The Select Board unanimously approved the August 17 minutes as amended and rejected three property tax appeals for 10 Heron Way, 139 Portsmouth Avenue, and 10 Long Hill. The Board rejected a scrap loader bid of $801.13 but authorized pursuing an alternative offer. Concerning the Lane property, the Board authorized the Town Administrator to sign a septic contract with KG Blood and Sons; exterior repairs have exhausted the $54,500 budget, running $4,400 over. The Board voted to amend Town Ordinance 4-01-01, prohibiting all classes of e-bikes at Stratham Hill Park, Noyes property, and Gifford Fields effective October 1, 2026. They also amended Animal Control Ordinance 1-12 to limit leash length to 10 feet and restrict walking more than two dogs simultaneously. New appointments included Mel McGrail and Dan Crow to the Stratham Hill Park Association Committee and Matthew Malone to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. The Board agreed to extend the Block 5 IT and phone services contract and revisit an RFP in July 2027. Engine Three requires $5,000 for new tires, exceeding the maintenance budget.
Source: https://www.strathamnh.gov/Documents/Boards and Committees/Select Board/Agendas and Minutes/2026/minutes/9 9 2026 sb minutes.pdf?t=202609221409460
The Board unanimously approved prior meeting minutes. Stratham Hill Park Association Committee was formally established with seven voting members and staggered terms. Jameson Paine was appointed to the Planning Board for a one-year term, unanimously.
Finance Administrator Ruest reported estimated 2027 revenues of $2,300,000, a $192,000 decrease largely from lower motor vehicle permit fees. The Board authorized the Police Chief to expend up to $26,000 from the First Responder Golf Fund to purchase 14–15 Walther PDP firearms, replacing SIG P320s.
Regarding the Lane property, the Board authorized proceeding with structural work, septic replacement, and furnace repair while pausing exterior work once the $54,500 threshold is reached. The Mailbox Damage Replacement Policy was updated, and 170 Portsmouth Avenue was named Greenwood Lane. Cornerstone and the Cooperative Middle School were approved to use Stratham Hill Park for a meet on September 22, 2026, and Life Connections was approved for the Front Pavilion on September 15.
Source: https://www.strathamnh.gov/Documents/Boards and Committees/Select Board/Agendas and Minutes/2026/minutes/8 17 2026 sb minutes.pdf?t=202609110940000
The Stratham Energy Commission accepted July minutes and received $420 in REC payments for Police Station solar. CPCNH representatives reported eliminating their negative balance and hiring financial and operations directors, noting PUC requirements complicate rate predictions. The Commission will update the Select Board in September regarding three options to control residential electricity costs, with a presentation available remotely. The Police Station solar generated 12 MWH at $35 per MWH. Joe VanGombos reviewed a new plug-in solar program. A heat pump presentation by Exeter Energy Committee is scheduled for October 28 at 12:30 PM at the Municipal Center. Roy Byrnes will analyze electricity usage at Stratham Memorial School for potential solar installation. Bids for the Stevens Park Pavilion came in $400K over approved budget, placing the project on hold. Matt O'Keefe's commission term is expiring, and Joe VanGombos will assume the chair position.
Source: https://www.strathamnh.gov/Documents/Boards and Committees/Energy Commission/Agendas and Minutes/2026/minutes/Draft SEC Minutes Aug 11 2026.pdf?t=202609031205520
The Select Board approved the July 20, 2026 minutes with amendments. Mr. Tramaloni motioned to release a $134,250 performance guarantee from Platte River Insurance Company for 20 Portsmouth Avenue; the vote was unanimous. The Board also approved foundation-only building permits for 217 Portsmouth Avenue, with conditions requiring stamped engineering plans and corrected access/egress details before framing begins. Fee waiver use of the Front Pavilion by the UNH Institute on Disability on August 13 was approved, as was a waiver for Waypoint to use the Scamman Pavilion on September 12. Future meetings are set for August 24 and September 9. The Board requested additional time to review the Finance Report, noting revenues are slightly ahead and expenditures are under budget. Staff noted the urgent need for new soccer board members and a Commission Chair.
Source: https://www.strathamnh.gov/Documents/Boards and Committees/Select Board/Agendas and Minutes/2026/minutes/8 3 2026 sb minutes.pdf?t=202608280812440
The Select Board swore in new officer Alex Shawnie Martinez. They approved minutes from July 6, 2026, and authorized investing $1 million in the NH Public Deposit Investment Pool and $4 million in two CDs. The Board released the 2004 bond for the Golf Club of New England topcoat paving.
Regarding Plaistow ALS, the Board authorized a letter of support and a letter of intent for a warrant article to fund the program starting at $15,000 in 2027 and reaching $94,000 by 2032.
The Board awarded a $224,400 contract to Modern Protective Coating Inc. for fire tower rehabilitation and approved amendments to a PFAS remediation grant.
Stevens Park improvement proposals were rejected for exceeding the $600,000 budget, with costs ranging up to $1 million.
The Board approved a raffle permit for Troop 185 on September 27, 2026, and a fireworks permit for August 1, 2026. Planning will continue for the September 11 remembrance and redesignating the Stratham Hill Park Association.
Source: https://www.strathamnh.gov/Documents/Boards and Committees/Select Board/Agendas and Minutes/2026/minutes/7 20 2026 SB minutes.pdf?t=202608041506260