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Select Board — July 28, 2026

Split vote on Human Services Director and $39k in facility safety repairs

The meeting was largely procedural, with standard public input and most votes being unanimous.

Date Tuesday, July 28, 2026 Public comments 6 Decisions 10 Routine

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Ask MeetingWatch answers from this meeting’s report, transcript, and records — with linked sources.

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

A summary of key decisions from the July 28 Select Board meeting:

Personnel & Budget: The Select Board voted 2-1 to appoint Molly Loz as the new Human Services Director at a stipend of $1,200 per month. Additionally, the board approved $39,873 in withdrawals from Capital Reserve Funds to address essential repairs at the Highway Garage and Transfer Station. These repairs include water filtration, AC, and windows, addressing safety needs that have been flagged previously, such as the lack of a functional eyewash station.

Public Concerns: During the discussion on wildlife baiting permits, a resident raised questions regarding existing town policies and the potential problems caused by baiting on town-owned land. Despite these concerns, the Board granted permission for baiting at the North Road and Cunningham Pond Road sites.

Infrastructure Note: On a positive note, the board received a presentation regarding the upcoming $6.2 million replacement of the Route 127 bridge. The town confirmed it will not incur any of the costs for this project.

Jul 28, 2026 6 public comments 10 decisions Routine
Notable statements Drag to browse

“this is long overdue and he hopes that the sprinkler system will be addressed next.”

— Mike Smith · Discussing the motions to withdraw funds for facility improvements. 00:00
This meeting — choose a section

Public ⁠impact

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

$39,873 total for repairs

What happened

The board approved two separate withdrawals totaling $39,873.

What was discussed

$6.2 million project (zero cost to town)

What happened

The town confirmed it will not incur the project cost, and bids are expected by mid-August.

What was discussed

Potential zoning changes requiring voter approval

What happened

The committee will proceed with continued community engagement.

Topics ⁠discussed

Each topic expands to quotes and full context.
Speakers: Herm Blanchette, Ed Mical, Alfred Hanson, Rick Bixby, Mike Smith
What was discussed

A request to use Capital Reserve Funds for water filtration, windows, AC, and other repairs at the Highway Garage and Transfer Station.

What happened

The board approved two separate withdrawals: $33,788 from the DPW Facility Improvement CRF and $6,085 from the Transfer Station Facility Project CRF.

Speakers: Herm Blanchette, Alfred Hanson, Rick Bixby
What was discussed

An update on facility repairs and vehicle maintenance status.

What happened

The Select Board expressed agreement with the concerns regarding equipment readiness for winter.

Speakers: Margaret Bastien, Alfred Hanson
What was discussed

Report on pending Planning Board cases and Land Use Administrator updates.

What happened

The Board requested that the Land Use Administrator's office hours be posted on the town website.

Speakers: Alfred Hanson, Rick Bixby, Michael Smith
What was discussed

Discussion and vote on appointing a new Human Services Director.

What happened

Molly Loz was appointed as Human Services Director at a stipend of $1,200 per month.

Speakers: Alfred Hanson, Elizabeth Labbe, Herm Blanchette
What was discussed

Discussion of new state laws regarding building on Class VI roads and the drafting of a town waiver.

What happened

The board determined the topic requires further discussion with other Town departments.

Speakers: Ian Rogers, Laura Hallahan, Rick Bixby
What was discussed

A report on housing affordability, survey results, and regulatory assessments.

What happened

The committee will continue community engagement regarding potential changes.

Speakers: Jason Tremblay, Alfred Hanson, Ed Mical
What was discussed

A presentation on the upcoming full replacement of the bridge over the Warner River.

What happened

The town will not incur the $6.2 million cost of the replacement.

Speakers: Ian Forgey, Gus Forgey, Mike Smith, Barb Marty, Alfred Hanson, Rick Bixby
What was discussed

Requests for permission to bait wildlife on town-owned land.

What happened

The Board granted permission for both the North Road and Cunningham Pond Road sites.

Controversy & ⁠dissent

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

Potentially controversial issues

01

Wildlife Baiting Permits

Residents expressed concern regarding the potential problems caused by baiting on town-owned land and questioned the clarity of existing town policies.
Board position: The board granted permission for the requested permits, noting that state authorities hold primary oversight.
low concern

