Meeting Lancaster Selectboard 8.17.2026

Speakers are labeled SPEAKER_N. This transcript is machine-generated.

Recording

Yes.
>> Welcome to the August 17th.
Get started.
>> Uh, thank you very much this evening.
First up, we have department head
updates. Chief Glenn,
>> we won't. [laughter]
>> Um, last month, uh, we were 6911 calls,
109 transfers for a total of 179.
Year to date, 406
911 calls, 720 transfers for a total of
11.6.
Last year for the same month, we did 41
91 calls,
87 transfers for a total of 128.
Year to date, 236 911 calls,
and 723 transfers for a total of 959.
Um we had 142 transfers turned down 23
due to staffing and mainly those we've
already got a truck out.
Um
we've been doing a lot out of ABH as
well. Um
all fire trucks are in working order. We
do have a transmission issue with
ambulance 4
and
those transit vans are
made very complicated to change the
transmission fluid in.
the wrench light came on last week.
I had Tom look at it.
He confirmed with uh North Country Ford
that the
first thing you have to do is change the
fluid and the filter, which cost $3,200
to do.
And I said, "For that price, we could
probably pay for the transmission, not
the stall, but
um so I asked Tom to call. There's a
transmission shop in Bethlehem, I think.
And he suggested suggested the first
thing we do is pump out that old
flip
>> as best we can.
Of course, you can't change the filter
because you got to drop the engine, but
drop the subframe to do that.
We said,
"Transfer out the old fluid, put in new
fluid, run it for a while, and then do
the same thing,
which if it's going to work,
it'll fix itself. And if not, the light
will come back on, which I think that's
the cheapest option for us to look at
right now.
So, you'll do that probably tomorrow,
but I'd hate to put $3,200 in with you.
They can't guarantee if that's going to
fix it. So,
>> how many miles
>> that truck has? That is A4 that has
153,000 on it. Looks like it possibly
scheduled for replacement next year.
Correct. We have a new truck we haven't
taken out of the box, so to speak.
So, we're not looking we're not looking
to add a truck next year anyways.
But if the L's in great shape on that
truck, if we can put a transmission in
it, get some more mileage out of it. And
we'll discuss that after
ridiculous $3,200.
>> It's crazy.
But through Tom's conversation, what
we're going to do from now on is every
50,000.
They suggest 150,000 to change four of
those.
The gentleman in Bethlehem said you
should probably pump that out every
50,000 and put fresh fluid in. So that's
the route we're going to take from now
on.
>> 100 or so dollars to change it is
probably the way that is because he had
one of those constantly go down to the
dip.
He said he had a vacuum and I don't know
what it is. So I would assume so.
But to get to the the filter, we have to
drop a subframe and it's it's quite a
process.
The other ambulances are in decent
shape. We've got the suspension issue on
our 911 truck which we rebar. We're back
online. It's just nickel and dime. So,
how is the one that we put the engine
in? Spot.
>> Oh, that's a can.
>> So, that's that's working on
>> that is working out very well. This 87?
>> Yeah, that's got 281,384
miles on it. Body's in decent shape.
>> Nice.
>> Um, it's it's been great. You think
we'll get a half a million?
I'm not looking at replacing it anytime
soon. Okay.
But no, I think it was well worth the
money we put into it. Stupid daddy.
Um I'm just went screwed us up with that
the new truck coming in a year early.
Really messed up the rotation. But I'll
just hold that up and which I think is
the financially the best course of that.
We did meet with uh
a fire truck salesman today. the truck
that we're looking to replace or repurp
um we actually met with the original guy
that we bought it from.
Um to replace that truck today is just
shy of a million.
to refurb it, it looks like it's about
half that price.
more time now.
If we refurb six months
and I'll get we'll get more solid
pricing.
That was just the initial meeting today.
The um
six month we're refurbishing given
replacing something. You have an idea
what replaced.
Um he's claiming 18 months. 18 months
>> once you place the order.
>> Once you place the order, now the
advantage that we have if we order
through him
it's made in Canada.
So,
um
I'm trying to think of how to explain
it. So, a lot of the the tariffs and
stuff aren't there.
So that it'll be a little less cheaper.
Very there and there's a big group that
owns most of the fire trucks companies
and which is the rev group
which they overpric everything and
they're not involved with the rev group.
So that would be the same as if by spec
and we're going to going to spec it out
with somebody else as well just to
compare apples to apples. But
>> the rev group and I set Jessica away on
that. You know this it's quite a
monopoly thing.
>> It's like a venture capital group
purchase them. So now they control the
market.
