Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Timber tax bill from Hutchinson Sealing

Approved; all in favor, motion carried.

The Board approved a timber tax bill from Hutchinson Sealing for $5,784.28.

Timber tax bill from Southeast Land Trust

Approved; all in favor, motion carried.

The Board approved a timber tax bill from Southeast Land Trust for $1,104.17.

Town investment policy signature

The Board agreed to sign after the correction. No vote count given.

The chair said the Town investment policy due to be signed that night did not have his full legal name, Hobart. The Board agreed to sign the document after the name is corrected.

Quinn Court paving priority

The Board agreed to prioritize paving Quinn Court in 2026. No vote count given.

The chair said the Road Agent's annual report did not mention paving Quinn Court this year. He asked that it be made a priority for 2026. The Board agreed, and the chair said he will tell the Road Agent.

Planning Board update on Muddy River site

A Select Board member said the Planning Board talked about changes at the Muddy River property that were not approved. The changes were the use of the house, outdoor lighting, and the parking area. None of these were shown on the site plan (the official drawing of the property that the board approved). The Planning Board agreed to require the owners to update the site plan to show the current parking area and come back to the board for guidance and compliance. The chair and a Select Board member said the process should be standardized so businesses cannot make changes without board oversight.

Zoning materials and informational meeting

A Select Board member said an informational meeting on zoning changes, including rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), will be held March 4 at 7:00pm. The Planning Board will be there to answer public questions. Zoning materials will get a new photo. The Town will email and post the updated materials to explain the zoning changes that will be on the ballot.

Public Safety Complex project update

The chair reported on the Public Safety Building Committee, which met February 12. A firm, Martini Northern, presented three ways to build: design-bid-build, construction management, and design-build. The chair said design-build was favored for cost certainty and faster delivery. A lieutenant is compiling a list of towns that built public safety buildings to compare what worked. Progress depends on the election and a $50,000 warrant article. If approved, it would pay for a formal needs assessment with outside expertise. All grant applications this year are due March 6, 2026. The committee decided it could not meet that deadline, which eases the time pressure. If the article passes, a project could be presented to voters in next year's election. The Select Board unanimously supports the $50,000 article. The committee went into nonpublic session to discuss land options.

HB 1691 current use bill

A Select Board member said New Hampshire bill HB 1691 would limit who can qualify for current use. Current use is a state program that lowers property taxes on land kept open. He said the Conservation Commission is not taking a position, and the public can comment through the State's website. The chair said he is concerned the bill's income-based and other limits could undermine the program, and said the program has protected tens of thousands of acres in the state. No board vote on the bill is recorded.

Epping waste facility objection

The chair said an objection letter about the Epping waste disposal permit was mailed to the state Department of Environmental Services (DES). A draft was also to be posted on the Town website for residents who want to respond to DES. The chair said Newfields produces about 600 tons of waste per year, while the proposed transfer station would process about 750 tons per day. A Select Board member said the facility would be 90 feet from the river. The chair said the Board agreed to closely monitor the matter because of possible environmental and water effects. Another member said the aim is to slow the project so safety measures are in place, and she encouraged residents to contact DES. The chair said the Executive Councilor is engaged on the issue.