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Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes

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TOWN OF THORNTON
ne 90 BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Town of Thornton « 16 Merrill Access Road * Thornton, NH 03285 » 603.726.8168

Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2026

4:00 p.m. Chairman Steven Babin opened the Thornton Board of Selectmen meeting with the
Pledge of Allegiance.

This meeting was held at the Thornton Station Meeting Hall and via Zoom. The Zoom code
was referenced on the posted agenda.

ROLL CALL: Chairman Steven Babin, Vice-Chair Peter Laufenberg, Selectwoman Marianne
Peabody, Selectman Brad Benton, Selectman Matt Peltier

ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Town Administrator (TA) Desiree Mahurin
OTHERS PRESENT ON ZOOM (names are listed as they appear): Michael Miller, Andy Harris

OTHERS PRESENT: Shawna Chase, Marty Humphrey, George Humphrey, Diane Gravel, Al Lewis, Ken
Wolffe

APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
MOTION: “To approve the public meeting minutes of June 10, 2026, as presented.”
Motion: P. Laufenberg
Second: M. Peabody
Discussion: None
Motion Passes: 5 — Yes, 0 — No, 0 — Abstained

MOTION: “To approve non-public session minutes of June 10, 2026, as presented.
Motion: P. Laufenberg
Second: M. Peabody
Discussion: None
Motion Passes: 5 — Yes, 0 — No, 0 — Abstained

CONSENT AGENDA: June 24, 2026, and July 8, 2026

June 24, 2026

Manifests:
1. Payroll: $ 43,470.27
2. Vendor: $849,581.77

Zoning Compliance Application(s):
1. 2026-26 Peltier, Matt & Allison, Angel 240-003
51 Anderson Hill Rd
Description: 10x16 shed

Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2026 Page 1 of 9


52 2. 2026-27 Rhum, Steven 230-050

53 Treeline Rd

54 Description: 18 Roof top Solar panels
55

56 3. 2026-28 Hayes , Jeffery & Stephanie 235-038
57 375 Upper Mad River

58 Description: 12x24 shed

59

60 4. 2026-29 Weese, Janine 219-03
61 17 Jacob Lane

62 Description: 24x14 shed

63

64 Timber Yield Tax Warrant

65 1. PID: 241-046

66 Karpinski, Anne Marie

67 $205.62

68

69 — Intent to Cut Timber

70 1. PID: 241-046

71 Karpinski, Anne Marie

72

73. Timber Yield Tax Abatement

74 1. PID: 402-001

75 LE Taylor & Sons

76 $12,119.70

7

78 ~— July 8, 2026
79 Manifests:

80 1. Payroll: $ 33,256.58

81 2. Vendor: $626,655.73

82

83 Zoning Compliance Application(s):

84 1. 2026-29 Weese, Janine 219-030
85 17 Jacob Lane Description:

86 24x14 shed

87

88 2. 2026-30 Mchielly, Nate & Kathleen 241-118
89 1484 NH RT 175

90 Description: 10x12 shed

91

92 » 3. 2026-31 Doucette, Daniel & Alison 220-017
93 347 Mill Brook Rd Description:

94 Demo of shed

95

96 4, 2026ADU Buczynski, Briana & Edward III 240-007
97 1642 NH Route 175

98 Description: Accessory Dwelling Unit (pre-existing at time of purchase 5/29/2026)
99
100 Property Tax Abatements
101 1. PID: 227-002-000-0009 (billed incorrect owner)
102 Koenig, Christopher & Kathryn
103 $6,375.00

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July 8, 2026 Page 2 of 9


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Refund Abatements

1.

PID: 208-019
Twohig, Stephen
$443.28

PID: 241-059
Uhiman, R & L Trust
$142.17

PID: 239-050
LaCombe, Keith & Suzanne
$35.18

PID: 246-007
Bunker, Susan & David
$851.91

PID: 238-012-025
25 Jacks Run LLC
$1,282.09

PID: 234-042
Hainey, James & Michelle
$329.45

PID: 237-010-000-0001-00010
Zima, John & Robitaille, Scott
$850.57

Supplemental Property Tax Bill

1.

PID: 227-002-000-0009
Snow Peak Real Estate Dev LLC
$6,375.00

Property Tax Abatement Denials

1.

