Select Board — May 26, 2026
Warner residents present 200-signature petition against DNCR bike trail as Select Board defers on major repair costs and property disputes.
The meeting featured spirited public testimony regarding land use and property rights, including the presentation of a 200-signature petition.
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At the May 26 Select Board meeting, significant community concerns were brought to the floor, yet many remain unresolved.
First, the issue of the proposed DNCR bike trail continues to cause friction. Despite a petition with approximately 200 signatures being presented by residents who oppose the project due to land-clearing concerns, the Board has not provided a definitive answer on the project's status. Residents expressed frustration over conflicting reports regarding whether the application was even approved for public comment. For now, the Board has simply agreed to seek 'clarification' from the DNCR.
Second, the town is facing significant unresolved costs following the Highway Garage fire. A quote of $47,041.05 for pressure washing and deep cleaning has been presented, and the Board is currently debating whether Primex should be held responsible for these costs.
Finally, the Board’s delay in addressing property boundary discrepancies is having real-world consequences. At least one resident reported that they are unable to sell their property because the Town's maps do not match historical records. The Board has deferred action until they can assess the Town's legal liability. We will continue to track these developments to ensure the Board prioritizes transparency and resident needs.
Public impact
Significant cleaning costs ($47,041.05) and unresolved insulation issues.
The board received the update but made no formal decision on the cleaning costs.
Herm Blanchette will contact Primex regarding the insulation and cleaning costs.
Development of town-wide communication infrastructure.
The board was informed that design and pricing would be available in early June 2026.
Topics discussed
An update on repairs to the Highway Garage following a fire, including insulation uncertainty and cleaning costs.
The board received a status update; no formal decision was made regarding the cleaning cost.
Herm Blanchette will contact Primex regarding the insulation and the cleaning costs.
An update regarding the timeline for the cell tower design and pricing.
The first design plan and pricing are expected to be available in early June 2026.
Updates on staffing vacancies for Land Use, Welfare, and Budget Committee Clerk.
The board was informed of the current recruitment status for these roles.
A motion to distribute a Request for Proposals (RFP) for payroll services.
The motion to send out the RFP was passed.
The RFP will be distributed; Bixby suggested posting it on the Town website.
A discussion regarding a property boundary discrepancy involving Robert Holmes, Mary Allen, and the McBrides.
The Board could not make a determination yet and requested further information regarding town liability.
Robert Holmes will provide the Select Board with a clear outline of liabilities to the Town; Alfred Hanson will review Conservation Commission minutes.
Resident concerns regarding a proposed state-managed bike trail and conflicting information from the DNCR.
The board agreed that clarification from the DNCR is necessary.
The Select Board will seek clarification from the DNCR; Molly Sanders offered to act as a point of contact.
An update on the relocation of the Merrimack/Belknap County Community Action Program office.
No changes in services are expected due to the move.
A request by Osa Fitch to correct a long-standing error in the town's tax parcel mapping.
The board noted that corrections must be made through the formal abatement process once the tax mapping company responds.
The Town is waiting to hear back from the tax mapping company.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Proposed DNCR Bike Trail
Property Boundary and Conservation Easement Dispute
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, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4-fast, gemma-4-26b · analyzed 2026-06-08.
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