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August 24, 2026 Minutes

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Bennington Board of Selectmen
Monday — August 24, 2026
Selectmen’s Minutes — 6:00 pm

Selectboard: Chairman, James Cleary, Tony Parisi, Travis McClure

Chairman Cleary called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

Appointments:

6:00 pm — Fire Chief, Zack Andersen — Chief Andersen was before the Board of
Selectmen to discuss the recent repairs needed to the mini-splits at the Fire Station.
There was no warranty and the units needed repairs. Chairman Cleary asked why
there was no warranty, Chief Andersen stated the warranty paperwork was never
submitted. The Selectmen approved this being paid out of Town Building Expendable
Trust Fund.

Chief Andersen reported that he recently purchased $6,000.00 of tools for the Fire
Truck, that expense was budgeted.

He purchased rescue ropes, and the tanker needed to have the pump fixed, it did not
pass inspection. The new truck did pass pump testing.

Chief Andersen stated he still needs to replace two doors and 3 windows in the fire
station. Discussion followed, Chairman Cleary contacted Mike Young, he is unable to
do that at this time. Steve Frosch and Norm Shephard will be asked if they could do
the job and if they can, they will be asked for quotes. Andersen will report back to
Selectmen.

Recent inspection from Verisk was completed, the last rating for Bennington was 5/Y,
the town will get a new rating when the company is completed the inspection.
Variables are water, tools, equipment, training etc.

Discussion followed regarding the recent fire in Peterborough. Chief Andersen stated
he was there. The stipend rate of pay for the volunteers was discussed. Andersen
advocated for a higher pay rate for EMT/Fire personnel.

Board of Selectmen Meeting
August 24, 2026
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With discussion taking place as to response or not responding, Chief Anderson asked
why recently there has been no response from Police, when two officers appeared to
be on duty. Andersen indicated there have been two calls, which the State Police
came from Goffstown for one of the calls. Selectmen did not know about this and will
look into it.

Chief Andersen was asked if the Fire Department will be available for the Halloween
Hay Ride again. Andersen said yes, he has spoken with Melissa Clark and the
department is planning on being there.

Minutes: August 10, 2026 were accepted as written.

Financial: A/P & Payroll Manifests were reviewed and signed

Conservation Commission CD - Chairman Cleary motioned to authorize the
investment of a CD for the Conservation Commission of 3.5% for a 6-month CD.
Seconded by Selectmen Parisi & McClure. Motion passed 3-0. The Treasurer will let
the bank know on August 25, 2026.

Signatures:
Facility Rentals — 13Y girls softball tournaments, Sawyer Field — 9/6 & 10/18 -

approved

Recreation, Gymnasium — 12/5 & 12/6 — Santa and Vendors - approved
Timber Tax — Sweeney

Building Permits — Dial, 167 S. Bennington Rd

Other:
Rain Diverters — Tabled Item — Chairman Cleary will get prices from Stephen Frosch &
Norm Shepherd
Ice Diverter — Table Item — Chairman Cleary will get prices from Stephen Frosch &
Norm Shepherd
Bible Hill Rd. — Update letter to residents regarding property clean up.

Aresident asked the Town Administrator to bring before the Selectmen if there
could be ano thru trucks or a weight limit placed on Bible Hill Rd. Selectmen discussed
this, no decision was made at this time, this matter will be tabled pending further

discussion.

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August 24, 2026
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Map 12 Lots 13 & 14—Letter from Richard & Mary Baksa-Mathews asking to purchase
lot 13 & 14 on map 12. Mr. & Mrs. Baksa-Mathews offered $16,960 for both lots.
Selectmen discussed this offer, the location of these lots is on the Class VI portion of
the road, the road would need to be upgraded if any improvements were to be made
on the lots. Selectmen discussed it is a very dangerous portion of the road and is
barely passable in a four-wheel drive vehicle. At this time, Selectmen motioned to
not accept the offer from Baksa-Mathews and will put the lots out to public bid before
any decisions will be made.

WI-FI Connector — The new connector to the VFW has been installed and is working
fine.

Election — Town Administrator reminded Selectman that they must be present at the
election, Tuesday, September 8, 2026 - 8:00 am — 7:00 pm. Selectman Parisi will do
the first half of the day, able to stay until 1 or 2, McClure and/or Cleary will be present
the second half of the day.

Transfer Station — Selectmen reviewed an application for the Transfer Station
position. Tom James is planning on retiring soon and his position will need filling. This
person is willing to work the hours and seems very enthusiastic. Selectmen
unanimously agreed to hire this person, instructing the Town Administrator to contact
him and offer him the job.

Budgets — Selectmen reviewed budgets, discussion followed. Selectmen McClure &
Chairman Cleary voted to have Selectman Parisi speak to Chief Horne about budgets,
crossing guard, schedules and more and to further invite Chief Horne to the next
Selectmen’s meeting on August 31, 2026.

With nothing further, Chairman Cleary adjourned the meeting at 7:15 pm. The next
scheduled meeting will be Monday, August 31, 2026 at 6:00 pm.

Respectfully,

Qulna nYauch—

Debra Davidson, Town Administrator

Board of Selectmen Meeting
‘August 24, 2026
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