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Holderness Select Board 
Meeting Minutes 
7/27/2026 
 
Select Board Members Present: Chair, Jill White, Vice Chair, Kelly Schwaner, Sam Brickley-
Excused, Campbell LoveƩ, Peter Francesco 
 
Others Present: Town Administrator, ScoƩ Weden, Mike Salmon, Alex Ray, Lisa Mure, Missy 
Mason, Lisa LoveƩ, Paula Tracy and Eileen LoveƩ. 
 
Call to Order: The AdministraƟve porƟon of the meeƟng was called to order at 5:00 PM in the 
upper-level meeƟng room of the Holderness town office. 
 
5:30PM – Ms. White called the Business porƟon of meeƟng to order. 
 
Approval and Signing of Payroll and Payables Checks: 
Mr. LoveƩ made a moƟon to approve the payroll and accounts payable manifests and to issue 
checks accordingly. There was a second from Ms. Schwaner. There being no further discussion, 
the Board voted 4-0 in favor of the moƟon. 
 
Approval of Minutes: 
A moƟon to approve the minutes of July 13th meeƟng was made by Ms. Schwaner, seconded by 
Mr. Francesco. There being no further discussion, the Board voted 4-0 in favor of the moƟon. 
 
Consent Agenda: A moƟon to approve the Consent File was made by Mr. LoveƩ and Seconded 
by Mr. Francesco. There being no further discussion the Board voted 4-0 in favor of the moƟon. 
 
 NoƟce of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber PID 207-001 
 Special Events Permit – 235 Pinehurst Road 
 Tax Collector Abatement Response 245-039-D08 
CommemoraƟon of America's 250th Anniversary 
 
A series of historic readings and recogniƟons, arranged by Mr. LoveƩ, will occur at the 
beginning of every meeƟng unƟl the end of the year (December 21, 2026). 

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 
Purpose: To recognize the role of Holderness, its residents, and New Hampshire in 
America's history. 
 
A public reading of the DeclaraƟon of Independence was led by Alex Ray, acknowledging 
August 2nd as the date when the largest number of delegates (58), including all New 
Hampshire delegates, signed the document. The readings were done by Alex Ray, Lisa 
Mure, Missy Mason, Paula Tracy, Lisa LoveƩ, Eileen LoveƩ, Ms. White, Ms. Schwaner, Mr. 
Francesco, Mr. Campbell and ScoƩ Weden. 
Key Excerpts Read: 
Alex Ray: When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to 
dissolve the poliƟcal bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the 
powers of the earth, the separate and equal staƟon to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's 
God enƟtle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare 
the causes which impel them to the separaƟon. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all 
men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, 
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — 
 
Paula Tracy: That to secure these rights, Governments are insƟtuted among Men, deriving their 
just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government 
becomes destrucƟve of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to 
insƟtute new Government, laying its foundaƟon on such principles and organizing its powers in 
such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their Safety and Happiness. 
 
Campbell LoveƩ: Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not 
be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly, all experience hath shewn, that 
mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by 
abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and 
usurpaƟons, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under 
absolute DespoƟsm, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to 
provide new Guards for their future security. 
 
ScoƩ Weden: Such has been the paƟent sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the 
necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of 
the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpaƟons, all having in 
direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts 
be submiƩed to a candid world. 
- 
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public 
good. 
- 
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, 
unless suspended in their operaƟon Ɵll his Assent should be obtained; and when so 
suspended, he has uƩerly neglected to aƩend to them. 
 

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Peter Francesco: He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodaƟon of large districts of 
people, unless those people would relinquish the right of RepresentaƟon in the Legislature, a 
right inesƟmable to them and formidable to tyrants only. 
He has dissolved RepresentaƟve Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his 
invasions on the rights of the people. 
He has refused for a long Ɵme, aŌer such dissoluƟons, to cause others to be elected; whereby 
the LegislaƟve powers, incapable of AnnihilaƟon, have returned to the People at large for their 
exercise; the State remaining in the meanƟme exposed to all the dangers of invasion from 
without, and convulsions within. 
 
Kelly Schwaner: He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their 
offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. 
 
Eileen LoveƩ: He has erected a mulƟtude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to 
harass our people, and eat out their substance. 
He has kept among us, in Ɵmes of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our 
legislatures. 
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power. 
 
Lisa LoveƩ: He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdicƟon foreign to our 
consƟtuƟon, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended 
LegislaƟon: 
 
- 
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us: 
- 
For protecƟng them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they 
should commit on the Inhabitants of these States: 
- 
For cuƫng off our Trade with all parts of the world: 
- 
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: 
- 
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury: 
- 
For transporƟng us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences: 
 
Mike Salmon: He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his ProtecƟon and 
waging War against us. 
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our 
people. 
He is at this Ɵme transporƟng large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of 
death, desolaƟon and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely 
paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized naƟon. 
He has constrained our fellow CiƟzens taken CapƟve on the high Seas to bear Arms against their 
Country, to become the execuƟoners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their 
Hands. 
 
