Select Board
Friday, June 26, 2026
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Andrea Hodson, Kathy Scott
Attendees: Police Chief Matt Perry, Conservation Commission Chair Harry Wolhandler, Fire Chief Dave O’Neil, Town Clerk Cathy Lovas
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Noyer

Agenda, Minutes of 6/4 – The board approved the agenda and minutes of the previous meeting.

Police Department – The SB and Chief Perry agreed on a revision to the Police Special Details Ordinance regarding the pay rate that reads, “At a rate approved by the SB and available for review from the SB office.”  Chief Perry will consider updating the minimum notice time for cancellation.

On Chief Perry’s effort to apply for a grant for computers in the police vehicles, the SB noted that grant funding goes into the General Fund and not to specific department budgets; however, the required town match comes out of the operating budget or the Police Detail Revolving Fund.  Following discussion, the board agreed to revisit the need to reallocate $2K from the Select Board stipend line to the Police Department equipment line given the computer equipment has to be purchased up front prior to receiving grant funds, potentially resulting in a shortfall in the Police budget.  The SB agreed on the benefits for safety and efficiency that the equipment will provide.

The Select Board and Chief Perry expressed sincere gratitude to Historic Harrisville, Fred O’Connor and Kat O’Brien for their generous donation of time and materials to create new signs for the Police Department building.

Conservation Commission – Harry Wolhandler and the board discussed the next steps in the Hemlock Initiative, including the creation of a separate fiscal agent under a 501c3 to oversee funding of beetle releases, as the program has spread beyond Harrisville borders and among neighboring towns.  As the permit to import beetles was issued to Mr. Wolhandler and not the Conservation Commission, Mr. Wolhandler can continue to import beetles as a board member of the 501c3 rather than the Conservation Commission. The SB noted this is how it should be done.  In addition, purchasing of beetles will not be done through the Conservation Fund but through the 501c3. The SB congratulated Mr. Wolhandler and the Conservation Commission on the success of the program and the increasing awareness of its success by experts in the field.

The board also discussed the knotweed removal program. Mr. Wolhandler requests assistance from the highway department in removing the dead stalks, and will reach out to Steve LaMears.  With the Conservation Commission’s plan to resurvey roadsides in the coming weeks and to undertake another round of roadside spraying after flowering in late September or early October, the SB will add this topic to its July 23 meeting agenda to allow for additional public input and will notice the meeting accordingly.

Landfill Groundwater Management Permit – The board noted Wilcox & Barton’s report on the 2026 groundwater sampling and approved of the report’s submission to DES, noting that Wilcox & Barton would like to add another monitoring well to its sampling schedule next year.

2026 Operating Budget – The SB acknowledged that it inadvertently encumbered $33,277 instead of $53,277 at end of 2025, noting the error in the encumbrance balance brought forward to 2026. The $53,277 were the funds remaining on the 2025 Warrant Article for paving. The DRA was consulted on the error and had no issue with the correction and there is no impact on 2025/2026 appropriations.

As of the end of June, 42% of the total operating budget has been spent, with the County Ambulance first half 2026 payment yet to be invoiced/paid. While the board noted no immediate issues, there are inflation concerns.

Employee handbook – The SB discussed and agreed on suggested revisions. Andrea Hodson will draft appendixes for whistleblower and cybersecurity practices and redistribute for final review.

Use of Town Property Form – With the addition of the relevant RSA language, Mr. Maneval moved to approve the form. Kathy Scott seconded. All voted in favor.

Medical insurance update/dental – Ms. Hodson shared information from HealthTrust about 4 dental plans it offers.  Should eligible employees be interested in obtaining dental insurance immediately, it would be at 100% cost for this year.  The town would need 75% of full-time employees to be interested to select one plan.  The board will reach out to these employees for feedback on the potential plan. Mr. Maneval moved that if and when Andrea, who is delegated to oversee this, gets sufficient interest, that she moves forward with the program with no budget implications for 2026.  Ms. Hodson noted she will find out from the representative if elected officials and employees are two different candidate pools.

Town Clerk/Dog Licensing – With the required report from the Town Clerk that 6 dogs remain unlicensed, the SB authorized the Police Dept to follow up as set forth in state statutes.

Correspondence and other business
-The SB signed the Transfer Authorizations for 2026 Warrant Articles 4, 6 and 9.
-The SB signed the Land Use Change Tax Warrants for Map 54-34-1 and Map 40 – Lot 33.
-The SB signed the Timber Intent for Map 20 lot 87 and Map 50 – lot 2
-The board signed the pay warrant for $254,862.34.
-South Road Bridge project – The Wetlands Permit was issued. The Shoreland Permit by Notification is pending. The Town also is awaiting signoff from the DOT and Dubois & King on the draft RFQ for selection of the engineering firm. Mr. Maneval will help review the submissions, expected by the late July Select Board meeting.
-Energy Committee – CPCNH is in the process of voting on rates. The Eversource rate is slightly lower than the .1485/kWh but Eversource is increasing from $.11 to $.14/kWh. The HeatSmart+ program is still taking applications.  Electrification incentive programs are also available through NH Cares and the Electrify Monadnock Fund of the Monadnock Sustainability Hub.  Committee work continues on exploring interest in backup batteries and/or the leasing of arrays and batteries through ReVision Energy.

Old Home Days – Mr. Maneval will set up a SB booth and be on hand to answer any questions about town business and to provide information. The Energy Committee will also have a booth.

SB meeting calendar – Upcoming meetings are scheduled for Fri 7/10 at 9:00 am, Thur 7/23 at 7 pm, and Fri 7/31 (with department heads).

The meeting adjourned at 11:33 am.