Select Board — July 21, 2026
Zoning conflicts and looming FEMA ordinance changes discussed by Select Board
The meeting consisted of routine administrative updates, presentations, and standard procedural votes with constructive engagement from the public.
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Important updates from the July 21 Select Board meeting regarding local governance and land use.
First, the Board addressed a conflict of interest involving the new land use secretary, who is an abutter in a pending case. To ensure the process remains fair and follows proper procedure, the Board decided that Judy Newman-Rogers will step in for Peg Bastien for this specific case. Town Counsel is currently reviewing the rules of procedure to provide clearer definitions regarding the 'appearance of conflict of interest' moving forward.
Second, residents living in or near floodplain areas should be aware of upcoming regulatory changes. Following the state's approval of the FEMA floodplain study, Warner is required to modify its town ordinances and site plan regulations by November 13, 2026. The Select Board is scheduled to meet in August to review these proposed modifications, which will directly impact local zoning and development.
Lastly, while the Board was largely unified on administrative matters, there was a 2-1 split vote regarding the motion to enter a non-public session. We will continue to monitor how the Board balances private discussions with the public's right to transparency.
Public impact
Required updates to town ordinances and site plan regulations to meet state compliance by November 2026.
The board received the update and was informed that revisions are largely prepared for review.
Ed Mical requested a meeting with the Select Board in August to address the specific modifications.
Topics discussed
Representatives from Checkmate presented their comprehensive payroll and technology services to the Select Board.
The Board received the presentation and requested a formal quote.
Checkmate is to provide a formal quote to the Select Board next week.
The Board discussed a conflict of interest involving a new land use secretary who is an abutter in a pending case.
The Select Board agreed that Judy Newman-Rogers will step in for Peg Bastien for this specific case.
Town Counsel is currently reviewing the rules of procedure for the Planning Board and ZBA.
The Board discussed the availability of Class VI roads for building and the necessity of department awareness regarding waivers.
The Board was advised to discuss this with various town departments (Fire, Police, Highway, etc.).
An update was provided regarding the FEMA floodplain study and the required modifications to town ordinances.
The Board was informed that the work is largely prepared and requires review of the revisions.
Ed Mical requested a meeting with the Select Board in August to address these modifications.
The Board reviewed and corrected an insurance contract to include previously omitted electrical and plumbing contractors.
The Board voted to withdraw the previous contract and accept the new contract dated July 20, 2026.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
Zoning Board of Adjustment Conflict of Interest
Split votes
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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xai.grok-4.3, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4.20-0309-non-reasoning · analyzed 2026-08-07.
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