Select Board
Thursday, May 21, 2026
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Andrea Hodson, Kathy Scott
Attendees: Matt Perry, Carrie Perry, Addie Perry, Steve LaMears, Christina LaMears, Ethan LaMears, Cathy Lovas
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Noyer

The Chair opened the meeting at 7:00 pm.

Agenda, Minutes of 5/7 – With the additions of items including use of public property, SWRPC regional planning, signage near Island Cemetery and the SB meeting calendar, the board approved the agenda.  The SB approved the minutes of the previous meeting as drafted.

Police Chief Swearing In – Town Clerk Cathy Lovas conducted the official swearing in of Police Chief Matt Perry following the SB’s signing of the oath of office.  Many congratulations from the board and all attendees.

Police Department
– Chief Perry and the board discussed removal of the “30-Minute Parking” signs at the top of Church Street.  The Transportation Committee plans to make a formal recommendation on this; its members are in favor of removing.  The Police Dept agrees.  Chief Perry and Steve LaMears will meet at the location early next week to also consider any changes for the rest of Church Street.

-The chief also discussed and recommended to the SB the raising of the town’s special detail rates to $64/hour to bring Harrisville in line with other towns’ rates. The board supports this and asked the chief to work with finance to calculate the appropriate rate to include payroll expenses.  Separately, the board confirmed that the chief’s salary upgrade was effective as of May 1, 2026.

-With a needed upgrade to the radio antenna in the PD, the chief proposed moving $3K from the police special detail fund into the general fund to cover a portion of the $4,600 estimated for the new antenna.  Mr. Maneval moved to approve the recommendation. Andrea Hodson seconded. All voted in favor.

Public Works
– Municipal Services Director Steve LaMears noted that Hancock Road paving is complete and that Roxbury and Meadow Roads will be finished by noon on Friday, May 22.

Energy Committee
-The Committee will meet Sat 6/20 at town hall to discuss funding and technical support available for home electrification projects.
– Less than $25K remains in the HeatSmart+ rebate program for Harrisville and Peterborough homeowners.  NH Saves/Eversource Program offers rebates and incentives for energy efficiency improvements. The Electrify Monadnock Fund is offering up to 7K per household for eligible projects.
-The committee is exploring ideas for purchasing storage batteries in bulk (co-op buying) and will ask around town to discern interest and develop options.

Use of Public Property/Permit Application Form
– Mr. Maneval shared an updated draft for review and vote at the next meeting, noting RSA 286:2 which states the licensing requirement for parades, open air meetings and theatrical/dramatic performances on public property.

SWRPC
– Mr. Maneval shared that follow-up from the regional cooperation initiative will include distribution of a questionnaire to participating towns’ select boards.

Correspondence and other business
– Personnel Policies – Andrew Maneval and Kathy Scott will review the current draft prepared by Andrea Hodson. The board would like to distribute the manual by July 1 and will further discuss suggested edits at the June 4 meeting.
-Grants update – The Historic District Commission is preparing an application for an LCHiP grant for masonry work at the library; – Pending official notice from the Dam Bureau regarding the Russell Reservoir Dam hazard classification, the board may pursue a grant through FEMA;  An application is in progress with the state department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management for a generator at the Highway Barn.
-The SB signed the pay warrant for $
-The SB signed the Transfer Authorization for the Trustees of the Trust Funds for 2026 Warrant Article #9, Purchase Culverts
-The SB signed the Landfill Closure Inspection Report prepared by Wilcox & Barton for submission to DES.
-Andrea Hodson signed the Governance, Management and Engagement forms for the auditors.
-Cathy Lovas requested placement of a bigger or more effective sign to direct traffic away from the dead end on Island Street as drivers continue to drive into the Cemetery.  The board will take this up with the Historic District Commission.
-With Mr. Maneval’s schedule conflicts, Andrea Hodson will attend the next SWRPRC meeting and Kathy Scott will attend the June Planning Board meeting.

SB Meeting Calendar – Thur 6/4 @ 7pm, Fri 6/26 @ 9am, Fri 7/10 at 9am; Thur 7/23 @ 7pm; Fri 7/31 at 9 am; and Fri 8/28 at 9am

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm.