Select Board meeting (minutes)
The Select Board approved minutes from August 19, 2026, with corrections. They voted 5-0 not to demolish the Libby Museum building and approved sending a letter to the Charitable Trust Unit to facilitate removing the Board as trustees. The Board accepted a Thomas Dambo Troll statue petition to be tabled until a suitable site is found. They approved changing “Square Hill” to “Square Hill Road” and accepted $1,575 in donations for the Old Firehouse Community Center. An alcohol permit and a Temporary Event permit were issued to the Wolfeboro Historical Society for September 7, 2026. Weekly manifests of $522,754.75 and $534,691.34 were approved. An Employee Appreciation Day was set for September 23, 2026. The Board will allow naming rights for the community center project. A petition regarding Carry Beach was forwarded to Ginger Hopkins. Source: https://www.wolfeboronh.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09022026-383
TOWN OF WOLFEBORO
Select Board
September 2, 2026
Meeting Minutes
Town of Wolfeboro Select Board Minutes - Page 1 of 8
September 2, 2026
CALL TO ORDER – Chair Paul O’Brien called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM
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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE
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NON-PUBLIC SESSION
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Barry Muccio called for a non-public under 91A:3IIi - Consideration of Matters and Preparation of
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Emergency Functions.
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John Thurston called for a non-public under 91A:3CIIa - Employment
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CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES:
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August 19, 2026
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o Correct all misspellings of Geoff O’Connell
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o Correct all misspellings of Paul O’Brien - specifically lines 202, 231
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o Line 310 - correct spelling of Madeline Long
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o Lines 652 & 653 correct Bobbi Boudman was attributing the budget committee comments to Brian
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Deshaies, not Paul O’Brien.
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o Line 633 & 634 Brian Deshaies – remove from “on prom night”.
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It was moved by Linda Murray to accept the minutes as amended. Brian Deshaies seconded. All were
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in favor.
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ROLL CALL
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Members Present: Paul O’Brien-Chair, Brian Deshaies-Vice Chair, Dave Senecal, Linda Murray, John Thurston-
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Members
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Staff Present: Barry Muccio-Interim Town Manager, Suzanne Murdough-Recording Secretary
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PUBLIC INPUT
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Timothy from WACM/WCTV informed the Selectboard of their new name and rebranding to Wolfeboro Area
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Community Media. He said it covers more of what they are doing such as broadcasting on cable TV and
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online as well as website update, an app and on-demand coming soon.
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David Shannon– said that he and his wife live on Sewall Road in Wolfeboro and are representing residents,
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property owners, and regular users of Sewall Road to submit a signed petition with 75 signatures requesting
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measures to improve safety on the road. He said this road is scenic and used by walkers, joggers, families
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with young children in strollers, cyclists, and local track teams. He said that the road also carries significant
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commercial traffic with large trucks making deliveries as well as other vehicles servicing properties along the
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road. Mr. Shannon said traffic monitoring shows that traffic volumes have exceeded 1000 vehicles per day
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and speeding. He said some residents have posted “Please Slow Down” signs. He presented the
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characteristics of the road that affect visibility. The signers of the petition are asking the town to take the
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following steps: Lower the speed limit (reduce from 30-25 mph), enhance signage and pavement markings,
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targeted enforcement from the Wolfeboro PD.
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Town of Wolfeboro Select Board Minutes - Page 2 of 8
September 2, 2026
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Doug Breskin, resident of Wolfeboro encouraged the Selectboard to deny the Thomas Dambo Troll statue to
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be placed on town property. He said there has already been a lot of controversy over the Libby Museum
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placing a burden on the town and feels the Dambo Troll will cause a continued or additional burden and
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potential liability on the town.
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Sebastian Tordonoto announced the formation of a new 501(c)(3) named Friends of the Old Firehouse
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Wolfeboro Community Center and said its mission is to provide support for the Old Firehouse Community,
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engaging in renovation, maintenance, community use, and support of the Old Firehouse Wolfeboro
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Community center. He said he will be writing the Board a letter to officially announce it.
