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Select Board — March 9, 2026

While department heads expressed professional frustration regarding external delays (PSU and NHDES), the Board itself remained unified and no public opposition was recorded.

Date Monday, March 9, 2026 Decisions 7 Routine
📄 Agenda 📄 Minutes

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
01

Police Department Service Burden (PSU MOU)

Potential reduction in police efficiency or increased staffing strain if the MOU is not finalized. Affected: Holderness residents relying on police services
safety change

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Approval of payroll and accounts payable manifests
Motion by Mr. Francesco, seconded by Mr. Lovett.
5-0
12:30
Approval of February 23, 2026, public meeting minutes
Motion by Ms. Schwaner, seconded by Mr. Lovett.
5-0
13:30
Approval of February 24, 2026, public meeting minutes
Motion by Mr. Francesco, seconded by Ms. Schwaner.
5-0
14:00
Approval of February 24, 2026, nonpublic meeting minutes
Motion by Mr. Francesco, seconded by Ms. Schwaner.
5-0
14:30
Approval of Consent Agenda
Included insurance reimbursement, 3 Ballot Clerk appointments, and the PSU Spring Fling Special Event Permit. Motion by Mr. Francesco, seconded by Mr. Lovett.
5-0
15:00
Entering Nonpublic Session
Motion by Mr. Francesco under RSA 91A:3, II (l), seconded by Mr. Brickley.
5-0
33:40
Sealing Nonpublic Session Minutes
Motion by Ms. Schwaner, seconded by Mr. Brickley.
5-0
35:10

Topics ⁠discussed

Click a topic to expand quotes and full context.
05:30 Fire Department Update

Chief Bonan provided an update on warranty work for the new fire engine, noting pump repairs should be finished within two weeks and discussing a potential warranty extension due to delays.

Speakers: Jeremy Bonan
07:30 Police Department Update: PSU MOU

Chief DiFilippe expressed disappointment regarding the lack of progress on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Plymouth State University, citing concerns about the potential burden on the department.

Speakers: Erik DiFilippe
15:00 Town Meeting Logistics

The Board and Town Administrator discussed poll coverage, warrant article presentations, and employee recognition for the upcoming Town Meeting.

Speakers: Michael Capone, Jill White, Campbell Lovett
20:00 Town Administrator's Report

Updates were provided regarding the poll schedule, the PSU Spring Fling permit, state reporting (DRA, Solid Waste, Sewer, NHDES), cell tower project progress, and potential updates to commercial hauler and disposal fees.

Speakers: Michael Capone

Controversy & ⁠dissent

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

Potentially controversial issues

01

Plymouth State University (PSU) MOU Progress

The lack of progress on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PSU creates uncertainty regarding policing resources and may result in an increased operational burden on the local police department.
Board position: The board received an update on the stagnation of the agreement, signaling a need for resolution to prevent service strain.
medium concern
02

NHDES Post Closure Report Requirement

Town Administrator Michael Capone is contesting a requirement by the NHDES for the town to perform a Post Closure Report, which likely involves administrative or financial implications for the municipality.
Board position: The administration is actively resisting the requirement.
low concern

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Provide background information on each warrant article for Town Meeting presentations.
Assigned: Jill White
Acknowledge employees who have completed five-year service anniversaries at Town Meeting.
Assigned: Campbell Lovett
Hold an open house for Town Administrator Michael Capone's retirement.
Assigned: Select Board / Town Administration · Due: 2026-03-16

Notable ⁠statements

Expressed extreme disappointment in the lack of progress on the PSU agreement and concern that it may not be approved, placing an unnecessary burden on the police department. — Erik DiFilippe · Update on the Police MOU discussion with Plymouth State University. 07:30
Contended that the town should not be required to perform a Post Closure Report as requested by NHDES. — Michael Capone · Town Administrator's report regarding NHDES correspondence. 24:00

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
No public comments were identified in this meeting.
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Report composed by grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, claude-opus-4-7 · analyzed 2026-05-28.