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Town of Lyndeborough NH 
2026 Town Meeting Minutes 
March 14, 2026 
 
Moderator Walter Holland called the 2026 Lyndeborough Town Meeting to order at 10:00 AM 
on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Citizens' Hall. He welcomed everyone and noted that this would 
be his final meeting as Moderator after 24 years of service, expressing that he had enjoyed the 
role immensely. 
 
To the inhabitants of the Town of Lyndeborough in the County of Hillsborough in the state of 
New Hampshire qualified to vote in Town affairs are hereby notified that the Annual Town 
Meeting will be held as follows: 
 
First Session of Annual Meeting (Official Ballot Voting) 
Date: March 10, 2026 
Time: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm 
Location: 9 Citizens’ Hall Rd, Lyndeborough, NH 03082 
Details: Ballot Voting of Town Officers and all other matters requiring ballot vote. 
 
Second Session of Annual Meeting (Transaction of All Other Business) 
Date: March 14, 2026 
Time: 10:00 am  
Location: Citizens’ Hall, 9 Citizens’ Hall Rd, Lyndeborough, NH 03082 
Details: Annual Town Meeting to act upon Articles 10 through 29. 
 
Article 01 
Selection of Officers and other Matters:  Voting of Town Officers and all other 
matters requiring ballot vote. 
 
* indicates elected (278 ballots cast- 1274 Registered Voters) 
Results:   
           Selectman  (3 years)                                
*Shane Meltzer        
 
214 
           Moderator  (2 years)                                
*Robert Newton              
204 
           Trustee of Cemeteries  (3 years)            
*Virginia Chrisenton      
222 
           Library Trustee  (3 years)                        
*Ann Harkleroad            
238 
           Trustee of Trust Funds (3 years)             
*John Pomer (write-in) 
5 
           Supervisor of the Checklist (6 years)      
*Jessie Salisbury            
237 
           Budget Committee (3 years)                    
*Helen Woods                 
28 
                                                                                
Steven Brooks               
11 
                                                                              
*Tim Sullivan                   
8 
           Budget Committee (2 years)                     
*Steven Brooks               
21 
           Zoning Board of Adjustment (3 years)     
*Thomas Chrisenton     
167 
                                                                                 
Steven Brooks                
5 
 

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Article 02 
Are you in favor of the adoption of Article 2 as proposed by the Planning Board 
for the Town of Lyndeborough Zoning Ordinance as follows? 
 
 
Amend Sections 503.00, 603.00, 703.00, and 803.00 to replace the term “Zoning Board of 
Adjustment” with “Planning Board” as originally intended and amend certain uses of terms and 
emphasis for improved clarity.  
 
Amend Section 503.00 to read as follows (language to be added shown in bold italics, language 
to be removed shown in bold strikeout): 
 
503.00        Conditional Use Permits. 
The following uses may be permitted as conditional use permits conditional uses by the Zoning 
Planning Board of Adjustment. A Site Plan Review and approval will then be required by the 
Planning Board for all uses other than two-family dwellings: (3/13/18, 3/12/24, 3/10/26) 
 
a. 
Two family dwellings provided the following conditions can be met: 
1) 
minimum lot size 4 acres; 
2) 
minimum frontage 300 feet; 
3) 
a common road or street access serves both units; 
4) 
two off-street parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit; 
5) 
Certification from the applicant and the Lyndeborough Health/Code Enforcement 
Officer that any existing septic system or new system is designed to support the increased 
load created by two families. 
b. 
Private schools including daycare centers. 
c. 
Automobile Service 
d. 
Personal service businesses including but not limited to service or repair of jewelry, 
appliances or other personal or household items, photography studios, beauty/barber shops and 
tailors. 
e. 
Bed and Breakfasts providing the following conditions can be met: 
1) 
the B&B is operated by the resident owner; 
2) 
two (2) non-family employees are permitted on the premises; 
3) 
no additions or changes shall be made to the residence that would make it 
impractical to revert the building to purely residential; 
4) 
two (2) off-street parking spaces shall be provided for the residents of the B&B 
and one (1) off-street space shall be provided for each rental unit; 
5) 
certification from the applicant and the Lyndeborough Health/Code Enforcement 
Officer that any existing septic system or new system is designed to support the increased 
load; and 
6) 
the business shall be operated in accordance with all Town regulations, state laws 
and licensing requirements. 
 
