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  TOWN OF NEWFIELDS SELECT BOARD 
MEETING MINUTES 
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15, 2026 
 
 
Select Board Present:  Chairman Hoby Harmon, Mark Kasper & Catherine (Cat) Tarnowski 
Absent: Mark Kasper 
Others Include: Tom Conner, Jeff Buxton, Jeff Feenstra, Drew Marshall & Police Chief Young  
 
The meeting to order at 7:00pm.  
 
Hoby stated that Select Board member Mark Kasper was unable to attend tonight and 
advised anyone wishing to speak or address the Board would need to come to the podium 
and speak into the microphone. 
 
Before proceeding, Hoby extended his deepest appreciation and gratitude to everyone who 
helped on Election Day. He thanked those who arrived first thing in the morning to help set 
up the room, those who stayed until approximately 9:00 p.m., and especially Sue, Kisha, and 
all the volunteers who came forward to assist. 
 
Hoby emphasized that participation is what the local democratic process is all about—
taking part, making one's vote count, and registering one's vote. He noted that local 
elections can have a greater impact on people's daily lives than state or federal elections. 
Hoby concluded by thanking everyone who participated and helped make Election Day a 
success. 
 
Emergency Management Director, Tom Conner Retirement 
 
Jeff Feenstra recognized Tom Connor’s 40 years of service and retirement with the following 
remarks: 
 
“Good evening, everyone. We gather here tonight to celebrate a career that is quite literally 
defined by being there for this community through thick and thin. 
 
After 40 remarkable years of service, our Emergency Management Director, Tom Connor, is 
officially hanging out, hanging up his radio and entering a well-deserved retirement. 
 
Four decades. To put that into perspective, when Tom first started public safety, Emergency 
Management looked very different. 
 
But while technology, the radios, and the weather-tracking systems have changed, one thing 
remains absolutely constant: Tom's steady leadership. 

 
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The job of an Emergency Management Director is a unique burden. While the rest of the 
community is taking shelter, seeking safety, or sleeping soundly, Tom has spent 40 years 
running toward the storm. 
 
He's been the voice of reason in the middle of chaos, the strategist coordinating our 
emergency services, and the calm anchor keeping our community grounded through floods 
and blizzards, fires and Seabrook Station drills.  
 
Most people only see the flashing lights or hear the sirens. But those of us who have worked 
alongside him know about the thousands of invisible hours: the endless planning, the 
endless emails and phone calls, the missed family dinners, and the relentless training to 
ensure that if a disaster ever struck, we were ready. 
 
Tom, you've spent 40 years protecting our families, our homes, and our community. 
You've carried a heavy weight with grace, humility, and absolute integrity. 
 
You leave behind a legacy of safety, an agency that is stronger because of you, and a 
community that owes you a debt that it can never fully repay. 
 
As you step into this next chapter, we wish you clear skies, calm weather, and no after-
midnight calls. 
 
On behalf of the Town of Newfields, the State of New Hampshire, and every single citizen 
you've protected, thank you. 
 
It's our highest honor to present you with this plaque commemorating your 40 years of 
extraordinary service. 
 
Congratulations on your retirement.” 
 
Emergency Management Funds 
Hoby stated that, while on the subject of Emergency Management, the Town received a 
letter dated September 2, 2026, from Homeland Security and Emergency Management 
advising that $16,480 in funds will be forwarded to the Town of Newfields for use as 
Emergency Management resources. He noted that these are reimbursement funds, but it is 
always appreciated to receive the notification and the associated funding. 
 
Fire Chief Buxton  
Hoby and Jeff Buxton discussed the current status of the Fire Department, including call 
volume, staffing, and equipment. Jeff confirmed that the new fire truck will fit in the existing 
fire station, addressing a rumor that the truck would not fit. The Department reported 448 
calls in 2025 and 429 calls to date in the current year, including fire, medical, and in-service 
calls. 

 
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The Board discussed ongoing volunteer staffing challenges and potential future use of per-
diem or full-time personnel, as well as the need for an appropriate facility to support staffing. 
Jeff provided an update on the new fire truck purchase and discussed options for the existing 
truck, including selling it or retaining it as a reserve apparatus. Hoby noted that retaining the 
truck would involve additional insurance and other expenses. 
 
