Merrimack public meetings in 2025

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission's meeting scheduled for Monday, December 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room has been cancelled. The agenda contains no items for decision or discussion. The next meeting is set for Monday, January 12, 2026.

Town Council

The Town Council was scheduled to meet on 2025-12-18, but no agenda was provided for this meeting. The only available material directs readers to review the minutes instead. Because no agenda text was supplied, no items, decisions, or dollar amounts can be reported.

The Town Council voted 7-0 to advance two charter amendments to voters: eliminating the municipal Ethics Committee and splitting the Town Clerk/Tax Collector into two positions effective May 2027. The council also approved the 2026-2032 Capital Improvements Program, authorized up to $28,000 for a wastewater scissor lift, and approved purchase and sale agreements for a 68-acre Twin Bridge Road parcel priced at $1.9 million, which still requires voter approval. The Town Manager presented a proposed 2026/2027 budget of $46,838,332 with a $0.39 tax rate increase to $4.77; no budget vote was taken.

• Advanced charter amendment to eliminate the municipal Ethics Committee (7-0-0)
• Advanced charter amendment to split Town Clerk/Tax Collector into two positions effective May 2027 (7-0-0)
• Approved 2026-2032 Capital Improvements Program as presented (7-0-0)
• Authorized up to $28,000 from Sewer Infrastructure fund for a scissor lift (7-0-0)
• Approved Purchase and Sale agreements for Tax Map parcels 5D-2/010 and 5D-2/009 at $1.9M; requires 60% voter approval to bond (7-0-0)
• Approved December 4, 2025 minutes as amended (7-0-0)
• Took 2026-2032 CIP discussion off the table (7-0-0)
• Adjourned at 9:30 PM (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council meets on 2025-12-18 with two public hearings on proposed charter amendments: one to eliminate the Ethics Committee and one to split the Town Clerk and Tax Collector positions. The agenda also includes consideration of purchase sale agreements for Longa Properties (TMP 5D-2 010 and 5D-2 009), a presentation of the proposed 2026-2027 Town Manager budget, and a request for wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) expenditure to purchase a new scissor lift. The posted agenda lists these items but does not include the text of the amendments, the dollar amounts, or any decisions.

• Public hearing on a charter amendment to eliminate the Ethics Committee
• Public hearing on a charter amendment to split the Town Clerk and Tax Collector position
• Consideration of approval of purchase sale agreements for Longa Properties, TMP 5D-2 010 and 5D-2 009
• Presentation of the proposed 2026-2027 Town Manager budget
• Request for WWTF expenditure to purchase a new scissor lift

The Merrimack Town Council held a nonpublic session on December 18, 2025, to discuss the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property under RSA 91-A:3, II (d). Town Manager Paul Micali updated the council on a Purchase and Sale agreement reached for the Longa property, priced at $1,900,000 for parcels 5D-2/010 and 5D-2/009. No formal votes or decisions regarding the property purchase were recorded in the minutes.

• Entered into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (d) (7-0-0)
• Closed nonpublic session (7-0-0)
• Adjourned public session at 6:47 PM (7-0-0)

Zoning Board

The Merrimack, NH Zoning Board was scheduled to meet on 2025-12-17. No agenda was available for this meeting, and the provided record directs readers to review the minutes instead. Because no agenda text was supplied, this summary cannot describe what the board decided or discussed.

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment approved variances for garage setbacks at 2 Bretton Drive and 10 Belmont Drive, and approved wall sign variances for a proposed Auto Zone at 515 DW Highway. The Board denied a variance request to permit occupancy of a travel trailer as a permanent Accessory Dwelling Unit at 10 Freedom Street. Additionally, the Board approved the minutes from the November 19, 2025 meeting.

• Approved garage variances at 2 Bretton Drive (3-1-1)
• Approved two wall sign variances for Auto Zone at 515 DW Highway (5-0-0)
• Approved garage variance at 10 Belmont Drive (5-0-0)
• Denied travel trailer ADU variance at 10 Freedom Street (5-0-0)
• Approved November 19, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-1)

Planning Board

The Merrimack, New Hampshire Planning Board was scheduled to meet on 2025-12-16. No agenda was made available for this meeting, and the provided record directs readers to review the minutes instead. Because no agenda text was supplied, there is nothing to report about specific items the board planned to decide or discuss.

The Merrimack Planning Board voted to approve priority rankings for the Town and Merrimack Village District Capital Improvement Programs. The Board also granted conditional site plan approval for a 349,395-square-foot manufacturing and warehouse facility by Integra Biosciences, along with several other waivers, subdivisions, and condo conversions.

• Approved consent agenda (4-0)
• Assigned priority rankings to Town Capital Improvement Program projects (4-0)
• Assigned priority rankings to Merrimack Village District Capital Improvement Program projects (4-0)
• Continued public hearing for N&M Realty fast food restaurant site plan to January 6, 2026 (4-0)
• Granted parking and sight distance waivers and conditional site plan approval for Integra Biosciences facility (4-0)
• Accepted application and granted conditional final approval for Mark E. Twardoski condo conversion at 5 Jennifer Drive (4-0)
• Accepted application, granted soil type waiver, and granted conditional final approval for 8 & 10 Depot Street lot line adjustment (4-0)
• Accepted application, granted site plan review waiver, and granted conditional final approval for 332 DW Highway multi-family conversion (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, December 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The main new item is a conceptual review of a proposed 5-lot subdivision by Conote, LLC at 20 Fuller Mill Road and 18 Farmer Road (Tax Map 4B Lots 154 and 180, R-1 District). Members will also discuss and vote on removing Jim Fisher from the Sklar Subcommittee, and take up several Sklar-related items including a January Town Council presentation, a possible zoning amendment on wetland buffers, and the Sklar Master Plan. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Conceptual review of a 5-lot subdivision by Conote, LLC at 20 Fuller Mill Road and 18 Farmer Road (Tax Map 4B Lots 154 and 180, R-1 District)
• Vote on removing Jim Fisher from the Sklar Subcommittee (submitted by Nick Ilyadis)
• Discussion of a proposed Zoning Ordinance amendment to increase wetland buffers (submitted by Karis Welsh)
• January Town Council presentation on Sklar Parking and abutting Town property (submitted by Karis Welsh)
• Approval of November 10, 2025 minutes

The Merrimack Conservation Commission voted to remove Jim Fisher from the Sklar Subcommittee due to unresponsiveness and absence. The Commission also approved the minutes from the November 10, 2025 meeting with amendments. Additionally, the Commission discussed a conceptual 5-lot subdivision review (which was postponed), Sklar property master planning, invasive species management, and upcoming logging at Fields Farm amid public concerns.

• Removed Jim Fisher from the Sklar Subcommittee (7-0-0)
• Approved November 10, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments (7-0-0)
• Postponed conceptual review of 5-lot subdivision at 20 Fuller Mill Road and 18 Farmer Road to January 12, 2026
• Adjourned the meeting (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council meets on December 4, 2025, with a packed agenda covering public hearings, first readings, and capital fund requests. Key items include a public hearing on Chapter 117 regarding poultry and roosters, a public hearing on a donation to the Bear Christensen Fund, and a first reading of Chapter 190 on camping on public property. The council will also consider changes to Chapter 183 on vehicles and traffic regarding campers and recreational vehicles on public property, and discuss the 2026-2032 Capital Improvements Program. Several capital reserve fund withdrawal requests are on the agenda, including for a 2026 townwide property revaluation, fire hose for Merrimack Fire Rescue, and acceptance of a donation for a tractor for the Fire Rescue Department.

• Public hearing on Chapter 117 regarding poultry, chickens, and roosters
• Public hearing on donation acceptance to the Bear Christensen Fund
• First reading of Chapter 190 on camping on public property
• Consideration of changes to Chapter 183 on vehicles and traffic regarding campers and recreational vehicles on public property
• Capital reserve fund withdrawal requests for 2026 townwide property revaluation and fire hose for Merrimack Fire Rescue

The Town Council voted 0-7-0 to reject moving Chapter 117, Backyard Poultry (Chickens & Roosters), to a third reading, ending the proposed ordinance. The council approved $15,000 in donations to the Bear Christensen Fund and $1,500 in donations to Merrimack Fire Rescue, and authorized a $25,000 withdrawal from the Fire Equipment Capital Reserve Fund for fire hose and equipment. It advanced changes to Chapter 183 (Vehicles and Traffic) and introduced Chapter 190 (Camping on Public Property) to public hearings, tabled the 2026 property revaluation and the 2026-2032 CIP, and approved a Wreaths Across America proclamation and the November 13, 2025 minutes.

• Rejected moving Chapter 117, Backyard Poultry (Chickens & Roosters), to third reading (0-7-0)
• Approved accepting and spending $15,000 in donations to the Bear Christensen Fund, split $9,000 principal and $6,000 income (7-0-0)
• Approved accepting and spending $1,000 from Digital Federal Credit Union and $500 from Tractor Supply for Merrimack Fire Rescue training supplies (7-0-0)
• Approved withdrawing $25,000 from the Fire Equipment Capital Reserve Fund for fire hose and accessories (7-0-0)
• Moved Chapter 183, Vehicles and Traffic, changes to a public hearing (7-0-0)
• Moved Chapter 190, Camping on Public Property, to a public hearing on December 18, 2025 (7-0-0)
• Tabled the 2026 Townwide Update & Property Revaluation Capital Reserve Fund withdrawal request to January 8, 2026 (7-0-0)
• Tabled the 2026-2032 Capital Improvements Program discussion to December 18, 2025 (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council meets on 2025-12-03. Agenda materials include a first reading of a noise ordinance concerning stock fowl, a discussion of town charter changes, and a wastewater expenditure authorization for garage door replacement. Other items include a first-quarter financial review, a health officer annual review, a library board update, a USA 250th anniversary committee update, and 2025 milfoil grant funds for Naticook Lake.

• First reading of a noise ordinance on stock fowl
• Discussion of town charter changes
• Authorization request for wastewater expenditure on garage doors replacement
• 2025 milfoil grant funds for Naticook Lake
• First-quarter financial review and health officer annual review

In a nonpublic session on December 3, 2025, the Merrimack Town Council voted 7-0 to accept changes to a purchase and sales agreement for the Longa property (parcels 5D-2/010 and 5D-2/009) at a stated price of $1,900,000. The council also voted 7-0 to accept right-of-first-refusal language covering two other Longa lots (5D-1/0010 and 5D4/0074-1), including mutual 50-foot right-of-way easements. The agreement includes a default clause capping the town's reimbursement to the seller at $15,000 if the 2026 Town Meeting funds the purchase but the council later declines to close. Any purchase remains subject to Town Meeting appropriation; the minutes record no final purchase decision.

• Accepted changes to $1.9M purchase and sales agreement for Longa property (parcels 5D-2/010, 5D-2/009) (7-0)
• Accepted right-of-first-refusal language for Longa lots 5D-1/0010 and 5D4/0074-1, including 50-foot right-of-way easements (7-0)
• Entered nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (d) for real property acquisition discussion (7-0)
• Closed nonpublic session at 7:14 PM (7-0)
• Voted to seal the nonpublic minutes (7-0)
• Adjourned public session at 7:17 PM (7-0)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room has been cancelled due to forecasted inclement weather. According to the posted notice, all agenda items have been moved to the December 16, 2025 agenda. The notice was posted on December 1, 2025 and lists no other business.

