Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Canaan Select Board approves 2.8% COLA, names historic commission members and deputy treasurer
Summary
At its March 17 meeting the Canaan Select Board approved a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for town employees effective April 1, accepted the 2026 MS-232 form, appointed members to the Historic District Commission and approved Pam Woollaber as deputy treasurer; the town administrator said he will pursue access to a $1.5 million federal water grant.
Canaan, N.H. — The Canaan Select Board on March 17 voted to grant a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment for town employees effective April 1, approved the 2026 MS-232 reporting form, confirmed several appointees to the Canaan Historic District Commission and approved Pam Woollaber as deputy treasurer.
The measures were approved by motion during the regular meeting at the town Emergency Operations Center. Scott Johnston moved and Sadie Wells seconded the motion to adopt the COLA; the board approved it. The board also voted to accept the MS-232 form required for municipal reporting and to approve minutes from its March 3 public and nonpublic sessions (motions approved; specific vote tallies were not recorded in the minutes).
Town Administrator Jack Wozmak told the board he has compiled a list of more than 40 items he will address across departments and said he met with the Department of Environmental Services (DES) about town water projects. Wozmak said he will investigate the town’s ability to access a $1.5 million federal grant tied to those projects and will follow up on gray-water and pumping-station issues.
Tom Milligan nominated John Dyer, Willam Van Zandt, Jerome Brightman and Chris Day for the Historic District Commission, with Brightman and Day serving as alternates; Stephen Freese moved to approve the slate and Sadie Wells seconded the motion, which the board approved. Scott Johnston was identified as the Select Board liaison to the commission.
The board also approved Pam Woollaber as deputy treasurer; the motion was made by Stephen Freese and seconded by Sadie Wells. It was noted during the meeting that Cariann Zandell will resign from the Canaan Budget Committee.
Staff uniforms were discussed after Cariann Zandell said the town’s uniform service contract was set to increase by about 10 percent and some staff preferred purchasing their own uniforms. The Select Board asked staff to draft a uniform policy that would ensure consistent attire across the water, mechanic and public works departments.
In other business, the Lions Club requested that the town donate aluminum bleachers at the Transfer Station for use at motocross races. Scott Johnston agreed to inspect the bleachers and the town administrator will draft a donation agreement.
The board adjourned the public meeting at 6:35 p.m. and entered nonpublic session; it scheduled a special Select Board meeting for April 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the EOC.
Notes on procedure and records: the minutes record motions and approval but do not include vote counts for the motions listed above; where the minutes record an amendment or clarification it is noted in this account (for example, an amendment to the nonpublic minutes to state "pay through March 13").
