The Cemetery Commission met Sept. 2, 2026, with Glenn Elsesser, Melanie Marsden, Joe Cartwright, and Dexter Stone present. The commission voted 3-0 to approve the Aug. 19 minutes. Regarding the Rust Cemetery right-of-way, the land owner will be away for two months. Updates were provided on tree cutting and stump grinding at Alstead Center, West, Pine Grove, and Slade cemeteries. The commission is awaiting a written request regarding the Thierren proposal to sell back four lots. Financial motions passed 3-0: $200 to "A Notch Above Tree Service" for stump grinding at the Warren Monument, using ToTF Mascoma funds; and authorization to purchase a push mower from Home Depot, also from the ToTF Mascoma account. The next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Source: https://www.alsteadnh.org/_files/ugd/5c506e_2cb2ab03c43e45f9848defd413663b55.pdf
Ed Reller moved to approve August 6, 2026 minutes as amended; seconded by Mary Ann Wolf. The vote carried with Gordon Kemp opposed. Chair Hogan and Committee members discussed options for Alstead Police Department's future. Guest Chief Justin Sanctuary stated Walpole is not seeking to operate Alstead's department nor recommended a shared Chief, though temporary contractual assistance is possible. Sanctuary advised employing a part-time administrative Chief to handle increasing administrative demands. The Committee agreed on the need for a staffing and workload analysis using calls-for-service data to determine if the department requires two full-time officers, a part-time Chief with patrol staff, or a hybrid model. Future steps include gathering information on Sheriff's Department costs and service levels, State Police limitations, and regional cooperation opportunities. The meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m. with one vote in opposition.
Source: https://www.alsteadnh.org/_files/ugd/5c506e_c0fec8df6f284895ab7caebfd8af89c1.pdf
Ed Reller moved to approve August 6, 2026 minutes as amended; motion carried with Gordon Kemp opposing. No funding decisions made. Votes included 1 opposition on agenda items. Chief Justin Sanctuary stated Walpole will not operate another department but may offer temporary assistance. Sanctuary recommended a part-time administrative Chief but advised against a shared Chief model. Committee plans to review Alstead workload data, evaluate part-time administrative Chief option, compare Sheriff's Department service levels and costs, assess State Police limitations, and investigate regional cooperation. Motion to adjourn carried with one vote in opposition. Next steps: analyze calls-for-service data and interview municipalities using Sheriff's coverage.
Source: https://www.alsteadnh.org/_files/ugd/5c506e_49ae8f0eb7c44c6f8a59341c486fed71.pdf
The Police Services Committee reviewedsix potential service models for Alstead, ranging from maintaining the current structure to a full merger.苗. Hogan estimated 40 hours of Sheriff's Department coverage would cost $150,000 in 2027 and $153,000 in 2028. 2026 hourly rates start at $70.71. 2026 operating budget is $225,889, plus $45,000 for retirement and health insurance costs.苗. Wolf will distribute budget comparison spreadsheets. Corporal Underwood will compile activity data and contact representatives from the Walpole Police, Cheshire County Sheriff's Department, and NH State Police for presentations starting August 20. Chief Moore will contact surrounding towns about their experiences with outside coverage. Chip Kelly will contact Marlow regarding a possible merger.
Source: https://www.alsteadnh.org/_files/ugd/5c506e_dd9b82cd853b44e49e90ce7611395473.pdf
The Cemetery Commission opened its August 5, 2026 meeting at 7pm with Commissioners Joe Cartwright, Melanie Marsden, and Glenn Elsesser present. Joe moved to approve the July 22, 2026 minutes, seconded by Glenn; the motion passed. Regarding the Right of Way to Rust cemetery, the commission decided to visit the land owner in two weeks to discuss obtaining a deeded Right of Way. The commission discussed removing lilac bushes to upright a tall monument at the Alstead Center cemetery. A budget review indicated expenses are on course to stay within the approved budget. Updating of the "Blue Book" Rules and Regulations handbook began through article 14 and will resume at the next meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2026 at 6:30pm. Melanie moved to adjourn, seconded by Glenn; the meeting closed at 8:30pm.
Source: https://www.alsteadnh.org/_files/ugd/5c506e_762dcfd6685f48769f967a816b3cf8ee.pdf