Ex-Officio Report 
Cat provided an update on the September 10 Planning Board meeting. The Planning Board 
discussed potential revisions to the Subdivision Regulations to clarify requirements and 
address “spaghetti” or “finger” lots. Proposed language is still under review, with a formal 
hearing anticipated at a future meeting. 
 
The Board also discussed recording the Muddy River Smokehouse mylar, the Home 
Fashions site plan and a pending RPC survey proposal, and the proper documentation of 
motions and votes. Impact fees were reviewed, with the Board noting that they appear 
unlikely to be needed based on current development potential in Newfields. 
 
The Board discussed updating the Town Plan, including potentially forming a committee to 
review survey information, land use, natural resources, transportation, and other 
community priorities. Transportation priorities discussed included improved crosswalks, 
wider shoulders on Routes 85, 87, and 108, and drainage improvements on Route 85 and 
Summer Street. 
 
The Board also discussed whether a formal statement regarding data centers was necessary 
and reviewed permitted uses within the industrial area. Potential additional uses, including 
healthcare or schools, were discussed; any changes would require a zoning amendment. 
 
Public Safety Building Meeting 
Hoby reported on the September 2, 2026, Public Safety Building meeting. The Fire and Police 
Departments initially developed a concept for an approximately 17,000-square-foot facility, 
with a review underway to determine whether the size can be reduced while maintaining an 
efficient and functional building. Approximately 20–25 residents attended the meeting. 
The proposed facility would serve the Police, Fire, and Emergency Management 
Departments and could also provide multipurpose space for emergency shelter, 
cooling/warming, and power outage needs. Environmental and wetlands assessments 
have been completed and are being reviewed with the architect for site planning. 
The Board discussed emergency vehicle access, potential alternative properties, Route 87 
and Route 108 traffic concerns, and the limited space available at the existing fire station 
for expansion. The proposed site is approximately 14.2 acres, with 3–4 acres potentially 
needed for the facility. The possibility of conserving the remaining acreage and adding 
access from Meadow Road was also discussed. 

 
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Hoby also reported that the Town may have an opportunity to host an ALS/paramedic 
response vehicle in the future, which could improve emergency response times and 
potentially provide rental revenue to the Town. 
 
Drew Marshall Correspondence - 25 Runaway Rd  
Hoby reported that the Select Board had received several emails from Drew Marshall 
regarding concerns 25 Runaway Rd which abuts his property – a shed and a bridge, both 
which are located on wetland property.  Hoby stated that the New Hampshire Department 
of Environmental Services (DES) had contacted the Town seeking information and that he 
had returned the call and was awaiting a response. Hoby also spoke with the Building 
Inspector regarding whether a permit had been issued for a shed on the property, and the 
Building Inspector agreed to research the matter. 
 
Drew Marshall, who was in attendance, outlined his concerns regarding potential 
environmental contamination, noting that the driveway slopes toward the neighborhood’s 
natural drainage and that the area appeared to have been constructed in or near wetlands. 
He expressed concern that potential runoff, vehicle fluids, or spills could enter the wetlands 
and potentially reach the Piscassic River. He also raised safety concerns regarding a bridge 
stating that he considered it hazardous and that the condition should be properly evaluated, 
particularly before a potential property purchaser assumes responsibility. 
 
Hoby stated that the environmental concerns fall within DES’s area of responsibility and that 
the Town was awaiting additional information. He noted that certain matters related to the 
purchase and sale of the property are civil issues between the property owners and 
prospective purchasers and are outside the Town’s authority. Regarding the safety 
concerns, Hoby stated that the Town would review the matter after the appropriate 
information and research had been obtained. 
 
Drew referenced a prior 2023 investigation involving his property and requested that similar 
review procedures be considered for the property in question. Hoby stated that he had 
contacted DES and the Rockingham County Conservation District (RCCD) and was awaiting 
responses. The matter remains under review. 
 
Right to Know Fees  
Hoby reported on discussions with Town Counsel regarding the Town’s Right-to-Know/FOIA 
fees. The current fee of $0.25 per page was determined to be low compared with other 
communities. Hoby motioned to increase the fee to $0.80 per page for all FOIA requests. 
The motion was seconded by Cat, and all were in favor. The motion carried. 
 
