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2026_08_10 SB Minutes

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Town of Stratford
Board of Selectboard Meeting
Fuller Town Hall @ 3:30 PM
August 10, 2026
Call to Order: 3:30PM by Harry Juergens
Selectmen present: Harry Juergens and Ron Scott, Jr, Charlie Goulet
Others present: Suzanne Goulet, Vanessa Toner, Brian Hays
Brian: Provided updates on the ongoing water system improvements following the issues discussed in 
July. The transition from the older control boards to a new PLC system is approximately 90% 
complete. The existing boards are still being used to transfer signals due to limitations with the current 
pressure transducer. A new transducer will be purchased to complete the upgrade. The Board also 
discussed adding a mechanical pressure switch as a backup in the event of PLC failure. The surge valve 
micro switch has developed a fault. Temporary workarounds were discussed, along with potential 
replacement costs. If VFDs are installed in the future, the existing valve may no longer be necessary. 
An electrical storm recently tripped a contactor at the Milhouse lift station, requiring repairs and pump 
re-priming. Additional stabilization work is planned. Statewide Aquastore is scheduled to inspect the 
reservoir tank and address a minor leak using drone technology. A DES sanitary survey is scheduled 
for August 19. Recent improvements include improved labeling, updated chemical logs, daily water 
testing, and general cleanup of the treatment area. Sewer System & Lagoon: Routine operations 
continue at the pump and lift stations with no major issues reported. Outflow continues to be 
monitored, and the sewer truck is scheduled for inspection this month. Progress on lagoon closure 
planning remains slow, with continued coordination with Verdantes, formerly Horizons, under state 
direction. Lead Service Line Survey: Underwood Engineers has been re-engaged to complete the visual 
inspection certification required as part of the statewide lead and copper survey. The certification has 
been signed by the local contact and will be forwarded to Underwood Engineers. Challenges remain 
with homeowner participation and the feasibility of completing the survey in a small municipality.
Suzanne: Library Solar & EV Charger: discussed increased library electric bills, which were traced to 
the solar inverter being switched off. The issue was corrected and the inverter was secured with a zip 
tie. One solar panel was damaged, possibly due to vandalism. Replacement was authorized using capi­
tal reserve funds. The EV charger was decommissioned due to ongoing costs and misuse, including ve­
hicles being left plugged in overnight. The Board discussed potentially installing a timer if the charger 
is brought back into service and will review future electric bills before making further decisions. Veter­
ans Monuments & Grant Research: continued efforts to identify funding and contractors for repairs to 
the veteran’s monuments. Various patching materials and potential grant opportunities, including a 
Moose Plate grant, were discussed. If permanent repairs cannot be scheduled before winter, temporary 
patching may be necessary. Road Maintenance: updated road repair lists provided by Mike Lynch and 
Steve LaFrance were distributed for Board members to review and inspect prior to the upcoming bud­
get season. The Board also noted ongoing state work involving ditches and culverts following previous 
requests from the Town. Primex: An insurance claim was filed for a fire department radio damaged in a 
vehicle accident. Suzanne also wanted the board to know that the Carr’s had written a thank you letter 
for the work on Stevens Terrace with Lynch, LLC.
Select Board:

Juergens: Discussed repainting the school crosswalk, which is now the Town's responsibility. Quotes 
will be obtained, including consideration of associated traffic control costs.
Goulet: Updating the Timer switch at the public works building will reach out 
Scott: Approved proceeding with the removal of three trees near Stevens Terrace and a dead maple 
near the ball field. The work will be completed by an approved contractor
Manifest:  C. Goulet / R. Scott, Jr. approved 3/0 to sign for 7/27/2026, 8/3/2026.
Signed between meetings: Reservation for Fournier, Letter to Aldrich, Building Cert Stockman, 
Reservation NCA Home & Health Agency Butterfly Release
Old Business: N/A
New Business: Signed Documents: Minutes, SM 7/27
Reminders:  Hazard Mitigation Meeting September 2,9,23,30 @5PM, Class VI webinar 8/12 12-1PM. 
Selectboard Meeting’s 8/24 and 9/21 will be at The Grange at 6PM, Election Law training 9/1/2026 
11:30-2PM Colebrook Court Rm Town Hall
Public Input: N/A
Non- Public: (3) RB Applications
Meeting Adjourned: 4:18PM   
Minutes prepared by: V. Toner