Selectmen's Meeting - 9/1/2026
Speakers are labeled SPEAKER_N. This transcript is machine-generated.
Call the psych board meeting to order at 605 of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisibley and justice for all. Amen. Everybody see parallel manifests? >> Yes. >> Has everyone seen the minutes of August 18th? >> Yes. >> I make a motion we approve the minutes of August 18th, >> 2026. >> August 25th. Yep. Sorry. Yeah, I read it right. I'll second. >> All in favor? >> I >> has everyone read the MS1 summary evaluation. >> Y >> on veterans tax veterans credit. Oh, the uh everybody see the purchaser certificate for Pete's Tire Bar, which is the X excise tax exemption. >> Yeah, >> just to renew that. That's what it is. >> You need a motion for that. >> Sign it. >> I'll make a motion to renew make the agreement to eliminate the excise tax for the motion. Pete's tire barn. I'll second that. >> All in favor? >> They're mainly like they can get all tires, but mainly equipment tires. Did everybody see the workers comp increase regarding call firefighters? >> Y >> you want to explain that Aaron? You read it. or >> yeah with our insurance company of course firefighters because firefighters um the jobs are high risk and so across the board they've been increasing our work portion called fire Basically, the insurance company's losing money and they're not designed to do that. >> Not right now. >> Has everybody seen the rules of procedure recommendations? We >> did. Yep. Board members there. comments, thoughts. You want time to review everybody's recommendations, suggestions? >> I think a lot of them are the same. >> Yeah. I mean, I haven't looked through them all yet. We just got them this evening, so I'll take a look at them. Um, one of the one of the things that we are looking to change to is the word privilege there on under public input. So, make that known. There are two other sections um under the public input section C and D that the attorney has told us to remove off that. So that's two other things that we're looking to remove out of the uh rules of procedure. So but >> and then the rest is just operating procedures. >> So everybody review all of our recommendations. Uh website update there still going good that I know of. Have we found any more mistakes that we need to get changed? >> Okay. Directly uh Narrow's Road that'll be completed there. They're going to contractor picking up the rest of the equipment tomorrow and they do have to bring in seven jersey barriers. Well, they have to do so. Um, they also did recommend that a guardrail gets put up over there. So, when Sarah is going around with the CWS, the guardrail company for Cole's Ledge, she's also going to look at Narrow's Road with them and give us a price. So, North Bernste um that there is for the engineer town engineer. Uh North Point there, North Point. Myself and Sarah, we're going to meet >> September 10th. September 10th, Thursday at 4 pm. So just a this is just a preliminary thing. Um so you can kind of see what's going on, what thought processes are. >> So you're bringing North Point out there. Is that >> Yes. So for North Point out there also going to have North Point look at Damsite Road as well on the same day. Um so that they can look at all that drainage issues we have over there. and Dubo and King is going to look at white oak approved. So everything is pre preliminary. They're going to give us estimates of everything what what's projected. So at least the board has an idea. Um going through the portfolios that they both submitted when we went out for engineering services, North Point seemed to be the better option for drainage issues basing it off of like said their portfolio what they they gave to us. So um and then obviously we don't want to throw everything to one engineer overload them. So but they both all the projects are potentially multi-year. So trying to save up for depending on whatever they come up with plans and costs. So, and before I forget, on the agenda, it does say next meeting is September 8th, 2026. There is no meeting next Tuesday because of the election. So, just I just want to throw that out there. Um, does the board time is it board have anything? >> I have a couple things here real quick. Um, the 10 wheeler chassis is in. So, either tomorrow afternoon or Thursday afternoon, I'll go take a look at that and then off to the upfitters um till that gets upfitted for us. So, >> yep. >> What are you looking for on the chassis? >> Just make sure it's actually ordered to what was proposed. >> So, a couple different frames, something like that. >> Um, not necessarily frames now. Um, but particularly the cab to axle measurement, axle to the back of the frame measurement. Look at that. Um, so it's just little things. Go bring the quote that they gave us and just go through it. Make sure >> what they gave us for a quote item is actually what we're getting. >> Okay. >> Uh, how is the con Xbox cover coming, Rick? Yeah, it's coming real good. Is it? >> Yeah. All done. >> Oh, yeah. >> No, I haven't even looked at it. >> I will I will do it though. >> Okay. >> If I can get in there this week, actually. >> So, just an FYI that that has to get done this year because if it doesn't get done, then Okay. That no longer exists. >> What is the plan with this box out here? that conx box that's going to get emptied out and moved behind fire for the winter time. >> Okay. >> So, the church had asked because of all >> we think we can fit most of the stuff that's in there. >> Yeah. >> Back in there with limited effort. >> Y put that back in there. >> Yeah. I want I'm just wondering about the the ConX box cover up at the highway. >> Yep. Is it possible to to move those in at all? I think it's two separate pads, right? >> Two separate pads. >> All right. >> So, >> it was just looking at cost, you know what I mean? But we could reduce the cost probably by half if we can move them in. >> It was like 56 57 feet outside. >> I think they were figured on with certain equipment going in there, right? That's why they're at the width they are. >> Yeah. >> But he was Yeah. He was doing it to 40 feet inside, >> right? >> So >> we wanted 40 outside. >> Yeah. >> So really if you can move eight feet, we probably save 50%. >> Have to figure out what's going to go in there. You know, greater >> 50% >> or whatever. Figure what's going to go in there and what space we need. because you figure with 40 inside you're still looking at >> Well, don't forget you've got that one conx that has the doors on the side that have to swing open. >> Yeah. >> So when you start parking equipment in there >> 60 foot trusses, you know, >> we can't afford that. >> So we're going have to do trust type system. We either either got to build one or we got to get I call industrial size cardboard that go that are designed to go over something like that. >> So >> um one thing I want to bring up and this is just only my my thought process right now is Amazon deliveries. One, they still drive way too fast in town, but two, it's a little concerning to me that they're making deliveries at 4:30 in the morning. So, and I know I I leave for work about 4:00 when I leave, but when the camera goes off at 4:30 or 4:15 and they're there and they're they're in their own personal vehicle delivering. Um, I don't know if something the board can send him a letter or something, but they're even in their regular plane clothes. There's nothing to signify that they're Amazon delivery other than they're holding a package. So, I don't know if anybody else has run into that or not, but >> I haven't seen it before. >> You so maybe it's just me. I don't know. But I just don't want as things get times get darker here. Even though there's so much happens now in the world, everybody's questioning things there. You want to talk about the vehicles, Annie, real quick now or we can do it later? Getting rid of them. telling them the Charger, the Taurus, if you'd like to guess. >> What's your What did you What's your thoughts on them? >> Yeah. Yep. >> So, this is uh >> this is Bulldog's old car. >> Okay. >> What would you like to do? >> So, you're recommended we get rid of them. >> Yeah. Yep. >> We don't have any other use for them, do we? >> I mean, not that I know of. I mean, >> send those state auction. >> We could do the state auction or Sarah has finally got access to go deals now. So, she's been trying to put stuff on there that we approved way back um from Highway to Sell. >> We could do that. >> How about throwing the charger by the car? They were interested in the past. Is that worth it? Can we? >> Then it go it goes out the bid then they if they want to buy it, it goes out the bid. So, it's fair to everyone. I mean, he can make an account deals buy it if he really wants it. But >> he just >> if he wants a bad enough, he'll pay for it. >> Well, he knows what you're doing with it. >> That's >> But I mean, it's up to the board. The board wants to put it out locally. We can put it state auction. We can put it online. >> All right. The auction, right? the online one. I mean, yeah, it goes goes the whole US traffic. >> It does. Y >> that's Y. So, there's the border. >> Is that something we can do? I mean, >> what are we pulling out of it though? I mean, the radios and stuff. >> That's about it, right? Like, if they're already, >> there's probably nothing we're going to reuse. >> I don't want to sink a lot of money into stripping them either. Can uh I know he's in the academy, but can Isaac >> I mean it may be cheaper than trying to pay somebody to to bring it somewhere too to strip it. So >> yeah, >> we've certainly done it in house before. >> Yeah. Let's take a