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07-20-2026

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Town of Freedom 
Selectmen’s Meeting  
Monday, July 20, 2026 
 
Present: Selectmen Les Babb, Alan Fall, and Gary Williams; Stacy Bolduc, recording secretary. The 
meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall located at 16 Elm Street. 
Absent: Alan Libby 
 
Department Heads Present: Scott Brooks, Chief Cunio, Chief Laferriere 
 
present: Sue Hoople, Jen Ulrich, Brian Taylor, Nancy Ritgar, Megan Broderick, Anthony Raynes, Maureen 
Raynes, Roberta MacCarthy 
 
Meeting notes 
 
Freedom Old Home Week Office Closure and Valor Quilts Presentation: Stacy discussed Libby's 
request to close the office on Wednesday, July 29th from 1:00 to 2:30 PM for the Valor Quilts presentation, 
a program honoring veterans, with mention of Robert Oram and James Brown as recipients and 
consideration of office staffing during the event. 
 
Hazard Mitigation and Emergency Management Planning: Town members, including Stacy Bolduc, Rob 
Cunio discussed the upcoming schedule for hazard mitigation and emergency management planning, 
aiming to complete the plan by March 2027, with meetings to be scheduled in August and September and 
involvement of department heads. 
 
Discussion included the need to update vendor lists, address any missing actions from the previous plan, 
and ensure that all relevant criteria are met. The process is expected to be less complex due to prior 
experience and the involvement of Jane Hubbard who done the plan in the past. 
 
Driveway Permits and Private Property Access: The Selectmen reviewed driveway permit requirements 
for private property, including pre-existing driveways, substandard access points, new development, and 
temporary logging access. 
 
The Board agreed that permit needs should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, particularly when an 
existing driveway will serve additional development. Scott and Brian will review specific situations as 
needed. 
 
Permits are required where a driveway connects to a Town road, especially when the access is 
substandard or associated with new development. The Board emphasized the need to maintain standards 
at public road connections. 
 
Temporary logging access permits were also discussed. These permits are limited to temporary use and 
must meet applicable requirements, including culvert installation during operations and removal after 
logging is complete. 
 

 
 
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The Board agreed that building permits will not be issued until required driveway work is completed, 
consistent with other permitting requirements such as septic design approval. 
 
Department Head Updates: 
 
Fire-  
• 17 medical aids 
• 1 structure fire 
• Mutual aid for woods fire. 
• 1 report of odor propane 
• 1 illegal burn  
• 2 staged police standby/assist and 1 standby 
 
Chief Cunio reported he has received a donation of a portable ventilator and video laryngoscope. 
 
Chief Cunio also noted that while response times to scenes are adequate for Action Ambulance, the time 
spent on scene before transport is too long, often due to inefficiencies in preparing patients and 
equipment for transport. Chief Cunio has communicated concerns to the owner and new manager of the 
contracted ambulance company multiple times, but improvements have not been observed. The issue is 
recognized as widespread, not limited to a single provider. Other points emphasized was the need for in-
route medical procedures to reduce on-scene time, sharing examples of effective practices and 
encouraging newer staff to adopt these methods. Also discussed was the status of temporary staffing 
measures, noting that a temporary basic truck was still in use beyond its intended period. The need for 
clear policy and adherence to expiration dates was discussed. 
 
Next Steps and Chiefs Meeting: The issue will be brought up at the next Chiefs meeting to determine if 
other departments are experiencing similar problems and to coordinate potential solutions. 
 
 
Police Department:  
 
Corporal Cyr conducted a vehicle stop on Eaton Road that resulted in the discovery of marijuana and 
possible cocaine. The department followed appropriate search and evidence procedures. Chief Laferriere 
also introduced a proposed spike strip policy adapted from Wakefield’s policy. Two donated spike strips 
will be placed in patrol vehicles once the policy is approved. 
 
Chief Laferriere clarified that comp time is governed by the Fair Standards Labor Act and town policy, with 
no current cap on accumulation, and suggested the town could consider setting a limit if desired. 
 
Cruiser 2 was dropped off for repairs and is expected to be back in service by Wednesday. The department 
is preparing for traffic control during upcoming Old Home Week events and a 5K race. 
 
 
 

 
 
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Highway- 
Scott provided an update on recent road and culvert issues, including corroded culverts on Rice Hill. The 
affected culverts are scheduled for replacement in the next budget cycle. Temporary repairs are 
underway, and the necessary equipment has arrived. 
 
Fuel Contract Strategy: The Selectboard agreed to wait a month before putting the fuel contract out to 
bid, anticipating that market conditions may stabilize and result in better pricing. 
 
File Storage and DRA Audit Preparation:  
 
The DRA auditor required an additional day to complete the review. All requested files were located, and 
letters will be sent to residents requesting updated tree farm plans as part of the audit process. 
 
The auditor also asked about the Town’s process for responding to right-to-know requests. Stacy 
explained the current approach and noted the related legal costs. 
 
