Select Board
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Andrea Hodson, Kathy Scott
Attendees: DOT Representatives Jason Tremblay, Paul Lovely, and Frank Linnenbringer, VHB Engineering Representatives Jule Whitmore and Taylor St. Peter-Gagnon, Town of Harrisville Municipal Services Director Steve LaMears, Police Department Officer Matt Perry

The meeting opened at 7:00 pm.

Agenda, Minutes of 11/7 – With the addition of an update on the South Road Bridge, the SB approved the agenda.  The board approved the minutes of the previous meeting, 11/7.

Chesham Road Bridge – Representatives from the DOT and the engineering firm VHB, Inc. presented preliminary plans to the SB for federally-funded repairs to the Chesham Road Bridge over the Minnewawa Brook, south of the Meadow Road intersection and ¾ of a mile from Route 101. The SB shared feedback on alternative scenarios for the timing of the needed repairs to the deck and superstructure, and the associated traffic detours that will be necessary to complete them.

SB members generally agreed that the preferred alternative is to close the bridge entirely and detour traffic for one summer season vs. phasing the work out over two summers and keeping one lane open.  Based on this preliminary input, the DOT will refine the project plan and return to Harrisville for a Public Informational Meeting early in 2026. Project officials seek as much public input as possible in order to address in the final work plan questions and concerns, such as traffic detours, emergency response routes, and school schedule and bus routes. In addition, agencies interested in serving as “Consulting Parties” to the project, including local governments, abutters, or the Historic District Commission, can apply to the Federal Highway Administration under Section 106 of its rules to do so.  A full environmental assessment, as well as an assessment of natural, cultural and historic resources, will be conducted prior to project commencement.  Work is not likely to begin until 2027 following approval of the final engineering design, completion of the RFP for the construction, and a second Public Informational Meeting. The current bridge dates to 1939.

South Road Bridge – Andrea Hodson participated in a check- in call with the DOT to review the checklist of what’s been done and what remains to be done to proceed with bridge replacement. Dubois & King will present final plans to the DOT. Following DOT approval, the RFP for construction can be issued.

Public Works – Steve LaMears shared proposals for Warrant Articles for leasing of a new loader and a new pick-up truck with plow equipment for the Highway Department.  The proposals are non-binding, pending votes at Town Meeting.  Lease payments for the pickup would be $16k/year for 5 years and would be $54,500 per year for the CAT loader with the option to purchase at lease end.  The SB noted it would review and meet briefly on Monday, 11/24, at 7 pm to vote on the proposals.

Skatutakee Road, east end – With no update, the board deferred this item.

Other business
-The SB signed the pay warrant for $379,311.16 and the payroll warrant for $31,950.62.

-The SB moved and voted unanimously in favor to appoint Bradford Lingham as a Cemetery Trustee to complete the term vacated with the resignation of Sonja Bianchi.

-SB meeting calendar – The SB will hold a half-hour meeting on Mon 11/24 beginning at 7:00 pm to decide on non-binding lease proposals for the loader and pick-up and to vote on the municipal services director appointment.

-Town Counsel search – Andrea Hodson moved to authorize Andrew Maneval to reach out to prospective town counsel’s head of municipal practice to request a meeting with the SB either in person or via zoom on Thurs 12/11 at 7:00 pm. Kathy Scott seconded. All voted in favor.

At 9:34 pm, per RSA 91-A:3II the SB moved and voted unanimously in favor to enter nonpublic session to discuss employment terms, including salary, benefits and job responsibilities, relative to an appointment. Following discussion, at 9:50 pm the SB moved and voted unanimously in favor to exit nonpublic session. The board subsequently voted unanimously in favor to preserve the confidentiality of the minutes.

The meeting adjourned at 10:00 pm.