Newfields public meetings in 2025
46 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Conservation Commission
The Newfields Conservation Commission will meet in-person to review and approve monitoring invoices. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall.
- Review and approve monitoring invoices
- In-person meeting at Town Hall
Select Board
The Select Board unanimously approved a $50,000 allocation to the Public Safety Building Expendable Trust Fund for planning and engineering work. It also approved reserve allocations of $50,000 for a fire truck, $4,000 for fire equipment, $10,000 for the Town Hall, $25,000 for road maintenance, $10,000 for ALS, and a $1,900 veterans tax credit. The Board set the library budget at $87,000, including $8,000 for HVAC replacement. Several items, such as the legal trust fund reduction and adoption of a town‑wide investment policy, were deferred for future discussion.
- Approved $50,000 Public Safety Building Expendable Trust Fund (unanimous)
- Approved $50,000 Fire Truck Capital Reserve (unanimous)
- Approved $4,000 Fire Department Equipment Capital Reserve (unanimous)
- Approved $10,000 Town Hall Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund (unanimous)
- Approved $25,000 Road Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund (unanimous)
- Approved $10,000 ALS Expendable Trust Fund (unanimous)
- Approved $1,900 veterans tax credit (unanimous)
- Approved $87,000 library budget, including $8,000 for HVAC (unanimous)
Public Safety Building Committee
The Public Safety Building Committee will approve the minutes from its prior meeting, examine updates on possible sites for a new public safety building, and review a warrant article. Members will also discuss any other open items, set the date for the next meeting, and conduct tours of the fire and police departments to identify deficiencies.
- Approve prior meeting minutes
- Review updates for possible sites for a public safety building
- Review warrant article
- Tour fire department and review deficiencies
- Tour police department and review deficiencies
Public Safety Building Committee
The Public Safety Building Committee will approve the minutes from its prior meeting. It will review updates on possible locations for a new public safety building and consider a warrant article. The committee will tour the fire department and the police department to identify deficiencies. The meeting will end with scheduling the next meeting.
- Approve prior meeting minutes
- Review updates for possible sites
- Review warrant article
- Tour fire department and review deficiencies
- Tour police department and review deficiencies
The committee unanimously approved a warrant article creating a Public Safety Building Expendable Trust Fund and allocating $50,000 from the December 31, 2025 unassigned fund balance for preliminary design, engineering, and planning. Members also unanimously appointed Hoby Harmon as an ex‑officio, non‑voting select board representative on the committee. The group entered and later exited a non‑public session, sealed its minutes, and set the next meeting for January 22 at 5:30 p.m. Action items include continued research on land conservation status, soil and engineering assessments, and cost estimates.
- Appointed Hoby Harmon as ex‑officio select board representative (unanimous)
- Entered non‑public session to discuss specific properties (unanimous)
- Exited non‑public session (unanimous)
- Sealed non‑public session minutes (unanimous)
- Approved warrant article establishing $50,000 trust fund for preliminary design (unanimous)
- Agreed to keep Route 87 lots as possible site pending further research
- Set next meeting for January 22 at 5:30 p.m. (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Select Board
The Newfields Select Board will meet to review and approve financial manifests, prior meeting minutes, and payroll. The agenda includes public presentations from the NES Safety Committee and a warrant article discussion. The meeting may include a non-public session.
- Review and approve checks, A/P & P/R manifests
- Review prior meeting minutes
- Quarterly Payroll and Stipends
- Mike Mackey – NES Safety Committee Proposed Plan
- Sue McKinnon – Warrant Articles
The Board approved the quarterly payroll and stipend rates for 2026 and adopted a $1,900 tax credit for disabled veterans. It also approved the Town Hall Expendable Trust Fund amount of $10,000 and accepted the prior meeting minutes. The Planning Board referred the Mobil station lighting issue to the Select Board, and the Conservation Commission appointed an alternate member.
- Approved quarterly payroll and stipend rates for 2026 (unanimous)
- Adopted $1,900 disabled veteran tax credit (unanimous)
- Approved Town Hall Expendable Trust Fund amount of $10,000 (unanimous)
- Approved December 2 and December 9 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Planning Board voted to refer Mobil station lighting issue to Select Board
- Conservation Commission appointed alternate member Dan Blemings
- Granted extension for shared driveway subdivision deadline on 104 Piscassic Road
- Approved $25,000 Road Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund amount (unanimous)
Conservation Commission
The Newfields Conservation Commission will meet on December 15, 2025. The agenda includes updates on school safety, the annual report, and bylaws. It also covers old business such as the window insert program, membership nominations, easement matters, and the CSX parcel. No formal decisions are indicated in the agenda.