look at what it's going to consist of and how big of a deal it really is. That way we don't have to pay somebody to do it. Okay. So, the board is all in agreement that it's online. >> Yeah. We don't need them. Okay. But >> are we going to hold off until we strip it? >> Yeah. We kind of have to, right? >> They have seven days after the bid the bid ends. >> Yeah. So that's fine. Thank you. Kinder, you're up. >> Okay, >> follow you. Yep. >> And Peter is one of our directors. Okay. >> Just which you've already seen for your adult res. So, uh I believe you all received the property completely added to the record. >> I mean, you don't you don't have to read it, but if you want to read it, you're more than welcome to read it. Well, I think the point is that we first of all 95 of the world because the people that they ended up they were maintaining it and it became a charge money. Uh so what they did was they came before the town meeting or they submitted a petition back in 95 and that was approved for the town to take and what that did was the town maintains the road from 28 all the way down to where the mailbox is and they turn around and what that does is it allows fire and ambulances and people to get in there Ridge Road that's maintained by the residents themselves. There's group that'll take care of plowing the collective doom so to speak. But the actual department that our association takes care of that collect on that given we have no authority to force them to pay. So uh and then what we also do is uh actually the 16th of September we're going to go a group is going to go along and film all the bushes back visual sight. 12 getting into the 15 miles per hour back in 95 that was already posted at 15 miles per hour and I believe it was a hand painted wood sign but some point they I believe in the town took it over they there was a sign there and it was yellow with black weather and that was 15 miles per hour. So what happened was that was 95 was doing math here 30 years ago. So we're getting tired. We also have the issue with Amazon, FedEx flying up and down the street. And what happens is uh there's also some houses that do via B&B. They have people coming in from all the time and they're whipping in, whipping out and all that. So what we did was in the I stated is how we ended up we posted the uh uh we added more signage for the 15 miles per hour. Now, if you notice, and I'm sure you're aware well aware of this, the sign that's posted is a yellow sign with black letter, which is an information sign, you know, and it's it's not a speed limit sign. It's a recommended. You see that on 28, you know, down by half moon. It goes from 50, 45, 50 to 35. I mean it's it's the reason for that is it's a safety issue. So uh the area that we have the community itself is becoming a more of a senior age group. They're retiring up here and they ended up The other thing is people that are buying these cottages that were there for 30, 40, 50 years after dry owning the property, they knock them down to put up these mansions, you know, so they start to live in those. You also have people now walking on Ridge Road in Hillsboro now with cows flying up and down there. I realized through the conversation the speed limit being posted that it's not posted at 30 miles per hour which is a white background with black leather. So technically you could go 30 miles hour on hill. I would love for you to try that you know and so I mean from a realistic standpoint the 15 miles per hour is a suggested speed by the terms of the uh you know the registry and all that how they define those signs. So we would like to maintain that 15 mile hour suggested speed. I realize it on the response back letter I got. Uh it's a matter of the having some uh engineering review with that. Just yeah just to back up a little bit. I my house is on 28 but I do own some property that has John Grove road recently was approved subdivision. Mr. investors very familiar with this. We're just bringing our support at speed as part of the driveway committee process and the subdivision approval process. the speed limit of the road came up and and it started off as it's classified road but that is you can reference the state RSA for that but it is generic in nature say goes on to say I'm paraphrasing but there's certain conditions wouldn't so there was as a result of this I started this whole thing basically is what I'm getting >> but but what we did Right. But I'm here to support Mr. Burke because I I like his position and I do own property on the road and I think it's a reasonable position. So part of the process was we had to go and do a sighteline study of the current part of Hillsboro Road which is three of a mile long. And I have this shows the sight lines for our proposed driveways but the curves radiuses and it references that ash who sets the