Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting, June 23, 2026

The Board of Selectmen met on June 23, 2026 at 6:02 PM and adjourned at 6:33 PM. Key topics included the results of the town budget referendum, discussions on the transfer station closure and related $16,000 cut, approval of tax refunds, a tabled neighborhood assistance grant, updates on the Main Street Banner Program and downtown master plan, appointment of a new Conservation Commission member, and a selectman report on a state sidewalk grant and other community events.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes: The secretary’s report was reviewed and minutes were unanimously approved.
• Tax Refunds: Two refunds totaling $2,240.84 were approved unanimously. The motion was made and seconded, and all voted in favor.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Citizen 1 (male, name not given): Addressed the board about the budget cut of $16,000 to the transfer station for the last two weekends, asking about closing days and hours. He mentioned Ms. Torres was also present on Sunday to question the closure. The board noted the issue was on the agenda and would be addressed later.
• Kathy David: Identified as a 50-year resident and member of the transfer station advisory committee. She expressed frustration that the committee had not been consulted about the Sunday closing proposal, despite investing hours in research and cost-saving suggestions. She requested that the transfer station portion of the meeting be tabled until the committee could attend and be heard. She noted the committee had called for a meeting with the board but it was postponed due to the budget uproar. She also suggested alternative partial closures instead of full Sunday closure.

Discussion Items

• Town Budget Referendum Results: The board reported that the town budget passed with a mill rate of 22.59. The budget included a $16,000 reduction originally aimed at closing the transfer station on Sundays. Tax bills will be mailed June 29 and are due by August 4. The board acknowledged that some reductions were reinstated, but the $16,000 cut remained. The DPW director provided alternative cost-saving options to avoid Sunday closure. The board will revisit the issue at a joint meeting with the Board of Finance on June 30.
• Transfer Station Operations: The board discussed the $16,000 cut imposed by the budget referendum. A selectman noted that only four people out of nearly 50% of voters who completed an exit poll mentioned the Sunday closing, though eight calls were received. The DPW director presented alternative cuts within the department. The board expressed willingness to reconsider Sunday hours if other savings can be found. Also discussed were potential savings from joining state tire and cylinder recycling programs, which could save approximately $4,000 annually on tire disposal.
• Main Street Banner Program: The subcommittee “Deep River Visionaries” received a certificate for being awarded an accelerator program grant (up to $5,000). The first set of banners will honor hometown heroes (32 veterans) and alternate with 250th anniversary banners. Sponsorships are being sought; banners are expected to be installed by July 4.
• Downtown Master Plan: Presented by the EDC using ARPA funds. The plan reviewed downtown assets, parking, and gave positive recommendations. It will be posted online shortly after minor revisions based on audience feedback.
• Appointment to Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission: Tom Doherty was appointed unanimously. The selectman noted he attended a recent commission meeting and was supported by the commission chair.
• 250th Celebration: Updates included merchandise (hats, mugs, t-shirts) sold at events and the selectman’s office. A community reading of the Declaration of Independence is scheduled for July 8 at 6 PM at the town hall fountain, with 24 volunteers signed up.
• Selectman Report: Announced receipt of a state connectivity grant of $846,400 for sidewalk improvements along River Street and connecting to the landing and from Adams to the liquor store, completing gaps in the town’s walkable network. Also, paving contract awarded to BNW out of Oakdale. Upcoming events: transfer station closed July 4 (open July 3), town hall closed July 3, town meeting June 29 at 6 PM, retirement reception for Town Clerk Amy Winchell on June 25 from 4-7 PM, and Rotary Bingo on June 28.

Key Outcomes

• Budget Approved: The town budget passed with a mill rate of 22.59. Tax bills due date extended to August 4.
• Tax Refunds: Approved $2,240.84 in refunds.
• Neighborhood Assistance Grant: Tabled as the housing authority did not present.
• Transfer Station: The board will continue discussions at the June 30 Board of Finance meeting, with DPW alternatives and possible revisiting of Sunday hours.
• Appointment: Tom Doherty appointed to the Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission (unanimous).
• Sidewalk Grant: The $846,400 state grant accepted; process to finalize underway.
• Paving Contract: Awarded to BNW with minor contractual tweaks.
• Next Steps: Town meeting June 29 at 6 PM; regular meetings to continue.