Meeting report · Select Board
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Select Board — April 27, 2026
The meeting was marked by intense, lengthy public testimony from residents regarding road safety and emergency access, creating a high-pressure environment for the board.
Public impact
Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01
Moose Club Park Road Safety and Access
Direct impact on emergency response times and daily service reliability (mail, trash, etc.) Affected: Residents living on Moose Club Park Road
safety change
02
Fire Department Apparatus Upgrades
Replacement of a 2005 fire engine via grant applications to ensure public safety infrastructure. Affected: All town residents
other high impact
Decisions logged
Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Acceptance of April 13, 2026, meeting minutes with corrections.
Motion by Mark, seconded by Richard.
Approved
01:01
Approval of the Consent Agenda.
Motion by Mark, seconded by Allison.
Approved
03:06
Approval of Assessor's recommendations for tax credits and exemptions.
Motion by Josh, seconded by Allison.
Approved
04:25
Approval for Fire Chief to apply for NH Clean Diesel and Granite State Clean Fleets grants.
Motion by Richard, seconded by Allison.
Approved
06:11
Reappointment of Jane Raymond and Susan Tucker to the Conservation Commission.
Terms expire March 31, 2029. Motion by Richard, seconded by Mark.
Approved
08:14
Approval of discretionary preservation easement for the historic barn at 215 Wallaroo LLC.
Motion by Richard, seconded by Josh.
Approved
13:01
Motion to consult the town attorney regarding a betterment assessment under RSA 231-59A and to confirm if the town can grant residents permission to maintain the Class Six road in exchange for a recorded liability waiver.
The motion was made by Mark and seconded by Allison; it specifically includes the addition of confirming the ability to grant private residents maintenance rights in exchange for a waiver.
Passed (Ayes have it)
1:05:06
Motion to require all departments to define and report operational metrics and a brief monthly summary (financial changes and narrative accomplishments) to the Select Board.
The motion includes a requirement to define the metrics rather than immediate implementation, with a goal to have definitions established by December.
Passed
1:27:49
Motion to direct the Town Administrator to make revisions to bring back the draft rule to the May 11 meeting.
Motioned by Richard, seconded by Mark.
Passed (unanimous)
2:02:18
Topics discussed
Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
00:38 Approval of Meeting Minutes
The Board reviewed and approved the minutes from the April 13, 2026, meeting.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
01:23 Consent Agenda
Review of various administrative items including DPW staffing, police probation status, cemetery rights, and a salvage title for a fire truck.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
03:39 Assessor Recommendations
Review of various tax credits and elderly exemptions recommended by the Town Assessor.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
05:46 Fire Department Grant Application
The Fire Chief requested approval to apply for clean diesel and clean fleet grants to replace a 2005 fire engine.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
07:39 Conservation Commission Appointments
Discussion regarding the reappointment of Jane Raymond and Susan Tucker to the Conservation Commission.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
09:37 Discretionary Preservation Easement
A public hearing regarding a request for a historic barn preservation easement at 215 Wallaroo LLC.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
14:28 Moose Club Park Road Safety Concerns
Residents presented concerns regarding the unsafe conditions of the unmaintained Class 6 and private portions of Moose Club Park Road, citing emergency access and reliability issues.
Speakers: Evelyn Trimble, Kirsten Boisen, Adam Jacobs, Unidentified speaker
1:00:38 Class Six Road Maintenance and Liability
Discussion regarding the maintenance of a Class Six unmaintained road, specifically whether residents can maintain the road themselves via a liability waiver or if the town should pursue a 'betterment' assessment.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:08:49 Select Board Goals and Departmental Reporting
The Board discussed establishing goals for departmental reporting, focusing on creating a monthly summary that includes financial highlights and a narrative of operational metrics and accomplishments.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:43:00 Employee and Department Head Evaluations
Discussion on implementing a standardized 1-5 rating scale for all employee evaluations and implementing formal performance reviews for department heads by the Select Board.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:48:00 Town Communication Strategy
Debate over how to improve communication with the public, including the use of social media for department updates and the potential risks regarding electioneering legislation.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:56:07 Communication and Departmental Transparency
Discussion on how department heads can better communicate completed projects to the public, specifically through methods like sharing before-and-after photos.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:58:08 Professional Development for Department Heads
A suggestion for department heads to define personal professional goals to facilitate better support and evaluation from the Select Board.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
1:59:21 Consolidation of Revenue Collection Services
A discussion regarding the efficiency of consolidating the town clerk, tax collection, and sewer payment services into a single office to reduce wait times and improve operational efficiency.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:03:18 Town Property Beautification
A suggestion to address an empty lot near Sully's/St. Matthew's that is currently an eyesore, proposing it be used to enhance the town center.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
2:04:01 Departmental Updates and Equipment Status
Updates regarding vehicle leasing, DPW grants, a new fire command vehicle, the status of a salvaged F-550 plow, and the repair of a broken backhoe.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker
Controversy & dissent
Where the board, the community, or the agenda diverged.
