Select Board
Friday, April 24, 2026
Meeting Minutes

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

The meeting opened at 9:00 am.

Agenda, Minutes of 4/16 – With the addition of an update from Mr. Maneval on the Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) meeting, a health insurance update, and the topic of audio loop technology, the board approved the agenda as amended.  Subsequently, the board approved the SB Minutes of 4/16 as submitted.

DES Dam Bureau and South Road Bridge project – Andrea Hodson confirmed that funding to replace the South Road Bridge remains secured for construction in 2027, following issuance of the RFP this fall.  The next Town Meeting Warrant will include a proposal for expenditures to pay contractors until 100% reimbursement received.

The Dam Bureau informed the town that a formal notice relative to the Russell Reservoir Dam hazard classification is forthcoming but noted the classification is likely to change from low hazard to significant hazard. This will affect the extent of repairs or reconstruction needed and, thus, the planning needs for the town’s infrastructure budget.  In the meantime, the bureau advises the town to undertake the minimum maintenance necessary to ensure safe operation, including monitoring leakage and condition of the gate, patching holes in the spillway and concrete walls, and trimming brush.

Audio loop technology – Returning to a topic from several years ago, when the board researched audio loop technology following a request from a resident, the board will consult with audio experts about current technologies to identify potentially useful applications for public meetings.

Health Insurance – The board signed the health coverage confirmation form for HealthTrust, effective for the period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. The board noted the town and SAU employees are rated together; thus, any changes the town may be interested in could affect the SAU, and vice versa.

Canal Fencing – John Knight will move forward with the fencing committee.  The board will ask Steve LaMears about the timing for putting up new/temporary boards across from the library and convey this information to the committee.

Use of public property, form and process – The board resumed discussion of whether a process for requests to use town property should be institutionalized, with submission of a form required as a helpful tool for liability purposes, communication, and to inform emergency services personnel. Ms. Hodson will revise the draft form into an informational document. Mr. Maneval offered to look into other towns’ practices and report back.  The board further noted that request to use the town beaches vs. Memorial Park involve different considerations.

SWRPC Meeting at Village Community Center – Mr. Maneval shared highlights of the introductory meeting hosted by SWRPC to identify towns’ concerns, interests and ideas and explore opportunities for regional solutions to issues to share the high costs incurred currently by individual small towns. Attendees included representatives from Nelson, Dublin, Harrisville, Westmoreland, Hancock and SWRPC.  Examples or regional solutions included sharing Fire Department expenses, ambulance services, administrative staff, equipment, and health insurance.  Some of the services involve geographically-based issues and some (e.g, cybersecurity) do not.  SWRPC will distribute notes on the meeting, a contact list, the date of the next meeting, and thoughts on a communication medium so representatives from all towns can readily share ideas and information

Correspondence and other business
-Legal update – The SB will share copies of the legal correspondence it received with the Wells Memorial School Principal for discussion with the SAU.  To avoid any taxpayer-incurred expense, the SB agreed it will not take part in the matter.
-COLA for recent hires – The board confirmed that employees who have been with the town for more than one year are eligible for cost-of-living adjustments, noting that COLAs are based on the prior year inflation rate.
-The board signed the pay warrant for $34,253.75.
-The board signed the no-cost agreement with Historic Harrisville to lease space for Old Home Days in case of rain.
-Mr. Maneval signed the letter to the town’s auditors regarding recognizing as a liability the landfill post closure costs.
– The board signed the Land Use Change Tax warrant for Map 40 – Lot 102-10.
– The Energy Committee will meet next Tuesday morning. Members are exploring co-op buying of solar battery storage units to save money through bulk purchasing.  The committee also aims to raise awareness about battery storage options.  On the town’s solar array at the highway barn, the SB delegated authority to Andrea Hodson to determine whether the $2,700 credit from its output should be received by check or as a credit on the town’s account.
-The board announced congratulations to Matt Perry on his graduation from the full-time police academy in Concord and looks forward to welcoming him back as Police Chief.

The next meeting of the Select Board is Thursday, May 7, at 7 pm.  Andrea Hodson stated she will circulate the updated draft request form for use of town property and the updated draft personnel policies handbook.

The SB adjourned at 11:15 am.