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Select Board — March 31, 2026

The meeting was marked by significant tension regarding the attempted restriction of an elected member's rights and intense public questioning of board motives.

Date Tuesday, March 31, 2026 Public comments 12 Decisions 14 Spirited
📄 Minutes

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

The March 31 Select Board meeting in Warner was marked by high tension and a decision that could have had serious legal and financial consequences for our town.

During the meeting, the Board initially voted 2-1 to restrict Select Board member Michael Smith’s access to town buildings, effectively barring an elected official from entering Town Hall except for specific meetings. The decision was based on allegations of document tampering, but it was met with intense opposition from residents. Public speakers argued that this action functioned as an unauthorized 'restraining order' against an elected official and warned that the move could expose the town to massive, costly lawsuits.

Following legal counsel's advice and significant public debate, the Board ultimately voted to rescind the motion and tabled the discussion until the April 14 meeting. This incident highlights a deep division within the Board and raises serious questions about whether decisions are being made based on legal procedure or personal grievances. We will be watching closely as the Board revisits this issue next month.

Mar 31, 2026 12 public comments 14 decisions Spirited
❝ Notable statements ↔ Drag to browse

“I am not holding a vendetta and I am not trying to hurt anyone’s feelings. I am doing what I think is best for the town.”

— Alfred Hanson · Defending the motion to restrict Select Board member Michael Smith's access to Town Hall.

“The Board is opening the Town up to a massive lawsuit... [this] prevents Mike Smith, who is an elected official from conducting and executing his duties.”

— James Gaffney · Opposing the motion to restrict Michael Smith's access to town buildings.

“The actions taken by the Select Board are in an effort to protect the Town... This is a temporary step until the legal matters are resolved.”

— Sara McNeil · Supporting the restriction of Michael Smith due to allegations of document tampering.
This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

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

Installation of a 205-foot structure at the Transfer Station.

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Speakers: Herm Blanchette, Clyde Carson, Alfred Hanson
What was discussed

Director of Public Works Herm Blanchette and Finance Director Clyde Carson provided an update on the March 18 fire, noting a lost dump truck, heavy smoke damage, and the ongoing insurance and remediation process.

Speakers: David Carle, Alfred Hanson
What was discussed

David Carle proposed an amendment to the Rules of Procedure regarding meeting attendance via electronic means to align with RSA 91-a.

Speakers: Alfred Hanson, Rick Bixby, Michael Smith, James Gaffney, Attorney Michael Courtney, Barb Marty, Sara McNeil, John Leavitt
What was discussed

The Board initially voted to restrict Select Board member Michael Smith's access to town buildings, but following public debate and legal counsel advice, the motion was rescinded and tabled.

Speakers: Barb Marty, Barak Greene, Ian Rogers, Bob Holmes, Sherry Colfer
What was discussed

The Board reviewed and voted on various appointments and reappointments for the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Planning Board, and Library Trustees.

Speakers: Alfred Hanson, Ed Mical, Barb Marty
What was discussed

The Board discussed the proposed 205-foot cell tower height and the possibility of having Verizon pay for town radio repeaters.

Speakers: Alfred Hanson, Rick Bixby, Elizabeth Labbe, Clyde Carson
What was discussed

Discussion of the 2024 audit report, specifically regarding estimated town revenue and credit card usage policies.

Speakers: Charlie Albano, Alfred Hanson, Rick Bixby
What was discussed

Discussion regarding the next steps for the citizen's petition regarding Education Freedom Accounts.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

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

Potentially controversial issues

01

Restriction on use of town buildings by Select Board member Michael Smith

The board attempted to bar an elected official from accessing town buildings, sparking intense debate regarding the legality of such an action, potential personal vendettas, and the ability of an official to perform their duties.
Board position: Initially voted to restrict access to protect town documents from alleged tampering, but rescinded the motion following legal counsel and public outcry.
Internal dissent
The initial motion to restrict access passed 2-1, with Michael Smith voting NO and Alfred Hanson and Rick Bixby voting YES.
high concern
02

Proposed 205-foot Cell Tower

Residents expressed concerns regarding the exact location and impact of the proposed infrastructure.
Board position: The board provided clarification that it would be located at the Transfer Station to improve service.
medium concern

Split votes

Restriction on the Use of Town Buildings by Michael Smith (Initial Motion)
2-1

Community vs. board tension

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
12
Total speakers
7
Addressed
2
Partial
3
Not addressed
Joann Hinnendael
Addressed
The speaker requested clarification regarding the specific location of the proposed cell tower. She wanted to know where exactly it would be placed. Key concern
Location of the proposed cell tower.
Board response
Alfred Hanson explained that the tower will be located at the Transfer Station to improve service in that area.
The board provided the specific location and the reasoning behind it.
Barb Marty
Addressed
The speaker expressed concern that restricting Selectman Mike Smith's access to town buildings felt like a restraining order against an elected official. She argued that Town Hall is a public space and that Smith should be able to attend his committee meetings. Key concern
The legality and fairness of restricting an elected official's access to public buildings.
Board response
The Board consulted the Town Attorney, who explained the legal authority under RSA 41:11-a but suggested an amendment to allow committee attendance. Following discussion, the Board voted to rescind the motion and table the discussion until April 14.
The board responded by consulting legal counsel and ultimately rescinding the motion that caused the concern.
Rebecca Courser
Addressed
The speaker noted that Selectmen traditionally use Town Hall for various reasons and expressed confusion for the public regarding the situation. She specifically asked if Mike Smith would still be allowed to perform basic tasks like picking up paperwork. Key concern
Clarity on the specific limitations of the restriction and the precedent it sets.
Board response
Alfred Hanson and the Town Attorney clarified that Smith is permitted to access the building for Select Board business and committee meetings, but not for non-meeting purposes.
The board/attorney provided specific clarifications on what the restriction would and would not allow.
James Gaffney
Addressed
The speaker argued that the motion to restrict a board member is speculative and potentially unlawful under RSA 643:1. He warned that the town is opening itself up to a significant lawsuit. Key concern
The legality of the motion and the potential for litigation against the town.
Board response
The board engaged in discussion and, following the legal advice provided during the session, voted to rescind the motion.
The board took action to rescind the motion that the speaker identified as a legal risk.
Mark Allen
Not addressed
The speaker criticized Selectman Mike Smith's commitment to his duties, noting his frequent absences and use of Zoom. He pointed out that the audience was debating the rights of an official who was not even present in the room. Key concern
The performance and presence of Selectman Mike Smith at meetings.
The board did not provide a direct response to the criticism of Smith's attendance/performance during the public comment section.
John Leavitt
Partial
The speaker stated that Selectmen duties require more than just attending meetings, such as research and speaking with department heads. He expressed that the situation appeared to be a personal vendetta between board members. Key concern
The impact of the restriction on a Selectman's ability to perform research and duties, and the perceived personal vendetta.
Board response
Alfred Hanson denied having a vendetta and stated he was doing what he thought was best for the town; the motion was eventually rescinded.
While the board addressed the functional impact by rescinding the motion, they did not address the allegation of a 'vendetta' beyond a denial.
Sara McNeil
Addressed
The speaker cited high legal fees and recent allegations regarding Mr. Smith's conduct, including tampering with official documents. She argued that the Select Board's actions are a necessary step to protect town documents. Key concern
Protecting town documents and responding to allegations of tampering by a Selectman.
Board response
The board's previous motion (which was later rescinded) was the direct response to these concerns, and the Chairman indicated the issue would be revisited after legal matters are resolved.
The speaker's viewpoint was acknowledged as the context for the board's actions, and the board clarified they would revisit the matter after legal proceedings.
Barb Marty
Addressed
The speaker asked if the current restrictions on Mike Smith were intended to be a temporary measure and suggested the board reconsider the motion after his upcoming hearing on April 7th. Key concern
The duration of the restrictions and the timing for reconsideration.
Board response
Alfred Hanson confirmed the measures are temporary and stated the board would reconsider the motion once legal matters are resolved.
The Chairman directly answered the question regarding the temporary nature and the timeline for reconsideration.
Ian Rogers
Not addressed
The speaker stated that based on his reading of the newspapers, he did not believe the Selectmen were acting out of a vendetta. Key concern
The perception of a personal vendetta between board members.
This was a statement of opinion and did not require a response from the board.
John Leavitt
Not addressed
The speaker expressed concern that the Chairman was tabling items on the agenda without allowing for discussion. Key concern
Procedural transparency and the Chairman's handling of the agenda.
The board did not respond to this procedural critique during the meeting.
James Gaffney
Partial
The speaker pointed out that the committee appointments made earlier in the meeting lacked specified term lengths. He argued the appointments need to be redone to be legally valid. Key concern
The legality of committee appointments due to missing term information.
Board response
Alfred Hanson disputed the necessity but agreed to look into the matter.
The board acknowledged the concern and promised to investigate, but did not immediately redo the appointments.
Charlie Albano
Addressed
The speaker offered thanks to the Chairman for running a great meeting. Key concern
None (Compliment).
While not a 'concern,' the speaker's comment was received as part of the proceedings.