>> Oh sure.
which is the advantage to not buying I
mean to buy out of category
>> you kind of avoid that group
that controls everything
>> that's
>> thank you
Chief Woodworth's um report in front of
you I'll just zoom down but call service
2026 is 49
crash ES 44 stops 1,244
arrest 93 year to date 2025 calls for
service 3,768
crashes 56 stops uh uh 1,111
and 123 arrests. Cruiser number one has
24,573
miles. Cruiser 2 has 99,560
miles. Cruiser 4 has 119744
miles. and cruiser 5 has 86,547
miles. Um, still working on getting
quotes for the police department roof
bridge caps. Um, have not received any.
Um, we had spoken about at the last
budget meeting that um, we were
exploring the option of municipal
leasing. Um, heard from Enterprise
Solutions today that they are actually
not entertaining new leases for
organizations with less than 25
vehicles. They do not lease um
ambulances, so we won't fall into that
category, but he's continuing to explore
other options. Officer Rose graduates
the police academy this Friday, August
21st, and then officer uh club fever uh
starts the academy on August 24th, next
week. Uh you'll see on the next um page
his prosecution information. So
understanding the cadence at which he's
conducting his work uh from the transfer
station cardboard was taken out uh
receiving $87
right
there was a incident there was
a meeting afterwards for first respond
groups did anyone
the people that responded to that call
actually went to those there were two of
them okay and thank you for asking I
appreciate that.
>> Um, from the transfer station, the
cardboard was taken out. We're receiving
$87 a ton right now. Um, Rusty seen it
has seen it as low as $50 in the $50
range to 147. So, the prices are kind of
lower right now. Uh, the solar pan solar
panel barns will start in early
September and they are close to
finishing the finish painting the tire
barn and just have to finish shaving the
gable ends. from here on out. Um, from
Barbara,
uh, they're having work on the
controllers for the air handling system
is about halfway done, expected to be
completed the week after next, and um,
the electrical work on the light
fixtures seems to have decreased their,
um, electricity use by about 13% each
month. So, that was good savings. Um, I
must also report that Robin Irving has
provided us for notice and her last day
will be on August 21st. Maggie and I
spent some time um recapping with Robin
what her current um workflow is and to
make sure that we're in compliance with
all of the open grants and um we're
working on future steps for replacing um
and backfilling that position. So big
shoes to fill. We want to thank Robin
for all of her service. She's been a
huge asset to the town. Um and we'll go
forward from there. And again, Chief, I
just wanted to also thank you guys um
for that call. I know it was a lot and
>> Whitefield
>> appreciate that.
>> Um that's it for department head updates
this evening so feel free to to leave.
>> Uh I just had one other thing to say
that I broke down. forget to mention.
Um, so far this year we've been
teetering on
uh revenue side exceeding our expenses
and it's it hasn't been far off
and I know it tomorrow that could change
but right now we're in good shape.
I'm proud of it. I'm proud of my making
that happen.
I know I don't need to highlight this
for you, but I know that when Chief is
experiencing folks who are sick or have
unexpected things pop up with his staff,
he's really carrying a lot of that load.
So, I just want to express my gratitude
towards that. I know um you've been a
lifelong servant to the town, Randy, and
can't thank you enough.
All righty. Thank you very much. Next up
this evening, we have an appointment
with Mr. John Davage.
>> Well, good evening, Select. Evening. Um,
we've had litigation. We've had a
judge's order and I think there's an
opportunity now to resolve this issue.
And specifically what I would suggest is
that the town
uh designate Jane Kim Brown and town
manager to work with me collapsedly and
I think that may be the opposite word
and we will remove the trees to improve
sight line and uh subsequently trim the
head.
It's not complicated and very
straightforward. So I hope the select
one will consider going along with this.
There's one other benefit which is that
while I can't speak for Mr. McNeel,
I believe he would consider
uh terminating his litigation with town
and the attorney expense associated with
that if the child could work with me and
get this concluded.
>> Okay.
Is that it?
>> Yes.
>> Well, thank you for coming in.
>> Well, may I have a response from the
town? Oh, I I I'm going to say that um
you know, we did receive Mr. Male's
motion for objection on Friday. So, uh
we see it as that we're back in
litigation and we're not going to
discuss anything with old uh East Road
or Mount Project Road in this setting.
So does this mean the town is unwilling
to consider working with the land owner
to resolve situation and conclude the
litigation?
While there is pending litigation, there
cannot be open discussion in a public
meeting. Thank you.
>> All right. I'm not sure I agree with
that, but we will see if it's correct or
not.
