Newmarket, NH

Town Council

The Town Council will discuss the tax cap with Superintendent Todd Allen and consider the first reading of the FY2028 Budget. The body will also review stormwater improvements and an emergency management grant.

• Resolution 2027/2028-11: Approval of FY2028 Budget (1st Reading)
• Resolution #2026/2027-09: Lubberland Dr & Cushing Rd Stormwater Improvements Final Design (2nd Reading)
• Resolution #2026/2027-10: Accepting Emergency Management Grant (1st Reading)
• Tax Cap Discussion with Superintendent Todd Allen

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

The Newmarket Town Council meets October 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Town Hall, 186 Main Street, with a 6:00 PM work session on parking. The main substantive item is the Town Manager's presentation of the proposed FY 2028 budget. The Council will also hold second readings on three annual lease payment resolutions and a first reading on a stormwater design resolution for Lubberland Dr and Cushing Rd. Public comment is limited to the Public Forum, with speakers restricted to residents, town property owners, or representatives of recognized local civic or business organizations, three minutes each.

• Town Manager's proposed FY 2028 Budget Presentation
• Resolution #2026/2027-04 — Annual Lease Payment for Trackless MT7 Sidewalk Tractor (2nd reading)
• Resolution #2026/2027-07 — Annual Lease Payment for 2 International Dump Trucks with Plow Equipment (2nd reading)
• Resolution #2026/2027-08 — Annual Lease Payment for Engine 5 (2nd reading)
• Resolution #2026/2027-09 — Lubberland Dr & Cushing Rd Stormwater Improvements, Final Design (1st reading)

General

The commission is meeting to coordinate upcoming exhibits and community art projects. Discussions include the unveiling of the Artist Among Us Pocket Park exhibit and the Elm Street Mural Project.

• Artist Among Us Pocket Park unveiling on October 23
• Halloween Haunt event on October 24
• Elm Street Mural Project image enhancement agreement with Mary Merrill
• Canvas print sale fundraiser
• Proposals for Pumpkin People Scarecrows and a Holiday Pop-up

Energy & Environment Advisory Committee

The Newmarket Energy and Environment Advisory Committee meets Wednesday Sep 30, 2026 at 7pm in the Town Hall Auditorium. The agenda is mostly discussion and updates: Eversource residential energy efficiency programs, a Community Power update, assessment exclusions for energy storage systems, and renewable energy project and Sol Smart feasibility study updates. The committee will also hear recycling program updates and confirm its next meeting on Oct 28, 2026. No binding votes or dollar contracts are listed on the agenda.

• Eversource residential energy efficiency programs presentation (Sam/Mercedes)
• Community Power update (Joe)
• Assessment Exclusions for Energy Storage Systems discussion
• Renewable energy projects / Sol Smart feasibility studies, including athletic field, library, and L2 EV charger funding program
• TREX recycling program: 260 lbs collected, $100 voucher received; future of program to be discussed

Ad hoc Riverfront Advisory Committee

Town Council

The Newmarket Town Council is meeting for a regular session that includes a public hearing and second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 10 (Elections), as well as first readings of three resolutions for annual lease payments for town equipment. The agenda also includes a work session on a Fire Department study, acceptance of minutes, resignations from town committees, and reports from the Town Manager and committees.

• Public hearing and 2nd reading of Ordinance No. 02 amending Chapter 10 - Elections
• 1st reading of Resolution #2026/2027-04: Annual lease payment for Trackless MT7 Sidewalk Tractor
• 1st reading of Resolution #2026/2027-07: Annual lease payment for 2 International Dump Trucks with Plow Equipment
• 1st reading of Resolution #2026/2027-08: Annual lease payment for Engine 5
• Resignations from Conservation Commission, Public Transportation Advisory Committee, and Riverfront Advisory Committee

The Council rejected a proposal to create designated areas for political campaign signs on town property. The board also accepted three committee resignations and authorized litigation to collect funds owed to the town.