Amend Section 603.00 to read as follows (language to be added shown in bold italics, language 
to be removed shown in bold strikeout): 
 

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603.00        Conditional Use Permits. 
The following uses may be permitted as conditional use permits conditional uses by the Zoning 
Planning Board of Adjustment. A Site Plan Review and approval will then be required by the 
Planning Board: (3/13/18, 3/12/24, 3/10/26) 
 
 
a. 
Vehicular sales and repair facilities; 
 
b. 
Automobile service stations; 
 
c. 
Contractor yards; 
 
d. 
Public assembly halls and places of worship. 
 
Amend Section 703.00 to read as follows (language to be added shown in bold italics, language 
to be removed shown in bold strikeout): 
 
703.00       Conditional Use Permits. 
The following uses may be permitted as conditional use permits conditional uses by the Zoning 
Planning Board of Adjustment. A Site Plan Review and approval will then be required by the 
Planning Board for all uses other than two-family dwellings: (3/13/18, 3/12/24, 3/10/26) 
a. 
Two-family dwellings provided the following conditions can be met: 
 
 
1) 
minimum lot size 4 acres; 
 
 
2) 
minimum frontage 500 feet; 
 
 
3) 
a common road or street access serves both units; 
 
 
4) 
two off-street parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit; 
 
 
5) 
Certification from the applicant and the Lyndeborough Health/Code 
Enforcement Officer that any existing septic system or new system is designed to support the 
increased load created by two families. 
b. 
Bed and Breakfasts providing the following conditions can be met:   
 
 
1) 
the B&B is operated by the resident owner; 
 
 
2) 
two (2) nonfamily employees are permitted on the premises; 
 
 
3) 
no additions or changes shall be made to the residence that would make it 
impractical to revert the building to purely residential; 
 
 
4) 
two (2) off-street parking spaces shall be provided for the residents of the 
B&B and one (1) off-street space shall be provided for each rental unit;  
 
 
5) 
certification from the applicant and the Lyndeborough Health/Code 
Enforcement Officer that any existing septic system or new system is designed to support the 
increased load; and 
 
 
6) 
the business shall be operated in accordance with all Town regulations, 
state laws and licensing requirements. 
 
Amend Section 803.00 to read as follows (language to be added shown in bold italics, language 
to be removed shown in bold strikeout): 
 
803.00       Conditional Use Permits. 
 

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The following uses may be permitted as conditional use permits conditional uses by the Zoning 
Planning Board of Adjustment. A Site Plan Review and approval will then be required by the 
Planning Board for all uses other than two-family dwellings: (3/13/18, 3/12/24, 3/10/26) 
a. 
Two-family dwellings provided the following conditions can be met: 
 
 
1) 
minimum lot size 10 acres; 
 
 
2) 
minimum frontage 1,000 feet; 
 
 
3) 
a common road or street access serves both units; 
 
 
4) 
two off-street parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit; 
 
 
5) 
Certification from the applicant and the Lyndeborough Health/Code 
Enforcement Officer that any existing septic system or new system is designed to support the 
increased load created by two families. 
b. 
Bed and Breakfasts providing the following conditions can be met:   
 
 
1) 
the B&B is operated by the resident owner; 
 
 
2) 
two (2) nonfamily employees are permitted on the premises; 
 
 
3) 
no additions or changes shall be made to the residence that would make it 
impractical to revert the building to purely residential; 
 
 
4) 
two (2) off-street parking spaces shall be provided for the residents of the 
B&B and one (1) off-street space shall be provided for each rental unit;  
 
 
5) 
certification from the applicant and the Lyndeborough Health/Code 
Enforcement Officer that any existing septic system or new system is designed to support the 
increased load; and 
 
 
6) 
the business shall be operated in accordance with all Town regulations, 
state laws and licensing requirements. 
 
This amendment has been recommended by the Planning Board. 
 
 
Article Passes 
206 Yes 
58 No 
 
 
 
Article 03 
Are you in favor of the adoption of Article 3 as proposed by the Planning Board 
for the Town of Lyndeborough Zoning Ordinance as follows? 
 
Amend Section 1303.00 to replace the term “Conditional Use Permits” with “Special 
Exceptions.”  
 