- School safety update
- Annual Report presentation
- Bylaw discussion and future planning
- Window insert program update
- Easements (Anderson and other monitoring) and CSX Parcel discussion
The Conservation Commission unanimously approved the November 17 and November 3, 2025 meeting minutes. It also approved the draft annual report and the Treasurer’s Report. Members voted to amend the bylaws amendment provision so changes can be made when proposed in writing at a prior meeting, and recommended Dan Blemings as an alternate member (6‑0‑1). The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.
- Approved November 17, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
- Approved November 3, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
- Approved Annual Report draft with minor edits (all in favor)
- Approved Treasurer’s Report (all in favor)
- Amended bylaws amendment provision to allow written‑prior‑meeting changes (all in favor)
- Recommended Dan Blemings as alternate member (6 in favor, 1 abstention)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:45 PM (all in favor)
Planning Board
The Newfields Planning Board will hold a public hearing to vote on proposed amendments to the 2026 zoning warrant. The board is proposing revisions to the Accessory Dwelling Units ordinance, the Noise Ordinance, and regulations for multifamily units in the commercial district.
- Proposed Accessory Dwelling Units ordinance revision
- Proposed update to Noise Ordinance
- Proposed Multifamily Units in Commercial District ordinance
- Voting on warrant articles for March 2026 Town Election
- Held at Newfields Town Hall, 163 Main Street
Select Board
The Newfields Select Board will hear the Ex Officio (PB, ConComm) meeting report and consider a Legal Expendable Trust Fund Transfer. The board will also review and approve checks, accounts payable/receivable manifests, and the minutes from the prior meeting. Any other business and open‑item status reports may also be addressed.
- Ex Officio (PB, ConComm) meeting report
- Legal Expendable Trust Fund Transfer
- Review and approval of checks, A/P & P/R manifests
- Review and approval of prior meeting minutes
- Open items status report on in‑work projects
The Select Board approved several items, including a unanimous vote to raise the police detail hourly rate to $75.00. It also approved the purchase of red‑dot sights and training for the police department, and selected Key Heating and Cooling for the library HVAC contract at $16,422.34. Trust fund withdrawals of $14,575 for Town Hall maintenance and $34,932 for legal costs were authorized, and the meeting minutes were adopted unanimously.
- Approved police detail rate increase to $75.00 per hour (unanimous)
- Approved purchase of red‑dot sights and training for police (unanimous)
- Approved library HVAC contract with Key Heating and Cooling for $16,422.34 (unanimous)
- Approved withdrawal of $14,575 from Town Hall Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund (unanimous)
- Approved withdrawal of $34,932.00 from Legal Expendable Trust Fund (unanimous)
- Adopted meeting minutes as amended (unanimous)
- Entered and exited a non‑public session (3‑0 roll call vote)
- Did not decide on Paul Barry's temporary easement request; board will seek attorney guidance
Select Board
The Newfields Select Board meeting will review and approve the Property Tax Levy Warrant and discuss budget items for the library, road agent, and celebration committee. They will also consider town landing repairs, library HVAC quotes, and fire truck bids. The agenda includes routine approvals of checks, accounts payable, and prior meeting minutes.
- Property Tax Levy Warrant
- Library Budget (7:00 pm visitor)
- Road Agent – Budget (7:15 pm visitor)
- Town Landing Repairs
- Library HVAC Quotes
The Board approved the Property Tax Levy Warrant for $4,074,616.86. It accepted the $10,450 bid for the 1947 fire truck. Funding for Town Landing dock repairs was added to the 2026 budget. The Town Hall rental for the Friends of the Library’s Trivia Night was also approved.
- Approved Property Tax Levy Warrant $4,074,616.86 (unanimous)
- Accepted fire‑truck bid $10,450 (unanimous)
- Included $1,475 Town Landing dock repair funding in 2026 budget (unanimous)
- Approved Town Hall rental for Friends of the Library Trivia Night (unanimous)
- Approved November 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Deferred November 18, 2025 meeting minutes to next meeting (unanimous)
Select Board
The Newfields Select Board will consider several budget items, including the Library, Road Agent, and Celebration Committee budgets, as well as a Property Tax Levy Warrant. The board will also discuss Town Landing repairs, Library HVAC quotes, and fire truck bids. After discussion, the board will vote on checks, accounts payable, and the rental of Town Hall.
- Library budget presentation
- Road Agent budget presentation
- Celebration Committee budget presentation
- Property Tax Levy Warrant review
- Fire truck bids discussion
Select Board
The Newfields Select Board meeting will consider the Property Tax Warrant and approve checks, accounts payable and payroll manifests. A report from the Ex Officio (PB, ConComm) meeting will be discussed. The board may also address any other business that arises.