PID: 228-019
Kadlick, Sandra M Rev Trust

PID: 230-035
Carpenter, John C

PID: 243-040
Chandler, Robert & Miriam

PID: 63parcels LCJ
Holdings LLC

Trustee of Trust Fund Request

1.

Capital Reserve Fund: Transfer Station Major Equipment
Purpose: Baler
Amount: $9,783.65 (Thornton 48.3%)

Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2026

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MOTION: “To approve the June 24, 2026, and July 8, 2026, consent agenda presented.”
Motion: P. Laufenberg
Second: M. Peltier
Discussion: None
Motion Passes: 4 — Yes, 0 — No, 1 — Abstained (B. Benton)

“PUBLIC COMMENT(S):

Sally Davis expressed her concern about the maple trees that were cut at Mad River Cemetery and
asked why so many were removed. B. Benton stated the maple trees were removed because they
were diseased and rotting. He, as Cemetery Superintendent, walked to property and identified all
dying maple trees with M. Benton, Cemetery Superintendent.

S. Davis asked if he had seen the trees once they were removed, as some did not look diseased. B.
Benton stated he had photos of the trees before and after they were cut to show rotting that was
occurring and posing a risk to the cemetery. He stated the decision to remove the trees was not an
easy one and was not taken lightly.

S. Davis asked for the photos and TA Mahurin stated she will email them to S. Davis later in the
week.

COMMUNICATIONS & MAIL:
Mail/Correspondence for miscellaneous mail (if applicable) sent with Read Ahead material:
1. Notice from Eversource counsel re: Application for a Certificate of Site & Facility (sent via
email 6/19/26)

TA Mahurin stated that this was for information purposes only; no action was taken

NEW BUSINESS:

Review & sign Boogie & Blues permit application

The Board reviewed the Special Events Permit application. TA Mahurin stated all documentation is
in order and the Board may sign the permit if they choose.

MOTION: “To approve the White Mountain Boogie & Blues event permit.”
Motion: P. Laufenberg
Second: M. Peltier
Discussion: None
Motion Passes: 4 — Yes, 0 — No, 1 — Abstained (B. Benton)

COMMUNICATIONS & MAIL (continued):
Concemed Citizen Correspondence (if applicable):
1. Review Concerned Citizen Complaint re: potential “junk yard” property on Mountain
View Drive with additional information from Health Officer
M. Peabody, as Health Officer, read into the record a cease-and-desist letter that was sent via
certified mail and standard USPS to the property owners.

“Cease & Enforcement Notice — Public Health Nuisance (RSA 147) Re: Immediate
Enforcement Action- Illegal Disposal of Human Waste, Creation of Public Health
Nuisance, and Occupancy of Structures without Required Utilities

This letter constitutes a formal Cease and Desist and Enforcement Notice issued pursuant
to RSA 147:1-10, RSA 147:4, RSA: 10.

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Following reports and verification by this office, the following unlawful and hazardous
conditions have been identified on the above-referenced property.

You have been periodically occupying a mobile home and/or shed with no functioning
water or an approved sewage disposal system.

During these periods of occupancy, you have urinated and defecated directly onto the
ground, creating an immediate and unacceptable threat to the public.

Human feces have been collected and placed into a large metal container with a loose,
unsecured cover, which does not meet any sanitary standard and constitutes an active
public health nuisance.

These actions violate state law and minimum requirements and pose risks of groundwater
contamination, vermin attraction, and disease transmission.

ENFORCEMENT ORDER EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
You are hereby ordered to comply with the following without delay:

1. Cease all disposal of human waste into the ground or in any manner not compliant with
NH sanitary regulations.

2. Cease all occupancy of the mobile home and/or shed until the structure is equipped with:
A lawful, functional portable water source, and
A lawful, approved sewage disposal system meeting Env-Wg 1000

3. Cease storing human waste in any container not specifically designed, sealed, and
approved for sanitary containment.

4. Remove and lawfully dispose of all human waste currently present on the property using
a licensed waste hauler or other approved method.

5. Submit written proof of corrective actions to the Health Officer within 14 days of receipt of
this notice.

NOTICE OF POTENTIAL PENALTIES
Failure to comply with this order may result in:

Daily fines as authorized under RSA 147:10
Mandatory court action to compel compliance
Issuance of an emergency health order
Condemnation of the structure

Prohibition of occupancy, and

Recovery of enforcement costs by the Town

Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
duly 8, 2026 Page 5 of 9


260 The Town will pursue all available enforcement mechanisms if compliance is not achieved

261 immediately.