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Roger Murray closed public input at 6:12 PM
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Brian Deshaies moved to adjust the agenda, moving the “. Thomas Dambo Troll on Town property update” up.
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The artist’s wife is here to speak and needs to catch a plane back to Denmark to her two small children.
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Linda Murray seconded. All were in favor. Motion passed.
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OLD BUSINESS - Thomas Dambo Troll on Town Property update
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Alexa Piekarski told the Board that she grew up in New Hampshire and has dreamed of bringing a troll to her
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home state. She said people love the trolls because of the happiness, joy, and economic drivers they bring to a
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town. She said they use local volunteers for the community to bring people together and there is significant
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impact for the economy when they bring the sculpture. She discussed the joy and increased revenue for
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businesses such as hotels, ice cream shops, and bakeries. She mentioned a recent exhibition in Milwaukee and
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an estimated $4 million increase in economic measurement in the first month and the success at the Coastal
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Main Botanical Garden. Alexa Piekarski said they use approximately 95% of recycled materials in construction of
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the trolls.
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Catherine Dragonfly said she and Alexa Piekarski looked at several spots today. She said she would like to have
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this settled as soon as possible so she can start the fundraising this fall. She said they would like a 2027
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installation with a soft opening in the fall and winter because in the beginning so many people come and the
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committee doesn’t want to compete with summer tourism. Ms. Dragonfly said her co-chair Peg has been
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traveling around viewing the trolls. She said they are finding tremendous draw, and this is a gift to the town.
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She said it will not cost the town anything, they are only asking to use town land. Ms. Dragonfly said they are a
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501(c)(3) and will cover all of the legal and insurance costs involved. Alexa Piekarski explained the Dambo Troll
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Hunters community that follow these on the map.
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Paul O’Brien asked the board members for input. Linda Murray said they need to find another site before they
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take action. Ms. Dragonfly and the board discussed site research.
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Mr. Thurston said he did research and looked at town infrastructure and the number of people coming to town.
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It was moved by Dave Senecal to table the Dambo Troll discussion until a suitable site is found. John Thurston
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seconded.
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Brian Deshaies thanked Alexa Piekarski for visiting with the Select Board and Town of Wolfeboro, NH.
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All were in favor.
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Town of Wolfeboro Select Board Minutes - Page 3 of 8
September 2, 2026
PUBLIC HEARINGS
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I.
The Wolfeboro Select Board will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, September 2,
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2026, on or about 6:00 PM at the Wolfeboro Town Hall Great Room, 84 South Main
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Street, Wolfeboro, New Hampshire to receive public comment on changing the street
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name, “Square Hill” to “Square Hill Road” in accordance with RSA 231:133 as
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requested with Applications for Voluntary Change of Address forms received to the
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Department of Public Works from the following address on Square Hill:
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· 78 Square Hill Tax Map 132 Lot 2
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· 85 Square Hill Tax Map 132 Lot 5
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· 115 Square Hill Tax Map 132 Lot 1 sub lot 1
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· 118 Square Hill Tax Map 132 Lot 1
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No public comment
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Linda Murray said she does not have any issue; she looked on the GIS maps and the four houses listed
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are the only ones on the road.
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It was moved by Brian Deshaies to change “Square Hill” to “Square Hill Road” in accordance with
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RSA 231:133 as requested with Applications for Voluntary Change of Address forms received to the
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Department of Public Works from the following address on Square Hill (for addresses listed above).
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Linda Murray seconded. All were in favor.
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UNANTICIPATED FUNDS
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The Town of Wolfeboro to hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM
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for the acceptance of unanticipated funds in less than $10,000 in accordance with RSA 31:95b
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III (a), for donations received for the repairs/upgrades of the Old Firehouse Community Center
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from the following:
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Karen Haskell - $1000.00
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Karen Paige - $25.00
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Christopher & Lisa Lawler - $500.00
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Cash donations collected by Geordy Hutchinson @ Lake - $50.00
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Winni Day
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It was moved by Brian Deshaies to accept the donations of unanticipated funds for the
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repairs/upgrades of the Old Firehouse Community Center as listed above. Linda Murray seconded. All
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were in favor.
