Barbara R. Bouley

The meeting commenced with a moment of silence in memory of a recently deceased local resident. Key discussions during the public input session included a resident's concern regarding an improperly delivered, threatening water shutoff notice, which was addressed with an apology and commitment to investigation. Another resident provided updates on the Friends of the Hudson Dog Park, including progress on 501c3 status and fundraising, pending insurance details. Old Business focused on authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Friends of Hudson Dog Park and conditionally approving the reopening of the dog park upon receipt of required insurance. New Business involved a presentation by the Police Chief recommending the purchase of 27 Sig Sauer suppressors to mitigate hearing damage during training, which required a bid waiver; approval was granted for both the waiver and the purchase. Additionally, the Board approved two water main extension agreements for Taybre Drive and Campbello Drive, which will be added to town assets at no direct cost to the town or users. The Board also granted authority to the Friends of Benson Park for their 2026 events schedule. A significant portion of the meeting involved deliberation on HB 1137 regarding voting rights for liaisons on the Municipal Budget Committee, resulting in a motion to send a letter of opposition. The Town Administrator provided updates on the upcoming Annual Report distribution, voting machine testing for the March election, DPW storm response efforts, and progress on the Nashua water main connection project. The School Board Liaison reported on calendar approvals and upcoming strategic plan review.

The Board of Selectmen meeting addressed several key items, beginning with an Attorney-Client Session. Public input included a resident's concerns regarding improper notification procedures concerning water disconnection. Old Business involved a decision regarding fire department motions made in non-public session. New Business featured a detailed presentation supporting the request to purchase 27 Sig Sauer SLXC Suppressors, which included waiving competitive bidding requirements due to standardization with existing rifles, and the approval of two water main extension agreements (Taybre Drive and Campbello Drive) at no cost to the town or water users. The Board also approved the authority for the Friends of Benson Park to conduct scheduled 2026 season events. Furthermore, the Board voted to send a letter to Concord expressing opposition to House Bill 1137, which proposes removing voting rights for the Board of Selectmen and School Committee Liaisons on the Municipal Budget Committee. Town Administrator remarks covered the status of the Annual Report, new voting machines, and deadlines related to the upcoming Town Election.

The meeting commenced with the welcoming of a new student representative from Alvirne High School's Sustainability Club. Key discussions involved the December 2025 Trash-Recycling Tonnage Report and the submission of paperwork for payments related to Holiday Light Recycling coverage and a cash donation. Updates were provided regarding the Casella contact information and the availability of the 2025 Solid Waste Brochure, including specific dates for yard waste and metal drop-offs without a pass. The committee reviewed the holiday light collection report, noting the total weight collected, and planned for Community Roadside Cleanup events in the April timeframe for 2026. Updates were given on a Styrofoam Collection Day held in Nashua, NH, and ongoing SAC activity planning for 2026, including resource lighting/energy proposals and continued collaboration on composting. The 2026 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Chart was submitted for posting on the town webpage, and information regarding the 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Collections was noted. Finally, the committee reviewed the 2025 Annual Report submission and the status of the SAC Charter submission to the Hudson Board of Selectmen (BOS).

The Board of Selectmen meeting agenda covered several items, including Old Business updates on the Friends of Hudson Dog Park, which involved extensive discussion regarding the necessary steps (MOU, liability insurance, formal lease) for conditional or interim reopening. New Business included a request to purchase suppressors and water main extension decisions. Furthermore, the Board addressed funding for the Police Department, authorizing the use of capital reserve funds to reimburse the purchase of 17 new ballistic vests and utilizing donation funds to acquire an E-Bike. Public Safety Funds were released for a second E-Bike and associated batteries to minimize shift downtime. For the Fire Department, the Board approved waiving the bidding procedure to add a breathing air system to the new tower truck during manufacturing and released funds for tower truck equipment, operator training, rescue airbags, replacement hose, and Phase 1 of the training facility. An update on HCTV revenue indicated a concerning sharp decrease in franchise fee revenue for Q3 FY26, leading to concerns about future equipment replacement funding. The Board also granted authority to the Friends of Benson Park (FOBP) to submit an application for structural roof work on the Elephant Barn, and a motion was passed to waive the associated general building permit fees as a good faith partnership effort. The Board also authorized the Town Administrator to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FOBP regarding the dog park reopening.

The Board of Selectmen meeting included appointments to the Benson Park Advisory Committee. Consent items covering supplemental property tax bills, pole licenses, and the acceptance of previous minutes were approved. Old Business focused on updating the Hawker/Peddler and Vendors Licenses ordinance, which was approved. Discussions also centered on the Benson Dog Park, resulting in a motion to authorize the Town Administrator to draft a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the newly established Friends of Benson Dog Park, Inc., contingent upon favorable legal review and subsequent execution of a full lease agreement, particularly concerning liability insurance. Under New Business, the Board granted the Friends of Benson Park (FOBP) authority to submit an application for structural roof work on the Elephant Barn, and later voted to waive the associated building permit fees as a sign of partnership. The Board also reviewed the HCTV revenue update, which showed a concerning sharp decrease in franchise fee revenue, highlighting the critical nature of the upcoming FY27 warrant article. Finally, the Fire Department received approval to release targeted public safety funds for tower truck equipment, specialized training for the new tower truck, replacement rescue airbags and hose, and to begin the preliminary survey/due diligence phase for a new off-site training facility to improve commercial building fire response training.