Lisa Mure: In every stage of these Oppressions, we have PeƟƟoned for Redress in the most 
humble terms: Our repeated PeƟƟons have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, 

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whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler 
of a free people. 
 
Missy Mason : We, therefore, the RepresentaƟves of the united States of America, in General 
Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the recƟtude of our 
intenƟons, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly 
publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and 
Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the BriƟsh Crown, and that all 
poliƟcal connecƟon between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally 
dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude 
Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which 
Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this DeclaraƟon, with a firm reliance 
on the protecƟon of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our 
Fortunes and our sacred Honor. 
 
Pledge of Allegiance: Ms. White led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 
 
Ms. White Thanked our parƟcipants in this evening’s reading. As we begin our meeƟng, I want 
to offer special recogniƟon of Alex Ray and Lisa Mure who will be traveling to Poland and 
Ukraine next week. Please travel safely with our deep appreciaƟon for your commitment to 
peace, compassion, and service. 
Old Business: 250th Anniversary Outline Update 
 
Mr. LoveƩ provided an update on the 250th outline, which alternates between historical 
content related to the DeclaraƟon of Independence and cultural touchstones. 
o Sam Brickley added a leƩer from Thomas Jefferson to a Mr. Weightman (10 days 
before Jefferson's death) and another piece. 
o Cultural touchstones include poems from John Greenleaf Whiƫer and Robert 
Frost. 
o Missy Mason from the Holderness Historical Society was influenƟal in developing 
the outline. 
o ReflecƟons or remembrances will conƟnue every other Monday unƟl the end of 
the year. 
 
AcƟon Item: Campbell will convert the 250th outline into a flyer, incorporaƟng Sam's 
edits and board approval. 
 
AcƟon Item: The flyer, showing the schedule through December 21st, will be posted on 
the town website, at the library, the post office, and town hall. 
New Business: Body Worn Cameras Proposal – ScoƩ Weden, Town Administrator 
 
Chief Difilippe proposed an upgrade to body worn cameras. 

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o Current System: Motorola Watchguard, a five-year lease program cosƟng $5,380 
per year (total $26,900), with renewal due in 26.27. The quality of Motorola's 
body worn cameras is not considered the best. 
o Proposed System: Axon Body Worn Cameras. 
 
CompaƟbility: Integrates with Tasers currently carried by police officers, 
automaƟcally starƟng recording when a Taser is pulled. 
 
Cost: The price has increased significantly due to technology, totaling 
$18,867.53 per year for five years ($83,855.70 total). This represents a 
211% increase over the Motorola system. 
 
Axon ContribuƟon: Axon will cover 10% of the cost in the first year, 
reducing the first year's expense to $8,385.58. This is $2,600 more than 
the previous Motorola annual payment. 
 
BudgeƟng: The first year's cost is ($8,385.58) the addiƟonal $2,600 is 
available in Chief Difilippe technology budget. Costs for subsequent years 
will be included in the 27.28 budget and the three years thereaŌer. 
o RaƟonale for Upgrade: Improved technology and funcƟonality, Taser integraƟon 
for automaƟc recording, Axon's contribuƟon to the first year's cost, enhanced 
safety for officers and the community, and protecƟon for the governing body 
through incident documentaƟon. 
 
Decision: A moƟon to approve the first year's expense of $8,385.58 for Axon body worn 
cameras was made by Mr. Francesco, seconded by Ms. Schwaner, and passed 
unanimously. 
Holderness Historical Society Water Pump in the Squam Channel: 
 
A pump submerged in the channel, which supplies water to plants across the bridge, 
required replacement. 
o The previous pump was approximately nine years old, and the town had 
previously paid half its cost, thus owning half. 
o The new pump is more expensive, with an installed cost of $2,200. The town's 
porƟon is $1,411. 
 
AcƟon Item: A check for the town's porƟon ($1,411) was signed and will be mailed. 
 
AppreciaƟon was expressed for the Holderness Historical Society's work on the flowers, 
which are considered a "very nice addiƟon to that downtown stretch." 
        Town Administrators Report 
July 27, 2026 
 
Department Head Visit: No 
 
OrganizaƟonal items:  
 
 Employee Handbook Revisions: The Select Board will hold a Work Session to review the 
Employee Handbook revisions on Monday, August 31st from 5:30 to 7:30PM. 

