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2026 STRAFFORD TOWN MEETING

The Town Meeting was called to order at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Strafford Town Hall,
in the Town of Strafford, by Town Moderator Ralph Wegner to act on Articles 1 through 4 by ballot vote.
The ballots were cast, and the meeting recessed at 7:00 PM for the purpose of tallying the votes.

The 206" Town Meeting was called to order again at 8:35 AM on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the
Strafford School by Moderator Ralph Wegner to act on Articles 5 through 21.

Present:

Moderator: Ralph Wegner

Board of Selectmen: Lynn Sweet, Chair; Stephen Leighton; Brian Monahan.

Town Administrator: Ellen White

Department Heads: Randy Young, Police Chief; Steve Johnson, Fire Chief; Matt Messenger, Road Agent;
Larisa Molloy, Library Director

Supervisors of the Checklist: Carol Cooper; Martha English; Judith Dupre

Town Clerk: Terri Marsh

Voters Checked In: 147

Bob Fletcher led the Pledge of Allegiance. Greg Messenger offered an opening prayer.

Moderator Ralph Wegner welcomed attendees, made introductions, and reviewed the rules of proper
conduct for the meeting.

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, thanked Town departments, officials, and voters.

Moderator Ralph Wegner read the results of the March 10, 2026 Town Election.

ARTICLE 1
To choose all necessary Town Officers for the year ensuing.

Voters on the Checklist 3420
Votes Cast 665 (634 Election Day Voters and 31 Absentee Voters)

Selectman (Three Year Term)

R. Stephen Leighton 557
Moderator (Two Year Term)

Ralph Wegner 457
Supervisor of the Checklist (Six Year Term)
Judith Dupre 561

Planning Board Member (Three Year Term)
Terry Hyland Sr. 447

Charlie Moreno 490

Zoning Board of Adjustment Member (Three Year Term)

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Aaron Leff 327
Ashley Rowe 394

Trustee of the Trust Funds (Three Year Term)
Elizabeth Evans 530

Library Trustee (Three Year Term)
Betsy Schaefer 544

Moderator Ralph Wegner read the results of the zoning questions voted on by ballot at the March 10,
2026 Election.

ARTICLE 2
Are you in favor of the adoption of the following amendment to the Town of Strafford Zoning and Land
Use Ordinances as proposed by the Planning Board:

To amend Article 1.4.1K Accessory Dwelling Unit by repealing the existing article and replacing it with
updated language conforming to the 2025 changes to NH RSA 674:71-73 and to add three new
definitions: Article 1.14.25 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), Article 1.14.26, Accessory Dwelling Unit,
Attached, and Article 1.14.27, Accessory Dwelling Unit, Detached. Under the new statute, either attached
or detached ADUs are allowed by right in association with single family residences, and ADUs may be
constructed by converting existing non-conforming structures. Building permits and all ordinances and
regulations applicable to residential construction shall apply. The proposed ordinance would allow up to
750 square foot 2-bedroom ADUs on a non-conforming single family residential lot and up to 950 square
foot 2-bedroom ADUs on a single-family conforming lot. Owner occupancy of one of the units is still
required. Approved septic systems must be installed prior to occupancy.

Vote: By Ballot (Yes 485 - No 141)

Result: Article #2 Passes

ARTICLE 3
Are you in favor of the adoption of the following amendment to the Town of Strafford Zoning and Land
Use Ordinances as proposed by the Planning Board:

To add a new Article 1.4.2 F (2) regarding a new requirement for securing a Conditional Use Permit for
Home Based Child Care programs established as an accessory use to any residential property and
outlining the criteria for issuance of the permit, and to add a new definition Article 1.14.28 Home Based
Child Care. Home Based Child Care programs shall not require completion of a Non-Residential Site
Plan.