262

263 INSPECTION AND ACCESS REQUIREMENT

264 A mandatory inspection will occur on or after July 13, 2026, to verify full compliance.
265 ‘

266 You are required under RSA 147 to provide access to the property for this purpose.
267

268 FINAL NOTICE

269 The conditions documented on this property constitute a serious and ongoing threat
270 to public health.

271

272 You are hereby directed to correct all violations immediately.

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274 Failure to do so will result in escalated enforcement without further warning.

275

276 Marianne Peabody,

277 Health Officer, Town of Thornton, NH”

278

279M. Peabody reviewed that the letter was sent on June 23, 2026, and as of July 8, 2026, no

280 responses have been received.

281

282 Discussion occurred on what the BOS has jurisdiction over, i.e. Zoning Ordinance violations. P.
283 Laufenberg commented that the discussion on whether the property is a junkyard can be

284 researched further. M. Peltier and P. Laufenberg agreed to review the property and report back
285 to the Board at their August 5, 2026, meeting.

286

287. DEPARTMENT HEAD REPORTS & OTHER COMMUNICATION AS APPLICABLE:

288 (Monthly Reports scheduled for the first meeting of each month

289 e June reports sent via email on 7/7/2026)

290

291 OLD BUSINESS:

292 Further discussion re: Complaint regarding potential commercial storage property located on Mad
293 River Road

294  S. Babin stated he drove by the property and observed that the equipment noted in the complaint
295 was agricultural, and he does not think it rises to the level of a violation. He commented that the
296 submitter of the complaint is not an abutter or owner of an adjacent lot; he passes the property when &
297 ‘traveling.

298

299 Discussion occurred on agricultural activities and parking agricultural equipment on private property.
300 +M. Peltier and S. Babin agreed to draft a letter to the submitter of the Concerned Citizen complaint
301 and will schedule a time with the property owner to visit the site; findings will be reviewed at the
302 August 5, 2026, meeting.

303

304 Old Town House report & updated estimate

305 S. Babin reviewed that the estimate for repairs proposed i in 2011 were under $200,000, and nearly
306 $800,000 with today’s prices.

307

308  P. Laufenberg stated an expenditure like this needs to be brought before the legislative body to see
309 _— if it wants to be made. He commented that the estimate for repairs only makes the building secure
310 and ‘water-tight’ and does not cover any of the utility work needed (plumbing, electricity, etc.).

311

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M. Humphrey asked if the NH Preservation Society had been approached and S. Babin stated no, as
no use for the building had been decided yet. S. Babin thanked her for the comment, as the Board
wants public input on what can be done.

S. Babin stated that the Board is not trying to get rid of the building and that public input is needed to
find a solution for the aging building.

NEW BUSINESS (continued):

Library Trustees re: review of Library budgetary items

M. Humphrey reviewed that the Library Trustees did not account for their new hire to need more than
a single-person health insurance plan. As a result, with the health insurance plan the new hire
chose, the library budget will be overspent by about $5,000.

M. Humphrey stated she and the other trustees were never privy of the costs of different health
insurance plans and only used the amount for a single person; in the future they have learned they
should budget for a family plan (the highest tier). She reviewed ways the library can cut certain
costs until the end of the year, but they will still be overspent. M. Humphrey asked the BOS if they
could do. anything to assist.

S. Babin stated the BOS cannot raise money in the middle of the year, and the only time that can be
done is at Town Meeting. He suggested bringing this to the School Board for their thoughts, as the
agreement with the Town has them covering 50% of costs for the library.

TA Mahurin reviewed that the library is a separate entity from the Town, and their budget is different
from the Town's. M. Peabody asked what would happen if the library budget were over-expended
and TA Mahurin stated they would be breaking the law and could be fined; this is state statute that
an entity cannot over-expend a budget line item.

P. Laufenberg expressed concern with the letter submitted to the Board by M. Humphrey regarding
the library budget shortfall.
‘No one on the Select Board, nor the Town Administrator, mentioned anything about health
insurance cost, e.g. would a new Director need single, 2-person, or family insurance. The
Library Board of Trustees was unaware of the amount the Town covered for health
insurance, 85% of any plan.’

