Speaker numbers apply only to this recording.
The meeting was called to order at approximately 4:00 PM, went into executive session for personnel matters, and reconvened publicly at 6:30 PM. Key actions included setting a public hearing for a contract zoning application for the J project at 53–69 Main Street, approving a junkyard/automobile graveyard license renewal, setting a public hearing for general assistance maximums, making appointments to town boards, and approving a consent agenda that included a domestic violence awareness proclamation.
Manager’s Report – Town Manager presented several updates:
Item 116 – Contract Zoning for “The J” (53–69 Main Street) – Development Director Julie Erdman and applicant team (Ryan Barnes, Dave Holman) presented. The contract zoning is needed to reduce off-street parking from 87 to 41 spaces (with ability to install lifts for up to 74). Project includes 34 residential units and ~9,900 sq ft commercial space on a contaminated brownfield site. Benefits include soil remediation, increased tax revenue (estimated $340,000–$500,000 annually), and consistency with the comprehensive plan. Council discussed parking concerns, especially for commercial uses and residential second cars. Councilor Teemy opposed citing insufficient commercial parking; others supported the project. A public hearing was set for October 19, 2026.
Item 117 – General Assistance Maximums – Town Manager presented the annual adoption of GA maximums. Council set a public hearing for October 19, 2026, to consider updates (emergency and regular basis). Councilor Teemy questioned whether the proposed housing maximums (e.g., $1,300–$1,500 for a one-bedroom) are consistent with local rents, noting higher Zillow listings. The matter will be discussed further at the public hearing.
Item 118 – Appointments to Boards and Committees – Councilor Anderson presented recommendations from the appointments committee. All nominees were approved unanimously.
Oh, getting used to the new microphones. Surround sound. I'm going to officially call this meeting of October fifth, twenty twenty-six to order. Uh, town manager, was this meeting properly noticed? Yes, it was. Beautiful. Um, I'm going to ask everyone uh to sign with your electronic devices, counselors, please. We'll remind the audience when we get back. But uh we are looking to go into executive session one M RSA four oh five six A personnel matters. Uh, do I have a motion to go into executive session? So moved by Councillor Teamy, seconded by Councillor Ellis. Uh is there any uh discussion on the motion? Not seeing any. Uh I'll call the vote. Counselor Ellis. Yes. Counselor Ecker. Yes. Councillor Anderson. Yes. Counselor Prahl. Yes. Counselor Hicks. Yes. Councillor Teamy. Yes. Counselor Wheems. Yes. Uh, Councillor Wilson is not here for the record. Uh, the chair is yes, so that is unanimous of the council present. We'll be back at six thirty. Hello, everyone, and thank you for bearing with us for the technical difficulties. If you're in the room, you may be able to hear a difference. Airplane mode, silence button, all those good things. I'm doing it right now on my laptop. And then please rise if you are willing and able for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. As chair, that I ask that as we hold this space together, we try to treat everyone here with compassion and respect as we work to serve our town. Are there any adjustments to the agenda? Not seeing any. Are there any announcements of counsel? Counselor Hicks. Thank you. I wanted to announce that I've um we we have scheduled or I have worked with um town manager to schedule a Brunswick Landing community meeting to be held October 22nd from 5 30 to 7 here in the council chambers. This is an opportunity for people who live on Brunswick Landing who you who actually do things on Brunswick Landing to get updates and to um get some get their questions answered if possible. Um we're going to focus on uh for the community members. Um there uh there's been discussion for a while around Neptune Road and its future and it the possibility of it getting updated and repaired and talk about safety issues.