Vote: By Ballot (Yes 396 - No 227)

Result: Article #3 Passes

ARTICLE 4
4. Are you in favor of the adoption of the following amendment to the Town of Strafford Zoning and
Land Use Ordinances as proposed by the Planning Board:

To amend Article 1.7.1 Non-Conforming Use to clarify when Special Exceptions or Variances are
required and the procedure for applying to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and to amend and clarify

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definitions by adding “and Non-Conforming Lot” to Article 1.14.6 Non-Conforming Structure and by
updating the language of Article 1.14.7 Non-Conforming Use. Non-Conforming structures destroyed by
fire or by an act of nature may be repaired, rebuilt, or replaced with the same dimensions in the same
location, provided that repairs commence within one year of the event.

Vote: By Ballot (Yes 476 - No 140)

Result: Article #4 Passes

Moderator Ralph Wegner read the results of the March 10, 2026 School District Election.

School Board Member (Three Year Term)
Michelle Wangerin 385

School District Moderator (Three Year Term)
Kurt Wuelper 289

School District Clerk (Three Year Term)
Kaisha Morse 525

School District Treasurer (Three Year Term)
Sharon Huckins 553

Moderator Ralph Wegner began the remaining warrant articles.

ARTICLE 5

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $460,000. for Capital Improvements
(Drainage work, culverts, gravel and paving) of roads within the Town boundaries at the discretion of the
Road Agent, as funding permits.

Motion: Brian Monahan

Second: Stephen Leighton

Discussion:

Matt Messenger, Road Agent, summarized planned road maintenance for 2026.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #5 Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 6

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,136,233. for the

operation and maintenance of the Strafford Police Department.

Motion: Brian Monahan

Second: Stephen Leighton

Discussion:

Randy Young, Chief of Police, thanked voters for approving body cameras last year and noted they have
proved helpful. He summarized department activity, reporting just under 6,000 calls for service and that
burglaries and accidents have decreased due to proactive patrol and visibility. He reported a surplus from
a grant and payroll that was returned to the Town. He stated that due to an insurance increase, he froze his
operating budget this year except for a small percent increase for raises.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #6 Passes by visual majority

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ARTICLE 7

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $25,000. to be placed in the Police
Vehicle and Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. The Selectmen recommend this article.

Motion: Stephen Leighton

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Randy Young, Chief of Police, stated that no cruiser was purchased last year and one is planned for this
year.

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, reported the fund balance is $28,976.12.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #7 Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 8

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,123,053. for the

operation and maintenance of the Strafford Fire Department.

Motion: Brian Monahan

Second: Stephen Leighton

Discussion:

Steve Johnson, Fire Chief, summarized department activity and reported an 11% increase in call volume
with new personnel and paramedics added per-diem this year. He stated that the minimal budget increase
is due mostly to benefits and insurance.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #8 Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 9

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $154,161. for the fifth year’s payment of
the lease agreement for the new Fire Engine Tanker approved at the 2022 Town Meeting and to authorize
the withdrawal of $54,161. from the Fire Engine Capital Reserve Fund to be used for this purpose. The
balance of $100,000. to come from general taxation. This lease/purchase agreement contains an escape
clause. The Selectmen recommend this article.

Motion: Stephen Leighton

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, reported the fund balance is $57,505.25.

Steve Johnson, Fire Chief, explained the lease-purchase agreement will result in Town ownership once
payments are complete.

Mike Harrington asked for the percentage increase in the operating budget.

Steve Johnson, Fire Chief, estimated the increase at approximately 3.6%.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #9 Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 10

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $25,000. for the purpose of purchasing
equipment and supplies for the ambulances, and to authorize the withdrawal of $25,000. from the Rescue
Vehicle and Equipment Special Revenue Fund to be used for this purpose. No funding to come from
general taxation. The Selectmen recommend this article.

Motion: Stephen Leighton

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Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Steve Johnson, Fire Chief, explained the fund is used for recurring equipment and supply replacement.
Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #10 Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 11

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $225,000. to be placed in the Fire Station
Expansion/Improvement and/or Relocation Fund to be used for the purposes of funding expansion,
improvement, and/or relocation. The Selectmen recommend this article.

Motion: Stephen Leighton

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Stephen Leighton, Selectman, reported the Town is negotiating the purchase of property for a potential
fire station site and the funds would allow the Town to complete the land purchase.

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, reported the fund balance is $205,000.

