The New Ipswich Board of Selectmen met on August 31, 2056. Police Chief Ael proposed changes to the police detail ordinance and billing rates to remain competitive with other agencies. The proposed rates increase the hourly officer pay from $60 to $72, with an admin fee of $25 and a $16 cruiser fee, totaling $113 per hour, a $13 increase. After eight hours and on holidays, the total would be $149, a $7 increase. These figures were based on a survey of eight other agencies. The board discussed the legality of these rates versus state guidelines suggesting salary plus 5% overhead, the practicality of using flaggers instead of officers, and the potential for overtime costs to the town. No votes or decisions were recorded regarding this proposal.
Representatives Shane Sway and Jim Kofalt provided state legislative updates during the Special Meeting. They reported that the legislature successfully overrode seven gubernatorial vetoes, including a highway bill funding a 10-year infrastructure plan and a measure allowing appeals based on new evidence for criminal convictions. New Hampshire voters will decide on a school district tax or budget cap in the November 2026 general election via House Bill 1300. Legislators discussed bills addressing foster care vaccination requirements and education freedom accounts. Spea kers noted a failed meat inspection bill (HB 396) and stalled efforts to restrict school library materials. Regarding zoning, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are now permitted by right. Motor vehicle inspections were repealed statewide. Representatives also noted failed legislation regarding campus firearm carry and state preemption of local gun regulations.
The Planning Board accepted minutes from a November 19, 2025 meeting with administrative corrections following a voice vote. Board members addressed a lot line adjustment application, finding it incomplete but moving it forward with conditions. The applicant must submit an updated plan overlaying new lot lines on the original drainage and engineering sheets and add a note to the recorded plan stating infrastructure remains unchanged. A 7:45 PM public hearing for Tricknet Road was continued to a future date. Regarding staffing, the board acknowledged the temporary administrator’s contract ends in September with interviews for a replacement pending. A gravel pit inspection tour is scheduled for October 3, 2026, targeting White, Willard Brook, Willard Street, and Coropolis properties. A letter will be drafted for the Coropolis site regarding final closure requirements.
The Planning Board held a joint work session with the Trustees of the Trust Fund and the Finance and Audit Committee focusing on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The Board reviewed projected capital needs, noting DPW costs around $121,000 for 2026-2027, fire truck replacement totaling $1.8 million in 2029, and a $200,000 communications tower proposal from the Emergency Management Director. The committee identified that current funding levels are insufficient, with projected annual needs ranging from $600,000 to $1.2 million. No formal votes were taken. The group agreed to develop scenarios for funding options, including leasing versus purchasing, and to conduct public outreach before presenting draft recommendations to the Select Board, aiming for a presentation by December.
The Board of Selectmen approved a five-year septage disposal agreement with the Town of Jaffrey, valid from September 1, 2026. The Board voted to purchase a leased voting machine for up to $7,000, appropriating funds from the electronic checkin budget line. Cleaning services for the town office and police department were reduced to a bi-weekly schedule, with an option to return to weekly in winter. The Patriotic Commission requested $4,000 for fireworks, but the Board declined to approve the expense from the operating budget due to economic constraints, suggesting donations to a specific fund instead. The Board discussed ongoing delays with the BSNA software, pending a list of revenue accounts from the treasurer to proceed with $15,000 in necessary upgrades for the 2025 audit. No formal votes were taken on the fireworks or software matters.