Select Board — May 26, 2026
The meeting featured spirited public testimony regarding land use and property rights, including the presentation of a 200-signature petition.
Public impact
Highway Garage Fire Repair
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An update was provided on the repairs following a fire at the Highway Garage. There is an ongoing dispute regarding whether Primex should cover a $47,041.05 quote for deep cleaning and pressure washing.
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.
Cell Tower Project
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Chairman Hanson provided a status update on the timeline for the cell tower design and pricing.
The board was informed that design and pricing would be available in early June 2026.
Decisions logged
Topics discussed
Highway Garage Fire Repair Update
An update on repairs to the Highway Garage following a fire, including insulation uncertainty and cleaning costs.
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Herm Blanchette reported that the insulation situation remains unresolved and expressed a need to contact Primex regarding the decision. A quote of $47,041.05 was presented for pressure washing and deep cleaning the floors, which Blanchette believes Primex should cover.
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.
Cell Tower Update
An update regarding the timeline for the cell tower design and pricing.
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Chairman Hanson provided a brief status update on the progress of the cell tower project.
The first design plan and pricing are expected to be available in early June 2026.
Open Town Positions
Updates on staffing vacancies for Land Use, Welfare, and Budget Committee Clerk.
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The Land Use position is moving to a second interview stage after one candidate withdrew. The Welfare position remains open, and the Budget Committee Chairman is handling the seasonal clerk role.
The board was informed of the current recruitment status for these roles.
Payroll RFP
A motion to distribute a Request for Proposals (RFP) for payroll services.
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The board discussed sending out an RFP to allow payroll companies to submit quotes to the Town. Rick Bixby suggested that the RFP be posted on the Town's website.
The motion to send out the RFP was passed.
The RFP will be distributed; Bixby suggested posting it on the Town website.
Property Survey & Conservation Easement Dispute
A discussion regarding a property boundary discrepancy involving Robert Holmes, Mary Allen, and the McBrides.
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Robert Holmes and Mary Allen presented a survey showing an acreage discrepancy between town tax maps and forestry maps. They argued that a 1959 conveyance was ignored in a 1980s subdivision, affecting a conservation easement held by the Town on neighboring McBride land. The homeowners are seeking the Town's acknowledgment of these boundaries to avoid litigation and enable a property sale.
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.
Proposed DNCR Bike Trail
Resident concerns regarding a proposed state-managed bike trail and conflicting information from the DNCR.
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Sam Bower expressed frustration over conflicting reports regarding whether a DNCR bike trail application was approved for public comment or denied. He presented a petition with approximately 200 signatures opposing the project and expressed concerns about land clearing.
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.
CAPBM Office Relocation
An update on the relocation of the Merrimack/Belknap County Community Action Program office.
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Michael Tabory reported that CAPBM is moving its office to a space within the Kearsarge elderly housing facility on June 30, 2026. Discussion ensued regarding the rent CAP pays to the town and how it offsets the costs Warner pays for receiving services.
No changes in services are expected due to the move.
Roby Road Property Location Correction
A request by Osa Fitch to correct a long-standing error in the town's tax parcel mapping.
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Osa Fitch stated that his property is currently associated with the wrong tax parcel (16-021) and that the road descriptions in his deed need to match 1930s records rather than 1993 records. He proposed quitclaim deeds to neighbors to rectify the overlap.
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
Action items
Notable statements
Until this is resolved he would not be able to sell his property. — Robert Holmes · Regarding the impact of the boundary dispute on his ability to conduct real estate transactions.
The proposal was recommended for public comment not approved at public comment. — Molly Sanders · Clarifying the status of the DNCR bike trail application during public comment.
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, grok-4-fast, gemma-4-26b · analyzed 2026-06-08.