Deep River Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance Meeting - October 28, 2025

The Board of Selectmen (BOS) and Board of Finance (BOF) met consecutively on October 28, 2025, starting at 6:32 PM. The BOS addressed citizen concerns, reappointed multiple board members, decided against a public art installation, and provided updates on early voting and town hall repairs. The BOF reviewed the treasurer's report, debated funding for a new finance position, and discussed terminating a non‑functional online permitting contract.

Consent Calendar

• BOS approved the minutes of September 23, 2025 (with a typo correction: "Motion pass 3 to 1" changed to "Motion passed").
• BOS reappointed the following individuals:
  • Community Health Committee: Lauren Nichols (term to 12/1/2027); Kelsey was tabled pending interview.
  • Planning and Zoning: Sarah Makawicki (from alternate to regular, term to 12/1/2026), Daniel Arthur Smith (12/1/2028), Lisa Di Maria (12/1/2028).
  • Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission: Susan M. Board, Stuart S. Cutler, Carol Double W. Libby (all terms to 12/1/2028).
  • Transfer Station Committee: Lenora Gronco, Catherine K. David, Dorothy D. Michael, Peter Danello, Thomas Growth, Ronald Larson E. Larson, James R. Lockhart (all terms to 12/1/2027).
• BOF approved the minutes of September 23, 2025, and moved $2,835.85 from a dormant Veterans Green Monument Committee account to the general fund.
• BOF approved paying a $14,000 insurance buyout back‑pay to an employee in a single lump sum (motion passed).

Public Comments & Testimony

• A citizen reported that early voting at the library community room had no lights at the back door; thanks to Cheryl Reynolds, bulbs were replaced. The citizen also noted that exterior lights run 24/7 (likely a photocell issue), a sidewalk gap near the pizza place is a liability, and a bench near the stone wall needs repair. They requested a clear maintenance process for the library building. The BOS agreed to look into the lights and suggested a formal reporting system.

Discussion Items

• Park and Rec Art Installation (BOS): The Park and Rec Commission had proposed a $600 sculpture at Plattwood Park, later funded by a private donation. After receiving resident concerns about the artist's background, Park and Rec voted to postpone installation until April 2026. The BOS discussed the matter and voted unanimously (3‑0) to recommend not moving forward with the installation at this time, while supporting the concept of public art. The decision was made due to potential negative public relations.
• Early Voting Update (BOS): As of 6:15 PM on October 28, 204 people had voted early (Oct 20–28). Hours: 10 AM–6 PM; next weekend 8 AM–8 PM; Halloween 10 AM–6 PM. Early voting ends November 2; in‑person voting is November 4.
• Town Hall Repairs (BOS): HVAC unit ordered (5‑9 week delivery); building reopening expected mid‑November. The building inspector noted the first‑floor bathrooms have rotted subflooring and will need a complete overhaul, likely budgeted next year.
• Library Beech Tree (BOS): Two tree companies recommended removal. The BOS will seek an arborist opinion and consider milling the trunk for furniture.
• River Valley Transit Bus Stops (BOS): Proposed stop locations were discussed; the board decided to conduct a walk‑through with the transit director to finalize locations.
• Treasurer's Report (BOF): Deposit rates dropped after the Fed's 25‑basis‑point cut (Liberty Bank to 4.10%, Ascend Bank to 4%). The general fund held ~$1.034 million but will drop to ~$700K after payables. The 2022 capital improvement fund has ~$466,033 remaining; disbursements have been paused. ARPA funds down to ~$213,220. Upcoming bond payments were reviewed.
• Unused 2022 Capital Improvement Funds (BOF): The chair reported that prior analysis may have been premature; it is possible that some capital bills were mistakenly paid from the general fund, requiring reimbursement. Action deferred pending Paula's verification.
• 2025 Financing Plan (BOF): Originally targeted for November, now delayed to mid‑January 2026. Expected cash needs: brush truck ($149K), payloader ($261K), firehouse planning ($86K initial), and fire truck payment ($658K in February). A $1.5 million short‑term note is planned.
• WPCA‑Funded Position (BOF): The Water Pollution Control Authority proposed increasing their payment from $35K to $85.5K to fund a full‑time finance assistant. The BOF expressed concerns about long‑term commitment and actual cost (salary + benefits could range $68K–$97K). After debate, the board agreed to meet with WPCA leadership the following week to clarify terms before proceeding.
• Online Permitting Software (BOF): The town has spent $40K since February 2022 on a system that is still not operational. The vendor cannot provide a working product; staff training has been ineffective. The BOF recommended ceasing payments and having the town attorney draft a termination letter.
• DPW Paving Expenditures (BOF): Large paving costs from a prior‑year contract appeared in the current budget. The board directed the finance director to work with auditors to properly classify them as prior‑year capital expenses.
• ADM Committee (BOF): The joint committee with Chester and Essex continues to analyze student enrollment data and explore alternative cost‑sharing models. A five‑year student forecast is expected soon.
• Pension Plan Meeting (BOF): A meeting with Ivory Wealth Management has not occurred in six months; a new meeting will be scheduled.
• Meeting Time Change (BOF): The board discussed moving future meetings earlier (e.g., 6:00 PM) to avoid running late; the change will be considered when setting the 2026 schedule.

Key Outcomes

• BOS voted unanimously to recommend against the Plattwood Park sculpture installation at this time (motion by Gates, seconded by Russell).
• BOS unanimously approved all listed reappointments.
• BOF voted to move the dormant account funds ($2,835.85) to the general fund.
• BOF voted to pay the $14,000 insurance buyout back‑pay in a single lump sum.
• BOF agreed to stop payments to the online permitting vendor and have the town attorney review the contract for termination.
• BOF decided to hold a special meeting with WPCA leadership the week of November 3 to resolve the funding for a new finance position.
• The next regular BOS meeting is rescheduled from November 11 (Veterans Day) to November 12; a special meeting with an executive session is planned for November 5 at 2:00 PM.