- Review and approval of Property Tax Warrant
- Review and approval of Checks, A/P & P/R Manifests
- Ex Officio (PB, ConComm) meeting report
Public Safety Building Committee
The Public Safety Building Committee will review Primex audits for the police and fire departments. The committee also intends to identify potential town or privately owned sites for a public safety building.
- Review of Primex audit of police department
- Review of Primex audit of fire department
- Identification of possible suitable sites (town or privately owned)
The committee members unanimously elected John Hayden as chair. No other substantive actions, approvals, or denials were recorded; the meeting focused on assessments, grant possibilities, and potential site options.
- Elected John Hayden as chair (unanimous vote)
Public Safety Building Committee
The Public Safety Building Committee will nominate a chairperson. It will review the Primex audit reports for the police department and for the fire department. The committee will discuss potential sites for a new public safety building, including town‑owned and privately owned properties. The meeting also includes scheduling the next meeting and any other open items.
- Nominate chair of committee
- Review Primex audit of police department
- Review Primex audit of fire department
- Identify possible suitable sites (town or privately owned)
- Schedule next meeting
The committee unanimously elected John Hayden as its chair. Members reviewed Primex building assessment reports and discussed potential sites, ventilation costs, and grant opportunities, but no further actions were approved or denied. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec 18 at 5:30 pm.
- Elected John Hayden as chair (unanimous)
Select Board
The Newfields Select Board will hear budget presentations from Police Chief Young, Fire Chief Buxton, the Conservation Commission, and Sue McKinnon. The board will discuss zoning compliance for the property at 170 Piscassic Rd. It will also review and approve routine items such as checks, assessment data certificates, and prior meeting minutes.
- Police Chief Young – budget presentation
- Fire Chief Buxton – budget presentation
- Conservation Commission – budget presentation
- Sue McKinnon – budget presentation
- Zoning compliance discussion for 170 Piscassic Rd
The Select Board approved several financial disbursements, including a $542,231 school tax payment and payroll and accounts‑payable checks. It also approved signing a CSX letter for land‑locked parcels and issued a cease‑and‑desist letter requiring a tiny home to be removed by Dec 18. The board approved the prior minutes, signed the 2025 Municipal Assessment Data Certificate, and set Dec 9 as a tentative meeting date.
- Approved School Tax Payment check $542,231.00 (all in favor)
- Approved Payroll Manifest check $48,998.62 (all in favor)
- Approved Accounts Payable Manifest check $35,096.34 (all in favor)
- Approved and signed CSX letter authorizing use of land‑locked parcels (all in favor)
- Issued cease‑and‑desist letter requiring tiny home removal by Dec 18 (all in favor)
- Approved prior meeting minutes as drafted (all in favor)
- Signed the 2025 Municipal Assessment Data Certificate (all in favor)
- Set Dec 9 as a tentative future meeting date (all in favor)
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission will meet to review the treasurer's report and previous minutes. The body will continue a discussion regarding parking on the Anderson easement and a letter from the Attorney General's office.
- Parking on Anderson easement and letter from Attorney General's office
The commission voted 5‑2 to allow public parking on the Anderson easement, interpreting it as a permitted agricultural use. It also approved a plan for Vernon Family Farm to work with NRCS to assess and mitigate any soil impacts, with a written plan due May 1 2026; this motion passed 6‑0‑1. The 2026 budget of $6,967 was approved, and the commission supported a joint letter to the Select Board expressing interest in CSX‑owned parcels. Minutes from October 20 were approved and the November 3 minutes were deferred.
- Allowed public parking on Anderson easement (5‑2 vote)
- Approved Vernon Family Farm soil‑impact assessment plan with NRCS, written plan due May 1 2026 (6‑0‑1 vote)
- Accepted Treasurer’s report of $74,260.47 (conservation) and $21,369.76 (current use) by vote
- Approved 2026 budget of approximately $6,967
- Supported joint letter to Select Board on interest in CSX parcels
- Approved minutes from October 20
- Deferred minutes from November 3
Planning Board
The Planning Board unanimously approved the October meeting minutes. A motion was made and seconded to continue the public hearing on the proposed ADU zoning changes until the December 11, 2025 meeting. The Board directed the town planner to draft language requiring first‑floor commercial use for multifamily projects. No other formal actions were taken.
- Approved October minutes (unanimous)
- Motion to continue ADU hearing to Dec 11 made (no vote recorded)
- Directed town planner Glenn to draft first‑floor commercial use requirement for multifamily units
Select Board
The board approved the Public Safety Building Committee’s mission statement. It also approved a $30,427.45 accounts‑payable payment. The board accepted the November 21, 2025 minutes and the cemetery deed for Lots 162 A‑D. The meeting was then adjourned.
