The Gale Library Trustees approved the July 8 public and non-public minutes, Treasurer's Report, and Director's Report via unanimous votes. Jim Ryan identified possible bat entry points in the attic and will follow up with the town administrator; Michelle will also contact the administrator regarding bushes blocking the air conditioner. Staff evaluations are set for September, and the new library card transition aims for completion by month's end.
Mary motioned to accept the Weapons Policy, and Kathy moved to accept the revised Closing Policy, both passing unanimously. A draft Copier Policy will be presented next month. The Trustees accepted donations totaling $374.22 from the Friends for books and carpet cleaning. A Summer Reading Program celebration is scheduled for August 22. The Friends group plans participation in Newton Olde Home Day and an Election Day Bake Sale. The next meeting is September 9, 2026, at 10:00 am.
Source: https://www.newton-nh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08122026-230
Selectmen approved Delegation of Deposit Authority for Town Clerk/Tax Collector (5-0). Giovanni Zago hired permanent part-time police officer effective August 18 (5-0), with academy training starting January. Road Agent Ronnie Jackson's hourly pay increased from $27.45 to $30.45 retroactive April 1, 2026 (5-0). Noah Ferrandi hired EMT-Basic at $22/hour (5-0). Selectmen approved Warrant and Tax Bill for Tax Map 1-4-9 (5-0). Selectboard refused consent to James Doggett's ZBA appointment (5-0), appointing per 1956 town vote policy. Chair authorized to bid max amount for Tax Map 12-6-10 land September 15 (4-1), funding from Building Capital Reserve and General Fund. Dean Brown's resignation accepted (5-0). Consent agenda approved (5-0), including $96,212.87 payroll and vendor manifests. Election 9/8/26; lifeguard duty ends August 30.
Source: https://www.newton-nh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08182026-233
The Newton Planning Board met on August 25, 2026, regarding three applications. For Genesis-Baez’s amended site plan at 13 Elm Street, the Board scheduled a special meeting for September 9th; the motion passed unanimously.
Land Bank Properties received approval for lot line adjustments between 9 and 11 Merrimac Road. Conditions include providing signed Mylars, State Subdivision Approval, and fee payment. Mrs. White abstained; the rest voted to approve.
Steven Anderson’s subdivision approval for 51 Pond Street was granted contingent on signed Mylars, State Subdivision Approval, fee payment, and administrative review by Jennifer Rowden.
In other business, the Board unanimously voted to change the meeting schedule to once monthly. Minutes from August 11th and prepared Escrow charges were both accepted unanimously.
Source: https://www.newton-nh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08252026-232
The Newton Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a retroactive variance extension for James Ryan (2 Laura Lane) from March 7, 2026, to March 7, 2027. Mrs. White moved and Mr. Gibbs seconded; the vote carried 4-1 (Hamel opposed). Jonathan Colon’s driveway variance request was denied as the Board determined he must apply for an amended site plan from the Planning Board. James Richards’ pool variance was incomplete due to missing septic and boundary details; the Board advised him on required items. A preliminary hearing for SEC Associates regarding a dwelling addition and barn at 9 Highland Street was held with Tom Schomburg. The Board voted unanimously to delay acceptance of July 1, 2026 minutes until the September 2, 2026 meeting. Alternate assignments were made: Ms. Riordan for Mr. Silvia, and an unnamed alternate for Mrs. White. The meeting adjourned at 8:08 PM.
Source: https://www.newton-nh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08052026-228
The Zoning Board unanimously accepted minutes from January 7, February 4, and March 18, 2026, after ratifying corrections. April 1 minutes acceptance was delayed until June 3 to address escrow discussions. Regarding escrow, the Board voted unanimously to invoice accounts 364, 367, 369, and 375 for negative balances and close them upon reimbursement. Mr. Silvia motioned to close out accounts 365, 372, 373, and 374 pending a report on amounts. The Board unanimously delayed 2026 Rules edits until June 3. Barbara White was named a voting member. Mr. Hamel recommended Mr. Kiechle attend Zoning and Planning training on May 9, 2026. The meeting adjourned at 7:02pm.
Source: https://www.newton-nh.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05062026-190