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MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 17, 2026 SELECT BOARD MEETING 
 
MEMBERS PRESENT:  Board Members Chair Allison Knab, Vice Chair Joe Anderson, Tedd 
Tramaloni 
 
ALSO PRESENT:  Town Administrator Tim Roache, Finance Administrator Lori Ruest, Police 
Chief Anthony King, Sgt. Michael Doucette, Director of Public Works Trevor Batchelder 
 
At 7:00pm Ms. Knab opened the meeting and asked for a motion on the minutes.  Mr. Anderson 
motioned to approve the August 3, 2026 minutes.  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion.  All voted 
in favor. 
 
Ms. Knab moved to the MS-434 review.  Ms. Ruest explained that the 434 report provides 
estimated revenues for 2027, based on prior years and using a conservative approach.  She noted 
that estimated revenues are $192,000 lower than last year, largely due to a decrease in motor 
vehicle permit fees.  Based on actual activity through July 31 and projecting for 12 months, the 
estimate is $2,300,000. 
 
She spoke with the Town Clerk, who also observed that motor vehicle revenue is down.  While 
the cause is not entirely clear, last year saw higher activity from new car purchases, which is not 
occurring this year.   
 
Other revenue lines are generally straightforward.  A modest increase is anticipated in building 
permits, reflecting the new fee structure. 
 
Ms. Ruest reported that last year’s revenue included significant motor vehicle payments from 
UPS and another fleet.  UPS revenue typically arrives in November, and the second fleet paid 
early—in December 2025—so those amounts are not reflected in 2026.  She noted the Town 
Clerk could not estimate how much November revenue might exceed a typical month, though 
past reports could be reviewed to identify the registrations. 
 
She added that any updated figures will be revisited with the DRA representative during tax rate 
setting.  Rooms and meals and the highway block grant are generally level-funded; the rooms 
and meals number is received in October, and preliminary DOT figures show it is $2,000 lower 
than last year.  Ms. Ruest will check on a discrepancy in the 2023 rooms and meals actuals. 
 
She highlighted a new revenue line for the solid waste surcharge reimbursement, representing 
three quarters of the year due to the program’s start-up timing.  Recreation year-end fees remain 
level, and she will confirm whether these reflect salary support revenue. 
 
Revenue from renewable energy credits has begun, estimated at $300–$400 per quarter. 
Investment income remains unchanged, anticipating a full year of interest from CDs and the 
investment pool.  Rental revenues will be updated once the October rate increase figures are 
available. 
 

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August 17, 2026 
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The MS-434 report is due to DRA on September 1, and Ms. Ruest will review updated activity 
through August 27–28 to capture any changes. 
 
Mr. Batchelder reported that Emery Lane will be paved by late August or early September, 
followed by Benjamin Road.  The church parking lot will also be paved, and there will be no 
expansion of Emery Lane.  Milling depth will vary depending on underlying concrete conditions.  
After Benjamin Road receives a full top coat, work will move to the Jason Drive neighborhood 
for leveling.  The Town is still awaiting confirmation on Academic Way regarding its portion of 
paving.  Once paving is complete, a quote will be obtained from Industrial Traffic Lines for line 
striping, including stop bars and parking lots. 
 
Roadside mowing is approximately 95% complete, delayed slightly due to Summerfest and 
equipment issues.  On Union Road, Eastern Pipe has evaluated the culvert and is confident it can 
be lined; the Town is awaiting pricing and scheduling, with hopes to complete the work before 
cold weather. 
 
Public Works will address several potholes in-house. 
 
The summer intern, Quinlan, performed an impressive amount of work, completing a full 
inventory of catch basins, logging approximately 910 inlets, outlets, and basins into GIS (up 
from about 140 previously).  He also logged cemetery data into the app before returning to 
school. 
 
The department is awaiting upfitting of the new 5500 truck, expected in late October or early 
November.  Staff continue maintenance at Town facilities and the Lane property.  Heating and 
cooling work at the tannery is scheduled to begin this week.  Mr. Roache will provide details 
separately. 
 
Mr. Batchelder noted he has the John Deere loader bids ready for the Board’s review. 
 
Ms. Knab moved to the Police presentation.  Chief King provided an overview of the 
department’s evaluation of their sidearms, noting national and New Hampshire concerns 
regarding the SIG P320.  A working group of officers conducted extensive research. Sgt. 
Doucette explained that although Stratham adopted the P320s in 2020, the model has been 
associated with uncommanded discharges, litigation, and design issues, including the lack of a 
trigger safety found on other manufacturers’ duty pistols.  Several officers reported they do not 
feel comfortable continuing to carry the weapon. 
 
Trade-in options are limited due to engraving on the slides and market reluctance to accept 
P320s.  White Birch Armory offered $160 per pistol.  Quotes for transitioning to the Walther 
PDP—the preferred alternative—range from $23,000–$24,000, including optics, lights, holsters, 
and required training.  Additional range time and red-dot certification would be needed for 
qualification. 
 
