Newmarket, NH

Planning Board

Planning Board

Town Council

Town Council

Planning Board

Town Council

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

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

General

Budget Committee

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

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

General

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

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

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

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will hear a marsh restoration presentation, receive a treasurer's report including an FY28 budget request, and discuss land protection items (Rosa, Mitchell) and land stewardship activities (Folletts Brook NRI, Wiggin Farm Plan, V. Ludington Contract). The meeting also includes appointing a representative and alternate to the Long-Range Planning Subcommittee and a reminder that there is no August meeting.

• Marsh Restoration Presentation
• Treasurer's Report and FY28 Budget Request
• Land Protection: Rosa and Mitchell
• Land Stewardship: Folletts Brook NRI, Wiggin Farm Plan, V. Ludington Contract
• Appointment of Long-Range Planning Subcommittee Representative and Alternate

The Newmarket Conservation Commission approved its FY28 budget request, amended June meeting minutes, and moved forward on land stewardship and protection projects. The commission also heard a presentation on marsh restoration efforts in the Great Bay area. No public comment was received.

• Approved amended June 11, 2026 meeting minutes (7-0)
• Approved FY28 budget request (7-0)
• Approved agenda change to move up Land Stewardship (7-0)
• Approved motion to adjourn at 8:14 PM (7-0)

Public Transportation Advisory Committee

This is a regular meeting of the Public Transportation Advisory Committee. The agenda includes review of June minutes and discussion items on public transportation, road typology/complete streets, parking management, signing/wayfinding, and progress on 2026 goals. No votes or binding decisions are scheduled; the meeting is primarily for discussion and planning.

• Discussion of public transportation services and needs
• Review of road typology and complete streets policies
• Discussion of parking infrastructure and management
• Review of signing and wayfinding improvements
• Progress update on 2026 committee goals

The Public Transportation Advisory Committee reviewed the wayfinding and visual branding project, discussed COAST ridership decline, and considered a van rental program for a Newmarket-Durham route. The committee approved the June 10, 2026 minutes and tabled progress on 2026 goals. No formal votes were taken on substantive items; decisions were made by consensus.

• Approved minutes of June 10, 2026 (5-0)
• Consensus to explore Enterprise van rental program for Newmarket-Durham route
• Consensus to send edited survey draft to committee for review
• Consensus to email survey edits to Bart for distribution
• Consensus to remove font preference question from poster poll
• Tabled progress on 2026 goals until next meeting

Arts, Culture, & Tourism Commission

The Arts, Culture & Tourism Commission will discuss and potentially award a masonry contract for the Elm Street Mural Project, review a budget request for 2027-28, and consider enhancements to the Art Triangles program. The meeting also includes updates on the 250th Mural Mosaic installation and a proposed pocket park exhibit.

• Elm Street Mural Project: budget review and masonry contract quote & award
• Community painting event/dance party on Sept. 7, 2026, in collaboration with the library
• Unveiling block party for Elm Street Mural on June 4, 2027, with the 300th Committee
• Art Triangles: suggested QR codes for artist credits and discussion of 4th sculpture matching fund challenge
• 2027-28 budget request review

The Arts, Culture & Tourism Commission approved a $15,000 contract with LGT Restoration for preparation of the Elm Street wall for new mural panels, including materials, labor, and wall-face cleaning. The commission also approved reimbursements totaling $348.12 for mural unveiling and Community Sing expenses, and authorized up to $350 for a frame for the 250th Mosaic Mural. A matching grant offer of $500 for a Lamprey Eel sculpture was unanimously rejected.

• Approved $15,000 contract with LGT Restoration for Elm Street wall preparation (motion carried)
• Approved $155.01 reimbursement to Debra for Mural Unveiling expenses (motion carried)
• Approved $193.11 in disbursements for Community Sing: sheet music $28.11, accompanist $125, media $40 (motion carried)
• Approved up to $350 for frame for 250th Mosaic Mural (motion carried)
• Unanimously rejected $500 matching grant offer for Lamprey Eel sculpture on 4th art triangle
• Accepted minutes of June 2, 2026 meeting (motion carried)

Town Council

Energy & Environment Advisory Committee

The Energy and Environment Advisory Committee will receive updates on community power and renewable energy projects. The body will also discuss the TREX recycling program and plan a Backyard Bash event.

• Discussion on Freedom Energy and community power
• Updates on Sol Smart Feasibility Studies
• TREX program update: 94 lbs collected
• Proposal to move school bin to town hall

Town Council

The Council will consider approving minutes, an appointment, and several resolutions including purchases of equipment and a new town manager employment contract. Public forum and reports from the town manager and committees are also on the agenda.

