Deep River Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance Joint Meeting – July 28, 2026

The meeting was held on July 28, 2026, starting at approximately 6:01 PM and continuing past 8:30 PM. It encompassed a regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen followed by a regular meeting of the Board of Finance. Key topics included a housing study update, discussion of spending $1.8 million from Mount St. John back taxes, changes to transfer station operations, a budget review, and public comments on a controversial construction project at 245 Kelsey Hill Road.

Consent Calendar

• Selectmen Meeting: Approved the minutes of the July 14, 2026 meeting (correcting the date from an earlier error) by unanimous voice vote.
• Board of Finance Meeting: Approved the minutes of the June 30, 2026 meeting by motion (Kate, second Carmela).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Selectmen Session:
  • Mike (online): Inquired about the status of a traffic camera study that began that week. The Selectmen chair confirmed the study is underway.
  • Resident (online, name not stated): Raised detailed concerns about the construction project at 245 Kelsey Hill Road, questioning whether it is a Christmas tree farm or a commercial firewood processing operation. The speaker asked about noise, traffic, environmental studies, zoning compliance, and oversight, stating that neighbors have a right to know.
  • Shannon (online): Asked whether the Bobcat machine for snow removal discussed for Mount St. John funds would be new or used, and suggested using some funds to help the Economic Development Commission (EDC) lower taxes.
  • Mike (online again): Urged the board to use the $1.8 million as an investment to attract younger residents and grow the tax base, rather than only on needed items like a salt shed.
• Board of Finance Session:
  • Transfer Station Committee Chair: Questioned how decisions are made for brush and bulky waste removal contracts, and listed cost-saving recommendations (reducing staff, hours, charging for bulky waste, unit-based pricing).
  • Dorothy Michael (transfer committee member): Expressed frustration that the transfer station budget reduction of $16,000 was achieved without public education, and argued that tax increases are driving younger generations out of town.

Discussion Items

• Housing Committee Update (Daniel Smith):
  • Daniel Smith, Deep River Planning and Zoning Commission member and Secretary of the River COG Regional Housing Committee, presented findings from a $30,000 housing technical assistance grant.
  • He explained that River COG (a regional council of governments) originally allocated 230+ affordable units for Deep River, but after pushback, the figure dropped to 46 units in an exercise based on 2020 census data.
  • A local study by Goldman York found that Deep River's population is declining (median age 49, majority over 59), and the housing stock (mostly 2-3 bedroom homes, median value near $400,000, recent median sales price ~$723,000) is unaffordable for young families.
  • The study identified potential municipal and school-owned parcels for housing, including the Tri-Town Youth Services parcel and four locations on Valley Regional High School property.
  • A private land parcel inventory is underway. The state Department of Housing representative indicated openness to acquiring private land if identified.
  • Next steps include Planning and Zoning drafting regulation changes to comply with new state law (Bill 8002) and continuing the private parcel inventory.
• School Consolidation Task Force Discussion: The Selectmen reported that Region 4 has hired a consultant to facilitate community engagement, expected to begin in early fall. The consultant previously worked with Mansfield.
• Mount St. John Monies (Selectmen Discussion):
  • The town received $1.8 million from back taxes on Mount St. John. Selectmen shared preliminary ideas for projects: playground surfacing at Platwood ($14-15K), enclosure for porta-potties at town landing, veterans' park concept, transfer station improvements (gate, scale, guardrail), salt shed (~$300K), Bobcat for snow removal ($55K), and a grant writer.
  • Selectmen agreed to meet with department heads to prioritize needs and present recommendations to the Board of Finance. There was agreement on funding a grant writer, but the amount and timing were deferred for further analysis.
• Tax Collector Position Discussion (Selectmen): The current tax collector will retire in November. The board debated whether to keep the position elected (requires Deep River resident) or make it appointed to attract a wider pool. Some favored a four-year term to provide continuity with an assistant. No decision was made; research on options will continue.
• Transfer Station Changes (Selectmen): Effective immediately, stumps are prohibited and logs must be 12 inches or less in diameter. Signs will be posted. The town is also exploring fees for bulky waste brought by commercial haulers using resident stickers. A subcommittee will meet with Chester on August 10th.
• ARPA Funds Update (Board of Finance): The treasurer reported that remaining ARPA funds (~$187,908) must be spent by December 2026. The finance director will send an email update by end of August to all entities with outstanding funds.
• Budget Review (Board of Finance): The finance director presented a preliminary year-end budget review for fiscal year 2025-2026. Revenue was $2.214 million favorable (including $1.8M from Mount St. John), and expenses were $748,674 favorable, resulting in a net favorable position of about $2.9 million. However, several large outstanding items (e.g., Board of Education bills, paving costs) may reduce that figure to approximately $48,000. The board agreed to discuss specific departmental overages (e.g., fire department vehicle maintenance) in September after obtaining complete data.
• Other Items:
  • Approval for Park & Rec to extend summer camp by one week (August 10-14) if 30 campers sign up, breaking even. Motion passed 3-2.
  • Update on fire truck chassis delivery: first payment of $658,000 due in August; brush truck delivery expected end of August/September.
  • Finance committee discussed roles and responsibilities, aiming to formalize policies for future governance.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Selectmen approved minutes of July 14, 2026 (unanimous).
  • Selectmen approved tax refunds totaling $5,750.46 (one opposed).
  • Board of Finance approved minutes of June 30, 2026 (unanimous).
  • Board of Finance approved extending camp by one week (3 ayes, 2 nays).
• Directives:
  • The selectmen will meet with department heads to prioritize Mount St. John spending and report back in September.
  • The finance director will circulate an ARPA fund status update by end of August.
  • The town will immediately enforce new transfer station size limits (no stumps, logs under 12 inches).
  • The finance committee will review fire department FY2025-26 budget in September with complete data.
  • The selectmen will explore options for the tax collector position (appointed vs. elected, term length).
• Next Steps:
  • August 10: Joint selectmen/transfer station committee meeting.
  • August 19: Planning and Zoning meeting to address 245 Kelsey Hill Road concerns.
  • September: Combined meeting with firehouse building committee and architect.
  • September: Board of Finance will finalize budget review and discuss roles/responsibilities policy.