Michael T Branley

The meeting addressed correspondence from Comcast regarding channel changes and the receipt of a quarterly check for $62,110.00, dated September 30, 2025. The Coordinator's Report noted that School Board Meetings and Planning Board Meetings generated the highest viewership for Videos on Demand and Live Stream services. New recording devices, approved at the previous meeting, have arrived for installation at the Planning Department and Golden Brook School studios. The Board considered the purchase of a new playback system, which would involve hosting programming on the website, and decided to solicit two additional quotes before making a decision, instructing staff to go out to bid for new playback equipment to ensure a fair comparison. Additionally, staff was tasked with investigating the costs and logistics required to enable live cablecasting from Town Hall.

The meeting commenced with a non-public session to discuss matters related to employee compensation and the hiring of a public employee, specifically concluding with a consensus to enter into a three-year contract with Captain Bryan Smith as the next Police Chief. Upon returning to public session, key agenda items included discussions on a grant received for a tractor at the transfer station. The Board considered the 250th Anniversary Reenactment, reaching a consensus to continue exploring Crossing Life Church as the private property site for the event. A major focus was the Local Energy Committee's recommendation to terminate the agreement with Standard Power and engage Freedom Energy for the Community Power Plan, which the Board approved. In Old Business, the Board voted to send the Angelene Meadows Senior Housing Project letter and application to the Planning Board, incorporating language about the governmental land use declaration date of December 1st. Discussions regarding the Warrant and Budget Review included funding for the Property Maintenance Trust Fund, where $100,000 was appropriated after initial discussion, and a motion to sponsor a warrant article to revise the ambulance revolving fund purpose, which passed. The Board also voted to eliminate an article related to the reassessing capital reserve fund. During operating budget review, permission was granted to dispose of old chairs from Searles School and Chapel. New Business addressed state house bills impacting Windham, notably HB 1010 and HB 1065, though a motion to write letters of support failed due to a tie vote. The meeting concluded with another non-public session to discuss matters affecting the reputation of an individual.

Key discussions included a Major WPOD Application for an existing porous paver patio at 46 W Shore Road, which the Commission found acceptable. The Commission planned to discuss signage for the visible Golden Meadow property at a future meeting. For Fessenden Dam, the group decided to collaborate with the Historic District / Heritage Commission regarding potential wording for kiosk rules and regulations, with Mr. Wimmer to share his draft ideas ahead of the January 22nd meeting, and a clean-up day in January was suggested. For Deer Leap/Moeckel Pond, the Commission is arranging for an estimate for non-chemical graffiti removal and planning to assess the condition of the Kiosk on Woodbury. The Trails Committee reported that Ashton Park trails are nearly marked, and a workday to clear brush around Castle Hill Rd was suggested.

The Board of Selectmen meeting included several key agenda items. Announcements covered a Moment of Silence for a former library trustee, upcoming museum hours, a town meeting event, and brush burning. The Town Administrator announced the upcoming closure for President's Day and a Fire Department training burn, and requested the Board consider projects for Congressionally Directed Spending. The Board read a proclamation declaring February 8-14 FBLA Week in Windham, NH. A Board of Health hearing was held regarding a septic system proposal for 19 Fish Road, where a waiver from setback regulations was granted due to unnecessary hardship and the proposed system being an improvement. The Board then addressed the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for 62 West Shore Road, ultimately deciding to issue the CO immediately upon receipt of $4,000 for a turnaround construction, with a June 1st, 2026 deadline for completion. The 2026 Cheap Marathon event request was approved pending coordination with public safety departments. Updates were provided on PFAS monitoring, including the status of the Fellows Road soil cap and costs incurred by the Town. An update on pending litigation involving ZBA, Planning Board, and enforcement cases was presented. The updated Voters' Guide was discussed. The Board approved the Consent Agenda, which included payroll and accounts payable manifests dated February 9, 2026.

The meeting addressed correspondence from Comcast concerning channel changes and cancellations. A review of the Franchise Fee checks received throughout the year was conducted, noting the funds are deposited into the Town's General Fund. The 2026 budget was discussed, indicating no major changes except for minor adjustments to contracted services and telephone expenses, with the primary increase being in salaries and benefits. The status of the Special Funds Account was reviewed, including expenditures for studio upgrades and equipment. The Board approved a motion to purchase three new digital recording decks for up to $6000.00, to be funded from the Special Fund, to replace DVD recording technology. The consistent viewing figures for Live Stream and Video on Demand services were noted. Finally, the Board approved a return to a quarterly meeting schedule.