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
Restriction on the Use of Town Buildings by Michael Smith (Initial Motion)
The motion sought to restrict Smith's access to town buildings except for attending Select Board meetings and specific legal meetings.
Passed (2-1: Bixby YES, Smith NO, Hanson YES)
Reappointment of Barb Marty to Zoning Board of Adjustment
Unanimous vote for reappointment.
Passed (3-0)
Reappointment of Barak Greene to Planning Board
Unanimous vote for reappointment.
Passed (3-0)
Appointment of Ian Rogers to ZBA Alternate
Unanimous vote for appointment.
Passed (3-0)
Appointment of Bob Holmes to Planning Board
Unanimous vote for appointment from alternate to full member.
Passed (3-0)
Appointment of Sherry Colfer as Library Trustee Alternate
Unanimous vote (Smith was absent/excused).
Passed (2-0)
Motion to send Education Freedom Accounts petition results to the Governor's office
Unanimous vote.
Passed (2-0)
Reimbursement for Herm Blanchette's personal cell phone
Unanimous vote.
Passed (2-0)
Grant Raffle Permit for Kearsarge Indian Museum
Unanimous vote for a one-year period.
Passed (2-0)
Approval of March 31 Consent Agenda
Unanimous vote.
Passed (2-0)
Approval of March 31 Manifest
Unanimous vote.
Passed (2-0)
Approval of March 17 Meeting Minutes
Unanimous vote.
Passed (2-0)
Rescind motion regarding restriction of Michael Smith's access to town buildings
Unanimous vote to rescind the previously passed motion.
Passed (2-0)
Table discussion regarding Michael Smith's building access
Unanimous vote to table until the April 14, 2026 meeting.
Passed (2-0)

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Off-agenda/unusual decision-making and attempt to restrict elected official
At the March 31 Select Board meeting, the Board initially voted 2-1 to bar elected official Michael Smith from accessing town buildings. After public outcry and legal warnings regarding potential lawsuits, the motion was rescinded and... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/warner/select-board/2026-03-31/ #MeetingWatch
311/280 chars
Community concerns regarding legality and fiscal risk
Warner residents raised serious concerns at the 3/31 Select Board meeting, arguing that attempting to restrict an elected official's access to Town Hall was an unlawful 'restraining order' that could expose the town to massive lawsuits... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/warner/select-board/2026-03-31/ #MeetingWatch
312/280 chars
Split votes and internal board divisions
During the March 31 meeting, the Warner Select Board remains divided. A 2-1 vote to restrict Select Board member Michael Smith's building access highlights deep internal tensions and questions regarding the board's direction. #WarnerNH... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/warner/select-board/2026-03-31/ #MeetingWatch
312/280 chars

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1
The March 31 Warner Select Board meeting was one of the most contentious in recent memory. The Board attempted a move that could have exposed the town to significant legal liability. Here is what happened. 🧵 #MeetingWatch #WarnerNH
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2
The Board initially voted 2-1 to restrict Select Board member Michael Smith's access to town buildings, limiting him only to specific meetings. This move was sparked by allegations of document tampering, but it drew immediate backlash from the public.
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3
Residents argued the move was an unlawful attempt to sideline an elected official and warned it could open the town to massive lawsuits. After legal counsel advised the Board, they voted to rescind the motion and tabled the matter until April 14.
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With the Board split 2-1 on this issue and residents questioning whether personal animosity is driving policy, the tension in Warner remains high. We will continue to monitor the follow-up meeting on April 14. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/warner/select-board/2026-03-31/
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Facebook — long form

The March 31 Select Board meeting in Warner was marked by high tension and a decision that could have had serious legal and financial consequences for our town. 

During the meeting, the Board initially voted 2-1 to restrict Select Board member Michael Smith’s access to town buildings, effectively barring an elected official from entering Town Hall except for specific meetings. The decision was based on allegations of document tampering, but it was met with intense opposition from residents. Public speakers argued that this action functioned as an unauthorized 'restraining order' against an elected official and warned that the move could expose the town to massive, costly lawsuits.