Mike Harrington asked for an estimate of total project cost for land and new building.

Stephen Leighton, Selectman, stated that only land acquisition is currently under discussion and
construction would likely occur in several years.

Steve Johnson, Fire Chief, noted that an estimate of approximately $7.5 million was mentioned last year.
Heath Howard asked about property location.

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, stated that the location will be disclosed once negotiations are finalized.
Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #11 Passes by visual majority

Randy Young, Chief of Police, spoke about fraud and cautioned residents to beware of fraud.

Joann Brown cautioned residents about fraud.

Ralph Wegner, Moderator, suggested fraud awareness training.

Mike Harrington stated that the DMV and IRS will only use the U.S. Postal Service to contact people.

MOTION: Restrict reconsideration of Article #11.
Motion: Heath Howard

Second: Kurt Wuelper

Discussion: None

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Motion Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 12

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $204,840. for the operation and
maintenance of the Hill Library.

Motion: Stephen Leighton

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, described the article as a standard operating budget.

Mike Harrington asked for the percent increase.

Betsy Cozine, Library Trustee, reported the increase is approximately 4% largely due to insurance.
Vote: Show of cards

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Result: Article #12 Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 13

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $100,000. to be placed in the Library
Expansion, Improvements and/or Relocation Capital Reserve Fund for the purposes of Library Expansion,
Improvements and/or Relocation. The Selectmen recommend this article.

Motion: Stephen Leighton

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, reported the fund balance is $91,743.17.

Jeff Tilton spoke several times about this article, asking about funding, planning, and project costs. He
shared concerns that the library did not need so many extra community programs.

Betsy Cozine, Library Trustee, reported that the Library Committee has been meeting for two years and is
currently looking to expand on the existing lot.

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, reported that this has been a discussion for many years. She stated that a
capital reserve fund is for future preparation and allows the Town to save gradually instead of requesting
a large amount all at once.

Bob Watson spoke several times about this article, asking about funding and amounts added to this fund
from previous years.

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, reported from page 30 of the Annual Town Report that the amount added to
this fund last year was $10,000.

Betsy Cozine, Library Trustee, reported that the year before it was also $10,000.

Robyn Ficek spoke several times about this article, noting that the Police and Fire operating budget
increases were less than the library’s.

Larisa Molloy, Library Director, spoke several times to answer questions from the floor. She explained
insurance increases affecting the library budget. She reported that they were looking at land but are now
looking at other options.

Heath Howard spoke several times about this article, stating that the Town of Barrington recently built a
new library and received a series of grants. He stated that insurance increases can be seen in every budget.
Pat Wakenell, Library Committee Member, stated that the building and parking lot are too small for the
many services and events that the library offers.

Kurt Wuelper questioned why the increase from $10,000 to $100,000.

Tahja Fulwider spoke several times about this article, stating that the Bow Lake Community Center
operates without taxpayer funding and suggested collaboration with the library for community events.
Mike Harrington stated that many residents do not use the library and suggested charging a fee for
additional programs.

Sharon Omand, Alternate Library Trustee, spoke several times about this article, stating that they are
looking at grants but must first develop a clear plan. She explained that the community library systems are
intended to be free institutions, and they cannot charge for facility use and programs.

Marilyn Rivera suggested using the Bow Lake Grange for community events and expressed concern about
seniors in Town struggling to pay taxes.

MOTION: Amend Article #13

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $25,000. to be placed in the Library
Expansion, Improvements and/or Relocation Capital Reserve Fund for the purposes of Library Expansion,
Improvements and/or Relocation.

Motion: Bob Fletcher

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Second: Robyn Ficek

Discussion:

Melinda Bubier stated that we are investing now for what we want our library to look like in the future,
and that she would like to see the voters approve the original amount of $100,000.

Regina Flynn asked for clarification on the amendment and article vote.

Ralph Wegner, Moderator, offered clarification.

