Selectmen approve contracts, invoice write-offs, road name and a policy on contacting town counsel

The Board of Selectmen on Dec. 3 approved a series of routine administrative items, including a $1,520 contract for tax-research services, two ambulance-service write-offs and a new policy limiting direct contact with the town attorney.

The board voted to authorize an independent-contractor agreement with Sanders Searches LLC of Newmarket for $1,520 for tax research and owner identification services. A motion to accept the contract was moved and seconded and carried by voice vote.

Selectman Griffin moved to waive ambulance invoice number 25-9437 (date of service 07/25/2025) for a total write-off of $151.71; the board approved the waiver. The board also approved a second write-off for run number 25-12779 (call date 10/03/2025) in the amount of $141.17.

The board approved naming the private driveway associated with Trax and Trail LLC as Ridley Way after a motion by Select McMillan that was seconded and approved.

In governance actions, the board accepted the resignation of Slocum Miller from the planning board effective Dec. 3, and voted to nominate Select McGiffin as the board’s planning-board ex officio representative.

The board also adopted a "legal authorization directive" establishing when staff may contact the town attorney; the motion to adopt, with an effective date of 12/03/2025, passed on a voice vote. Members said they expect staff to consult the New Hampshire Municipal Association (NHMA) or a selectmember before escalating matters to the town attorney when appropriate.

The meeting concluded with a roll-call vote to enter nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3 II(a) to discuss personnel matters; the motion carried and the board entered nonpublic session at 6:34 p.m.

What the board approved is procedural in nature: the contract, write-offs and naming are administrative actions, the attorney-contact directive is a governance policy meant to limit legal costs and standardize communication with counsel. The board did not discuss any ordinance or budget amendment that would change townwide taxes or services.

Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda: approved (motion by Slocum Miller; second Slocum Griffin). - Sanders Searches LLC contract: approved; amount $1,520 (motion and voice vote). - Ambulance invoice 25-9437: write-off approved, $151.71 (motion by Select Griffin). - Ambulance run 25-12779: write-off approved, $141.17. - Road naming (Trax and Trail LLC): Ridley Way approved (motion by Select McMillan). - Legal authorization directive (policy for contacting town attorney): adopted, effective 12/03/2025. - Planning-board resignation (Slocum Miller): accepted; appointment of Select McGiffin as ex officio: approved. - Entered nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3 II(a): approved at 6:34 p.m.

The board scheduled upcoming meetings and public information sessions and then moved into nonpublic session on personnel matters.