Merrimack, NH

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The main item is a public hearing on a request from Jack Rooney and FMR Merrimack Realty Trust FID to accept and consider a waiver of full site plan review to build a temporary gravel parking lot over the grass outfield of an existing ball field at 1 Spartan Way and 2 Contra Way. The board will also discuss Master Plan Steering Committee and Heritage Commission membership and vote on minutes from September 15, 2026. If the meeting is cancelled, the items move to October 20, 2026.

• Public hearing on waiver of full site plan review for a temporary gravel parking lot over a ball field outfield at 1 Spartan Way & 2 Contra Way (Case # PB 2026-24)
• Parcels lie in I-2 (Industrial), R-4 (Residential) and Aquifer Conservation Districts and the Wellhead Protection Area; Tax Map 2C Lot 113 and Map 3C Lot 191
• Discussion of Master Plan Steering Committee membership
• Discussion of Heritage Commission membership
• Approval of minutes from September 15, 2026

Zoning Board

This agenda is procedural boilerplate: the Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment is holding a non-meeting with Legal Counsel on September 30, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Development Conference Room. No decisions or discussions are listed.

• Non-meeting with Legal Counsel scheduled for September 30, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on five variance requests, including a rehearing of a proposal for up to 192 multi-family housing units at the Merrimack Premium Outlets. Other items include a density increase on McElwain Street, a garage setback variance, and two commercial use variances. The board will also discuss other concerns and approve minutes from a prior meeting.

• Rehearing of variance for 192 multi-family units at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard (Tax Map 3C Lot 191-1)
• Variance to allow 6 additional multi-family units (total 12) at 23 McElwain Street (Tax Map 5D-4 Lot 15)
• Variance for detached garage 12 ft from side property line (required 15 ft) at 3 Mayflower Road (Tax Map 5C Lot 40)
• Variance for used/new auto sales in I-1 District at 54 DW Highway (Tax Map 2D Lot 29)
• Variance for machinery/transportation equipment sales/service/repair in C-2 District at 734 DW Highway (Tax Map 7E Lot 31)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, September 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The main item is discussion and a recommendation to the Town Council on the proposed Wasserman Park Fitness Loop Revitalization project, which would need final Town Council approval. The commission also votes on small Fund 53 expenditures, Fields Farm Subcommittee appointments, and an Earth Month collaboration with the Library. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Discussion and recommendation to the Town Council on the proposed Wasserman Park Fitness Loop Revitalization project, submitted by Karis Welsh
• Vote on spending approximately $186.00 from Fund 53 for trail map posters
• Approval of an amount not to exceed $900 from Fund 53 for seedlings for the annual seedling giveaway
• Vote to change Kathy Pelletier from Alternate to Full Member of the Fields Farm Subcommittee, term expiring 6/30/2028
• Vote to change Tim Tenhave from Full to Alternate Member of the Fields Farm Subcommittee, term expiring 6/30/2027

Town Center

The Merrimack Town Center Committee meets Friday September 25, 2026 at noon in the Matthew Thornton Room at Merrimack Town Hall. The agenda covers project updates on sidewalks along Baboosic Lake Rd and DW Hwy, several bridges, and a Church St survey, plus discussion of documents including an updated committee charge and past town center plans. Members will also discuss the NRPC Walk Audit Pilot Program, including a Town Council response dated 9/24 and possible project scope and collaboration dates, with public comments near the end.

• Project updates on sidewalks: Baboosic Lake Rd and DW Hwy
• Bridge updates: Baboosic Lake Rd & Wire Rd over FEET, Rte 3 over Baboosic Brook, and a footbridge over the Souhegan River
• Church St survey update
• Document review of an updated Committee Charge and the 2009 Town Center Pedestrian and Trail Master Plan
• NRPC Walk Audit Pilot Program: Town Council response 9/24 and discussion of project scope and collaboration dates

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is meeting in a nonpublic session to discuss personnel matters under state law. The agenda lists only two items, both related to personnel, and the meeting is expected to adjourn afterward. No public decisions or discussions are scheduled.

• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (a) – Personnel
• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (b) – Personnel

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council will hold a public hearing on a $35,700 scholarship donation, consider confirming a new police chief, and review several other items including a $75,000 wastewater facility roof repair, a proposed Eagle Scout project, and establishing a Master Plan Steering Committee. The agenda also includes recognitions for retiring and resigning employees and a former town moderator.

