8-12-2026 Selectmen’s Minutes
The Nelson Select Board approved July 29 minutes and August manifests. They voted 3-0 to renew Monadnock Folklore Society's Town Hall contract, grant a US Army Corps right-of-entry for Partridge Woods, and spend $1,500 for cemetery surveying. The Board approved $1,850 for Child Advocacy of Cheshire County's 2027 budget but denied Cheshire Fair Association funding, both 3-0. They approved having M. Tarr and Nick carve a replacement weathervane for the Old Brick Schoolhouse. D. & P. Beffa-Negrini received 3-0 approval for a new building permit and demolition permit, contingent on Zoning Board conditions. Don reversed his stance, supporting town gravel pit ownership and 10-wheeler truck use. The next meeting is August 26, 2026. Source: http://minutes.townofnelson.org/documents/8-12-2026-Selectmens-Minutes.pdf
Town of Nelson
Selectmen’s Meeting
3:00 PM
August 12, 2026
Executive Board Attending: Brenna Kucinski, Michael Blaudschun, Don Carlisle, Edie Drinkwater,
Admin. Assist.
Others attending: M. Collins
Absent:
Brenna called the August 12, 2026 meeting of the Nelson Select Board to order at 3:00 PM.
⚫ Brenna made a motion to approve the minutes for July 29, 2026 with an amendment of the
truck sizes discussed for the Highway Department to read “6 or 10-wheeler”.
Don seconded.
The motion carried 2-0.
⚫ Mike made a motion to approve the manifests for August 5th and 12th, 2026 as presented.
Brenna seconded.
The motion carried 3-0.
⚫ Mike made a motion to renew the annual Town Hall Rental Contract for Monadnock Folklore
Society.
Brenna seconded.
The motion carried 3-0.
⚫ Mike made a motion to approve a “Right of Entry Permit” for the US Army Corps of Engineers
to place notices and snow measurement equipment in an area of Partridge Woods.
Brenna seconded.
The motion carried 3-0.
⚫ Mike made a motion to approve a request from the Cemetery Board to expend $1,500 for
surveyor services to layout the new cemetery and all burial plots.
Brenna seconded.
The motion carried 3-0.
⚫ Mike made a motion to approve a request from Child Advocacy of Cheshire County for 2027
budget funding in the amount of $1850, the same amount as approved in 2026.
Brenna seconded.
The motion carried 3-0.
⚫ Mike made a motion to deny a request from the Cheshire Fair Association for 2027 budget funding.
Brenna seconded.
The motion carried 3-0.
⚫ Edie reported that M. Tarr suggested that he and Nick could probably carve a fish to resemble the old
weathervane. It will be mounted at such a distance that no detailed carving is needed as it wouldn’t be
seen. After a brief discussion, noting there would be no cost involved, Brenna made a motion to have
M. Tarr and Nick carve a replacement for the whale/fish weathervane that was taken down from the
cupola on the Old Brick Schoolhouse.
Mike seconded.
The motion carried 3-0.
⚫ Brenna reported from M. Tarr informed her that Harrisville has found a treatment to successfully
eliminate knotweed. Brenna will discuss this with J. Yardley and the Conservation Commission to see if
they have any interest in pursuing a remedy for Nelson.
⚫ Don wanted it stated for the minutes that he has done some research and talked to several people
and now feels his past opinion of Nelson owning the gravel pit was in error. He understands the value
and the long life of service it will be to the town. He also re-evaluated his previous comments on the
highway crew trucking the town’s gravel. He now feels there would be no savings to hire a private
company and therefore the highway department should continue the town’s gravel trucking. In his
further research he concluded that using a 10-wheeler for plowing and sanding would save the most
time and be most efficient. He commended the Highway Department for the great job they do.
⚫ J. Yardley became aware of a grant for testing public water for levels of lead. She has been in touch
with Edie at the Town office and N. Gordon at the Nelson School and was informed that the school has
regular water testing done and they have already addressed any past concerns for water safety. Edie
also informed her of the testing schedule for the Town office, library, and Town Hall. Brenna will talk to
Yardley to assure her that the town buildings and the school have regular testing done and there are no
problems.
⚫ D. & P. Beffa-Negrini presented an amended Building Permit for a previously presented project. They
were denied a permit and referred to the Zoning Board to seek a variance for the project they had
presented. During the contractor’s inspection of their property it was determined that age deterioration
made it best to demolish the existing structure and rebuild new with the same plans. Their hearing with
the Zoning Board resulted in a granted variance with the condition that an added suite be joined to the
main building by a foundation and walkway. Following a full plan review, Mike made a motion to
approve the new Building Permit with the condition that it be built on the existing footprint, in
accordance with the ZBA conditions, and that the property owner sign off on the existing footprint
drawing as shown on the most recent property identification card.
Brenna seconded.
The motion carried 3-0.
Mike went on to make a motion to approve a demo permit for the existing structure conditioned on
securing evidence of the exact location and size where the new structure must be built to meet all
above-mentioned conditions.
Brenna seconded.
The motion carried 3-0.
⚫ Brenna reported that R. Walter inquired about permitting to build a pond on his property. The Board
agreed that no town permitting was required but DES should be contacted before beginning.
⚫ It was reported that a travel trailer had been parking overnight off of Old Stoddard Road in the area of
Partridge Wood. A neighbor spoke to the occupant and the matter was referred to the Nelson Police
Chief for further checking. Brenna noted that the Conservation Commission oversees the Partridge
Woods property and they may want to consider signs indicating no overnight parking allowed. Mike
suggested that a Town ordinance not allowing overnight parking that could be enforced and fines levied
for violations.
⚫ Brenna reported on a number of occasions that bikers have entered her property and traveled up to
her house and beyond and this has happened even when the gate is closed. They haven’t been able to
catch up to speak with the bikers yet but this too has been reported to the Police Chief.
⚫ Brenna did a brief recap of the Old Home Day events that were well attended and held with perfect
weather. A toad that was entered in the frog jump gave an impressive performance and extra blue
ribbons saved the day for all rightful winners.
⚫Mike will be away for the Primary but Buffy Tarr will be covering for him. He will also be away the
week of Thanksgiving but there is no meeting that week.
⚫ Don will be away on November 18, 2026 and will miss that meeting.
⚫ With nothing further, Brenna made a motion to adjourn.
Mike seconded.
The motion carried 3-0.
Meeting adjourned 4:20 PM
Next meeting August 26, 2026 at 3:00 PM in the Nelson Town Office.
Minutes for August 12, 2026
Brenna Kucinski, Chair
Michael Blaudschun, Selectman
Don Carlisle, Selectman