All towns · wolfeboro

PC Monthly Meeting (minutes)

Document

Wolfeboro Police Commission
Meeting Minutes
September 10, 2026

Members present: Commissioner Shawn Coope and Commissioner Rick Eaton
Staff present: Chief Chris Warn, Captain Mark Livie and Sherri Moore, Recording Secretary
Commissioner called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Pledge of Allegiance
Commissioner Eaton entertained the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commissioner Eaton asked to take a moment to reflect on 9/11 and have a moment of silence.
Consideration of Minutes
Commissioner Eaton entertained a motion to accept the August 13, 2026, minutes as written.

Commissioner Coope moved the Wolfeboro Police Commission to accept the August 13, 2026,
public minutes as written. Commissioner Eaton seconded. Members voted, all in favor, and

the motion passed.

Chief's Items
Chief Warn read the activity report for August into the minutes. See attached.
The Commissioners asked clarifying questions throughout:

Commissioner Coope inquired if any other agencies or the Attorney General's office has been contacted
related to concerns or complaints that the Chief has received related to the protests.

Chief Warn shared that Wolfeboro is not the only community. The Attorney General has been made
aware of concerns about the Saturday protest that came through the general court. They have
communicated to the Attorney General's office what their concerns are with some overt threats or
demands of the Wolfeboro Police Department by an outside source.

Commissioner Coope inquired about how many calls for service that the agency has received (related to
the protests).

Chief Warn shared that there have been none that he is aware of.

Commissioner Coope clarified asking up to this point the protests have not required any police
involvement.

September 10, 2026 Meeting Page 1


Chief Warn shared that he wouldn't say that. He and the officers have had conversations with the
demonstrators about what is expected behavior, and they were very good about it. The two biggest issues
have been the sidewalks and crosswalks and making sure that people can pass by in front of them and
safely cross the street.

Commissioner's Items

The next Police Commission meeting will be Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 6:00 pm in the Great Hall
at Town Hall.

Commissioner Eaton shared that he wanted to follow up on July’s meeting regarding the third cruiser. He
asked the Chief and Captain for current cruiser information. What he gathered after reviewing the
information is that three cruisers are being actively used for patrol and another for a supervisor
cruiser...the lowest mileage on one of the cruisers is 50,000 miles and the highest mileage is at 144,000.
An opportunity presented itself where a cruiser is available for purchase due to it not being purchased by
another agency and buying a leftover saved about $15,000 verse had they ordered it. The Commission
appreciates that due diligence was used to take financial responsibility for the department and purchasing
the vehicle. By doing this, the goal is to have one cruiser replaced annually.

Commissioner Coope shared that at a recent budget committee meeting several negative comments
relating to the Chief and his authority to move money from one line item to another line item. Under the
tules of this State a Chief has authority to move money from line item to line item within their budget as
long as they don’t exceed the bottom-line number set for the year. The commission supports the Chief's
decision to make that purchase. In closing he mentioned that in the last two budget cycles the Chairman
of the budget committee praised the police department for how it runs its agency and how fiscally
responsible the agency is.

Questions from the Press
None

Board of Selectmen’s Representative

Paul O’Brien shared that the primary election had occurred two days prior and that the town had 2,015 votes
cast and 35 new voters registered. It’s that time of year that budget reviews (for 2027) are coming up. He
also shared that the Select Board recommended that the Libby Museum not get demolished. Now the
Select Board will get guidance on how the town removes themselves and the preservation team and
trustees can take over. He went on to share that the town will be hearing from Steve Randall, speaking on
the water supply. A petition from residents on Sewall Road was approved for the speed limit adjustment
to 25 mph. The new town manager comes in on September 18, 2026...there will be a public meet and greet
at the town docks from 2 pm— 4 pm. If it rains the event will be held in the Great Hall at the same time.

Budget Committee’s Representative

Tom Bell shared that the police department has responsibly run their budget and remembers that they
have given money back.