• Denied Ordinance No. 02-2026/2027 regarding political signs on town property (5-2)
• Approved September 2, 2026 Minutes (7-0-0)
• Accepted resignation of George Anderson from Conservation Commission (7-0-0)
• Accepted resignation of Madeleine Faust from Public Transportation Advisory Committee (7-0-0)
• Accepted resignation of Jessica Cann from Riverfront Advisory Committee (7-0-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to pursue litigation against Jeffrey Clay in Florida to collect money owed to the town (7-0-0)

Planning Board

Planning Board

Town Council

The Newmarket Town Council will consider several resolutions and ordinances during this regular session. Key items include a second reading for truck replacements and a first reading for an ordinance amending election rules.

• Resolution # 2026/2027-05 regarding Truck Replacement # 3
• Ordinance No. 01-2026/2027 amending Chapter 2 to establish a Heritage Commission
• Ordinance No. 02 amending Chapter 10 regarding elections
• Resignation of Jessica Cann from the Conservation Commission

The Town Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 01-2026/2027 establishing a Heritage Commission, along with two resolutions: replacing Truck #3 and funding an evaluation of the Creighton Street pump station. The council also accepted Jessica Cann's resignation from the Conservation Commission and approved prior meeting minutes. A first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 10 on elections was read into the record with no vote. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with reports and announcements but no other substantive decisions.

• Approved Ordinance No. 01-2026/2027 establishing a Heritage Commission (7-0)
• Approved Resolution # 2026/2027-05 to replace Truck #3 (7-0)
• Approved Resolution # 2026/2027-06 for Creighton St Pump Station evaluation (7-0)
• Accepted Jessica Cann's resignation from the Conservation Commission (7-0)
• Approved August 12, 2026 Special Meeting Minutes as amended (6-0-1)
• Approved August 19, 2026 Meeting Minutes (5-0-2)
• First reading of Ordinance #2-2026/2027 amending Chapter 10 Elections; no vote taken

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee will discuss water, sewer, and solid waste questions and review changes to the Charter Committee. The meeting includes updates on town and school operations and the nomination of representatives for the Capital Improvement Plan.

• Review of Water, Sewer, and Solid Waste questions
• Review of Charter Committee changes
• Nomination of Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) representatives
• Town and School updates

The committee nominated two members to serve on the Capital Improvement Plan Committee. Members also received briefings on the budget process, town financial updates, and the potential impact of a school district tax cap ballot question.

• Nominated Cris Blackstone as representative to the CIP Committee (7-0)
• Nominated Al Medioli as representative to the CIP Committee (7-0)
• Approved May 18, 2026 meeting minutes as amended (7-0)

General

The Commission will review the financial report and previous meeting minutes. Discussion items include funding and artist selection for the Art Triangles 4th Sculpture and planning for the Elm Street Mural Project.

• Art Triangles 4th Sculpture funding and artist award
• Elm Street Mural Project masonry work update
• Sept. 12 Community Painting Event planning
• Fundraiser with NBA

Town Council

The Newmarket Town Council will hold a public hearing and second reading on an ordinance to establish a Heritage Commission, and will also consider an investment policy resolution. The agenda includes appointments to town committees, a resignation and appointment to the Conservation Commission, and first readings of resolutions for a truck replacement and a pump station evaluation. The meeting also includes routine items such as minutes approval, a town manager report, and public forum.

• Public hearing and 2nd reading: Ordinance No. 01-2026/2027 to establish Heritage Commission
• 2nd reading: Resolution #2026/2027-01 Investment Policy
• 1st reading: Resolution #2026/2027-05 Truck Replacement #3
• 1st reading: Resolution #2026/2027-06 Creighton St Pump Station Eval
• Appointments: Carla Ann Romano-Clarke and Alfred Medioli to Energy & Environment Advisory Committee; Andrea Frey resignation and appointment to Conservation Commission

The Town Council and School Board held a joint meeting to share successes and challenges, and discuss the FY28 budget timeline, capital projects, and the impact of HB 1300. No formal votes were taken, but the group reached informal consensus to hold joint meetings twice per year, with an additional April session. The town is exploring a $20 million renovation of the police station and Town Hall, with a public vote anticipated the year after next.

