims.
Sustainability Advisory Committee Reappointments YES ~
Amend DWSRF loan agreement for surface water treatment plant design YES ~
Extend paving services contract with Bell & Flynn LLC for one year YES ~
Motion to enter non-public session YES ~
Molly Cowan
Vice Chair
Present
Sustainability Advisory Committee Reappointments YES ~
Amend DWSRF loan agreement for surface water treatment plant design YES ~
Extend paving services contract with Bell & Flynn LLC for one year YES ~
Motion to enter non-public session YES ~
Present
Sustainability Advisory Committee Reappointments YES ~
Amend DWSRF loan agreement for surface water treatment plant design YES ~
Extend paving services contract with Bell & Flynn LLC for one year YES ~
Motion to enter non-public session YES ~
Present
Sustainability Advisory Committee Reappointments YES ~
Amend DWSRF loan agreement for surface water treatment plant design YES ~
Extend paving services contract with Bell & Flynn LLC for one year YES ~
Motion to enter non-public session YES ~
Present
Sustainability Advisory Committee Reappointments YES ~
Amend DWSRF loan agreement for surface water treatment plant design YES ~
Extend paving services contract with Bell & Flynn LLC for one year YES ~
Motion to enter non-public session 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 grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-05-31.