September 10, 2026 Meeting Page 2


Public Comment

Gogie Millner, one of the local organizers of the peaceful protests, came to speak. She shared that she
has found the police department to be supportive and helpful. She also thanked the Chief for what he had
shared earlier in the meeting. She asked the commission if the group could have a police detail this
Saturday due to seeing an uptick in counter protests. She went on to share that the previous Saturday
there was an individual, Representative Mike Belcher, who came and video taped the protest. She left
feeling things went well. However, Mr. Belcher wrote up an article about the protest and Gogie shared
that what he wrote about was not accurate. She is concerned with his motives, and with what he wrote
about. She feels that he seems dangerous.

Zoey Dubois from Tuftonboro spoke and shared that she attends the rally’s every Saturday. She thought
everything was peaceful too...and then read the Substack article and it was very disturbing and upsetting.

Commissioner Coope circled back to Gogie’s request for a police detail for Saturday and let her know that
is an operational function that falls under the Chief's authority.

Chief Warn shared he would address that after everyone had their time to speak.

Jim Clark from Tuftonboro shared that he wanted to back up what Gogie is saying and emphasize that
this is the first time something like this has happened. Up to this point there have been counter protesters
but there have not been issues. However, what is happening now is quite different and now people are
coming carrying guns. Even though it’s their right it’s quite intimidating. Nothing like this has happened
before. Seeing the police presence would be nice...having them stop in and find out what's happening.
He went on to share that the next ‘No Kings’ rally will be October 17" and expects it to be huge. He also
added that he is appalled at the rate of speed that people travel on Main St.

Chris Hart came to share that he is the owner of the golden dog sited in the article and his dog was
portrayed as being threatening by the author of the article. He acknowledged that his dog barks for lots of
reasons and his dog is really sweet...feels the comments were inflammatory. He made the suggestion to
have the police not only have a presence at the protest but also walk through out the crowds.

Commissioner Eaton thanked the people for sharing.

Chief Warn responded by first reviewing what police details are and how you pay for the protection.
However, he doesn’t feel that is necessary in this situation and doesn’t want them to pay for their
protection because it is the job of the police department to protect. He assured them that he has
scheduled more officers to work for not just Pickering Corner but for safety of the entire town, as well as
town guests and workers who deserve that. Officers will be focusing their attention on Pickering Corner
and wherever else in town is required for police presence. He also shared that he has received some
complaints over the last 15-16 months after the protests and only one during the protest. Someone called
him to ask what had happened...someone was “rolling coal” during one of the protests and the
department dealt with that. Every other complaint came two days after the event and there is nothing they
can do about it. He encouraged the public to contact the PD when an issue is occurring and not waiting
until a few days later.

September 10, 2026 Meeting Page 3


Gogie Millner commented that the only time she contacted the police was immediately after a protest and
recognized not much can be done after the fact. She also wanted to share that the group's policy explicitly
states that no weapons of any kind are to be carried. The group does not allow weapons. Their policy
also states, when related to a disruption, is to deescalate (or call he police) or to disperse. They are not
looking to engage.

Being no further business before the Commission, Commissioner Eaton entertained a motion to adjourn.

Commissioner Coope moved the Wolfeboro Police Commission to adjourn at 6:48 P.M.
Commissioner Eaton seconded. Being none opposed, the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherri Moore

September 10, 2026 Meeting Page 4


Police Commission Meeting
September 10, 2026

Activity for August 2026
e Equipment Update
© The cruiser from McGovern Ford is in and being upfitted. The car is replacing is 7.
e Personnel update
o Det Cpl Shanks has resigned to accept the Det Sgt position in Ossipee. We wish him well.
co We have offered an out of state certified officer a Conditional Offer and beginning the
background investigation. He received high marks from the oral interview team.
o We have extended one of the part-time civilian parking enforcement officers into the fall.
© Captain Livie will be attending Command Training — Executive Development offered by Roger
Williams University. A program developed in corroboration with NE Chiefs of Police. It is 6
weeks in person, online work, and a lot of homework.
© Sgt. Spera began his School Resource duties as of last week. Appreciate the work done in the
school by Cpl. LaRochelle who is returning to patrol function.
©. Training in 2 weeks in-house. Topics include various policies, DV, and mental health
considerations
e Traffic Radar Analysis — North Line and Bay Street (hand out)
e Officer's activity report
e For August, there were
= 18 arrests
= 157 MV stops
e 25citations
= 12 MV Collisions
= 33 criminal incidences
6 assaults
3 dog nuisance
2 DWIs
Sexual assault
Numerous fraud and scam cases