 Amend Section 1303.00 to read as follows (language to be added shown in bold italics, language 
to be removed shown in bold strikeout): 
 
1303.00 
Conditional Use Permits Special Exceptions for Non-conforming Buildings. 
(3/10/98, 3/10/26) 
 
                    Additions to existing residences or accessory buildings that lie wholly or in part within 
the lot setbacks designated for the zoning district may be permitted by Conditional Use Permit 

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Special Exception when no alternative is deemed reasonable by the Zoning Board of 
Adjustment, in accordance with any or all of the following: 
 
 
 
1) 
the proposed addition will not be constructed in the setback area; or 
 
 
2) 
the proposed addition will not be closer to the lot line than the most 
intrusive portion of the existing building; or 
 
 
3) 
the proposed addition is necessary for the health or safety of the 
occupants of the building as determined by the Building Inspector at the time of permit 
application. 
 
This amendment has been recommended by the Planning Board. 
 
 
Article Passes 
200 Yes 
65 No 
 
 
Article 04 
Are you in favor of the adoption of Article 4 as proposed by the Planning Board 
for the Town of Lyndeborough Zoning Ordinance as follows? 
 
Amend Section 413.00, Conditional Use Permits, to clarify that abutter notification and 
public hearing are required prior to granting a conditional use permit. 
 
Amend Section 413.00 in relevant part reads as follows (additional language shown in bold 
italics): 
 
413.00 Conditional Use Permits 
A. General 
1. 
Conditional Use Permits (CUP) as herein provided for shall be deemed to be permitted 
uses in their respective zoning districts, subject to the satisfaction of the requirements and 
standards set forth herein, in addition to all other requirements and standards of this ordinance. 
2. 
Wherever a conditional use is authorized by this ordinance, the authority to administer 
or grant Conditional Use Permits shall be vested in the Planning Board. The Planning Board shall 
hold a duly noticed public hearing with abutter notification prior to granting approval. 
 
This amendment has been recommended by the Planning Board. 
 
 
Article Passes 
217 Yes 
51 No 
 
 
 
Article 05 
Are you in favor of the adoption of Article 5 as proposed by the Planning Board 
for the Town of Lyndeborough Zoning Ordinance as follows? 
 
Amend Section 408.00, Soil-Based Zoning Requirements, to update outdated soils 
references and add the requirement that all lots under 5 acres in the RL1 and LI districts shall 
have a site-specific soil survey conducted by a NH Certified Professional Soil Scientist. 

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Amend Section 408.00 to read as follows (language to be added shown in bold italics, language 
to be removed shown in bold strikeout): 
 
408.00 Soil-Based Zoning Requirements (Overlay District) (3/18/00) (3/16/19) (3/10/26) 
 
All lots in the Rural Lands One (RL1) or Light Industrial (LI) zoning districts with less than 5 acres 
shall require a minimum of 2 contiguous acres of “slight” “not limited” and/or “moderate” 
limitations “somewhat limited” rated soils for septic tank absorption fields, as determined by 
the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service criteria and published in Table 11 of the “Soil 
Survey of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire”, issued October 1985. A site-specific soil 
survey shall be conducted by a NH Certified Professional Soil Scientist may be required by the 
Planning Board to ensure that the requirements of this section are met. Contiguous shall mean 
any area undivided by wetland, ponding (seasonal or perennial) or seasonal or perennial drainage 
ways. Lots of record shall not be affected by this soil- based zoning for residential usage. 
 
All lots in the Rural Lands One (RL1) or Light Industrial zoning districts with less than 500 foot feet 
of frontage shall require a minimum of 2 contiguous acres of “slight” “not limited” and/or 
“moderate” limitations “somewhat limited” rated soils for septic tank absorption fields, as 
determined by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service criteria and published in Table 
11 of the “Soil Survey of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire”, issued October 1985. A site-
specific soil survey shall be conducted by a NH Certified Professional Soil Scientist may be 
required by the Planning Board to ensure that the requirements of this section are met. 
Contiguous shall mean any area undivided by wetland, ponding (seasonal or perennial) or 
seasonal or perennial drainage ways. Lots of record shall not be affected by this soil-based zoning 
for residential usage. (3/18/00) (3/16/19) (3/10/26) 
 
[Note of Clarification: This section 408.00 does not apply to the Village District, section 500.00; 
Rural Lands 2, section 800.00; Rural Lands 3, section 900.00; or the Large Tracts of Land, section 
404.00.] 
 
This amendment has been recommended by the Planning Board. 
 
