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MINUTES OF THE JULY 20, 2026 SELECT BOARD MEETING 
 
MEMBERS PRESENT:  Board Members Vice Chair Joe Anderson, Tedd Tramaloni 
 
ABSENT:  Chair Allison Knab 
 
ALSO PRESENT:  Town Administrator Tim Roache, director of Planning & Building Vanessa 
Price, Police Chief Anthony King 
 
At 6:30pm Mr. Anderson opened the meeting and announced that he was honored to swear in a 
new officer tonight.  Alex Shawnie Martinez took the Oath of Office. 
 
Mr. Anderson then called for a motion on the minutes.  Mr. Tramaloni motioned to approve the 
minutes of July 6, 2026.  Mr. Anderson requested the minutes be amended to include a motion at 
8:41pm, Ms. Knab sealed the minutes and was seconded by himself and all voted in favor.  Mr. 
Anderson seconded the motion.  All voted in favor. 
 
Mr. Anderson moved to the Financial Report.  Mr. Roache reviewed the Board’s April 6 decision 
to pursue an investment strategy that places an additional $1 million into the NH Public Deposit 
Investment Pool (PDIP) and establishes two $2 million CDs structured to maintain liquidity.  
This approach provides additional investment income while keeping the fund balance at 
approximately $3–4 million.  Mr. Tramaloni noted that the interest earned could help offset 
unanticipated costs.  Mr. Tramaloni motioned to accept the recommendation of the Town 
Treasurer and Finance Administrator and authorize the investment of $1 million dollars in the 
New Hampshire Public Deposit Investment Pool and an additional $4 million in two separate 
$2,000,000 CDs to mature on a monthly basis.  Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.  All voted in 
favor. 
 
Mr. Anderson moved to the Planning and Building Department report.  Ms. Price announced that 
the Town has received the PREPA Grant for the Town Landing and shoreline restabilization 
project and is awaiting the grant award agreement.  She noted that the Town is still waiting for 
the Rockingham Planning Commission’s report on the Stratham Hill Park visioning session and 
survey.  The Open Space Connectivity Plan is expected to be adopted by the Planning Board in 
September, after which subcommittees will be formed to begin work on the plan’s goals and 
objectives. 
 
Ms. Price reported that the RPC Technical Advisory Committee on transportation planning may 
propose two projects: Portsmouth Avenue sidewalks and surveys to assess current bike and 
pedestrian use, along with a potential reconfiguration of the Stratham Circle.  She stated that the 
Planning Board is continuing work on zoning amendments and discussed vacancies on both the 
Planning Board and Zoning Board.  She added that the temporary part-time building inspector 
has been very helpful.  Since April 19, the department has issued 297 permits, collected over 
$667,000 in fees, and completed 261 inspections. 
 

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July 20, 2026 
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Mr. Anderson asked about online permitting.  Ms. Price said she is exploring options and plans to 
request CIP funding this year, noting that a BRIC grant may also be available.  She reviewed 
current building projects in town. 
 
Ms. Price requested release of the Golf Club of New England bond, reporting that the Planning 
Board recommends approval as all required work has been completed and conditions satisfied.  
Mr. Tramaloni motioned the release of the remaining 2004 bond associated with topcoat paving 
at the Golf Club of New England.  Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.   
 
Mr. Anderson moved to the 76ers’ request to hold a bake sale at the November election and 
asked that the Moderator be consulted to confirm whether he would approve the activity. 
 
Mr. Anderson then opened the floor for public comment.  Ms. McGrail asked when the report 
from the Stratham Hill Park visioning meetings would be available.  Mr. Anderson stated that 
RPC is compiling the survey data and the report should be ready soon. 
 
Mr. Roache reported that Plaistow ALS is working to keep its advanced life support program 
funded and sustainable.  Their proposed model includes pursuing grant funding and requesting 
financial support from participating towns.  The grant application is due July 31, and Plaistow 
ALS is seeking both a letter of support and a financial commitment from the Town.  The 
proposed contribution would begin at $15,000 in 2027 and increase gradually through 2032, 
reaching $94,000 annually. 
 
Plaistow’s legal counsel is drafting a warrant article for each participating town to formalize 
participation in the phased funding plan.  Mr. Tramaloni asked how costs would be allocated 
among towns and whether Stratham uses the service enough to justify the expense.  Mr. 
Anderson noted that the Fire Chief has usage statistics and that Stratham is on the higher end of 
service utilization, making participation worthwhile.  Mr. Tramaloni moved that the Select Board 
authorize the Town Administrator and Fire Chief to sign a letter of continued support for the 
Plaistow ALS Intercept Program and further authorize the Town Administrator or Fire Chief to 
sign a letter of intent to place a warrant article on the agenda for the 2027 Town Meeting 
authorizing phased funding for the program beginning in 2027 and continuing for a five-year 
period if approved.  Stratham's 2027 commitment would total approximately $15,000, with 
increases each year culminating in 2032 with an estimated contribution of approximately 
$94,000.  Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.  All voted in favor. 
 