• Public hearing on accepting up to $35,700 for the Timothy Mark Gibson Memorial Scholarship Fund
• Consider confirmation of new Police Chief appointment
• Request to expend up to $75,000 from Sewer Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for roof repairs at wastewater facility
• Proposed Eagle Scout project to build information kiosk at Twin Bridge Park
• Acceptance of four trail cameras valued at $1,168 for Sklar Waterfront Park

Conservation Commission

The Fields Farm subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission is meeting to organize itself. The agenda includes reviewing meeting rules, setting goals, scheduling work days, collecting contact information, electing a chair and vice-chair, and scheduling the next meeting. No minutes are listed for approval, and no other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Review of meeting rules and procedures
• Goal setting
• Work day scheduling
• Elect a chair and Vice-Chair
• Schedule the next meeting

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Merrimack Trustees of Trust Funds will review minutes, discuss a proposed increase to the Timothy Mark Gibson Scholarship, and hear updates on the Watkins Forest harvest and school planning. They will also consider funding requests for community programs and correspondence regarding scholarships.

• Proposed $35,699.89 addition to Timothy Mark Gibson Scholarship and increase from $5,000 to $7,500
• Watkins Forest Harvest update
• School Planning and Building Committee meeting report
• Town requests: Camp Scholarship $960, Daycare $500, 250th Anniversary $400, Watkins Forest $500
• LEGO League and Watkins Speech Contest action

Parks and Recreation

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee is meeting to consider an Eagle Scout project proposal from Brayden Miller of Troop 15 and to receive updates on the Merrimack Dog Park, which has a current balance of $494.95. The director's report covers Wasserman Park road updates and several upcoming events, including a 9/11 remembrance ceremony, a 5K race, a movie night, and a Halloween celebration. Organization reports from groups like MYA, the Senior Citizens Club, and the School Board are also scheduled, along with approval of the August 19, 2026 minutes.

• Eagle Scout Project Proposal by Brayden Miller, Troop 15
• Merrimack Dog Park update; current balance $494.95
• Wasserman Park Road Updates
• 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Fri Sept 11 @ 6:30 pm, American Legion
• Naticook Challenge 5K, Sat Sept 24 @ 9:00 am, Wasserman Park

Invasive Species Committee

The Merrimack Invasive Species Committee is meeting to review outreach efforts, update performance tracking, discuss fundraising, and finalize the draft annual report and PowerPoint. They will also coordinate on a draft special provision and approve the previous meeting's minutes.

• Status update on outreach and Bio-Blitz debrief
• Update Excel Performance Tracking Spreadsheet with Bio-Blitz data
• Fundraising update and correspondence with Paul
• Review Transfer Station Draft Poster and scout kiosk coordination
• Review Draft Annual Report & PowerPoint; comments to add color/photos and shorten to one page

Heritage Commission

The Merrimack Heritage Commission is meeting to elect officers and discuss next steps for the commission. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific projects or decisions listed.

• Election of officers
• Discussion of next steps for the commission

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board will hold a public hearing to consider a conceptual discussion by Merrimack Parcel A, LLC about revising the approved phasing plan for Merrimack Park Place, which would change the order of site improvements. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from September 1, 2026, and other routine business.

• Public hearing on proposed revision to approved phasing plan for Merrimack Park Place
• Change to order of construction of site improvements at 1, 2 & 4 Lexington Court
• Parcels in I-2 Industrial & Aquifer Conservation Districts and Wellhead Protection Area
• Case # PB 2026-22
• Approval of minutes from September 1, 2026

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss and vote on several items, including a maintenance plan for Gilmore Hill, a plant population survey, the expansion of a landing zone for a timber harvest, and a small expenditure for kiosk repairs. They will also make appointments to the Fields Farm Subcommittee and consider other business.

• Discussion of Gilmore Hill Maintenance Plan submitted by Tom Martinson
• Approval of plant population survey by Native Plant Trust at Gilmore Hill, 37 Green Pond Road (Tax Map 3C Lot 73)
• Discussion and approval of landing zone expansion on Mitchell Street, clearing 1/10 acre for Watkins Forest & Mitchell Woods timber harvest
• Vote on $134.53 expenditure from Fund 53 for replacement plexiglass at Gilmore Hill Kiosk
• Appointments to Fields Farm Subcommittee: Robert Wallace (full, to 6/30/2028), Kathy Pelletier (alternate, to 6/30/2028), Rick Pelletier (alternate, to 6/30/2029), Dawn Wallace (alternate, to 6/30/2027)

Invasive Species Committee

The Merrimack Invasive Species Committee is hosting a knotweed bioblitz on September 13, 2026, at 2 PM at Watson Park. Volunteers will learn to identify knotweed and use the EDDMapS app, then survey assigned areas to report sightings. The data will help the committee create a management plan. This is a volunteer event, not a formal decision-making meeting.