Conservation Commission

The Sklar Riverfront Park Subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission cancelled its meeting scheduled for Monday, December 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room. The notice states the next meeting will be Monday, January 5, 2025, and that all items from the December 1, 2025 agenda will be discussed at the January 5, 2026 meeting. No agenda items or decisions are listed in the supplied text.

• December 1, 2025 meeting cancelled
• Next meeting listed as Monday, January 5, 2025 (notice also refers to a January 5, 2026 meeting)
• All December 1, 2025 agenda items carried over to the January meeting
• Posted 11/25/2025

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, November 24, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda includes a discussion and vote on removing Jim Fisher from the Sklar Subcommittee, submitted by Nick Ilyadis, and a debrief on a "Trails for people and wildlife" discussion with subcommittees, submitted by Karis Welsh. There are no public hearings. The commission will also consider approving minutes from November 10, 2025.

• Vote on removing Jim Fisher from the Sklar Subcommittee, submitted by Nick Ilyadis
• Debrief on "Trails for people and wildlife" discussion with subcommittees, submitted by Karis Welsh
• Approval of November 10, 2025 minutes
• No public hearings scheduled

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Merrimack Trustees of Trust Funds meet Friday, November 21, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall. The agenda includes a portfolio review with Cambridge Trust, the annual audit, and setting scholarship amounts for 2026. Trustees will also hear reports from the November 17 School Board meeting and the NHMA Annual Conference, plus an update on the Watkins Forest Harvest.

• Portfolio review with Cambridge Trust, including an investor disclosure letter
• Annual audit (Calabria)
• Setting scholarship amounts for 2026
• Watkins Forest Harvest update (Petrides)
• Correspondence on the Greenleaf Scholarship (Sofia Degrazio) and the Bear Christensen Fund

The Trustees of Trust Funds approved minutes, authorized a $400 Greenleaf scholarship payment to Sofia Degrazio, and agreed to raise that scholarship to $500 for 2026. They also authorized paying pending scholarships between meetings and reviewed investment portfolios with Cambridge Trust, which reported double-digit gains and proposed trimming the oversized Broadcom (AVGO) holding. A public hearing on accepting a donation to the Bear Christensen Fund is expected at the December 4 Town Council meeting.

• Approved October 17 minutes as presented (3-0-0)
• Approved $400 Greenleaf scholarship payment to Sofia Degrazio (3-0-0)
• Authorized payment of pending scholarships as requests arrive between meetings (3-0-0)
• Agreed to increase Greenleaf Scholarship from $400 to $500 for the 2026 award
• Reviewed Cambridge Trust portfolio performance and proposed AVGO reduction; no vote recorded
• Requested a public hearing for Town Council acceptance of a Bear Christensen Fund donation, likely December 4, 2025
• Agreed to add bequest and deposit/disbursement records to town digital record keeping; Christensen to discuss with Town IT

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment holds a public hearing on November 19, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. Two continued variance cases are on the agenda: an elderly housing development at 117 Camp Sargent Road and a request to allow up to 192 multi-family units at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard. The board will also consider other items of concern and approve minutes from its October 29, 2025 meeting.

• Rehearing of a variance (Case # ZBA 2025-08) for an elderly housing development at 117 Camp Sargent Road, Tax Map 3C Lot 37, in the R-4 and Aquifer Conservation Districts and Wellhead Protection Area; continued from October 29, 2025
• Variance request (Case # ZBA 2025-40) to permit up to 192 multi-family residential units as a Conditional Use Permit in the I-2 Industrial District at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard, Tax Map 3C Lot 191-1; continued from October 29, 2025
• Approval of minutes from the October 29, 2025 meeting
• If the meeting is cancelled, all agenda items move to December 17, 2025

The Zoning Board voted 5-0 to deny a variance that would have allowed up to 192 multi-family housing units at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard in the I-2 Industrial District. The petitioner, Chandler Street, LLC, sought relief from the 'Outlet Village Shops' definition to build apartments instead of the previously approved Phase 2 retail. The Board found the petitioner failed to meet statutory criteria on public interest, substantial justice, and unnecessary hardship. A separate hearing on a variance for an elderly housing project at 117 Camp Sargent Road was continued to January 28, 2026 at the petitioner's request.

• Denied variance for up to 192 multi-family units at 80-1 Premium Outlets Blvd (5-0)
• Continued 117 Camp Sargent Road elderly housing variance hearing to Jan 28, 2026 (4-1)
• Approved October 29, 2025 minutes (4-0-1, Buckley abstained)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:44 p.m. (5-0)

Parks and Recreation

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee meets Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall Memorial Conference Room. The agenda includes an update on the Merrimack Dog Park, whose listed balance is $1,437.73, and discussion of recognizing Heather Fairbanks, plus an update from the 250th Celebration Committee. New business is a Parks & Recreation budget discussion, and the committee will also hear a Director's Report, organization reports, and consider approval of the October 15th, 2025 minutes.

• Merrimack Dog Park update, with a stated current balance of $1,437.73
• Discussion on recognition of Heather Fairbanks
• 250th Celebration Committee update
• New business: Parks & Recreation budget discussion
• Approval of minutes from October 15th, 2025

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The board will hold a public hearing and review two Integra Biosciences requests — a subdivision and a site plan for a 349,395 square foot manufacturing and warehouse facility — plus a continued site plan for a 7,000 square foot retail store at 515 DW Highway. It will also discuss the town's Capital Improvement Program and take up routine items. If the meeting is cancelled, all items move to December 2, 2025.

• Site plan for a 1-story +/- 7,000 sq ft retail store at 515 DW Highway by Zaremba Program Development, LLC (applicant) and GTONH, LLC (owner), Tax Map 5D-2 Lot C002, Case # PB 2025-31, continued from November 4, 2025
• Subdivision by Integra Biosciences of "parcel A" into three parts, dedicating 3,367 sq ft for the Mast Road Right-of-Way and creating new lot Tax Map 2D Lot 22-1, Case # PB 2025-32
• Site plan by Integra Biosciences for a 349,395 sq ft manufacturing and warehouse facility with office space and integrated parking garage at Daniel Webster Highway and Mast Road, Case # PB 2025-33
• Discussion of the Capital Improvement Program for the Town of Merrimack
• Consent agenda: Regional Impact Determinations; approval of November 4, 2025 minutes

The Planning Board granted conditional final approval to a 7,000 square foot AutoZone retail store at 515 DW Highway, along with six waivers from site plan regulations. The Board also accepted and granted conditional final approval to Integra Biosciences' subdivision of land at Daniel Webster Highway and Mast Road, but continued the public hearing on Integra's 349,395 square foot manufacturing facility site plan to December 16, 2025. The Capital Improvement Program discussion was tabled to December 2, 2025.

• Approved consent agenda including Regional Impact Determinations (5-0-0)
• Tabled Capital Improvement Program discussion to December 2, 2025
• Accepted AutoZone site plan application as complete (5-0-0)
• Granted six waivers for AutoZone project: landscaping, building facade, roofing, public entrance orientation, storm drain pipe diameter, and topography (each 5-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval to AutoZone site plan subject to staff memo conditions (5-0-0)
• Accepted Integra Biosciences subdivision application as complete (5-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval to Integra subdivision application subject to staff memo conditions (5-0-0)
• Accepted Integra Biosciences site plan application as complete (5-0-0)

Town Council

The supplied agenda for the Merrimack, NH Town Council meeting of 2025-11-13 contains no itemized business — only a list of meeting materials: the Town Council agenda PDF and non-public Town Council minutes PDF. No decisions, votes, contracts, or public hearings are described in the text provided. Residents should consult the linked official documents for the actual agenda contents.

The Town Council voted 7-0 to move a proposed Noise Ordinance on stock and fowl to a public hearing, as amended to change the acreage threshold from 2 acres to 1.5 acres and to review grandfathering language for existing roosters. The council also voted 7-0 to approve a new 4th of July parade route and to move the fireworks display to Anheuser-Busch. It approved $19,557 from the Sewer CRF to replace two roll-up garage doors at the Wastewater facility and authorized $2,200 from the Milfoil fund plus a $500 Naticook Lake Association donation for 2025 milfoil treatment. A motion to establish a Town Charter Commission failed for lack of a second.

• Moved proposed Noise Ordinance – Stock & Fowl to public hearing as amended (7-0-0); amendments set 1.5-acre threshold and direct review of 5-7 year grandfathering for roosters
• Approved change in 4th of July parade route and change in fireworks location to Anheuser-Busch (7-0-0)
• Approved $19,557 from the Sewer CRF for two roll-up garage doors at the Wastewater facility (7-0-0)
• Approved $2,200 from the Milfoil Expendable Capital Reserve Fund and accepted a $500 Naticook Lake Association donation for 2025 Naticook Lake milfoil treatment (7-0-0)
• Motion to establish a Town Charter Commission failed for lack of a second
• Approved October 23, 2025 minutes as amended (6-0-1, Councilor M. Murphy abstaining)
• Extended the meeting past 10:00pm (7-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 10:04pm (7-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission met on November 10, 2025 and reviewed a site plan for a 1-story, roughly 7,000 square foot retail store at 515 DW Highway, located in several overlay districts and the Wellhead Protection Area, to make recommendations to the Planning Board. The Commission also appointed Gage Perry to the Invasive Species Committee and Katie Little to the Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee, and discussed next steps for the Sklar Riverfront Park Master Plan. No public hearings were held.

• Site plan review for a +/- 7,000 sq ft retail store at 515 DW Highway (Tax Map 5D-2 Lot C002) in the R-4, Aquifer Conservation, Planned Residential Development, Town Center Overlay, and Elderly Housing Overlay Districts and Wellhead Protection Area
• Gage Perry appointed to the Invasive Species Committee as a Conservation Commission representative, 7-0-0
• Katie Little appointed as a full member of the Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee with a term to expire 6/20/2026, 7-0-0
• Discussion of next steps for the Sklar Riverfront Park Master Plan, including parking, invasive species, trail mowing, and a bridge over Naticook Brook
• Public comment on tree clearing and planned parking lot and curb cut at Fields Farm and effects on mountain biking

Conservation Commission

The Horse Hill Nature Preserve subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda includes approval of June 10, 2025 minutes and other business covering bridge repairs and funding, an Eagle Scout project, a Girl Scout invasive species day, and refreshing map stations with up-to-date maps. No new business is listed.

• Bridges to be fixed, funding for them and a plan of how to proceed
• Eagle Scout Project
• Girl Scout Invasive day
• Map station refresh with up to date maps
• Approval of June 10, 2025 minutes

The supplied document is an agenda for the Horse Hill Nature Preserve subcommittee (a subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission) scheduled for September 9, 2025. The agenda lists an item for the approval of minutes from June 10, 2025, alongside discussions on bridge repairs, an Eagle Scout project, a Girl Scout invasive species day, and a map station refresh. The document contains no records of decisions, votes, or final actions taken.