Mr. Anderson moved to the Fire Tower agenda item.  Mr. Roache reviewed that voters approved 
the warrant article at the last Town Meeting to raise and appropriate $250,000 for rehabilitation 
of the fire tower.  RFPs were issued, and two proposals were received; one is being 
recommended.  The recommended proposal was the most comprehensive, demonstrating a strong 
understanding of the tower’s condition.  It includes a full sandblast and recoat rather than limited 
spot repairs, uses a DOT-approved subcontractor for foundation anchor-bolt work, and provides a 
three-coat finish.  The work can be completed in 2026 and the proposal is within budget.  Mr. 
Roache noted that the fire tower is not unsafe; the project is a preventative measure to ensure its 
longevity.  Mr. Tramaloni motioned that  the select board accept the recommendation of the 
Director of Public Works and award Modern Protective Coating Inc a contract in the amount of 

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July 20, 2026 
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$224,400 for service preparation, structural repairs, quality control inspections, and application 
of long-term protective coating systems to the Stratham Hill Park fire tower, and authorize the 
Town Administrator to execute a contract.  Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.  All voted in 
favor. 
 
Mr. Anderson moved to the PFAS agenda item.  Mr. Roache reported that the Town continues to 
operate under an existing contract that reimburses costs for water-treatment systems and 
maintenance related to the PFAS plume near the fire station.  He noted that a new treatment 
system was recently installed at a dwelling that had tested in exceedance; the homeowner has 
now agreed to participate.  The Town is able to extend the grant to cover installation and one 
year of maintenance, and Mr. Roache stated it is sensible to do so.  He worked with NH DES to 
prepare the necessary documents and requested authorization to extend the grant and sign the 
certificate of vote, which he will provide to the Board.  Mr. Tramaloni motioned that the Select 
Board accept the proposed amendments to the PFAS remediation grant and loan fund agreement 
further authorize the Town Administrator to sign the agreement on behalf of the Select Board.  
Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.   
 
Mr. Anderson moved to the Stevens Park agenda item.  Mr. Roache reported that an RFP was 
issued concurrently with the fire tower RFP for improvements at Stevens Park, including a 
pavilion, potential pickleball courts, and driveway paving.  Three responses were received: one 
for the pavilion only, one for the pickleball courts only, and one covering all three components.  
All proposals came in significantly higher than expected, particularly for the pavilion.  A 40' x 
60' pavilion with restrooms and septic was estimated at approximately $900,000–$1 million, far 
above anticipated costs.  Mr. Roache noted the need to reassess project scope, possibly 
considering a smaller pavilion or alternative restroom options. 
 
Mr. Tramaloni shared that the Energy Commission had discussed potential grants tied to 
incorporating a solar array, but given the high pavilion cost, he felt such an addition would be 
impractical.  Mr. Roache reported that the pickleball court proposal ranged from $600,000 to 
nearly $700,000 for six courts, and paving costs were nearly $500,000.  He suggested having an 
independent reviewer—someone not bidding on the project—evaluate the proposals to determine 
whether the Town’s specifications may have contributed to the high costs.  The original warrant 
article allocated $600,000 for the project.  The Board agreed to continue reviewing options and 
gather more information. 
 
Mr. Roache reported that installation of the keyless access system is underway.  He then 
provided an update on lease agreements for Town-owned rental properties, noting that last year 
the Board directed that all leases be updated to align with a three-year phased rent-increase 
schedule.  He is working to finalize the updated leases and will implement the increases in 
accordance with the memo. 
 
Mr. Roache next updated the Board on the Lane property.  The water service line from the well 
to the building has been installed and is functioning.  A plumber is expected on site within the 
next one to two weeks to repair winter ice-freeze damage, preparing the building for winter 
occupancy.  Exterior improvements continue, and the east porch—originally slated to remain—

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has now been approved for removal, allowing additional exterior work.  After plumbing repairs, 
the heating system will be addressed.  He will keep the Board informed as the project progresses. 
He reported ongoing work on several policies and procedures, including the fund balance policy, 
purchasing policy, mailbox replacement policy, and an internal Right-to-Know procedure.  These 
will be brought to the Board as meeting schedules allow or as priorities arise.  The employee 
manual update is also underway, and Mr. Roache commended Mr. Hickey and Mr. Anderson for 
their work on the project. 
 
Mr. Roache stated that the CIP and Capital Reserve process will be discussed at the upcoming 
department head meeting and noted he has a stronger grasp of the process this year.  He is 
already reviewing the Town budget and preparing for the 2027 Town Meeting, working with the 
Finance Administrator on the design of the budget spreadsheet. 
 
