Public Safety Building Committee ยท Meeting
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Discussed
Old Lee Road site walk and wetlands study
A consultant from Beals Associates walked the Old Lee Road site on 3/17/26 with three committee members. He found the site generally suitable. The only major issue was known wetlands, and town water and sewer access made the project feasible. A contract for $800 was arranged with Gove for a first wetlands delineation (a study that marks where wetlands are), focused on the front line of the property. A Select Board member signed it, and it was pending committee approval before being sent back. The minutes also say the contract is ready to proceed. Members discussed offsets, such as creating new wetlands on a third lot to make up for impacts on the first two lots. They said 2.5 to 3 acres would be best for the building and parking. They also noted possible access from Route 87 and a possible link to Meadow Road, which would require wetlands mitigation if a connector road is built.
Status of other properties
A member said the committee has not yet heard back about inquiries on other properties. He expects updates in the coming months. The Old Lee Road site is the most likely location now. Two members said the state may look favorably on the project because the town already owns the land. This could ease permitting and reduce the need to buy land.
Conservation status of Old Lee Road land
Members reviewed whether the property is protected as conservation land. The Rockingham Planning Commission confirmed there is no formal record of a conservation designation. Legal counsel will look into it further to avoid problems.
Architect consultation and needs assessment
Members discussed starting a needs assessment, which is a study of how much space the building needs, and talking with an architect. A member said Plymouth hired the Turner Group for a needs assessment and drawings, which previously cost $20,000 to $25,000. He suggested the committee begin a similar process. Another member said the architect could not attend this meeting but may attend in April. Members discussed building size, a two-story design for ADA (disability access) compliance, and fitting parking and community space within the 2.5-acre target. They compared projects in Plymouth, Candia and Stratham. Stratham's fire department and library share a 2.5-acre site. A member said Candia has bought land and is working out its design needs. He also said he would gather materials from a seminar attended by Candia's police chief and report back.
Surveying, lot combination, and next steps
Members discussed what comes next if the wetlands results are good. The three Old Lee Road lots would need to be combined and surveyed. The last survey likely dates to the 1980s, so a full survey of the 11-acre parcel may be needed. Estimated cost for surveying, test pitting (digging test holes to check the soil) and wetlands delineation is about $30,000. A member said this work would be needed whether the lots are used for the project or sold later. Members also discussed scanning and storing the signed contract. The committee set its next meetings for April 16 and April 30, which may change depending on the wetlands work and the architect's schedule. A member suggested the next meeting be held on site at 5:30 PM to review the wetlands results.
Grant funding strategies
Two members discussed grants for the building. They noted St. Albans received $2.6 million for an 11,950 square foot fire station. The police chief relayed advice from New Hampshire Emergency Management not to apply too early, because being accepted too early could reduce chances of later funding. He said grants for the building itself are limited. Larger grants exist for emergency management items such as generators, furnishings and computers, especially if the building will serve as a shelter. He suggested asking the Rockingham Planning Commission for help with applications.
+ 3 routine items