Stratford Selectboard approves painting estimate, moves to lease Christie Road parcel and raises rent to cover admin costs

At the April 20 meeting the Town of Stratford Selectboard approved a painting estimate and several routine warrants and documents, and agreed to proceed with leasing—rather than selling—the 104-acre town parcel on Christie Road.

Suzanne reviewed the Christie Road parcel and recommended managing the land instead of selling it; she noted a timber cut in 2014 and said the Conservation Commission’s input will be obtained. The board reviewed multiple painting estimates and approved MC Painting’s estimate based on the detailed submissions.

The board signed the manifest for 4/6/2026 and 4/13/2026 and signed documents including an abatement for Robidoux, corrected timber exemption/credits for Robidoux, Old Home Day items, and a landfill contract. A motion carried to approve the minutes, SM, a letter to the NE Forestry Foundation, the 2025 municipal assessment, the Notice of Final Tax Date form, and the email regarding the lease of town land.

On Christie Road land specifically, the board agreed to proceed with leasing town land rather than selling it. Members directed that a formal lease agreement be created and that rent be increased to account for administrative and office processing; the meeting transcript records agreement to that direction but does not specify lease terms or the new rent amount.

Next steps: Staff will obtain Conservation Commission input, solicit a draft lease, and return lease terms and proposed rent to the board for approval. The meeting record does not include timelines or dollar amounts for the lease or rent increase.