e 9/11 Ceremony
o Tomorrow at 11am there will be a 25" anniversary remembrance ceremony at Wright
Museum. The public is encouraged to attend.
Governor Wentworth School District MOU
© Meeting at their school board meeting on Monday
e Preview and presentation of the 2027 Police, Communications, and ACO budgets are forthcoming this
month. We have received many resumes for consideration of the ACO post.
e Signage for the PSB
o Working with Chief Zotti and Town Manager to get signage ordered and erected. We have
received quotes and are working out the financial piece now.
e Pickering Corner protests
© We have received information that counter protestors have expressed interest in attending the
area that has seen protesting each Saturday afternoon. Officers have been briefed on policy
and expectation to provide safe and constitutionally protected activity.
¢ Accreditation and standards


Wolfeboro Police Department

Chief Christopher Warn
Police Chief

Captain Mark Livie
Executive Officer

Sherri Moore
Exec. Admin. Assistant

NORTH LINE ROAD — RADAR TRAILER TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
Study Period: July 26, 2026 — August 26, 2026

Total Vehicles Recorded: 37,374

Approximate Average Daily Traffic: 1,212 vehicles per day

PURPOSE

The Wolfeboro Police Department conducted a review of traffic-speed data collected by the
department’s radar trailer on North Line Road. The purpose of this review was to identify overall
traffic volume, prevailing vehicle speeds, excessive-speed incidents, peak traffic periods, and
times that may warrant additional directed traffic enforcement.

TRAFFIC VOLUME
During the study period, the radar trailer recorded 37,374 vehicles.
Using the complete 24-hour collection days contained within the data, North Line Road
experienced approximately 1,212 vehicles per day.
Traffic volume was greatest during the afternoon. The highest volume hours were generally:
« 4:00 PM: approximately 109 vehicles per hour
« 3:00 PM: approximately 104 vehicles per hour
¢ 2:00 PM: approximately 104 vehicles per hour
¢ 1:00 PM: approximately 101 vehicles per hour
¢ 5:00 PM: approximately 97 vehicles per hour
The highest-volume individual day was Friday, July 31, 2026, when approximately 1,515
vehicles were recorded.

SPEED ANALYSIS
The overall weighted average speed was approximately 35.3 mph.
The median or 50th-percentile speed was approximately 35.5 mph.
The weighted 85th-percentile speed was approximately 41.9 mph, which can reasonably be
reported as 42 mph.
The highest recorded speed was 74 mph, occurring at approximately 10:00 AM on August 6,
2026.
Other significant maximum speeds included:
« 73 mph — August 10 at approximately 3:00 AM

251 South Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 - (603) 569-1444 - smoore2@wolfeboropolice.org


* 71 mph — August 24 at approximately 10:00 AM

¢ 70 mph — July 30 at approximately 9:00 PM

* 70 mph -— August 9 at approximately midnight

¢ 66 mph — August 23 at approximately 1:00 AM
These maximum-speed readings should be treated as individual high-speed events rather than
representative of the normal traffic stream.

SPEED DISTRIBUTION
Of the 37,374 vehicles recorded:
e 30,001 vehicles — 80.3% traveled at 31 mph or greater.
e 18,854 vehicles — 50.4% traveled at 36 mph or greater.
e 8,305 vehicles — 22.2% traveled at 41 mph or greater.
¢ 2,488 vehicles — 6.7% traveled at 46 mph or greater.
« 574 vehicles — 1.5% traveled at 51 mph or greater.
e 106 vehicles — 0.28% traveled at 56 mph or greater.
e 27 vehicles — 0.07% traveled at 61 mph or greater.
* 9 vehicles traveled at 66 mph or greater.
e 3 vehicles were recorded between 71 and 75 mph.
The largest individual speed groups were:
e 31-35 mph: 11,147 vehicles
¢ 3640 mph: 10,549 vehicles
e 41-45 mph: 5,817 vehicles
¢ 26-30 mph: 5,044 vehicles
e 46-50 mph: 1,914 vehicles ,
Accordingly, approximately 74% of all recorded traffic was traveling between 26 and 45
mph, demonstrating that this range represents the primary traffic flow on North Line Road.