• Agenda posted for September 9, 2025 meeting

Invasive Species Committee

The Merrimack Invasive Species Committee meets Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room at Town Hall. Members will review a draft Comprehensive Invasive Species Management plan, hear updates from the outreach and education workgroup, and discuss data collection and mapping efforts. The committee will also review the status of its draft charter with the Town Manager's Office and vote on minutes from its October 15 meeting.

• Review of Draft Comprehensive Invasive Species Management plan
• Outreach and education workgroup status update and draft materials
• Discussion of data collection and mapping efforts
• Update on finalizing the Draft Charter through the Town Manager's Office
• Approval of October 15 meeting minutes

The Merrimack Invasive Species Committee met to discuss and edit drafts of the Comprehensive Management Plan, public education handouts for the Department of Public Works, and mapping strategies for Japanese knotweed. The Committee also reviewed its draft charter, discussed the operational differences between working groups and subcommittees, and approved previous meeting minutes.

• Approved minutes from a previous meeting (3-0-1)
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0-0)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The board will review a lot line adjustment at 8 & 10 Depot Street, a waiver request to convert a two-family home at 332 DW Highway into three units, and a Planned Unit Development amendment plus site plan for a roughly 7,000 square foot retail store at 515 DW Highway. A public hearing will also be held on proposed amendments to the town's Site Plan Review Regulations.

• Lot line adjustment between 8 & 10 Depot Street (Tax Map 6E-1 Lots 58 & 59), Case # PB 2025-29
• Waiver of full site plan review to convert 332 DW Highway from two-family to three-unit multifamily, Case # PB 2025-30
• Planned Unit Development amendment for a 1-story +/- 7,000 sq ft retail store at 515 DW Highway, Case # PB 2025-31
• Site plan for the same +/- 7,000 sq ft retail store and associated site improvements at 515 DW Highway, Case # PB 2025-31
• Public hearing on proposed amendments to and adoption of the Site Plan Review Regulations (RSA 675:6 & 7)

Conservation Commission

The Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, November 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room. Members will decide 2026 meeting dates and hear updates on cameras and subscription plans, trail maintenance, fallen trees, invasive species, signs, a vehicle barrier, kiosk repairs, a flood-season gate, a maintenance spreadsheet, a park pamphlet, and the master plan. They will also consider approving minutes from October 6, 2025.

• Decision on 2026 meeting dates
• Update on cameras, placement, and subscription plans
• Review of 10/19 workday findings and trail maintenance needs
• Updates on fallen trees, invasive species plan, no-motorized-vehicle signs, Eagle Bluff trail south entrance vehicle barrier, kiosk repairs, flood season gate, maintenance spreadsheet, park pamphlet, and master plan
• Approval of October 6, 2025 minutes

The Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee, meeting Nov. 3, 2025, approved its October 6 minutes with a date correction and set 2026 meeting dates for the first Monday of each month, except September. Members discussed camera monitoring for vandalism, cleanup results from an Oct. 19 workday, fallen tree removal, invasive species control, signage, kiosk repairs, and master plan updates. They agreed to walk the property on Nov. 9 to decide trail routes and tabled several items pending further action.

• Approved October 6, 2025 minutes with date correction (4-0-0)
• Set 2026 meeting dates: first Monday monthly, except September (Tuesday after Labor Day)
• Agreed to wait until spring after mud season to remove large fallen trees from trails
• Decided to meet on property Nov. 9 at 1:00 PM for trail walk to determine Ferry Trail route and town parcel trail placement
• Adjourned meeting at 7:30 PM (4-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission is holding its annual site walk at the Wasserman Conservation Area on Saturday, November 1, 2025, for LCIP monitoring purposes. The walk may also include a visit to the Field's Farm property. A quorum of the Commission may attend, but no motions will be made during the workday, so no decisions are scheduled.

• Annual LCIP monitoring site walk at Wasserman Conservation Area, 116 Naticook Road
• Possible walk-through of the Field's Farm property
• No motions will be made; quorum may attend
• Posted 10/14/2025

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment holds a public hearing on October 29, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road, to consider nine petitions. Items include several home and garage setback variances, a proposed seven-lot subdivision on Fuller Mill Road and Farmer Road, and a request to allow up to 192 multi-family units at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard. The board will also rehear a previously decided elderly housing variance at 117 Camp Sargent Road and vote on minutes from September 24, 2025.

• Case # ZBA 2025-40: Chandler Street, LLC seeks a variance to allow up to 192 multi-family units at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard in the I-2 Industrial District
• Case # ZBA 2025-38: Conote, LLC seeks variances for a seven-lot subdivision (six single-family lots, one conservation lot) at 20 Fuller Mill Road and 18 Farmer Road, with lots below the required 250 feet frontage and 100,000 sq ft minimum area
• Case # ZBA 2025-08: Rehearing of a variance for an elderly housing development beyond the required radius from Daniel Webster Highway and Baboosic Lake Road, at 117 Camp Sargent Road
• Case # ZBA 2025-33: Special exception for a hair salon as an accessory use at 248 Daniel Webster Highway in the I-1 Industrial and Aquifer Conservation Districts
• Case # ZBA 2025-37: Variance for a 182.25 sq ft wall sign where 80 sq ft is allowed, at 702 DW Highway in the C-2 General Commercial District

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment voted that a proposed 7-lot subdivision at 20 Fuller Mill Road and 18 Farmer Road was not substantially different from a previously denied July 2025 application, and thus lacked jurisdiction to hear it. The Board granted several special exceptions and variances for hair salon, residential, and commercial sign projects, and continued two hearings to November 19, 2025. Additionally, the Board approved the minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting.

• Continued 117 Camp Sargent Road variance rehearing to November 19, 2025 (5-0)
• Continued 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard variance hearing to November 19, 2025 (5-0)
• Granted special exception for personal service hair salon at 248 Daniel Webster Highway (5-0)
• Granted variances for cottage demolition and new home construction at 2 North Jebb Road (5-0)
• Granted special exception for golf simulator venue at 707 Milford Road with conditions (4-1)
• Granted side setback variance for detached garage at 20 Belmont Drive with condition (5-0)
• Granted wall sign size variance at 702 DW Highway with condition (4-1)
• Granted front setback variances for attached garage at 5 Hilton Drive with condition (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Wildcat Conservation Area subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets on Tuesday, October 28, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Room. Members will consider scheduling a fall trail cleanup and take up appointments to the subcommittee. Other business includes updates on trail signs, kiosk maintenance, and trail development from Watson Park to Wildcat Falls Conservation Area, plus temporary maps while new ones are designed. The subcommittee will also review minutes from its October 8, 2024 meeting.

• Schedule a fall trail cleanup
• Kevin Southwick to be appointed a full member of the Wildcat Falls Subcommittee (dated 10/27/2025 in the agenda)
• Cliff LoVerme appointed as an alternate member of the Wildcat Falls Subcommittee (dated 6/30/2025 in the agenda)
• Additional trail signs to be posted on the property; kiosk maintenance
• Update on trail development from Watson Park to Wildcat Falls Conservation Area, with temporary maps while new maps are designed

The Merrimack Conservation Commission's Wildcat Falls Subcommittee met to discuss park maintenance, trail maps, and signage. The subcommittee approved the October 8, 2024 meeting minutes and adjourned at 6:50 PM.

• Approved October 8, 2024 meeting minutes (4-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, October 27, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda includes a vote on $1,050 for 2026 NHACC membership dues, a possible vote on invasive species spraying at Sklar Riverfront park, and a vote on materials to repair two bridges at the Horse Hill Nature Preserve. Members will also hear a St. Gobain Remediation project proposal and presentations on wetlands assessment and Conservation Commission property history, and consider appointing Kevin Southwick to the Wildcat Conservation subcommittee.

• Vote on $1,050 for 2026 NHACC membership dues
• Discussion and potential vote on invasive species spraying at Sklar Riverfront park
• Vote on funds for materials to repair two bridges at Horse Hill Nature Preserve
• St. Gobain Remediation project proposal submitted by Angela Graves
• Appointment of Kevin Southwick to Wildcat Conservation subcommittee, term expiring 6/30/26

The Conservation Commission appointed Kevin Southwick as a full member of the Wildcat Conservation Area subcommittee and approved $1,050 for 2026 NHACC membership dues. A St. Gobain remediation proposal using white rot fungi was presented and discussed, but no vote was taken. Two other items — invasive species spraying at Sklar Riverfront Park and bridge repairs at Horse Hill Nature Preserve — were deferred. The commission also approved amended minutes from its October 13 meeting.

• Appointed Kevin Southwick as full member of Wildcat Conservation Area subcommittee, term expiring 6/30/26 (7-0-0)
• Approved $1,050 for 2026 NHACC membership dues (7-0-0)
• Approved October 13, 2025 minutes with amendments (6-0-0)
• Adjourned at 8:00pm (5-0-0)
• St. Gobain remediation proposal discussed; no vote taken
• Invasive species spraying at Sklar Riverfront Park deferred pending master plan
• Horse Hill bridge repair funding deferred to spring 2026

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council meets Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Matthew Thornton Room. The council will consider spending $480,000 from the InvestNH Municipal Per Unit Grant toward the 800 MHz Communications Tower, and will discuss reconsidering whether to reduce polling locations from 3 to 2. It will also consider accepting a free holiday lighting donation for the Merrimack Community bandstand and Christmas tree, and approve minutes from the October 9, 2025 meeting.

• Expend $480,000 in InvestNH Municipal Per Unit Grant funds toward the 800 MHz Communications Tower
• Reconsider changing Merrimack polling locations from 3 to 2, both within the Merrimack School District
• Accept Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Southern NH's offer to decorate and light the Merrimack Community bandstand and Christmas tree at no cost for the December 7, 2025 Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Approve minutes from the October 9, 2025 Town Council meeting

The Merrimack Town Council voted to expend $480,000 in grant funds toward the 800 MHz communications tower and accepted a free holiday lighting donation for the community bandstand. The Council also voted on a motion to reverse a previous decision and return to three polling locations, which failed on a 3-3 tie vote. Additionally, the Town Manager reported a preliminary tax rate increase of $1.44 for the town.

• Expended $480,000 from InvestNH Municipal Per Unit Grant for the 800 MHz Communications Tower (6-0-0)
• Motion to reverse previous decision and return to three polling locations failed (3-3-0)
• Accepted donation of free holiday lighting for the community bandstand and Christmas tree from Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Southern NH (6-0-0)
• Approved October 9, 2025 meeting minutes as written (6-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (6-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council met on October 9, 2025 and voted 7-0-0 to send a letter supporting NH House Bill 561, which would limit the state DOT's ability to hand state-built roads back to towns. The Council also voted 6-0-1 to close the Transfer Station Swap Shop, which is already shut and slated for demolition after a building inspection found structural and safety problems. The Council began early discussion of parameters for the 2026/2027 budget, and heard a resident's comments opposing a reduction of voting precincts from three to two.