- Approved Public Safety Building Committee mission statement (unanimous)
- Approved $30,427.45 accounts‑payable payment (unanimous)
- Accepted November 21, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
- Accepted cemetery deed for Lots 162 A‑D (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 8:07 p.m. (unanimous)
Conservation Commission
The Newfields Conservation Commission meeting on November 3, 2025 will discuss the town's 2026 budget and review bylaws. It will also address parking on the Anderson easement, the window insert program, membership matters, easement monitoring for Moore, Haughton, and Cole parcels, and the CSX parcel. The meeting includes routine items such as reviewing minutes and mail before adjourning.
- 2026 budget discussion
- Review and possible amendment of commission bylaws
- Parking on Anderson easement – resumption planned for Nov 17 per Attorney General's letter
- Window insert program update
- CSX parcel consideration
The November 3 meeting was mainly discussion; the commission agreed to post the complete previous meeting minutes online and to pay the budgeted $1,000 Great Bay monitoring contribution for this year. No votes were taken on the 2026 budget, bylaws revisions, or other items. The parking‑easement issue and other topics were deferred to a later meeting.
- Post full previous meeting minutes on town website (no vote)
- Pay the $1,000 Great Bay monitoring donation as budgeted for this year (no vote)
Select Board
The Board voted to create a Public Building Safety Committee, tasking members to draft a mission statement. The Board also approved the amended September 2, 2025 minutes. Decisions on the Town Hall rental for Trivia Night and an exception to mailbox placement were postponed. Routine payments of $33,459.13 in accounts payable and $58,703.41 in payroll were approved.
- Approved formation of Public Building Safety Committee (all in favor)
- Approved September 2, 2025 minutes as amended (all in favor)
- Postponed Town Hall rental decision for Trivia Night pending alcohol decision
- Postponed mailbox regulation exception pending USPS senior management review
- Approved accounts payable checks totaling $33,459.13
- Approved payroll checks totaling $58,703.41
Cemetery Trustees
The Cemetery Trustees will vote to approve the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting. They will discuss creating new deed forms and new rules and regulations for neglected burial grounds after the appropriate RSA is prepared. The trustees also have a scheduled meeting with the Budget Committee at 7 p.m.
- Approve minutes from 8‑27‑25 meeting
- Consider new deed forms for neglected burial grounds
- Consider new rules and regulations for neglected burial grounds
- Meet with Budget Committee at 7 p.m.
The trustees approved the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting. They adopted new deed forms and updated Rules and Regulations effective October 21, 2025. Ann Elliott was tasked with writing the Town Report and sending the new rules to the town office. Deeds for Nichols and Abrahamson were signed and the Thompson deed was processed on the same day, and the board met with the Select Board/Budget Committee at 7 pm.
- Approved 8-27-25 meeting minutes
- Adopted new deed forms effective 10-21-25
- Adopted new Rules and Regulations effective 10-21-25
- Assigned Ann Elliott to write Town Report and forward new rules to town office
- Signed Nichols and Abrahamson deeds on 10-21-25
- Processed Thompson deed on 10-21-25
- Met with Select Board/Budget Committee at 7 pm
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission will discuss whether vehicle parking is permitted under the terms of a Conservation Easement Deed. The meeting includes presentations and rebuttals from Vernon Family Farm, LLC and abutting property owners regarding the impact of parking on conservation value and soil.
- Discussion on vehicle parking permissions within a Conservation Easement Deed
- Presentation by Vernon Family Farm, LLC
- Presentation by abutting property owners
- Review of minutes and treasurer's report
Commission members approved a change to the meeting agenda, moving the rebuttal segment to follow public comment. They also set time limits: public comment and rebuttals to end at 8:45 p.m., a discussion period to end at 9:45 p.m., and a hard stop for the meeting at 10:00 p.m. No objections were raised to the conflict-of-interest disclosure. No vote on the parking request was recorded.
- Approved agenda change to place rebuttals after public comment (no objections)
- Set public comment and rebuttal end time at 8:45 PM (no objections)
- Set discussion period end time at 9:45 PM (no objections)
- Set meeting hard stop at 10:00 PM (no objections)
- Acknowledged conflict‑of‑interest disclosure; no objections raised
Planning Board
The Planning Board will receive an update on the septic system and a site visit for the Muddy River Smokehouse. It will also receive a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) update. Finally, the board will review and approve the September meeting minutes.
- Muddy River Smokehouse – septic system update and site visit
- Capital Improvement Program (CIP) update
- Review and approval of September minutes
Select Board
The Board entered and exited a non‑public session before reconvening in public. It retroactively approved the Town Hall gutter and rain garden contracts, approved a veteran tax credit, adopted new Town Office service fees, and approved three Town Hall rental applications. The Board also approved the September 23 minutes and adopted several personnel policy corrections.