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ALOCHOL PERMIT
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The Wolfeboro Select Board will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday September 2, 2026, on or
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about 6:00 PM at the Wolfeboro Town Hall Great Room, 84 South Main Street, Wolfeboro, New
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Hampshire to consider the application for an issuance of an Alcoholic Beverages Permit to the
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Wolfeboro Historical Society for their Summer Lecture Series on September 7, 2026, at the
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Clark House Complex from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
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Paul O’Brien said this is a recurring annual event.
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Town of Wolfeboro Select Board Minutes - Page 4 of 8
September 2, 2026
Brian Deshaies stated that Mrs. Shannon called and regretted not being able to attend tonight and
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wanted to thank the board for their consideration.
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It was moved by Linda Murray to issue the alcohol permit to the Wolfeboro Historical Society for their
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Summer Lecture Series on September 7, 2026 at the Clark House Complex from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM.
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Brian Deshaies seconded. All were in favor.
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TEMPORARY EVENT PERMIT
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Consider a Temporary Event permit for the Wolfeboro Historical Society to host the
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Summer Lecture Series “Brewing in NH” an informal history of beer in the Granite State
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on September 7, 2026 from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Clark Museum Barn 233 South Main
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Street. Permit #
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Brian Deshaies moved to approve the Temporary Event permit for the Wolfeboro Historical Society to
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host the Summer Lecture Series “Brewing in NH” an informal history of beer in the Granite State on
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September 7, 2026 from 7 PM to 9 PM at the Clark Museum Barn , Linda Murray seconded. All were
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in favor.
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BULK VOTE
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Weekly Manifests
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i. August 7, 2026 $ 522,754.75
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ii. August 14, 2026 $ 534,691.34.
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It was moved by Brian Deshaies to accept the bulk vote. Linda Murray seconded. All were in favor.
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It was moved by Linda Murray to move into the Libby Trustee meeting. Dave Senecal seconded. All were in
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favor.
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LIBBY TRUSTEES MEETING
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Paul O’Brien said they are going to discuss what has been heard in the prior two public hearings, then they will
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come out of the Libby Trustees meeting and take their vote as a board based on what they feel is the right thing
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to do.
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The board members read their statements from those who spoke with them and gave a summary of their
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activities as trustees of the Libby museum.
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Paul O’Brien explained the risk that the board still carries as trustees until new trustees take over and gave an
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update on the removal of the collection.
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It was moved by Linda Murray to leave the Libby Trustee meeting. Brian Deshaies seconded. All were in favor.
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NEW BUSINESS
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A. Approval: Follow up: Vote on status of Libby building after two public hearings.
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It was moved by Linda Murray to not demolish the Libby museum building based on the public input at the
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Select Board meetings dated August 5, 2026 and August 19, 2026 and to send a letter to request a meeting
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Town of Wolfeboro Select Board Minutes - Page 5 of 8
September 2, 2026
with CTU with Friend of the Libby Museum and the Libby Museum Preservation Society in order to lay out a
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path forward to remove the board of selectmen as the Libby Museum trustees. Brian Deshaies seconded.
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Discussion
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The board discussed whether they need to add wording to hand over to successor trustees.
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Paul O’Brien said he accepted the modification to the motion.
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Brian Deshaies said the meetings were about the building and not about the Selectboard handing over to
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new trustees. He said they discussed handing it over but that was not what was on the agenda as purpose
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of the meeting.
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Earlier motion and second was withdrawn by both parties.
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It was moved by Linda Murray to not demolish the Libby museum building based on the public input at the
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Selectboard meetings on August 5, 2026 and August 19, 2026. John Thurston seconded. Roll call vote:
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Dave Senecal-yes, Brian Deshaies-yes, Linda Murray-yes, John Thurston-yes, Paul O’Brien-yes. Motion
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passes (5-0-0).
