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2026_07_13 SB Minutes

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Town of Stratford
Board of Selectboard Meeting
Fuller Town Hall @ 3:30 PM
July 13, 2026
Call to Order: 3:30PM by Harry Juergens
Selectmen present: Harry Juergens and Ron Scott, Jr, Charlie Goulet
Others present: Suzanne Goulet, Vanessa Toner, Maryanne Lister, Brian Hays, Leah Hart, Chris 
Caron, Chelsea Petereit
Leah Hart: representing the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society), 
presented information regarding the proposed acquisition and permanent conservation of approximately 
331 acres owned by the Grandmaison Family Trust. Leah explained that the property contains signifi­
cant wellhead protection areas that contribute to the Town's and surrounding community's drinking wa­
ter supply. She emphasized that protecting the land from future development would help safeguard 
groundwater quality, preserve natural filtration, reduce the risk of contamination, and maintain the 
long-term integrity of these important water resources. The project is being supported in part through 
drinking water protection grant funding due to the importance of the wellhead protection areas. Leah 
further explained that, if acquired, the property would remain open to the public for traditional recre­
ational uses, including hiking, hunting, and other non-motorized activities, while continuing to be man­
aged under sustainable forestry practices. Timber harvesting would continue under professionally de­
veloped forest management plans, and the Forest Society would continue paying Current Use and tim­
ber taxes to the Town. The Board discussed public access, future management of the property, recre­
ational opportunities, and the potential impacts of future development if the land were not permanently 
protected. Members recognized the benefits of preserving the property for water quality, wildlife habi­
tat, public recreation, and maintaining Stratford's rural character. The Select Board voted to provide a 
letter of support for the Forest Society's grant application. This motion was approved 3-0. A letter of 
support was drafted by the Town and presented to Leah for inclusion with the Forest Society's grant ap­
plication.
Maryann Lister: Maryann reviewed several tax-deeded properties involving abandoned and demol­
ished mobile homes. Discussion focused on obtaining written statements from property owners verify­
ing that trailers have been removed or are no longer habitable in order to properly support tax abate­
ment requests. Members discussed processing waivers on delinquent properties while avoiding unnec­
essary expenses associated with tax searches and certified mailings for structures that no longer exist or 
are uninhabitable. The Board agreed that obtaining proper documentation from property owners is nec­
essary before any abatements are processed and directed that the required statements be secured.
Brian: Brian provided updates on the Town's water and sewer operations, including ongoing mainte­
nance and infrastructure projects. He reported that work associated with recent water and sewer line in­
stallations has been completed and that photographs and project documentation have been retained for 
Town records. Additional upgrades to sewer infrastructure are continuing as separate projects, includ­
ing work in the Stevens Terrace area. Discussion followed regarding communication and reporting of 
completed projects. Board members acknowledged that Brian has remained involved throughout each 
project, overseeing water and sewer connections, inspections, and contractor coordination.

Suzanne: reviewed the upcoming Hazard Mitigation Plan meeting schedule for September 2, 9, 23, 
and 30 at 5:00 p.m. Board members emphasized the importance of attending these meetings to com­
plete the Town's Hazard Mitigation Plan, which addresses emergency preparedness for natural disasters 
and other emergencies, including flooding, severe weather, and evacuation planning. The completed 
plan is necessary to maintain eligibility for certain state and federal emergency management and grant 
funding opportunities. The Board discussed the need for repairs to the Veterans Monument and agreed 
to begin seeking a qualified contractor to complete the necessary masonry and concrete restoration 
work. The Board also reviewed several property maintenance concerns. Complaints were received re­
garding a property located at 44 Pleasant Valley Road involving reports of possible unauthorized struc­
tures and other activities occurring on the property. Board members discussed the complaints and 
agreed to investigate the matter further to determine whether any local or state regulations were being 
violated and whether additional action by the Town was warranted. It was noted that the property 
owner, KMH, has contacted the resident and is working directly with them to address the concerns. The 
Select Board agreed to allow time for the property owner to resolve the matter and will revisit the prop­
erty in approximately two weeks to determine whether any updates or improvements have been made 
before considering further action.
Select Board:
Juergens: Rollin Baldwin application received. Motion 3-0 to approve
Goulet: discussed continued concerns regarding the timely receipt of project reports and work logs 
from the Road Agent. Members agreed that accurate and timely documentation is necessary to properly 
monitor ongoing projects, maintain records, and keep the Board informed. It was agreed that additional 
communication with the Road Agent would take place to reinforce reporting expectations and improve 
the consistency of project updates.
Scott: discussed the signal pole located near the library and reported that a local painter had inquired 
about repainting the pole. The Board discussed completing the painting before installation of the new 
railroad crossing sign that is expected to be mounted on the pole once it is received. Members agreed 
that repainting the pole beforehand would improve its appearance and avoid the need to work around 
the new sign after installation. Ron agreed to contact the painter to determine his interest in completing 
the work and to obtain a cost estimate for the project.
Manifest:  C. Goulet / R. Scott, Jr. approved 3/0 to sign for 6/26/2026, 7/6/2026.
Signed between meetings: Intent to Cut. ATV grant Bog Road Change of scope permission. Email 
from K. Loiselle, Oath for planning board R. Scott, notice to look at trees that need to be trimmed. 
Event Permit for Butterfly release.
Old Business: N/A
New Business: Signed Documents: Minutes, SM 6/29, 
Reminders:  The Board also reviewed upcoming Planning Board and Hazard Mitigation meetings and 
discussed recent severe weather events affecting the region, emphasizing the importance of continued 
emergency preparedness planning.
Public Input: N/A
Non- Public: N/A
Meeting Adjourned: 5:30PM   
Minutes prepared by: V. Toner