• Volunteers will use EDDMapS app to report knotweed sightings
• Meet at Watson Park, rain or shine
• Raffle for native seeds or plants for participants
• Minors must be accompanied by guardian or Scout troop leader

The Invasive Species Committee held a Knotweed BioBlitz on September 13, 2026 at Watson Park, with 13 volunteers surveying areas throughout Merrimack and documenting knotweed sightings in EDDMapS. Volunteers received training on the app and knotweed identification, and were assigned maps and safety vests. The minutes state the information collected may be used to help identify and prioritize areas for future treatment. No formal motions, votes, or policy decisions were recorded.

• Held Knotweed BioBlitz at Watson Park; 13 volunteers surveyed and documented knotweed in EDDMapS
• Drawing winners for native plants: Rosemarie Rung and James H.
• No formal motions, votes, or policy decisions recorded

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic (closed) session on September 10, 2026, to discuss personnel matters under two statutory exemptions (RSA 91-A:3, II (a) and (b)). No public action or discussion is listed on the agenda, which consists solely of these two personnel items and adjournment.

• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (a) – Personnel
• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (b) – Personnel

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council will hold a public hearing on accepting a $5,000 lighting donation for the Central Fire Station, then consider final approval of changes to elderly tax exemptions. The council will also discuss proposed disposal fee changes at the Transfer Station and vote on accepting four NH highway safety grants for police enforcement programs. Several recognitions and committee appointments are also on the agenda.

• Public hearing on accepting $5,000 lighting donation for Central Fire Station
• Final reading of changes to Chapter 178, Elderly Tax Exemptions
• Discussion of proposed Transfer Station disposal fee changes
• Acceptance of NH highway safety grants totaling $8,700 for police (seatbelt, distracted driving, speed enforcement)
• Recognitions for retiring police Sergeant Dennis Foley (40+ years) and Captain Eric Marquis (25+ years)

The Town Council approved several fee changes for the Transfer Station effective January 1, 2027. The Council also passed updates to the elderly tax exemption code and accepted multiple police department grants.

• Approved new transfer station fees for mattresses, fire extinguishers, and small engines (7-0-0)
• Approved changes to the elderly tax exemption code, retroactive to April 1, 2026 (7-0-0)
• Accepted $5,000 donation of lighting services for Fire Rescue Central Station (7-0-0)
• Accepted $850 grant for seatbelt mobilization (7-0-0)
• Accepted $850 grant for distracted driving mobilization (7-0-0)
• Accepted $3,000 grant for speed enforcement (7-0-0)
• Accepted $4,000 grant for distracted driving enforcement (7-0-0)
• Appointed Andrew Duane to the Conservation Commission (7-0-0)

Town Council

This is a procedural non-meeting, not a regular decision-making session. The only agenda item is a consultation with legal counsel under RSA 91-A:2, I (b), which is typically closed to the public. No substantive decisions or discussions are listed.

• Consultation with legal counsel (RSA 91-A:2, I (b))

Conservation Commission

The Grater Woods subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss maintenance and review updates to the Stewardship Plan, along with other items of concern. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific action items or dollar amounts listed.

• Discussion of maintenance issues
• Review of Stewardship Plan updates
• Approval of March 10, 2026 minutes

Conservation Commission

The Sklar Riverfront Park Subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission is meeting to discuss updates on the park's stewardship and master plan requests for proposals (RFPs/RFQs), feedback from a recent status update, and results from a volunteer day. The agenda includes no new business and is largely procedural, with most items being status updates and approvals.

• Feedback from Sklar status update to MCC on 8/10/2026
• Update on Stewardship and Master plan RFP/RFQs from Community Development
• Update from Volunteer Day on 8/9/2026
• Update on invasives treatment from Tom
• Approval of minutes from August 3, 2026

Town Council

This is a nonpublic (closed) meeting agenda with no public discussion items. The council will consider matters related to real or personal property acquisition, sale, or lease, and personnel issues under state law exemptions. No decisions or public actions are listed.

• Consideration of acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property (RSA 91-A:3, II (d))
• Personnel matters (RSA 91-A:3, II (b))
• Personnel matters (RSA 91-A:3, II (a))

Town Council

The Appointment Committee is meeting to interview Andrew Duane for full membership on the Conservation Commission and to deliberate on recommendations to fill the vacant position. The agenda is limited to this single appointment process.