Split votes

Appointment of Molly Loz as Human Services Director
2-1

Public ⁠comment

What residents said — verbatim, with timestamps.
6
Speakers
6
Comments
4
Addressed
1
Partial
1
Not addressed
Ed Mical
Addressed
Ed Mical spoke in support of the proposed facility improvements. He noted that the water issues at the Highway Garage and Transfer Station need to be addressed and emphasized that these improvements are necessary for employee health and safety. Key concern
Support for funding facility improvements for health and safety reasons.
Board response
The board proceeded to vote on and approve the withdrawal of funds from the Capital Reserve Funds for the requested improvements.
The board moved forward with the funding motions requested by the department head following the public hearing.
Margaret Bastien
Not addressed
Margaret Bastien spoke regarding the CATCH Housing project. She suggested the establishment of an escrow account for the project. Key concern
Establishing an escrow account for CATCH Housing.
There is no record in the minutes of the board responding to this specific suggestion during this session.
Joanne Hinnendael
Addressed
Joanne Hinnendael raised concerns about a construction project near Melvin Mills where she believes no permits have been issued. She also discussed potential impacts of Class VI roads on the school district. Key concern
Questioning permit status for a local construction project and the impact of Class VI roads.
Board response
Alfred Hanson stated he would look into the permit/intent to cut issue, and Elizabeth Labbe forwarded the inquiry to the state forester.
The board took direct action by promising an investigation and forwarding the inquiry to the appropriate state authority.
Ian Forgey
Addressed
Ian Forgey requested town permission to submit an application to the state for a permit to bait wildlife on two sites off North Road and Cunningham Pond Road. Key concern
Request for Select Board permission for a wildlife baiting permit.
Board response
The board voted to grant permission for the permit on Cunningham Pond Road and separately for the permit on North Road.
The board acted on the request by making motions and voting to grant the requested permission.
Gus Forgey
Addressed
Gus Forgey requested permission from the Town as a landowner for a NH Fish & Game permit to bait wildlife on two sites. Key concern
Request for Select Board permission for a wildlife baiting permit.
Board response
The board voted to grant permission for the permit on Cunningham Pond Road and separately for the permit on North Road.
The board acted on the request by making motions and voting to grant the requested permission.
Barb Marty
Partial
Barb Marty expressed concern that baiting could lead to problems. She also inquired about where the town ordinance or policy regarding baiting on town land is located. Key concern
Potential issues with baiting and a request for clarification on town policy/ordinances regarding baiting.
Board response
Alfred Hanson explained that baiting has been allowed and that Fish and Game holds the primary authority.
The board provided an explanation of current practice and authority, but did not explicitly answer the specific question regarding the location of the ordinance/policy.

Decisions ⁠logged

Every recorded vote, with timestamps and dissents.
00:00
Open the public hearing regarding DPW and Transfer Station facility improvements.
Motion to open public hearing at 6:03 PM.
Hanson YES, Bixby YES, Smith YES
00:00
Close the public hearing regarding facility improvements.
Motion to close public hearing at 6:12 PM.
Hanson YES, Bixby YES, Smith YES
00:00
Withdraw $33,788 from the DPW Facility Improvement CRF.
For Highway Garage improvements.
Smith YES, Bixby YES, Hanson YES
00:00
Withdraw $6,085 from the Transfer Station Facility Project CRF.
For Transfer Station improvements.
Smith YES, Bixby YES, Hanson YES
Appoint Molly Loz as Human Services Director.
Stipend of $1,200/month.
Bixby YES, Smith NO, Hanson YES
Refund Mr. Rampus $177.53 plus 4% interest.
Interest calculated from July 6, 2026, to date check is sent.
Bixby YES, Smith YES, Hanson YES
Grant permission to Gustoff Forgey for 2026 wildlife baiting permit on town land off Cunningham Pond Road.
Bixby YES, Smith YES, Hanson YES
Grant permission to Ian Forgey for 2026 wildlife baiting permit on town owned land off North Road.
Bixby YES, Smith YES, Hanson YES
Approve Consent Agenda items 1 and 2.
Employee Health Expendable Trust Fund and Town Hall Improvements CRF requests.
Smith ABSTAIN, Bixby YES, Hanson YES
Approve July 28, 2026 Manifest.
Accounts Payable and Payroll.
Smith ABSTAIN, Bixby YES, Hanson YES

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split votes and internal board division
At the July 28 Select Board meeting, the board voted 2-1 to appoint Molly Loz as Human Services Director at a $1,200/month stipend. While two members supported the move, Mike Smith voted against the appointment. #WarnerNH #LocalGov https://meetingwatch.org/nh/warner/select-board/2026-07-28/ #MeetingWatch
305/280 chars
fiscal decisions and facility safety
The Select Board approved $39,873 in Capital Reserve Fund withdrawals for Highway Garage and Transfer Station repairs on 7/28. The funds will cover water filtration, AC, and windows, following reports of safety compliance issues like... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/warner/select-board/2026-07-28/ #MeetingWatch
310/280 chars
community concerns raised but dismissed
During the 7/28 Select Board meeting, a resident raised concerns about the impact of wildlife baiting on town-owned land. Despite these concerns regarding town policy, the board granted permits for the North Road and Cunningham Pond Road... https://meetingwatch.org/nh/warner/select-board/2026-07-28/ #MeetingWatch
314/280 chars

