Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Resource Waste Services expansion in Epping

Board members agreed to draft a more detailed letter to DES with the Conservation Commission. No formal vote was recorded.

A Conservation Commission representative told the Board about a proposed expansion of Resource Waste Services, a waste transfer facility in Epping. The Commission had already sent a comment letter to the state Department of Environmental Services (DES). The letter raised concerns about the facility's size, effects on groundwater, surface water, air and traffic, and poor notice to nearby towns. The Board heard that the town does not draw drinking water from the Piscassic River, but most town wells are shallow and can be easily contaminated. A speaker said the facility handles waste from several states, including hazardous materials such as PCBs, and that its tonnage equals all of Rockingham County's solid waste. The Board discussed limits on local and state power over interstate commerce. It also noted a possible conflict because Newfields' town counsel also represents Epping. The chair and other Board members agreed to work with the Commission on a more detailed letter to DES asking for better notice. The Board also discussed consulting Bill Meserve for technical and regulatory advice and checking for state-level legislation. The Commission's representative urged the Board to recruit members for the Lamprey River Advisory Committee and the Exeter-Squamscott Advisory Committee.

Public safety facility planning funds

The Board agreed to post the Primex reports on the town website. No formal vote was recorded.

The Board discussed using $50,000 in undesignated funds to plan a new public safety facility. The money would pay for planning, surveys and studies needed to qualify for federal grants. It was stated the allocation would have no tax impact. The chair reviewed earlier police and fire facility planning, the design-build process, and the need for a needs-based analysis. He said the town would not be eligible for federal grants without a plan. The building could also serve as a heating and cooling center in emergencies. The Board also discussed Primex safety assessment reports for the Police and Fire Departments and agreed they should be public so residents can see the listed facility problems. The guest moderator cautioned that the Board cannot distribute material for or against a warrant article and that members should not speak in favor of one in their official role. To avoid appearing to advocate, the Board agreed to post the reports on the town website rather than email them, while letting others share them through non-town channels.

Town investment policy adoption

Motion to adopt the investment policy passed. All were in favor.

The Board considered a new Town investment policy. State law requires towns to have one, and this one was modeled on policies from neighboring towns. It stresses safety, liquidity (quick access to money) and timely access to funds, sets roles for managing Town funds, and requires regular reports. It covers only Town funds, not funds managed by the school district, library trustees or trustees of trust funds.

Mobil station lighting compliance

Motion to send a formal letter requiring corrective action passed. All were in favor.

The Planning Board found that fascia lighting (lighting on the building's edge) at Great Bay Mobil does not match the approved site plan, which allowed only downward-facing canopy lighting. The Select Board voted to send a formal letter requiring corrective action.

Prohibited DEI provisions certification form

The Board signed the form.

The Board signed the state form certifying compliance with RSA 21-1:116. The form says the Town has reviewed its existing contracts for prohibited DEI-related provisions.

CSX land access inquiry

The Board agreed to pursue an access agreement. No formal vote was recorded.

The Board discussed an inquiry to CSX about access to a parcel of land. CSX declined to sell or lease the property. The Board agreed to look into an access agreement instead.

Deliberative Session preparation

The Board reviewed each warrant article ahead of the Deliberative Session on Feb 3 (the meeting where voters discuss and may amend warrant articles). A guest moderator, filling in for the usual moderator, led the review. They covered each Board member's duties, expected amendments, and legal limits tied to several funds. On a library fund amendment, the moderator said the state Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) does not allow private donations to be mixed with public money. Taking private donations would need a separate fund created by a future warrant article. On Articles 11, 12 and 13 (Water and Sewer maintenance funds), the moderator said he would ask the municipal association and the DRA for guidance. He said changes to the warrant after posting may not be legal, and the articles could be resubmitted next year. He said he would explain the process at the start, handle questions outside the warrant, and send zoning questions to the Planning Board. Some information may be made public in advance.

Planning Board zoning and ADU update

A Board member reported that the Planning Board is still reviewing proposed changes to zoning and accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules. An ADU is a small extra home on a lot. The talks included moving from size limits based on percentages to fixed maximum sizes, and housing needs for an aging population. She also said lighting at Muddy River Smokehouse was not part of its site plan and needs follow-up. The chair said a current Planning Board alternate, Michael Sununu, may move up to full member.

Conservation Commission bylaws and paid minute taker

A Board member reported that the Conservation Commission kept working on its bylaws, focusing on proposed wording and the role of the Select Board liaison. The Commission also discussed Resource Waste Services and the letter sent to the state. It asked for a paid minute taker for its meetings.

Board correspondence response policy

The Board discussed the need for a formal policy so that public correspondence is acknowledged and answered by the right Town body. The chair said he would consult the chairs of boards and commissions and bring a draft policy to a future meeting. A Conservation Commission representative said the Commission received one hundred emails in one week and is a group of volunteers. The chair said he understood what had happened and felt a policy would help going forward.