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MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 3, 2026 SELECT BOARD MEETING 
 
MEMBERS PRESENT:  Board Members Chair Allison Knab, Vice Chair Joe Anderson, Tedd 
Tramaloni 
 
ALSO PRESENT:  Town Administrator Tim Roache, Director of Parks & Recreation Seth 
Hickey 
 
At 7:00pm Ms. Knab opened the meeting and asked for a motion on the minutes.  Mr. Anderson 
said that he had two corrections to the July 20th minutes.  Mr. Anderson then motioned to 
approve the July 20, 2026 minutes with the amendments.  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion.  
Ms. Knab abstained as she was absent from the meeting.  Motion passed. 
 
Ms. Knab introduced the Finance Report.  Mr. Anderson explained that the MS‑535 provides a 
straightforward snapshot of the prior year’s actuals.  The auditor will review the document, and 
the State will issue final approval.  The Board requested additional time to review the report 
before signing.  Mr. Anderson noted that revenues are slightly ahead of projections, while 
expenditures remain just under budget, leaving limited financial cushion. 
 
Ms. Knab recognized Mr. Hickey for his department report.  Senior programming is increasing, 
and the summer barbecue is scheduled for August 28 at noon, with the Board invited. Senior 
programs continue to sell out quickly. 
 
The Recreation Commission is in urgent need of additional soccer board members and a 
Commission Chair; Ms. Knab has been assisting.  TMAC is updating trail maps and kiosk 
boards, with a workday planned this month for the trail leading to the school.  Mr. Hickey asked 
about next steps for e‑bikes and dogs; Ms. Knab noted that the Select Board must make a 
decision.  Mr. Hickey is still awaiting RPC feedback on the Stratham Hill Park survey.  Bike 
races have resumed. 
 
Mr. Hickey reported that the Summerfest Committee met to debrief.  Feedback from residents 
and the committee was positive.  The group discussed possibly moving the softball game or 
shifting Summerfest to the fall.  The Board observed that the softball game was well attended, 
likely due to its alignment with Thursday Night Food Trucks, the militia demonstration, and 
fireworks.  The Summerfest Committee consists of John Cushing (Chair), June Sawyer, Dan 
Crow, Geri Denton, Lt. David Pierce, Caitlin from 4‑H, and Mr. Hickey. 
 
Mr. Hickey then addressed Stevens Park.  He spoke with Mr. Roache regarding next steps, noting 
that additional staff discussion is needed given the funding allocation and project scope.  The 
fields were rented frequently this summer to outside groups, and Town programming was also 
held there.  Residents have asked about reinstalling wind screens on the courts; he explained that 
insurance claims were required after the screens damaged the fencing, and they will not be 
reinstalled. 
 
He also provided updates on work at the municipal center field and remaining summer 
programming.  The search for a teen coordinator has not yet been successful and will continue. 

Select Board Meeting 
August 3, 2026 
Page 2 of 4 
Mr. Anderson asked for Mr. Hickey’s thoughts on the Stratham Hill Park Association becoming a 
Town committee.  Mr. Hickey felt Mr. Roache developed a strong outline for the group’s 
structure.  He noted that SHPA is currently an informal group with limited membership and 
engages in various projects, such as the ice rink.  He appreciates their willingness to support 
additional programming at the Park.  Ms. Knab emphasized that SHPA should fully understand 
the responsibilities associated with becoming a Town committee. 
 
Mr. Roache explained the Land Use Tax Bills should’ve been an informational item.   
 
Ms. Knab introduced the memo regarding the bond release for 20 Portsmouth Avenue.  The bond 
work has been completed, but the release has not yet been issued.  Mr. Tramaloni noted that the 
matter was discussed at the Planning Board meeting, and all the requirements have been met.  No 
concerns were identified.  Mr. Tramaloni motioned to release the performance guarantee in the 
amount of $134,250 issued by Platte River Insurance Company, Policy Number 41414258 dated 
June 16, 2020, for the construction of Chipotle Restaurant and the associated sidewalk.  Mr. 
Anderson seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.  
 
Ms. Knab introduced the 217 Portsmouth Avenue matter.  Mr. Roache reported that the interim 
Building Inspector is reluctant to issue building permits without a surety bond.  Town Counsel 
advised that this interpretation is not supported by Town regulations or state law.  Because a 
bond was not required in the Planning Board’s Notice of Decision, the Town cannot request one 
retroactively.  Counsel recommended that the Board sign the permits as soon as possible, as 
withholding them would not be defensible legally. 
 
