Board of Selectmen — July 16, 2026
The meeting was largely procedural, characterized by routine approvals and constructive discussion regarding municipal operations.
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During the New London Board of Selectmen meeting on July 16, several key issues emerged regarding how town funds are allocated and how public safety is managed.
First, a proposed $30,000 study to evaluate the town's dispatch services is under scrutiny. Rather than moving straight to a vote, Board members expressed concern that the study might be designed to lead the town into more expensive phases of outsourcing. The Board has delayed the decision until more cost details and direct communication with the consultant are provided.
Second, a significant gap in Fire Department training funds was highlighted. The town currently has only $12,200 allocated for EMT certification, which is $25,000 less than what was expected to cover the training of eight employees. This shortfall raises questions about how these budget discrepancies occurred and how they will impact the department's readiness.
Lastly, the board addressed ongoing safety risks on Bunker Road. Due to a lack of barriers, there is a high risk of vehicles driving into the water. While the Town Administrator is gathering quotes for signage, infrastructure improvements remain complicated by private property issues. We will continue to monitor these developments.
Public impact
Creation of a salaried Deputy/Assistant Chief position
The Board approved the creation of the Deputy Chief role.
Potential infrastructure improvements to prevent vehicles from driving into the water
The Administrator will gather quotes for signage and work with the regional planning commission for data.
Staff to obtain quotes for signs; Administrator to check with engineering/public works regarding safety.
Shortfall in training budget for EMT certification
The board noted the budget shortfall and identified potential reimbursement through the state fire academy.
Possible reimbursement through the state fire academy upon course completion.
Topics discussed
A request to waive facility fees for the AARP tax volunteer program using Whipple Hall.
The Board approved the waiver of fees for the AARP program.
Discussion regarding a two-phase study to evaluate the town's dispatch service and potential outsourcing.
The board delayed a vote on the proposal until Richard Anderson can speak directly with the consultant, Sherry Bush.
Richard Anderson to contact Sherry Bush; staff to provide an addendum to the proposal with cost details.
A proposal to create a full-time Deputy or Assistant Chief position for the New London Fire Department.
The Board approved the creation of the Deputy Chief role for the New London Fire Department.
Requests for funds from various capital reserves for energy conservation, computer maintenance, and fire department repairs.
All three withdrawal requests were approved by the Board.
Updates on resident concerns regarding speeding and safety in Birch Acres, Elkins, and Bunker Road.
The Administrator will gather quotes for signs and work with the regional planning commission for data.
Staff to obtain quotes for signs; Administrator to check with the engineering/public works team regarding Bunker Road safety.
Report on the ongoing discussion regarding the appropriate scope and oversight role of the Municipal Budget Committee.
The committee will seek external guidance on defining the committee's role.
Staff to look into bringing in a representative from the NHMA to explain roles.
An update on the water precinct, including well testing and legal consultations regarding town-precinct cooperation.
A meeting between the two groups was requested but could not be scheduled due to seasonal timing; it may happen in the fall.
Possible meeting in the fall; review of attorney's response regarding municipal/precinct cooperation.
Reports on staffing, equipment, and training within the fire department.
The board acknowledged the resignation and the equipment updates.
Delivery of the tanker truck by the end of August; potential purchase of a ladder truck over the next 1-2 years.
Summary of recent Planning Board activities and upcoming Capital Improvement Program meetings.
The Capital Improvement Program requires a Select Board representative.
Capital Improvement Program meeting on August 27th.
A discussion regarding the funding for EMT certification courses for department members.
The board noted that the training budget line item was not increased by the expected $25,000 and currently stands at $12,200.
Possible reimbursement through the state fire academy upon course completion.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Dispatch Study Proposal
Budget Committee Oversight Role
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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.”
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gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4.20-0309-non-reasoning · analyzed 2026-07-17.
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