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 Cash VerificaƟon Policy: Town Clerk/Tax Collector had an incident where a counterfeit 
$100 bill was passed at the Town Clerks/Tax Collectors Office. I have been working with 
Jami and Amy on the development of a Cash VerificaƟon policy.   
 2025–2026 Master Plan Update: The Planning Board is conƟnuing its work sessions to 
review and finalize chapters of the comprehensive Master Plan Update. The Planning 
Board met on Tuesday, July 21st at 5:30PM to discuss the TransportaƟon Chapter.  
 Plymouth State University: Chief Difilippe and I met with President Birx and Rich 
Grossman on Wednesday, July 1st with regards to the Policing Agreement. We had a 
comprehensive discussion. On Monday, July 20th President Birx and Rich Grossman 
advised that funding for an additional officer presented by Chief Difilippe was 
confirmed. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be working on the Agreement for 
execution. 
 Plymouth Village Water & Sewer: On Tuesday, July 14th, I attended the Plymouth 
Village Water and Sewer, Source Water Protection Stakeholders meeting. It was the first 
meeting of the group which included representation from Holderness, Plymouth and 
members at large.  The purpose of the group is to work on a Source Water Protection 
Plan for the PVWSD, to include the Wells in Plymouth and Holderness as well as Prepare 
for emergencies, future community growth, potential contaminants and the zone of 
contribution from which drinking water source obtains water. 
 Town Clerk/Tax Collectors Office: Stark Electric was in on Thursday, July 16th to correct 
the Electrical wiring in the Town Clerk/Tax Collectors Office. 
 Department Head Meeting: We held a Department Head meeting on Monday, July 20th.  
We discussed the ending 25.26 ending Budget, and the 26.27 Budget implementation.  
Additionally, we spoke about any Safety Concerns and Issues that Departments have 
identified, and the implementation of a Credit Card Expense Report to accompany 
receipts when submitted to Finance. 
 Town Hall Fire Alarm System: Mango Alarm company was in on Wednesday, July 15th as 
we were having problems with a Detector Head in the upstairs meeting room. The 
Detector Heads in Town Hall are over 10 years old, with a recommended replacement 
between 8-10 years.  I have worked with Mango Alarm to replace the Detector Heads. 
 Town of Plymouth – Ambulance Service:  The Town of Holderness paid $266,362.00 for 
194 calls for service to the Town of Plymouth for Ambulance service from 7-1-25 
through 6-30-26.  In return the Town will be receiving a check for $69,044.35 for patient 
payments. 
 Taxes Paid:  Tax Collector, Jami Lyford reports that 95% of the taxes have been paid. 
Jami sent out 206 reminder notices which brought in $500,000. Typically, during this 
period 92-95% of taxes are paid. 
 Vacation:  I will be away on vacation from Friday August 7th in the afternoon through 
Wednesday, August 19th.  I will miss the Select Board meeting on Monday, August 10th. 
 Town Audit: Amy Sharpe, Finance Director advised that the Town Auditors, Roberts & 
Greene, PLLC will be here September 14 & 15 to conduct the Annual Audit for the year 
ending June 30th 2026. 
 

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Community Outreach:  
 
 Coffee with the Town Administrator:  On Tuesday, July 21st the first ConversaƟon & 
Coffee with the Town Administrator was held at the Holderness Free Library at 9:00AM. 
There were (27) people in aƩendance including Ms. White & Mr. Francesco. Ms. White 
took notes, and I will be working on the items of concern and interest. We discussed 
current events, upcoming events, meeƟngs and points of interest in the Town of 
Holderness. The next session will be scheduled in October. 
 Holderness Historical Society: Flowers on the Bridge – Missy Mason from the Historical 
Society sent an email reporƟng that the pump used to water the flowers on the bridge 
has stopped working and needs to be replaced.  The associated cost is $1,600.00 of 
which the Historical Society is asking that the Town split this cost.  In the spirit of keeping 
the downtown beauƟful, I believe we should split the cost with the Historical Society. 
Squam Livery pays for the electricity that powers the pump. 
 Pemigewasset Valley Fish & Game Club, INC.: Chief Difilippe conƟnues to research two 
items, one is based on 2026 case law in regards to expansion of ranges, and the second 
is RSA 644 secƟon 13 which states that a range must be at least 300 feet from buildings. 
We advised that we would reconvene aŌer Chief Difilippe has addiƟonal informaƟon.  
 
Respecƞully submiƩed, 
ScoƩ Weden 
Town Administrator 
Financial Report and Fire Truck Sale 
 
2025-2026 Budget Closeout: 
o Revenues remaining: $140,379. 
o Expenses remaining: $166,542. 
o Including the ambulance payment ($69,044 as of today), the total balance to be 
put into the fund balance is $375,966. 
 
