Select Board — June 8, 2026

a speaker asked for comments on the minutes from the May 18 meeting.

The minutes were approved with a motion by Mark and a second by Richard Manzo.

The bridge over the Piscataqua River will close 24/7 starting June 23, 2026, to replace decking and address steel corrosion. A detour via Elm Street, Main Street, and Mast Road will be established.

Announcement made to the public.

The organization is hosting a championship in July and fears current lots (gravel lot and old dirt lot) will be insufficient for simultaneous games. They proposed using a grassy area near the physical therapy building with temporary stakes and caution tape for approximately 9-10 days starting July 17. The Board discussed alternative parking options, noting that nearby private lots like Eversource's are unavailable.

The Board authorized department heads to assist with the implementation of the parking plan.

Department heads to work with GJB on the final plan.

The Board reviewed four options: upgrading the road via petition (costing ~$1.2 million for 8 houses), declaring it an emergency lane, allowing a liability waiver for private maintenance, or doing nothing. DPW provided a lower estimate of ~$150,000 to bring the Class Six section to town standards. Residents expressed concern over the cost of a full upgrade but wanted to know about maintenance possibilities.

The Board denied the request to upgrade the road's status but approved a motion allowing residents to perform maintenance or paving on the Class Six portion at their own expense in exchange for a recorded liability waiver.

DPW to bring a list of recommended standards that would be waived for future consideration.

The library elevator is out of commission due to a hydraulic pump failure. The Library Board opted to replace the entire module ($37,000) rather than just a part to proactively address the unit's age and future maintenance needs. They discussed whether to use their $50,000 Capital Reserve Fund (CRF) or seek budget transfers from underspent lines (e.g., employee benefits).

The Board did not make a final decision on funding source but agreed to explore budget transfer options.

The Town Manager/Finance Department will work with the Library to present funding options at the next meeting.

Station 3 has structural issues, non-potable water, and failing septic. Options discussed included rebuilding it (high cost), demolishing it to move the generator to the radio tower, or continuing minimal maintenance until it becomes unusable. The Chief noted that while the station is useful for storage and a break area, it is not currently staffed or vital for response times.

The Board voted to leave the station as is for the current year.

The Chief will look into security improvements for the station this year and evaluate long-term costs/options for future budget cycles.

The department was selected as a recipient for a DES energy efficiency grant that could provide up to $250,000 (contingent on final approval) for a new fire truck. The Board discussed the necessity of the certificate of authorization to proceed with the state agreement.

The Board authorized the Chair to sign the certificate of authorization on behalf of the town.

The Fire Chief and Town Manager will work on the formal grant agreement to bring back for final approval.

The association wants to reduce private hauling costs. The Solid Waste Ordinance allows the town to provide service if the association enters a maintenance agreement (snow plowing, parking management). Discussion arose regarding whether the town should charge for new recycling barrels, the precedent this sets for other condos, and whether the town can charge fees if the ordinance is amended. Members debated whether the town should extend municipal waste services to certain condominium associations. Concerns were raised regarding the 'equal protection' of taxpayers, the potential for creating new service obligations for a tight budget, and the logistical difficulty of ensuring private haulers are not using town facilities improperly. There was also discussion about whether the town could charge specific fees to these associations.

No decision was made during the initial segment; the Board deliberated on the logistics and fiscal implications. The Board initially moved to deny the request but changed the motion to table the matter to avoid legal challenges regarding equal protection.

The Board and Town Administrator/Attorney will look into the legalities of different fee structures and the potential for legal appeals if a denial is issued.

A resident proposed installing a temporary flower box with a solar water pump at her own expense. The Board discussed maintenance responsibilities and the possibility of the town removing the box if the resident fails to maintain it.

The request was approved with the condition that if maintenance is neglected, the DPW is authorized to remove it.

The request involves a non-conforming lot that already received zoning approval. Discussion centered on municipal liability, emergency service access (police/fire), and the need for a recorded waiver of liability. The Board also addressed the importance of clarity when the Planning Board refers such items to them.

The permit was approved subject to a municipal waiver of liability being recorded at the Registry of Deeds.

The Town Administrator will draft a formal policy regarding building permits on Class Six and private roads due to upcoming changes in state law.