Benjamin D. Knapp

The Subcommittee focused on developing Goals and Objectives for the Master Plan, following the analysis of survey categories. The primary discussion centered on the Land Use and Growth Management category, specifically addressing six goals and their corresponding objectives. A significant portion of the deliberation involved strategies for fostering economic development while preserving Weare's established rural character.

Key discussions during the meeting included the need for more commission members, the Department of Energy Grant, and the review of the warrant article for the solar array, which is recommended by the select board and finance committee. An update on NHSaves indicated plans to contact select boards regarding energy efficiency contractors. The presentation of two logo versions was noted, with a decision deferred pending more members. The concept of community power was introduced for future review concerning timeframes, rates, and suppliers. Furthermore, the commission discussed HB1002, which proposes to repeal the state law exempting residential solar energy systems from local property taxes.

Key discussions during the meeting included updates on NH Saves Energy Conservation projects, specifically related to Northeast Air Sealing for town buildings. The commission also received an update on the NHDOE solar grant, noting potential costs for a structural engineer. Furthermore, logo designs were reviewed, with a specific design incorporating a pine tree being approved. Other business involved a motion to recommend that the Weare Board of Selectmen support legislative bill SB 538, and a discussion regarding Community Power for Weare, including a recommendation for Kearsarge Power and a plan to invite a Community Power representative to the next meeting for an informational presentation.

Key discussions during the meeting included a resident's request for temporary construction access through town property for a proposed commercial building project. The Board established prerequisites for granting access, focusing on surveyor-designed compliant driveways, legal agreements, bonding, and fire safety considerations. The Fire Chief presented updates on the South Weare Fire Station panel upgrade, detailing Starlink system testing and costs, leading to the Board's approval of a complete panel and wiring upgrade funded by the government building fund. The Board also reviewed and amended purpose statements for the 2026 Town Mailer articles concerning the operating budget, gravel excavation permissions, and other articles. The Town Administrator reported on pending Fire contracts, a Police Department grant amendment for crash equipment, camper tax abatement research, a Planning Board appointment recommendation, and an upcoming public hearing on the transportation fund percentage. The Board subsequently voted to accept amended grant terms for MDT ECRASH EQUIPMENT, authorizing cruiser detail funds for a portion of the purchase, and authorized the Police Chief to sign the necessary grant agreement amendment. Committee updates included reports on the Cemetery Advisory Committee, Conservation Commission, PARC, and granting authority to the Energy Commission to solicit quotes for energy improvements. The Board entered and exited a non-public session to discuss a personnel matter.

The meeting involved significant discussion with the Planning Board Chairman regarding open space subdivisions, specifically the AMS subdivision on River Road. Concerns were raised about the Conservation Commission acting as a default easement holder when land trusts decline, due to a lack of monitoring resources. Alternative configurations for open space, such as extending lots or creating more manageable parcels, were reviewed. Action items included asking the developer to reconfigure lots, exploring legal options for town land ownership in another municipality, and considering Zoning Ordinance changes. In Land Management, the installation of signs regarding illicit firewood harvesting at Poor Farm was noted, and the discovery of a tire dump near Ferrin Pond was reported, pending further investigation in the spring. A motion was passed to approve a quote for installing a reinforced concrete well cover at the Eastman Conservation Area Town Forest, with one abstention due to a conflict of interest regarding the contractor. The Commission also discussed an email request from the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (SPNHF) regarding a monitoring report for Collins Ledge. Other business included a report on the Deliberative Session articles and deferring a decision on a rate increase request from Meadowsend Consulting until a representative could present justification.