standards for roads they call green which would be highways and town roads but they also have a small road like a dirt road that we reference that. So this follows a logical sequence with basic exhibits that shows that with the curvature, the height, elevation changes and the sight lines that doesn't support 30 mph. It can't be a 30 mile road at best following those ash standards. It would be a 15 to 20 which this was accepted by the planning. I don't I know that since we're separate boards here, but it was accepted by the board. All three driveways were approved perur this. So I just thought that this would be helpful to support the position of the ridge road. >> Haven't discussed it any further, but that's basically >> ridge roads a private road, right? >> Ridge Road's private, >> so you would be Hillsboro, >> right? >> So Ridge Road you can post whatever you want, >> right? That was one of the things that came up and uh actually at our last meeting the speed limit became an issue and all that and went before and the people want to change the speed limit for 15 miles hour. >> Okay. So let them >> right. No that's so uh so we know we can do that and what happened was when this issue came up with the planning board I came in to talk about the mile. So that's how So we got something to say. Linda, >> can I add something? >> Absolutely. >> Well, I just want to say that um you know it's associates was started in 1985 for the purpose of making Hills which was then called didn't have a name. um passable because it got so bad in 1984 1985 post office said they weren't going to deliver. >> So we named ourselves retro even though our whole function was to to maintain to improve and maintain hill. So even though the town met 10 years later standing it um uh you know we still take care of it. We still want to take care of it and we want to make sure that the road stays nice. >> All the all the mailboxes are right there at the intersection where Ridge Road and Hills Grove end. Right. right there. And there are no more mailboxes down there. The post office just goes to that one. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. And what happened was I was uh at the house I'm not sure years ago when one of the houses had a fire and what happened was the fire truck came down and what they did they pulled the hose off. They tied it up to the lake center and continued up. Then about six minutes later, another fire, then another fire, then another. And what they do is, as you probably know, I never seen that they ga and that way the other water. So again, it's great that hills is maintained by the town. I have called I agent couple years ago but he come down and the road the idea they actually came down they do a fantastic job they really do so we appreciate that but it being dirt road it being uphill and You know, you can see where someone accelerates. So, they're going to accelerate. It's going to chew up that same down. >> So, we did reach out to Karen reached out to the municipal association on their legal department there. Um, and what they got back to us is the short answer is the site board doesn't have the legal authority to do what the residents are asking. So they state under RSA 265 column 16 that's the default speed limits for all roads in the state and RSA 265 col 63 explains when and how a psycho board can change those speed limits on town roads and what they tell us is that the lowest year round speed limit that can be set outside an urban area is 25 miles an The seasonal speed limit can be set for up to four months, which is 20 miles an hour, but it all has to be done based off of an engineering or traffic study by a qualified consultant. >> So with some study went into this hair as far as you know recommended speed. So does that >> was there a traffic study you done on that? It was not a tra at that point. >> Right. The other thing is I would say from an economical standpoint for state police to be on road. And what happens is be there UPS and all those >> realistically that's not going to happen. And what we're looking for is the people in their mind. So, um, yes, the speed limit if it could be lowered, it'll be fantastic. If it could remain being posted at a suggested speed of 15 miles per the current, it's not really a posting, but there is that yellow sign. There's three of them there. If those remain that wouldn't be in conflict with what you just said I don't think would it be >> no because that's just a recommendation. >> Okay. So then maybe that would >> so I mean that that'd be like if you did change it to 5 miles an hour you got new signs that say 5 miles an hour it's still a recommendation. >> Got the 5 miles an hour on road. >> Is that going to be just for Ridge Road? I thought I thought you were gonna do Hills and that's what I was thinking. >> No, it's separate