• Vote 7-0-0 to send a letter, signed by Chairman Finlay Rothhaus, supporting NH HB 561 on state road reclassification; town estimates the fiscal impact at 2 to 10 cents per thousand
• Vote 6-0-1 (Councilor Thornton abstaining) to close the Swap Shop; the unit is closed and will be removed and demolished
• Building Inspector found substantial floor and wall defects, three large hornets' nests, and a rotted, non-code-compliant handicapped ramp at the Swap Shop
• 73 police calls to the Swap Shop from January 2020 to August 2025; electronics revenue was $3,840 in Aug-Sep 2024 versus $6,420 in Aug-Sep 2025
• 2026/2027 budget discussion: second year of a default budget, 3% wage adjustment in four of six union contracts, natural gas rising from $.0671 to $.08775 per therm, and a decision pending on Nashua Transit

The Town Council voted 6-0 to expend $480,000 from the InvestNH Municipal Per Unit Grant toward the 800 MHz Communications Tower and related equipment. A motion to reverse a prior decision and return to three polling locations failed 3-3, keeping the change to two locations in place. The council also accepted a no-cost holiday lighting donation for the community bandstand and Christmas tree, and approved the October 9 minutes.

• Approved expending $480,000 InvestNH grant toward 800 MHz Communications Tower (6-0-0)
• Motion to reverse polling location change and return to three locations failed (3-3-0)
• Approved accepting no-cost holiday lighting donation for bandstand and Christmas tree (6-0-0)
• Approved minutes from October 9, 2025 meeting (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:05 pm (6-0-0)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road, for a public hearing under NH RSA 676:7. The board will review a proposed 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road and three related applications at 725 DW Highway involving a PUD amendment, a 2-lot subdivision, and a site plan for a standalone fast food restaurant with drive-thru. The Tinker Road case is continued from the June 17, July 15, August 19, and October 7, 2025 meetings; the DW Highway subdivision and site plan items are continued from September 16, 2025. The agenda also includes the Planning & Zoning Administrator's report and approval of minutes from October 7, 2025.

• 23-lot cluster subdivision proposed at 19 Tinker Road (Tax Map 2C Lot 19 & 19-1, Tax Map 2B Lot 293-14-2), Case # PB 2025-17, continued from multiple prior meetings
• PUD amendment to split 725 DW Highway (Tax Map 7E Lot 48-2) into two parcels for existing residential use and a proposed fast food restaurant with drive-thru, Case # PB 2025-28
• 2-lot subdivision at 725 DW Highway, Case # PB 2025-25, continued from September 16, 2025
• Site plan for a standalone fast food restaurant with drive-thru, parking and site improvements at 725 DW Highway, Case # PB 2025-26, continued from September 16, 2025
• Approval of minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting

The Merrimack Planning Board granted conditional final approval for a 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road and a Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment and 2-lot subdivision at 725 DW Highway. The Board also accepted a related site plan application for a standalone Heavenly Donuts coffee shop with a drive-thru at 725 DW Highway and continued its public hearing to December 2, 2025. Additionally, the Board approved minutes from the October 7, 2025 meeting.

• Granted waivers for pedestrian ways, sidewalks, and road plan scale for 19 Tinker Road (5-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for a 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road (5-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for a PUD amendment at 725 DW Highway (5-0-0)
• Accepted a 2-lot subdivision application as complete for 725 DW Highway (5-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for a 2-lot subdivision at 725 DW Highway (5-0-0)
• Accepted a site plan application as complete for a fast-food restaurant at 725 DW Highway (5-0-0)
• Continued the public hearing for the 725 DW Highway site plan to December 2, 2025 (5-0-0)
• Approved October 7, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-0)

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Merrimack Trustees of Trust Funds meet Friday, October 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the Town Hall Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda includes an annual audit update from Calabria, a Watkins Forest Harvest update from Petrides, and a portfolio review. Trustees will also prepare questions for November and discuss the NHMA Annual Conference, with future meetings set for November 21, 2025 and January 16, 2026.

• Annual audit update (Calabria)
• Watkins Forest Harvest update (Petrides)
• Portfolio review and questions for November
• NHMA Annual Conference discussion and questions for November
• Future meetings: November 21, 2025 (Cambridge Trust) and January 16, 2026

The Merrimack Trustees of Trust Funds approved the September 19 minutes by a 2-0-0 vote. Trustees and staff also discussed the upcoming town audit, an anticipated 2026 forest harvest on the Watkins Forest parcels, and upcoming meeting schedules.

• Approved minutes of September 19 (2-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is scheduled to meet in nonpublic session on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is consideration of the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property under RSA 91-A:3, II (d), a New Hampshire law allowing certain property matters to be discussed outside public view. The agenda then lists adjournment. No property, address, or dollar amount is identified in the posted agenda.

• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (d) on acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property
• No specific property, address, or dollar amount disclosed in the posted agenda
• Agenda posted October 13, 2025

The Town Council met in a nonpublic session to discuss the purchase and sale agreement for the Longa Parcel and a right of first refusal for two remaining parcels. Council members authorized the Town Manager to have the town's attorney work out purchase and sale details with the sellers' attorney and finalize the right of first refusal. The nonpublic session and its minutes were subsequently sealed.

• Entered nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (d) (5-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to have attorney work on Longa Parcel P&S details and right of first refusal (5-0)
• Closed nonpublic session (5-0)
• Sealed nonpublic session minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned public session (5-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is scheduled to meet Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is a non-meeting under RSA 91-A:2, I (a), covering strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining. No other business, votes, or public items appear on the posted agenda.

• Non-meeting held under RSA 91-A:2, I (a) for strategy or negotiations on collective bargaining
• No public hearings, contracts, ordinances, or dollar amounts listed on the agenda

Invasive Species Committee

The Merrimack Invasive Species Committee meets Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room at Town Hall. The main item is a 45-minute presentation on invasive species focused on knotweed, given by Mike Gagnon of UNH Cooperative Extension, followed by 15 minutes of questions. The committee will also review draft rules of procedure, get a status update from its outreach and education workgroup, and approve minutes from its September 17 meeting.

• Presentation on knotweed by Mike Gagnon (UNH Cooperative Extension Forestry Field Specialist / Hillsborough County Forester), 45 minutes plus 15 minutes Q&A
• Review of draft Invasive Species Committee Rules of Procedure
• Outreach workgroup status update, including whether it has met and planned meeting intervals
• Discussion of educational materials such as O-ringed double-sided laminated cards for DPW and the public listing 5-6 common invasives (e.g. Japanese Knotweed, Oriental Bittersweet, Autumn Olive, Burning Bush, Japanese Barberry, Phragmites, Purple Loosestrife, Poison Ivey, Poison Sumac, Giant Hogweed)
• Approval of September 17 meeting minutes; future meetings November 5 and December 10, 2025 in the Memorial Room

The committee reviewed a draft charter outlining its mission and operational goals, which will be submitted to the Town Council for final approval. Members also received a presentation on Japanese Knotweed management strategies and discussed future educational outreach efforts. The committee approved the minutes from the previous meeting.

• Approved minutes from previous meeting (3-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0-0)

Parks and Recreation

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee meets Wednesday, October 15th, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Matthew Thornton Meeting Room at Town Hall. The committee will discuss old business including a Merrimack Dog Park update (current balance $695.73) and a 250th Celebration Committee update, plus new business on athletic fields, the MYA priority list, 2026 plans, and the Capital Improvement Budget for FY2026-2027. The Director's Report covers the After School Program, Naticook Challenge, and upcoming events. The agenda also includes organization reports, approval of August 20th minutes, and public comment.

• Merrimack Dog Park update with current balance of $695.73
• Capital Improvement Budget discussion for FY2026-2027
• Athletic Field Discussion including MYA Priority List and Plans for 2026
• 250th Celebration Committee Update
• Upcoming events: Annual Halloween Party Oct 25, Strides for Diabetes Nov 8, Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Dec 7

The committee approved the minutes from their August 20, 2025, meeting. Members also discussed upcoming capital improvement budget requests for FY2026 and received updates on town park operations, athletic field priorities, and community events.

• Approved August 20, 2025, meeting minutes (5-0-4)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:44pm (9-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, October 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The main new item is review of a Minimum Impact Standard Dredge & Fill Permit application from Black Diamond Holdings, LLC to widen a section of Daniel Webster Highway by 4-5 feet, affecting 588 square feet of ditched forested wetland. The commission will also consider several small expenditures and appointments, and discuss Sklar Riverfront park items including invasive species spraying and gate costs. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Review of Black Diamond Holdings, LLC dredge & fill permit to widen Daniel Webster Highway 4-5 feet, with 588 square feet of permanent impact to a ditched forested wetland
• Appointment of Jon Schippani to the Grater Woods subcommittee as a full member, term expiring 6/30/26
• Potential vote on approximately $400.00 for an educational presentation by Fasset Farm Nursey
• Potential vote on up to $100.00 for a public educational talk on Pollinator Pathways
• Discussion and potential vote on invasive species spraying at Sklar Riverfront park

The Conservation Commission approved spending up to $200 from Fund 53 for a public educational talk on pollinator pathways, and up to $200 for a Pullerbear to donate to the Merrimack Libraries' 'Library of Things.' It also appointed Jon Schippani to the Grater Woods subcommittee and approved amended September 22 minutes. Several items were deferred, including bridge repair materials at Horse Hill Nature Preserve and invasive species spraying at Sklar Riverfront Park.

• Appointed Jon Schippani to Grater Woods subcommittee, term expiring 6/30/26 (5-0-0)
• Approved up to $200 from Fund 53 for public pollinator pathways educational talk (5-0-0)
• Approved up to $200 from Fund 53 for a Pullerbear donated to Merrimack Libraries 'Library of Things' (4-0-1, Chair Welsh abstained)
• Approved September 22, 2025 minutes with three spelling/word amendments (5-0-0)
• Deferred vote on Horse Hill Nature Preserve bridge repair materials to October 27, 2025 meeting
• Deferred invasive species spraying discussion at Sklar Riverfront Park to next meeting
• No vote taken on creating a working group for trail guidelines; consensus endorsed an informal subcommittee meeting

Conservation Commission

The Horse Hill Nature Preserve subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda lists approval of September 9, 2025 minutes and a new-business discussion of plans for a bridge rebuild. No votes, contracts, or dollar amounts are specified in the posted agenda.

• Discussion of plans for bridge rebuild at Horse Hill Nature Preserve
• Approval of minutes from September 9, 2025 meeting

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council sent a letter supporting New Hampshire HB 561, which would bar the Commissioner of Transportation from discontinuing, reclassifying, or reverting class I or class II highways to a town when the road is still used by the public and town selectmen object. The council cites a road in Merrimack built to connect two state roads that is proposed to transfer to town ownership despite its concerns, with estimated fiscal impacts of 2 cents (NHDOT estimate) to 10 cents (town estimate) per thousand. The letter notes the town is in the second year of a default budget. The agenda text contains only this letter; no votes or other council business are shown.