 
Article Passes 
170 Yes 
98 No 
 
 
Article 06 
Zoning Amendment Article (by petition) 
Article (1): Are you in favor of the adoption of Article (1) as proposed by citizens of The Town of 
Lyndeborough for Town of Lyndeborough Zoning Ordinance as follows? 
 
Amend section 702.00 to help preserve the rural character of Rural Lands One (RL1) and read 
as follows (language to be added shown in bold italics, language to be removed shown in bold 
strikeout. 
 

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702:01 Area. Minimum lot size 5 acres which shall require a minimum of 2 contiguous acres of 
dry land undivided by wetland, pond or drainage way with "not limited" and/or ''somewhat 
limited" rated soils as required by Section 408.00. 
 
702:02 Frontage. Minimum 500 250 feet of continuous frontage. 
 
Article (2): Are you in favor of the adoption of Article (2) as proposed by citizens of The Town of 
Lyndeborough for Town of Lyndeborough Zoning Ordinance as follows? 
 
Amend section 408 to clarify soil based zoning requirements and to read as follows (language to 
be added shown in bold italics, language to be removed in bold strikeout):  
408:00 Soil Based Zoning Requirements  
All lots in the Rural Lands One (RL1) or Light Industrial zoning districts with less than 5 acres 
shall require a minimum of 2 contiguous acres of "not limited" “slight” and/or "somewhat 
limited" "moderate limitations” limitations rated soils for septic tank absorption fields, as 
determined by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service criteria and published at "Web 
Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/)" in Table 11 of the "Soil Survey of 
Hillsborough County, New Hampshire”, issued October 1985. A Site specific soil survey 
conducted by a NH Certified Professional Soil Scientist may be required by the Planning Board 
to ensure that the requirements of this section are met. Contiguous shall mean any area 
undivided by wetland, ponding (seasonal or perennial) or seasonal or perennial drainage ways. 
Lots of record shall not be affected by this soil-based zoning for residential usage.  
All lots in the Rural Lands One (RL1) or Light Industrial zoning districts with less than 500 foot 
frontage shall require a minimum of 2 contiguous acres of "not limited" "slight" and/or 
"somewhat limited" "moderate limitations" limitations rated soils for septic tank absorption 
fields, as determined by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service criteria and published 
at "Web Soil Survey (https://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/)" in Table 11 of the "Soil 
Survey of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire”, issued October 1985.. A Site specific soil 
survey conducted by a NH Certified Professional Soil Scientist may be required by the Planning 
Board to ensure that the requirements of this section are met. Contiguous shall mean any area 
undivided by wetland, ponding (seasonal or perennial) or seasonal or perennial drainage ways. 
Lots of record shall not be affected by this soil-based zoning for residential usage. (3/18/00) 
(3/16/19) (3/10/26) 
[Note of Clarification: This section 408.00 does not apply to the Village District, section 500.00; 
Rural Lands 2, section 800.00; Rural Lands 3, section 900.00; or the Large Tracts of Land, section 
404.00.]  (by petition) 
 
Article Passes 
135 Yes 
132 No 
 
 

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Article 07 
Zoning Amendment Article (by petition) 
 
To see if the town will vote to amend Section 411 of the Zoning Ordinance to allow up to two 
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right on lots greater than five acres. ADU's may be attached 
or detached from the primary dwelling. The combination of the two ADU's would not exceed 
2,000 square feet. Currently Lyndeborough allows one ADU of up to 2,000 square feet by right. 
 
Amend Section 411.00, subsection 1 to read as follows (language to removed shown in bold 
strikeout, language to added shown in bold italics): 
 
An Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be allowed as a matter of right by the Building Inspector 
pursuant to RSA 674:71 and 674:72 in all zoning districts that permit single family dwellings. 
One accessory dwelling unit shall be allowed without additional requirements for lot size, 
frontage, space limitations, or other controls beyond what would be required for a single family 
dwelling without an accessory dwelling unit. Not more than one accessory dwelling unit for 
any single family residence shall be allowed. Up to two ADUs are allowed by right on lots 
greater than five acres provided that the total square footage of the two ADUs does not 
exceed 2,000 Square feet in area.  (by petition) 
 
 
 
Article Passes 
187 Yes 
81 No 
 
 
Article 08 
Town Operating Budget 
 
To see if the Town of Lyndeborough will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Three 
Million, Forty Six Thousand, Eight Hundred Fifty Five Dollars ($3,046,855), representing the 
Operating Budget for fiscal year 2026, as prepared by the Budget Committee.  Said sum is 
exclusive of all special or individual articles addressed; or to take any other action relative 
thereto. The Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee Recommend this Article. (Majority Vote 
Required) 
 
Chairman Mark Chamberlain moved Article 8 as read. Selectman Bob Howe seconded. 
Budget Committee Kevin Boette spoke to the Article. Discussion ensued. 
 
