Select Board
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Kathy Scott. Absent: Andrea Hodson
Attendees: John Sandri, Don Scott, Mike Wilder Cathy Lovas, David Belknap
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Noyer

Agenda, Minutes of 9/4 and 9/11 – With the addition of an item on the Rail Trail pocket park and on the Friends of Russell Reservoir input on the Russell Reservoir Dam, the SB approved the agenda. The board then approved the minutes of 9/4 as amended, and the minutes of 9/11.

Code Enforcement – The SB addressed the process to deal with a zoning complaint submitted to the SB and zoning enforcement officials. The board heard input from the Code Enforcement Officer following his visit to the property and review of the written complaints. Mr. Wilder noted he observes no violations of the home-based business approval granted to the property owner in 2023 by the ZBA. Following this input and confirmation from the property owner, the SB noted it would proceed with a public hearing scheduled for Thursday, October 2, at 7pm to allow for additional input from all interested parties in order for the SB to undertake its statutory duty to make a determination on the formal complaints. The SB further noted the submission of a letter of support from the nearest abutter to the home-based business.

Dubois & King – The SB reviewed the amended contract for the South Road Bridge project. Following discussion and input from Andrea Hodson on the explanation for the amendment, Mr. Maneval moved to approve the contract. Kathy Scott seconded. The SB voted 2-0 in favor.

Public Works – The board noted the fence work for the revamped loading dock area at the Recycling Center is anticipated to be done by end of month at RC. The culvert work on Kadakit Street and other roads also is anticipated to be done by end of the month. The timing of paving on Kadakit Street depends on the contractor’s completion of its work along Route 101.

Safety Committee/Recycling Center – Mr. Maneval shared highlights of the Safety Committee’s audit of the Recycling Center, noting Charles Michal’s and Tom Weller’s offers to assist on a pro bono basis with preparing any necessary architectural drawings for restructuring buildings for increased storage capacity.

Rail Trail Pocket Park Application to DES – With the state’s requiring a Standard Dredge & Fill application for improvements to the section of the town Rail Trail that divides Stanford Pond, the SB reviewed and signed the application, as did the Town Clerk. All abutters will be notified by certified mail and the Planning Board and Conservation Commission will also have the opportunity to comment.

Russell Reservoir Dam – The board noted Dave Thompson’s email to the Friends of Russell Reservoir (FORR) recapping the status of repairs to the dam gate.  All agreed on holding off on a drawdown until receipt of the State’s completed inspection report and the availability of the contractor for repair of the gate in 2026. The SB agreed with the recommendation, as did Steve LaMears, and the SB appreciates the input and communication of the FORR.  Mr. Maneval then moved to approve the recommendation made to await the full report from the state.  All voted in favor.

Drought conditions – The SB discussed any town potential for providing water sources for residents whose wells run dry. For the time being the town is not in a position to do so for many reasons, including legal ones, to offer a public source. If more residents are affected and conditions worsen, the board will further discuss options.

Correspondence and other business –

-The SB moved to name Phil Gargan as Deputy Treasurer as an interim appointment and appreciates his effort. Kathy Scott seconded. All voted in favor.

-At 7:35 pm, the SB moved and voted unanimously in favor to enter nonpublic session per 91A:3II regarding personnel matters. At 7:46 pm, the SB moved and voted in favor to exit nonpublic session. Mr. Maneval subsequently moved to preserve the confidentiality of the session minutes. All voted in favor.

SB meeting calendar – The SB will meet Thursday, 10/2 at 7pm for a public hearing and for regular business. The fall Dept Head meeting, subject to confirmation of Andrea Hodson’s availability, will be Friday, 11/7, at 9 am.

The meeting adjourned at 8:08 pm.