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Selectmen Meeting Minutes

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Town of Grafton 
Board of Selectmen 
Tuesday, August 18, 2026 
 
Members Present: Ed Grinley, Chair, Leif Hogue, Steve Darrow, Sara Hogue (Recorder) 
  
Others Present: Kathleen Bolash, Kevin Bolash, Dianne Burrington, LeeWhay Pasek, Maureen O’Reilly, 
Ryan Huff, Bruster Gove, Alan Gove, Chris Thurston, Chris Williams 
  
The Meeting was called to order at 6:03 pm. 
 
Acceptance of Minutes 
Steve motioned to accept the August 4th public and non-public minutes and the August 5th public 
minutes. Leif seconded. Ed agreed. Motion passed. 
 
Ex-Officio Reports 
Steve reported on the following: 
Cemetery meeting – Cemetery Trustees updated regulations to clarify the sexton role.  
Ambulance – Steve met with Kathy. Calls are up from last year. Contract with Canaan has been 
signed. Will need to start negotiations for next year. Kathy had said neighboring towns are 
facing the same issue, and they may look at a regional solution.  
Leif reported that the Highway Department is continuing to ditch and chip. The calcium truck is still 
down, but repairs are almost complete.   
Ed reported that the Let’s Grow Grafton Games was well attended. They worked hard on the event, and 
it was good to see all that showed up. He is looking forward to next year.  
 
Appointments 
Kathleen and Kevin Bolash – Smith River Shooting Clays – Kathleen and Kevin came to the Selectmen 
with complaints of the constant shooting from the shooting range since it reopened in May. There is no 
respite from it, and it sounds close to the road and trail. They talked with several neighbors who agreed. 
Those neighbors did not show up to the meeting. The Owner does not have hours of operation in 
consideration of the surrounding neighbors. Ed stated that Grafton does not have zoning, so there is not 
much that the Selectboard can do; however, he did talk with the owner, Craig, and he is willing to abide 
by his father’s  (previous owner) agreement that had been made in the past. Craig had also said that if 
they let him know that they have an event, he will not shoot on that day. Kevin stated that the problem 
was every day. Ed reiterated his conversation with Craig, and reminded them that the Selectboard does 
not have the authority to tell him he can’t shoot. Ed urged them to talk with Craig to work out an 
agreement.   
 
Other Business 
Action Items 
Equipment Inv - No update 
Parsonage and Church – Steve stated we had a quitclaim deed from when the Town acquired 
the property in 2013.  Dianne Burrington gave an update on the parking lot for the Historical 
Society. They went with Bob and took measurements. They will need 52 – 55 feet from the 
church to the stone wall and will need to terrace it upward. Bob will also be meeting with a civil 
engineer.  
Employee Policy – No updates 

Junkyard ordinance – Steve still has concerns and questions regarding the ordinance, the fines, 
and how to act on a complaint. Ed stated that there are two laws about junkyards. One for cars, 
the other for trash, etc. LeeWhay added that she believes that when a complaint is filed, it is 91-
A able at the time the complaint is made. She will be going to an NHMA workshop next week 
and will confirm.  
Ambulance – need to meet with Canaan to talk about next year, and need to start looking into 
any ideas that the town may have.  
 
Public Comment 
LeeWhay Pasek commented on the junkyard ordinance and said that we should follow the state 
ordinance.  Maureen O’Reilly commented on the Shooting range and agreed that it is all day every 
weekend. Steve reiterated that although it is frustrating, they have a right to shoot. Ed added to try to 
resolve with the neighbor first.  
Kathleen Bolash commented that she didn’t feel comfortable approaching. She had reached out to the 
Bureau of Trails, Fish and Game, and Police, but nothing was done. She would be willing to talk to him if 
someone went with her. Ed offered to go with her.  
Dianne Burrington added that if the owner cares, he will be courteous when he is shooting.  
Ryan Huff cited RSA 159 regarding shooting ranges. Noting that they are in compliance.  
LeeWhay inquired if the Bolashes had tried calling the number on the website. Kathleen responded that 
they had not.  
Ryan commented that the new cemetery regulations are posted online. Other changes were made in 
addition to the changes to the sexton role; they also made some other changes. He cited RSA 236:128 
regarding Junkyards, stating that any person can take action.  
Bruster Gove commented on the gun situation, stating that he had a similar problem and he talked with 
them, and it stopped. He commented on Junkyards and suggested it go on the ballot again. Junkyards 
make it difficult for neighbors who want to sell. Steve stated that the original warrant article did not 
have the language of the ordinance; it just allowed the board to create one.  
Maureen has information on Junkyards and will make copies for the board.   
Alan Gove asked for clarification on the pumper he is requesting. At the last meeting, they suggested a 
warrant article. He asked for another appointment but was directed to the CIP. Steve clarified that yes, it 
needs to be on the CIP plan.  
Alan asked about what happened to the Highway trucks that were replaced. Ed stated that one was 
replaced and went out to bid to be sold.   
Chris Thurston inquired about Highway being able to replace a large purchase. Steve stated it was on the 
CIP plan.  
Chris Williams wanted to know if Alan was going to go to the CIP meeting. Alan stated he was.  
Ryan added that the CIP meeting is on the 27th; the plan is on the website. 
Maureen referred to the CIP plan and stated that the Fire Department planned to replace engine 2 in 
2026 and buy the pumper in 2030.  
 
Final Comments from Selectboard 
Leif asked the Board if they would be able to help set up voting booths on Labor Day. Leif will work with 
Lori on the time.  
 
Steve motioned to adjourn. Leif seconded. Ed agreed. The meeting adjourned at 7:24 pm. 
 
Respectfully Submitted, 
Sara Hogue, Administrative Assistant