All towns · north-conway-water-precinct

Document

Document

Commission Meeting 07/20/2026 
 
Adopted: 08/03/2026 
Page | 1  
 
Board of Commissioners 
Public Minutes 
July 20, 2026 
 
The Commission meeting convened at 10:00 AM in the conference room at the North Conway Water Precinct, 104 Sawmill Lane 
North Conway, NH. The following were present: 
 
Commissioner James Umberger  
 
 
 
 
Fire Chief Chad McCarthy 
Commissioner Rodney Morrison  
 
 
 
 
Business Administrator Molly Donley 
Commissioner Deborah Fauver 
 
 
 
 
 
Treasurer Kristine Cluff 
 
 
 
  
Superintendent Jason Gagnon 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CALL TO ORDER 
The meeting was called to order at 10:00AM by Commissioner Umberger. 
 
PUBLIC HEARINGS 
None.  
 
APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
None. 
 
FIRE CHIEF 
Membership 
42 
 
Personnel 
Two members on leave of absence. 
 
Training 
Department Training: Ropes and Knots and Ladders. 
Engine 3 Training: Drafting and LP facilities.                                                                            
Rescue Training: Respiratory Emergencies.      
 
Department Activities 
Place of assembly inspections and life safety inspections on going. 
Kennett’s girl basketball team would like to do a carwash fundraiser at Seavy St station July 25th. Decided that the parking lot is 
too small, the traffic is awful in that location, and if the Fire Department needs to get into that station for apparatus, they won’t 
be able to. Going to look into other locations where we can provide free water.  
Fire Department’s Master plan approval. Looking to get a night scheduled to let the public know what it’s about. Jeff from ESCI 
will be present. Tentatively looking to schedule it in September. Going to be posting the Master Plan on NCWP website, NCFD 
website as well as hard copies available pending Board of Commissioner approval.  
Fire Department’s Anti-Nepotism Policy approval. Emailed redlined copy to Board.  
Firefighter and hydrant prop given to NCFD from Story Land that kids can take a picture in. Looking to get opinion on putting it 
out front of the station on weekends or holidays. Checking with Molly to see what the insurance would say about it. 
Commissioners said it’s a great idea, but to check with Primex.  
 
Emergency Calls 
Five-year call average is 1,500 calls a year. 
Five-year monthly call average is 125 calls a month. 
Five-year daily call average is 4.11 calls a day. 
 
Year to Date Call Average  

Commission Meeting 07/20/2026 
 
Adopted: 08/03/2026 
Page | 2  
 
The department has responded to 870 calls year to date for 2026  
Monthly call average is 131 calls a month for 2026.   
Daily call average is 4.36 calls a day for 2026. 
The department has responded to 120 calls for the month of July 2026. 
The department responded to 140 calls in June 2026. 
 
Apparatus / Trucks 
Having the Cafs system worked on Engine 3. Waiting for parts delivery.  
 
Equipment Issues 
No change 
   
Purchase of New Equipment 
The new Assistant Chief’s vehicle has been shipped. Should be here in another month, month and a half to get the rest of the 
lights put on it.  
 
 
COMMISSIONERS/SUPERINTENDENT REPORT 
Project Status 
 
Vehicle Purchases 
Compact Wheel Loader 
The latest delivery update from CAT is at the end of August. 
 
10-Wheel Dump Truck 
No new updates. 
 
WWTF Pickup Truck 
The truck is in process of being delivered to the dealership, who will then have the plow installed.  The invoice for the truck was 
processed this payables cycle, and we’ll have the check ready to hand over when the dealer delivers the truck in the next couple 
of weeks. 
 
