Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Noise ordinance and Vernon Family Farm events

No vote taken. The Board and the farm's attorney agreed to keep working to check whether the mitigation steps work.

The Board met with the farm's attorney and Town counsel about noise from agritourism events (farm events open to visitors). The chair said the Board had unanimously found a noise issue exists and that it must enforce the ordinance as written. The Board holds that the 60/50 decibel limit for a residential agricultural zone applies, citing the Town Planner's 6/22/26 email, ordinance section 4.7.1, RSA 31:39 and earlier Planning Board remarks. The farm's attorney said the farm disagrees that violations occurred and argued the higher commercial-use limit applies. She proposed setting the legal dispute aside and adding sound controls: downward-facing speakers and upgraded microphones, with existing speakers turned downward until the new system is installed. The farm said a sound engineer checks levels at events and adjusts if readings pass 65 decibels. Town counsel said State law limits noise rules for core farming but allows them for agritourism events. A commissioner suggested reviewing sound data from future events and checking it independently. The farm's attorney agreed to talk with the family about sharing data and the installation schedule. The meeting was not a public hearing, so there was no public comment. A resident later emailed asking that comments be entered in the record and that a noticed public hearing be held before any finding or enforcement.

Planning Board report: Oaklands Road subdivision

A Select Board member reported that the Planning Board approved the Oaklands Road subdivision with deed restrictions to protect wetland areas. The Planning Board also discussed neighbor objections, Conservation Commission input, and the need for a resident survey on the town plan.

Conservation Commission report

A Select Board member summarized recent Conservation Commission work: property access updates, a landscaping complaint, alternate member nominations, bylaw revisions, and ongoing concerns about the proposed Resource Waste expansion and its possible environmental effects.

Public Safety Building Committee report

The chair reported that the committee narrowed the geotechnical (soil and ground study) requests for proposals to two firms and scheduled follow-up interviews. It also sent out a request for qualifications. The committee aims for a proposal on the March ballot because costs are expected to rise.

Stormwater project and ARPA funds question

A resident asked for an update on the stormwater project and whether 2021 ARPA (federal pandemic relief) funds are still available. The chair said the Town just received approval from the Department of Environmental Services and Hoyle & Tanner, and the goal is to finish this year. He said money has been set aside and he would report back on the amount.

Motorized bikes on the rail trail

A resident asked whether motorized bikes are allowed on the rail trail. Lt. Blais said e-bikes are allowed because they have pedals. A motorized bike without pedals is not allowed. The chair asked residents to call the police about any problems.