>> Thanks for calling in.
>> It's my pleasure. Uh
>> all right. Next up this evening, there
are no public hearings. Uh we have the
review of the August 3rd, 2026 work
session minutes.
>> Make a motion to accept second.
>> Any discussion?
All in favor?
>> I
motion passes.
>> Working.
Next up this evening is the August 3rd,
2026 regular meeting minutes.
>> Make a motion to accept as presented.
I'll second.
>> All in favor?
>> She passes.
>> Thank you everybody.
>> Thank you. You're welcome. Have a good
night. Thank you. Thank you.
Next up is sign paperwork. There is none
this evening. For new business number
one, we have accept the safety policy.
So this was previously presented to you
during the last work session. Um I know
that I put in front of you um before you
the personnel and safety policy
implementation roadmap for your um
consumption at a later point in time.
I'm open to feedback um during our
September work session. Do you have
questions, comments?
The only comment I had on safety and
health policy was that um there's a lot
of mention of RSAs throughout it and I
want to make sure that those are
actually included right within policy
like an addendum or so everyone has
access to that information. They don't
have to go look somewhere else for staff
have it at their fingertips. Would you
like that um presented to you at the
next board meeting? Oh, okay.
>> No, I am fine with it otherwise, but
anything that's technical in terms just
make sure people have it ready.
>> Bringing this over that seems pretty
common sense.
>> Policy.
>> No policy. Okay. Sorry. Yeah.
>> See my controversial in the safety
policy. Nope.
>> We uh I make a motion to accept the
safety policy as presented.
>> I'll second.
>> Any discussion? Yes.
I'd really like to have the RSAs added
so it's not quite as present. Almost as
presented. Can we amend that motion?
>> We'll amend that motion. No, you make
the motion. Oh, I'm sorry. I'll amend
the original motion to add that RSA be
added as appropriate.
Second. Second.
>> Any discussion? No. All in favor?
Motion carries. Thank you very much.
>> Thank you.
>> Um Robin has been very busy um working
on the emergency operations plan update.
Unfortunately, our consultant was um on
vacation and we did not receive it
today. Um this is under a grant and um
we do have two opportunities to accept
this next month without putting that
grant into jeopardy. So um this will be
presented to you at your next session
which is September 9th.
>> Um I have been in touch with Bruce our
HSM rep for some tabletop training. So I
would love to connect with you as far as
what we think might be beneficial for
something um in the fourth quarter.
Yeah, that's it. Um, next up is new
business number three, not weed spray.
Yes, I want to give a quick update on
that. Um, it's getting the time when we
would go out and spray. I've toured all
of the town treatment areas and they
look really good. Nothing looks like it
would flower yet and that includes the
transfer station. I've been able to
check on the uh significant majority of
the residents were restrained at their
locations and those look pretty good,
too. Um, you know, many of these places
have had three or four years of strain.
So, it's doing exactly what we would
expect at this point. You know, it might
be stunted or small. We really need it
to flower for it to penetrate to be
effective. So, I'm recommending that we
don't spray this year.
Um the conservation commission has a
partnership with the Girl Scouts and the
Girl Scouts are going to be contacting
the residents about seating for flowers
in those locations and um I um
see how that works out if residents want
that or not. Um really what I'm looking
for tonight is you may recall that last
year we uh transferred uh $2,000 from
conservation commission's budget into
the note line item for high and I think
it would be appropriate for us to give
it back to LCC
um since we won't be using the not
funding this year that portion of it.
So, um, I can either hand somebody to
make the motion. I hope you do that last
night.
I'll make the motion myself. I tried not
to make the motion
page.
>> Bottom line.
I will make a motion to move $2,000 from
Highway 01-4312-5191
notweed to LCC
01-46115147
contracted services for this year.
>> I thanks.
Thank you very much. For new business
number four, we have an abatement
request from USPS in front of you this
evening. You can see it's for $1329.
The backstory to this is that um one is
there's two issues. One is the USPS
wants us to abate $13.29 in utility
payments. It's your call. They've
already paid it if you wish to abate it.
Second issue is that under New Hampshire
RSA 7613, collectors can wave up to $25
in interest but with the approval of the
board. So, um the approval that the
select board has previously provided to
the collector, it has been $5 and from
our understanding that's been in place
since at least 2001. So whether or not
at this point in time given inflation if
that should be ad adjusted to um the
current RSA or another amount. So
looking um you know for your discussion
and guidance
>> we have been adjusting everything else.
>> Exactly. It's in a state RSA consistent
with the state seems like a reasonable
thing to do.
