2026 Town Meeting Minutes
Ronald Fournier and Ronald C. Hurlburt won Select Board seats; write-ins elected Robert St. Pierre as Moderator, Kimberly Underhill Horne as Supervisor of the Checklist, and Marie Bigelow as Trustee of the Trust Funds. A $10,000 wastewater scoping study passed 106-46. Voters approved Woodsville appropriations: $150,172 for paving (94-64) and $351,180 for highway operations (90-64), plus $133,848 for the fire department (90-67). The $5,580,817 operating budget passed, as did several Capital Reserve Funds totaling $220,000 for vehicles, buildings, and contingency. Conservation measures establishing a $24,000 fund (58-57) and allocating 20% of land use change tax revenue (78-56) were approved. A new $1,000 tax credit for qualified seniors passed. The meeting appropriated funds for Ammonoosuc Community Health Services ($6,500), Cottage Hospital ($25,000), and the Horse Meadow Senior Center ($25,500). The Town Clerk term was reduced to one year. Source: https://www.haverhill-nh.com/vertical/sites/%7B7B636F77-2058-47A7-A817-81AAD9EE8E62%7D/uploads/Haverhill_Town_Meeting_2026_approved_minutes.pdf
Town of Haverhill ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Saturday, March 14, 2026 9:00 a.m. Haverhill Cooperative Middle School 175 Morrill Drive, North Haverhill, NH 03774 APPROVED MINUTES Zoom link to the recording: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/YlTQVvgIn_anPGL_i_914alfuazGKnNu5d3SD6KHBT- d1YE0Z31KTUteTEjQVfTB.oPGPNYzKnz2JltLF?startTime=1773490543000 Passcode: S&1*qxM8 The ANNUAL TOWN MEETING was opened at 9:00 a.m. by Peter Tice, Town Moderator. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE INTRODUCTION The Moderator welcomed the participants and opened the meeting with an overview of the rules of the meeting. He asked that non-residents and non-registered individuals sit in the far-left section of the bleachers. The Moderator asked the Board and other elected officials to introduce themselves. Select Board members present: Rod O’Shana, Joe Longacre, Theresa Paige, Ron Hurlburt, Vickie Wyman Town Employees present: Tom Galinat, Town Administrator; Ivy Billard, Town Clerk; Dawn Burleson, Deputy Town Clerk; Bridget Lanctot, Finance Administrator; Peter Tice, Moderator The Moderator reported a written petition was submitted requiring paper ballots on four Articles. He offered special thanks to Ivy Billard and Dawn Burleson for stepping in as Interim Town Clerk and Interim Deputy Town Clerk. ARTICLE 1 The Moderator read Article 1. Election of Officials To choose by non-partisan ballot two (2) Select Board members for a term of three (3) years, one (1) Trustee of the Trust Funds for a term of three (3) years, one (1) Supervisor of the Checklist for a term of six (6) years, one (1) Moderator for a term of two (2) years, one (1) Treasurer for a term of three (3) years, one (1) Cemetery Commissioner for a term of three (3) years. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Bill Daly made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Jay Holden. ARTICLE 2 The Moderator read Article 2. Announce the Results of Article 1. To announce the results of Article 1. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. A motion was made to move the article. Seconded by Justin Tice. The Moderator read the results of the votes on Article 1. Article 1: There were 412 ballots cast: Select Board 3-year term Ronald Fournier: 349 - winner Richard Guy: 168 Ronald C. Hurlburt: 235 - winner Write-in votes: 7 Moderator 2-year term Write-in for Robert St. Pierre: 61 - winner Write-in for Peter Tice: 45 Write-in votes: 38 Supervisor of the Checklist: 6-year term Write-in for Regis Roy: 23 Write-in for Kimberly Underhill Horne: 22 - winner Write-in for other candidates: 45 The Moderator said that Regis Roy already held this position, so Kimberly Underhill Horne was announced as the winner. Trustee of the Trust Funds: 3-year term Marie Bigelow: 376 - winner Write-in for other candidates: 4 The Moderator asked for nominations for Treasurer and Cemetery Commissioner. Steve Robbins nominated Rich Clifford as Cemetery Commissioner. There being no other nominations, the Moderator asked for a vote. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. Evelyn Elms stated she had only fulfilled two years of her three-year term as Treasurer, so there was no opening. The Moderator acknowledged an error had been made. ARTICLE 3 The Moderator read Article 3. Disabled Veterans' Tax Credit Shall the Town of Haverhill modify the provisions of RSA 72:35 for an optional tax credit of $5,000 for a Service-Connected Total Disability on residential property? (Majority vote required). The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Jay Holden made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Dustin Vigneault The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 3. Robert St. Pierre moved to amend the Article to change the word "total" to "100%." Seconded by Justin Tice. The Moderator asked for discussion on the amendment to Article 3; there was none. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. The Moderator asked for further discussion on the amended Article. Jay Holden asked if the current amount of $4,000 was changing to $5,000 and this was verified. Melissa Gould read RSA 72:35 for clarification. Matt Bjelobrk said the increase is $500, not $1,000, as honorably discharged veterans can receive a $500 tax credit. This would be eliminated if the Article passes. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Steve Wheeler. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 4 The Moderator announced a petition was received to conduct a ballot vote for Article 4. The Moderator read Article 4. Scoping Study for the Woodsville Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion To see if the Town of Haverhill will raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 to fund a scoping study to increase the capacity of the Woodsville Fire District Wastewater Treatment Facility. The current facility is at capacity and limits any potential housing or development with its service area. The facility will be undergoing renovations to meet current codes and standards as required by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services; any changes beyond codes and standards require additional project scoping. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The tax impact of this article is $0.014 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Kevin Shelton made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Jay Holden. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 4; there was none. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Justin Tice. The Moderator explained the voting process and the vote proceeded. ARTICLE 5 The Moderator announced a petition was received to conduct a ballot vote for Article 5. The Moderator read Article 5. Petitioned Article - Woodsville Paving & Reconstruction To see if the Town of Haverhill will raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred Fifty Thousand One Hundred Seventy-Two Dollars ($150,172) to fund the Highway Department of Woodsville's road-paving and reconstruction projects for the 2026 fiscal year. The intent is to partially fund operations of the Woodsville Highway Department that benefit the Town and not to place a burden on the Woodsville Precinct taxpayers by funding two departments (Town and Woodsville Fire District). Any unexpended appropriations will be placed in a non-lapsing fund for subsequent use for the Woodsville Highway Department. The Woodsville Fire District Commissioners recommended this article and the appropriation has been reviewed and recommended by the Town of Haverhill Advisory Budget Committee. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The tax impact for this article is $0.213 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Kevin Shelton made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Jay Holden. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 5. Kevin Shelton explained this article was in concert with a written agreement between the Select Board and the Commissioners signed on October 21, 2025. The Advisory Budget Committee (ABC) approved $163,000. Last year, the ABC approved $163,407, of which $149,941 was spent. Per agreement, the amount underspent would be deducted from what is requested for the coming year. Robert St. Pierre said the Town should vote on spending any unexpended funds instead of the Woodsville Fire District having control of those funds. Select Board Chair O'Shana explained that unexpended funds would be applied to the next year's request for funds and would be spent on the same projects. If the residents want the Town to control the unexpended funds, they should vote against this Article. Select Board Member Wyman further explained this Article. Darwin Clogston suggested the Select Board should vote on which roads should be paved. Select Board Chair O'Shana and Select Board Member Paige explained the role the Select Board plays in deciding which roads are paved. Glenn English suggested this issue should not be revisited. Negotiations were made in good faith and the Town should support them, and trust elected officials. Glenn English made a motion to move the question. The Moderator noted anyone already in line would have the opportunity to speak prior to voting. Justin Tice clarified the intent of Article 5. Bob Long spoke to these issues continuing to come up that stoke the fires between Haverhill and Woodsville. He asked if the agreement was contractual. Select Board Chair O'Shana explained it is a contract and complies with SB26. Dustin Vigneault made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Bill Daly. The Moderator explained the voting process and the vote proceeded. Jay Holden called a point of order that a motion was needed to allow the Town Administrator to be allowed to speak at the meeting. Jay Holden made a motion to allow the Town Administrator to speak at the meeting. Seconded by Doug Dutile. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 6 The Moderator announced a petition was received to conduct a ballot vote for Article 6. The Moderator read Article 6. Petitioned Article - Woodsville Highway General Operations To see if the Town of Haverhill will raise and appropriate the sum of Three Hundred Fifty-One Thousand One Hundred Eighty Dollars ($351,180) to partially fund the Highway Department of Woodsville for the 2026 fiscal year. The intent is to partially fund operations of the Woodsville Highway Department that benefit the Town and not to place the burden on the Woodsville Precinct taxpayers by funding two departments (Town and Woodsville Fire District). Any unexpended appropriations will be placed in a non-lapsing fund for subsequent use for the Woodsville Highway Department. The Woodsville Fire District Commissioners recommended this article and the appropriation has been reviewed and recommended by the Town of Haverhill Advisory Budget Committee. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The tax impact for this article is $0.497 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Kevin Shelton made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Glenn English. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 6. Kevin Shelton said this amount was recommended by the ABC. The amount spent last year was $335,532. Steve Wheeler made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Jay Holden. The Moderator explained the voting process and the vote proceeded. ARTICLE 7 The Moderator announced a petition was received to conduct a ballot vote for Article 7. The Moderator read Article 7. Petitioned Article - Woodsville Fire Department To see if the Town of Haverhill will raise and appropriate the sum of One Hundred Thirty-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Forty-Eight Dollars ($133,848) to fund the Fire Department of Woodsville for the 2026 fiscal year. The intent is to partially fund the Woodsville Fire Department operations and not to place a burden on the Woodsville Precinct taxpayers by funding two departments (Town and Woodsville Fire District). Any unexpended appropriations will be placed in a non-lapsing fund for subsequent use for the Woodsville Fire Department and the appropriation has been reviewed and recommended by the Town of Haverhill Advisory Budget Committee. The Woodsville Fire District Commissioners recommend this Article. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0- 0). The tax impact for this article is $0.190 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Jay Holden made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Kevin Shelton. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 7. Kevin Shelton said the ABC approved $154,891. $129,961 was approved last year; the amount spent was $108,918. Janice Dube had an issue with the wording of the Article, saying that Haverhill was funding two departments; Woodsville chose to have two departments. She asked that in the future, this sentence be excluded. Select Board Chair O'Shana explained this is a petitioned article, so the wording cannot be changed. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Doug Dutile. The Moderator explained the voting process and the vote proceeded. ARTICLE 8 The Moderator read Article 8. Cemetery Maintenance and Upkeep To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Thirty-Eight Dollars ($29,638) for the purpose of maintenance and improvements to the Haverhill cemeteries. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The tax impact for this article is $0.042 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Steve Wheeler made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Justin Tice. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 8. Melissa Gould explained these funds are being requested in addition to the maintenance line in the Town budget to pay for repairs not covered by fees charged. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Justin Tice. PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 9 The Moderator read Article 9. Town Clerk Term Length To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to change the Town Clerk's tem length from a three (3) year term to a one (1) year term. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Nicole Kidder made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Bill Daly. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 9. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Dustin Vigneault. PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 10 The Moderator read Article 10. Establish Conservation CRF To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to establish a Conservation Capital Reserve Fund under the provisions of RSA 35:1 for the support and development of a Natural Resources Inventory (NRI) and to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-Four Thousand Dollars ($24,000) to be placed in this fund. Further, to name the Haverhill Select Board as agents to expend from said fund. Recommendations Required. (Majority vote required). The Selectboard does not recommend this article (0-4-1). The tax impact of this article is $0.034 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Joe Mitchell made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Jay Holden. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 10. Joe Mitchell, Vice Chair Haverhill Conservation Commission, asked the Town Administrator to speak to a mistake made in the Article. Town Administrator Tom Galinat explained the Commission submitted three Articles to the Select Board, which were approved. The DRA suggested that two of the Articles be combined. As there is no way to separate them, if this Article fails, a motion to reconsider can be made and the Article can be voted on again without the dollar amount. Joe Mitchell referred to the RSA that requires an NRI be performed. He explained what an NRI is and the function it serves. Lora Goss expressed surprise that the Select Board did not support this Article. She spoke to a 250-acre parcel where a developer is proposing a campground. She hoped the Town would see the value of establishing clear conservation practices. R. Michael Small asked why the Select Board did not support this Article. Select Board O'Shana said there is a NRI report in the Master Plan. He did not feel there was enough funding to pay for this. Joe Mitchell said the NRI in the Master Plan was created by the Planning Board clerk and was not an official NRI. Robert St. Pierre asked if Article 11 would be moot, if Article 10 does not pass. Joe Mitchell explained the two Articles address different topics. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Matt Bjelobrk. HAND COUNT: 58 YES, 57 NO. MOTION PASSES. Robert St. Pierre made a motion to restrict reconsideration of Articles 4, 5, 6, 7. The motion was seconded. The Moderator explained what this motion meant. HAND COUNT: 98 YES, 23 NO. MOTION PASSES. ARTICLE 11 The Moderator read Article 11. Conservation Reserve Fund via Land Use Tax To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to authorize 20% of the tax funds the Town receives from the Land Use Change Tax collected pursuant to RSA 79-A:25 to be deposited into the existing Conservation Fund in accordance with RSA 36-A:5, III, as authorized by RSA 79-A:25, II. If adopted, this article shall take effect April 1st and shall remain in effect until altered or rescinded by a future vote of the Town Meeting. (Majority vote required). The Select Board does not recommend this article (0-4-1). The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Joe Mitchell made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Jay Holden. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 11. Joe Mitchell explained that if this Article passes, 20% of the Land Use Change Tax revenue collected when land is taken out of current use will be deposited into the Conservation Fund to protect Haverhill's natural resources. Glenn English spoke against Article 11, stating that revenues are needed to pay for existing services. Joe Mitchell explained this Article only asks for 20% of this revenue to protect the town's character. Dylan Farr made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Justin Tice. HAND COUNT: 78 YES, 56 NO. MOTION PASSES. ARTICLE 12 The Moderator read Article 12. Acceptance of Annual Reports To hear the reports of the Select Board, Town Administrator, Treasurer, Cemetery Commissioners, Airport Zoning Commissioners, Parks & Recreation Commissioners, Conservation Commissioners, and any other Town boards and committees heretofore chosen and pass any vote relating thereto. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Jay Holden made a motion to the article. Seconded by David Robinson. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 12; there was none. Jay Holden made a motion to accept the reports as printed. Seconded by David Robinson. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 13 The Moderator read Article 13. Appointment of Advisory Budget Committee To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to authorize the Town Moderator to appoint an Advisory Budget Committee to review the Town Administrator's preliminary budget and to present to the Select Board their recommendations regarding the budget, the members of which shall be representative of all areas of Town equitably. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the question. Steve Wheeler made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Lynne Wheeler. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 13; there was none. David Robinson made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Bill Daly. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 14 The Moderator read Article 14. Operating Budget 2026 To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Five Million Five Hundred Eighty Thousand Eight Hundred Seventeen Dollars ($5,580,817) for general municipal operations. This article does not include appropriations contained in special or individual articles addressed separately. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The tax impact for this article is $4.378 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Justice Tice made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Jay Holden. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 14. Kevin Shelton made a motion to amend the Article to increase the budget amount to $5,590,817. Kevin Shelton said this would give the Town Administrator the opportunity to explain intentions. Seconded by Vickie Wyman. The Moderator asked for discussion on amending Article 14. Town Administrator Galinat explained that the wastewater treatment facility was brought forward by the Town, not Woodsville. The facility is at capacity, so there is no opportunity for new construction. A bond is being put forth for $6.5 million to bring the plant up to codes and standards as required by NHDES. To compete for funding to pay for future development, infrastructure is needed. Bob Long asked if this has anything to do with Article 4. Town Administrator Galinat explained that it does. Bob Long moved to postpone the amendment until after the conclusion of ballot counting for Articles 4, 5, 6, and 7. Seconded by Bill Daly. Discussion was held regarding the proper procedure of voting on this motion. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. The Moderator called for a short recess at 11:15 a.m. The Moderator resumed the meeting and announced the results of the voting on Articles 4, 5, 6, and 7: Article 4: There were 152 votes cast. 106 YES, 46 NO. ARTICLE PASSED. Article 5: There were 158 votes cast. 94 YES, 64 NO. ARTICLE PASSED. Article 6: There were 154 votes cast. 90 YES, 64 NO. ARTICLE PASSED. Article 7: There were 157 votes cast. 90 YES, 67 NO. ARTICLE PASSED. The Moderator announced resumption of consideration of the amendment to Article 14. Kevin Shelton rescinded his amendment. The Moderator asked for further discussion on Article 14. Dylan Farr asked how population growth would affect taxes. Select Board Chair O'Shana explained growth will strain services, but will also increase revenue. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Matt Bjelobrk. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 15 The Moderator read Article 15. Vehicle CRF To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) to be added to the Vehicle Capital Reserve Fund previously established. Recommendations Required. (Majority vote required.) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The tax impact for this article is $0.021 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Glenn English made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Joe Mitchell. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 15; there was none. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Glenn English. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 16 The Moderator read Article 16. Fire Vehicle CRF To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) to be added to the Fire Vehicle Capital Reserve Fund previously established. Recommendations Required. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The tax impact of this article is $0.042 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Steve Wheeler made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Evelyn Elms. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 16; there was none. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Glenn English. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 17 The Moderator read Article 17. Buildings CRF To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) to be added to the Buildings Capital Reserve Fund previously established. Recommendations Required. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The tax impact for this article is $0.035 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Steve Wheeler made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Glenn English. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 17; there was none. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Glenn English. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 18 The Moderator read Article 18. Police Vehicle CRF To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) to be added to the Police Vehicle Capital Reserve Fund previously established. Recommendations Required. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The tax impact of this article is $0.035 per $1000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Dustin Vigneault made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Justin Tice. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 18; there was none. Glenn English made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Matt Bjelobrk. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 19 The Moderator read Article 19. Ten-Year Plan CRF To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) to be added to the Ten-Year Plan CRF previously established. Recommendations Required. (Majority Vote Required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The tax impact of this article is $0.071 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Steve Wheeler made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Steve Robbins. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 19. Lora Goss asked how many years this amount had been collected. Town Administrator Galinat explained the function of a CIP and the need for planning to minimize tax increases. The Moderator asked for further discussion on Article 19. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Matt Bjelobrk. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 20 The Moderator read Article 20. Establish a Contingency Fund CRF To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to establish a Contingency Fund Capital Reserve Fund under the provisions of RSA 35:1 for unanticipated expenses that may arise and further to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000) to be placed in the fund. Further, to name the Haverhill Select Board as agents to expend from said fund. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (5-0-0). The tax impact for this article is $0.071 per $1000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Glenn English made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Justin Tice. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 20. David Robinson asked if the Select Board would decide how these funds are allocated or if it would be put to a Town vote. Select Board Chair O'Shana explained the Select Board has spending authority. The Moderator asked for further discussion on Article 20. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Matt Bjelobrk. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 21 The Moderator read Article 21. Upgrade Blackmount Trail (Phase IV) To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to raise and appropriate Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) to perform upgrades to the Blackmount Rail Trail. This segment is from Route 135 to Woodsville. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (3-0-2). The tax impact of this article is $0.028 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Dustin Vigneault made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Joe Mitchell. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 21; there was none. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Matt Bjelobrk. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 22 The Moderator read Article 22. Petitioned Article – Senior Citizen Tax Break To see if the Town will vote to give a sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) tax break yearly on a primary residence owned by a senior citizen 70 years of age or older who has owned and paid taxes on such residence for 25 years or more. Submitted by petition. The Select Board recommends this article (3-1-1). The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Justin Tice made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Nicole Kidder. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 22. Dylan Farr spoke in support of the Article. He asked if a tax break for young people had been considered, to help increase the population. Select Board Chair O'Shana explained this was a petitioned Article and said the Select Board has not held such a discussion. Ron Fournier spoke in support of this Article. Connie Sanville made a motion to amend the wording in Article 22 from "on such residence" to "to the Town of Haverhill." Seconded by Justin Tice. The Moderator asked for discussion on the amendment to Article 22. A point of order was called that the wording cannot be changed in a petitioned Warrant Article. The Moderator asked for further discussion on the amendment to Article 22; there was none. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. The Moderator asked for further discussion on amended Article 22. Lora Goss spoke against the amended Article. Robert St. Pierre noted individuals could pay taxes to the Town of Haverhill on things other than primary residences. He stressed this Article addresses residents age 70 and older who want to continue to live in Town. Robert St. Pierre made a motion to amend the wording to "pay taxes to the Town of Haverhill on their primary residence for 25 years or more." Seconded by David Robinson. The Moderator asked for further discussion on the amendment; there was none. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Vickie Wyman. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. The Moderator asked for further discussion on the amended Article. Steve Robbins asked how this would affect the tax rate and how trusts would be addressed. Town Administrator Galinat offered examples by way of explanation. Select Board Member Hurlburt noted there are strict criteria to issue this credit. He stressed the Board is trying to keep taxes down and encourage economic development. He noted young people have the ability to take on additional work; individuals 70 and older do not have this option. This is intended to help long-term elderly residents. Lynne Wheeler made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Glenn English. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 23 The Moderator read Article 23. Petitioned Article – Second Chance Animal Rescue To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectmen to raise and appropriate the sum of Three Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Dollars and no cents ($3,750) for Second Chance Animal Rescue of Littleton, New Hampshire, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit animal rescue, a no-kill shelter, that has been removing feral cat colonies within the Town of Haverhill for over a decade, to help defray costs associated with this essential work that contributes to the health and wellbeing of our town. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Select Board does not recommend this article (2-0-3). The tax impact for this article will be $0.005 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Matt Bjelobrk made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Marie Bjelobrk. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 23. Matt Bjelobrk asked why the Select Board did not support this Article and spoke to the work done by the organization to help remove feral cat colonies. Select Board Member Wyman explained she and Select Board Member Hurlburt abstained as they did not want to force anyone to donate to an organization through taxation. Carol Reed described a personal experience with this organization and spoke in support of this Article. The Moderator asked for further discussion on Article 23; there was none. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Glenn English. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 24 The Moderator read Article 24. Petitioned Article - Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, Inc. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Six Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($6,500) for Ammonoosuc Community Health Services, Inc. (ACHS). ACHS is a non- profit community health center that provides comprehensive primary preventative healthcare to all, regardless of their financial situation. This will enable ACHS to continue to provide top- notch, affordable healthcare to 1210 current Haverhill patients. ACHS provides healthcare services to 8,425 patients within 26 towns in northern Grafton and southern Coos Counties and has sites in Littleton, Whitefield, Warren, and Woodsville. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (3-0-2). The tax impact for this article is $0.009 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Steve Wheeler made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Glenn English. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 24; there was none. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Matt Bjelobrk. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 25 The Moderator read Article 25. Petitioned Article – North Country Home Health & Hospice To see if the Town of Haverhill, New Hampshire, will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) for the purpose of supporting Hospice, Home Health, Palliative, and Long-Term Care Services provided by North Country Home Health & Hospice. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (3-0- 2). The tax impact for this article will be $0.021 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Lora Goss made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Russ Brady. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 25; there was none. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Glenn English. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 26 The Moderator read Article 26. Petitioned Article - Horse Meadow Senior Center To see if the Town of Haverhill, New Hampshire, will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $25,500 for Horse Meadow Senior Center, a program of Grafton County Senior Citizens Council, Inc. GCSCC is a nonprofit organization that provides services through the Horse Meadow Senior Center and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (formerly known as ServiceLink). From October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025, Horse Meadow Senior Center provided services for 356 Haverhill residents and the Aging and Disability Resource Center provided services for 25 residents. These services included nutrition, transportation, outreach, and activities. The cost of providing these services was $264,937. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article 3-0-2. The tax impact for this article is $0.036 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Steve Wheeler made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Dottie Long. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 26. Lisa Adams, Director of the Horse Meadow Senior Center, described the work of the Center. She noted this Article represents 10% of the cost to provide services and is the same amount that was requested in 2025. Select Board Member Wyman spoke in support of this Article and the work of the Center. Carol Reed invited residents to visit the Center and spoke to the impact of this support. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Steve Wheeler. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 27 The Moderator read Article 27. Petitioned Article – Cottage Hospital To see if the Town of Haverhill will appropriate $25,000 for financial support to Cottage Hospital to be used in daily operations. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Selectboard recommends this article (3-0-2). The tax impact of this article is $0.035 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Glenn English made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Lynne Wheeler. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 27. Glenn English spoke in support of Cottage Hospital. Natalie Kennett described the services provided to the community by Cottage Hospital and asked for support for this Article. Robert St. Pierre suggested the wording be changed from ordering to asking. He asked if the residents of Haverhill receive any discounts and questioned if the hospital was a non-profit organization. He asked if other towns contribute to the running of the hospital. He was told the hospital is a non-profit organization. R. Michael Small spoke in support of the Article. The Moderator asked for further discussion on Article 27. Glenn English made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Jay Holden. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 28 The Moderator read Article 28. Petitioned Article – Tri-County Community Action To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $9,170 for the operation of the following Tri-County Community Program Inc. services in Haverhill includes Fuel and Energy Assistance, Weatherization, Head Start, Community Action Resource Coordinators, Housing Stability Services, USDA TEFAP Food Distribution to pantries, and the Free Diaper Distribution Program. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (3-0-2). The tax impact for this article will be $0.013 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Steve Wheeler made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Lynne Wheeler. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 28. Vickie Wyman said the local Head Start was closed, but is included in the Article. Select Board Chair O'Shana agreed, but noted that there were facilities in other parts of the tri-county area. The Moderator asked for further discussion on Article 28. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Alice Forcier. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 29 The Moderator read Article 29. Petitioned Article – Good Shepherd Ecumenical Food Pantry To see if the Town of Haverhill, New Hampshire will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $6,419 for the Good Shepherd Ecumenical Food Pantry, which is a nonprofit that provides food to residents in need. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (3-0-2). The tax impact for this article will be $0.009 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Steve Wheeler made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Barb Dutile. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 29. Lynne Wheeler spoke as a volunteer of the Food Pantry and described the services provided. She asked for support of this Article. The Moderator asked for further discussion on Article 29. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Glenn English. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 30 The Moderator read Article 30. Petitioned Article - Woodsville Area 4th of July Committee To see if the Town of Haverhill will vote to raise and appropriate an additional sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000) for the Woodsville Area Fourth of July Committee. This sum to be in addition to the sum to be donated from the Patriotic Services line item in the 2026 budget. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article 3-0-2. The tax impact for this article is $0.001 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Kevin Shelton made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Lynne Wheeler. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 30; there was none. Jay Holden made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Glenn English. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 31 The Moderator read Article 31. Petitioned Article – Court Street Arts To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $7,500 to help support Court Street and its ongoing programming and events. Submitted by petition. (Majority vote required) The Select Board recommends this article (3-0-2). The tax impact for this article will be $0.011 per $1,000. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Bill Daly made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Joe Mitchell. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 31. Rachel Buchanan, Executive Director, Court Street Arts, described the programming of Court Street Arts and asked for support of the Article. R. Michael Small asked if the organization was a non-profit and if they were asking for funding from other towns. Rachel Buchanan explained they send an annual appeal letter to several communities. A point of order was called that individuals speak to the Moderator, not to each other. The Moderator asked for further discussion on Article 31. Barb Dutile made a motion to move the question. Seconded by Evelyn Elms. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. ARTICLE 32 The Moderator read Article 32. Any Other Action To take any other action that may legally come before this meeting. The Moderator asked for a motion to move the article. Glenn English made a motion to move the article. Seconded by Joe Mitchell. The Moderator asked for discussion on Article 30. Bob Long made a motion to give Joe Longacre a round of applause for his service to the Town. Joe Longacre spoke to his work as a Select Board member and thanked Rod O'Shana for his leadership. He also complimented Bridget Lanctot for her work. He spoke to the division and dysfunction in Town and felt that great strides were made. He asked residents to read RSA 52 regarding Special Village Districts. He asked the residents to help each other and to work together. Glenn English made a motion to inform elected representatives that the Town supports voter ID. Seconded by R. Michael Small. Jay Holden complimented Peter Tice on his work as Moderator and asked for a round of applause. Lora Goss invited residents to attend the Planning Board meeting on March 23rd to learn about issues being presented to the Board. The Moderator invited all individuals elected to be sworn in after the meeting. He asked that ballot cards be returned. Steve Wheeler made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Dustin Vigneault. Glenn English called a point of order that no vote had been taken on his motion. The Moderator questioned how this motion could be fulfilled. A Town representative clarified how this motion would be fulfilled. MOTION PASSED, MAJORITY VOICE VOTE in AFFIRMATIVE. The Moderator adjourned the meeting at 12:48 p.m. Transcribed by Beth Hanggeli