Plans were discussed to relocate seven four-drawer file cabinets containing assessing records to a new 
office location, with consideration given to structural capacity and prior storage concerns. 
 
Conservation Commission Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting: Megan Broaderick on behalf of 
the Conservation Commission reported on water quality testing results. The Conservation Commission 
conducts annual lake and river testing in partnership with Green Mountain Conservation Group.  
 
The testing shows that phosphorus levels are increasing in some water bodies, which may raise the risk of 
cyanobacteria blooms, including conditions observed at Danforth Pond last year. Conductivity levels, 
which may be affected by winter road salt, are also monitored. 
 
Board members requested that this report and future reports include long-term trend graphs to better 
evaluate changes over time and guide resource allocation. Megan agreed to incorporate available 
historical data. 
The Commission is also working with New Hampshire Lakes and local homeowners to promote 
stormwater management practices and other measures intended to reduce nutrient and pollutant runoff 
into local water bodies. 
 
Questions were raised about whether the State would consider boating restrictions on affected ponds; 
however, current policy favors continued public access. The group also discussed challenges related to 
managing public facilities and portable toilets near lakes. 
 
Nancy Ritgar — Danforth Bay Project: 
 
Nancy Ritgar met with the Board to review the Danforth Bay project timeline. Grant requirements call for 
all work and accounting to be completed and submitted by September 15, with a final deadline of 
September 30. The Board discussed steps needed to ensure that purchases, documentation, and 
accounting are completed within the required timeframe. 

 
 
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Recent road washouts have delayed progress and remain a priority. Scott noted that he cannot guarantee 
the project deadline will be met, as road repairs must be completed before beginning additional project 
work and winter preparation will also be starting. Most materials are currently on hand, except for certain 
items such as EcoRaster. The Board discussed purchasing the remaining materials in advance to help 
satisfy grant requirements. 
 
The Town is awaiting final federal approval for FEMA funding related to the June storms. The Governor’s 
declaration is in place, and the State is awaiting presidential approval before funding can move forward. 
 
The Board also discussed whether outside contractors could be hired within the grant budget and 
emphasized the need to document all in-kind contributions. The grant requires that work be completed 
and fully documented before reimbursement can be requested. 
 
 
Public Comment: 
Sue Hoople asked whether the Wabanaki CMA third-party review had been completed. Les responded that 
the Board would review the plan later in the meeting. He noted that CMA had reviewed the initial 
application, but an updated plan with additional detail regarding the proposed chambers is expected. 
Discussion followed regarding missing site plans referenced in the Bobrek report. Staff are working to 
obtain all necessary attachments and ensure that all plans are available as public records. 
 
Sue also asked whether the drainage-history documentation she submitted had been provided to Bobrek 
for inclusion in the stormwater management review. Les stated that the Town is awaiting an updated plan 
that differs from the previously submitted version. Sue requested a copy of the site plan referenced as 
Attachment 1 in the Bobrek narrative. Stacy stated that all materials received had been forwarded to David 
Smith and Sue Hoople. Alan confirmed that the Town currently has two plans: the existing conditions plan 
and the stormwater management plan. Les asked Stacy to confirm with Bobrek that the updated plans will 
be delivered to the Town Office. 
Maureen Raynes asked whether any permits had been issued since April and expressed concern that 
measurements shown on the existing conditions plan may not be accurate based on activity she had 
observed. Rob Cunio stated that no new construction had occurred at Wabanaki and that the only permits 
issued were for life-safety matters. 
Sue asked whether CMA had issued any communication to the Board. Les responded that communication 
had been received but had not yet been reviewed by the Board and would be addressed later in the 
meeting. Anthony Raynes asked whether CMA had received updated plans that the Board had not yet 
received. Les explained that the Town had received a stormwater plan with calculations and had 
forwarded it to CMA. As the review was concluding, the Town was informed that an updated plan with more 
comprehensive stormwater management information would be submitted; however, the updated plan 
had not yet been received. 
Maureen also asked why Wabanaki had not yet appeared before the Planning Board. Les responded that 
the application had been withdrawn from the Planning Board until all documentation is complete and 
accurate. He explained that the enforcement process involves compiling all plans and confirming 
compliance before resubmission. Les also noted concerns regarding the volume of correspondence sent 
to Board members and the potential for perceived bias if the matter proceeds to court. He stated that the 

 
 
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Town’s attorney is satisfied with the thoroughness of the process and that the Town remains committed 
to transparency while following legal advice. 
Sue Hoople stated for the record that she had provided documents from One Stop, registry materials, and 
copies of meeting minutes for transparency purposes. 
 
Town Office Renovation and LCHIP Grant Application:  
Alan Fall reported the final proposal for the structural assessment of the town office building is being 
submitted to the state for LCHIP grant consideration. Approval will allow the project to move forward with 
planning and bidding. 
Plans for a public informational session were postponed, with the Heritage Commission to reschedule 
and continue keeping the public informed about the renovation project. 
 
