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Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes

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Approved Meeting Minutes of the July 20, 2026, Board of Selectmen Meeting 
 
Board of Selectmen 
July 20, 2026 
Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes 
 
Present: Selectmen Ed Haskell, Bob Berti, & Isaac DeWever 
Town Administrator: Joe Chivell 
 
6:00 PM Meeting called to order by Board Chair, Ed Haskell. 
Payroll and accounts payable checks reviewed and signed. 
 
Documents to review & sign: 
• Payroll worksheet 
 
6:00 PM 
Transfer Station 
 
The Board of Selectmen met with the Rumney Transfer Station Superintendent, Milton 
“Sonny” Ouellette for an update on the Transfer Station operations. 
 
Superintendent Ouellette provided a handout showing the reduction of tonnage since the 
Town of Dorchester discontinued the use of the Rumney Transfer Station. 
 
There was a discussion regarding approaching a couple area towns to start using the 
Rumney Transfer Station allowing them to close their site or change the location they use 
for their transfer station needs. Ouellette stated that operationally he was in favor of 
approaching a couple area Towns. The Operating budget would need to reflect the 
percentage of tonnage that our operation would absorb.  
 
Superintendent Ouellette reported that he is working on creating and ordering a plaque to 
honor the memory of long time Transfer Station attendant Billy Moses. Ouellette has looked 
at different types of metal and wood designs. He will report back to the Board on his 
findings.  
 
An overview of the new DES Solid Waste Surcharge and the municipal reimbursement 
process was provided by Ouellette. The Town has received its vendor number and project 
number. A request for an ACH reimbursement has been submitted. Ouellette reported that 
the first round of reimbursements has been submitted. Submissions are limited to 90-day 
periods of time; Ouellette believes the first round of reimbursement is about $400.00.  
 
 
 

Approved Meeting Minutes of the July 20, 2026, Board of Selectmen Meeting 
 
6:30 PM 
Police Department – 
 
The Board met with Police Chief Greg Patten for a Department update. Chief Patten 
reported that the Department has sixteen open-court cases; four pending trials and the 
remaining twelve are either hearings or arraignments.  
 
Chief Patten reported that the Department continues to be busy taking on new cases, 
today the Chief received a felony bad check report and a sexual assault involving a minor. 
The Department has been busy dealing with neighborhood dispute issues. The Department 
continues to assist the Fire-EMS Department with their calls for service. The Chief reported 
that they receive motor vehicle complaints daily.  
 
The radar sign was posted on Rumney Route 25 in the area of Dorchester Road tracking 
eastbound traffic. Chief Patten reported that during a 7-day period it tracked 13,500 
vehicles. It was reported that 73% of the vehicles were travelling over the posted speed 
limit, with a peak speed of 80MPH.  
 
The Board had requested a status of the Internal Review Policy that has been mandated 
under NH RSA 106-L19 (eff, Jan. 1, 2023) and NHPSCT Law Enforcement Accountability. He 
assured the Board the policy had been filed as required and he planned to bring a copy for 
tonight’s meeting, but got busy and did not have time to get it ready.  
 
The Board requested a status update on the MDT grant the Chief had submitted. Chief 
Patten reported that he had no news on the grant other than his understanding that 50% of 
the eligible towns had received their grant award notification.  
 
The Police Department was given the Unlicensed Dog Warrant, that was signed during the 
June 15, 2026, Board of Selectmen Meeting, to follow up on. There were twenty dogs on the 
list, and a total of sixteen different owners. Chief Patten stated that he spoke with one 
owner today and had attempted to contact three others by telephone. He feels several of 
the dogs listed are no longer in Rumney.  
 
The Board had asked about Rumney police coverage on the weekends. Chief Patten 
reported that half to three quarters of the weekend have been covered. If Rumney Police 
are not out, State Police cover the Town.  
 