6-Wheel Dump Truck 
I’m pleased to report that the Precinct was awarded 80% of the total purchase cost of the new truck through the Granite State 
Clean Fleets Grant Program – up to $116,467 of the $145,584 cost. October estimated delivery. There are two action items needed 
today to move this forward: 
 
Motion of Commissioner Fauver,  
1. 
The Board of Commissioners of the North Conway Water Precinct agrees to enter into a grant agreement with the 
Granite State Clean Fleets Grant Program grant agreement with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental 
Services, Air Resources Division, which is a reimbursement project only, in the amount of $116,467 or 80% of the eligible 
project costs, whichever is less, for replacement of the Precinct’s International 6-wheel dump truck.  The Commissioner 
further authorize Superintendent Jason Gagnon to execute any documents which may, in their judgement, be desirable 
or necessary to effect the purpose of this vote and the grant agreement. 
2. The Commissioners authorize the Superintendent to enter into a contract with Ballard trucks for purchase of a new Mack 
6-wheel dump truck in the amount of $145,584. 
Second by Commissioner Morrison.  
Motion carried by a 3-0-0 voice vote.  
 
 
 

Commission Meeting 07/20/2026 
 
Adopted: 08/03/2026 
Page | 3  
 
Equipment Trailer 
The check has been cut for the trailer, which will be purchased through the Lead Service Line loan at 71% principal forgiveness.  
I’m coordinating with the dealership now to see if they will deliver the trailer here or if we need to go down to pick it up.  If we 
need to pick it up, we’ll need to wait for the new 10-wheel dump truck to be delivered. 
 
NCWP Master Plan Updates 
The Precinct’s original water and wastewater master plans were completed in 1999, with subsequent updates in 2005 and 2011.  We 
have reached the end of the planning period for the original master plan, and it is time to develop an updated plan that focuses on 
the next 20 years. 
 
We’ve had quite a few vacations with key personnel over the past few weeks, so progress has slowed a bit.  Black & Veatch has 
continued to work to refine the Mission/Vision statements.  They’ve also provided a preliminary assessment of the Precinct’s 
information systems for review by the leadership team.  I’ve attached that preliminary assessment for your information, however, 
please keep in mind that this is a working document that has a long way to go before any recommendations are formalized.  This 
coming week, the leadership team will also be meeting with Black & Veatch to dive more into the Key Performance Indicators 
(KPIs) – something that will help guide where information systems recommendations end up. 
 
Landfill Leachate 
The initial phase of this project is 100% funded through the NHDES Emerging Contaminants program.  Its purpose is to identify the 
best available technology for PFAS removal from landfill leachate with the expectation that a new treatment process will be 
constructed based on the findings of this project phase.  Annual Meeting 2026 approved up to $8M in borrowing to move forward 
with design and construction.  NCWP will work with the Town of Conway to advance this project thoughtfully and share costs 
equitably. 
 
At the joint meeting of Commissioners and Selectmen last week, there was unanimous support for moving forward with the 
option that provides the most local control moving forward.  In this case, that would be to build the PFAS treatment system and 
keep the landfill open.   
 
I am working with Black & Veatch to finalize their preliminary engineering report, with one significant piece being added: an 
evaluation of employee safety and exposure risk.  Our staff is rightfully concerned about the health risks of operating a system 
that concentrates PFAS.  Black & Veatch, being a very large firm, has Industrial Hygienists on staff that will be brought in to assess 
risks, develop operational procedures to reduce exposure and risk, and make recommendations for how to move forward with 
the health and safety of Precinct staff being a priority. 
 
Saco River Erosion 
This project is currently in design phase with the goal of addressing erosion of the Saco River banks that threatens WWTF 
infrastructure.  NCWP has received $15.2M in CWSRF funding through NHDES for the future construction phase.  
 
No new updates. 
 
North End Sewer Collections Capacity 
Analysis of the NCWP collections system in preparation to receive Lower Bartlett sewer flow revealed that the Remoat Trail Pump 
Station and 12” sewer main from Memorial Hospital to Grove Street have limited remaining capacity.  An alternatives analysis was 
performed by Wright-Pierce with a recommendation for upgrades at Remoat Trail Pump Station and construction of a new force 
main from the pump station to Grove Street within the Route 16 corridor as the least cost option. 
 
We have the design contract from Wright-Pierce ready for approval, which is attached to this report for review.  We know that 
this is an important project to move forward with if LBWP does end up constructing their sewer system.  Given the recent 
uncertainty from LBWP, does it make sense to move forward with this design right now? The board of Commissioners stated that 
regardless of what happens with LBWP, this is something that needs to be done. The cost of this design contract is $625,000 and 

Commission Meeting 07/20/2026 
 
Adopted: 08/03/2026 
Page | 4  
 
will be paid out of Capital Reserves. 
 