• Letter supports NH HB 561, limiting NHDOT discontinuance or reclassification of class I/II highways without town consent
• A Merrimack road built to connect two state roads is proposed for transfer to town ownership
• Estimated fiscal impact: 2 cents (NHDOT estimate) to 10 cents (town estimate) per thousand
• Town is in the second year of a default budget
• Signed by Town Council Chairman Finlay Rothhaus

The Merrimack Town Council voted to rename Wildcat Falls to Wildcat Conservation Area in an effort to reduce out-of-town crowds and parking overflow. The Council also approved the 2025-2031 Capital Improvements Program, a temporary construction easement for the Baboosic Lake Road bridge project, and a letter of support for the Baboosic Lake sidewalk Transportation Alternatives Program grant application. Additionally, the Council moved a proposed traffic code change regarding a stop sign on Bishop Street to the consent agenda.

• Approved 2025-2031 Capital Improvements Program (7-0-0)
• Approved NHDOT temporary construction easement for Baboosic Lake Road bridge project and authorized Town Manager to sign documents (7-0-0)
• Approved proposal letter of support for Baboosic Lake sidewalk TAP grant application and authorized Paul Micali to sign (7-0-0)
• Approved renaming Wildcat Falls to Wildcat Conservation Area (6-1-0)
• Approved December 19, 2024 meeting minutes as amended (6-0-1)
• Moved proposed changes to Chapter 183, Vehicles & Traffic (stop sign on Bishop Street at School Street), to the next meeting's Consent Agenda (7-0-0)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The board will review a 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road and an amended site plan at 7 Crow's Nest Circle, and will hold a work session on Site Plan Regulations. Two consent agenda items seek extensions for previously filed site plans. If the meeting is cancelled, all items move to October 21, 2025.

• 23-lot cluster subdivision proposed at 19 Tinker Road by John O'Neil & Tinker Road, LLC (Case # PB 2025-17), continued from June 17, July 15 and August 19, 2025
• Amended site plan at 7 Crow's Nest Circle to shift phase 2/3 limits about 104 feet and add square footage to unit 6 (Case # PB 2025-27), continued from September 16, 2025
• Consent agenda extension request for 769 DW Highway Site Plan (Case # PB 2024-18)
• Consent agenda extension request for Merrimack Parcel A, LLC Site Plan Amendment (Case # PB 2024-10)
• Work session on Site Plan Regulations; approval of September 16, 2025 minutes

The Merrimack Planning Board approved two extension requests on the consent agenda and continued a public hearing for a 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road to October 21, 2025. An amended site plan application for 7 Crow's Nest Circle was withdrawn by the applicant. The Board also reviewed proposed changes to site plan regulations during a work session and approved the September 16, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Approved consent agenda including extension requests for 769 DW Highway and Merrimack Parcel A, LLC (6-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road to October 21, 2025 (6-0-0)
• Noted withdrawal of amended site plan application for 7 Crow's Nest Circle
• Approved September 16, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:08 p.m. (6-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, October 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room. The agenda lists discussion items including camera donations and placement, repairs to destroyed trail markers, kiosk repairs, and invasives. Other items include "No Motorized Vehicles" signage, meeting dates, and the Master Plan. The only action item is approval of the August 4, 2025 minutes; no votes on contracts, budgets, or ordinances are listed.

• Discussion of camera donations and placement at the park
• Maintenance, repair, or replacement of destroyed trail markers
• Kiosk repairs
• Discussion of invasives
• "No Motorized Vehicles" signage; approval of August 4, 2025 minutes

The Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee, meeting October 6, 2025, approved its August 4, 2025 minutes 6-0-0 and adjourned at 7:29pm. Most of the meeting covered updates and pending items rather than formal decisions: three cameras were installed to monitor park traffic and vandalism, and members discussed relocating two of them for better views. The subcommittee set a park cleanup and trail maintenance workday for October 19 at 11AM and discussed invasive species treatment, trail markers, and a proposed flood gate, but took no recorded votes on those items.

• Approved August 4, 2025 minutes without amendment (6-0-0)
• Adjourned the October 6, 2025 meeting at 7:29pm (6-0-0)
• No vote recorded on camera relocation, invasive treatment, trail markers, or the proposed flood gate

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council posted a non-meeting for Friday, October 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is strategy or negotiations with respect to collective bargaining, cited under RSA 91-A:2, I (a), a New Hampshire law provision allowing non-public sessions. The agenda does not name the bargaining unit, any dollar figures, or any decisions to be made.

• Non-meeting on collective bargaining strategy or negotiations under RSA 91-A:2, I (a)
• No contract terms, dollar amounts, or bargaining unit named in the agenda

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Watkins Forest Harvest Subcommittee meets Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda covers approval of minutes from the 6/11/2025 meeting, a review of Watkins Forest history, and the harvest process and scope presented by Radloff. Public comments are scheduled, followed by any other new business and adjournment.

• Approval of minutes from the 6/11/2025 meeting
• Presentation on Watkins Forest history
• Harvest process and scope presented by Radloff
• Public comments period

The committee met to discuss forest management plans, including estimated tree removal percentages for Mitchell Street and Lawrence Rd properties, and heard an overview from Evergreen Forest Management regarding the upcoming harvest process and timeline. The committee also approved minutes from the June 11 meeting.

• Approved minutes from 6.11 meeting (2-0-1)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is set to issue a proclamation designating October 20, 2025, as "Community Media Day" in the Town of Merrimack. The proclamation promotes awareness of community media, the Town's Media Division resources, and programming on Merrimack TV. The item was submitted by Media Services Coordinator Nicholas Lavallee and is listed under New Business. The agenda contains no other substantive items.

• Proclamation designating October 20, 2025 as "Community Media Day" in Merrimack
• Item submitted by Media Services Coordinator Nicholas Lavallee, 8 Baboosic Lake Road
• Proclamation text signed by Chairman Finlay C. Rothhaus and six other councilors

The Merrimack Town Council approved a $200,000 expenditure for a new tractor and accepted a $500,000 loan for wastewater facility energy upgrades. Councilors also adjusted revenue projections and authorized the use of $250,000 from the fund balance to manage the tax rate. Additionally, the Council approved an Eagle Scout project for a solar charging station at Twin Bridge Park and proclaimed October 20, 2025, as Community Media Day.

• Approved solar charging station project at Twin Bridge Park (6-0-0)
• Appointed Keith LaBonte to the Lower Merrimack River Local Advisory Committee (6-0-0)
• Approved $200,000 withdrawal from Solid Waste Capital Reserve Fund (6-0-0)
• Authorized $500,000 Clean Water State Revolving Loan for energy upgrades (6-0-0)
• Approved $725,000 revenue increase and $250,000 fund balance usage (6-0-0)
• Proclaimed October 20, 2025, as Community Media Day (6-0-0)
• Approved September 11, 2025, meeting minutes as amended (6-0-0)

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment holds a public hearing on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The Board will consider three active petitions: a special exception for stormwater work in a wetland buffer at 101 Herrick Street, variances for a building addition at 54 DW Highway, and a special exception for wetland impacts tied to a proposed manufacturing facility at 87 & 93 Daniel Webster Highway and Mast Road. A fourth petition seeking a variance for up to 192 multi-family units at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard was withdrawn by the applicant on 9/19/25. The agenda also includes approval of the August 27, 2025 minutes.

• Case # ZBA 2025-31: Ferris Enterprises, LLC special exception for an infiltration basin, culvert and rip-rap within the 25-foot wetland buffer at 101 Herrick Street (Tax Map 3D-2 Lot 20)
• Case # ZBA 2025-32: Nick Napior / Robert Napior Revocable Trust variances for a building addition 6.2 feet from the rear lot line (40 required) and 16.8 feet from the side lot line (20 required) at 54 DW Highway (Tax Map 2D Lot 29)
• Case # ZBA 2025-30: Integra Biosciences Corp. special exception for wetland impacts for a proposed manufacturing facility at 87 & 93 Daniel Webster Highway and Mast Road (Tax Map 2D Lots 22 to 24)
• Case # ZBA 2025-29: Merrimack Premium Outlets, LLC variance for up to 192 multi-family units at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard — withdrawn by the applicant on 9/19/25
• Approval of minutes from the August 27, 2025 meeting; if cancelled, items move to October 29, 2025

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment approved three major petitions on September 24, 2025, including a wetland special exception for an infiltration basin at 101 Herrick Street, a setback variance for an automotive hobby shop addition at 54 DW Highway, and wetland impacts for a multi-story manufacturing facility at 87 & 93 Daniel Webster Highway and Mast Road. A fourth variance petition regarding residential housing units at the Merrimack Premium Outlets was withdrawn by the applicant prior to the meeting. The Board also approved the minutes from their August 27, 2025 meeting.

• Granted special exception for stormwater drainage infiltration basin within wetland buffer at 101 Herrick Street (5-0)
• Granted building addition setback variance for automotive hobby shop at 54 DW Highway (5-0)
• Granted special exception for wetland impacts for a proposed manufacturing facility at 87 & 93 DW Highway and Mast Road (5-0)
• Acknowledged withdrawal of variance application for multi-family housing at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard (Withdrawn 9/19/25)
• Approved August 27, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:01 p.m. (5-0)

Merrimack 275th Anniversary Planning Committee

The Merrimack 250th Celebrations Committee is holding a planning meeting at the John O'Leary Adult Community Center. Members will review the committee's charge and past events, discuss the budget process and how to allocate funding between the 4th of July and other events, and brainstorm parade routes and September 11th commemoration ideas. They will also discuss whether to focus only on those events or expand, using Merrimack's 275th birthday as a possible model.

• Budget process discussion on funding and allocation between 4th of July and other events
• Brainstorming parade route ideas and logistics for the 4th of July
• Brainstorming September 11th commemoration ideas
• Discussion of whether to expand beyond July 4th and Sept 11th, citing Merrimack's 275th Birthday model
• Review of past 4th of July festivities and the 25th anniversary of September 11th

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, September 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. There are no public hearings. Under new business, the commission will hear a presentation on the Souhegan River Local Advisory Committee river corridor plan and discuss a roughly $400 educational presentation by Fasset Farm Nursey. Members will also discuss or possibly act on a temporary gate at the Sklar property, mowing and parking at Sklar Riverfront Park, and spraying for poison ivy and knotweed.

• Presentation on the Souhegan River Local Advisory Committee river corridor plan, submitted by Andrew Duane
• Discussion and potential approval of about $400 for an educational presentation by Fasset Farm Nursey, submitted by Karis Welsh
• Possible action on installing a gate at the Sklar property to temporarily block access during flooding and maintenance
• Discussion of lawn mowing at Sklar Riverfront Park, possible parking spaces, and the drainage channel behind the parking area
• Possible action on poison ivy and knotweed spraying; approval of September 8, 2025 minutes

The Conservation Commission voted 7-0 to spend up to $5,500 from Fund 53 for a land survey of the Fields Farm property, which is needed before a proposed timber harvest plan can move forward. The Commission also heard a presentation on the Souhegan River Corridor Plan but took no action, and it agreed not to seek money for a gate at the Sklar property until the Town Council approves the idea. Other items, including a proposed $400 educational session, were discussed without a vote.