Selectman Mark Chamberlain moved to amend the budget by $20,000 for the purpose of adding 
$8,000 to line 4150-5300-5316 for the purchase of accounting software, $7,000 to line 4312-
5500-5534 for the purchase of salt, and $5,000 to line 4290-5300-5393 to upgrade to Citizens’ 
Hall electric panel. Selectman Bob Howe seconded the motion to amend.  
 
Moderator Holland read amended article, any questions, ready for the amended article, all those 
in favor signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay.  Ayes have it.   Motion passes 
by voice vote. 
 

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The amended article now totaled $3,066,855. 
 
Moderator Holland read the amended Article 8 for $3,066,855.  Selectman Chair Mark 
Chamberlain moved and Selectman Bob Howe seconded the amended article.  
 
Moderator Holland asked all those in favor of the amended article to signify by saying Aye, those 
opposed signify by saying Nay.  Ayes have it.  
 
Article Passes as Amended 
 
 
Article 09 
1997 Fire Department Pumper Capital Reserve Fund 
 
To see if the Town of Lyndeborough will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty-
Six Thousand Dollars ($36,000) to be added to the Repair and Replacement of the 1997 Fire 
Department Pumper Capital Reserve Fund previously established for that purpose; or to take any 
other action relative thereto.  The Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this 
Article. (Majority Vote Required) 
 
Selectman Bob Howe moved Article 9 as read. Selectman Howard Ray seconded. 
 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of 
Article 9 as written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
Article 10 
2005 Fire Department Pumper Capital Reserve Fund 
 
To see if the Town of Lyndeborough will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty-
nine Thousand Dollars ($39,000) to be added to the Repair and Replacement of the 2005 Fire 
Department Pumper Capital Reserve Fund previously established for that purpose; or to take any 
other action relative thereto. The Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee Recommend this 
Article. (Majority Vote Required) 
 
Selectman Howard Ray moved Article 10 as read. Selectman Chair Mark Chamberlain seconded. 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of 
Article 10 as written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
Article 11 
Fire Department Equipment Capital Reserve Fund 
 
To see if the Town of Lyndeborough will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Fifteen 
Thousand Dollars ($15,000) to be added to the Repair and Replacement of Lyndeborough Fire 

10 
 
Department Equipment Capital Reserve Fund, previously established for that purpose; or to take 
any other action relative thereto. The Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee Recommend 
this Article. (Majority Vote Required) 
 
Selectman Chair Mark Chamberlain moved Article 11 as read. Selectman Bob Howe seconded. 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of 
Article 11 as written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
 
 
Article 12 
2002 John Deere Grader Capital Reserve Fund 
 
To see if the Town of Lyndeborough will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty 
Thousand dollars ($20,000) to be added to the Repair and Replacement of the 2002 John Deere 
Grader Capital Reserve Fund previously established for that purpose; or to take any other action 
relative thereto. The Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this article.  
(Majority vote required). 
 
Selectman Bob Howe moved Article 12 as read. Selectman Howard Ray seconded. Moderator 
Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of Article 12 as 
written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
Article 13 
2022 On-Ton Truck Capital Reserve Fund 
 
To see if the Town of Lyndeborough will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Eighteen 
Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($18,500) to be added to the Repair and Replacement of the 2022 
One-Ton Truck Capital Reserve Fund previously established for that purpose; or take any other 
action relative thereto.  The Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this Article.  
(Majority vote required). 
 
Selectman Howard Ray moved Article 13 as read. Selectman Chair Mark Chamberlain seconded. 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of 
Article 13 as written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
 
 
Article 14 
2016 Mid-Sized Dump Truck Capital Reserve Fund 
 
To see if the Town of Lyndeborough will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten 
Thousand Dollars ($10,000) to be added to the Repair and Replacement of the 2016 Mid-Size 
Dump Truck Capital Reserve Fund previously established for that purpose; or take any other 

11 
 
action relative thereto.  The Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this article.  
(Majority vote required). 
 
