Town Council — June 15, 2026

Three separate resolutions were presented recognizing long-term staff service and a student intern's contributions; each highlighted professionalism, dedication, and community impact.

Resolutions adopted by voice vote without objection.

Douglas noted prior commitments that questions would be answered at the next meeting or by Councelor Faber; he also questioned fuel costs for dog mailers and lack of response to emails. Councelor Faber provided one legal fee total ($8,692.97) in response.

Questions noted; partial answer given on legal fees; no formal action taken.

Motion to accept resignation passed unanimously. For the Planning Board alternate, Lascawa discussed his 34-year residency, prior zoning board experience, and real estate background; councilors questioned potential conflicts of interest, which he denied.

Resignation accepted; Lascawa appointed 3-0 with two abstentions (Councelors Buchard and Paul).

Plan developed since July 2025 with public workshops and council input; Holmes presented condensed version removing items to address staffing constraints. Debate centered on whether to approve the original or revised version immediately versus allowing review time.

Public hearing closed; motion to table to July 20, 2026 passed (3-2).

Redline comparison documents to be prepared and distributed; discussion scheduled for July 20, 2026.

Grant amendment funds a "hidden in plain sight" education trailer for parents; revenues came from DPW auction sales, Purpose Energy property sale, health trust wellness funds, and a $7,485 recreation donation.

Both items approved 5-0 after public hearings.

Trailer purchase deadline September 30, 2026.

Justin presented billing data showing chair and vice chair accounted for nearly all legal calls from October–March, cited charter violations, and argued for a policy requiring collective authorization and shared information to reduce costs. Councilors debated whether a two-member subcommittee (chair + vice chair) would solve the problem or simply concentrate authority; multiple references to RSA 91-A, anonymous complaints, and ongoing investigations.

Motion by Councilor Sean (seconded by Councilor Ted) to establish a legal subcommittee consisting solely of the chair and vice chair passed 3–2 (Sean, Ted, Chair in favor; Bousard and Paul opposed).

Chair will submit the subcommittee proposal to legal counsel for review and report validity back to the council.

Police reported continued but reduced activity after camera deployment and patrols; councilors noted vandalism risks to signs and speed bumps, high costs, and that presence/enforcement is most effective. Options for gates, cameras, and development were raised but deemed outside current scope.

Council scheduled public hearing on no-parking ordinance amendments; deferred speed-bump discussion to next meeting (TC 103) without approval.

Public hearing on July 6, 2026 at 7 p.m.; speed bumps to be discussed at next council meeting.

Chiefs detailed deterioration, proposed synthetic materials, new roof shingles (50-year warranty), LED lighting, and door enlargement; councilors questioned timing, lack of full proposals in packet, mold risk, preventive maintenance plans, and use of operating budget vs. trust fund. The item was introduced as a motion by Dan with a second from Sean. Councilors confirmed the $125k was part of the overall project cost and discussed using existing trust funds rather than new taxpayer money to avoid future requests.

Council authorized full project expenditure of $345,722 (mix of FY26 operating budget and trust fund) by 5-0 votes. Motion passed unanimously 5-0.

Contract award by town manager; interior mold inspection during work; maintenance plan to be shared with council.

Grant would add two members per battalion starting late FY27 to staff a second ambulance; funding must be awarded by Sept 30 with six-month hiring window. Chief Young presented the grant details including staffing increases to approach NFPA 1710 standards, three-year federal funding (75%/75%/35%), town match obligations, long-term costs after year three, and benefits such as dedicated ambulance staffing, reduced mutual aid reliance, and potential ISO rating improvements. Councilors raised concerns about fiscal impact (estimated ~$1M+ annual cost in year four), taxpayer burden after the recent 14% budget increase, preference for incremental hiring, and whether voters should decide on the long-term commitment.

No decision; council received presentation and request for guidance on proceeding with application. Motion to authorize submission of the FY2025 SAFER grant application passed 4-1 (Chair voted no).

Council to provide direction on grant application at future meeting. If awarded, the award acceptance would return to council for formal approval.

Chair reported that a proposed 360-evaluation process faced union objections and prior options failed cost or cybersecurity reviews. Members agreed a self-review is a standard first step and should not be overly complex. Past evaluations involved the town manager submitting a written self-evaluation for council review and input; no standard criteria existed previously. The chair proposed a 30-day timeline and offered to keep the document concise (around 6 pages). The manager explained delays due to attempts at 360-degree evaluation programs that proved too expensive or incompatible.

Council supported requesting the town manager's self-review within approximately 30 days while the chair works with the manager on a revised evaluation process. Council agreed to proceed with the 30-day timeline and a simplified format.

Self-review due by the next council meeting; revised evaluation process to be brought back for discussion. Town manager to submit self-evaluation within 30 days.

Staff recapped Phase 1 work and insurance repairs, then outlined Phase 2A (FY26-27) scope including rooftop unit protection, humidity controls, glycol installation, and essential envelope fixes estimated at $572,461. Funding sources were confirmed as unexpended operating funds plus trust drawdown if needed.

Two motions passed unanimously: (1) authorization to apply FY26 operating funds; (2) approval of Order 2026-12 for up to $125,000 from the trust fund.

Phase 2B (major rooftop work) expected to go to voters in FY28.

The proposal ties into broader goals of embracing the town's agricultural roots, supporting mini-farms, artisans, and events like concerts on the common. Potential locations included the pavilion area or Crossroads Mall parking lot. Discussion covered insurance, maintenance, vendor fees, and coordination with existing groups like the Green Team.

Council supported the concept in principle and agreed the lead councilor would return when ready; no formal approval or funding committed.

Councilor to finalize details and return to agenda; chair to research process for establishing a standing agricultural committee modeled after the utility committee.

The schedule was proposed by the chair and several councilors; members confirmed no objections.

Motion passed 5-0.

New rates begin July 1; members requested old agreements for review. Current contracts with Shaheen & Finey and Shaheen Gordon needed continuation to maintain services.

Approved continuation of existing agreements with both firms until July 6 under current terms (5-0 vote). Attorney items removed from consent agenda for next meeting.

Town manager to obtain and distribute prior agreements for comparison at next meeting.

Reports covered Old Home Day planning, recreation programs, Flag Day flag installations, Green Team plant sale, graduations, and state championships. Upcoming items include traffic code amendments, bridge funding shifts, water assessment district petition, historic registry consent, and strategic plan discussion.

No formal actions taken on reports.

Next meeting scheduled with listed agenda items; groundbreaking for new SAU building on June 23.