• Approved up to $5,500 from Fund 53 for a Fields Farm property survey (7-0-0)
• Approved amended September 8, 2025 minutes (7-0-0)
• Voted to adjourn at 8:15 pm (7-0-0)
• No vote on $400 Fassett Farms educational session; members to read letter first
• No vote on Sklar property gate; consensus to wait for Town Council approval
• No action on library community conversations or potential education opportunities

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Merrimack Trustees of Trust Funds meet Friday, September 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall. The agenda includes approval of the August 15, 2025 minutes, an annual audit update, and a Watkins Forest harvest update presented by Petrides. Trustees will also review correspondence on the Peyton Connelly Scholarship, possible Watson Scholarships, and LEGO League, and set future meeting dates of October 17 and November 21, 2025.

• Annual audit update
• Watkins Forest Harvest update (Petrides)
• Correspondence: Peyton Connelly Scholarship
• Correspondence: Watson Scholarships (listed with a question mark)
• Correspondence: LEGO League

The Merrimack Trustees of Trust Funds approved the meeting minutes from August 15 and voted to immediately pay a $1,000 Watson Scholarship to the Advanced Welding Institute. The board also discussed the future sustainability of Watson Scholarships and LEGO League funding, with plans to revisit the topic in November after reaching out to Barbara Watson.

• Approved minutes of August 15 (3-0-0)
• Approved $1,000 Watson Scholarship payment to the Advanced Welding Institute (2-0-1, Wilkes abstaining)

Invasive Species Committee

The Merrimack Invasive Species Committee meets Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall. The agenda is largely organizational: selecting a chair and secretary, setting meeting dates for the next 6-8 months, brainstorming long-term goals, and forming a working group for a public awareness campaign. Karis Welsh is listed to describe materials and discussions already completed by MCC. A county forester is to be invited to a future meeting to present on Knotweed management. No decisions on regulations, spending, or contracts appear on this agenda.

• Selection of committee Chair and Secretary (minute taker)
• Setting meeting dates and frequency for the next 6-8 months
• Forming a working group for a public awareness campaign; Karis Welsh to describe materials already completed by MCC
• Plan to invite a county forester to a future meeting for a Knotweed management presentation
• Future meeting dates listed only as placeholders: October XX, 2025 and November XX, 2025

The newly formed Invasive Species Committee held its first meeting on September 17, 2025, electing Matt Urban as Chair, Karis Welsh as Co-Chair, and Christy Benedetto as Secretary. The committee agreed to meet monthly on the third Wednesday and outlined long-term goals including public education, DPW collaboration, a management plan, and invasive species mapping. A Public Awareness/Education Working Group was formed, and the committee discussed pesticide use, knotweed management, and disposal guidance. No formal decisions were made on the long-term goals or working group beyond their identification and formation.

• Elected Matt Urban as Chair (4-0-1)
• Elected Christy Benedetto as Secretary (4-0-1)
• Elected Karis Welsh as Co-Chair (4-0-1)
• Agreed to meet on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM
• Formed Public Awareness/Education Working Group with four members
• Adjourned meeting at 6:52 PM (5-0-0)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The board will review a 2-lot subdivision and a site plan for a standalone fast food restaurant with drive-thru at 725 DW Highway, plus an amended site plan at 7 Crows Nest Circle. It will also hear the Planning & Zoning Administrator's report and approve minutes from August 19, 2025.

• 2-lot subdivision at 725 DW Highway (Tax Map 7E Lot 48-2), Case # PB 2025-25
• Site plan for standalone fast food restaurant with drive-thru at 725 DW Highway, Case # PB 2025-26
• Amended site plan at 7 Crows Nest Circle shifting phase limits about 104 feet and adding square footage to unit 6, Case # PB 2025-27
• Consent agenda: Regional Impact Determinations
• Approval of minutes from August 19, 2025

The Planning Board continued public hearings for a 2-lot subdivision and fast food restaurant at 725 DW Highway, as well as an amended site plan for 7 Crows Nest Circle. The Board also approved the consent agenda and previous meeting minutes.

• Approved consent agenda (4-0-0)
• Continued 725 DW Highway 2-lot subdivision hearing to Oct 21, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Continued 725 DW Highway fast food restaurant site plan hearing to Oct 21, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Continued 7 Crows Nest Circle amended site plan hearing to Oct 7, 2025 for peer engineering review (4-0-0)
• Approved August 19, 2025 minutes (3-0-1)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council met on August 21, 2025, with Vice Chair Harrington presiding (Chairman Rothhaus excused). The council accepted a dissolved Crimeline's remaining $12,752.88 for the Police Department and authorized a $100,000 NHDES Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan, with up to $100,000 principal forgiveness, for a Horseshoe Pond drainage study. It also accepted three NH Office of Highway Safety grants totaling $7,900 for DUI, distracted-driving, and high-visibility enforcement, and appointed members to newly formed town committees. A request to bait deer on the town-owned Grater Woods property was denied with no motion made.

• Accepted $12,752.88 donation from Merrimack Crimeline to the Police Department after the organization dissolved (6-0-0)
• Authorized a $100,000 NHDES Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan with up to $100,000 principal forgiveness for a Horseshoe Pond drainage study (6-0-0)
• Accepted three NH Office of Highway Safety grants for the Police Department: $1,600 DUI enforcement, $2,600 distracted driving, and $3,700 high visibility mobilizations (each 6-0-0)
• Denied a request by Haiyang Zhang to bait deer on the town-owned Grater Woods property; no motion was made
• Appointed public members to the Invasive Species Committee (Zachary Charland, Matt Urban, Christy Benedetto) and USA 250th Anniversary Committee (Matthew Brown, Kim Ortiz, Gianne Cruz-Schloyer), and Debra Huffman to the Town Center Committee

The Merrimack Town Council confirmed Joseph Guarnera as the new Fire Chief and approved moving future elections from three locations to two at Merrimack High School and Merrimack Middle School starting in April 2026. The Council also authorized three equipment withdrawals from the Wastewater Treatment Capital Reserve Fund, adopted a HIPAA Hybrid Entity Designation Policy, and tabled a town employee resignation recognition.

• Confirmed Joseph Guarnera as new Fire Chief (7-0-0)
• Approved resignation of Parks and Recreation Committee member Heather Fairbanks (7-0-0)
• Tabled recognition of former Operations Manager Lori Halverson (7-0-0)
• Tabled annual review with the Town Center Committee until October 23rd (7-0-0)
• Appointed Lara Hrobak to Conservation Commission as Alternate member (7-0-0)
• Appointed Phil Przybyszewski to Parks & Recreation Committee as Full member (7-0-0)
• Reappointed Ellen Kolb and appointed Kevin Southwick to LMRLAC (7-0-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to look into implementing an ordinance for roosters and noisy fowl (7-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Horse Hill Nature Preserve subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda includes approval of June 10, 2025 minutes and other business covering bridge repairs and funding, an Eagle Scout project, a Girl Scout invasive species day, and refreshing map stations with up-to-date maps. No new business is listed.

• Bridge repairs, funding, and a plan of how to proceed
• Eagle Scout Project
• Girl Scout Invasive day
• Map station refresh with up to date maps
• Approval of June 10, 2025 minutes

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, September 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda includes discussion and possible action on spraying Knotweed and Poison Ivy at Sklar and other possible locations, preparation for the annual report to the Town Council, and review of the long range plan and short term goals. There are no public hearings scheduled. The commission will also continue discussion of potential education opportunities, submitted by Karis Welsh, and vote on the August 25, 2025 minutes.

• Discussion and possible action on spraying Knotweed and Poison Ivy at Sklar and other possible locations
• Prepare for annual report to Town Council
• Review of long range plan and development of short term goals for the year
• Ongoing discussion on potential education opportunities, submitted by Karis Welsh
• Approval of August 25, 2025 minutes

The Commission approved the August 25, 2025 minutes with several spelling and formatting corrections. No new funding or major policy changes were voted on during this meeting. Discussions focused on managing invasive species at Sklar and other trails, preparing the annual report, and coordinating with the Department of Public Works for trail maintenance.

• Approved August 25, 2025 minutes with amendments (7-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)
• No votes taken on invasive species spraying plans
• No votes taken on purchasing pullerbear for library
• No votes taken on land acquisition priorities

Town Council

The Appointment Committee for the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room. The agenda lists an interview with Lara Hrobak for alternate membership on the Conservation Commission, followed by deliberation on recommendations to fill a vacant Conservation Commission position. The meeting then adjourns. No votes, contracts, or dollar amounts appear in the posted agenda.

• Interview with Lara Hrobak for alternate membership on the Conservation Commission
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill the vacant Conservation Commission position
• Agenda posted August 27, 2025

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room has been cancelled. The notice states the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. No agenda items, decisions, or discussions are listed for the cancelled meeting.

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The agenda lists two items: a personnel matter under RSA 91-A:3, II (a), and consideration of the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property under RSA 91-A:3, II (d). No details of either item are provided in the agenda, and the only other listed action is to adjourn.

• Nonpublic session on a personnel matter under RSA 91-A:3, II (a)
• Nonpublic session on acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property under RSA 91-A:3, II (d)

The Merrimack Town Council held a nonpublic meeting on August 28, 2025, to discuss personnel regarding the Fire Chief position and property acquisitions. The Council authorized the Town Manager to begin purchasing Parcels 1 and 2, and to draft a Purchase and Sale agreement and a Right of First Refusal for Parcels 3 and 4.

• Entered nonpublic session (5-0-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to begin purchasing Parcel 1 & 2 and draft agreements for Parcel 3 & 4 (5-0-0)
• Closed nonpublic session (5-0-0)
• Sealed nonpublic session minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourned public session (5-0-0)

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment meets Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The board will hold its annual meeting to elect officers and review rules of procedure, then take up three public hearings on variance requests for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Two requests come from Kristi & Bruce Bradshaw for 54 Whittier Road, and one from Darwin Lazo Navia for 6 Wheeler Street. The board will also discuss other items of concern and approve minutes from July 30, 2025.

• Variance request by Kristi & Bruce Bradshaw for a 1,200 sq ft attached ADU at 54 Whittier Road, where 1,000 sq ft is the maximum allowed (Case # ZBA 2025-26)
• Variance request by Kristi & Bruce Bradshaw to place an attached ADU 1 foot from the side property line at 54 Whittier Road, where 5 feet is required (Case # ZBA 2025-27)
• Variance request by Darwin Lazo Navia to allow an ADU in the C-1 (Limited Commercial) District at 6 Wheeler Street (Case # ZBA 2025-28)
• Annual meeting: election of officers and review of rules of procedure
• Approval of minutes from the July 30, 2025 meeting

The Board granted two variances for a 1,200 square foot ADU at 54 Whittier Road and one variance to allow an ADU in a commercial district at 6 Wheeler Street. The Board also elected its officers and adopted updated Rules of Procedure.