Maeve’s Mobile Cocktails – September 13th 
Hoby reported that the Select Board received notice approximately two weeks prior from 
Maeve’s Mobile Cocktail Service regarding an event scheduled for the 13th at Vernon Family 
Farm. The liquor license approval was required prior to the event. All three Select Board 

 
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members were consulted and agreed to the request, and the signed approval was submitted 
to the Liquor Commission. The Board formally addressed the matter at tonight’s meeting. 
 
Girard Correspondence 
The Board read the attached correspondence received from the Girards who reside at 298 
Piscassic Rd. (attach) 
 
Oil Bids  
Hoby reported that two oil bids were received: Palmer Gas & Oil at $3.889 per gallon and 
Harris, Franconia Fuel at $4.509 per gallon. Hoby recommended and motioned to award the 
bid to Palmer Gas & Oil.  Cat seconded and the motion carried.   
 
Veteran’s Credits  
Hoby motioned, seconded by Cat to approve the Veteran’s Credits for tax maps 205/6 and 
210/5. Both were in favor and the motion carried.  
 
Contra Dance  
Hoby motioned, seconded by Cat to approve the Town Hall rental application for the Contra 
Dance on October 2nd. Both were in favor and the motion carried.   
 
Prior Meeting Minutes  
Hoby motioned, seconded by Cat, to approve the 8/25/26 Select Board Meeting Minutes. 
Both were in favor and the motion carried.  
 
MS-535 
Hoby reported that the 2026 DRA MS-535 Financial Report of the Budget for the period 
ending December 31, 2025, had been reviewed and was found to be accurate and complete 
and was now signed.  
 
ALS Services  
Hoby also provided an update on ALS services. The proposed membership fee would begin 
at $15,000 in 2027 and increase annually, reaching approximately $81,244 in Year 5, with 
the per-call fee increasing from $115 to $250. Additional information and financial charts 
will be provided during the upcoming budget process. The Town currently has approximately 
$37,400 in its ALS warrant article fund, a donor has contributed nearly $28,000 toward ALS-
related expenses. ALS funding will be further discussed during budget season. 
 
Hoby reported on the Governor’s Office of New Opportunities and Rural Transformational 
Health (GO NORTH) grant program and noted that Newfields may be eligible for available 
funding. He has contacted the Police Department and will notify other Town departments 
so potential grant opportunities can be identified and pursued. 
 
Tom Grella Correspondence 

 
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Tom Grella reported continued concerns regarding increased truck traffic and activity at the 
commercial property which abuts his house.  He noted that seven trailers were currently on 
site, with several remaining for multiple days, and that tractor trailer and trash collection 
activity occurred as early as 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. He provided photographs and offered 
additional documentation with dates and times to assist the Town in addressing the ongoing 
issue. 
 
Hoby stated that the Town would continue to monitor the situation and gather sufficient 
documentation to determine the next appropriate steps. 
 
Library Trustees Correspondence 
Mike Mackey, representing the Library Board of Trustees, confirmed receipt of 
correspondence from Win Fream to the Select Board. Hoby confirmed that the 
correspondence had been received. The Select Board will review the information, conduct 
additional research, and prepare for further discussion at the next meeting. It was noted that 
a non-public session may be necessary for portions of the discussion under RSA 91-A. 
At 8:13pm, Cat motioned, seconded by Hoby, to adjourn the meeting.  All were in favor and 
the motion carried.   
 
Respectfully submitted,  
 
 
 
Kisha Therrien 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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Girard Letter:  
 
 
 
September 12, 2026 
 
Dear Select Board Members, 
 
We would like to thank you for your cooperation in finalizing our updated Easement 
Deed and Termination of Temporary Driveway. We have enclosed both recorded 
documents, along with the recorded plan showing the new driveway, for the Town's 
records. 
 
As we have worked toward establishing a good working relationship with SELT, we 
would also like to take this opportunity to express our disappointment with how the 
Conservation Commission handled matters involving our easement. 
By way of brief background, in 2006, Dorothy Haughton granted approximately 14 
acres of land to the Town of Newfields for conservation purposes. She retained 
approximately 1.8 acres outside of conservation, referred to as the "Exclusion Area," 
for future development. She also granted SEL T an easement across her property to 
provide access to the Piscassic Greenway. The documentation allowed SELT to 
utilize a "Temporary Driveway" until the property owner constructed a new driveway 
within the designated SO-foot Right of Way for development of the Exclusion Area. 
We initially asked the Conservation Commission to work with us regarding safety 
concerns associated with SELT's use of the easement across our property in 2020. 
By 2022, we recognized the significant increase in recreational use of the Piscassic 
Greenway and Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail following COVID and made 
efforts to explore a mutually beneficial solution. Specifically, we offered to place our 
1 .8-acre Exclusion Area into Town conservation, together with the approximately 14 
acres already conserved, in exchange for working toward a resolution of our safety 
concerns. 
 
