Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Planning board and subdivision updates

Planning board took jurisdiction of the Oaklands Road subdivision and voted to send it to the Rockingham County Conservation District for review. It conditionally approved the Muddy River Smokehouse site plan amendment, pending a note showing the residence. Vote counts were not given.

A board member gave the May planning board update. The planning board looked at a four-lot subdivision on Oaklands Road. Three lots are proposed for building and one may be kept for conservation or future projects. Concerns were wet (hydric) soils, property lines and flooding. The planning board took jurisdiction, meaning it agreed to review the plan, and voted to send it to the Rockingham County Conservation District for review. The hearing was continued to June 11, 2026. Muddy River Smokehouse presented an amended site plan showing the current 61 parking spaces and lighting. The planning board conditionally approved it, pending a note on the plan showing the residence. A working session with the Rockingham Planning Commission is set for May 28 to review and discuss updating the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

Library trustees budget discussion

Two library trustees spoke with the Select Board about the library budget. One trustee showed spending since January on utilities, income and trust fund money. He said little has been spent on books so far this year. He suggested separate budget lines for electric, oil, water and sewer, and other utilities such as cleaning in the 2027 budget. He said the Friends of the Library give support that is not guaranteed, so the budget should show which costs are paid by trust funds, donations and town money. A trustee said the trustees are thinking about a community survey on library funding and services. They also plan to work with the Friends to finish a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the budget presentation for the next fiscal year.

Firearms policy in town buildings

A resident asked the board to limit firearms at private events in town buildings, such as contra dances. He said other places with these dances have such limits. The chair said the NH Municipal Association told him towns cannot restrict firearms in government buildings, even during public events. The chair will also ask Town Counsel for a firm legal opinion and report back at the next meeting.