During a past meeting with the Board of Selectmen Chief Patten reported that he wanted to 
research replacing the Department handguns. Patten stated that he still plans to look into 
this but has not started the research.  
 

Approved Meeting Minutes of the July 20, 2026, Board of Selectmen Meeting 
 
Chief Patten stated that he still plans to look into starting a drone program, he is still 
researching the possibilities.  
 
The open Police Secretary position had 7 applications, the Chief reported 6 withdrew and 
the remaining one had forgotten to respond. 
 
Chief Patten reported that his cruiser had a flat tire last week. It was repaired but will plan 
to purchase new summer tires next year. Patten reported that Officer O’Leary’s vehicle was 
backed into while he was on a call. The driver’s side rear door received some minor scrapes 
on the decals.  
 
At 6:45 PM Selectman, Isaac DeWever, stated he had an item that should be discussed in 
nonpublic session. DeWever made a motion to enter nonpublic session as allowed by NH 
RSA 91-A:3, II (a). The motion received a second from Selectman, Ed Haskell. There was no 
discussion on the motion. Following a rollcall vote the motion passed 3-0. 
 
At 6:50 PM Selectman Isaac DeWever, made a motion to leave nonpublic session and 
return to public session. The motion received a second from Selectman, Bob Berti. There 
was no discussion on the motion. Following a rollcall vote the motion passed 3-0.  
 
6:50 PM 
Town Administrator Report – 
 
A copy of the July 6, 2026, Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes were provided for the Board 
review. Selectman, Isaac DeWever, made a motion to accept the minutes from the Board of 
Selectmen’s July 6, 2026, Board Meeting. The motion received a second from Selectman, 
Bob Berti. There was no discussion on the motion. The motion passed 3-0. 
 
The notice of payment for Forest and Lands was provided for the Board to review. The Town 
Administrator reported that the Town had received the payment in the amount of 
$42,703.00. 
 
An invoice for the Fire Department’s Emergency Response to 372 East Rumney Road had 
been mailed to the responsible party and the property owner. It was reported that payment 
had been made by the property owner. 
 
As reported during an earlier meeting, the Town is eligible for either reimbursement or 
credit towards the 2027 Worker Compensation coverage. The amount earned by the Town 
is $1,443.00. The Board agreed to request a credit of $1,443.00 towards the 2027 invoice.  
 
The 2025-2026 Plymouth Ambulance reimbursement of payments totaled $56,986.92. The 
Town will receive a reimbursement check in that amount within the next few weeks.  

Approved Meeting Minutes of the July 20, 2026, Board of Selectmen Meeting 
 
 
Town Administrator, Joe Chivell, reported that Todd Randlett had been contracted to 
complete the junkyard cleanup of the Daigle property, 172 School Street. Randlett, Fire-
EMS Chief, Evan Hacker, and Town Administrator, Joe Chivell, were on site the day of July 
15, 2026, for the cleanup. Trash and debris were removed from the site, and it is felt that the 
property is 90% compliant. There is a verbal agreement regarding a few items that were left 
behind that will be addressed by the property occupant.    
 
A site inspection of 79 School Street, the Saunders property, is scheduled for July 24, 2026; 
to inspect the progress they are making on their cleanup effort. Several other properties will 
follow.  
 
The Town website is undergoing a migration. CivicPlus will remain the host company and 
will take over the maintenance from a third party they have been using. The initial work will 
be done in the background. Once the migration is complete the website will look a little 
different, but it will hold all the same content.  
 
The Board of Selectmen meet the first and third Monday of each month. The first Monday of 
September is September 7, 2026, Labor Day. When the Board of Selectmen meeting 
schedule was set last December, the Boards week one meeting was moved to September 
8, 2026, which is now known to be Primary Election Day. The Board was asked to consider 
either moving their meeting a week early, a week late, or simply cancelling the meeting all 
together. It was decided to wait until the August 17, 2026, Select Board meeting to make 
the final decision on this meeting date. 
 