(Volunteer counters: Jose Rivera, Claire Murdough, Bob Fletcher)

Vote: Counted show of cards (Yes 83 — No 42)

Result: Amendment to Article #13 Passes

Discussion: (Further discussion of Amended Article #13) None
Vote: Show of cards
Result: Article #13 as Amended Passes by visual majority

MOTION: Restrict reconsideration of Article #12.
Motion: Heath Howard

Second: Gibran Mancus

Discussion: None

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Motion Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 14

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000. to be placed in the Town Hall
Building Maintenance, Improvements and/or Expansion Capital Reserve Fund. The Selectmen
recommen4d this article.

Motion: Stephen Leighton

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, reported the amount in the fund is $21,159.

Mike Harrington asked what the difference was between this article and Article #18.

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, stated that Article #14 is for building maintenance and Article #18 is for
general expenses such as utilities, supplies, and equipment.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #14 Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 15

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000. to be placed in the Highway
Department Vehicle and/or Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. The Selectmen recommend this article.
Motion: Stephen Leighton

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, reported the amount in the fund is $44,000.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #15 Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 16
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $5,000. to be placed in the Reflective

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Road Signage Capital Reserve Fund. The Selectmen recommend this article.
Motion: Lynn Sweet

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, reported the amount in the fund is $3,800.
Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #16 Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 17

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000. to be placed in the
Repair/Replace Recycling Center Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. The Selectmen recommend this
article.

Motion: Stephen Leighton

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, reported the amount in the fund is $56,383.13.

Jeff Tilton asked why the amounts were presented in separate articles rather than combined.

Brian Monahan, Selectman, explained that separate articles allow voters greater control over how funds
are allocated.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #17 Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 18
To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,079,091. for general Town operations.
Executive. $ 103,408.
Election & Registration. 36,530.
Financial Administratio: 118,323.
Appraisal of Property & Tax Maps. 125,087.
Legal Expenses. 60,000.
Employee Benefits, 46,661.
Planning and Zoning 53,150.
General Government Building. 60,300.
Auto Permits/Town Clerk Fees 42,350.
Insurance. 92,687.
Advertising and Regional Associatio! 4,870.
Strafford Regional Planning Comm. Dues. 5,949.
Contingency Fund... 15,000.
Annual CPA Audit. 13,000.
Emergency Management. 5,000.
Building Inspection....... 36,621.
General Highway Expenses and Town Maintenance. 759,590.
Street Lighting. 5,800.
Solid Waste Disposal. 438,207.
Animal Contro! 1,800.
Cemeteries. 11,000.
Cornerstone 3,991.
General Assistance and Welfare. 10,000.

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Community Action... 2,000.
Haven Sexual Assault Support Services. 992.
My Friend’s Place.........cesee 1,000.
The Homemakers Health Service: 3,200.
Catamount Womenaid 1,000.
Ready Rides. 1,500.
CASA. 500.
Strafford Nutrition 1,500.
Parks and Recreation. 6,350.
Patriotic Purposes and Fireworks 6,900.
Conservation Commission 2,825.
Interest Expense & Tax Anticipation Notes.. 2,000.

TOTAL. scecsesesestesesseseeessees $2,079,091.

(The intent of this article is to raise the sum of $2,079,091. exclusive of all other Articles addressed.)
Motion: Stephen Leighton

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Mike Harrington spoke several times about this article, stating that taxpayers should not have to
contribute to the charity line items and asked about revenue generated by the Conservation Commission.
Liz Evans, Conservation Commission Secretary, explained that the revenue comes from current use
penalties and can only be used for land conservation purposes. She stated that the budget line item for
Conservation Commission is used for state dues and supplies.

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, reported that page 36 of the Annual Town Report shows approximately
$91,000 as Conservation Commission revenue in 2025.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #18 Passes by visual majority

MOTION: Restrict reconsideration of Article #18.
Motion: Heath Howard

Second: Dan Howard

Discussion: None

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Motion Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 19

Shall the Town vote to MODIFY the OPTIONAL VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT for SERVICE-
CONNECTED TOTAL DISABILITY in accordance with RSA 72:35, for an annual tax credit on
residential property of $1,500.? (Majority vote required)

Motion: Lynn Sweet

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Lynn Sweet, Selectmen Chair, explained the change was required due to State law modification preventing
two separate credits for Veterans with service connected total disability.