TIME-OF-DAY ANALYSIS

The greatest opportunity for traffic enforcement based upon the combination of traffic volume
and elevated speeds appears to be during the afternoon and early evening.

The 2:00 PM through 5:00 PM period consistently produced the greatest traffic volume, while
approximately half of the vehicles during those hours were recorded at 36 mph or greater.

The 9:00 PM hour also warrants consideration for periodic enforcement. Although traffic
volume is lower than the afternoon period, approximately 24.7% of vehicles recorded during
that hour travel at 41 mph or greater, and approximately 7.7% were traveling at 46 mph or
greater.

Several of the most extreme speeds occurred during late-night or early-morning periods.
However, vehicle volume during those hours was relatively low. Those incidents appear more
consistent with isolated high-speed drivers than a sustained nighttime traffic-volume problem.

DAY-OF-WEEK REVIEW
Traffic patterns and average speeds remained relatively consistent throughout the week.
The overall weighted average speeds by day were approximately:

e Monday — 34.8 mph

e Tuesday — 35.5 mph

e Wednesday — 35.1 mph

251 South Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 - (603) 569-1444 - smoore2@wolfeboropolice.org


e = Thursday — 35.1 mph

e Friday —35.7 mph

e Saturday — 35.4 mph

e Sunday — 35.9 mph
The consistency of the averages indicates that the observed speed pattern is not limited to one
particular weekday or weekend period.

ASSESSMENT

The North Line Road data demonstrates a consistent prevailing traffic speed in the mid-to-upper
30 mph range, with an 85th-percentile speed of approximately 42 mph.

Approximately 22% of vehicles were recorded at 41 mph or greater, while approximately
6.7% were recorded at 46 mph or greater. Speeds exceeding 50 mph represented a
comparatively small percentage of the total traffic population.

The data therefore indicates that the principal traffic-safety concern is not solely the handful of
extreme readings between 60 and 74 mph. A more significant consideration is the regular
volume of traffic operating in the upper 30s and low 40s.

The extreme readings nevertheless establish that occasional motorists are traveling at
substantially higher speeds and support periodic targeted enforcement.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the data collected, the Wolfeboro Police Department (Patrol officers) should consider
continued periodic radar-trailer deployment on North Line Road, along with selective directed
traffic enforcement.

The most productive enforcement period based on traffic volume is approximately 2:00 PM
through 5:00 PM. Periodic evening enforcement, particularly around 8:00 PM through 10:00
PM, may also help address higher-speed drivers when traffic volume decreases.

Enforcement activity should focus on vehicles significantly exceeding the normal traffic stream
rather than relying solely upon isolated maximum-speed readings.

CONCLUSION

The radar-trailer study recorded 37,374 vehicles on North Line Road between July 26 and
August 26, 2026. Average traffic volume was approximately 1,212 vehicles per day.

The overall average speed was approximately 35.3 mph, while the 85th-percentile speed was
approximately 42 mph. The highest individual recorded speed was 74 mph.

The data demonstrates a consistent traffic pattern primarily concentrated between approximately
31 and 45 mph, with a smaller group of motorists operating substantially above the prevailing
traffic speed.

Continued radar-trailer monitoring and selective enforcement during afternoon and evening
periods would be appropriate based upon the results of this study.

‘olfeboro Police Department

251 South Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 - (603) 569-1444 - smoore2@wolfeboropolice.org


Wolfeboro Police Department

Chief Christopher Warn
Police Chief

Captain Mark Livie
Executive Officer

Sherri Moore
Exec. Admin. Assistant

Study Period: May 12, 2026 through September 1, 2026
Posted Speed Limit: 30 MPH

Total Vehicles Recorded: 162,401

Average Daily Traffic: approximately 1,437 vehicles per day

The radar data shows an average speed of approximately 24.6 MPH, a 50th-percentile
speed of approximately 25.7 MPH, and an 85th-percentile speed of approximately 29.9
MPH. The highest recorded speed during the study was 65 MPH.

