Board of Selectmen Regular Meeting - July 14, 2026

The Board of Selectmen held a regular meeting on July 14, 2026, at 6:02 PM. The meeting covered approval of minutes, public comment on speed enforcement, updates on the National Muster, recent water system issues, a traffic camera feasibility study, transfer station operations, Platwood Park progress, paving projects, the Main Street banner program, and the 250th anniversary committee.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of June 23 Regular Meeting: Approved unanimously without changes.
• Minutes of June 30 Special Meeting: Tabled because one selectman could not view the document on their computer; will be revisited after posting on the website.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Danello (Main Street): Expressed strong support for lowering the speed limit on Main Street from 30 mph to 25 mph before installing speed cameras. He argued that with a 10 mph tolerance, cameras at 30 mph would not trigger until 41 mph, which is too fast for the village district with parked cars and pedestrians. He requested the board pursue a state reduction to 25 mph to make enforcement effective at 36 mph.

Discussion Items

• National Muster Update: The first selectman reported 50 corps registered (up from ~30 in prior years). Highlights included a complimentary Essex Steam Train shuttle, performances by the Presidential Fife and Drum Corps, and free ice cream for the first 200 attendees. Parking concerns were noted, and attendees were encouraged to use alternate transportation.
• Water System Issues: The first selectman summarized a recent region-wide water main break affecting multiple towns (Chester to Guilford). Coordination involved five health departments and emergency management, with the state Department of Health criticized as less helpful than desired. Businesses impacted were asked to document financial losses for potential advocacy with state representatives and the governor.
• Traffic Camera Feasibility Study: The board discussed initiating a free traffic study by the company Ultimate at three locations to assess speeding issues. Among the candidate sites: Winthrop Road by the cemetery, Main Street near the post office or package store, and Route 154 near Kirtland. Selectmen noted that any future camera program would require a town ordinance and potential shared appeals attorney with Chester. The board also debated lowering the speed limit on state roads to 25 mph prior to the study. A motion to authorize Ultimate to conduct the study passed unanimously.
• Transfer Station Advisory Committee: The board received a document from the committee expressing frustrations. Members felt the committee's mission was not well-defined and some issues raised (e.g., job descriptions) exceeded their advisory role. The board scheduled a joint meeting with the committee on August 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM to clarify scope and address grievances.
• Platwood Park Concession Building: The project progressed with orders placed for a prefab concrete building and kitchen equipment. A 50% deposit was sent. Completion is hoped for late September, potentially by Family Day. The grant timeline was extended as needed.
• Paving and Town Projects: Paving bid awarded; work begins around August 3 on Hallowees intersection, Main Street, River Street, and High Street. Funds from the water company ($124,000) were combined with town funds for full-depth repaving. Other completed projects included Platwood Park guardrail repair, two fence installations, and Pinewood Trail restoration (waited over 10 years). The state DOT is also working on crosswalks and transition pads on Route 154 at night (7 PM–5 AM) to minimize disruption.
• Main Street Banner Program: The first selectman reported positive feedback and encouraged sponsorship via QR codes; forms are available.
• 250th Anniversary Committee: A July 8 reading of the Declaration of Independence was organized by Kate Montgomery, with about 50 attendees in colonial costumes. Selectmen participated by reading portions.
• Transfer Station Enforcement and Pricing: During the second audience period, a resident (Bob) questioned commercial vehicle pricing and enforcement. He noted that contractors bringing large loads pay only $40, which is insufficient. He also requested credit for catching out-of-town users. The first selectman acknowledged the issue and agreed to schedule a separate meeting with the transfer station committee and DPW to discuss scaling and pricing improvements.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of June 23 Approved.
• Minutes of June 30 Tabled.
• Traffic Study Authorized: Unanimous motion to allow Ultimate to conduct a free traffic study at three locations (locations to be determined with input from the company).
• Joint Meeting Set: Board and Transfer Station Advisory Committee will meet on August 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM at Town Hall to review the committee's mission and address concerns.
• Business Impact Reporting: Businesses affected by the water main break are asked to submit financial loss documentation to the selectmen.
• Meeting Adjourned: Moved and seconded; adjourned at 6:46 PM.