Kurt Wuelper asked if Veterans would still be eligible for the $500 credit.

Brian Monahan, Selectman, stated that non-disabled Veterans would still receive $500, and this change

2026 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MINUTES


ensures disabled Veterans still receive a $1,500 total credit.

Dennis Boston asked about increasing the credit for all Veterans and it was pointed out that the article on
the floor was addressing the optional tax credit for service connected totally disabled Veterans.

Joe Pomerleau noted that Veteran tax credits are not automatic and require an application.

Jay Schaefer questioned why the State no longer allows both credits.

Brian Monahan, Selectman, stated that they were unsure why the State made the change.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #19 Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 20

“To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $70,000. to open, improve, and maintain
the dirt portion of Old Whig Hill Road; to preserve it as a dirt road; to repair and widen areas where two
vehicles cannot currently pass safely; and to install proper drainage where standing water and mud often
make the road impassable.” By petition. The Selectmen do not recommend this article.

Motion: Steven Leighton

Second: Brian Monahan

MOTION: Amend Article #20.

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $130,000. to open, improve, and maintain
the dirt portion of Old Whig Hill Road; to preserve it as a dirt road; to repair and widen areas where two
vehicles cannot currently pass safely; and to install proper drainage where standing water and mud often
make the road impassable.

Motion: Cindy Gale

Second: Nancy Goodspeed

Discussion:

Cindy Gale, Primary Petitioner, explained the petition and safety concerns related to road access. She
asked if the Road Agent, Matt Messenger, would comment.

Matt Messenger, Road Agent, stated that if the Town spends money to upgrade this Class VI road, it
would be required to assume maintenance as a Class V road.

Dan Brooks asked if $130,000 was enough to do that.

Matt Messenger, Road Agent, replied that maintained as a dirt road, yes.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Amendment to Article #20 Fails by visual majority

Discussion: (Continued discussion on Article #20)

Michael Witonis spoke several times about this article, questioning the wording of the article and stating
that he pays to maintain the Class VI road he lives on. He stated that property owners should fund
improvements themselves if they want a road upgraded from Class VI to a Class V. He stated that towns
are not legally allowed to spend money to maintain a class VI road.

Stephen Leighton, Selectman, stated that once funds are spent the road classification would change and
confirmed the Article was written correctly.

Kurt Wuelper spoke several times about this article, asking why the Selectmen did not support the article
and whether spending $70,000 would require the Town to assume ownership and future costs.

Stephen Leighton, Selectman, stated the Selectmen did not support the article because property owners
were aware of the road conditions when purchasing and responsibility should not fall on the Town.

Mike Harrington stated that there are many Class VI roads in Town and expressed concern about potential
future costs. He asked if $70,000 would be adequate.

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Matt Messenger, Road Agent, stated that $70,000 may make the road passable but it would not bring it to
Class V standard required for Town maintenance.

Gibran Mancus stated that the road is not passable right now with over a foot of water.

Regina Flynn stated that she appreciates the discussion because it is a safety issue.

Ralph Wegner, Moderator, closed discussion.

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Article #20 Fails by visual majority

MOTION: Restrict reconsideration of Article #20.
Motion: Michael Witonis

Second: Bill Gillis

Discussion: None

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Motion Passes by visual majority

ARTICLE 21

To transact any other business that may legally come before this meeting.
Motion: Stephen Leighton

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion:

Mike Harrington reminded residents about the change in NH vehicle inspections.

MOTION: Adjourn the meeting.

Motion: Bob Fletcher

Second: Brian Monahan

Discussion: None

Vote: Show of cards

Result: Motion to Adjourn the meeting Passes by visual majority

Meeting adjourned at 10:21 AM.

Given under my hands and seal, this 18th day of March, in the year of our Lord Two Thousand and
Twenty-six.

Respectfully Submitted,

oo Mads

Terri L. Marsh
Strafford Town Clerk

*Comments made during the meeting are summarized for the purpose of the minutes and are not intended
to be verbatim transcripts.

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