Town of Stratham

The meeting commenced with roll call. Key agenda items included a public hearing extension request for Land Bank Properties, LLC regarding a Condominium Subdivision at 217 Portsmouth Avenue, which was ultimately granted for 90 days until April 12, 2026, following input regarding tree preservation and legal documentation finalization. The Board also received a presentation from the Rockingham Planning Commission concerning the establishment, methodology, proportionality, and administrative requirements of impact fees for new development. Furthermore, the Board discussed proposed updates to the Planning Board Rules of Procedure, agreeing to move them to a public hearing, focusing particularly on application fees. Finally, the Board held a public hearing on proposed 2026 Zoning Ordinance Amendments, approving changes to the Residential Open Space Cluster Subdivisions by removing multi-family housing options, and moving amendments for the Route 33 Legacy Highway Heritage District and the definition of historic structure to the town ballot.

The meeting involved the adoption of previous minutes. Key discussions included plans to resume Saturday operations in July, adjusting staff meeting schedules due to late board meetings, and approving staff time off following the annual appreciation luncheon. Updates were provided on the summer reading program, which saw high enrollment. Issues regarding a malfunctioning front door requiring replacement for ADA compliance and the replacement timeline for several library computers were addressed. The board also discussed updating the social media policy to provide clearer guidance on staff and trustee interactions online, potentially restricting comments. Furthermore, the Friends of the Library reported on memorial donations received and the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Friends and the Library Board was mentioned for future review. Trustees shared insights from the NHLTA Annual Conference, emphasizing the need for strong communication/social media policies and a clear MOU. The Treasurer's report noted accepted donations and an upcoming annual town audit that includes the library. New business included a discussion about establishing a sick time bank for library staff, referencing documentation from town officials for guidance.

The primary discussion centered on the Police Department's request for a 13th full-time officer to address understaffing, particularly during peak evening hours, enhance coverage, reduce overtime, and support specialized functions like criminal investigations and community policing. The board also addressed budget reviews across several departments, including Administration, Assessing, Building, and Planning, with specific focus on the funding for the required COGS grant match, the need to replace end-of-life ambulance defibrillator monitors, and the replacement schedule for Fire Engine 3. The Fire Department requested funding for new fire gear and the creation of an EMS Training Coordinator stipend position. Furthermore, the board accepted grant terms for the FY26 MDT E-Crash equipment and the IDEMIA Live Scan Fingerprint Machine donation. Discussions on capital planning included coordinating building access control upgrades across municipal facilities. The meeting concluded with action items approving the purchase of a GREGO line laser and tabling a road naming decision pending input from the Heritage and Conservation Commissions.

The Conservation Commission meeting included a presentation from an individual discussing the concept and viability of green and natural burial cemeteries, detailing different types and environmental benefits compared to conventional methods. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing a Land Use Application for constructing a 6100 square foot manufacturing facility office/shop on Portsmouth Avenue, which required conditional use permits for encroachment on a wetland setback and mixed use. Discussion focused on the building size, parking, and mitigation of stormwater impacts within the wetland buffer area. The Commission expressed general support contingent upon using gravel for the parking lot. Additional business involved reviewing monitoring reports, noting unapproved trail development at one property, paying annual dues to the NHACC, and agreeing to reschedule the February meeting date. Furthermore, the Commission appointed standing officers, naming a vice chair and secretary, and discussed potential land acquisitions during a nonpublic session.

The Select Board meeting agenda included several reports and discussion items. Key topics involved the Police Department Report and the Assessing Report presentation. Correspondence addressed a Right of Way Access request concerning the Thomas Bacon Letter and a discussion regarding E-Bikes in Stratham Hill Park. New Business and Action Items included consideration of the 2026 Select Board Schedule, review of the 2026 Preliminary Budget, CIP, and Estimated Tax Impact, as well as review of the Wilcox and Barton Ground Water Monitoring Proposal, Winnicutt Subdivision Road names, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment Rules of Procedure update. The agenda also covered the Employee Review Process, Manual Update, and Website Launch, along with appointments to the EMD Director and Deputy Director positions, and final discussions concerning the Lane Property Closing.