Selectman Chair Mark Chamberlain moved Article 14 as read. Selectman Howard Ray seconded. 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of 
Article 14 as written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
Article 15 
Loader Capital Reserve Fund 
 
To see if the Town of Lyndeborough will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Nineteen 
Thousand Dollars ($19,000) to be added to the Repair and Replacement of the Loader Capital 
Reserve Fund previously established for that purpose; or take any other action relative thereto. 
The Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this Article. (Majority Vote Required) 
 
Chairman Mark Chamberlain moved Article 15 as read. Selectman Bob Howe seconded. 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of 
Article 15 as written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
 
 
Article 16 
2018 Dump Truck Capital Reserve Fund (Ten Wheeler) 
 
To see if the Town of Lyndeborough will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty-
Six Thousand Dollars ($26,000) to be added to the Repair and Replacement of the 2018 Dump 
Truck Capital Reserve Fund previously established for that purpose; or take any other action 
relative thereto.  The Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this Article. 
(Majority Vote Required) 
 
Selectman Howard Ray moved Article 16 as read. Selectman Chair Mark Chamberlain seconded. 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of 
Article 16 as written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
Article 17 
2020 Dump Truck Capital Reserve Fund (Mid-sized Truck) 
 
To see if the Town of Lyndeborough will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Eighteen 
Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($18,500) to be added to the Repair and Replacement of the 2020 
Dump Truck Capital Reserve Fund previously established for that purpose; or take any other 

12 
 
action relative thereto.  The Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this Article. 
(Majority Vote Required) 
 
Chairman Mark Chamberlain moved Article 17 as read. Selectman Bob Howe seconded. 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of 
Article 17 as written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
Article 18 
Backhoe Capital Reserve Fund 
 
To see if the Town of Lyndeborough will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Twenty 
Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($20,500) to be added to the Repair and Replacement of the 
Backhoe Capital Reserve Fund previously established for that purpose; or take any other action 
relative thereto.  The Board of Selectmen and Budget Committee recommend this Article. 
(Majority Vote Required) 
 
Selectman Bob Howe moved Article 18 as read. Selectman Howard Ray seconded. 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of 
Article 18 as written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
Article 19 
Discontinue the Repair & Replacement of the Ambulance & Medical Equipment 
Capital Reserve Fund 
 
To see if the town will vote to discontinue the Repair & Replacement of the Ambulance & 
Medical Equipment Capital Reserve Fund created in 2017. Said funds, with accumulated interest 
to date of withdrawal, are to be transferred to the municipality's general fund.  The Board of 
Selectmen and Budget Committee Recommend this Article. (Majority vote required) 
 
Selectman Howard Ray moved Article 19 as read. Selectman Chair Mark Chamberlain seconded. 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of 
Article 19 as written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
 
 
Article 20 
To Establish a Fund for General Grant Funding 
 
To see if the town will vote to establish a Grant Funding Capital Reserve Fund under the 
provisions of RSA 35:1 for purpose of funding the town's share of grants for town projects and to 
raise and appropriate the sum of $35,000 to be placed in this fund.  Further, to name the Board 
of Selectmen as agents to expend from said fund.  This sum to come from the General Fund, no 

13 
 
amount to be raised from taxation; or to take any action relative thereto.  The Board of Selectmen 
and Budget Committee recommend this Article. (Majority Vote Required) 
 
Chairman Mark Chamberlain moved Article 20 as read. Selectman Bob Howe seconded. 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion. Chairman Chamberlain explained that grant 
funding requires matching funds that must be available when applying, as applications without 
guaranteed funding go to the bottom of the pile. Towns like Wilton have had success with similar 
funds. Grants are available for fire equipment, highway equipment, and town buildings, noting 
they'll need a roof on Citizens' Hall soon. The selectmen need authority to act on time-sensitive 
grants that don't align with town meeting schedules. 
Moderator Holland, ready for the question, All those in favor of Article 20 as written signify by 
saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
Article 21 
Establish a Welfare Expendable Trust Fund 
 
To see if the town will vote to establish a Welfare Expendable Trust Fund per RSA 31:19-
a, for the purpose of paying costs associated with Welfare and to raise and appropriate Ten 
Thousand Dollars ($10,000) to put in the fund; further to name the Board of Selectmen as agents 
to expend from said fund. Recommendations Required.  The Board of Selectmen and Budget 
Committee recommend this Article. (Majority vote required)  
 
Selectman Bob Howe moved Article 21 as read. Selectman Howard Ray seconded. Selectman 
Howard Ray explained that welfare is statutorily required, with amounts varying yearly and 
sometimes going unused. The fund would provide a stable balance rather than annual guessing, 
with unused operating budget amounts going to unexpended fund balance while the trust fund 
earns interest. 
 
