Board of Selectmen — June 15, 2026
The meeting was otherwise routine; the only notable public engagement occurred during questions on Hilltop address renumbering.
Public impact
Hilltop Place address renumbering for E911
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Residents asked about implementation delay since 2003, cost allocation, whether the project is an unfunded mandate, and its priority relative to other capital needs; board noted the change stems from a prior fire-response difficulty and state law.
No board action; town manager directed to research and respond before Friday internal meeting
Internal board meeting Friday; town manager to provide statute language, cost estimates, timeline, and arson investigation status
Decisions logged
Topics discussed
▶ 00:05 Meeting Opening and Recording Notice
Board chair opened the June 15, 2026 meeting and noted that it is being video/audio recorded and transcribed with AI assistance for draft minutes.
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Chair emphasized transparency, instructed speakers to state names, and directed viewers to the town's YouTube channel for updates.
Meeting formally called to order; standard recording and minute procedures announced.
▶ 00:49 New Fire Chief Appointment and Ladder Truck Proposal
Board of Fire Wards announced appointment of Mike Mathey as full-time fire chief effective immediately; new chief presented alternative Canadian-built 70-ft ladder truck on 4WD chassis that could fit existing station and save ~$3 million vs. building expansion and traditional ladder truck.
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Chief Mathey described visiting the Canadian manufacturer, operating the vehicle, its off-road capability, electric controls, 360° rotation, and lack of water tank (relying on Engine 1 instead). Board members asked clarifying questions on differences from current apparatus, tariffs, deposit (20%), and projected 2-year delivery timeline.
No formal vote; board received presentation and pictures; chief offered to arrange on-site demonstration.
Chief will notify board when demonstrator truck arrives for inspection; potential future decision on purchase ahead of 2032 replacement schedule.
▶ 18:37 Emergency Management Performance Grant Acceptance
Board voted to accept a $4,000 FEMA emergency management performance grant (50% match) for updating the local emergency operations plan.
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Lou Bota presented the grant details; total project cost is $8,000 with town responsible for $4,000 match. Additional update given on pending generator grant progress.
Motion passed by majority vote; board accepted terms and acknowledged the match requirement.
▶ 20:44 Committee and Board Reappointments
Board conducted multiple votes to reappoint members to Archives, Bike & Pedestrian, Fire Wards, Citizens, Conservation, Energy, Housing, Library, Zoning Board of Adjustment, and Planning Board; one new alternate appointment to Conservation Commission.
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Chair presented lists of expiring terms and proposed reappointments or replacements (e.g., Sherry Williams for Linda Miller); some members noted non-attendance issues but proceeded with selective reappointments; vacancies on ZBA and Planning Board tabled.
All presented reappointment motions passed by unanimous or majority voice votes; Grant Smith appointed alternate to Conservation Commission.
Recruitment planned for remaining vacancies on Citizens Committee, Bike & Pedestrian, ZBA, and Planning Board.
▶ 35:03 Hilltop Place Address Renumbering Concerns
Residents Pat Rogers and Phyllis Pietro raised questions about the timeline, legal basis (RSA 106-H), costs, priority relative to other projects, and public hearing process for renumbering streets at Hilltop for E911 safety compliance.
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Residents questioned the 2003 state law implementation delay, potential unfunded mandate status, and whether arson investigation status should take precedence over address changes; board members clarified the change is driven by safety needs after a prior fire response issue and confirmed a required public hearing will occur later.
No board action taken; board committed to providing statute language, cost estimates, and investigation status via town manager.
Board scheduled internal meeting for Friday; town manager to research and respond to residents' questions on law, costs, timeline, and arson investigation status.
▶ 1:04:01 Committee Reports and Meeting Close
Brief reports received on Water Precinct and Fire Wards; June 4 minutes approved and meeting adjourned.
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Water Precinct reported Main Street punch-list completion and upcoming 2029 state repaving; Fire Wards had no additional report beyond earlier chief presentation.
Minutes of June 4 approved by voice vote; meeting adjourned after signing of documents.
Next meeting June 30 to review public works site designs.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Hilltop Place address renumbering for E911 compliance
Community vs. board tension
Action items
Notable statements
Potential $3 million savings by purchasing new 4WD ladder truck under $1M and avoiding station expansion. — Mike Mathey · Fire department presentation on equipment alternative ▶ 06:43
Address renumbering at Hilltop is driven by state law (RSA 106-H) and safety needs after prior fire response difficulties. — Unidentified speaker · Response to public comment on Hilltop renumbering ▶ 40:44
Member positions
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.”
Public comment
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grok-4.3, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-21.