Motion of Commissioner Fauver to approve and authorize Jason Gagnon to sign the Design Contract from Wright-Pierce for 
Remoat Trail Pump Station and Forcemain at a total cost of $625,000. 
Second by Commissioner Morrison. 
Motion carried by a 3-0-0 voice vote.  
 
 
WWTF Aeration Upgrades 
This project renews aging infrastructure and adds additional aeration capacity in the east carousel of the WWTF to meet increasing 
flows and loads at the WWTF.  It is funded by NHDES CWSRF in the amount of $2.99M, including ARPA Grant of $997,000; Principal 
Forgiveness of up to $369,300; Energy Audit Implementation Grant of $200,000; and State Aid Grant of at least 20% of remaining 
principal/interest balance.  NCWP also received $859,000 in CWSRF funding to add the backup generator replacement to this 
project. 
 
Precinct staff discovered a slow oil leak in the gearbox for the new aerator a few months ago.  I want to recognize Aaron Bernier, 
Chief Operator, who went above and beyond to be proactive in his research about maintenance on the gearbox – it was his effort 
that led to discovering the leak just before the warranty period expired.  We have been working with the manufacturer since then 
to come up with a solution that works for us – one that does not require us to swap ditches again and wait for the existing 
gearbox to be repaired.  After lots of negotiation, the manufacturer will be providing a brand new gearbox, which the Precinct 
will install with the help of the project contractor.  We feel that this is a fair, reasonable solution that saves the Precinct significant 
time and expense over having to swap ditches while the existing one is repaired.  On top of the warranty replacement, we are 
negotiating with the manufacturer to purchase the repaired gearbox at a very significant discount so that we’ll have a spare 
moving forward. 
 
Skimobile-Artist Falls Water Main 
This project is currently in design.  It will add a second piping connection between the north and south pressure zones of the water 
distribution system to improve resiliency.  It is funded by a DWGTF loan/grant ($1,357,200 loan, $150,800 grant). 
 
We’ve been working with the Contractor to prepare for construction to begin over the coming weeks.  I want to thank Cranmore 
for working with us to provide lay down areas for the contractor to use during construction.  I’m also pleased to report that David 
Bernier will be serving as RPR in the field for Wright-Pierce to oversee the project. Estimated completion about 6 weeks from 
when they start.  
 
Country Road Sewer 
This project extends sewer into the Country Road portion of the Village at Kearsarge.  It is funded through a NHDES CWSRF loan of 
$1,390,000 with 10% principal forgiveness.  An additional $600,000 CWSRF Loan was approved in 2025 along with $322,708 in 
capital reserve funds. 
 
No new updates – beginning the process of project closeout. 
 
Village at Kearsarge Condos – Sewer 
$443,000 was appropriated at Annual Meeting 2024 through a Petitioned Article to put toward the estimated cost of $922,000 for 
the Condos to connect to existing Precinct sewer (48% of total project cost).  Work was to include gravity sewer, a sewer pump 
station, and sewer force main.  This project has been awarded and is due to begin construction. 
 
No new updates - Construction has wrapped up on this project.  I’m working with Verdantas to get all the information NCWP 
needs before providing our reimbursement.  The estimated amount will be $319,550. 
 
Town of Conway – CVFD Transition 

Commission Meeting 07/20/2026 
 
Adopted: 08/03/2026 
Page | 5  
 
With Conway Village Fire District dissolving, the Town will assume responsibility for their water/sewer systems.  NCWP is engaging 
with the Town to develop a new Inter-Municipal Agreement (IMA) based on fair and equitable sharing of wastewater treatment 
costs. 
 
At the joint meeting with Selectmen last Tuesday, the Town and Precinct voted unanimously to sign the new IMA pending NH 
Attorney General review.  Furthermore, both also voted unanimously to end the lawsuit originally filed by the former Conway 
Village Fire District.  This has been quite the effort to get to this point – one that began 8 years ago with CVFD.  I want to thank 
everyone who contributed to getting this important agreement across the finish line. 
 
