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Meeting report · Board of Selectmen
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Board of Selectmen — June 4, 2026

Selectmen weigh increase in beach parking fines from $25 to $100 and move forward with large-scale solar projects.

The meeting was characterized by productive administrative updates and collaborative problem-solving regarding upcoming projects and ordinances.

Date Thursday, June 4, 2026 Duration 1.1h Speakers 1 Public comments 8 Decisions 1 Routine

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Ask MeetingWatch answers from this meeting’s report, transcript, and records — with linked sources.

Summary AI-generated to surface controversy & community impact without bias — always verify against the actual meeting before relying on it.

New London residents should be aware of several key developments from the June 4 Board of Selectmen meeting that involve significant changes to town ordinances and infrastructure projects.

First, there is a major proposal regarding beach access. Staff are looking to revise parking and use ordinances, which includes a proposed increase in fines from $25 to $100 for parking without a permit or using temporary permits. While the Board mentioned a provision for fine waivers, this is a significant jump in cost that will affect how residents and visitors use our municipal beaches. The Board will review these documents for further discussion at the next meeting on June 15.

Second, the town is moving forward with solar array projects at the Stump Dump and the Mountain Road landfill. While the Energy Committee highlighted a potential $500,000 in revenue over 30 years, there were specific discussions regarding the safety of the Mountain Road site in relation to monitoring wells and the potential for interconnection costs with Eversource. The committee has committed to posting detailed financial models and spreadsheets to the town website for public review.

Finally, the town is navigating a budget issue regarding the Dispatch Center RFP study. Current bids have exceeded the $30,000 budget. The Board is currently deciding whether to reopen the process to allow for alternative proposals, including potential internship-based options, rather than simply reducing the scope of the study to fit the original budget.

Jun 4, 2026 1.1h long 1 speakers 8 public comments 1 decisions Routine
Notable statements Drag to browse

“With 99% certainty, [rising electric rates] are going to make the numbers look even better than they do now.”

— Jamie Hess · Discussing the impact of rising utility rates on the financial viability of the municipal solar arrays. ▶ 19:48

“We've decided to site the array outside the perimeter not just outside the perimeter of the capped landfill but outside the perimeter of the monitoring wells also.”

— Unidentified speaker · Addressing concerns regarding the safety and integrity of the Mountain Road landfill site. ▶ 06:33
This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

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

Increase in fines from $25 to $100.

What happened

The board received the proposed edits and will review them for further discussion at the next meeting.

What was discussed

Expected $500,000 revenue over 30 years and progress toward 2030 renewable goals.

What happened

The Board expressed comfort moving forward with the agreements now that insurance language has been resolved.

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Jamie Hess, Ted Vans, Janet, Richard Anderson, Tom Hamlin, Colin
What was discussed

The Energy Committee presented plans for two new solar arrays at the Stump Dump and the Mountain Road landfill to meet renewable energy goals and generate revenue.

What happened

The Board expressed comfort moving forward with the agreements now that insurance language concerns have been resolved by Bington Solar.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Putnham KDR, Richard Anderson, Bebe Hammond Casey
What was discussed

Staff proposed revisions to beach use and parking ordinances, including significant fine increases to improve resident access.

What happened

The Board was presented with the edits, which include a provision allowing for fine waivers under special circumstances.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Richard Anderson, Colin
What was discussed

The Board discussed the status of the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the dispatch center study and potential ways to involve Dartmouth students.

What happened

The Board decided not to rescope the project but will look into a brief window to allow for additional proposals, including potential student-led options.

Speakers: Unidentified speaker, Ashley, Janet, Richard Anderson
What was discussed

Various updates regarding summer gatherings, water sampling guidelines, staff changes, and emergency management.

