Select Board — May 4, 2026
The meeting was largely routine, but the discussion regarding noise complaints and legal limitations created a focused point of tension.
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At the May 4 Select Board meeting, the issue of noise from the Pemigewasset Valley Fish and Game Club gun range took center stage. Residents, specifically those living on Beede Road, raised concerns regarding the ongoing disturbance to their peace and residential quiet.
The Board clarified a difficult reality for the town: under state law (RSA 159B), local noise ordinances do not apply to the club. This means the Select Board currently has no legal mechanism to stop the noise at the local level.
Rather than leaving the issue at a standstill, the Board has scheduled a meeting for May 12 with state representatives to explore whether legislative changes can provide the relief residents are seeking. We will continue to monitor whether this shift to state-level advocacy produces any actual results for impacted neighbors.
Public impact
Clarification of the formal appointment process for Compliance Officers and septic system oversight affects the legality and consistency of land use enforcement.
Topics discussed
The Board reviewed and approved payroll, accounts payable manifests, and consent agenda items including yield tax certifications and current use applications.
Discussion regarding employee parking for village businesses, including a potential use of the field behind the Science Center boat launch.
Discussion on scheduling a summer business meeting and managing porta-potty services and public restroom maintenance.
Review of the formal appointment process for the Compliance Officer and the division of responsibilities between Land Use and the Health Officer regarding septic systems.
Addressing resident concerns regarding noise from the gun range and the club's legal exemptions under RSA 159B.
Updates on the upcoming Memorial Day ceremony at the firehouse.
Updates on departmental meetings, assessing services via Whitney Consultants, NHDOT intersection projects, and a successful library grant.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Pemigewasset Valley Fish and Game Club Noise
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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grok-4.3, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, gemma-4-26b · analyzed 2026-06-01.
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