Mr. Anderson asked about planning for the September 23 Seabrook graded drill.  Mr. Roache 
said he will reach out to Homeland Security for assistance.  Mr. Anderson also noted that the first 
Monday in September is Labor Day and the following day is the State Primary; the Board will 
discuss scheduling considerations at a later time. 
 
Mr. Anderson returned to the discussion regarding redesignating the Stratham Hill Park 
Association (SHPA) as a Town committee.  Mr. Roache reported that Town Counsel confirmed 
the Association, as a voluntary corporation, was administratively dissolved in February 2011.  
Mr. Crow noted that at that time, the Association transferred its funds to the Trustees of the Trust 
Funds as required.  Mr. Roache stated this allows the Town to move forward with forming a 
Town committee and presented a draft charge for review. 
 
Mr. Anderson informed SHPA attendees that becoming a Town committee would require 
compliance with Right-to-Know laws, formal committee membership, and other Town 
committee rules.  Mr. Roache explained that the draft charge reflects the advisory work SHPA 
has historically provided on park functions and maintenance, with future structure including one 
Select Board liaison and one staff representative, likely Mr. Hickey. 
 
Mr. Crow asked whether Primex would provide insurance coverage; Mr. Roache confirmed that 
as a Town committee, SHPA would be covered under the Town’s insurance umbrella.  SHPA 
members asked whether the Board wanted them to become a committee.  Mr. Blood requested 
clarity on expectations, and Mr. Crow expressed support for added structure. They agreed to 
review the draft charge further. 
 
Mr. Crow asked when committee protections would apply.  Mr. Anderson said appointments 
must be made first, and Mr. Roache added that members would need to be sworn in.  Mr. 
Tramaloni noted that appointments would include defined terms.  He also raised liability 
considerations, stating that Town-covered activities may require supervision by a Town 
employee and that some past independent work may need Board approval going forward.  Mr. 
Roache emphasized that SHPA would need to present proposed work to the Board for 
authorization, as committees cannot independently commit Town funds or enter contracts. 
 

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Mr. Blood referenced prior discussions with the former Town Administrator and Select Board 
Chair about qualified volunteers using Town equipment, noting an agreement had been drafted. 
Mr. Roache and Mr. Tramaloni were unaware of the document, and Mr. Blood said he would 
provide a copy.  Mr. Roache noted this is a separate issue involving volunteer use of private or 
Town equipment.  Mr. Blood stated SHPA is not seeking to add work for Town employees and is 
willing to perform tasks themselves.  Mr. Tramaloni reiterated the need to ensure liability 
coverage for equipment damage or injury.  Mr. Roache said these topics will be placed on a 
future agenda. 
 
Mr. Cushing, Chair of the Summerfest Committee, thanked the Stratham Hill Park Association 
for their support during the America 250 celebration.  Mr. Anderson noted he received numerous 
positive comments from residents about the event.  Mr. Crow expressed appreciation for the 
DPW’s excellent work cleaning the park afterward.  Mr. Cushing highlighted the strong 
cooperation among the Park Association, Fire Department, Police Department, Parks & 
Recreation, and DPW in making the event a success. 
 
Mr. Anderson noted that September 11, 2026 will mark the 25th anniversary of the 2001 attacks 
and expressed interest in holding a more significant remembrance than in past years.  The group 
will consider ideas for an appropriate memorial event. 
 
Mr. Anderson then recognized Joe Callaghan, who introduced himself as the Town’s new 
Building Inspector / Code Enforcement Officer and attended the meeting to observe. 
Mr. Tramaloni motioned to approve the request from Troop 185 for a raffle permit for a car show 
on September 27, 2026 at Stratham Hill Park.  Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.  All voted in 
favor. 
 
Mr. Tramaloni motioned to approve the fireworks application from a Blueridge resident for 
Saturday, August 1, 2026 pending final approval from the Fire Chief.  Mr. Anderson seconded 
the motion.  All voted in favor. 
 
At 7:57pm Mr. Anderson motioned to go into a non-public session under RSA 91-A:3, II (a) and 
(b).  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion.  Roll call:  Anderson-yes; Tramaloni-yes. 
At 8:19pm Mr. Anderson motioned to come out of the non-public session and seal the minutes in 
accordance with RSA 91-A:3, III noting failure to do so may affect adversely the reputation of 
another.  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion.  All voted in favor. 
 
Mr. Tramaloni reported that in order to record and post meetings, he needs to load the required 
software onto the Owl device but was unable to do so because he does not have administrative 
privileges.  He will need to configure the system and schedule another test.  Mr. Roache will 
speak with Mr. Hickey to address the issue. 
 
At 8:22pm  Mr. Anderson motioned to adjourn.  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion.  All voted 
in favor. 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
Karen Richard, Recording Secretary