- Retroactively approved Town Hall gutter contract (all in favor)
- Retroactively approved Town Hall rain garden contract (all in favor)
- Approved Veteran’s tax credit for Map 212 Lot 1.2 & Map 214 Lot 13 (all in favor)
- Approved new Town Office service fees (all in favor)
- Approved three Town Hall rental applications (all in favor)
- Approved 9/23/25 meeting minutes as drafted (all in favor)
- Adopted personnel policy changes: full‑time hours to 37, bi‑weekly pay period, health insurance language, PTO carry‑over limits (all in favor)
- Recorded Planning Board approval of subdivision at 104 Piscassic Road (informational)
Select Board
The Newfields Select Board will meet on September 23, 2025. Items on the agenda include a discussion of the New Hampshire Highway Safety Grant agreement for pedestrian and bicycle improvements, as well as bids for a town hall roof gutter and a rain garden. The board will also review a trash and recycling request for proposals, approve financial statements, and consider appointments and a tree removal notice. Any other business may be addressed, and the board may enter a non‑public session for matters listed in RSA 91‑A:3.
- NH Highway Safety Grant (pedestrian & bicycle) agreement
- Trash & Recycling RFP
- Town Hall roof gutter bid
- Rain garden bid
- Tree removal notice – Summer St
The Board unanimously approved extending the ELM Services trash contract for two more years at a reduced rate, saving about $35,000 annually. It also approved a tax‑lien process for overdue septic bills, accepted an $10,100 Highway Safety Grant, and authorized two new water‑department email accounts. Additional actions included accepting a bench donation for Badger Park, appointing Thomas Rettberg to the Conservation Commission, and approving the MS‑1V inventory summary.
- Extended ELM Services trash contract (unanimous)
- Approved tax‑lien process for overdue septic bills (unanimous)
- Accepted NH Highway Safety Grant $10,100 (majority vote)
- Authorized two new water‑department email accounts (unanimous)
- Accepted Exeter Lions Club bench donation for Badger Park (unanimous)
- Approved Thomas Rettberg appointment to Conservation Commission (unanimous)
- Signed MS‑1V Summary of Inventory for Water & Sewer District (unanimous)
- Extended bi‑weekly recycling schedule, saving $35,000 per year (unanimous)
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission will review prior minutes and the treasurer’s report, then consider several new items including a window‑insert program, membership actions, parking on the Anderson easement following an attorney‑general letter, the CSX parcel, and potential PREP climate‑impact grants. The commission will also address old business such as appointing a new lead for easement monitoring. Public discussion on the Anderson easement is scheduled for October 20, and a meeting with Attorney Durbin will be arranged.
- Window insert program – presentation by Kristen Murphy (Exeter)
- Parking on Anderson easement – public discussion Oct 20; meeting with Attorney Durbin
- CSX Parcel – discussion
- PREP Climate Impact Grants – assess Newfields interest
- Easement monitoring – need new lead person
Planning Board
The Planning Board will consider a subdivision application from Copley Properties LLC to split Map 206 Lot 9 at 104 Piscassic Rd into two residential‑agricultural lots ranging from 2.003 to 7.014 acres, with a shared access and utility easement and an on‑site well and effluent disposal system for the smaller lot. The board will also receive updates on the Capital Improvement Plan and Mobil, and will vote on the August meeting minutes.
- Subdivision application for Map 206 Lot 9 at 104 Piscassic Rd into two lots (2.003–7.014 acres) with shared easement and on‑site well/effluent system
- Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) update
- Mobil update
- Review and approve August meeting minutes
The Board voted to conditionally approve the two‑lot subdivision at 104 Piscassic Rd, pending review of driveway easement language, a DOT driveway permit, and state subdivision approval. The Board also approved the August meeting minutes. It decided that staff will conduct site visits to verify the Muddy River Smokehouse septic compliance and to inspect the Mobil Lighting installation.
- Conditional approval of Copley Properties 2‑lot subdivision (motion carried)
- Approval of August meeting minutes (motion carried)
- Staff to conduct site visit on Muddy River Smokehouse septic compliance
- Staff to conduct night site visit on Mobil Lighting installation
- Glenn to contact Jeff Couture about continued board membership
- Zoning change discussions to begin in November
Select Board
The board approved the revised Special Event Permit Ordinance and several land‑related actions, including cemetery deed transfers, an abatement payment, and an intent to cut. It also appointed Caleb Fields as a member of the Conservation Commission. All motions passed unanimously.