• Approved 1,200 sq ft ADU variance at 54 Whittier Road (5-0-0)
• Approved 1-foot side setback variance at 54 Whittier Road (5-0-0)
• Approved ADU variance in C-1 Limited Commercial District at 6 Wheeler Street (5-0-0)
• Elected Patrick Dwyer as Chair (4-0-1)
• Elected Rich Conescu as Vice Chair (4-0-1)
• Adopted updated Rules of Procedure (5-0-0)
• Approved July 30, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0-2)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, August 25, 2025, with no public hearings scheduled. The main new item is review of a Standard Dredge & Fill application from NHDOT for project 1376 B, which would widen three segments of the two-lane portions of the F.E. Everett Turnpike, replace the Baboosic Lake Road and Wire Road bridges, and upgrade drainage, with a stated permanent impact of 3,795 square feet on palustrine emergent wetlands. The commission will also consider requests from residents Steve Pollock and Andre Roy to erect hunting stands and install game cameras on Grater Woods property (Tax Map 5B Lot 001), an appointment change, a possible donation acceptance, and a botanical survey discussion.

• NHDOT 1376 B dredge & fill application: widen three segments of the F.E. Everett Turnpike, replace Baboosic Lake Road and Wire Road bridges, drainage upgrades, 3,795 sq ft permanent wetland impact
• Resident requests from Steve Pollock and Andre Roy to erect hunting stands and install game cameras on Grater Woods property, Tax Map 5B Lot 001
• Appointment change: Nick Ilyadis from alternate to full member of the Sklar Subcommittee, term expiring 6/30/26
• Discussion of accepting a donated Bluetooth game camera valued at $90.00, pending final Town Council approval
• Discussion of a botanical survey at Horse Hill Nature Preserve and Gilmore Hill Memorial Forest

Town Council

This document is the approved minutes of the Merrimack Town Council meeting held July 10, 2025 (the August 21, 2025 date appears only as an upcoming meeting notice). The Council held a public hearing on raising the optional property tax credit for totally and permanently disabled veterans from $4,000 to $5,000, and voted 7-0-0 to approve a letter to the Governor opposing Senate Bill 213 on electioneering. It also established three new committees and approved the town's FY 2025-26 investment policy.

• Public hearing on Chapter 178, Taxation (Article VI, Optional Property Tax Credit): raise the disabled-veteran credit from $4,000 to $5,000; 89 Merrimack residents receive it; about a 2-cent tax rate impact; would take effect April 1, 2026
• Vote 7-0-0 to approve the Town Manager's letter to the Governor opposing Senate Bill 213 (electioneering)
• Invasive Species Committee established 7-0-0: two Conservation Commission members, one Town Councilor, one DPW Director or designee, three public members
• USA 250th Anniversary Committee established 6-0-0: one Parks and Rec Director, one Parks and Rec Committee member, one Town Councilor, three public members, one Police and one Fire representative
• Town Buildings Subcommittee established 6-0-0: three Town Councilors, the Town Manager, his designees, and three public members

The Merrimack Town Council approved withdrawing $649,335 from the Highway Capital Reserve Fund to purchase three dump trucks and accepted $20,652.88 total in police and highway safety grants. The Council also accepted a $100,000 Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan for a Horseshoe Pond drainage study, approved tax credit changes for disabled veterans, appointed new committee members, and denied a request to permit deer baiting on town-owned property.

• Accepted $12,752.88 donation from dissolved Merrimack Crimeline for Police Department (6-0-0)
• Authorized $100,000 NHDES Clean Water State Revolving Fund loan with principal forgiveness for Horseshoe Pond drainage study (6-0-0)
• Approved changes to Chapter 178 Taxation regarding optional property tax credit for disabled veterans (6-0-0)
• Appointed public members to Invasive Species Committee and USA 250th Anniversary Committee (6-0-0)
• Appointed Debra Huffman as full member of Town Center Committee (6-0-0)
• Denied deer baiting request on town-owned Grater Woods property (No motion made)
• Accepted four NH Office of Highway Safety grants totaling $7,900 for police enforcement patrols (6-0-0)
• Approved withdrawal of $649,335 from Highway Capital Reserve Fund for three 6-wheel dump trucks (6-0-0)

Parks and Recreation

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee meets Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Matthew Thornton Meeting Room at Town Hall. The committee will hold annual elections for chair, vice chair, and secretary, hear an Eagle Scout project proposal from Evan Carlson, and discuss athletic fields after the loss of the Elbit Fields along with the MYA priority list. Other items include a Merrimack Dog Park update, the director's report on summer camp and programs, and approval of minutes from June 18, 2025.

• Annual elections for chair, vice chair, and secretary
• Eagle Scout project proposal presented by Evan Carlson
• Athletic field discussion on the loss of Elbit Fields and the MYA priority list
• Merrimack Dog Park update with a current balance of $695.73
• Approval of minutes from the June 18, 2025 meeting

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee approved a proposal to install a solar-powered cell phone charging station at Twin Bridge Park, estimated to cost between $2,100 and $2,200. The committee also elected new officers for the year and voted to skip their September meeting due to a director conflict. Additionally, the June minutes were accepted, and representatives were assigned to the 250th Celebrations Committee.

• Approved Eagle Scout charging station project at Twin Bridge Park (8-0-0)
• Elected Tracy McGraw as Chair (7-0-1)
• Elected Rick Greenier as Vice Chair (8-0-0)
• Elected Michelle Creswell as Secretary (8-0-0)
• Voted to skip September meeting (8-0-0)
• Accepted June minutes (5-0-3)

Town Council

The Appointment Committee for the USA 250th Anniversary Committee is holding interviews on Monday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 7:00 to 7:30 PM in the Town Manager's conference room. The committee will interview Gianne Cruz-Schloyer, Matthew Brown, Michael Drouin, and Kim Ortiz for membership on the USA 250th Anniversary Committee. After the interviews, the committee will deliberate on recommendations to fill the committee positions. The agenda was posted August 14, 2025.

• Interviews with Gianne Cruz-Schloyer, Matthew Brown, Michael Drouin, and Kim Ortiz for USA 250th Anniversary Committee membership
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill USA 250th Anniversary Committee positions
• Meeting held 7:00–7:30 PM in the Town Manager's conference room over two evenings

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The board will review three development applications: a 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road, a site plan for a 19,200 +/- square foot contractor's building at 8 Crow's Nest Circle, and a 2-lot subdivision at 646 DW Highway. It will also handle a consent agenda, an administrator's report, and minutes from August 5, 2025. If the meeting is cancelled, all items move to September 2, 2025.

• 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road (Tax Map 2C Lot 19 & 19-1, Tax Map 2B Lot 293-14-2), Case # PB 2025-17, continued from June 17 and July 15, 2025
• Site plan for a 19,200 +/- square foot contractor's building at 8 Crow's Nest Circle (Tax Map 2D Lot 21-2), Case # PB 2025-22, continued from July 15, 2025
• 2-lot subdivision at 646 DW Highway (Tax Map 6E-2 Lot 8), Case # PB 2025-24, in C-1, C-2, Aquifer Conservation, Elderly Housing Overlay Districts and Wellhead Protection Area
• Consent agenda: conditional approval extension requests and regional impact determinations
• Approval of minutes from the August 5, 2025 meeting

The Merrimack Planning Board granted conditional final approval to Mast Road, LLC's site plan for a 19,200 square foot contractor's building and 25 tractor-trailer parking spaces at 8 Crow's Nest Circle, after granting four waivers. The Board also granted conditional final approval to a 2-lot subdivision at 646 DW Highway, subdividing about an acre from St. James United Methodist Church. A 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road was continued to October 7 at the applicant's request. All votes were 4-0-0.

• Approved consent agenda, including a conditional approval extension for 764 & 768 DW Highway (Case #PB 2024-24) and regional impact determinations (4-0-0)
• Continued the 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road (Case #PB 2025-17) to October 7, 2025, at the applicant's request
• Accepted as complete the site plan for a 19,200 sq ft contractor's building at 8 Crow's Nest Circle (Case #PB 2025-22) (4-0-0)
• Granted waiver from section 3.13.e.3.ii on maximum illumination at the property line (4-0-0)
• Granted waiver from Sections 3.09 and 4.14.e requiring a landscaping plan (4-0-0)
• Granted waiver from Section 3.07.b.10 requiring 12 inches of freeboard in a detention basin (4-0-0)
• Granted waiver from Section 4.12.c.18.viii requiring location of trees greater than 15 inches in diameter (4-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval to the Mast Road, LLC site plan subject to conditions in the August 15, 2025 staff memo (4-0-0)

Town Council

The Appointment Committee for the Invasive Species Committee is holding interviews over two evenings, August 18 and 19, 2025, in the Town Manager's conference room. Six candidates — Jennifer Weaver, Dan Allen, Christy Benedetto, Zachary Charland, Matt Urban, and Michael Drouin — will be interviewed for membership. After the interviews, the committee will deliberate on recommendations to fill the Invasive Species Committee positions. The agenda does not name who makes the final appointment or how many seats are open.

• Interviews with six candidates for the Invasive Species Committee: Jennifer Weaver, Dan Allen, Christy Benedetto, Zachary Charland, Matt Urban, Michael Drouin
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill Invasive Species Committee positions
• Meetings held 6:00–7:00 PM August 18–19, 2025 in the Town Manager's conference room
• Agenda posted August 14, 2025

Town Council

The Appointment Committee for the USA 250th Anniversary Committee meets Monday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 7:00–7:30 PM in the Town Manager's conference room. The agenda lists interviews with four applicants — Gianne Cruz-Schloyer, Matthew Brown, Michael Drouin, and Kim Ortiz — for membership on the committee. After the interviews, the committee will deliberate on recommendations to fill the open positions. The agenda was posted August 14, 2025.

• Interviews for USA 250th Anniversary Committee membership: Gianne Cruz-Schloyer, Matthew Brown, Michael Drouin, Kim Ortiz
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill the committee's open positions
• Meeting spans two evenings, Aug 18–19, 2025, 7:00–7:30 PM, Town Manager's conference room

Town Council

The Appointment Committee for the Invasive Species Committee is holding interviews on Monday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM in the Town Manager's conference room. Six candidates — Jennifer Weaver, Dan Allen, Christy Benedetto, Zachary Charland, Matt Urban, and Michael Drouin — will be interviewed for membership. The committee will then deliberate on recommendations to fill the Invasive Species Committee positions. The agenda does not list any other business.

• Interviews with six candidates for the Invasive Species Committee: Jennifer Weaver, Dan Allen, Christy Benedetto, Zachary Charland, Matt Urban, and Michael Drouin
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill Invasive Species Committee positions
• Meetings held Monday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 6:00 PM–7:00 PM in the Town Manager's conference room
• Agenda posted August 14, 2025

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Trustees of Trust Funds meets Friday, August 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall. The agenda includes welcoming Kathy Sher, approving minutes from June 20, 2025, an annual update to the investment policy, and annual reports (MS-9 and MS-10). Trustees will also discuss cemetery accounts, a Watkins Forest harvest update, and correspondence including a $375.00 payment for Watkins Prize Speaking.