Following legal counsel's advice and significant public debate, the Board ultimately voted to rescind the motion and tabled the discussion until the April 14 meeting. This incident highlights a deep division within the Board and raises serious questions about whether decisions are being made based on legal procedure or personal grievances. We will be watching closely as the Board revisits this issue next month. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/warner/select-board/2026-03-31/ #MeetingWatch #WarnerNH

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Provide a list of Primex-covered items and suggested upgrades to the Select Board.
Assigned: Herm Blanchette
Contact the radio company to request pricing for a town repeater installation.
Assigned: Ed Mical
Look into whether committee appointment votes need to include specific term lengths to be lawful.
Assigned: Alfred Hanson
Revisit the discussion on electronic meeting attendance policy.
Assigned: Select Board · Due: 2026-04-14
Revisit discussion regarding restriction of Michael Smith's access to town buildings.
Assigned: Select Board · Due: 2026-04-14

Member ⁠positions

13 issues · 3 explicit · 36 inferred · 3 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
Restriction on the Use of Town Buildings by Michael Smith (Initial Motion) YES ✓
Supported restricting access to protect town interests.
Rescind motion regarding restriction of Michael Smith's access to town buildings UNCLEAR
Voted to rescind the restriction.
Table discussion regarding Michael Smith's building access YES ~
Voted to table the discussion.
Reappointment of Barb Marty to Zoning Board of Adjustment YES ~
Supported reappointment.
Reappointment of Barak Greene to Planning Board YES ~
Supported reappointment.
Appointment of Ian Rogers to ZBA Alternate YES ~
Supported appointment.
Appointment of Bob Holmes to Planning Board YES ~
Supported appointment.
Motion to send Education Freedom Accounts petition results to the Governor's office YES ~
Supported sending petition results.
Reimbursement for Herm Blanchette's personal cell phone YES ~
Supported reimbursement.
Grant Raffle Permit for Kearsarge Indian Museum YES ~
Supported grant raffle permit.
Approval of March 31 Consent Agenda YES ~
Approved consent agenda.
Approval of March 31 Manifest YES ~
Approved manifest.
Approval of March 17 Meeting Minutes YES ~
Approved minutes.
Present
Restriction on the Use of Town Buildings by Michael Smith (Initial Motion) YES ✓
Supported restricting access.
Rescind motion regarding restriction of Michael Smith's access to town buildings UNCLEAR
Voted to rescind the restriction.
Table discussion regarding Michael Smith's building access YES ~
Voted to table the discussion.
Reappointment of Barb Marty to Zoning Board of Adjustment YES ~
Supported reappointment.
Reappointment of Barak Greene to Planning Board YES ~
Supported reappointment.
Appointment of Ian Rogers to ZBA Alternate YES ~
Supported appointment.
Appointment of Bob Holmes to Planning Board YES ~
Supported appointment.
Motion to send Education Freedom Accounts petition results to the Governor's office YES ~
Supported sending petition results.
Reimbursement for Herm Blanchette's personal cell phone YES ~
Supported reimbursement.
Grant Raffle Permit for Kearsarge Indian Museum YES ~
Supported grant raffle permit.
Approval of March 31 Consent Agenda YES ~
Approved consent agenda.
Approval of March 31 Manifest YES ~
Approved manifest.
Approval of March 17 Meeting Minutes YES ~
Approved minutes.
Michael Smith
Member
Present
Restriction on the Use of Town Buildings by Michael Smith (Initial Motion) NO ✓
Opposed the restriction of his own access.
Rescind motion regarding restriction of Michael Smith's access to town buildings UNCLEAR
Voted to rescind the restriction.
Table discussion regarding Michael Smith's building access YES ~
Voted to table the discussion.
Reappointment of Barb Marty to Zoning Board of Adjustment YES ~
Supported reappointment.
Reappointment of Barak Greene to Planning Board YES ~
Supported reappointment.
Appointment of Ian Rogers to ZBA Alternate YES ~
Supported appointment.
Appointment of Bob Holmes to Planning Board YES ~
Supported appointment.
Motion to send Education Freedom Accounts petition results to the Governor's office YES ~
Supported sending petition results.
Reimbursement for Herm Blanchette's personal cell phone YES ~
Supported reimbursement.
Grant Raffle Permit for Kearsarge Indian Museum YES ~
Supported grant raffle permit.
Approval of March 31 Consent Agenda YES ~
Approved consent agenda.
Approval of March 31 Manifest YES ~
Approved manifest.
Approval of March 17 Meeting Minutes YES ~
Approved minutes.

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-4.20-0309-reasoning · analyzed 2026-06-01.