private. >> Okay, >> we realize that. >> Okay, makes sense. >> Yeah, you guys pretty much can do whatever you want as far as road goes. >> Yeah. And if that gets extended well is approximately 35 wide measure just you know by jack so we have to deal with roads and all that but the um on bridge road it's like a single lane drive to begin with So if someone comes one way and again that's why we trim the bushes back we go like once every two years you know it's a line of sight there when you go into maintain road we're lucky we get probably like 60 70% people that pay their dues And we have a little bit extra push in there, but we don't have a lot, you know, and so for us to do a engineering study would actually break. >> I mean, this was something that the town would have to budget for. Voters would have to approve it. >> It is. So, yeah. So, yeah, we'd have to we'd have to budget for it there and the voters would have to vote on it, approve it. >> They do. >> I'm I'm kind of curious. The study study would be looking for um speed on the road, not so much traffic, >> right? >> Because you said there isn't that much traffic to begin with. >> No. >> So they're looking for speed on it to come up with a a solution to slow it down. >> I mean, you would be the extent of the study. They say there isn't much traffic, but you think of how many people live on Ridge Road and if say they do, you know, two trips a day going backwards four times, >> right? >> You know, that's just twice. You have the studies for speed, right? >> Not the people coming into >> not with the FedEx, Amazon. >> Yeah. So, unfortunately, we can't do anything right now, but >> I don't see a problem with that. I mean, they've been there for >> 20 years. Someone was like, "You should use that." >> So, >> I think there was some >> It just can't be enforced by law enforcement, >> right? And those those were signs that the association had purchased >> and put up on Hillsboro. >> I think there was some concern by the residents as a result of what we did here that the town was going to come out posted at 30, but it doesn't sound that. >> No, that's probably not going to be the case. Okay, that's good. >> So, we can just as we correct. >> No, you're going to 5 miles an hour on >> original. >> Yeah. I mean, you can put up your recommended speed limits as well. The only thing we can't do is put a cop there and >> get in trouble. by she they catch 28 when they came on >> the study we were seeing what it was because we had less than 400 cars >> per that Yeah. Okay. >> That's a good point. >> The other thing is the bridge road actually paid for that fee for that. >> Thank you. >> Well, thank you. >> Thanks. was going to be need more help, >> right? >> I think it did. >> Okay. All right. >> I mean, >> it did on our own, too, because we we learned some things. >> Sure. >> The biggest concern was the fact that all of a sudden now what happens is to go there, >> right? >> Yeah. because popped up on here in 28. >> Yep. >> Recommended. >> There you go. You got homework to do tonight. >> Thank you very much. I'll open public input 643. So, if I heard correctly, we amended section C and D in the procedural rules. >> Not yet. We haven't we haven't officially amended them. >> Okay. >> It was just what we're looking to to do. >> So, >> are you considering a change? >> Yes, I believe so. We're looking at all >> finalizes before >> um before they came >> before. I mean there will be a will be a finalized version but as far as there is a draft I would say no to that just because it's the board's rule of procedure. understand Oh, you meant you meant section you meant letter E in section five. >> Yes. >> Not not not section E. I was like >> I know what you mean. Yes. Yeah. Yes. That that is a se a part in that section we were looking at to revis responsive. each other. transformer just >> not in town. >> Oh. in Manchester. >> So why do they have to? >> No, it's it's not not they're not paying. It's just we are allowing um the road agent to be the purchaser of them, but the select board has to sign off on the excise tax renewal so that we don't get charged Yeah. To buy them. >> Northstead Road on the percentage increase >> twice as much every year. So currently to get to the figure that they are looking at having they will double the current rate every year up to $9,600 last year or in this 2026 budget it was $832 is what it cost the for the call firefighters portion of the >> so they want to be caught up by 2030. >> By 2030 they we will be at 9,600. No, >> and it's not going to be based on how many we have. So, we can't like limit four get rid of four guys, you know, I think the price is going to change. It's going to be the same. >> Um, I would like to think of make suggestion. Um, I think it would really be cool us if we're going to be staying in this building