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It was moved by Linday Murray to send a letter requesting a meeting with the Charitable Trust Unit of the
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Attorney General’s office with the Friends of the Libby Museum, the Libby Museum Preservation Society in
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order to lay out a path forward to remove the Board of Selectmen as Libby trustees and hand the
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trusteeship over to another entity. John Thurston seconded.
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Paul O’Brien said this motion is basically saying that the board is going to request the CTU sit down with the
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preservation society and
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Roll call vote: Dave Senecal-yes, Brian Deshaies-yes, John Thurston-yes, Linda Murray-yes, Paul O’Brien-
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yes. Motion passes (5-0-0).
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Paul O’Brien thanked everyone.
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B. Discussion: Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce lease renewal for 2027.
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Linda Murray said she wanted this on the agenda because she and Dave Senecal were to meet with the
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Chamber of Commerce to discuss the new lease and she believes the board needs to provide direction. She
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presented the various rental options to the board for discussion and asked what the town’s commitment to
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the information booth is. She said Barry Muccio provided the floorplan and percentage of space.
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Barry Muccio explained the previous lease and presented the current information he gathered. He said he
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corrected the square footage information on the floorplan.
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The board and Mr. Muccio discussed market value, community service and methods of calculating rent and
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rental terms and the town’s information booth. Linda Murray said she believes it is important to keep the
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information booth there.
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Town of Wolfeboro Select Board Minutes - Page 6 of 8
September 2, 2026
Paul O’Brien explained the information booth is a keeper and summarized the discussion. He further
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pointed out there are some parts that may need refreshing.
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Linda Murray pointed out maintenance needed if rent is raised.
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John Thurston suggested having a realtor give a market rate.
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The board discussed the maintenance needed on the building and how it should be paid for. They
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summarized the details, discussion points, and term of lease.
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C. Discussion: Select Board meeting minute attachment process
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Paul O’Brien pointed out the basket at the end of the table and said a lot of people want to leave
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announcements that are not relevant to what they are doing as a board. He said they will take them but not
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attach them to the minutes. He said information that is relevant to what is on the agenda can be attached.
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John Thurston said people are giving their time and feedback and he feels the information they give is
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important to them and should make its way into the minutes.
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Linda Murray said the conversation from the person will be in the minutes whether the attachment is there
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or not. She said it is important that what they say should be in the minutes. She said she is comfortable
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making the decision each time and the chair ask the board if the item should be attached by consensus.
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John Thurston asked what the drawback is of putting it in the minutes.
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Paul O’Brien said it is the board’s meeting and agenda and a record of what they are doing, it is the record of
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what they are doing to conduct the business of the town. He said they are trying to make the minutes
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reflect the business on the agenda. He said unless this board says it should go in the minutes it will stay in
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that basket as information.
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John Thurston said it is public input and public input is on the agenda.
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Paul O’Brien said what they said during public input is recorded in the minutes and if they want to give the
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board something to attach and this board wants to attach it to the minutes, he will entertain the motion.
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The board members continued to discuss attaching the items and how it should be handled. It was
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determined that the information submitted with be approved for attachment on a case-by-case basis.
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D. Approval: Employee Day September 23, 2026
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Barry Muccio said they have traditionally have a day each fall to honor employees. This year will be a half
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day meet for a cookout on September 23 around 11 AM. He said the Selectboard will be grilling.
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It was moved by Linda Murray to have an Employee Appreciation Day September 23, 2006 from noon until
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the end of the day. Brian Deshaies seconded. All were in favor.
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OLD BUSINESS
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Town of Wolfeboro Select Board Minutes - Page 7 of 8
September 2, 2026
A. Carry Beach Petition from August 5, 2026 meeting update
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Paul O’Brien said the board received a petition on Kerry Beach. Christine Collins provided an update by
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letter.
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Linda Murray said Christine Collins sent a letter to a state and Ms. Murray read the response from the state.
