Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Restaurant parking on New Road

The Board told the owner to fix the open parking and lighting issues first. Once the restaurant fully complies, he may return to talk about New Road parking. No vote count was given.

A restaurant owner asked the Board about adding employee parking on one side of New Road. He pointed to a September talk where the Board agreed to look at it again after one year. The Board raised concerns about adding parking without site plan approval (the Planning Board's review of a site's layout). It also reminded him of the town lighting rules, which call for less light after 10:00 PM and no light aimed at neighbors. A Planning Board member said the Planning Board had advised against using public streets for parking because the road is narrow, traffic may grow, lighting is limited, and winter conditions are crowded. The chair said a state driveway permit condition bars the restaurant from running at the same time as events. He said sending the matter back to the Planning Board was an option. He also said the Board could take back any approval, for example because of repair work on the New Road bridge. A resident said cars park on both sides of Winkler Way near Dunkin' Donuts. A resident also raised concern about railroad lighting at Rockingham Junction. The chair said CSX Railway owns and maintains it.

Fireworks ordinance discussion

No vote. The Board agreed to review sample ordinances and consider changes. The Fire Chief will provide materials.

The Fire Chief said the state Fire Marshal asked towns to state their position on fireworks. Newfields has no fireworks ordinance. He suggested a permit system to help with enforcement, liability and nuisance complaints. He said the last injury was ten years ago. The Fire Department would handle permit paperwork and the Police Department would enforce the rules.

Annual health and human services donations

Approved all five donations. All were in favor.

The Board voted on yearly donations: American Red Cross $500, Child Advocacy Center $1,000, Ready Rides $500, Rockingham Community Action $500, and Rockingham Nutrition & MOW $500.

Volunteer release of liability form

No vote. The Board will take the topic up again.

The Board talked about needing one liability form for volunteers at Town events. It found problems with the current forms. It agreed to review and combine them, including a parental consent section for minors.

Extra addresses for buildings on Route 108

The Fire Chief said a property owner asked for more addresses for three other buildings at 24 Route 108. He said the State will not allow more than 2 addresses at one location because of E911 (emergency call) limits. They talked about making the access a private road.

Town Hall property markers

The chair said markers will be placed to better show the Town Hall boundaries on Friday, April 10 at 7:30 am. The neighboring property owners were sent a notice.

Public Safety Complex wetland delineation

The chair said the Public Safety Building Committee finished a wetland delineation (a survey marking wetland edges) last week. It cost $800, below the earlier approved limit of $1,000 to $1,500. The committee is looking at four parcels, including a larger 11-acre lot now under detailed review. The chair spoke with the town attorney about the lots and noted a possible issue he expects to be fairly simple to resolve. He will raise it at the committee's next meeting.

Vernon Family Farm parking and conservation easement

On February 28, 2026, the state Charitable Trust Unit sent the Town a letter. It said the Conservation Commission did not reach a conclusion on whether the parking significantly impairs or interferes with the value of the conservation easement. The Commission voted 5-2 to require the farm to take more steps, including giving the Commission a written plan to review and approve by May 1. The chair asked a Board member to bring the matter to the Commission to make sure the deadline is met. There were 23 days left as of April 7.

March revenues and expenses review

The Board reviewed the Town's revenues and expenses for March.

Epping transfer station expansion hearing

A resident said a public hearing on the proposed expansion of the Resource Waste Services transfer station in Epping will be held on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion, 232 Calef Highway, Epping. The Select Board has sent a letter. The resident said it would help for Newfields residents to attend.