Select Board
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Meeting Minutes

Select Board: Andrew Maneval, Kathy Scott and Andrea Hodson
Attendees: Cathy Soreson, Charlie Sorenson, Harry Wolhandler, Ralph Zingaro, Jessica Zander, Amy Bright, Marylou DiPietro, Penny King , Don Scott, Beate Becker, David Belknap, Leslie Voiers, Sherry Sims, Winston Sims, Chick Colony, and Pat Colony
Recording Secretary: Mary Ann Noyer

Agenda, Minutes of 7/10 – With the addition of two follow up items from the previous meeting, the board approved the agenda.  To allow additional time to review the July 10 minutes, the board deferred a vote to the 7/31 meeting. Mr. Maneval added the comment that the SB is happy to assist employees if needed regarding any outreach by Aflac about health insurance policies.

Public meeting, Knotweed Removal and the Conservation Commission
Conservation Commission Chair Harry Wolhandler provided a summary of the program. Knotweed Removal has been a commission concern since at least 2013/2014, due to its invasiveness, deep and tenacious roots, fast spreading nature, damage to infrastructure, and its crowding out of native vegetation, which pollinators rely on.

Trials using organic herbicides were conducted on small knotweed patches on town or private property. Results showed that the solution was ineffective for mature knotweed, though somewhat effective on new shoots.  Last fall, the commission engaged a licensed vegetation management expert to spray a diluted glyphosate solution on 72 knotweed patches along town and state roadsides and, with permission from property owners, on private land. The commission plans to continue with the program this fall, after flowering season, anticipating the need for less solution in successive treatments as the knotweed stands die off.  Any new shoots can be treated with organic herbicide before roots are established.

The Select Board invited input and questions from the public.  Many attendees voiced concerns about ill health effects linked to glyphosate and about fears of groundwater contamination. Conservation Commission members addressed the difference between use of glyphosate in large agricultural settings and use of it over long periods of time and the 3% solution the consultant applied.  The vendor also uses additives that enhance absorption, prevent product drift, and contain treatment to knotweed leaves.

Discussion consisted of questions about reaction of the solution in soil, varied estimates of its half-life, concerns about effects on animal health, and on surrounding vegetation, wetlands and waterways, and whether regrowth of native species is possible.  Amy Bright noted the positive attributes of invasive species for medicinal, health and ecosystem benefits.  The town’s health officer voiced his disapproval of the treatment. Some property owners noted the positive aspects of the knotweed removal treatment on their land.

Conservation Commission members cited approval by federal and state agencies for use of glyphosate according to manufacturers’ labels, noting the expertise and experience and permits held by the consultant, including a special permit to work near water and wetlands. Following the lengthy discussion, the Commission was asked to consider at its August meeting taking the following steps:

  • Erect signage at treatment locations to denote date of spraying and duration that solution remains active;
  • Advertise when the vendor will be working in town, to the extent specific date are known in advance; and
  • Ensure a Conservation Commission member accompanies the vendor while he’s working.

In addition to these steps, the SB Chair recommended that the Conservation Commission consider how serious an option are organic herbicides vs. glyphosate and to respond to the SB later in August with its analysis and the results of the already treated stands.  Mr. Wolhandler agreed to do so.

Cybersecurity Policy – Following agreement on a slight revision to the Acknowledgement section, the board approved the Cybersecurity Policy for adoption 7/23/2026. The board will discuss the new policy at the 7/31 department head meeting and also invite board and committee chairs to attend to discuss this and the Whistleblower Policy, the other annex to the updated Employee Manual.

With no further additions to the updated Employee Manual, Mr. Maneval moved to approve it. Kathy Scott seconded. All voted in favor.  The manual will be also be shared with department heads and elected officials. Should comments or questions ensue, the board will consider additional revisions.

Other business
Mailchimp/Listserv – The SB deferred this item as no new information is available.

Old Home Days – As a result of concerns raised with Mr. Maneval at Old Home Days, the SB will ask the Transportation Committee (TC) to consider the existing traffic signs at the intersection of Hancock and Bonds Corner Roads and make a recommendation. The TC also is considering and discussing with the DOT a mirror at Eastside and Breed Roads. Separately, the SB noted it will continue to explore options for noiseless fireworks in the event costs comes down. The SB will plan to invite the OHD Committee to meet soon after Town Meeting to discuss next year’s OHD event ideas.

South Road Bridge project – On whether or not the Town can use the “old” bridge components once the replacement construction is under way, the SB will reach out to Steve LaMears, the Trails Group, and Seth Kallman, who was involved when it was installed.

ZBA appointment recommendation – Following the recommendation of the ZBA to appoint Michael Amato as an Alternate Member, Mr. Maneval moved to approve. Kathy Scott seconded. All voted in favor. The board will ask the Town Clerk to prepare the paperwork.

The board signed the pay warrant for $245,596.98, including the $225K installment for the school district. The July 23 payroll warrant also was approved.

EMD job description – With the resignation of Jeff Cady as Emergency Management Director, Andrea Hodson shared an updated job description. Mr. Maneval suggested adding the National Incident Management System (NIMS) because of the excellent training offered. The SB will review and vote next week on moving this forward.

CPCNH – Andrea Hodson confirmed that notice was sent to the Community Power Coalition of NH that the SB only approves of new Eversource customers in Harrisville becoming automatically  enrolled in Community Power if the Basic Granite default rate is the same or lower than Eversource’s default rate.

Draft agenda for Friday, 7/31, at 9:00 am – Department Heads, Board and Committee Chairs for rolling out of new Employee Manual and 2 policies, department and budget updates; Mailchimp/Listserv; pay warrant; other business as needed. At this time, the only scheduled August SB meeting is Fri 8/28 at 9am.

The SB will invite the Transportation Committee to attend a September meeting to discuss the retaining wall along Main Street across from the General Store.

The meeting adjourned at 9:41 pm.