Potentially controversial issues
01
Moose Club Park Road Maintenance and Safety
Residents are facing significant safety risks, including impeded emergency medical access and difficulty with mail/trash delivery, due to the poor condition of a Class 6 road. There is a conflict between the high cost of town-standard repairs and the immediate safety needs of the residents.
Board position: The board acknowledged the safety concerns but signaled that full town maintenance is cost-prohibitive. They are pursuing legal avenues (betterment assessments vs. private maintenance with liability waivers) rather than committing to immediate repairs.
high concern
02
Departmental Reporting and Performance Evaluation
The board is implementing new, more rigorous oversight mechanisms, including standardized 1-5 rating scales for all employees and mandatory monthly operational/financial metric reporting for department heads.
Board position: The board is moving toward increased transparency and formalized accountability for town staff.
low concern
Community vs. board tension
Action items
Who owes what, by when.
Provide a legal opinion on whether the town can use a betterment assessment to recoup costs if a road is designated as an emergency lane.
Assigned: Town Attorney
Prepare information regarding the possibility of the town providing a recommended right-of-way layout or exploring emergency lane designations.
Assigned: Adam Jacobs (DPW Director)
Check with the town attorney regarding betterment assessments and the legality of private maintenance via liability waivers.
Assigned: Derek (Town Administrator)
Prepare a final format of the adopted goals/tasks for formal adoption at the next meeting.
Assigned: Derek (Town Administrator) · Due: Next meeting
Define departmental operational metrics and a monthly summary format for reporting.
Assigned: Department Heads · Due: December
Check with the Budget Committee to confirm the date for the upcoming joint meeting.
Assigned: Derek (Town Administrator) · Due: Tomorrow
Revise and bring back the draft rule for the May 11 meeting.
Assigned: Town Administrator · Due: 2026-05-11
Develop a plan to revisit the consolidation of revenue collection services for the next budget year.
Assigned: Town Administrator · Due: Next budget cycle
Notable statements
The current road conditions create real and ongoing safety concerns, impacting accessibility and reliable emergency response. — Evelyn Trimble · Testimony regarding Moose Club Park Road. 14:44
Without a... quid pro quo of the the maintenance liability waiver, it wouldn't be advisable for the select board to look kindly upon someone maintaining a public way themselves. — Unidentified speaker · Discussing the risks of residents performing road work on Class Six roads. 1:01:27
The goal is a Summary of the financial changes and a narrative of what created those changes... it's a report for us and it's a report for the public. — Unidentified speaker · Clarifying the intent behind the request for monthly departmental reports. 1:20:39
I think that we should also do the same thing [evaluations], like we should also follow this one through five scale and we should be marking them on criteria. — Unidentified speaker · Proposing a standardized evaluation system for department heads. 1:43:00
I think we should revisit it and come up with a plan for the next budget year... I would like to see a plan that we can take to the budgeting process to get this back on track. — Unidentified speaker · Discussing the consolidation of tax, sewer, and clerk offices into one location. 2:01:13
That's an opportunity. And it's an opportunity to enhance the town that we can do something with... without a whole lot of fanfare. — Unidentified speaker · Discussing the use of an empty town-owned lot near the library/High Street. 2:03:55
To get to all the normal road standards for a maintainable public way, there's some pretty significant investment [required] due to drainage and retaining wall needs. — Adam Jacobs · Explaining the complexities of upgrading Moose Club Park Road. 31:00
My recommendation was to say I'm sorry, it's a private road, private maintenance, it's too tough, it's cost prohibitive to bring up to standards. — Speaker L (DPW/Admin) · Providing formal recommendation on the Moose Club Park Road request. 56:47
Public comment
What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
25
Total speakers
21
Addressed
4
Partial
0
Not addressed
Unidentified speaker
01:23
Addressed
No comment was made. The speaker opened the meeting for public comment and noted that no one was present to speak.
