Matthew Bumford

The agenda for the meeting included several items requiring deliberation and action. Key discussions involved the NH Standard Ambulance Provider Contract in light of new state law SB 245, which mandates contracting with insurance companies for maximum billing rates and stops surprise balance billing. The Board planned to address the appointment of a Selectboard liaison to the Cogswell Water Commission to improve coordination between the two bodies. Continued business covered updates from the Selectmen Compensation and Benefits Workgroup and discussions regarding the 2026 Budget and Warrant Articles. New Business included considering the establishment of a Police Special Detail Revolving Fund, modifying the purpose of the Police Equipment Expendable Trust Fund, and establishing a Community Services and Care Planning Board. Warrant articles detailed appropriations to Capital Reserve and Expendable Trust Funds, proposed discontinuing certain Capital Reserve Funds in favor of new Expendable Trust Funds (for Bridges and Transfer Station), and proposed modifications to property tax exemption criteria for commercial/industrial properties.

Key discussions included the announcement that a trustee would not seek another term, leading to a temporary reassignment of duties for handling transfers, minutes, and correspondence. The investment policy for 2026 was approved, subject to future consideration of suggestions from TD Bank representatives. The End of the Year MS-9 summary was reviewed, and information will be distributed to various committees. A policy regarding outstanding scholarship checks was established, including a three-month validity limit and a unanimous agreement to round future scholarship check amounts down to the nearest one-hundred dollars. Furthermore, the trustees finalized a process for publishing source documents, including the 'Only Henniker on Earth Fund,' to the Town Website, with one trustee overseeing the summary and removal of spreadsheets, and another discussing the process for heating oil funds with the Town Administrator. The trustees also reviewed and approved a significant total disbursement of $69,180.17 to the Town of Henniker from various ETF accounts, and received and deposited funds for the Town Ambulance and Tucker Free Library.

Key discussions included the approval of the 2026 Investment Policy, which was subsequently signed by the Trustees, and a review of the End of the Year MS-9 summary. Information from the MS-9 summary will be distributed to interested parties including the New Cemetery Association, Tucker Free Library, Concert Committee, and the John Stark School Scholarship Committee. The outstanding 2025 Scholarship check status was addressed, with plans to issue a cancellation letter if no action is taken by the next meeting. The Trustees reviewed and approved disbursements from Common Funds to the Town of Henniker, Tucker Free Library, and Henniker Cemetery Association, and acknowledged the deposit of $871.13 in donations to the Concert Fund. Preparations for submitting the MS9 and MS10 forms to the State of New Hampshire were noted.

Key discussions during the meeting centered on the Superintendent's Report, which included an update on bacteria samples (all absent), water usage statistics for January 2026 detailing gallons pumped versus billed, and meter readings. Other agenda items addressed included the CCR and Hydrant Maintenance schedule, Dig Safe requests, a Deduct Meter application, and management of High Pressure/Backflow Prevention concerns. Progress on lead exceedance testing was reported, indicating the required repeat notification was avoided after testing remained below the action level. Decisions regarding the adoption of rules for New Service Connection Fees and Abatements were noted. Future plans involve a Well 2 Rehabilitation scheduled for Summer 2026 and updating the Emergency Action Plan by June 2026. In Old Business, expenditure and revenue reports for the period ending 12/31/2025 were reviewed, and the status of the Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Project, particularly concerning repeat sampling results, was discussed. A Commissioner raised a concern about purchasing a light tower instead of renting, which the Superintendent agreed to investigate.

The meeting included the approval of the Consent Agenda and addressed several new business items. Key discussions involved the River Road reconstruction requiring engineering design and USACE approval, with authorization granted to utilize KV Partners. The Board also moved to adopt the Henniker Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). A public hearing was held regarding the 2026 Warrant and Budget Presentation, during which the Board recommended Article 5 for general municipal operations and discussed an increase in the Cogswell Spring Water Works hydrant rental fee. Recommendations were also made on articles pertaining to the Tucker Free Library appropriation, Wastewater Operating Budget, Cogswell Water Works Operating Budget, appointments of agents for various Capital Reserve Funds, modification of the Police Equipment Expendable Trust Fund purpose, establishment of a Police Special Detail Revolving Fund, and the adoption of a Municipal Transportation Improvement Fee. Furthermore, appropriations to Capital Reserve Funds and Expendable Trust Funds were discussed, along with funding for a Wastewater Upgrade Project, the purchase of a CAT Compact Loader, construction of a Highway equipment shelter, a Main Street Crosswalk, support for the Granite Visiting Nurse Association, and the establishment of a Community Services and Care Planning Board. The Board also considered a property tax credit modification for service-connected total disability and a property tax exemption for commercial/industrial properties. A motion to establish a social district failed, and a motion to prohibit games of chance passed. Certain business items were postponed, and the minutes from the January 20, 2026 meeting were approved.