Town Administrator Geoffrey Allen detailed that they currently appropriate $10,000-$20,000 
annually for welfare cases, which can cost $10,000-$40,000 or more per case. The expendable 
trust fund would provide $10,000 while putting $10,000 in the operating budget, allowing unused 
operating funds to return to unexpended fund balance while the trust fund remains available and 
earns interest. 
 
Moderator Holland read the Article, any discussion, ready for the question, All those in favor of 
Article 21 as written signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay. Ayes have it. 
 
Article Passes 
 
 
Article 22 
To Change Planning Board from Appointed to Elected (by petition) 
 
To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to RSA 673:2, II; to change the Lyndeborough 
Planning Board from an appointed board to an elected board consisting of seven (7) members, 

14 
 
and further to provide that the first election of Planning Board members shall occur at the 2026 
Annual Town Election, with the initial elected members’ terms to be staggered pursuant to RSA 
673:5 I, for one year, two year, and three year terms. (By Petition) (by ballot, majority vote 
required) 
 
Selectman Howard Ray moved Article 22 as written. Chairman Mark Chamberlain seconded. 
 
Petitioner Shane Meltzer explained his reasoning, stating no single event inspired the petition 
and that he believes the planning board does good work. His motivation was simply that 
townspeople should choose planning board members rather than having three selectmen make 
appointments, preventing potential "stacking" with members having particular agendas. He 
addressed concerns about vacant positions, noting RSA 673:12 allows remaining planning board 
members to fill vacancies, giving six people rather than three the appointment authority. 
 
Alyssa Lavoie moved to amend the article to change the first election from 2026 to 2027. Shane 
Meltzer seconded. 
 
Moderator Holland read amended Article: “To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to RSA 673:2, 
II; to change the Lyndeborough Planning Board from an appointed board to an elected board 
consisting of seven (7) members, and further to provide that the first election of Planning Board 
members shall occur at the 2027 Annual Town Election, with the initial elected members’ terms 
to be staggered pursuant to RSA 673:5 I, for one year, two year, and three year terms.” 
 
All those in favor of the Amendment signify by saying Aye, those opposed signify by saying Nay.  
 
Amendment passes. 
After some discussion on the Amended Article the voters were told to mark the pink yes/no paper 
ballot and place it in the ballot box.  Stephanie Roper, Supervisor of the Checklist counted the 
ballots and gave results to Moderator Walter Holland.  
                              Amended Article Passes  
44 Yes 
12 No 
 
 
Article 23 
Other Business 
To transact any other business that may legally come before said meeting; Chairman 
Mark Chamberlain moved Article 23 as read. Selectman Bob Howe seconded. 
 
 
 
Chairman Chamberlain provided updates on the Revolutionary War monument project 
honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The monument is in 
production with a dedication scheduled for August 15th at 3 PM on the common. Fundraising 
continues with t-shirts, hats, and commemorative coins available. Donors of $1,000 will have 
their names on a bronze plaque, with the deadline extended to Tuesday night's selectmen 
meeting. 
 

15 
 
Moderator Holland acknowledged major donors including the Milford Rotary Club, Wilton 
American Legion, and the Lafayette Artillery. He noted the monument will be made by 
Peterborough Granite, the same company that created the Civil War monument, and encouraged 
attendance at the August dedication. 
 
Moderator Holland thanked the office staff, highway department, and Michael Kaelin for sound 
system setup. 
 
A resident asked about video recording meetings, which was discussed the previous year. 
Selectman Ray acknowledged they overlooked it during budget season but committed to 
pursuing it this year. 
Chairman Mark Chamberlain moved to adjourn. Kevin Boette seconded. Motion passed by voice 
vote. 
 
The meeting adjourned at 12:45pm with thanks to Walter Holland for his 24 years of service as 
moderator. 
 
Respectfully Submitted 
 
Patricia H. Schultz 
Town Clerk/Tax Collector 
Town of Lyndeborough NH 
March 25, 2026