The speaker was the board chair opening the floor; no public comments were actually offered at this time.
Unidentified speaker
05:09
Addressed
The speaker asked a clarifying question regarding a typo in the meeting agenda/documents. They were ensuring that a 'Library Board of Trustees' label was not a mistake regarding the Conservation Commission appointment.
Key concern
Clarity on a potential typo in official documents.
Board responseThe board representative (a speaker) apologized and confirmed it was a typo.
The typo was acknowledged and corrected by the board.
Unidentified speaker
06:00
Addressed
The speaker inquired about the typical value of municipal bids and how the town handles the scrapping of old equipment. They specifically asked if the town receives money for the scrap metal.
Key concern
Financial details regarding equipment bids and scrap metal proceeds.
Board responseThe DPW Director (a speaker) explained that values vary and discussed the possibility of selling for scrap.
The board provided context on how scrap value and bids work.
Unidentified speaker
09:50
Addressed
The speaker asked if the historic preservation easement requirements would prevent the owners from using non-original materials. They wanted to ensure the 'historic feel' is maintained.
Key concern
Maintaining the historic aesthetic of the property under the proposed easement.
Board responseThe Town Assessor (a speaker) explained that modern materials are allowed as long as they maintain the historic appearance.
The assessor provided specific guidance on material use and aesthetic requirements.
Scott Hartlow
12:57
Addressed
The Town Assessor presented a request for a discretionary preservation easement for a historic barn. He explained the benefits to the owner and the criteria for maintaining the historic appearance.
Key concern
Presentation of the easement application.
Board responseThe board listened to the presentation and proceeded to a public hearing and subsequent vote.
The presentation was the basis for the board's discussion and vote.
Unidentified speaker
19:00
Addressed
The speaker questioned the appropriateness of the existing metal roof in relation to historic material standards.
Key concern
Consistency of the building's current materials with historic standards.
Board responseThe Assessor stated that while questionable, other barns have metal roofs and it hasn't been a major issue.
The assessor directly answered the question regarding material standards.
Evelyn Trimble
22:35
Partial
Representing Moose Club Park Road residents, she detailed safety concerns regarding the unmaintained Class 6 public road. Issues include mud, ice, potholes, and difficulty for emergency vehicles and services like mail and trash delivery.
Key concern
Road safety, accessibility, and reliability of services on Moose Club Park Road.
Board responseThe board listened, and the DPW Director provided a detailed technical response regarding the costs and complexities of upgrading the road.
The board engaged in a lengthy discussion and tasked the attorney with researching legal options (emergency lane/betterment), but did not commit to immediate repairs.
Kirsten Boisen
24:18
Partial
The speaker provided a personal account of how poor road conditions impacted emergency medical response to her home. She also mentioned difficulties for fire department trucks during a carbon monoxide incident.
Key concern
Direct impact of road conditions on emergency response times and safety.
Board responseThe board acknowledged the comment and moved into further discussion with DPW.
While not a direct solution, her testimony was used as part of the broader discussion regarding emergency access and road designations.
Unidentified speaker
35:32
Addressed
The speaker asked how residents currently fund road maintenance and if there is an HOA or specific provision in their deeds.
Key concern
Funding mechanisms for private road maintenance.
Board responseResidents explained they chip in individually for plowing and repairs.
The speaker's question was answered by the community members during the discussion.
Unidentified speaker
39:00
Partial
The speaker detailed the financial burden on residents, noting that some neighbors do not contribute to maintenance, leaving others to cover the costs. They also requested road grading.