While the Highway Department grader and roller were parked on Doetown Road diesel fuel 
was stolen from the equipment. Between trucking diesel to the site, priming, and prepping 
the equipment almost an entire day’s work was lost. Camera systems and other deterrents 
were discussed. 
 
Following a review of needed winter materials, a purchase order for 2026-2027 Winter sand 
was submitted. The cost per yard is $13.75 which includes delivery. The Board agreed with 
the purchase and Select Board Chair, Ed Haskell, signed the purchase order. Warren Sand 
and Gravel will begin deliveries upon the request of the Road Agent.  
 
Following the completion of the FY2025 audit the 2025 MS-535 has been completed and 
was made available for review and signatures from the Board. The Board agreed to accept 
the 2025 MS-535, and all three Board members signed the document. It will now be 
submitted to the NH-DRA portal.  
 

Approved Meeting Minutes of the July 20, 2026, Board of Selectmen Meeting 
 
NH-DOT supplied the Town with a driveway application for a property located off Rumney 
Route 25. The application also included a potential layout of the property the driveway will 
access. Both were provided as preliminary information for the Town.  
 
 
 
7:10 PM 
Old Business – 
 
The School Street culvert emergency culvert replacement project is moving forward. The 
Town was able to provide an overview of the work that had been completed and an 
additional overview of the scope of work that could be completed to NHDES. The NHDES 
reviewed that information and authorized the additional emergency work and extended the 
Emergency Authorization out to August 15, 2026. 
 
The Board was informed of the progress made to date: 
• The temporary easement was signed by the property owners at 415 School Street 
allowing equipment to access the work area.  
• The old headwall that had been pulling away from the bank has been removed.  
• The pre-existing galvanized culvert pipe has been removed.  
• Using a coupler a plastic ADS culvert pipe has been added to the existing concrete 
culvert pipe that is under School Street. 
Moving forward the plan is:   
• A concrete footing and end wall will be poured to support the plastic ADS culvert pipe. 
• The footing and end wall will be placed in the same footprint as the prior end wall. 
• This area will be back filled and compacted with gravel. 2 foot + ledge will be used for bank 
stabilization.  
• Rip rap will be used to receive the water exiting the outlet end of the culvert pipe to 
eliminate erosion. 
• The area will be seeded and mulched to bring it back to the preexisting appearance. 
 
Town Administrator, Joe Chivell, spoke with NH-HSEM regarding mitigation funds. Chivell reported 
that the mitigation funds process would be at least 18 to 24 months and the requirement to meet 
possible funding would probably more than double the cost of the project, and funding would not 
be guaranteed.  
 
While part of the Highway Department Staff was working on the School Street project, other 
members were working on the Buffalo Road ditching effort, maximizing the time they have the 
rented excavator. As they ditch, they are inspecting the culverts that are in place. Most are either 
plastic or concrete, only one appears to be in need of replacement.  

Approved Meeting Minutes of the July 20, 2026, Board of Selectmen Meeting 
 
 
The Old Route 25 crack seal project started today. Both Road Agent Jesse Horne and Selectmen 
Ed Haskell, reported that they are happy with the product being used. They both were happy with 
the installation of the sealant as well. It will be about a two-week project, weather permitting.  
 
There were no EMS District Meetings this month The attorney, from DrummondWoodsum, 
assigned to work with the member Towns to create the District supplied the Towns involved with 
documents they require to move forward with the legal component of creating the District. One 
document was a Conflict Disclosure, and the second document was the agreement to complete 
the work for the Formation of the EMS District. Both documents were reviewed. Selectman, Bob 
Berti, made a motion to sign both the Conflict Disclosure and the Formation documents. The 
motion received a second from Selectman, Isaac DeWever. There was no discussion on the 
motion. The motion passed 3-0. Both documents were signed by the Board of Selectmen.  
 
