James W Andersen

The Select Board meeting agenda included a review and potential amendment of the agenda itself. A public hearing was scheduled concerning the issuance of a building permit on Long Shores Drive, involving investment in road improvements. The Energy Committee Chair requested authorization for the Select Board Chair to sign a letter supporting SB538, which aims to extend net metering eligibility terms for municipal energy projects for 20 years. The consent agenda covered approval of previous minutes (excluding the current meeting's minutes), authorization to sign various financial manifests (Accounts Payable and Payroll), Land Use Change Taxes, and a repurchase deed, along with approval for the 2026 Peeper 5K road closures. Operational matters included a motion to fund an electric sander for the Working Facility Manager's pickup truck, allowing the Firefighter's Association to use the Public Safety Building for their Pancake Breakfast, and authorizing the advertisement of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the Engine 2 Frame Rail Replacement, 2026 Paving Projects, 2026 Pavement Markings, and 2026 Crack Sealing. The board also addressed recommendations for the reappointment of Forest Fire Wardens. The Appointments section planned to finalize several committee and board reappointments for terms expiring in 2026. Staff reports covered work anniversaries, a review of the 2026 Deliberative Session and information for the upcoming Ballot Session, and preparation for the March 16, 2026, strategic planning session focusing on updating the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. New business prominently featured a discussion regarding the Barrington Sign Working Group's recommendations for various sign categories (Town-Line, Gateway, Wayfinding, etc.) and a request to authorize advertising a Request for Qualifications for a sign design/manufacturing partner. The board also reviewed upcoming legislative policy processes from the NHMA.

The meeting discussion primarily centered on an application involving setbacks, well proximity (50 ft requirement), and septic system placement relative to lot lines and neighboring properties, with consideration given to state regulations superseding prior local requirements regarding well/septic separation. Board members extensively discussed the need for a site visit due to current snow conditions obscuring clear property lines and setbacks, as indicated by provided photos. The board ultimately voted to approve a motion for a site visit, electing to continue the case until a later date (potentially April) to allow snow to melt for better observation. Discussions also touched upon property deeds and protective covenants, though the board confirmed it does not enforce such covenants. Further technical details regarding drainage, dry wells, and runoff management were reviewed.

The meeting included action items related to land use applications. For Burgess Landscaping (270-26-1-RC-26SR), the Board reviewed a proposal to create a gravel yard and construct a 2,400 s.f. pole barn for vehicle storage and bulk storage. The Board accepted the application as complete and granted two waivers: one for Landscaping and Screening (Article 3.5.10) due to existing buffers and distance from the road, and another for Outdoor Lighting Design Standards (Article 5.26). Conditions of approval were also granted. For the Peirce Revocable Trust (114-44-GR-26-9.6Permit), the Board considered a Special Permit for a replaced single-family dwelling, focusing on impact area mitigation related to wetlands and runoff from the proposed driveway. The 9.6 permit was granted. Under Other Business, the Town Planner presented a document from Steve Whitman requiring the Board to review a fact sheet and graphs and provide comments.

The meeting primarily involved a minor site plan review for Eric Burgess of CCB Holdings LLC concerning lot 26-1 in the regional commercial district, aimed at creating a larger lay down yard and equipment storage by building an identical structure to an existing one. Discussions focused on proposed overflow parking, lighting requirements, and the need for a waiver from outdoor lighting design standards (Article 5.26) for the parking areas, which the board conditionally approved. Further discussion addressed a bio-retention pond near wetlands for lot 26-1. The board also reviewed a special use permit application for lot 22 in the general residential district by Jeffrey and Kimberly Pierce regarding raising structures and replacement with a new residence, which required review of wetland buffers (35 ft and 50 ft) and runoff considerations, specifically concerning the location of the new driveway relative to the existing septic area and adjacent parcel 114 lot 51, which has recreational access.

The key discussion items included action items concerning requests for rehearings and reconsiderations, specifically for a variance request (224-67-GR-25-Var) initially approved on October 15, 2025, which required reconsideration following a unanimous vote on November 19, 2025, pertaining to a front setback variance. Another action item involved a request for multiple variances (114-44-GR-25-Var) related to front and side setbacks. The board was also scheduled to review and approve the meeting minutes from November 19, 2025.