What happened

The Board noted the updates; no formal votes were taken on these administrative items.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

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

Potentially controversial issues

01

Beach Parking and Use Ordinance Revisions

The proposal to increase parking and permit fines from $25 to $100 is a significant change that impacts how residents and visitors access municipal beaches.
Board position: The board is reviewing the proposal, which includes a mechanism for fine waivers under special circumstances.
medium concern
02

Dispatch Center RFP Process

The current bids exceed the $30,000 budget, forcing a decision on whether to rescoping, reopen the process, or accept existing high-cost bids.
Board position: The board decided not to rescope the project but will look into a brief window to allow for additional proposals, including potential student-led options.
medium concern

Community vs. board tension

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
8
Total speakers
6
Addressed
2
Partial
0
Not addressed
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The speaker discusses the progress of a public hearing process and requests feedback on it. They also inquire about data regarding guest pass requests and explain recent updates to a fine structure to allow for forgiveness in special circumstances. Key concern
Request for feedback on a process and inquiry regarding guest pass data/fine flexibility.
Board response
Board member Richard Anderson thanked the speaker for the updates and noted that the board would review the guest pass data.
The board acknowledged the updates provided and committed to reviewing the requested data.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The speaker outlines several options for proceeding with the dispatch RFP process, including rescoping or reopening the process to allow for student/intern proposals. They discuss the potential benefits of a Dartmouth student project in terms of cost and speed. Key concern
Determining the best path forward for the dispatch RFP (rescoping vs. reopening vs. proceeding with current vendors).
Board response
The board members (Richard Anderson and others) engaged in a detailed discussion, ultimately agreeing to reopen the process for a brief period (until June 15th) to allow for new proposals, including the possibility of student/intern involvement.
The board actively debated the options and reached a consensus on a specific course of action and timeline.
Colin
Addressed
The speaker provides a detailed analysis of the existing RFP responses, specifically suggesting that the board could 'tweak' or narrow down proposals by asking certain vendors to focus on specific phases. They express a lack of clarity regarding one specific proposal (ADCOM) and emphasize the need for financial intelligence. Key concern
Providing strategic advice on how to evaluate and negotiate with RFP vendors to get the best value and intelligence.
Board response
The board thanked him for his points and integrated his suggestions into the final decision to reopen the process.
The board acknowledged his expertise and used his input to guide their decision-making process.
Ashley
Partial
The speaker provides a broad administrative update covering various town topics: new lawn games in the common, water sampling guidelines, upcoming facility staff retirements, community welfare organization meetings, and an update on the Elkins Dam emergency notification flowchart. Key concern
Providing a multi-topic 'PSA' style update to the board and community.
Board response
The board members engaged with specific points, such as discussing the summer gathering and the DPW building.
As this was an administrative update/report rather than a request for action, the board's engagement with specific sub-topics constitutes a response, but most items were informational only.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The speaker asks for the current status of the new DPW building and if any options have been reviewed. Key concern
Request for update on the DPW building project.
Board response
The speaker (acting as staff/admin) informed the asker that a separate public meeting would be scheduled to review options from Weman Landfair.
A specific timeline and method for addressing the topic (a separate meeting) was provided.
Unidentified speaker
Addressed
The speaker asks if the issue of the Elkins bath house light staying on at all hours has been resolved. Key concern
Inquiry regarding electricity waste due to a faulty light timer.
Board response
The speaker explained that the issue is being worked on, noting that power outages might be resetting the timer, and reported that no recent issues have been observed.
The speaker provided a technical explanation and a status update on the resolution.
Unidentified speaker
Partial
The speaker asks for updates regarding the Dunkin' Donuts relocation and what might occupy the current space. Key concern
Inquiry regarding the Dunkin' Donuts move and future site usage.
Board response
The speaker stated they did not have an update and had been asked not to discuss certain details, but offered to follow up with Adam.
The speaker provided an immediate answer regarding why information wasn't available but promised to seek more information.
Evie
Addressed
The speaker provides reports from various groups, including the Municipal Budget Committee, the leadership group meeting with Colby/Hospital/Chamber of Commerce, and updates on the hospital's new operating rooms and the college's return to in-person orientations. Key concern
Providing community and organizational leadership updates.
Board response
The board members acknowledged the reports and commented on the benefits of in-person orientations for local businesses.
The board received the information and engaged in brief dialogue regarding the implications of the updates.

