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2026_07_27 SB Minutes

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Town of Stratford
Board of Selectboard Meeting
Fuller Town Hall @ 3:30 PM
July 27, 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 a significant water leak and was recently located and shut off at the curb, 
allowing the well pumps to return to normal operation for approximately one week. On Friday, the sys­
tem experienced low water pressure when the pumps failed to operate in automatic mode. Laviolette 
Controls was contacted and the pumps were temporarily operated manually to maintain adequate reser­
voir levels for fire protection. Further investigation determined that the pressure center control board 
had malfunctioned. Although cycling power temporarily restored operation, the pumps later failed to 
shut off properly, resulting in an overpressure event. This caused an excessive chemical feed, primarily 
involving caustic chemicals. The issue was corrected by flushing hydrants throughout the system. The 
New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) was notified and advised that no ad­
ditional reporting would be necessary unless the system experienced further failures. At the time of the 
meeting, manual operation of the pumps remained unavailable. Laviolette Controls is scheduled to re­
wire the system by bypassing the outdated pressure center controls and integrating pump operations 
into the existing programmable logic controller (PLC). The Board also discussed replacement of the 
school's aging two-inch digital water meter, whose internal battery is failing. Quotes will be obtained 
for replacement, and installation will be coordinated with the school's planned actuated shutoff valve 
installation. The recent water leak resulted in unusually high-water usage reports submitted to NHDES. 
Supporting documentation, including repair records and leak assessments, was provided to regulators 
and accepted. Routine maintenance is also scheduled for August, including replacement of a suction 
line on the lift pump at the mill house. He also advised on a newly available grant and loan program de­
signed to improve aging water infrastructure. Potential projects include upgrades to wells, pumps, con­
trol systems, variable frequency drives (VFDs), ventilation and dehumidification systems, and replace­
ment of the aging well house generator. The current generator, a 1990s diesel-powered Onan unit, has 
become unreliable and emits excessive smoke. The Board agreed to pursue available grant opportuni­
ties for these improvements.
Vanessa: Reviewed increasing tire disposal costs resulting from higher vendor charges and fuel sur­
charges. After discussion, the Board approved the following revised tire disposal fees: Passenger vehi­
cle tires: $6.00 per tire, regardless of size or whether mounted on a rim. 
Select Board:
Juergens: The Board discussed a shed located within the Town right-of-way on Christie Road belong­
ing to the Aldrich property.  Motion by Charles Goulet, seconded by Ron Scott, Jr., to send a formal 
letter requesting removal of the shed from the Town right-of-way. Motion carried unanimously. The 
Board also reviewed a complaint concerning a racetrack and driveway located on Mapleton Road. Af­
ter investigation, it was determined that the work is located entirely on private property and no Town 
action is required.
Goulet: N/A

Scott: The Board reviewed a quote of $1,200 for removal of four dead trees, including three located on 
Stevens Terrace and one on Main Street. Board members agreed to inspect the trees prior to the next 
meeting before making a final decision regarding removal. Unanimous 3-0 motion to review in 2 
weeks.
Manifest:  C. Goulet / R. Scott, Jr. approved 3/0 to sign for 7/13/2026, 7/20/2026.
Signed between meetings: MS 535, Reviewed Vol FF Job description- send to Chief for approval, 
Building Cert Ext Arruda, Curley, Fletcher. Oaths for McMann, Lister, Routhier and Heinrichs. Reser­
vations Stinson, Deeda’s Baskets and Event Permit for NCA Home & Health Agency Butterfly Release
Old Business: N/A
New Business: Signed Documents: Minutes, SM 7/13, NHDOT Driveway Permit Bog Rd, NHDES 
Kearsarge alteration.
Reminders:  Hazard Mitigation Meeting September 2,9,23,30 @5PM, Class VI webinar 8/12 12-1PM.
Public Input: N/A
Non- Public: N/A
Meeting Adjourned: 4:30PM   
Minutes prepared by: V. Toner