>> Make a motion to abate $13.19.
Believe that's closer, sir.
>> Yes. 1329. Yeah.
>> A second.
>> Uh any discussion?
>> I I
second motion about to the following
changing
>> the uh
>> you want that right if you so if you
want or do we want to look at that at
the work session next?
Oh, I deal with I mean
>> I don't think we have to do that
tonight.
>> But yes, we should look at complying
with the RSA
>> RSA. Yeah,
>> be a quick little discussion.
>> Great. Okay, thanks.
>> Okay, thank you. There's no old business
this evening. Next up, select board
member reports.
I have nothing.
>> I don't have anything. Still working on
Next up is the town manager report. Um,
we did place bids out for the heating
fuel season. Uh, we'll see what they
come in at. They are due before the end
of the month. We placed we've handd
delivered them. um sent them in the
post, pushed them to the website, and I
believe we also put a notice out to uh
the Cal uh Calonian. Uh reminder that
your next meeting is Wednesday,
September 9th. That is after Lancaster
Fair, a after Labor Day, and after state
primary day. So, um we may be at the
same point in time as planning. Um, and
if so, I will likely be
you guys if Kaylee is still, you know,
>> and will that work session at night?
>> Yes. Five o'clock.
>> I can make it to bed.
>> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Yeah. The Lancaster Housing
Authority had a meeting on August 14th
and they may wish to ask for training
dollars in next year's budget. So, I'm
just putting that little um piece of
information before you. I have been
working with Eversource to understand
the lights on the bridge. Um out here,
we've had one light that has been
dimming or out for quite some time. Um
according to Eversource, it is a one
piece light fixture, so we can't just
replace the light component. Um and
we've been going back and forth about
replacing those lights with a larger
post.
as they have those in stock or taking
ownership of the lights on the bridge,
they end up being a consideration during
budget time. And that's why I'm bringing
it before you this evening while I
continue to do this is the stuff that's
on the desk. Um have had two welfare
awards within the past two weeks and
three inquiries. Uh $1,297.97
awarded.
Um and that is it. Wow. We did put out a
press release for the community camp
event in October and we'll also be
pulling together. Um
their web page should be published soon.
Um and Eli's last date for his pool I
believe is the 21st. So they've had very
successful season
>> and had a good water carnival too. That
is it for me this evening. Any
questions?
Uh information in your packet this
evening. There is a zoning board meeting
notice for August 26, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Also for land use permits for Megan Nile
at 17 First Street for a demo of
existing stairs off of the back porch
and replacement
for Susan Guessel and Trevor Nhot off of
Garland Road. Um, this is to construct a
stick built 30x 42x 22 ft three-bedroom,
two bath single family dwelling with a
metal roof.
also for Dan Kenisonson off of Partho
Avenue. I believe this is lot 21 to
construct a stick built 28x 40 foot
two-bedroom ranchstyle single family
for Ben Southforth at 278 Pleasant
Valley Road for the demolition of um
uh existing 31x 41 ft single family
dwelling dry camp and constructing 8x 42
foot addition for the conversion to a
three-bedroom
and then also for Shan McKillip at 127
Page Hill Road for demo of
replacements. That is it for us. Next up
is public comments.
>> Hey comments today. Good to see you.
>> Couple of questions. What is the uh
progress with the town
regarding the the need to be done all
far with that? Is that you?
>> No, it's not there.
>> It's not. We have had the plumbers on
site. The plumbers have um started their
work for the replacement of the heating
system. Um we are still waiting. We are
scheduling out the um sprinklers
fire tech for later this fall. And we
are working with uh PNR related to the
installation of the dedicated water
line.
How about this building here
on this building?
>> We were supposed to receive the
secondary quote a week ago.
>> Secondly, the treatment facilities.
What's the U moving forward on the water
and sewer treatment uh G plant operator
operator?
What's the progress there? Yep, we have
um hired a temporary uh contracted
assistant. We've been assistants. We've
been posting for the position and we um
received we've conducted multiple
interviews.
>> Oh, is this for both utilities or
>> this is for water and sewer?
>> Water and sewer. Yes. Doing it that we
speak now. Obviously, there's nobody in
in place to be doing that. Is there
right now? We we contracted waste uh
Welsh waste water.
>> Okay. They only do water, don't they?
No. Do it all. Do it all both sides.
>> How expensive is that compared to what
we were paying cheap operator?
>> It's uh it's pricey. I don't have the
exact number.
>> They should have a number.
>> They should have a number. Well, it
already so
>> I don't have it in my hand.