for town meetings, person meetings to purchase some microphones because there are some of us who are a little bit hard of hearing. And what I noticed is as I was listening tonight, there were people that had their hands across their faces as they were talking. And some people are slow. I tend to be a very low speaking person unless my French um comes out. Um but I would like to take microphones for everyone here. >> We've had we've had microphones in the past. We've tried two three different kinds and the problem is the acoustics in the world. >> Um we we have not had very good luck with it. And you're not you're not the first person to bring it up because David Allen brings it up. >> Yeah. >> And the plan was in the addition was to have that in the edition, >> but the addition didn't happen this year. >> So >> fair enough. When you go over to Northstead, can you take a look at the two trees that holding up the cover? One of them is actually leaning so far at this point that I think it's going to take go right over and be an impediment to the water coming from Half Moon Lake into the culvert through the culvert and into lake. I think that tree is gonna have to be >> I mean when we go there we're going to be looking at everything the culvert the drainage but they are they are well aware it's going to be two separate projects the drainage from the road and the culver so >> but like I said please take >> has anyone here looked at the online videos the ones that we post from the meetings you just did how's the sound on those at I mean, I'm just curious because I don't watch them, but >> yeah, I haven't heard >> because we have these little microphones right here now, which is supposed to amplify the sound. And I was just kind of curious if they were actually doing anything. >> I've never heard how they >> I haven't either. That's why I was asking. Well, I actually last week and I couldn't get to anything. >> Well, we have you blogged. >> All right. >> You gota you got to do another friend request. >> Somebody else did the same thing, you know. And I was told, wasn't it last week that we were told we had a website? We've been making some updates and changes and stuff like that. So, it may have been just timing on it. Sorry. >> So, I know exactly what we're talking to. So if you if you click on the website from Google, if you do Google search onstead and you go to the website that is linked there along with the phone number and address uh there's something about the website that um doesn't work. It doesn't follow through. Language does not talk. So if you type in barnstead.org directly you can find it. Uh but if you do a search on Google and use Google to transfer you over to the town of Barstead, you get error messages if page is not done. So I didn't >> but and I can search but I >> Right. But if you're on Google and you use this link here where it says website, click on it and then try there's no web page matching. >> So it's looking for the old >> probably looking for the old one. Yeah. >> So that's just something I'm sure Danielle can take care of or somebody can take care of. >> Please email me that. I think you had asked last week or week before if anybody finds any issue just in the Google uh search engine >> and it might it might just be that you know >> some of them work better with with you know Microsoft Edge or whatever >> because even from here where you're getting the message if you then click on the top banner page >> and then go >> it looks >> it looks way So, it's definitely a Google thing. >> And as far as the volume goes of your meetings, >> um it it can be a little bit spotty. Um but this is on high. >> Well, >> and that's probably the loudest the meeting gets the whole time because we're all reciting the pledge together. >> Yeah. So there might be something similar to that. Um so I wanted to address that. And then while I'm here actually um the MS1 summary valuation that's the total valuation for the property within the bar town limit. >> And do we have that number? >> Can I ask what that number is? Right. Karen, which folder is that >> in your business? The new valuation position here the net valuation will be 1 million 98,000 That's 108 368. So 1098108368. Okay. The that's the net valuation. And then the utilities because some of the state portion of the tax rate is based on a lower rate. So that's just uh 20,000 less. >> Okay. And is that valuation? And is the valuation at 100% of their market value? Is that your >> Yes, they adjust for market. Yes. >> Oh, thank you. >> Anyone else? Public input. Close public input at 656. Okay. Make a motion that we go into non-public under RSA 91- A colon 3 2 C. Let me see. or be up. That's not C. It'll be A. It'll go under to correct that. I have a second. Okay. Would you second that? >> All in favor? >> Thank you all. It's okay.