As Planning Board liaison, Mr. Tramaloni expressed concern about the process and noted that the 
Planning Board should have required a bond at the time of subdivision approval.  Mr. Roache 
explained that it was not the Board’s practice at that time.  He added that Ms. Price is preparing a 
modification to require bonds going forward.  The Board agreed the permits should be signed. 
Mr. Roache clarified that the permits requested are foundation‑only permits.  He also noted 
additional issues:  the plans do not show required access and egress under building code.  The 
developer stated he has never been required to include this, while the Building Inspector advised 
that the plans could be marked up.  Ms. Knab observed that the code language appears clear that 
these elements are required. 
 
Mr. Roache stated that the permits could be signed with the condition that no work beyond the 
foundation may proceed until compliant access and egress plans are submitted and stamped.  Mr. 
Anderson added that the plans must be stamped by a professional engineer, noting two 
deficiencies: (1) the plans provided are presentation‑only and not engineered, and (2) emergency 
escape and rescue openings are not shown.  He supported approving the foundation permits with 
the condition that framing cannot begin until both deficiencies are corrected.  Mr. Anderson 
motioned to issue the requested foundation-only building permits, with the condition that prior to 
framing, the applicant shall submit an as-built survey plan signed and stamped by the appropriate 
licensed professional, in other words, PE, to the Stratham Building Department for their review 
and approval.  Ms. Knab seconded the motion.  All voted in favor.   
 

Select Board Meeting 
August 3, 2026 
Page 3 of 4 
Mr. Roache provided updates on several facility and maintenance projects.  Installation of the 
keyless access system is underway.  Repairs to plumbing and heating at the Lane House have 
been completed, and plumbing work at the Tannery House is scheduled to begin this week. 
Propane conversions and installation of mini‑splits are expected to start within the next few 
weeks. 
 
Mr. Roache reported on progress with the CIP and capital reserve process.  Ms. Fowle developed 
a capital project form and transitioned it to a fillable online platform that automatically populates 
a spreadsheet.  She is scheduling meetings with department heads to gather input on capital 
needs and further develop both the CIP and capital reserve ahead of budget season.  The Town 
will establish clearer criteria for defining capital items.  Mr. Roache noted that the process is 
more comprehensive and better structured than in prior years. 
 
Mr. Anderson moved to the Community Service Officer position, noting that interviews are 
underway again due to high turnover. He requested additional discussion at a future meeting.  
Mr. Tramaloni observed that if the amended ordinances under consideration are adopted, the 
CSO will need additional hours dedicated to park patrol. 
 
RESERVATIONS 
Mr. Tramaloni asked whether anyone renting the pavilion could request a fee waiver.  Ms. Knab 
clarified that waivers are granted only to non-profit organizations, and many users pay the 
standard fee.  Mr. Anderson noted that while non-profits use Town facilities at no charge, the 
Town does not have a DPW detail policy.  He suggested that requiring non-profits to remove 
their trash and return the picnic tables to their original location could be included as a condition 
of fee waiver approval.  Ms. Knab questioned the extent of issues related to users not cleaning up 
after themselves. 
 
Ms. Knab motioned to approve the UNH Institute on Disability to use the Front Pavilion on 
August 13 and waive the fee.  The Board continued its discussion of pavilion approval language.  
Mr. Roache noted that the most significant cost associated with pavilion use is pumping the 
septic tanks.  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion under consideration.  Mr. Anderson requested 
adding language stating that users must leave the pavilion in the same condition in which they 
found it.  Motion passed.   
 
Mr. Tramaloni motioned to approve the request of Waypoint to use the Scamman Pavilion on 
September 12 and waive the associated fee.  Ms. Knab seconded the motion.  Motion passed.   
 
APPOINTMENT 
Jameson Paine is on the agenda for consideration to the Planning Board. 
 
Mr. Anderson noted upcoming scheduling conflicts and initiated discussion on the next Select 
Board meetings.  The Board agreed to meet on August 24, with DPW providing the department 
report, and on September 9, with the Library scheduled for its department report.  Ms. Knab 
asked Mr. Roache to invite Chief King to the August 24 meeting to present on gun replacement. 
 

Select Board Meeting 
August 3, 2026 
Page 4 of 4 
Ms. Knab reported that a news reporter reached out regarding the fire tower.  Mr. Roache stated 
he had already spoken with her. 
 
At 7:47pm Ms. Knab motioned to go into a non-public session in accordance with RSA 91A:3, 
II(b) and II(a) – Personnel and Hiring.  Mr. Tramaloni seconded the motion.  Roll call:  Knab-
yes; Anderson-yes; Tramaloni-yes 
 
At 8:31pm  Ms. Knab motioned to come out of the non-public session and seal the minutes, 
noting failure to do so may render the proposed action ineffective.  Mr. Anderson seconded the 
motion   Roll call:  Knab-yes; Anderson-yes; Tramaloni-yes 
 
At 8:32pm Mr. Tramaloni motioned to adjourn.  Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.  All voted in 
favor. 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
 
 
 
Karen Richard 
Recording Secretary