Lower Bartlett – IMA Discussion 
Lower Bartlett Water Precinct has received funding through USDA Rural Development to construct a sewer collection system.  NCWP 
is working with LBWP to develop an IMA to establish what LBWP will pay for NCWP to receive and treat its sewage. 
 
The meeting scheduled two weeks ago was cancelled by Lower Bartlett.  I am waiting to hear from them about how they want to 
move forward. 
 
Potential Water & Sewer Easement – Eastman Road 
NCWP is seeking a water/sewer easement on the lot just east of Walmart to provide a path for the water main to continue from 
Hemlock Lane to Eastman Road for resiliency of connection to Pine Hill Tank. 
 
No new updates. 
 
Lead Service Line Investigation / Replacement 
Revisions to USEPA’s Lead and Copper Rule require that all public water systems identify material type for every water service line in 
the system and then replace certain types that may increase the risk of lead exposure.  NCWP approved $925,850 for this project, 
which will include purchase of a vacuum excavation trailer, 20-ton equipment trailer, and mini excavator.  The project is funded by 
NHDES with 71% principal forgiveness. 
 
No new updates. 
 
Manhole Raising 
No new updates – Silas is working with the equipment vendor to schedule a demo in August. 
 
Q2 Budget Updates 
Attached are the YTD budgets for Commissioners, Sewer, and Water.  Halfway through the year, we sit at 47% expended in 
Commissioners; 42% expended in Sewer; and 42% expended in Water.  We’re in good shape for this time of year. 
 
Abatement Requests 
None. 
 
 
OLD BUSINESS 
• 
Election Rules, and Precinct Moderator and Clerk Job Descriptions  
• 
Election coordinator position be in house (Business Administrator) 
• 
Kris Cluff and Commissioner Fauver are going to come up with a binder of more specific rules and 
guidance on how to prepare for, run, and what you do after elections.  
• 
Treasurer Job Description 
 
NEW BUSINESS 
Motion of Commissioner Fauver to approve the hiring of Ryan Britland as a Water Operator.  
Second by Commissioner Morrison.  

Commission Meeting 07/20/2026 
 
Adopted: 08/03/2026 
Page | 6  
 
Motion carried by a 3-0-0 voice vote.  
 
OTHER BUSINESS 
None.  
 
PUBLIC COMMENTS/MEDIA QUESTIONS 
None.  
 
SIGNATURE OF DOCUMENTS 
None. 
 
SIGNING OF CHECKS 
Motion of Commissioner Fauver to ratify checks to be signed out of session:  
1. 
Payroll checks dated 7/16/2026 
2. Accounts payable checks dated 7/16/2026 
Second by Commissioner Morrison. 
Motion carried by a 3-0-0 voice vote. 
 
NON-PUBLIC SESSIONS 
Motion to enter non-public session made by Commissioner Fauver and seconded by Commissioner Morrison. 
 
Specific statutory reason cited as foundation for the non-public session: 
 
 _X_ RSA 91-A:3, ll(e) Consideration or negotiation of pending claims or litigation which has been 
threatened in writing or filed by or against this board or any subdivision thereof, or by or against any 
member thereof because of his or her membership therein, until the claim or litigation has been fully 
adjudicated or otherwise settled. 
 
Roll call vote to enter non-public session: 
 
 
 
 
Rodney Morrison 
 
Y 
N 
James Umberger 
 
Y 
N  
Deborah Fauver  
 
Y 
N 
 
Entered non-public session at 10:38 AM 
Public meeting reconvened at 11:15 AM 
 
Motion of Commissioner Fauver to seal the non-public session minutes as it was determined that divulgence could render the 
proposed actions ineffective. 
Second by Commissioner Morrison. 
Motion carried by a 3-0-0 voice vote. 
 
ADJOURN 
Having nothing further to come before this public meeting, motioned by Commissioner Fauver to adjourn at 11:15 AM.  
Second by Commissioner Morrison.  
Motion carried by a 3-0-0 voice vote. 
 
 
 
 
 

Commission Meeting 07/20/2026 
 
Adopted: 08/03/2026 
Page | 7  
 
Respectfully, 
Molly Donley