The Board approved a motion by roll call (Jenny, Andy, Steve Heath, and Steve Felton voting yes) to indefinitely postpone paving the remaining gravel section of Albrook Road. The $36,000 allocated for the project was part of an existing $150,000 roads and bridges budget approved at Town Meeting.
A public hearing was held to accept $80,500 from the AR (Ashland Recreation) and the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation for ball field irrigation. Capital Well and Irrigation was awarded the contract for $69,786.25. The Board voted to accept the funds, with Andy abstaining because it pertains to his department.
Jean Tammy Lonus was appointed by roll call vote as an alternate member of the Planning Board for a three-year term.
The Board authorized an investigation into renegotiating the cell tower lease terms to secure better rates, instructing a representative to negotiate directly.
The Board authorized the Treasurer to discuss moving town funds to Bank of New Hampshire interest-bearing accounts to maximize revenue. The Board also approved warrant items totaling $65,837, including road salt.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dba0WRgYiE
The Ashland Board of Selectmen unanimously approved minutes from July 20, 2026, and August 3, 2026. They signed the election warrant for November 3, 2026, with polls open 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the William J. to Tyrone Gymnasium. The Board approved a $56,500 lease-purchase for a John Deere tractor with annual payments of $4,631.92. A truck purchase for $51,412 from Public Works CRF funds was also approved. Crack sealing work totaling $18,800 was approved ($4,700 previously authorized by the town manager, $14,100 approved this meeting). Campsite fees will remain unchanged, requiring $1,900 by Columbus Day. Campers may stay until Wednesday, October 15, 2026, to winterize. The Board identified damage to tennis courts from e-bikes and plans to close them for repairs until spring 2026, potentially converting one to pickleball. They will discuss paving a section of Albert Road at the next meeting. The meeting adjourned.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z70gTzUBFPQ
The Ashland Board of Selectmen approved new Ashland Power rates effective September 1st, 2026. Rates 1 and 2 increase by 13%, Rate 3 by 6.5%, and Rate 4 by 9.8%. Rate 5 is discontinued, with current customers moved to Rate 3. The Board also adopted official terms and conditions for Ashland Electric, including security deposit procedures and medical emergency protection policies.
Owl Brook Road paving was approved, excluding the Moose Corner section pending legal review. The Board authorized deed waivers for tax map parcel IDs 1007, 1461, 1505, 304, and 679. Kendall Hughes was reappointed as Health Officer, and Britney Durack was appointed Deputy Health Officer. A letter of support for the Opportunity Zone application and a draft section for the master plan regarding board roles were also approved.
The Board of Selectmen convened August 3, 2026, to review a cost-of-service electric rate study presented by Matthew Condon. The study showed a system-wide net loss of approximately $95,000 in 2025, with a return on investment of negative 1.8%. A key objective discussed was increasing the electric department's net income to $215,000. No votes were taken on the rates; another hearing will be scheduled before implementation. The department is currently implementing new asset management software across all departments with an expected completion by the end of the year. Regarding infrastructure, the electric substation project is moving forward, with site preparation, including tree removal and trenching, slated to begin next week and foundation work expected by October, pending equipment arrival possibly after Thanksgiving. The Board did not make a decision on a road paving matter and will table it pending consultation with legal counsel. Two volunteers, identified as the "two Steves," were appointed to meet with Craig and KB regarding AARA rules of procedure before the next meeting on the 10th.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUW0DPJe3WM
The Board addressed tax deeding, discussing property liens placed in April 2023. Speakers approved a motion to abate taxes for Parcel ID 1735 in the amount of $1,748. The Board noted several other parcels on payment plans or expected to pay soon.
Speakers announced an $810,750 grant from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation for town projects, including a new snack shack, field irrigation, and booster club renovations. Administration staff will develop plans for Select Board approval before construction begins.
Regarding paving, administration proposed a $156,942 project for Al Brook Road using capital reserves. The Board lacked consensus on proceeding beyond the dirt section without an updated road study, deferring a decision.
The Board approved minutes from June 15th and July 6th. Administration will create Select Board goals. The meeting concluded with a motion to sign a letter of appreciation for John Thomas.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVb2BKeKQE0