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Linda Murray said they still need to move forward with moving the swim buoys and no anchor or rafting area
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in Winter Harbor.
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Paul O’Brien said two elected colleagues are pushing the state to provide the town with the steps to petition
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to have those done.
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Linda Murray said she would like to send the memo to Ginger Hopkins who brought the petition so they have
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a clear understanding of what they can do.
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Paul O’Brien asked if there is a objection to transmitting it over to her. No objection.
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Ginger Hopkins thanked the selectboard. She said this is an example of good government. She said a bunch of
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citizens did some work, came to the selectboard, made a request and you acted on it. She said she and her
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granddaughter appreciate it.
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OTHER BUSINESS
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It was moved by Brian Deshaies to allow a large percentage doner the naming rights for the community center
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project if such a doner should come forward. Linda Murray seconded.
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Linda Murray said they have done this for all their other projects, such as town hall, library and the Pop Whalen.
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All were in favor.
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A. Town Manager’s Report
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Barry Muccio said they are going out to bid for assessing services next week and a RFP will be listed.
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He said they will be meeting with department heads to review presented budgets in the next two
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weeks.
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He thanked Brenda LaPoint for 45 years of service to the Town of Wolfeboro. He said
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congratulations to Brenda.
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B. Committee Reports
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Dave Senecal said he went to the event for Brenda LaPoint. He went to a Conservation Commission
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meeting.
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Brian Deshaies listed the following:
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Attended DOT prehearing and discussed how project is going to be presented.
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Attended Brenda LaPoint’s event at Back Bay Boathouse and Saturday retirement party.
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Town Manager recruitment meetings.
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Town of Wolfeboro Select Board Minutes - Page 8 of 8
September 2, 2026
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Two meetings of the Community subcommittee, things are going along exceedingly well.
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Two troll committee meetings. He said it is a struggle, but he has confidence they will find the right
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location.
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Department Head meeting.
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Meeting to introduce the new town manager.
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Hot dog day at the town docks on September 18 to introduce the new town manager, new finance
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director, new rink director, and the new planning director.
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He publicly thanked all the sponsors and people who helped with Lake Winnipesauke Day.
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Linda Murray said attended a meeting to announce James Wheeler as the town manager to the department
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heads. She attended a Community TV governance committee meeting, and they are working on the bylaws.
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She attended a meeting with Brian Deshaies and Jordy to talk about the community center.
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John Thurston said he attended a Planning Board meeting and had a meeting with Jeffrey Hinderliter,
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Director of Planning and Development.
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Paul O’Brien commented on the cleanliness of the area after Lake Winnipesauke Day and how there were no
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issues and how well the day ran. He said he attended the Planning Board, they are two meetings into the
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CIP, attended the Police Commission meeting and went to Brenda LaPoint’s event at the Back Bay Boathouse.
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C. Public Input
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Bill Trevor spoke to the board about the information that goes into the basket and cautioned that they read
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it thoroughly before voting it into the minutes and offered some observations on how the meeting is
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conducted. He asked that after discussion on a motions, the motion be reread and the vote taken so that
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the public understands what is voted on. His third observation is regarding the rental to the Chamber of the
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Commerce and their subletting to other businesses.
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Catherine Dragonfly said she took Alexa to Front Bay Park, she liked it. She said she is asking the board what
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they need to discuss this.
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Paul O’Brien said the motion was tabled. He suggested she take it to the sponsor and come back to the
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board.
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It was moved by Linda Murray to go into non-public session at 7:42 PM. Brian Deshaies seconded. All were in
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favor.
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It was moved by Paul O’Brien to seal the September 2, 2026 non-public minutes at 9:06 PM. John Thurston
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seconded. All were in favor.
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It was moved by Dave Senecal to adjourn the meeting at 9:07 PM. Paul O’Brien seconded. All were in favor.
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Respectfully submitted,
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Suzanne Murdough
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Suzanne Murdough, Recording Secretary
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