• Heather Pederson – appointment as alternate member to Arts, Culture & Tourism Commission
• Resolution #2025/2026-42 – Purchase of two Lucas chest compression systems
• Resolution #2025/2026-43 – Cruiser purchase
• Resolution #2025/2026-50 – Town Manager 2026 employment contract agreement
• Resolution #2025/2026-51 – Master Plan contract amendment

The Town Council unanimously approved three resolutions: purchasing two Lucas chest compression systems for Fire & Rescue, buying a 2025 Chevy Tahoe cruiser to replace a high-mileage 2024 Explorer, and approving the Town Manager's 2026 employment contract. The council also appointed Heather Pederson as an alternate member to the Arts, Culture & Tourism Commission and approved the June 3, 2026 meeting minutes. The non-public session minutes were sealed indefinitely.

• Approved sealing non-public session minutes indefinitely (6-0).
• Approved June 3, 2026 meeting minutes as written (6-0).
• Appointed Heather Pederson as alternate to Arts, Culture & Tourism Commission until April 2027 (6-0).
• Approved Resolution #2025/2026-42 to purchase two Lucas chest compression systems (6-0).
• Approved Resolution #2025/2026-43 to purchase a 2025 Chevy Tahoe cruiser (6-0).
• Approved Resolution #2025/2026-50 for Town Manager 2026 employment contract (6-0).
• Read Resolution #2025/2026-51 (Master Plan contract amendment) into record; no vote taken.
• Councilor Blackstone proposed amending purchasing policy for town vehicle purchases; no action taken.

Ad hoc Riverfront Advisory Committee

The Riverfront Advisory Committee will hold a regular meeting on June 15, 2026. The main substantive item is a discussion of priorities for the upcoming fiscal year (FY 2026/2027). The meeting also includes public comment, approval of previous minutes, and staff updates.

• Discussion of FY 2026/2027 priorities for the riverfront area

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review FY27 contracts for easement monitoring and land stewardship. The body will also discuss land protection for Rosa and Mitchell and management plans for Folletts Brook and Wiggin Farm.

• SELT easement monitoring contract FY27
• Land stewardship contract FY27
• Land protection for Rosa and Mitchell
• Folletts Brook project grants and RFP
• Wiggin Farm management plan grants and RFP

The Conservation Commission approved a $1,500 contract with SELT to monitor conservation easements, a $5,000 contract with Veronique for stewardship projects, and voted to skip the August meeting. They also discussed the Mitchell Property closing, a potential trail connection at 308 Wadleigh Falls Road, and Turtlefest planning.

• Approved May 14, 2026 minutes (7-0)
• Approved $1,500 SELT monitoring contract (7-0)
• Approved $5,000 contract with Veronique for FY27 (7-0)
• Approved no meeting in August (7-0)
• Adjourned at 8:17 PM (7-0)

Public Transportation Advisory Committee

The committee will review minutes from May 13, 2026. Members will hold revolving discussions on public transportation, road typology, parking, and wayfinding, as well as progress toward 2026 goals.

• Public Transportation discussion
• Road Typology / Complete Streets discussion
• Parking Infrastructure / Management discussion
• Signing/Wayfinding discussion
• Progress on 2026 Goals

The Public Transportation Advisory Committee reviewed and reached consensus on draft parking recommendations for Town Council, which urge exhausting other options before metered parking and improving the permit system. The committee also discussed reestablishing a COAST connection to Durham, a potential community shuttle, and a compact roundabout at Bennett Way. No formal votes were taken on these items; the only vote was to approve the May 13, 2026 minutes (4-0).

• Approved minutes of May 13, 2026 (4-0)
• Reached consensus on draft parking recommendations to send to Town Council
• Discussed reestablishing COAST connection from Newmarket to Durham
• Discussed exploring a low-cost community shuttle with volunteer drivers
• Discussed supporting a compact roundabout at Bennett Way with pedestrian bump-outs at Terrace Drive

Planning Board

The Newmarket Planning Board will review a design application for a church subdivision at 308 Wadleigh Falls and discuss scheduling a public hearing to adopt the Master Plan. The meeting also includes routine approval of minutes, public comments, and committee reports.

• Design review for subdivision at 308 Wadleigh Falls (R-1 District) with 10,000 sf church, 115 parking spaces, and 2.33-acre house retention
• Consideration of scheduling public hearing for Master Plan adoption
• Appointment of Long Range Planning Subcommittee members

The Planning Board reviewed a design concept for a church and subdivision at 308 Wadleigh Falls, heard public concerns about traffic and sight distance, and scheduled a public hearing for the Master Plan adoption on July 14. The board also approved minutes from April 14 and appointed members to the Long Range Planning Subcommittee.

• Approved minutes of April 14, 2026 (6-0)
• Approved workshop minutes of April 14, 2026 (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Master Plan adoption on July 14 (6-0)
• Appointed Bill Arcieri as Planning Board representative to Long Range Planning Subcommittee
• Appointed Jane Ford as alternate representative to Long Range Planning Subcommittee