P. Laufenberg stated the Trustees should have known the benefits they offer to their employees. He
commented that during the budget hearing that is quoted in her letter, she was asked multiple times
if there were any other questions for the Board, including those questions regarding benefits being
offered, and she stated, no.

M. Humphrey stated she was ignorant of the benefits being offered and that was on her. She
thanked the Board for their time.

George Humphrey commented that he does not see the library as being any different from other
departments in the Town, and S. Babin stated libraries are different in how they are governed per
state statute.

TA Mahurin stated that the library is a separate entity from the Town, and their processes are
statutorily different than departments under the jurisdiction of the Town. Discussion occurred on
possible scenarios where the library could be under the Town's jurisdiction.

The Library Trustees thanked the Board.

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July 8, 2026 Page 7 of 9


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OTHER BUSINESS:
REMINDER OF SELECTMEN SUMMER MEETING SCHEDULE
« Consent agenda items will still be signed every 2 weeks as usual.
o August 5
o September 16

SELECTMEN CONCERNS AND DIRECTIVE:

M. Peabody

M. Peabody asked when the website would be fully operational again, as there are still pages that
will not work. TA Mahurin explained that the website is currently being moved to a different platform,
as the one being used will be obsolete by the end of the year. She stated this was known, and the
process of updating the new website is currently in process.

TA Mahurin stated she is aware of some pages not working as they should and asked that any
abnormalities on the site be sent to her to investigate.

PUBLIC COMMENT(S):

Ken Wolffe stated he is concerned with the private road adjacent to the Mad River Cemetery, as it
looks awful. He asked if the Town could do something about the eyesore, like erecting a fence or
asking the owner to plant trees.

S. Babin commented that the Board has no jurisdiction over the road and its appearance, and that
those would have been addressed at the Planning Board meeting.

M. Peltier stated that the developers were required to submit a landscaping plan as part of their site
plan review and that the plan is available to the public.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION 1, PURSUANT TO RSA 91-A: 3, Il (c)
RSA 91:A:3,ll ¢ — Sign Notices to property owners of Tax Deeded properties
MOTION: “To enter non-public session 1 at.5:35 p.m.”

Motion: P. Laufenberg

Second: S. Babin

Discussion: None

Motion Passes: 5 — Yes, 0 — No, 0 — Abstained

Please see the non-public session 1 meeting minutes of July 8, 2026

MOTION: “To exit non-public session 1 at 5:40 p.m.”
Motion: P. Laufenberg
Second: S. Babin
Discussion: None
Motion Passes: 5 - Yes, 0 — No, 0 - Abstained

NON-PUBLIC SESSION 2, PURSUANT TO RSA 91-A:5 (XI)
RSA 91-A:5 (XI) — Review of Cyber Security procedures
MOTION: “To enter non-public session 2 at 5:40 p.m.”

Motion: P. Laufenberg

Second: S. Babin

Discussion: None

Motion Passes: 5 — Yes, 0 — No, 0 — Abstained

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July 8, 2026 Page 8 of 9


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Please see the non-public session 2 meeting minutes of July 8, 2026

MOTION: “To exit non-public session 2 at 5:57 p.m.”
Motion: P. Laufenberg .
Second: S. Babin
Discussion: None
Motion Passes: 5 — Yes, 0 — No, 0 —- Abstained

NON-PUBLIC SESSION 3, PURSUANT TO RSA 91-A: 3, II (I)
Eversource MOU Draft
MOTION: “To enter non-public session 3 at 5:58 p.m.”
Motion: P. Laufenberg
Second: M. Peabody
Discussion: None
Motion Passes: 5 — Yes, 0 — No, 0 — Abstained

Please see the non-public session 3 meeting minutes of July 8, 2026

MOTION: “To exit non-public session 3 at 6:04 p.m.”
Motion: P. Laufenberg
Second: M. Peabody
Discussion: None
Motion Passes: 5 — Yes, 0 — No, 0 - Abstained

ADJOURNMENT:
MOTION: “To adjourn the meeting at 6:05 p.m.”
Motion: P. Laufenberg
Second: M. Peabody
Discussion: None
Motion Passes: 5 — Yes, 0 — No, 0 - Abstained

Respectfully submitted,
Kerrin Randall
Board Secretary

Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes
July 8, 2026

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