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Selectboard Regular Meeting Agenda (minutes)

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Canaan Select Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
EOC, Canaan, NH

Select Board: Stephen Freese, Scott Johnston, Sadie Wells, Jack Wozmak, Monica Rowe, Hue
Wetherbee, Cindy Neily, Stella Butterfield, Bob Souza, John Bergeron, Ellie Davis, Calli Grant,
Shawn Wright; Recorded by Roger Lohr

MINUTES

1. Call to Order of the Canaan Select Board Meeting
Stephen Freese called the town meeting to order at 6:00 PM.

2. Minutes Approval

A motion was made and seconded (Johnston, Freese) to approve the Select Board meeting
minutes of the public and nonpublic meetings held on August 18, 2026, as submitted. The
motion was approved.

3. LUCT/Purchase Orders

A motion was made and seconded (Wells, Johnston) to grant a water abatement request in
the amount of $1,067.35 as presented at the Select Board meeting. The motion was
approved.

The Select Board also recognized the updated ordinances for the Canaan water rates and the
cemeteries.

4. Nonprofit Organizations’ Tax Status
4A. A motion was made and seconded (Johnston, Freese) to grant tax exempt status for the
Old North Church. The motion was approved with Wells abstaining.

4B. A motion was made and seconded (Johnston, Freese) to grant tax exempt status for
Mascoma Community Healthcare. The motion was approved.

4C. A motion was made and seconded (Johnston, Freese) to deny tax exempt status for the
New England Forestry Society. Discussion: the status involves vacant property. The motion
was approved.


4D. A motion was made and seconded (Johnston, Freese) to grant tax exempt status for the
Cardigan Mountain School. Discussion: the status involves property used for educational
purposes. The motion was approved.

4E. A motion was made and seconded (Johnston, Freese) to deny tax exempt status for the
Canaan 4H Organization. Discussion: the status involves application timing. The motion was
approved.

4F. A motion was made and seconded (Wells, Freese) to grant tax exempt status for St.
Mary’s Church. The motion was approved.

4G. A motion was made and seconded (Wells, Freese) to grant tax exempt status for the
American Legion organization. The motion was approved.

4H. The Select Board decided to table consideration of the tax status for the Mt. Cardigan Fish &
Game Club so they can communicate with the club leaders who were unable to attend the Select
Board meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.

41. A motion was made and seconded (Wells, Freese) to grant tax exempt status for
Assembly of God Church. The motion was approved

4J. A motion was made and seconded (Johnston, Freese) to deny tax exempt status for the
Listen Corporation. Discussion: the status involves application timing. The motion was
approved with Wells abstaining.

4K. A motion was made and seconded (Wells, Freese) to grant tax exempt status for United
Methodist Church. The motion was approved

5. Museum Tree Removal

John Bergeron of the Museum Committee explained the need to remove a tree near the museum,
and the wood from the project will be removed or made available to the public for free.

A motion was made and seconded (Wells, Johnston) to approve a tree removal project at
the Museum in the amount of $900. The motion was approved 3-0 in favor.

The Friends of Canaan also mentioned some trees that need to be removed in town for the sake
of safety.


6. Town Administrator Update

Town Administrator Jack Wozmak explained the recent projects for the Canaan water system
and commented that the water facilities and operations have been poorly run and maintained in
recent years. It was stated that the waste water treatment plant facility ventilation, humidity, and
temperature are problematic and efforts to improve it are underway. The plan for the waste water
treatment plant to be modernized with installed water quality monitoring equipment: Phase I at
$31,467.40 and Phase II at $75,231 for a total of $106,698.40.

The water treatment plant projects (i.e., new aerators) include: Phase I at $37,998 and Phase II at
$69,334.60 for a total of $107,332.60.

The newly hired water system operator is doing well and Select Board chair Stephen Freese
expressed appreciation to the staff, the town administrator, and the support from nearby towns
for helping improve the water system operation in Canaan. Interviews are underway for a second
water operator for Canaan.

It was stated that there are problems with the newly installed water line that has contributed to
problems described by Canaan residents. The town is still working on the Depot Street pumping
station design work and a loan will be sought to complete this project. There was a statement
about the poor condition of two thirds of the town’s fire hydrants and the 26 fire hydrants will be
investigated to see and address them and including that the gate valves are working.

With regard to the DES violation for hazardous waste, there were 51 barrels of such waste from
collections, and this had been dealt with at a cost of $30,000.

It was stated that the new fire chief will start on or about September 12".

7. Other Business

There was a conversation about the races in Cannan and their impact on traffic. It was suggested
to post parking signage.

A motion was made and seconded (Wells, Johnston) to install no parking signage on both
sides of the road in relation to races held in Canaan. The motion was approved.

7B. There was a discussion about flood mitigation projects in Canaan.

7C. Representatives with the Co Ed Softball League requested permission to do projects for
Williams Field. The Select Board requested a plan for the projects that could be reviewed by the
town. There was also a discussion about banner sponsorship at the field. Town policies about the


banner signage will be researched. Additionally, there was a discussion about the trust fund for
projects at Williams Field and there is a current balance of $9,000 in this trust. It was suggested
that the league apply for additional grant funding for various projects at the Williams Field. The
100-year anniversary for the Williams Field is in 2027 and plans will be considered to celebrate
for the anniversary.

8. Adjournment
A motion was made and seconded (Wells, Johnston) to adjourn the public meeting at 7:06
PM. The motion was approved.

The next Select Board meeting is scheduled for a special select board meeting on Tuesday,
September 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM at the EOC for a meeting.

APPROVED BY ELECT BOARD:

Stephen Freese (Chair)

Sadie Wells Z 2
Scott Johnston