>> Yeah. I don't have it in my hand. I have
to look at piece of this. It's going to
be much greater than what we were
paying. That's the other guy. So that's
not to me cost effective. No, but you
got to understand town was put in a in a
in a pickle.
Okay. We didn't have anybody in place to
to replace Kim. Okay. And moving
forward, we are changing that. So this
will not happen again.
The people that we're hiring will will
eventually have their licenses to be
able to operate town of Lancaster's
wastewater treatment plant and water.
The workforce in place. I realize that
there's no certification.
There there is one gentleman that has
waste water
>> or one of them.
>> One of them does.
>> Okay. Whether you agree one
>> at least he has that. Yes,
>> that's something that is the only reason
I kind of point this out is because any
discharge on waste water, you're going
to get your butt kicked.
>> And as far as the water quality,
obviously we have to have certain know
certain criteria for water treatment.
>> That's the only that's the only I don't
have to worry about. Okay. So, I'm good
with that. As far as the sore, I'm still
on something even though I have the town
sore less than 100 ft. So, but the thing
is I was just concerned about how this
is going moving forward with the you
know with the uh we'll say the correct
credential for both of the utilities.
Now, have you engaged any any say any
persons uh or person or in the workforce
at all or is there just what is there
now is what's going to happen like new
hiring we've been she just mentioned
that we interviewed
>> you've interviewed people
>> yeah good very good we are moving we are
moving at war speed
>> for municipality
process is underway so I understand. I
know the girl, but these are the
questions that I wanted to ask myself. I
could be more informed myself knowing
what's what the needs are here. The job
wasn't easy.
That's why we did what we did when we
contracted. The town would have a
qualified water person as well as
wastewater to keep us straight while
we're going through this transition. Now
the other part to that is the new hirees
that would come in. Uh is there going to
be some sort of a expectation for them
to go for certification? I mean they're
going to have to have this at least one
on both sides. I I think would actually
look to not only have that one but make
sure there is somebody behind that one
that would be able to step up. We
realize that we have been acting without
uh properly credentialed staff as a
redundancy for the system. So we're
working to make sure that those bodies
are in place in going through this
>> That's important for the town of small.
>> Yes. and for the upcoming future
repairs. Yeah. Let alone new
we're facing quite a facing a big
problem. Yep. Thank you.
>> Thanks. Well, you got anything today?
>> Well, give my first of all my reports on
my five areas of responsibility. uh the
uh
housing authority met last week and
we're revising our bylaws and bringing
them up today so it would be easier to
on board. We are still down two two
members from the five required members
and we would encourage I don't think you
guys have advertised but whatever you
can do to get a couple more would be
great because we lose a quorum every
time one person can't come. We only have
three. Second one is the airport
commission. Nothing special going on
there. Routine stuff. Um the Connecticut
River Commission again um
doesn't have anything special pending,
but we still need commissioners.
Lancaster has one br one opening and
then everybody on both sides of the
river pretty much only has one or maybe
even less from 10 or 12 town. So that's
something to look at. Uh as far as the
Colonel Town spending committee is
concerned uh I'm now one of the
co-chairs and we are taking steps to
make sure that we meet at least
quarterly and step up to our
responsibility which maybe we there's
room for improvement there. Let's just
say that. And with respect to Emmon
Smith, um we have had um a couple of
requests for aid and with respect to the
Emmon Smith involvement in the Dow fund.
Again, the attorney
has written on behalf of the committee
who was working on behalf of the town to
the trust itself asking the trustee,
hey, what's up? and the attorney from
that outfit wrote back and said, "Well,
summer vacations and we're new on this
job, so October 1st be okay with you."
So that's it for that one.
Then so I guess that that would be my
official reports and throw in a few
cents. I'm not sure how we can generally
start marketing for more civic
involvement because you know you guys
are put in the the awkward position of
not having pulling staff committees and
clearly you're figuring all that out
with getting your licensing and
everything. One thing I thought of was,
you know, a lot of college applicants
now are required
>> when they apply to have some sort of
civic project or civic experience
and uh in part of their resume and that
could be encouraged at the
school level, at the high school level.
And then if one was to look at the year
the graduates from 5 to 10 years out, I
mean those people probably have an
interest or might have an interest that
might be a group to look at just to have
few committees and double advantages.
One is you get bodies and the second is
you know we got a lot of gray hair on
our communities. So it' be nice to have
a a few younger people there. So those
are my ideas. Do you have any questions
for me about any of my
>> No, thanks for the great air problem.
>> Okay. Anything else?
>> Any discussion? All in favor?