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Board of Selectmen — May 19, 2026

The meeting was characterized by technical discussions, administrative updates, and constructive public engagement rather than heated conflict.

Date Tuesday, May 19, 2026 Duration 1.3h Speakers 1 Public comments 5 Decisions 1 Routine
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New London Board of Selectmen Meeting Summary: May 19, 2026

Several key items were discussed during Monday's meeting that require resident attention, specifically regarding public safety and town infrastructure. The Board has begun reviewing five proposals for the town's dispatch services. Because the selection of a dispatch vendor directly impacts emergency response capabilities, the upcoming interviews will be a critical period for our community to watch.

Regarding local infrastructure, the Pocket Park proposal moved forward with a commitment that construction will not commence until all necessary funds are raised. This is a vital distinction intended to protect the town from financial risk. However, questions remain regarding long-term maintenance and how the project will impact local drainage and stormwater runoff near Main and Pleasant Streets.

Finally, the ongoing issue of municipal parking was raised. A resident proposed using school parking lots during the summer to alleviate pressure in the town center. While the Board engaged with this idea, it remains a localized suggestion rather than a comprehensive solution to the parking challenges facing our local businesses and residents.

May 19, 2026 1.3h long 1 speakers 5 public comments 1 decisions Routine
❝ Notable statements ↔ Drag to browse

“We won't start the construction unless all the funds are raised for the project.”

— Russ Moore · Addressing board concerns regarding financial risk and town exposure. ▶ 07:06

“If that project were able to fund raise to fund a clerk of the works position... that would be significantly helpful.”

— Adam Ricker · Suggesting a way to mitigate the administrative burden on town employees during construction. ▶ 24:50

“The sustainability trust can be created at any time... but if there is a capital reserve request, that has to be approved at town meeting.”

— Unidentified speaker · Clarifying the legal and procedural distinctions between different types of municipal funds. ▶ 41:58

“Proposed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the school district to allow public use of school parking lots during summer months to alleviate town parking issues.”

— Kathy Weber · Public comment regarding town parking and pedestrian issues. ▶ 1:12:22

“The Citizens Advisory Committee will likely not meet during July, August, and September to allow members to enjoy the summer.”

— Unidentified speaker · Review of upcoming committee meeting schedules. ▶ 1:16:52
This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

Issues from this meeting with documented community impact.
What was discussed

Selection of a vendor for dispatch services affects town-wide emergency response capabilities and public safety infrastructure.

What was discussed

Widespread power outage scheduled for June 23rd for copper wiring replacement.

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Russ Moore, Paul Larok, Adam Ricker
What was discussed

Russ Moore and architectural representatives presented a design for a community pocket park, discussing its four main components, fundraising strategy, and long-term maintenance plans.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Adam Ricker
What was discussed

Discussion regarding existing drainage issues at Main and Pleasant Streets and how the park design might impact water absorption via native plantings.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Ashley
What was discussed

An update on the identification of a vendor for a solar array project at the Stump Dump property.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Ashley
What was discussed

Review of five responses to the dispatch Request for Proposals (RFP) and planning for upcoming interviews.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Ashley
What was discussed

Notification of a widespread planned power outage scheduled for June 23rd to facilitate copper wiring replacement.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Discussion regarding parking pressures in town, including requests from local businesses and upcoming construction impacts.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Ashley
What was discussed

Exploration of a potential partnership with Dartmouth graduate students to conduct an industrial engineering project for the town.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Addressing the resignation of Mike Gelchious (Vice Chairman) and the proposal to appoint Don Oler as a full member.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Discussion regarding the policy of whether alternates should take over positions when committee members resign or fail to serve.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Update on the upcoming auction for the house on Pingri Road, including efforts to clean the property and resolve discrepancies with the registry of deeds.