• Informal consensus to hold joint Town Council/School Board meetings twice per year, adding an April session
• No formal votes taken; all items were discussion-only
• Town to form a building committee for police station and Town Hall renovations, with public vote expected in 2028
• School district to present Carpenter property feasibility study at September 17 School Board meeting
• Administrators to collaborate on HB 1300 public education materials prior to November vote

Town Council

The Town Council is holding a special joint meeting with the School Board to discuss recent successes and challenges, the FY28 budget timeline, and capital projects including the Carpenter Property and Town Hall/Police Station renovations. They will also review the impact of HB 1300, a school district tax cap and SAU administrative spending cap, on Newmarket. The meeting is primarily a discussion and coordination session, with no final decisions expected.

• FY28 Budget Discussion: timeline and coordinating efforts
• FY28 Capital Projects: Carpenter Property possibilities
• FY28 Capital Projects: Town Hall and Police Station renovations
• HB 1300 - School District Tax Cap and SAU Administrative Spending Cap: impact on Newmarket
• Joint meeting with Newmarket School Board

The Town Council and School Board held a joint meeting to share successes and challenges, discuss the FY28 budget timeline, and review capital projects. No formal votes or binding decisions were made; the discussion was informational. The group reached informal consensus to meet twice per year, with an April meeting as a second regular joint session.

• Informal consensus to hold joint Town Council/School Board meetings twice per year, adding an April session
• No formal votes taken; all items were discussion-only
• Planning for a community information forum on HB 1300 to be led at the administrator level

Town Council

The Town Council will hold a special joint meeting with the Newmarket School Board to discuss recent successes and challenges, the FY28 budget, capital projects including the Carpenter Property and town hall/police station renovations, and the impact of HB 1300 on school tax caps and administrative spending.

• Joint meeting with School Board to share recent successes and challenges
• FY28 Budget Discussion
• FY28 Capital Projects Discussion including Carpenter Property and Town Hall/Police Station Renovations
• HB 1300 - School District Tax Cap and Administrative Spending Cap impact on Newmarket

Town Council

Public Transportation Advisory Committee

The Public Transportation Advisory Committee is meeting to review the minutes from July 8, 2026, and to hold a revolving discussion on public transportation, road typology/complete streets, parking infrastructure, signing/wayfinding, and progress on 2026 goals. They will also identify items for the next meeting on September 9, 2026. The agenda is largely procedural and discussion-oriented, with no specific decisions or proposals listed.

• Review of July 8, 2026 minutes
• Discussion on public transportation
• Discussion on road typology / complete streets
• Discussion on parking infrastructure / management
• Discussion on signing/wayfinding and 2026 goals

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to review and adopt a new Master Plan covering 11 chapters including land use, housing, and transportation. They will also consider a minor site plan application to demolish a single-family home at 37 Exeter Road and build a three-unit townhouse, though the applicant has requested a continuance to September.

• Public hearing on adoption of a new Town Master Plan with chapters on Vision, Land Use, Housing, Transportation, and others
• Minor site plan application for 37 Exeter Road: demolish existing home, build 3-unit townhouse with driveway, retaining walls, rain garden, and vegetative buffer
• Applicant has requested a continuance of the site plan hearing to September 8, 2026

Zoning Board

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a variance application from the Town of Newmarket to adjust boundary lines, allowing a 3,074 SF lot and a rear deck within the setback at 11 Creighton Street. The board will also consider minutes from June 8, 2026, and receive items from the Zoning Administrator.