The 85th-percentile finding is particularly important. It means approximately 85% of
motorists were traveling at about 30 MPH or less, which is essentially equal to the
posted 30 MPH speed limit. Bay Street is confirmed as a 30 MPH roadway under the
Town’s regulations and prior Bay Street traffic discussions.

Speed Distribution
Of the 162,401 vehicles recorded:

Speed Vehicles %

30 Mph or less 141,495 87.1%
31-35 Mph 18,653 11.5%
36-40 Mph 2,013 1.24%
41 Mph 240 0.15%
46 Mph or greater 54 0.03%
51 mph or greater 18 0.01%

So, although approximately 12.9% of motorists exceeded 30 MPH, the overwhelming
majority of those vehicles were only in the 31-35 MPH range.

Only 2,253 vehicles out of more than 162,000 were traveling 36 MPH or faster,
about 1.4% of all traffic.

251 South Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 - (603) 569-1444 - smoore2@wolfeboropolice.org


Only 240 vehicles were recorded at 41 MPH or higher during the entire nearly four-
month study.

Traffic Volume
Bay Street carries a fairly significant amount of traffic for this type of roadway, averaging
approximately 1,437 vehicles per day.

The busiest times were generally during the afternoon and early evening:
« 3PM: 15,868 vehicles
e 4PM: 15,635 vehicles
* 2PM: 14,431 vehicles
« 5PM: 14,298 vehicles
« 6PM: 13,488 vehicles
e 7PM: 13,444 vehicles

The highest single-day volume occurred on July 6, 2026, when approximately 1,942
vehicles were recorded.

Time-of-Day Speeding Pattern
The percentage of vehicles exceeding 30 MPH increases somewhat during the evening
hours.

For example, approximately 18.7% of vehicles at 9 PM and 17.9% at 8 PM were above
30 MPH. However, even during those periods, significant speeding remained relatively
uncommon.

There is also a higher percentage of faster vehicles during some overnight hours, but
the actual traffic volume during those hours is very low. Therefore, those percentages
should not be interpreted as evidence of a widespread overnight speeding problem.

Assessment
The radar study does not demonstrate a significant or widespread speeding problem on
Bay Street.

The strongest indicators are:

87.1% of motorists traveled at or below the posted 30 MPH limit, and the 85th-percentile
speed was essentially 30 MPH.

Another 11.5% traveled only 1-5 MPH over the posted limit.
Consequently, approximately 98.6% of all vehicles travelled 35 MPH or less.

Speeds of 41 MPH or higher represented only about 0.15% of all recorded traffic. The
isolated high-speed readings, including the maximum of 65 MPH, warrant attention but
are not representative of normal traffic behavior on Bay Street.

Enforcement Recommendation
Based solely on the radar data, | would not recommend sustained or intensive traffic
enforcement specifically for a generalized speeding problem on Bay Street.

| would recommend continued use of the radar/speed-feedback trailer periodically,
particularly because Bay Street has pedestrian activity, businesses, residential uses,

251 South Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 - (603) 569-1444 - smoore2@wolfeboropolice. org


and crosswalk considerations. The Town has previously identified pedestrian and
crosswalk safety as an issue along Bay Street.

If directed enforcement is conducted, the data supports concentrating it primarily during
the evening period, approximately 7 PM-10 PM, when the percentage of motorists
exceeding the posted limit increases.

Conclusion

The Bay Street radar study indicates strong overall compliance with the posted 30 MPH
speed limit. Despite substantial traffic volume—more than 162,000 vehicles over the
study period—the 85th-percentile speed was approximately 30 MPH and nearly 99% of

motorists traveled 35 MPH or less.

There are isolated incidents of excessive speed, but the data does not support the
conclusion that Bay Street has a systemic speeding problem.

lolfeboro Police Department

251 South Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH 03894 - (603) 569-1444 - smoore2@wolfeboropolice.org