The department is nearing its annual qualification period, so some officers may qualify on the 
SIGs before transitioning.  Ms. Knab raised concerns about where traded weapons may 

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August 17, 2026 
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ultimately be sold; Chief King emphasized due diligence and stated that, given officer safety 
concerns, he does not wish to retain the SIGs. 
 
Ms. Knab asked whether traded SIG P320s could end up on the black market.  Sgt. Doucette 
explained that White Birch Armory would handle all transfers, fully removing liability from the 
Town.  The department would request immediate removal of the Town’s patch from the slides, 
and White Birch—being federally regulated—would manage resale under stringent 
requirements. Chief King added that reputable vendors would not risk improper transfers. 
 
Chief King noted that the golf fund currently holds $41,000, with another $30,000 anticipated 
from the fall tournament.  With Board approval, he could purchase the new weapons—estimated 
at $25,000–$26,000—from that fund.  This would allow acquisition before annual qualification. 
White Birch is also willing to take abandoned firearms held by the department in trade, as they 
are well past the statutory 180-day retrieval period. 
 
Mr. Tramaloni asked for confirmation that the trigger mechanism on the Walther PDP would not 
compromise safety.  Sgt. Doucette confirmed the design is safe and functions naturally. 
In response to Ms. Knab’s question about quantity, Chief King stated the department would 
purchase 14–15 pistols to cover 13 full-time officers plus several spares.  No additional 
ammunition would be required, and Sgt. Doucette anticipates a smooth transition. 
 
Ms. Knab asked that the Board’s appreciation be conveyed to the working group, noting their 
thorough research and due diligence. 
 
Mr. Anderson motioned to authorize the Police Chief to expend up to $26,000 from the First 
Responder Golf Fund for the purchase of new Walthers firearms.  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the 
motion.  All voted in favor.  
 
At 7:32pm Ms. Knab motioned to go into a non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A:3, 
II (a) to discuss employment matters.  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion.  Roll call:  Knab-yes; 
Anderson-yes; Tramaloni-yes 
 
At 7:56pm Mr. Anderson motioned to come out of the non-public session.  Ms. Knab seconded 
the motion and motioned to seal the minutes noting failure to do so may render a proposed action 
invalid.  Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.  Roll call:  Knab-yes; Anderson-yes; Tramaloni-yes 
 
Under Old Business, Ms. Knab reopened discussion on the Stratham Hill Park Association.  Mr. 
Roache reviewed updates made since July, noting that the group met in early August to refine the 
draft charge.  At the Association’s request, the name was changed to the Stratham Hill Park 
Association Committee. The revised charge outlines seven voting members, two appointed 
liaisons (Select Board and Parks & Recreation Director), staggered terms, and a treasurer 
position. 
 
Association members Dan Crow and Greg Blood supported the updated charge.  Mr. Anderson 
requested additional language and membership changes, prompting discussion about whether 
Select Board liaisons should vote on committee matters that may later come before the Board. 

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Members noted that liaisons often abstain depending on the committee and issue.  Ms. Knab 
emphasized the importance of collaboration on major Stratham Hill Park matters. 
 
Further discussion addressed committee membership.  The Board clarified that committee 
applications must be submitted.  Mr. Roache agreed to incorporate requested edits, including 
seven voting members with the Select Board liaison included, revised staggered terms (two 
three-year, two two-year, two one-year), and allowing three alternates.  He will add signature 
lines and a date and bring the updated charge back for review.  Ms. Knab motioned adoption of 
the charge and operating procedures for the Stratham Hill Park Association Committee as 
amended.  Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.  All voted in favor. 
 
Ms. Knab moved to the Lane property update.  Mr. Roache reported significant progress on 
repairs and said the house should be rentable soon, with remaining work able to occur while 
occupied.  He recommended keeping the existing oil furnace for now, noting it can be made 
functional for about $1,500, avoiding an $18,500 replacement this year and preventing exposure 
of a new system to construction debris. 
 
He reviewed exterior work authorized at $54,500 and noted additional structural and masonry 
repairs still needed.  From the initial $200,000 allocation, $43,744 has been spent, $6,510 earned, 
leaving $162,766.  His recommendation is to maintain the existing furnace, proceed with 
structural work on the tannery roof, complete septic replacements, and pause exterior work once 
the $54,500 threshold is reached unless the Board chooses to use Heritage Commission funds. 
Discussion followed regarding Heritage Commission funding.  Ms. Knab asked for clarification 
on the Commission’s earlier commitment of $50,000.  Mr. Merrill confirmed the Commission 
voted to expend the funds, not loan them, but noted the Select Board must authorize use of the 
Capital Reserve Fund.  Rental income currently goes to the general fund rather than the 
maintenance fund as originally envisioned. 
 