• Interview with Andrew Duane for full Conservation Commission membership
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill the vacant Conservation Commission position

Conservation Commission

The Horse Hill Nature Preserve subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission will discuss updates on Blodgett and Watson bridges, decide on the Lastowka Pond boardwalk (remove, repair, or replace), and plan fall/winter activities. The agenda includes no new business and is largely routine, with several follow-up items on trail maintenance and website updates.

• Lastowka Pond boardwalk: discuss remove, repair, or replace options
• Blodgett Bridge update and issues
• Watson Bridge update and finishing touches
• Two Quarry Trail boardwalks need minor work
• Faded kiosk maps: NRPC may provide updated files

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a site plan for 46,648 square feet of commercial and restaurant space plus a 70-room hotel at 645 and 673 DW Highway, continued from prior meetings. The board will also review a conditional use permit for a spray tan home occupation at 15 Derry Street, and discuss Master Plan bids and a possible zoning amendment on electronic message center sign message lengths.

• Site plan for 46,648 sq ft commercial/restaurant space and 70-room hotel at 645 and 673 DW Highway (Case # PB 2026-13)
• Conditional Use Permit for Level II Home Occupation spray tan business at 15 Derry Street (Case # PB 2026-23)
• Discussion of Master Plan bids
• Potential zoning amendment on static message length for electronic message center signs

The Merrimack Planning Board granted conditional final approval for a 46,648-square-foot commercial and restaurant space with a 70-room hotel at 645 and 673 DW Highway, and approved a conditional use permit for a home-based spray tanning business at 15 Derry Street. The Board also granted a waiver for underdrains, reached a consensus to recommend VHB for the Master Plan, and recommended changing the electronic message center static display time requirement to ten seconds.

• Granted conditional final approval for a conditional use permit for a Level II Home Occupation spray tan business at 15 Derry Street (7-0-0)
• Granted a waiver from site plan regulations regarding underdrains along driveways and roads in cut locations (7-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for a site plan to construct 46,648 s.f. of commercial and restaurant space and a 70-room hotel at 645 and 673 DW Highway with modified phasing conditions (7-0-0)
• Reached consensus to recommend VHB for Master Plan bids
• Recommended reducing the electronic message center static display minimum time requirement to ten seconds
• Approved minutes of the August 18, 2026 meeting (6-0-1)
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:44 p.m. (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Appointment Committee is meeting to interview Donna LaRue for an alternate membership position on the Parks and Recreation Committee and to deliberate on recommendations to fill a vacant committee seat. The agenda contains only these two personnel items and adjournment, with no other business.

• Interview with Donna LaRue for alternate membership on the Parks and Recreation Committee
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill the vacant Parks and Recreation Committee position

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on four variance requests, including a rehearing of a proposal to allow up to 192 multi-family housing units at the Merrimack Premium Outlets. The board will also consider variances for a carport and a detached garage, and a request to increase residential density on McElwain Street. The meeting includes approval of minutes from the July 29, 2026 meeting.

• Rehearing of variance for 192 multi-family units at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard (I-2 District)
• Variance for carport 15 ft from front line (required 30 ft) at 6 Timber Lane
• Variance for detached garage 0 ft from side line (required 15 ft) at 32 Cramer Hill Road
• Variance to allow 12 multi-family units (density 3 permitted) at 23 McElwain Street
• Public hearing per NH RSA 676:7

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission will discuss accepting a donation of four trail cameras for the Sklar Riverfront property and vote on appropriating up to $1,000 from Fund 53 for camera footage. It will also consider appointing Tim Tenhave to the Fields Farm Subcommittee and receive an update on Fields Farm. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Discussion on accepting donation of four trail cameras (value $1,168) for Sklar Riverfront, final approval needed from Town Council
• Vote on appropriating up to $1,000 from Fund 53 for game camera images/footage at Sklar property
• Appointment of Tim Tenhave as full member of Fields Farm Subcommittee, term to expire 6/30/2027
• Fields Farm update from Steve Perkins
• Approval of minutes from August 10, 2026

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council will hold public hearings on proposed changes to elderly tax exemptions and conduct annual reviews with the Planning Board and Zoning Board. Under new business, the council will consider accepting donations, a vending request, a hazard mitigation plan update, and multiple capital reserve fund expenditures for wastewater and solid waste improvements.

