Select Board
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Kathy Scott, Andrea Hodson
Attendees: Jeff Cady, Ned Hulbert, Ben Hoy, Steve LaMears

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.

Agenda, Minutes of 4/3 – With an addition from Andrew from the Planning Board meeting, and a facilities update from Jeff Cady, the SB approved the agenda as amended. The board then approved the minutes of April 3 as drafted.

Housing Research Project Report – Ned Hulbert and the SB discussed the Housing Research Group’s proposed next steps based on work to date and the Housing Research Project Report. The HRG reached consensus on several objectives, including forming an Ad Hoc Team to continue the project and help achieve the objectives. One goal is to develop an ordinance for vote at 2026 Town Meeting that would permit pocket neighborhoods for additional housing opportunities while including criteria for protecting the town’s rural feel and natural resources.  Another objective includes researching affordable housing targets over the next five years – e.g., through development of new and/or renovated housing units for rent or purchase, development and piloting of one new pocket neighborhood of 4-12 units, and funding of a professional planner to work with the Ad Hoc Team to accomplish the goals.

The SB shared their reactions to the Housing Research Group’s proposal, strongly encouraging the HRG to reach out to the Planning Board’s Ordinance Review Committee as soon as possible. The board and Mr. Hulbert also discussed other issues to address, such as continued education about affordable housing, ongoing communication with key populations, identifying the best ways to attract key groups and like-minded developer(s), and determine ways to maintain affordability for families and individuals, among other outreach and assessment needs.

Following discussion, Andrew Maneval moved to indicate to the Ad Hoc Housing Group Team that the SB supports the concept of Affordable Housing, appreciates the work the HRG is doing, and is willing to assist as the work moves along. Andrea Hodson seconded. All voted in favor.

Charitable Exemption – Andrea Hodson shared town counsel’s input on the charitable exemption application submitted by Historic Harrisville for two of its properties. Though St. Denis Church is not yet up and running as a community center, the SB is still authorized to approve the request. Ms. Hodson recommended the approval. Andrew Maneval moved to do so. All voted in favor.

Recycle Center/Compactor status – The board heard feedback on assessment of, and recommended work to, the compactor to repair damage and partial rot. Of import is keeping it running, but realizing there may not be adequate funds available in the budget for the unplanned expense. MDS quoted roughly $6K to do the work. The SB asked Mr. Hoy to calculate potential savings with MDS’s lower contract costs for solid waste removal in 2025 and will continue discussion at its next meeting to decide on the plan forward.

Separately, Mr. Hoy noted that prices for metal are increasing and he’s getting ready to sell the baled aluminum. Kathy Scott asked if he and her colleagues could revisit the glass crusher, if/how it can be used safely and, if not possible, consider selling it.

Nonpublic session – At 8:19 pm, per RSA 91-A:3II, the board moved and voted unanimously in favor to enter non-public session to discuss employee matters resulting from Wes Tarr’s pending retirement as the Town’s longtime Road Agent.  At 9:15 pm, the board moved and voted in favor to exit nonpublic session and subsequently moved to keep the minutes sealed for the time being for purposes of confidentiality.

Correspondence and other business
-The SB signed the pay warrant in the amount of $16,002.11.
-The board signed the MDS contract, approved at the April 3 meeting.
-For the Town Fireworks, scheduled for Sunday, July 20, the SB will ask Ranae O’Neil to contact the vendor regarding the proposed quote/contract and the maximum expenditure budgeted, which is $6,000; otherwise, a new contract will be needed or alternative funding sought.
-On the old safe found in the old fire station, Mr. Maneval will ask Historic Harrisville Archives of their interest, if any.

The meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.