- Approved revised Special Event Permit Ordinance (unanimous)
- Approved Town Hall rental for Deertrees Association on Nov 19 (unanimous)
- Approved cemetery deed transfer for lots 87L, 87M, 87N, 87O (unanimous)
- Approved cemetery deeds for lots 167 A & B and 168 A & B (unanimous)
- Approved abatement for map 202 lot 29 ($64.86) (unanimous)
- Approved intent to cut for map 212 lot 4 (unanimous)
- Approved MS‑1 Summary of Valuation (unanimous)
- Appointed Caleb Fields to Conservation Commission (unanimous)
Cemetery Trustees
The trustees approved the minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting and also approved the minutes from the January 7, 2025 meeting, with all members voting in favor. They recorded that the town’s landscaper contract will continue through 2026 at a cost of $21,000, and that new deed forms and rules will be prepared after Lynne works on the appropriate RSA for neglected burial grounds.
- Approved current meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved 1‑7‑25 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Select Board
The Select Board is meeting to conduct a second hearing regarding a special events permit ordinance. The provided agenda consists of meeting materials and the hearing notice.
- Second hearing for Special Events Permit Ordinance
Planning Board
The Board voted to conditionally approve the site‑plan amendment for the Muddy River Smokehouse, requiring a notation of existing septic capacity and the approved living area. The Board also recommended Michael Sununu as an Alternate Planning Board member, approved the meeting minutes, and assigned Bill to obtain sidewalk pricing. Additional actions were assigned for drafting a letter to Mobil, updating the Capital Improvement Plan, and reviewing noise‑control classifications.
- Conditionally approved Muddy River Smokehouse site‑plan amendment (motion carried)
- Recommended Michael Sununu as Alternate Planning Board member (term ending March 2027) (motion carried)
- Approved June minutes as amended (motion carried)
- Assigned Bill to obtain pricing for future sidewalks from Meadow Rd to Old Lee Rd (task assigned)
- Glenn to draft a letter to Mobil outlining Board’s approval basis (task assigned)
- Glenn to send letters to department heads for input on the Capital Improvement Plan update (task assigned)
- Glenn to review neighboring towns’ noise‑control classifications for Table 1, page 11 (task assigned)
- RFQ for rain‑garden storm‑water projects at Library and Town Hall issued; quotes due August 28 2025 (procurement step announced)
Select Board
The Board voted to sign the contract with CivicPlus for the town's website upgrade. They accepted the lower $9,400 bid from Quality Hardwood for town grounds mowing. The Board approved a Town Hall rental for September 8, 2025, and agreed that Lt. Blais will deliver a letter to Vernon Family Farm about a right‑of‑way issue. Members also agreed to request brown mulch for town use.
- Sign CivicPlus upgrade contract (motion carried)
- Accept Quality Hardwood $9,400 mowing bid (motion carried)
- Approve Town Hall rental for Sep 8 2025 (motion carried)
- Approve July 22 2025 meeting minutes (motion carried)
- Lt. Blais to deliver right‑of‑way letter to Vernon Family Farm (agreed)
- Request brown mulch for town use (agreed)
- Sign Muddy River Smokehouse special event permit (approved)
- Acknowledge receipt of draft 2024 audit report (acknowledged)
Select Board
The Board appointed Christine McDade as the Conservation Commission treasurer after a motion that passed unanimously. They also approved the July 8, 2025 meeting minutes and voted to award the town‑hall masonry repair contract to Mr. Morrisette of Exeter. Additionally, the Board agreed to put the website‑upgrade project out to bid.
- Appointed Christine McDade as Conservation Commission treasurer (unanimous)
- Approved July 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved Mr. Morrisette’s $9,800 masonry bid for building repair (unanimous)
- Decided to send website upgrade project out to bid
- Planned three public hearings to adopt the Special Events Permit ordinance
- Agreed the Library should seek HVAC funding from Friends of the Library
- Authorized cleanup of Neal Cemetery after Hutchinson Sealing consulted attorney
- Supported formation of a veterans’ group to maintain Badger Park
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission accepted the May 2025 meeting minutes. It approved estimates totaling $3,654 for monitoring six easements and also approved payment of the 2024 monitoring invoices for the Daley and Andersen easements. The meeting was then adjourned. No vote was taken on the treasurer vacancy.
- Accepted May 2025 meeting minutes (all in favor)
- Approved $3,654 easement monitoring estimates for six easements (all in favor)
- Approved payment of 2024 Daley and Andersen easement monitoring invoices (all in favor)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:30 pm (all in favor)
Select Board
The board unanimously approved the July 1 accounts payable checks totaling $28,600.84, the prior meeting minutes, and two land‑use change tax bills—$1,160 for Map 211 Lot 6 and $22,000 for Map 204 Lot 29. It also directed staff to assess the library HVAC system and present a proposal by September, and to follow up on a reimbursement for town‑landing signs. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.
