Town of Windham

The special meeting featured a presentation by Ryan DeJoy of Windham Woods regarding the proposed dome project and developing a mutually beneficial relationship. Windham Woods offered potential benefits such as snow removal, landscaping services, shared parking, and event tent setup access on their property, as well as encouraging clientele to book events at Searles. The trustees clarified that town-contracted services handle Searles' snow removal and landscaping, and that Searles generally has sufficient parking. Discussion emphasized concerns regarding increased traffic flow associated with the dome events, prompting Windham Woods to propose solutions including funding a traffic light, providing police detail during events, or establishing additional egress options. The Board acknowledged the need to deliberate on supporting the dome project and will communicate the sentiment following the next full Trustee monthly meeting.

The meeting focused on administrative items following the previous session. Key discussion points included the review and acceptance of the minutes from the November 12th meeting. The trustees noted the receipt of thank you notes from third-grade students who visited the museum in the previous February. A donation from Denise Paige Lietz of a 1953 survey concerning camps on Cobbetts Pond Road was acknowledged. Additionally, the secretary reported on collaboration with Sylvie Brikiatis of the Nesmith Library regarding ideas for the upcoming 250th scavenger hunt.

The meeting involved reviewing an updated map of the New Plains Cemetery and receiving several updates from Trustee Moeckel. Discussions included coordinating the removal of an incorrect base at the Brink lot, verifying flag placement for new pump line installation, confirming the removal of old bunting, addressing unauthorized trash disposal in a dumpster, agreeing to remove an unsightly kiosk in the spring, and assigning responsibility for flag handling, with a consensus to remove all cemetery flags for the winter after the first snowstorm. Additionally, the Trustees unanimously approved a waiver request from Anne Stuart (McPhillips) to purchase two lots at Block 26, lots 18 and 19, at the New Plains Cemetery.

The meeting addressed planning updates for America's 250th celebration, including an event calendar on the town website and details for a Revolutionary War encampment scheduled for June 27th-28th. Al Letizio plans to host an event at Indian Rock Park on June 28th, and efforts will be made to encourage church participation in the national day of prayer on May 17th. There were no updates on the Fessenden Mill project, and an update on the kiosk status is pending contact with Jackson Calderara. The Board of Selectmen agreed to encumbrances proposed by Mr. Griffin. A workshop on long-range planning is tentatively scheduled for February 5th. The board discussed pursuing a tax incentive for historic barn preservation, and Mr. Saffie will obtain a list of eligible properties. A joint project with the Cemetery Trustees was initiated to inventory gravestones needing restoration, with interest expressed by Ms. Demone and Ms. Mallet in participating.

The meeting is scheduled to address several 2026 Zoning Amendments through Public Hearings. Key discussions include Amendment #1 regarding the allowance of Multifamily Residential uses in Commercially Zoned Districts, including stipulations on unit limits and workforce housing percentages. Amendment #3 focuses on regulating Short-Term Rentals (STRs), distinguishing between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied status, and establishing permit and operational requirements. Amendment #4 revises regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), clarifying definitions for attached/detached units and modifying related property ownership and zoning requirements. Other amendments concern Setback Requirements for Open Space Residential Development and limitations on Off-Street Parking for vehicles and recreational campers. Citizen's Petitions include a proposal to rezone the Gateway Commercial district to Rural, and another petition proposing that property owners with ADUs may rent out either the principal dwelling or the ADU for any duration, including as STRs. A third Citizen's Petition proposes inserting a Growth Management Ordinance (GMO) to regulate development timing based on K-8 enrollment capacity and deferring school impact fee assessments.