• Public hearing for variance to adjust lot lines at 11 Creighton Street (Tax Map U3, Lot 17) in R4 district
• Proposed lot size of 3,074 SF and rear deck within rear setback
• Associated properties: Tax Map U3, Lot 13 and Lot 47

Town Council

General

Arts, Culture, & Tourism Commission

The Arts, Culture & Tourism Commission will accept minutes, review a financial report showing $650 in donations and $527.53 in expenses, and discuss correspondence including a Chinburg Letter of Agreement. Old business includes updates on the Elm Street Mural, a community painting event, and fundraising plans. New business items are not specified.

• July donations totaling $650 from individuals and Newmarket Dental
• July expenses of $527.53 for Mosaic Mural Frame, Community Sing, and Elm St Mural Banner
• Elm Street Mural masonry repairs progress report
• Community painting event scheduled for Sept. 12, 2026, with library collaboration and Sherwin Williams sponsorship
• Unveiling plans for June 4 & 5, 2027, in collaboration with the 300th Committee

The Arts, Culture & Tourism Commission approved spending $15,000 for masonry repairs as per a quote from LGT Restoration, funded from available Trust funds. They also discussed fundraising for the mural project, planned a community paint event on September 12, and scheduled the mural unveiling for June 4-5, 2027. No other formal votes were taken; most items were planning discussions.

• Approved $15,000 for masonry repairs (unanimous)
• Set community paint event for September 12, 11am-3pm
• Scheduled mural unveiling for June 4-5, 2027
• Established subcommittee to review artist proposals due September 1
• Decided to require minimum $10 donation for custom aprons
• Agreed to create sample frame and sell sheet for fundraising

Planning Board

The Newmarket Long-Range Planning Subcommittee will hold a meeting on August 3, 2026, beginning with the election of a chair and vice-chair. The main business is a presentation and discussion of the Stormwater Asset Management Plan, which is an informational item for future planning purposes. No votes or final decisions are expected.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Presentation and discussion of Stormwater Asset Management Plan

Energy & Environment Advisory Committee

The Newmarket Energy & Environment Advisory Committee will meet to discuss updates on renewable energy projects, a Community Power program, and recycling initiatives like the TREX program. The meeting also includes presentations on ECM Power and Sol Smart feasibility studies.

• Community Power Update by Joe
• ECM Power Presentation by Emily Manns
• TREX recycling program update (123 lbs collected)
• Renewable Energy Projects / Sol Smart Feasibility Studies update
• Backyard Bash Planning

The committee approved formal rules governing public participation during its meetings. Members also reviewed updates on Newmarket Community Power rates and discussed future outreach events, recycling initiatives, and litter control.

• Approved June 24, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved formal rules for public participation (unanimous)

Town Council

The Town Council will discuss and potentially vote on several resolutions and ordinances, including a second reading of a Master Plan contract amendment and first readings for an investment policy, lead water service line replacement, and an ordinance establishing a Heritage Commission. The meeting begins with a non-public session on personnel matters, followed by public forum, reports, and committee updates.

• Resolution #2025/2026-51: Master Plan Contract Amendment (2nd reading)
• Resolution #2026/2027-02: Lead Water Service Line Replacement II (1st reading)
• Resolution #2026/2027-01: Investment Policy (1st reading)
• Ordinance No. 01-2026/2027: Amending Chapter 2 Article III to establish a Heritage Commission (1st reading)
• Resolution #2026/2027-03: Legal review of CPCNH Agreement (1st reading, requires suspension of rules)

The Town Council unanimously approved Resolution #2025/2026-51 to amend the Master Plan contract, adding funds from the Capital Reserve Fund to finish the plan and website. They also suspended rules to approve Resolution #2026/2027-02 for Lead Water Service Line Replacement II and Resolution #2026/2027-03 for a legal review of the Community Power Coalition NH agreement, both unanimously. The council read but did not vote on an investment policy resolution and a Heritage Commission ordinance, scheduling a public hearing for August 19.