- Approved $28,600.84 accounts payable checks dated July 1 (all in favor)
- Approved prior meeting minutes of 6/26/25 (all in favor)
- Approved Land Use Change Tax Bill for Map 211 Lot 6, $1,160 (all in favor)
- Approved Land Use Change Tax Bill for Map 204 Lot 29, $22,000 (all in favor)
- Directed Win to assess library HVAC and present a proposal by September (all in favor)
- Directed Hoby to follow up on reimbursement for Town Landing signs (all in favor)
- Adjourned the meeting (all in favor)
Select Board
The board approved three checks totaling $633,278.22 and waived the permit fee for the sewer plant roof project. It appointed Catherine Tarnowski as the Select Board representative to the Main Street Safety Group and approved a raffle for Nurture & Nature. Additional actions included authorizing bids for Town Hall masonry repairs, accepting the town’s oil fuel bid, and signing cemetery deeds and a timber‑cut notice. All motions were carried unanimously.
- Approved School Tax Payment check $493,267.88
- Approved Payroll Manifest check $80,223.67
- Approved AP Manifest check $59,786.77
- Waived permit fee for sewer plant roof project (motion carried)
- Appointed Catherine Tarnowski as Select Board representative to Main Street Safety Group (motion carried)
- Approved Nurture & Nature raffle (motion carried)
- Authorized solicitation of bids for Town Hall masonry repairs (motion carried)
- Accepted Town Hall oil fuel bid at $2.589 per gallon (motion carried)
Select Board
The board approved a waiver of the permit fee for the Water/Sewer Department roof replacement. They also appointed Catherine Tarnowski as the board representative to the Main Street Safety Group, approved a fundraising raffle for Nurture & Nature, and moved to solicit bids for Town Hall masonry repairs. Additional actions included accepting the lowest oil fuel bid, signing cemetery deeds, authorizing a timber‑cut notice, and appointing a new state forest fire warden.
- Waived permit fee for sewer plant roof project (all in favor)
- Appointed Catherine Tarnowski as Select Board representative to Main Street Safety Group (all in favor)
- Approved Nurture & Nature raffle to raise renovation funds (all in favor)
- Authorized solicitation of bids for Town Hall masonry repairs (all in favor)
- Accepted oil fuel bid from Harry’s Franconia Fuel at $2.589 per gallon (all in favor)
- Approved and signed cemetery deeds for Lot 167 and Lot 168 ($1,000 each) (all in favor)
- Approved Hutchinson Sealing’s notice of intent to cut timber on Map 204, Lots 5, 8, 10 & 11 (all in favor)
- Accepted Jeff Buxton as replacement NH Forest Fire Warden (all in favor)
Planning Board
The board voted to approve the May 8, 2025 meeting minutes. It also agreed that Burano Homes may replace its sign on Pleasant Street without needing Planning Board approval, with costs to the owner. No other formal actions were taken.
- Approved May 8, 2025 minutes (motion by Mike Price, seconded by Jeff Couture, all in favor)
- Allowed Burano Homes sign update on Pleasant Street – no Planning Board approval required, owner bears cost
Zoning Board of Adjustment
The Zoning Board approved the special exception application for Lara and Stephen DuBois’s accessory dwelling unit (case #25-05-28-01) after a motion by Bob Elliott was seconded by Tom Grella and passed unanimously. The board then adjourned the meeting at 7:20 by a motion from Betsy Coes, seconded by Chairman Kent Lawrence, also passed unanimously.
- Approved special exception for ADU (case #25-05-28-01) (all in favor)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:20 (all in favor)
Select Board
The board approved school tax payments totaling $868,753.77 and endorsed community‑led cleanup of Badger Park, including free stone cleaning and tree trimming. A motion to implement a lien process for sewer‑only customers with unpaid bills passed unanimously. The board also approved reimbursement for the Town Landing sign and dock bumpers and confirmed the earlier motions to enter and exit a non‑public session.
- Approved school tax payments totaling $868,753.77 (no vote recorded)
- Approved Badger Park cleanup assistance (free stone cleaning and tree trimming) (no vote recorded)
- Adopted lien process for sewer‑only customers with unpaid bills, motion passed unanimously
- Approved reimbursement for Town Landing sign and dock bumpers (no vote recorded)
- Motion to enter non‑public session passed (Harmon affirmative, Kasper absent, Tarnowski affirmative)
- Motion to leave non‑public session passed (no vote tally recorded)
Select Board
The board unanimously accepted the $8,500 Highway Safety Grant and authorized the chair to sign the agreement. It also approved the property tax warrant directing collection of $3,675,328 in taxes. In addition, the board approved Town Hall painting and floor work RFPs and set June meeting dates.
