Selectboard — March 24, 2026
Sunapee Selectboard moves to professionalize infrastructure planning and weighs major shifts in emergency service models.
The meeting featured spirited discussions regarding organizational management, the authority of community groups, and the difficult balance between service levels and environmental protection.
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At the March 24th Selectboard meeting, several high-stakes issues were discussed that will directly impact Sunapee’s budget, public safety, and legal governance.
On public safety, the Board is beginning to shape the future of emergency services. Discussions included the necessity of hiring a new Fire Chief and the potential transition to a 24/7 ambulance service model. The Board has directed that the upcoming Fire Chief's job description include a mandate to research ambulance service models and grant opportunities to ensure the town is prepared for long-term service needs.
On the issue of governance, the Board is seeking legal counsel to determine if they have the authority to amend harbor ordinances—specifically regarding community events and alcohol consumption—without returning the matter to a Town Meeting. This is a critical question of whether the Selectboard can make these changes independently or if the authority remains with the voters.
Finally, the Board reached a consensus to move away from 'reactive' maintenance by seeking professional guidance for a formal Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). This effort aims to create a structured plan for roads, bridges, and buildings to prevent sudden, large tax increases caused by emergency infrastructure failures.
Public impact
Potential transition to 24/7 ambulance services and recruitment of a new Fire Chief.
The board decided to include ambulance service research in the new Fire Chief's job description and will communicate their vision to the fire wards.
The new job description must be brought to the Selectboard for approval; board members will attend the fire wards meeting.
Shift from reactive maintenance to a structured, professionalized multi-year plan.
The board reached a unanimous consensus to proceed with an RFP to seek professional outside guidance for the CIP.
The Town Manager will move forward with the RFP process.
Potential purchase of a lot for approximately $169,000.
The board agreed that any offer would be contingent upon public approval and review by the Planning and Conservation Commissions.
The board will decide whether to pursue the sale of other town property to fund the purchase or proceed with the investigation.
Topics discussed
The board reviewed and approved requests for facility use and signed municipal documents.
The board approved the facility use requests and noted the signing of the assessment certificate.
The board discussed a formal notice regarding excavation activities on Route 11 near Muzzy Hill.
The board acknowledged the notice as a formality for state reporting.
A discussion regarding the town's strategic priorities, organizational health, staffing challenges, and professionalization of town government.
The board acknowledged the unsustainable workload, the importance of staffing, and reached consensus on a preliminary priority list focused on stabilization via hiring, managing existing projects, and improving inter-departmental collaboration. They agreed the town must transition from reactive to proactive stance.
The board may consider using an external facilitator for future strategy sessions, refine the priority list to provide marching orders for the Town Manager, conduct organizational management assessments, and review job descriptions through conversations with key staff.
Long-term planning for the fire department, including recruitment of a new Chief, potential ambulance service changes, equipment decisions, and expanded chief responsibilities.
The board wants the new Fire Chief's job description to include a mandate to research ambulance service models and grant opportunities, and agreed to communicate intentions to the fire wards to guide recruitment.
The job description for the Fire Chief must be brought to the Selectboard for approval. Two board members will attend the fire wards meeting to deliver talking points.
Debate over how to manage community events like 'Arts in the Harbor' and the Farmer's Market within existing recreational and commercial use ordinances.
The board is seeking legal clarity on whether the Select Board has the authority to amend these ordinances without returning to a Town Meeting.
Legal counsel is expected to provide an opinion at the meeting on April 6th.
Discussion regarding the necessity of a proactive infrastructure plan and the use of RFPs for professional guidance.
The board agreed to proceed with an RFP to seek professional guidance for the CIP.
The Town Manager will move forward with the RFP process for the Capital Improvement Plan.
The board addressed concerns regarding the coordination between 'Sunapee Forward' initiatives and town government.
The board determined that Sunapee Forward leadership must present their plans directly to the Selectboard to ensure alignment.
A formal request for an appointment will be sent to Sunapee Forward and the Upper Valley Regional Planning Commission.
The board addressed a recurring audit finding regarding the lack of a formal fixed asset policy.
A draft of the first-ever fixed asset policy is being developed in-house.
A draft of the fixed asset policy is expected to be presented for review around May 4th.
The board discussed the suspension of official social media use due to administrative capacity and legal risks under Right to Know laws.
Official social media use remains suspended until a standardized communication plan or toolset is implemented.
The board is looking for tools or a formal policy to address these legal and administrative challenges.
Debate over salt/sand application methods, road service levels, and the ecological impact on Lake Sunapee.
The board acknowledged the need to balance road quality with protecting the lake.
a speaker is looking into pricing for metering technology to see if cost savings could offset the initial investment.
Discussion on the financing and technical requirements for paving Lake Avenue, including drainage and ADA compliance.
The board identified the need to coordinate with the Highway Department regarding paving priorities and financing.
The board will meet with Mike to discuss paving plans, manhole covers, and Lake Avenue financing.
Discussion regarding the potential purchase of a lot (103B) for remote harbor parking.
The board agreed that any offer should likely be a contingent agreement subject to public approval and review by the Planning and Conservation Commissions.
The board will decide whether to pursue the sale of other town property or proceed with investigating the parking lot purchase.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Sunapee Forward Coordination
Harbor Ordinance Management
Road Maintenance and Salt Usage
Community vs. board tension
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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grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4-fast, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-24.
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