• Public hearing on changes to Chapter 178, Taxation (Elderly Tax Exemptions)
• Accept $4,000 donation from Merrimack Friends and Families for Camp Scholarship Fund
• Accept 5,000 brochures valued at $1,511 from Papergraphics for Conservation Commission
• Approve up to $250,000 for pH adjustment equipment at Wastewater Treatment Facility
• Approve up to $181,000 to replace truck scale and retaining wall at Solid Waste Division

The Town Council approved several capital expenditures for wastewater and solid waste infrastructure, including a new truck scale and irrigation for the compost bio-filter. The Council also adopted the 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan and approved an elderly tax exemption adjustment to account for recent property revaluations. Additionally, the Council authorized a food truck vending permit for Veteran's Park and issued a proclamation for the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

• Accepted $4,000 donation for Camp Scholarship Fund (6-0)
• Accepted $1,511 donation of brochures for Conservation Commission (6-0)
• Approved food truck vending at Veteran's Park for 2026 season (6-0)
• Adopted 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan update (6-0)
• Approved $50,000 for wastewater compost bio-filter irrigation (6-0)
• Approved $250,000 for wastewater effluent pH equipment (6-0)
• Approved $20,000 for two replacement golf carts (6-0)
• Approved $181,000 for solid waste truck scale and wall replacement (6-0)

Parks and Recreation

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee will hold its annual election of officers (chair, vice chair, secretary) and receive updates on the proposed Friends of Merrimack Parks & Recreation group and the Merrimack Dog Park, which has a current balance of $494.95. The director's report covers summer camp, the after-school program, summer concerts, Wasserman Park road updates, and Merrimack 250 celebrations including the 4th of July and 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Organization reports will be given by MYA, the Senior Citizens Club, the School Board, a student representative, and the Town Council. The meeting also includes approval of the June 17, 2026 minutes and public comment.

• Annual elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Merrimack Dog Park current balance $494.95
• Update on proposed Friends of Merrimack Parks & Recreation
• Wasserman Park Road Updates
• Merrimack 250 Celebrations Report (4th of July, 9/11 Remembrance)

The Parks and Recreation committee held its annual elections, re-electing Tracy McGraw as Chair, Rick Greenier as Vice Chair, and Michelle Creswell as Secretary, each by an 8-0-0 vote. The committee also approved revised minutes from its June 17, 2026 meeting by a 7-0-2 vote, with Naomi Halter and Michelle Creswell abstaining. In updates, Town Counsel determined that Town Council approval is not required to establish a proposed Friends of Merrimack Parks & Recreation fundraising group, and the Director reported record summer camp enrollment of 1,608 campers and an $80,000 Wasserman Park Road project now expected to begin in early September.

• Re-elected Tracy McGraw as Chair (8-0-0)
• Re-elected Rick Greenier as Vice Chair (8-0-0)
• Re-elected Michelle Creswell as Secretary (8-0-0)
• Approved revised June 17, 2026 minutes (7-0-2; Naomi Halter and Michelle Creswell abstained)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:42pm (9-0-0)

Invasive Species Committee

The Merrimack Invasive Species Committee meets Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room at Town Hall. Members will hear status updates on outreach, including a Garden Club event summary and planning for upcoming Bio-Blitz events, and will review an Excel performance tracking spreadsheet. The agenda also lists a fundraising update, continued discussion of support for DPW training, coordination on a draft special provision with a follow-up attempt to talk with Robert Price, and an annual report for the Town Council as an action item for Matt. The committee will vote on approving the July 15 meeting minutes; the next meeting is September 16, 2026, in the Memorial Room.

• Status update on outreach: Garden Club event summary and Bio-Blitz planning
• Review and update of the Excel Performance Tracking Spreadsheet
• Fundraising update (Karis)
• Continued discussion of support for DPW training
• Annual Report for Town Council listed as an action item for Matt

The Invasive Species Committee discussed outreach at the Garden Club event and planning for a September 13 BioBlitz at Watson Park, and continued talks on training DPW staff to identify and dispose of invasive plants. The committee agreed to move forward with a disposal-information kiosk, with Christy Benedetto to begin design work, and heard that DPW Director Dawn Tuomala is drafting solid waste code amendments that will need about three meetings before Town Council approval. The July meeting minutes were approved 3-0 with two abstentions, and the meeting adjourned at 6:21 PM.

• Approved July meeting minutes (3 in favor, 2 abstentions; Dawn Tuomala and Christy Benedetto abstained)
• Agreed to move forward with kiosk design; Christy Benedetto will begin working on the design
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0-0) at 6:21 PM
• No formal vote recorded on BioBlitz logistics; plans discussed for September 13 at Watson Park starting at 2:00 PM, rain or shine
• No formal vote recorded on DPW training; Dawn Tuomala suggested starting with Buildings and Grounds staff and possibly spring training
• No formal vote recorded on fundraising; Matt Urban left the matter open-ended for Karis Welsh