- Accepted $8,500 Highway Safety Grant; chair authorized to sign (unanimous)
- Approved Town Hall painting and floor work RFPs for public posting (unanimous)
- Approved property tax warrant to collect $3,675,328 in taxes (unanimous)
- Approved June 10 and June 24 meeting dates (unanimous)
- Signed accounts payable and payroll checks totaling $69,577.04 (unanimous)
- Submitted approval letter for catering license at Vernon Family Farm (unanimous)
- Accepted minutes from the prior meeting (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting at 7:35 pm (unanimous)
Conservation Commission
The Conservation Commission met on May 19, 2025 and heard a presentation by Kalle Matso, Michelle Shattuck, and Chris Whitney of the Piscataqua Regional Estuaries Partnership and UNH about watershed nutrient trends. The discussion covered nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, and eelgrass conditions in the Great Bay tributaries. No motions, approvals, or votes were recorded during the meeting.
Planning Board
The board conditionally approved Dan Posternak’s site‑plan amendment for the Muddy River Smokehouse, requiring the fencing location and type to be shown on the plan and the music stage to meet town building codes. The motion was made by Mike Price, seconded by John, and passed with all members in favor. The board also approved the amended April meeting minutes after a motion by John and a second by Jamie, with unanimous support.
- Conditionally approved Muddy River Smokehouse site‑plan amendment (all in favor)
- Approved amended April minutes (all in favor)
Select Board
The board unanimously appointed Mary Belanger as interim Town Treasurer. It also approved installing three original Town Hall light fixtures, issuing RFPs for interior painting and floor work, and starting the annual heating oil bid process. Additional approvals included land‑use change tax forms, tax exemptions for the Community Church and the Newfields Youth Athletic Association, and an investigation of municipal law firms for zoning matters.
- Approved installation of three original Town Hall light fixtures (unanimous)
- Approved drafting RFPs for Town Hall interior painting and floor refinishing (unanimous)
- Approved initiation of the annual heating oil bid process (unanimous)
- Appointed Mary Belanger as interim Town Treasurer (unanimous)
- Approved Land Use Change Tax forms for Map 203 Lots 17 & 17.1 (unanimous)
- Approved property tax exemption for Community Church (unanimous)
- Approved property tax exemption for Newfields Youth Athletic Association (unanimous)
- Authorized investigation of municipal law firms for zoning cases (unanimous)
Select Board
The board approved the Fur Seasons Pet Resort permit and a $37 reimbursement for a safety sign at the Town Landing. They formally accepted a 75% state highway safety grant to purchase a $1,645 handheld radar unit, covering a $411.25 town contribution. Additional approvals included the Town Hall rental for May 5, health‑service donations totaling $3,000, an elderly exemption for Map 101 Lot 26, and hiring the Road Agent to clear debris at 399 Piscassic Rd. The board also set the next meeting dates for May 6 and May 20.
- Approved Fur Seasons Pet Resort permit (all in favor)
- Approved $37 reimbursement for Town Landing safety sign (all in favor)
- Accepted highway safety grant for handheld radar unit, town contribution $411.25 (all in favor)
- Approved Town Hall rental agreement for 5/5/25 function (all in favor)
- Approved health and human services donations: American Red Cross $500, Child Advocacy Center $1,000, Ready Rides $500, Rockingham Community Action $500, Rockingham Nutrition & Meals on Wheels $500 (all in favor)
- Approved Elderly Exemption for Map 101 Lot 26 (all in favor)
- Selected Road Agent to remove yard waste at 399 Piscassic Rd (all in favor)
- Approved next meeting dates May 6 and May 20 (all in favor)
Planning Board
The Planning Board voted to approve the March meeting minutes. The Board also nominated Jamie Thompson to serve as Chairman for the upcoming year. Both motions passed with all members in favor. The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.
- Approved March minutes (all in favor)
- Nominated Jamie Thompson as Chairman for upcoming year (all in favor)
Select Board
The board voted 3‑0 to add a part‑time police position funded by the police department budget. It approved a $400 handheld radar purchase using a grant that covers 75% of the cost. The board also approved a pole license permit, the Town Hall rental for April 7, and a test installation of one lighting fixture in Town Hall.
- Hired additional part‑time police officer (no extra town cost) – vote 3‑0
- Approved purchase of $400 handheld radar using 75% grant – unanimous approval
- Approved pole license permit for Eversource – approved
- Approved Town Hall rental for April 7 – unanimous approval
- Approved installation of one test lighting fixture in Town Hall – approved
- Approved prior meeting minutes from March 18 – unanimous approval
- Approved checks: $9,706.00 accounts payable and $41,806.64 payroll – approved
- Approved use of grant funds for additional patrols during Route 108 closure – approved