Follow-up tasks 
. 
Freedom Old Home Week Office Closure: Coordinate and communicate the temporary closure of the 
office for the Freedom Old Home Week Valor Quilts event on Wednesday the 29th from 1:00 to 2:30 
PM. (Town) 
. 
Hazard Mitigation Plan Stakeholder Meeting: Send out meeting invites to department heads and 
stakeholders to schedule the first hazard mitigation plan meeting for August or September. (Town) 
. 
Driveway Permit Policy Update: Review and implement the policy that building permits will not be issued 
until driveway completion, ensuring minimal changes and communicating with relevant contractors.  
. 
Conservation Water Quality Reporting: Update the Conservation Commission’s water quality summary 
to include longevity charts/graphs showing trends over the years and reshare with the board. (Megan) 
. 
Grant Project Purchasing and Accounting: Purchase necessary materials for the grant-funded project 
and ensure all receipts and accounting are ready for submission to the state by September 15th. (Town) 
 
Motion: Gary moved to enter nonpublic session at 8:00 p.m., pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II(c) 
(Reputation). Alan seconded. Roll-call vote: 
Babb: Yes 
Fall: Yes 
Williams: Yes 
Motion: Les moved to return to public session. Alan seconded. Motion carried. 
The Board reconvened in public session at 8:35 p.m. 
Nonpublic minutes to be publicly disclosed: No. 
Motion: Les moved to seal the nonpublic minutes pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, III because public 
disclosure would adversely affect the reputation of a person other than a member of the Board or 
render the proposed action ineffective for 2 years after litigation Alan seconded. Motion carried. 
 
 
Roll call Vote  
Les Yes  

 
 
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Alan-Yes 
Gary-Yes  
 
Action: Alan made a motion for Les to speak with Jeff Nicole regarding a complaint against the FCC, 
motion seconded by Gary; Motion carried.  
Stacy will send the letter to the town council.  
 
Motion: Gary moved to enter nonpublic session at 8:35 p.m., pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, II(l) (legal). Alan 
seconded. Roll-call vote: 
Babb: Yes 
Fall: Yes 
Williams: Yes 
Motion: Les moved to return to public session. Alan seconded. Motion carried. 
The Board reconvened in public session at 8:55 p.m. 
Nonpublic minutes to be publicly disclosed: No. 
Motion: Les moved to seal the nonpublic minutes pursuant to RSA 91-A:3, III pending litigation, Alan 
seconded. Motion carried. 
Roll call Vote  
Les Yes  
Alan-Yes 
Gary-Yes  
 
Action Items: 
Stacy will notify Town Counsel that Camp Cody will be removed from the FCC agenda and ask whether 
further action is needed. 
 
Stacy will respond to Nick Messina regarding whether a drainage analysis is required for the Wabanaki 
stormwater management plan. 
 
Stacy will contact Jeff Nicoll to request his attendance at the August 3 Selectmen’s meeting. 
 
Freedom Conservation Commission: 
 
The Board discussed the timely submission of Freedom Conservation Commission packets to allow 
Nicole sufficient time to prepare and distribute the materials. The packets are lengthy and require 
significant preparation time. 
 
Updating the vendor list was discussed.  
 
Payroll Manifest (week ending 7.15.2026): Approved 
Accounts Payable Manifest (week ending 7/10/2026): Approved 
Meeting Minutes (7/06/2026): Approved 

 
 
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Correspondence Reviewed or Signed 
Item 
Status 
CMA Wabanaki Review 
Continued 
Mark Salvati email 
Reviewed 
Certification of Yield Taxes Map 3 Lot 52 
Signed 
STR Map 27 Lot 5 
Signed 
STR Map56 Lot 18 
Reviewed 
Tax Abatement Map 60-01-YOW05 
Signed 
Freedom Conservation Email  
Reviewed 
Freedom Conservation Email  
Reviewed 
Conway Household Hazardous Waste Day 
Reviewed 
Map 9 Lot 26 Driveway Email  
Reviewed 
David Smith Zoning Complaint 
Reviewed 
RTK Camp Cody 
Reviewed 
Collections Summary Tax Collect 
Reviewed 
Heritage Minutes  
Reviewed 
Susan Hoople Letters Dated July 6, 2026 
Reviewed 
Primex Return of Surplus 
Reviewed 
Nancy Ritger Email  
Reviewed 
E911 Data Request 
Reviewed 
Freedom Elementary School Payment 
Schedule 2026-2027 
Reviewed 
Freedom Old Home Week Schedule  
Reviewed 
With no further business before the Board, Babb moved to adjourn. Fall seconded. Motion carried. 
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m. 
Respectfully submitted, 
Stacy Bolduc, Town Administrator 
Approved by the Board of Selectmen on ________________________: 
__________________________   _______________________   __________________________ 
Leslie R. Babb 
 
 
        Alan G. Fall                      
 
Gary R. Williams