X thread

1
What happened at the July 28 Select Board meeting in Warner? While much was procedural, three key areas deserve resident attention: a split vote on personnel, safety-related spending, and ignored community concerns. 🧵 #MeetingWatch #WarnerNH
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1/ Personnel: The Board voted 2-1 to appoint Molly Loz as Human Services Director with a $1,200/month stipend. The appointment passed, but Board member Mike Smith was the lone dissenting vote.
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2/ Facilities: The Board approved $39,873 in withdrawals for the Highway Garage and Transfer Station. The repairs—including water filtration and AC—address long-overdue safety needs, including a previously noted lack of a working eyewash station.
246/280
4
3/ Public Input: A resident questioned the town's policy on wildlife baiting and raised concerns about its impact on town-owned land. The Board moved forward and granted permits for sites on North Road and Cunningham Pond Road regardless. #LocalGov https://meetingwatch.org/nh/warner/select-board/2026-07-28/
272/280

Facebook — long form

A summary of key decisions from the July 28 Select Board meeting:

Personnel & Budget: The Select Board voted 2-1 to appoint Molly Loz as the new Human Services Director at a stipend of $1,200 per month. Additionally, the board approved $39,873 in withdrawals from Capital Reserve Funds to address essential repairs at the Highway Garage and Transfer Station. These repairs include water filtration, AC, and windows, addressing safety needs that have been flagged previously, such as the lack of a functional eyewash station.

Public Concerns: During the discussion on wildlife baiting permits, a resident raised questions regarding existing town policies and the potential problems caused by baiting on town-owned land. Despite these concerns, the Board granted permission for baiting at the North Road and Cunningham Pond Road sites.

Infrastructure Note: On a positive note, the board received a presentation regarding the upcoming $6.2 million replacement of the Route 127 bridge. The town confirmed it will not incur any of the costs for this project. https://meetingwatch.org/nh/warner/select-board/2026-07-28/ #MeetingWatch #WarnerNH

Action ⁠items

Who owes what, by when.
Post Land Use Administrator office hours on the town website.
Assigned: Margaret Bastien
Amend the Class VI road waiver draft to include police and fire services.
Assigned: Elizabeth Labbe
Look into whether an 'intent to cut' is required for a construction project at the end of Melvin Mills.
Assigned: Alfred Hanson
Check project history file regarding school bus traffic for the Route 127 Bridge Project.
Assigned: Jason Tremblay

Member ⁠positions

9 issues · 33 explicit · 0 inferred
Present
Public Hearing: Capital Reserve Fund Withdrawals for Facility Improvements YES
Public Hearing: Capital Reserve Fund Withdrawals for Facility Improvements YES
Withdraw $33,788 from the DPW Facility Improvement CRF YES
Withdraw $6,085 from the Transfer Station Facility Project CRF YES
Appoint Molly Loz as Human Services Director YES
Refund Mr. Rampus $177.53 plus 4% interest YES
Grant permission to Gustoff Forgey for 2026 wildlife baiting permit YES
Grant permission to Ian Forgey for 2026 wildlife baiting permit YES
Approve Consent Agenda items 1 and 2 YES
Approve July 28, 2026 Manifest YES
Present
Public Hearing: Capital Reserve Fund Withdrawals for Facility Improvements YES
Public Hearing: Capital Reserve Fund Withdrawals for Facility Improvements YES
Withdraw $33,788 from the DPW Facility Improvement CRF YES
Withdraw $6,085 from the Transfer Station Facility Project CRF YES
Appoint Molly Loz as Human Services Director YES
Refund Mr. Rampus $177.53 plus 4% interest YES
Grant permission to Gustoff Forgey for 2026 wildlife baiting permit YES
Grant permission to Ian Forgey for 2026 wildlife baiting permit YES
Approve Consent Agenda items 1 and 2 YES
Approve July 28, 2026 Manifest YES
Michael Smith
Member
Present
Public Hearing: Capital Reserve Fund Withdrawals for Facility Improvements YES
Public Hearing: Capital Reserve Fund Withdrawals for Facility Improvements YES
Withdraw $33,788 from the DPW Facility Improvement CRF YES
Withdraw $6,085 from the Transfer Station Facility Project CRF YES
Appoint Molly Loz as Human Services Director NO
Refund Mr. Rampus $177.53 plus 4% interest YES
Grant permission to Gustoff Forgey for 2026 wildlife baiting permit YES
Grant permission to Ian Forgey for 2026 wildlife baiting permit YES
Approve Consent Agenda items 1 and 2 ABSTAIN
Approve July 28, 2026 Manifest ABSTAIN
Present
Withdraw $33,788 from the DPW Facility Improvement CRF YES
Stated the repairs were long overdue.
Present
Public Hearing: Capital Reserve Fund Withdrawals for Facility Improvements YES
Appoint Molly Loz as Human Services Director YES

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 xai.grok-4.3, gemma-4-26b, grok-4.20-0309-reasoning, grok-4.20-0309-non-reasoning · analyzed 2026-08-06.