Speakers: Kathy Weber, Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Public comment regarding fundraising confidence for the pocket park, gardening maintenance (pollinator vs. display gardens), and parking solutions.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker
What was discussed

Reports on site improvements at Bunker Road and Lakeshore Drive, Sawyer College cottage residential use, First Baptist Church lighting/parking, and Fire Department staffing/training.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

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

Potentially controversial issues

01

Pocket Park Proposal

While generally supported, the project involves significant questions regarding long-term maintenance, fundraising accountability, and how it impacts local infrastructure like drainage and parking.
Board position: Supportive of the concept, but cautious regarding financial risk and administrative oversight.
medium concern
02

Committee Membership Policy

The board debated the procedural policy of whether alternates should automatically ascend to full positions when vacancies occur, which affects the governance and representation of town committees.
Board position: Discussing policy framework to ensure continuity in committee service.
low concern

Community vs. board tension

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
5
Total speakers
3
Addressed
1
Partial
1
Not addressed
Russ Moore
▶ 01:44
Addressed
Presented a proposal for a 'pocket park' project, detailing its design components, community support, and fundraising strategy. He emphasized that the project would be funded by non-profits and would not expose the town to financial risk. Key concern
To present the park proposal and seek the Board's direction regarding public communication and the authorization of fundraising.
Board response
The board asked several clarifying questions regarding fund management, contingency plans for underfunding, and maintenance, and ultimately expressed support for the project concept while requesting further logistical details.
The board engaged in an extensive Q&A session, addressing specific concerns about money handling, construction oversight, and maintenance, and gave the go-ahead to move forward with the project idea.
Paul Larok
▶ 11:50
Addressed
As an architect from Bonan Architects, he walked the board through the visual and structural elements of the park design. He explained the topographical considerations and the intended use of various park zones. Key concern
To explain the technical design elements, such as paving, plant placement, and how the park works with existing elevation changes.
Board response
The board asked specific questions about ADA compliance, elevation/drainage, and the removal of specific trees.
The board directly queried the architect on design details, and he provided technical explanations for each.
Adam Ricker (implied/not explicitly named but identified via context)
▶ 23:00
Addressed
Addressed technical aspects of the project including stormwater runoff, the potential for engineering grants, and the logistics of construction management. He suggested hiring a 'clerk of the works' to oversee the project. Key concern
To address concerns regarding stormwater drainage, long-term maintenance logistics, and the necessity of professional construction oversight.
Board response
The board discussed his suggestions, specifically agreeing that hiring a clerk of the works would be beneficial to avoid burdening town employees.
The board acknowledged his concerns about maintenance and construction management and expressed interest in his suggestions.
Kathy Weber
▶ 1:07:38
Partial
Expressed strong support for the pocket park, citing her professional fundraising experience and the project's community benefits. She also suggested a formal memorandum of understanding with the school district to use school parking during the summer. Key concern
To endorse the project and propose a solution for the town's parking issues via school lot sharing.
Board response
The board acknowledged her support; regarding the parking suggestion, they noted that school is in session during the summer, though they discussed the possibility of using the SAU lot instead.
The board heard her endorsement and engaged in a discussion about her parking proposal, though they provided a counter-point regarding summer school schedules.
Bob
▶ 1:17:39
Not addressed
Remained silent during the public comment portion of the meeting.
The speaker did not make a comment.

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Appoint Don Oler as a full member to the Conservation Commission following Mike Gelchious's resignation.
Don Oler, previously an alternate, will be appointed as a full member. Motioned and passed to move forward with the appointment.
Approved

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public safety impact
New London Board of Selectmen Update (5/19): The Board is currently reviewing five proposals for our town's dispatch services. This decision directly impacts emergency response capabilities for every resident. Stay tuned for... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-05-19/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
318/280 chars
community concerns raised but not fully resolved
Parking in New London remains a struggle. During the 5/19 meeting, a proposal was made to use school parking lots during summer months to ease town pressure. The Board's response was cautious, citing school schedules. We need... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-05-19/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
319/280 chars
fiscal responsibility
Regarding the Pocket Park proposal (5/19): Project leaders confirmed construction won't begin until 100% of funds are raised. This is a necessary safeguard to ensure New London residents aren't left holding the bag for a... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-05-19/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
314/280 chars