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Approval of meeting minutes for April 23rd, May 7th, and May 19th.
A motion was made and seconded to approve the written minutes from the specified dates.
Approved

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X / Twitter — by angle

Significant fee increase impacting residents
At the June 4 Board of Selectmen meeting, staff proposed a massive increase in beach parking fines—jumping from $25 to $100. The Board is now reviewing these changes. Residents: prepare to weigh in on this 4x price hike at... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-06-04/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
316/280 chars
High-impact infrastructure and fiscal oversight
New London is moving forward with solar arrays at the Stump Dump and Mountain Road landfill. While projected to bring $500k in revenue, questions remain about interconnection costs and site safety near monitoring wells. Stay... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-06-04/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
318/280 chars
Budget management and procurement process
The Dispatch Center RFP is over budget. Instead of rescoping the project to fit the $30,000 limit, the Selectmen are looking into a brief window for new proposals, including potential student-led options. Decision expected... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-06-04/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
316/280 chars

X thread

1
New London residents: Several significant decisions and proposals moved forward at the June 4 Board of Selectmen meeting that will impact your wallet and community resources. Here is what you need to know. 🧵 #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH
234/280
2
1/ Beach Access: Staff proposed a major change to parking ordinances. Fines for parking without a permit or using temporary permits could jump from $25 to $100. The Board is reviewing the edits now; expect a vote/discussion on June 15.
235/280
3
2/ Solar Energy: Plans for two solar arrays (Stump Dump & Mountain Road) are advancing. The town expects $500k in revenue over 30 years, but residents should watch for the detailed spreadsheets promised by the Energy Committee regarding interconnection costs.
259/280
4
3/ Dispatch Study: The RFP for the dispatch center study has come in over the $30,000 budget. Rather than cutting the project scope to fit the budget, the Board is considering reopening the window for new proposals, including student-led ones.
243/280
5
Stay informed. The next meeting is June 15. #NewLondon #LocalGov #Accountability https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-06-04/
104/280

Facebook — long form

New London residents should be aware of several key developments from the June 4 Board of Selectmen meeting that involve significant changes to town ordinances and infrastructure projects.

First, there is a major proposal regarding beach access. Staff are looking to revise parking and use ordinances, which includes a proposed increase in fines from $25 to $100 for parking without a permit or using temporary permits. While the Board mentioned a provision for fine waivers, this is a significant jump in cost that will affect how residents and visitors use our municipal beaches. The Board will review these documents for further discussion at the next meeting on June 15.

Second, the town is moving forward with solar array projects at the Stump Dump and the Mountain Road landfill. While the Energy Committee highlighted a potential $500,000 in revenue over 30 years, there were specific discussions regarding the safety of the Mountain Road site in relation to monitoring wells and the potential for interconnection costs with Eversource. The committee has committed to posting detailed financial models and spreadsheets to the town website for public review.

Finally, the town is navigating a budget issue regarding the Dispatch Center RFP study. Current bids have exceeded the $30,000 budget. The Board is currently deciding whether to reopen the process to allow for alternative proposals, including potential internship-based options, rather than simply reducing the scope of the study to fit the original budget. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/new-london/select-board/2026-06-04/ #MeetingWatch #NewLondonNH

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Upload solar project spreadsheets and 30-year financial models to the town website.
Assigned: Energy Committee · Due: 2026-06-05
Contact Dartmouth alumni/employees regarding the potential student internship/externship proposal for the dispatch study.
Assigned: Jamie Hess · Due: 2026-06-15
Review proposed beach ordinance changes.
Assigned: Board of Selectmen · Due: 2026-06-15

Member ⁠positions

5 issues · 0 explicit · 4 inferred · 2 unclear
A split vote in this meeting was recorded without naming the dissenter (e.g. a voice vote). Members whose individual vote could not be confirmed are marked UNCLEAR below — this is not the same as a “yes.” Named votes will be filled in if official minutes record them.
Present
Proposed Municipal Solar Arrays YES ~
Expressed comfort moving forward with agreements after insurance concerns were resolved.
Approval of meeting minutes for April 23rd, May 7th, and May 19th YES ~
Richard Anderson
Selectman
Present
Proposed Municipal Solar Arrays YES ~
Expressed comfort moving forward with agreements after insurance concerns were resolved.
Beach Parking and Use Ordinances UNCLEAR
Participated in discussion regarding ordinance revisions.
Dispatch Center RFP and Study YES ~
Supported reopening the process briefly to allow for additional proposals, including student-led options.
Approval of meeting minutes for April 23rd, May 7th, and May 19th YES ~
Bebe Hammond Casey
Selectwoman
Present
Beach Parking and Use Ordinances UNCLEAR
Participated in discussion regarding ordinance revisions.
Approval of meeting minutes for April 23rd, May 7th, and May 19th YES ~

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-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-07.