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Train Station Committee Draft Minutes 9-17-26

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EXETER TRAIN STATION COMMITTEE 
Wheelwright Room 
10 Front Street, Exeter, NH  03833 
September 17, 2026 
11 AM 
Draft Minutes 
 
Members Present: Darius Thompson (Vice-Chair), Don Briselden, Enna Grazier, 
Kenneth Berry, Anthony Callendrello 
 
Members Absent: Jonathan Ring (Chair), Alternate, Cary Einhaus, Alternate 
 
Others Present: Robert Hall, Regional Resident, Darren Winham, Economic 
Development Director, Jennifer Wheeler, Chamber of Commerce (electronically), 
Dan Chartrand Select Board representative, Scott Bogle (Rockingham Planning 
Commission) Peter Finch (Amtrak/retired) and Brian Beeler of NNEPRA 
(electronically). 
 
Staff Present: Doug Eastman, Code Enforcement Officer 
 
1. Open Meeting/Introductions 
 
Acting Chair Thompson called the meeting to order at 11 AM and the members and 
staff introduced themselves. 
 
2. Review Minutes of Previous Meeting/FY 27 Budget was Submitted 
 
August 20, 2026 
 
Mr. Briselden motioned to approve the August 20, 2026 minutes.  Ms. Grazier seconded 
the motion.  A vote was taken, Mr. Hall abstained, the motion passed 3-0-1. 
 
3. Plan NH Design Charrette Program – August 7 & 8 – Celebrate Success, TQ Press 
List sent out – TQ SO MUCH to Jen Wheeler!! 
 

Acting Chair Thompson indicated the thank you letter was posted and thanked Ms. Wheeler.  
Mr. Hall asked if Natalie Bugart was thanked.  Ms. Wheeler will check.  Ms. Wheeler noted 
she can change the letter on their website and add Brian’s colleague. 
 
Mr. Briselden noted the final report may be out before their next meeting, and they should 
focus on the station as their top goal. 
 
4. Rail Safety Awareness Week 9-21-9-27-27 – Enna 
 
Acting Chair Thompson thanked the Operation Life Saver representative, Jay for meeting 
and putting together bags for the kids. 
 
Ms. Grazier sent out a list of things they could do for Rail Safety week. She noted they had 
asked the Select Board to do a proclamation, and they did that on Monday.  She noted that 
she drafted a letter to educators, a reminder to be safe around tracks and has an OLI flyer to 
accompany the letter.  She circulated the draft.  She noted a list of potential recipients and 
recommended sending a press release about the proclamation. 
 
Ms. Grazier discussed CPR training and noted the fire department offers training monthly 
but will try to schedule a Thursday in January for the group. 
 
Acting Chair Thompson discussed OLI training and the process of submitting an 
application, taking the online course to be a volunteer.  He hopes for a presentation on 
October 15th.  There is also a vacancy for the state representative.  Mr. Hall noted this year 
will be the two millionth rider. 
 
Acting Chair Thompson recommended posting the proclamation press release on the 
Chamber website and on the committee’s page.  He noted the letter looks great and hopes 
it can go out today. 
 
Acting Chair Thompson indicated he will be at the station with a table.  Brian Beeler from 
NNEPRA will be out there on Friday for Red Out Day and have materials.  He recommended 
setting up by Jerry’s from 11:30 to 3.  Police and first responders will be training on Tuesday.  
Mr. Hall recommended getting a proclamation to NNEPRA.  Mr. Briselden recommended 
reaching out to commuters in the 6:30, 8:39 morning and 4:54 and 6:39 evening run.  Mr. 
Beeler noted they could do the evening as they will reach the same riders, and they are 
more likely to hold onto the information and materials handed out on their way home. 
 
Acting Chair Thompson will get a banner at Staples.  Mr. Wenham indicated his budget 
would cover the cost.  He recommended putting something on the display at town hall.  Mr. 
Beeler noted there were graphics on the website.  If the banner is printed without the dates, 

it can be reused annually.  Mr. Callendrello recommended adding in the post that Brian is 
going to be there and what the table is all about. 
 
Acting Chair Thompson recommended getting ahead of next year and perhaps discussing it 
quarterly.  He recommended a find the blue sign challenge and explained the information on 
the sign tells what the crossing number and can get someone to dispatch in an emergency.  
Participants could take a picture and send it to the committee.  Mr. Briselden asked about 
having a red sign below it to alert people to stay off the tracks.  Mr. Eastman noted the sign 
was a little small. 
 
Mr. Eastman asked about trails that cross tracks such as at the end of the Parkway to 
Conservation land which has a lot of traffic from PEA kids, if they could put a sign there.  It is 
Dr. Bond’s property so they would have to ask him.  Rose Farm is another location; hiking 
areas.  Ms. Grazier noted it would be a question for DPW, and they should have an inventory 
of these trails and bring it to the Select Board.  Mr. Wenham noted these are on private 
property.  Mr. Beeler noted CSX is not likely to add additional signage.  Ms. Grazier noted a 
flyer could be made available to landowners to pick up at town hall.  Mr. Wenham noted 
they could have a table at town meeting.  Mr. Eastman opined that the posting should be on 
the front page of the Exeter Newsletter.  Mr. Bogle recommended the two message boards 
on Portsmouth Ave and Holland Way. 
 
Acting Chair Thompson recommended putting rail safety week on signs.  Ms. Wheeler 
recommended “See Tracks? – Think Train” 
 
5. Review One-Year TSC Goals  - Action Steps, Form Working Groups? 
 
6. Status on State of Good Repair Grant and Work 
 
Mr. Briselden noted the agreement was signed with NNEPRA and the town and there is a 
commitment to continue with items on the platform. 
 
7. TSC Correspondence Received 
 
None 
 
8. Other Business 
 
Mr. Hall noted the 25th anniversary of the Downeaster is December 15, 2026. 
 
9. Adjourn/Next Meeting: October 15, 2026 from 11-12* 

  *Mr. Thompson noted if there is a presentation the meeting could go longer. 
 
Mr. Briselden motioned to adjourn at 11:58 PM.  Ms. Grazier seconded the 
motion. A vote was taken, all were in favor, the motion passed 4-0-0. 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
Daniel Hoijer, Recording Secretary