The roadside signs, to be placed on Rumney Route 25 to show the Sand Hill Bridge has a 6-ton 
limit, have been ordered.  
 
7:35PM 
New Business – 
 
Old Home Day topics were discussed. Old Home Day Chair Roger Scroggins sent an email asking 
about the electrical outlets that are broken. Selectman, Isaac DeWever, stated that he plans to 
attend the Old Home Day Committee meeting tomorrow and will inspect the outlets.  
 
Scroggins also asked about the agreement to use the Eaton property for parking again this year. 
Town Administrator, Joe Chivell, provided an updated use agreement for the Board to review. 
Chivell stated that he would meet with the Eaton’s and ask if they will sign the agreement. The 
Board approved the updated agreement and Selectman, Isaac DeWever, made a motion to allow 
Town Administrator, Joe Chivell, to sign on behalf of the Town once the Eaton’s sign the 
agreement. The motion received a second from Selectman, Ed Haskell. There was no discussion, 
the motion passed 3-0. 
 
The Board members discussed their availability for the opening ceremony. There will also be a 
Selectmen’s table this year to allow for information to be shared about creating the EMS District 
and the creation of The Rumney Trade and Technology Scholarship.  
 
There was a discussion that the Board hopes everyone remembers this is intended to be a family 
friendly environment. At times gatherings can become politically divisive and this event is not the 
place for this type of rhetoric. 
 
Town Administrator, Joe Chivell, reported to the Board that there is no one currently holding the 
Boston Post Cane. Chivell asked if the Board would like to offer the Cane to the oldest Rumney 

Approved Meeting Minutes of the July 20, 2026, Board of Selectmen Meeting 
 
Resident and perhaps present it during the Old Home Day event. The Board agreed that it would 
be appropriate and asked that attempts be made to make the presentation happen.  
 
Stowell and Rhonda Kelner, 69 Water Street, Rumney, delivered a letter to the Board of Selectmen 
regarding the Rumney Highway Department. It was a compliment for the Road Agent and staff for 
their fine job on Water Street. Noting that the road surface is better than it has been in years. Also 
complimenting them on their respect for the front lawns and mailboxes while widening the street. 
The Board acknowledged the letter and appreciated the time it took the Kelner’s to write and 
dropoff the letter. The Board also asked that a copy of the letter be placed in the personnel files of 
both Jesse Horne and Frank Smith.  
 
7:47PM 
Nonpublic for Personnel Discussion – 
 
Selectman, Isaac DeWever, made a motion to enter nonpublic session as allowed by NH 
RSA 91-A:3, II (a) & (c). The motion received a second from Selectman, Bob Berti. There was 
no discussion on the motion. Following a roll call vote the motion passed 3-0. 
 
8:10 PM 
Return to Public Session – 
 
Selectman, Ed Haskell, made a motion to leave nonpublic session and return to public 
session. The motion received a second from Selectman, Isaac DeWever. Following a roll 
call vote the motion passed 3-0. 
 
8:12 PM 
Adjournment – 
 
Selectman, Isaac DeWever, made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion received a 
second from Selectman, Bob Berti. There was no discussion on the motion. The motion 
passed 3-0. 
 
 Sincerely submitted,   
 
  
Joe Chivell  
Town Administrator   
Rumney, NH   
 
Up-coming Meeting/Closure Dates  
 
  
 
 
Planning Borad Meeting 
 
 
 
 
July 28, 2026 
Board of Selectmen Meeting 
 
 
 
August 3,2026 
Conservation Commission Meeting  
 
 
August 12, 2026 

Approved Meeting Minutes of the July 20, 2026, Board of Selectmen Meeting 
 
Board of Selectmen Meeting 
 
 
 
August 17, 2026 
Planning Board Meeting  
 
 
 
 
August 25, 2026 
Town Office Close – Labor Day 
 
 
 
September 7, 2026 
Primary Election  
 
 
 
 
 
September 8, 2026