• Approved June 17, 2026 non-public and regular meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved Master Plan Contract Amendment Resolution #2025/2026-51 (6-0)
• Suspended rules and approved Lead Water Service Line Replacement II Resolution #2026/2027-02 (6-0)
• Suspended rules and approved Legal review CPCNH Agreement Resolution #2026/2027-03 (6-0)
• Read Investment Policy Resolution #2026/2027-01 in title only (no vote)
• Read Heritage Commission Ordinance No. 01-2026/2027 in title only (public hearing Aug 19)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider adopting a new master plan covering 11 chapters including land use, housing, and transportation. The board will also discuss a concept for a 20-unit apartment building at 14 Elm Street with 25 parking spaces. Other agenda items include approval of June 2026 meeting minutes and committee reports.

• Public hearing to adopt a new master plan (chapters: Vision, Land Use, Arts/Culture, Community Facilities, Downtown Riverfront, Economic Development, Energy, Housing, Conservation, Recreation, Transportation).
• Design review discussion for a 20-unit apartment building at 14 Elm Street (Tax Map U2, Lot 245), with an 11,720 sq. ft. footprint and 25 parking spaces.
• Approval of minutes from the June 9, 2026 meeting.
• Committee and planner reports.

The Planning Board held a public hearing on the draft 2026 Master Plan and voted unanimously to continue the hearing to the August 11, 2026 meeting, with adoption expected then. The board also conducted a non-binding design review for a proposed 20-unit apartment building at 14 Elm Street, which will require special use permits for exceeding unit and building length limits. No final decisions were made on the development.

• Approved minutes of June 9, 2026 (6-0)
• Continued Master Plan public hearing to August 11, 2026 (6-0)
• Extended meeting past 10:00 PM (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 10:02 PM (6-0)

Ad hoc Riverfront Advisory Committee

General

The Newmarket Riverfront Advisory Committee met without a quorum, so no formal votes were taken. Members discussed the transition of Schanda Park from the Conservation Committee to the Town and the Riverfront Advisory Committee, the upcoming Master Plan public hearing, and a Coastal Resilience Grant for baseline planning. The next meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026.

• Discussion of Schanda Park transition and maintenance ideas
• Upcoming public hearing on the new Master Plan
• Coastal Resilience Grant received for baseline planning; additional grant opportunity in June 2027
• Discussion of fish ladder and potential park area
• No August meeting; next meeting September 14, 2026

The Newmarket Riverfront Advisory Committee met without a quorum and took no formal votes. Members discussed the transition of Schanda Park from the Conservation Committee to the Town and the Riverfront Advisory Committee, potential maintenance ideas, the upcoming Master Plan public hearing, a Coastal Resilience Grant, and wayfinding ideas. No decisions were made.

• No formal decisions made due to lack of quorum
• Discussed Schanda Park transition and maintenance ideas
• Discussed upcoming Master Plan public hearing
• Noted Coastal Resilience Grant for baseline planning

Ad hoc Riverfront Advisory Committee

The Riverfront Advisory Committee will meet to discuss the draft maintenance plan for Schanda Park. The meeting also includes time for public comments and town staff updates.

• Review of Draft Maintenance Plan for Schanda Park

Arts, Culture, & Tourism Commission

Arts, Culture, & Tourism Commission

This agenda contains no specific items for discussion or decision. It consists solely of orientation procedures for public participation and a placeholder for file uploads. The meeting is open to the public but limited to procedural formalities.

The Arts, Culture & Tourism Commission approved its FY2027-28 budget proposal, which includes $8,000 for mural projects (Pocket Park Mural Printing, 4th Metal Sculpture, and Mill Historic Mural). The commission also approved the May financial report, paid pending expenses, and approved the speaker order for the June 14th mosaic mural unveiling ceremony. No other substantive decisions were made; remaining items were discussions or action items.

• Approved minutes of 5/6/26 unanimously
• Approved May financial report and $287.12 in pending expenses
• Approved FY2027-28 budget proposal to submit to Steve & Bill
• Approved speaker order for June 14th mural unveiling ceremony