X thread

1
What happened at the New London Board of Selectmen meeting on May 19? We’re tracking the decisions that affect our safety, our streets, and our tax dollars. 🧵 #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
185/280
2
1/ Emergency Services: The Board is now reviewing five RFP proposals for town dispatch services. This is a high-stakes decision that determines how quickly help arrives when you call 911. The interview process is the next critical step.
236/280
3
2/ Parking Pressures: Residents suggested a Memorandum of Understanding to use school lots for parking during summer months. While the Board discussed the feasibility, a long-term, year-round strategy for municipal parking remains unresolved.
242/280
4
3/ Fiscal Oversight: On the Pocket Park project, the Board is being urged to include a 'clerk of the works' to oversee construction. The goal: prevent administrative burden on town staff and ensure every dollar is spent as intended. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-05-19/
256/280

Facebook — long form

New London Board of Selectmen Meeting Summary: May 19, 2026

Several key items were discussed during Monday's meeting that require resident attention, specifically regarding public safety and town infrastructure. The Board has begun reviewing five proposals for the town's dispatch services. Because the selection of a dispatch vendor directly impacts emergency response capabilities, the upcoming interviews will be a critical period for our community to watch.

Regarding local infrastructure, the Pocket Park proposal moved forward with a commitment that construction will not commence until all necessary funds are raised. This is a vital distinction intended to protect the town from financial risk. However, questions remain regarding long-term maintenance and how the project will impact local drainage and stormwater runoff near Main and Pleasant Streets.

Finally, the ongoing issue of municipal parking was raised. A resident proposed using school parking lots during the summer to alleviate pressure in the town center. While the Board engaged with this idea, it remains a localized suggestion rather than a comprehensive solution to the parking challenges facing our local businesses and residents. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-05-19/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Incorporate a professional on-site project manager (clerk of the works) into the fundraising and project planning goals.
Assigned: Russ Moore
Follow up with Dartmouth College regarding the feasibility of a graduate engineering project.
Assigned: Ashley
Schedule a meeting with Chief Cobb to discuss interviewing candidates for the dispatch RFP.
Assigned: Ashley · Due: 2026-05-20
Communicate the planned Eversource outage in the upcoming 'Municipal Matters' publication.
Assigned: a speaker · Due: Next week
Contact Don Oler regarding his appointment to the Conservation Commission.
Assigned: a speaker · Due: 2026-05-20
Contact Bob to inform him of the committee appointment decision.
Assigned: a speaker · Due: Tonight or tomorrow morning
Connect with board members regarding the June meeting.
Assigned: a speaker · Due: Before the June meeting
Provide data regarding the length of terms for various committee members.
Assigned: a speaker

Member ⁠positions

3 issues · 0 explicit · 1 inferred
Present
Committee Vacancy and Appointment YES ~
Supported the appointment of Don Oler to the Conservation Commission.
Pocket Park Proposal ~
Supportive of the concept but cautious regarding financial risk and oversight.
Committee Membership Policy ~
Engaged in discussing policy framework for committee continuity.
Richard Anderson
Selectman
Present
Committee Vacancy and Appointment YES ~
Supported the appointment of Don Oler to the Conservation Commission.
Pocket Park Proposal ~
Supportive of the concept but cautious regarding financial risk and oversight.
Committee Membership Policy ~
Engaged in discussing policy framework for committee continuity.
Bebe Hammond Casey
Selectwoman
Present
Committee Vacancy and Appointment YES ~
Supported the appointment of Don Oler to the Conservation Commission.
Pocket Park Proposal ~
Supportive of the concept but cautious regarding financial risk and oversight.
Committee Membership Policy ~
Engaged in discussing policy framework for committee continuity.

Positions marked ~ are inferred from context and may not reflect the member's explicitly stated position. UNCLEAR means the vote was split but the record did not name how this member voted — it is not a “yes.”

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Report composed by grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, gemma-4-26b · analyzed 2026-06-01.