Fire Truck Sale: The 1997 fire truck was picked up on Friday, July 17th. A check for 
$23,500 was received and deposited into the general fund, and the bill of sale was 
finalized. 
Select Board Member Report: Huckins Hill Road Discussion: Mr. Francesco  
 
Road ClassificaƟon: 
o The Select Board indicated that Huckins Hill Road is a Class 6 unmaintained town 
road based on research. 
o Its status as a Class 6 unmaintained town road is documented in all state records 
and at the registry of deeds for properƟes on the road. A sign at the entrance 
also indicates its Class 6 status. 
 
ExisƟng ProperƟes and Releases: 
o More than three houses are believed to be on the road. 

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o Residents who built on the Class 6 road signed a release pursuant to RSA 674-41, 
Liability Waiver which "indemnifies and releases any harm against the town for 
building on a Class VI Road" and acknowledges that emergency vehicles may not 
be able to access the properƟes. 
 
Proposed Subdivision: Mr. Francesco  
o A surveyor plans a three-lot subdivision on Hopkins Hill Road (Mr. Siek 
development). 
o This subdivision would be permissible because it is a town road. If it were a 
private road, it would not be permissible due to "zoning" which limits to no more 
than two dwellings on a private driveway unless brought up to standard. 
o The developer's original plan could have allowed four lots but chose three for 
cleaner, simpler property lines and setbacks. The largest lot has a stream, making 
most of it inaccessible without water crossing permits. 
o The lots are all over five acres, and individual lot setbacks appear clean. 
o The planning board's opinion on building permits is only an opinion and not 
binding on this board. 
 
Town Authority Regarding Roads: Mr. Francesco  
o The board has the authority to accept and approve a road if peƟƟoned, without 
requiring a town meeƟng vote. 
o However, the board does NOT have the authority to abandon or disconƟnue a 
town road. DisconƟnuance must go through a town meeƟng vote under RSA 231-
43 (Power to DisconƟnue Public Road), requiring 14 days' noƟce to all residents 
and abuƩers on the road. 
 
OpƟcs of DisconƟnuance: Concerns were raised about the "opƟcs" of disconƟnuing a 
town road aŌer residents have gone through approval processes for construcƟon. This 
could be perceived as "suppressing expansion" rather than managing growth in a 
"monitored and controlled" way. 
 
Tara Bamford's Planning Board Consultant SuggesƟon: Tara Bamford, an advisor, noted 
that the legislature recently passed a suggesƟon (not a law) that towns no longer allow 
subdivisions on Class 6 town roads. The board did not favor this suggesƟon. 
 
Future ConsideraƟon of Class 6 Roads: The board should evaluate other Class 6 roads 
for potenƟal abandonment, considering the number of such roads, their development 
level, and the opƟcs of such a decision. The "old highway" Class 6 road should be 
protected. 
 
Driveway Approvals: Mr. Francesco advised that Kevin Coburn, Highway Superintendent 
has given verbal approval for driveways, but a formal process must be followed. 
o AcƟon Item: ScoƩ will follow up with Kevin to ensure the formal process for 
driveway approvals is adhered to. 
 
Class 6 Road Maintenance: Allowing subdivision and building on a Class 6 road does not 
commit the town to maintaining it. Homeowners are responsible for maintenance on 
unmaintained town roads. 
o In 2019, a washout on Huckins Hill Road required homeowners to seek town 
permission to fix it, and repairs had to meet Class 6 road specificaƟons, 
confirming its status as a Class 6 town road. 

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 
PeƟƟon for Road Maintenance: If three new houses are built (totaling six houses on the 
road), residents could peƟƟon (PeƟƟon requires the signatures of 25 registered voters) 
the town at a town meeƟng to make it a town-maintained road. If accepted by voters, 
the road would have to be brought up to standard based on zoning regulaƟons before 
the town would accept maintenance, similar to processes for Lane Road and Pleasant 
Place. 
 
ConfirmaƟon of Class 6 Road Status: Research, including select board minutes and state 
roadway files, indicates Huckins Hill Road is a Class 6 unmaintained town roadway. Bill 
Nesheim, Chair of the Planning Board, sent an email regarding this. 
 
ContacƟng Town AƩorney: Bill Nesheim plans to contact the town aƩorney. Any board 
member or chair wishing to contact legal counsel should do so through ScoƩ Weden, 
Town Administrator. At this point there is not a need for Town Counsel to be involved.  
With no further business to come before the Board, a MoƟon to adjourn was made by Mr. 
Francesco and seconded by Mr. LoveƩ. The MeeƟng was adjourned at 6:23 P.M. 
 
Respecƞully SubmiƩed, 
ScoƩ Weden, Town Administrator