While we fully understand that SELT is a separate organization, the Town had 
previously worked with SELT and the homeowner when the property was placed into 
conservation and the easements were established. At the same time, the Town was 
actively working with SELT in an effort to conserve the Fort Rock property. Given 
that relationship, we were disappointed that a similar effort was not made by the 
Conservation Commission to bring the Town, SEL T, and our family together to 
explore a potential resolution that could benefit all parties. 
 
We recognize that our proposed contribution involved only 1.8 acres. However, that 
land sits among more than 100 acres of conserved and publicly utilized land. 
Conserving the Exclusion Area would have prevented future development in that 
location, including the associated daily vehicle traffic crossing recreational areas, 
overhead utility lines, a septic system, and other impacts within an area otherwise 
surrounded by conserved land. From our perspective, there appeared to be a 

 
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greater focus on acquiring additional conservation land than on addressing the 
management and practical impacts of conservation land already under the Town's 
care. 
 
Of additional concern, inaccurate and judgmental comments regarding our situation 
were made during public meetings by Commission members. We also later learned 
that our willingness to place the Exclusion Area into Town conservation had not been 
fully communicated to all members of the Commission. 
 
We made efforts to correct the record and explain our concerns at both Select Board 
and Conservation Commission meetings in 2024. We specifically clarified that, 
although we had retained an attorney to help us better understand the deeds and 
navigate our safety concerns, we had not initiated, and have never initiated, legal 
action against SELT. We reiterated that our goal was to work with the Town and 
SELT to find a solution that would best benefit all parties. We felt it was important to 
make that clarification publicly because a different narrative had developed 
regarding our intentions. 
 
While clarifying our position during the June 19, 2024, Conservation Commission 
meeting, we were disappointed when Co-Chair Chris Griffith did not allow a fellow 
Commission member to respond to our question regarding her thoughts on future 
development occurring among conservation lands. We understand that it is the 
Chair's responsibility to manage the meeting; however, we also believe that open 
discussion and freedom of expression are important components of the public 
process, and that Commission members should have a reasonable opportunity to 
express their own views and respond to residents' questions and concerns, 
particularly when a question is directed to them. 
 
We were further disappointed when Mr. Griffith accused us of "setting a bad 
precedent." We were left questioning what precedent he believed we were setting. 
Our efforts were focused on working collaboratively with the Town, SELT, and other 
involved parties to reach a solution that would protect the land while also 
considering the interests and safety of those who own, abut, and recreationally use 
it. We did not believe that seeking cooperation and a mutually beneficial resolution 
should have been characterized as setting a bad precedent. 
 
We have also experienced situations in which current Commission members have 
recused themselves from matters involving our property or SELT on certain 
occasions, but not on others, while other members with affiliations with SELT have 
chosen not to recuse themselves at all. That inconsistency has made it difficult for 
us to understand what standards are being applied and has further contributed to 
our concerns regarding fairness and impartiality. 
 
We are sharing these concerns not simply to revisit the past, but because we 
believe Newfields is a beautiful small town with a great deal to offer its residents. We 
recognize and appreciate the significant time and effort that volunteers devote to 

 
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serving on Town boards and commissions. At the same time, these positions carry 
considerable responsibility and can directly affect residents, their property, and their 
relationship with the Town. 
 
As the Select Board considers appointments to the Conservation Commission and 
other Town boards in the future, we respectfully ask that you give careful 
consideration not only to an applicant's interest and experience, but also to their 
integrity, judgment, willingness to treat all residents fairly and respectfully, and ability 
to thoughtfully and objectively consider reasonable options in the best interests of 
the Town. 
 
Thank you for taking the time to consider our concerns and for keeping the enclosed 
recorded documents with the Town's records. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
Mark and Lynn Girard