Ms. Knab expressed concern about delaying bat mitigation due to potential biohazard issues.  
Mr. Roache noted mitigation and cleanup could total $13,000–$20,000, which would place the 
trust fund in a small deficit if done now.  She also noted DPW has been contributing substantial 
labor and emphasized the need to establish a dedicated rental-income line for future 
maintenance. 
 
Mr. Roache outlined recommended expenditures to stay within the initial $200,000: repair the 
Lane furnace, convert the cobble house to propane, complete septic work, and authorize tannery 
repairs.  Exterior work by Mr. Bedard will pause once the remaining $15,000 of the approved 
$54,500 is spent, unless Heritage funds are used to continue. 
 
The Board agreed to authorize Mr. Roache to proceed with the items in his memo.  Ms. Knab 
requested he obtain Ms. Ruest’s opinion on the full proposal.  Mr. Merrill asked to be notified of 
any additional questions before the Heritage Commission’s September meeting. 
 
Ms. Knab moved to the Communications and Community Engagement update.  Mr. Anderson 
reported on resident feedback received through the committee’s outreach.  He noted that only 
one respondent was under age 40, while approximately 15 seniors participated.  The most 

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August 17, 2026 
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significant negative feedback concerned the Town website.  He, Mr. Hickey, and Ms. Richard 
have been working to address identified issues, though he feels the Town lacks the technical 
expertise needed for comprehensive fixes.  He hopes a resident with website expertise may be 
able to provide guidance. 
 
Mr. Anderson stated that the newsletter continues to be well-received and is a key source of 
information for residents.  He identified the need for improvements in social media and 
suggested adding electronic message boards inside and outside the Municipal Center, 
broadcasting Select Board agendas, and using Alerts more frequently to enhance communication. 
 
Mr. Roache provided background on the Curbside Collection RFP, noting that the Town’s 
contract with Casella expires in November.  The Board discussed service frequency and the pros 
and cons of recycling options. 
 
Mr. Roache reported on updates to the Mailbox Damage Replacement Policy, noting it is 
consistent with surrounding towns.  Mr. Anderson requested changing “Selectmen” to “Select 
Board,” then moved to approve the policy as amended.  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion.  All 
voted in favor. 
 
Ms. Knab moved to the road-naming item for 170 Portsmouth Avenue.  After brief discussion, 
she motioned to authorize the use of Greenwood Lane.  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion.  All 
voted in favor. 
 
Mr. Roache reported that Ms. Sawyer has been doing an excellent job.  She and Mr. Hickey have 
addressed the phone issues.  We will be ready for the drill.  He will follow up with candidates for 
the Emergency Management Director volunteer position; the Board would like an informal 
conversation with candidates before appointments. 
 
Mr. Roache reported progress continues on the keyless access system. 
 
Mr. Roache provided an update on the CIP, stating that Ms. Fowle is doing a great job working 
with department heads to gather project information and dollar amounts.  The Town will be ready 
for budget season.  He explained that Stratham continues to handle CIP as a special article, and if 
they wanted to transition to a capital-reserve-fund model, it would require substantial research. 
 
Mr. Anderson gave a brief update on the Employee Manual. 
 
He requested a calendar of important dates leading up to Town Meeting.  Mr. Roache said it is 
complete and will be distributed; he and Ms. Ruest have improved the spreadsheet. 
 
Mr. Anderson asked about the status of the public hearings; September remains the target. 
 
RESERVATIONS 
Regarding the Cornerstone cross country meet.  Ms. Knab motioned support for Cornerstone and 
the Cooperative Middle School using Stratham Hill Park for their cross country meet on Tuesday 

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August 17, 2026 
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September 22 and waiving the fee and asking them to coordinate with the Fire Department to 
ensure they have EMT personnel there.  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.   
 
Mr. Anderson motioned to approve the Life Connections Specialized Support Services to use the 
Front Pavilion on September 15, 2026 if they leave the pavilion in a neat and clean condition, 
remove all trash they created and return tables to the original arrangement.  Mr. Tramaloni 
seconded the motion.  All voted in favor. 
 
APPOINTMENTS 
Matthew Malone is up for consideration for the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  The Board would 
like confirmation that he’s attended a ZBA meeting and that the committee recommends him. 
 
Regarding the Planning Board application, Mr. Anderson didn’t think the term was correct.  Mr. 
Tramaloni motioned to appoint Jameson Paine to the Planning Board for a one year term 
expiring at Town Meeting 2027.  Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.  
 
At 9:39pm Ms. Knab motioned to go into a non-public session in accordance with RSA 91-A:a3, 
II(d).  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion.  Roll call:  Knab-yes; Anderson-yes; Tramaloni-yes 
 
At 9:50pm  Ms. Knab motioned to come out of the non-public session and adjourn.  Mr. 
Tramaloni seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.   
 
Respectfully submitted, 
 
 
 
Karen Richard 
Recording Secretary