Key concern
Inequity in maintenance funding and the need for road grading.
Board responseThe board and DPW discussed the complexities of the road and the financial implications of town maintenance.
The board discussed various legal/financial ways to handle the road but did not resolve the inequity or commit to grading.
Adam Jacobs
48:00
Addressed
The DPW Director provided a technical assessment of the road, noting pinch points, erosion risks, and the high cost of bringing the road up to town standards. He outlined three potential options for the board to consider.
Key concern
Technical and financial feasibility of road improvements.
Board responseThe board discussed the options, including the 'emergency lane' designation and 'betterment assessment.'
The director's technical report served as the primary basis for the board's subsequent motion to seek legal counsel.
Unidentified speaker
1:00:00
Addressed
The speaker questioned if the town's grader could fit on the narrow road and expressed concern regarding the high costs of a full upgrade during a default budget.
Key concern
Logistical feasibility and budget constraints.
Board responseThe DPW Director discussed equipment size and the high cost of structural changes.
The board addressed the concerns regarding equipment and budget through discussion with DPW.
Unidentified speaker
1:06:54
Addressed
The speaker asked if upgrading the road to Class 5 would automatically include snow removal and trash pickup by the town.
Key concern
Scope of services included in a road upgrade.
Board responseThe DPW Director confirmed that Class 5 status would incur year-round maintenance liability for the town.
The director provided a direct answer regarding maintenance liabilities.
Unidentified speaker
1:02:54
Partial
The speaker asked if the board was willing to consider addressing only the public portion of the road rather than the whole stretch.
Key concern
Phased approach to road improvements.
Board responseThe board discussed the various options, though the DPW noted the complexities of the transition points.
The board considered the phased approach but ultimately moved to seek legal advice on the broader designation issue.
Unidentified speaker
1:15:54
Addressed
The speaker noted that because they live at the end of the road, all snow from plowing is pushed into their yard/driveway.
Key concern
Negative side effects of snow plowing.
Board responseThe board and DPW discussed the difficulty of snow storage in such a narrow area.
The board acknowledged the logistical issue of snow management in the tight space.
Unidentified speaker
1:20:51
Addressed
The speaker asked about ownership of the private road and expressed concern about potential washouts and erosion.
Key concern
Ownership and environmental stability of the road.
Board responseThe board discussed the possibility of erosion and the liability/ownership of the road sections.
The board and DPW discussed the risks of erosion and road ownership.
Unidentified speaker
1:22:05
Addressed
The speaker noted that erosion may be worse now than in the past because the lake level and boat wakes have changed the environment since the area was originally a camp.
Key concern
Environmental changes contributing to road erosion.
Board responseThe board listened to the historical context provided.
The board acknowledged the input regarding the changing environmental conditions.
Unidentified speaker
1:23:48
Addressed
The speaker asked if the cost would remain the same regardless of the approach taken.
Key concern
Cost consistency across different solutions.
Board responseThe DPW Director stated that costs might vary depending on the chosen option.
The director answered the question regarding cost variance.
Unidentified speaker
1:41:51
Addressed
The speaker suggested that it might be cheaper for residents to maintain the Class 6 road themselves if they provided a liability waiver to the town.
Key concern
Finding a cost-effective solution for road maintenance.
Board responseThe DPW Director and board discussed the possibility of residents maintaining the road in exchange for a liability waiver.
This was a significant part of the discussion and was included in the final motion to seek legal counsel.
Unidentified speaker
1:45:43
Addressed
The speaker asked about the potential cost to the town if they pursued the betterment route.
Key concern
Financial impact of the betterment assessment.
Board responseThe DPW Director and board discussed the timing of cash flows and the need for legal clarification.
The board discussed the financial mechanics of a betterment assessment.
Unidentified speaker
1:48:26
Addressed
The speaker moved that the board check with the town attorney regarding the discussion to find a plan for making the road safe.
Key concern
Formalizing the next steps for road safety.
Board responseA motion was made and passed to have the attorney look into the betterment and liability waiver options.
The board formally acted on the suggestion by passing a motion to consult the attorney.
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Report composed by
gemma-4-26b · analyzed 2026-06-01.