Select Board
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Andrea Hodson, Kathy Scott
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Noyer

The chair opened the meeting at 7:00 pm.

Agenda, Minutes of 1/22 – The board moved and voted unanimously in favor to approve the agenda and the January 22 meeting minutes.

2026 Draft Warrant – The board reviewed the draft warrant articles. Following discussion of input from the Trustees of the Trust Funds Chair, Mr. Maneval moved to withdraw Warrant Article #4 relative to dissolving certain trust and capital reserve funds and returning their balances to the general fund. The board will ask the Trustees to look into this issue for future discussion.

Separately, the board reviewed warrant article language related to potential lease agreements for highway equipment, and discussed options for financing lease payments over five years, should the town agree to do so. The board further reviewed proposed capital reserve fund allocations in light of the five-year outlook for equipment and building maintenance needs, and the warrant article related to road improvements proposed for Roxbury, Meadow and Hancock Roads.  The board will send a draft to town counsel for review ahead of the first budget hearing next Thursday, Feb 5.

2026 Operating Budget – The board will continue finalizing the proposed budget following the DOT’s Public Informational Meeting tomorrow night (Thurs 1/29 at 7 pm).

Correspondence and other business
– The board acknowledged receipt of the email from Mr. Cucchi. Mr. Maneval will draft a response.
– The SB signed the acknowledgement form for the DES Dredge & Fill Application for the Mackey House, 191 Main Street, owned by Historic Harrisville.

At 8:32 pm, the board moved to recess and to continue the meeting to 8pm Thursday, January 29, or immediately following the conclusion of the DOT’s Public Informational Meeting on the Chesham Bridge Project, which begins at 7:00 pm. The SB’s agenda will include continued budget and warrant work, bid award for tree work for the South Road Bridge project, and a discussion with the Transportation Committee on the village walkability project.

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Select Board
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Continued meeting minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Kathy Scott, Andrea Hodson
Attendees: Ned Hulbert, Mary Day Mordecai and Don Scott
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Noyer

At 8:05 pm, Mr. Maneval continued the Select Board meeting of the prior evening.

Transportation Committee – Mary Day Mordecai discussed the continued effort on the walkability project, in particular the effort to move ahead with a walking path along Main Street in the village, across from the General Store, between Prospect Street and Mill Building #1.  The committee requests $15K in the 2026 budget for continued engineering and/or ledge work. The committee received much positive feedback during its grant-writing process and received contribution pledges from town residents/property owners. They also have continued support from Southwest Region Planning Commission and Historic Harrisville. Ms. Mordecai further noted that there are only two more years of MAST grant opportunities and the committee is considering applying again this coming September.

Kathy Scott raised the question of property ownership within the right of way along the state road. The Transportation Committee will continue coordinating with the DOT and Historic Harrisville on these aspects.

Following discussion, Mr. Maneval moved to add $12K to the professional services line in the proposed operating budget to make available as needed up to $15K for the walkability project, subject to project development in 2026.  Andrea Hodson seconded. All voted in favor.

As a final request, the Transportation Committee asked the SB to consider a $5 addition to vehicle registration fees to fund transportation needs in town. The SB noted it will consider this and whether or how it should be proposed.

South Road Bridge Project, RFP for Tree Removal – Mr. Maneval moved to accept the bid from Sandri Companies for $14,870 for tree removal required as part of the South Road Bridge replacement.  The work is required to be done by the end of March.

Correspondence and other business
– The board agreed to send Mr. Maneval’s response to Mr. Cucchi, as drafted.
– The board acknowledged receipt of correspondence from Mayfair Farm and will discuss with the Municipal Services Director.

SB Calendar – First Budget Hearing is next Thursday, February 5, beginning at 7 pm.

The meeting adjourned at 9:08 pm.