• Annual update to the Investment Policy
• Annual reports: MS-9 and MS-10
• Cemetery Accounts
• Watkins Forest Harvest update (Petrides)
• Correspondence: Watkins Prize Speaking paid $375.00; Watson Scholarships; LEGO League; thank-you notes from Sofia Degrazia (Greenleaf) and Shane Gilbert (Watson)

The Merrimack Trustees of Trust Funds approved their June 20 meeting minutes, updated investment policy, and the annual MS-9 and MS-10 reports during their August 15, 2025 meeting. They also approved a $259 renewal fee for the Morningstar Dividend Investor newsletter and noted a $6,345 donation for the Timothy Mark Gibson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Additionally, the board discussed upcoming scholarship statuses, a forest harvest committee meeting, and paid a $375 bill for the Watkins Prize Speaking Contest.

• Approved minutes of June 20 (3-0-0)
• Approved updated investment policy (3-0-0)
• Approved MS-9 and MS-10 annual reports (3-0-0)
• Approved Morningstar Dividend Investor newsletter renewal for $259 (3-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, August 11, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Room. The main items are reviews of a proposed Integra Biosciences Corp. medical device manufacturing facility at Daniel Webster Highway and Mast Road (Tax Map 2D Lot 22), including a Major Impact Dredge & Fill application. The Commission will also discuss and possibly vote on a Fields Farm property stewardship plan, hear a Lower Merrimack River Local Advisory Council presentation, and consider appointing Kimberly Berger to the Horse Hill Nature Preserve Subcommittee.

• Appointment of Kimberly Berger to the Horse Hill Nature Preserve Subcommittee as a full member, term expiring 6/30/28
• Integra Biosciences Corp. site plan review for a medical device manufacturing facility at Daniel Webster Highway and Mast Road, Tax Map 2D Lot 22, in I-1 Industrial and Aquifer Conservation Districts
• Major Impact Dredge & Fill application for Integra Biosciences Corp.: multi-story manufacturing, warehousing, and office facility with parking garage, stormwater management, utilities, and a rail connection to the railroad east of the site
• Continued discussion and potential vote on the Fields Farm property stewardship plan
• Lower Merrimack River Local Advisory Council (LMRLAC) presentation submitted by Ellen Kolb

The Merrimack Conservation Commission voted 6-0 to adopt the Fields Farm property stewardship plan as written, following a presentation by a licensed forester on the property's oak-pine forest, recreation access, and timber options. The Commission also appointed Kimberly Berger to the Horse Hill Nature Preserve Subcommittee (6-0) and approved two sets of prior meeting minutes. The Commission reviewed the Integra Biosciences site plan and Dredge & Fill application, with the Vice-Chair to write up comments for the Planning Board; no vote was taken on that item.

• Appointed Kimberly Berger to Horse Hill Nature Preserve Subcommittee, term expiring 6/30/28 (6-0-0)
• Adopted Fields Farm stewardship plan as written (6-0-0)
• Approved July 24, 2025 site walk minutes without amendment (6-0-0)
• Approved July 28, 2025 minutes without amendment (5-0-1; Commissioner Perry abstained)
• Voted to adjourn at 7:39 pm (6-0-0)
• Reviewed Integra Biosciences site plan and Dredge & Fill application; no vote taken, Vice-Chair to summarize comments for Planning Board

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The board will hold a continued review of a site plan for 376 DW Car Wash, LLC at 376 Daniel Webster Highway, and review a waiver request to change a bank site at 421 DW Highway into a physical therapy office. The agenda also includes a consent agenda for regional impact determinations, the Planning & Zoning Administrator's report, and approval of the July 15, 2025 minutes.

• Continued site plan review for 376 DW Car Wash, LLC at 376 Daniel Webster Highway (Tax Map 4D-3 Lot 2, Case # PB 2025-19): 12 new vacuum stations, 3 queue lanes, bypass drive aisle, plus site layout, landscaping, lighting, signage, and building façade improvements
• Waiver of full site plan review requested by Michael Hanning (applicant) and S-Bnk Merrimack, LLC (owner) to change use at 421 DW Highway from a bank to a physical therapy office (Tax Map 5D-4 Lot 91, Case # PB 2025-23)
• Consent agenda: Regional Impact Determinations
• Planning & Zoning Administrator's Report, discussion, and possible action on other items of concern
• Approval of Minutes — July 15, 2025

The Merrimack Planning Board approved a change of use from a bank to a physical therapy office for the property at 421 DW Highway, granting a waiver of full site plan review. A separate application for a car wash at 376 Daniel Webster Highway was withdrawn by the applicant. Additionally, the Board approved the consent agenda, administrative items, and previous meeting minutes.

• Approved consent agenda (6-0-0)
• Accepted application for review for 421 DW Highway physical therapy office (6-0-0)
• Granted waiver of Full Site Plan Review for 421 DW Highway (6-0-0)
• Motion to require a sidewalk installation at 421 DW Highway failed for lack of a second
• Granted conditional final approval for 421 DW Highway physical therapy office (5-1-0)
• Approved July 15, 2025 minutes as amended (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:05 p.m. (6-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, August 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room. Members may vote on a new subcommittee chair and will discuss a next workday, invasive-species mapping, management of the access road during mud season, and a parking map. Other items include reviewing subcommittee tasks, a trail camera update, and approval of the May 19, 2025 minutes.

• Potential vote on a new subcommittee chair
• Discussion of next workday and invasive-species mapping
• Management of the access road during mud season
• Parking map discussion
• Trail camera update and approval of May 19, 2025 minutes

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The agenda lists two items: consideration or negotiation of pending claims or litigation under RSA 91-A:3, II (e), and consideration of legal advice from legal counsel under RSA 91-A:3, II (l). The only other listed action is adjournment. No public business, votes, or dollar amounts appear on this agenda.

• Nonpublic session on pending claims or litigation (RSA 91-A:3, II (e))
• Nonpublic session on legal advice from legal counsel (RSA 91-A:3, II (l))
• Agenda posted July 25, 2025

The Merrimack Town Council met in a nonpublic session to discuss pending litigation and legal advice regarding an abatement request from Oceanus. The Council authorized the Town Manager to agree to an assessed value of $11,312,236 for tax years 2023, 2024, and 2025, and to pay the required abatement and interest up to $133,000. The nonpublic session was subsequently closed and sealed.

• Authorized entering nonpublic session (5-0-0)
• Authorized Town Manager to agree to assessed value of $11,312,236 for tax years 2023, 2024, and 2025 and pay abatement with interest up to $133,000 (5-0-0)
• Closed nonpublic session (5-0-0)
• Sealed nonpublic session minutes (5-0-0)
• Adjourned public session (5-0-0)

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment meets July 30, 2025 to hold public hearings on seven variance and special exception requests, and to consider two requests for rehearing of previously denied cases. The Board will also elect officers and review its rules of procedure. Cases include accessory dwelling units, a seven-lot subdivision, a daycare in a Planned Unit Development, and a porch addition. Rehearing requests concern a denied mixed-use development at 645 DW Highway and a denied auto sales use at 386 Daniel Webster Highway.

• Variance request for a second attached ADU at 2 Courtland Drive (Case ZBA 2025-23)
• Variances for a detached ADU in the front yard and on a 51,836 sq ft lot at 12 Peaslee Road (Cases ZBA 2025-20 and ZBA 2025-22)
• Variance for a seven-lot subdivision with lots under 250 feet frontage and 100,000 sq ft minimum area at 20 Fuller Mill Road and 18 Farmer Road (Case ZBA 2025-21)
• Special exception for a 12x12 covered porch on a pre-1953 home at 2 Thornton Road West (Case ZBA 2025-24)
• Variance for a daycare use in a Planned Unit Development at 729 DW Highway (Case ZBA 2025-25)

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment denied a request to subdivide a Fuller Mill Road property into seven single-family lots, finding the petitioner failed to show unnecessary hardship. The Board approved two variances for a detached garage with an accessory dwelling unit at 12 Peaslee Road, a second ADU at 2 Courtland Drive, and a special exception for a porch at 2 Thornton Road West. It also granted a variance allowing a daycare in a Planned Unit Development at 729 DW Highway, and denied two requests to rehear earlier denials.

• Granted variance for a second attached ADU at 2 Courtland Drive (4-0-0)
• Granted variance for a detached ADU in the front yard at 12 Peaslee Road (4-0-0)
• Granted variance for a detached garage/ADU 13.5 feet from the front property line at 12 Peaslee Road (4-0-0)
• Denied variance for a seven-lot subdivision at 20 Fuller Mill Road and 18 Farmer Road (4-0-0)
• Granted special exception for a 12x12 covered porch at 2 Thornton Road West (3-1-0, von Schoen opposed)
• Granted variance for a daycare use in a PUD at 729 DW Highway (4-0-0)
• Denied rehearing request for ZBA Case #2025-18 (mixed-use development at 645 DW Highway) (4-0-0)
• Denied rehearing request for ZBA Case #2025-17 (auto sales at 386 DW Highway) (4-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, July 28, 2025 to review a site plan for a 19,200 +/- square foot contractor's building at 8 Crow's Nest Circle, in the Industrial (I-1) and Aquifer Conservation Districts, and to make recommendations to the Planning Board. The commission will also consider whether to draft a charter for a subcommittee to oversee small parcels, make appointments, and discuss rare pollinator bees at the Wildcat Falls property. A non-public session is scheduled under RSA 91-A:3, II(d) regarding acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Review for Planning Board recommendation: 19,200 +/- sq ft contractor's building at 8 Crow's Nest Circle, Tax Map 2D Lot 21-2, in Industrial (I-1) and Aquifer Conservation Districts
• Consideration of drafting a charter for a subcommittee to oversee small parcels (submitted by Karis Welsh)
• Appointment of Kimberly Berger to the Horse Hill Nature Preserve Subcommittee as a full member, term expiring 6/30/28
• Discussion of rare pollinator bees at the Wildcat Falls property
• Appointment of two MCC representatives to an Invasive Species Subcommittee; non-public session under RSA 91-A:3, II(d)

The Merrimack Conservation Commission reviewed a proposed 19,200 square foot contractor's building and yard at 8 Crow's Nest Circle and discussed rare pollinator bees discovered at Wildcat Falls. The Commission also appointed Chair Karis Welsh to the Invasive Species Committee and approved the minutes from the July 14, 2025 meeting with amendments.

• Appointed Chair Welsh to the Invasive Species Committee (7-0-0)
• Approved July 14, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments (6-0-1, 1 abstention)
• Held a non-public session under RSA 91-A:3, II(d) regarding real or personal property (7-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 8:25 p.m. (7-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission will hold a site walk at Mitchell Woods on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. Commission members will meet at the property entrance with the contracted forester working on the property. The purpose is to walk the property and answer questions about proposed forestry work. A quorum may meet, but no motions or decisions will be made.

• Site walk at Mitchell Woods on July 24, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
• Contracted forester will attend to answer questions about proposed forestry work
• No motions or decisions will be made at the site walk
• Posted July 18, 2025

The Merrimack Conservation Commission conducted a site walk at the Mitchell Woods Conservation Property to review timber harvest logistics. The discussion focused on equipment staging, invasive species management, and clearing requirements for access to the adjacent Watkins Forest. No formal decisions or motions were made during the site walk.

• No formal actions or votes taken

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The agenda lists four closed-session items under New Hampshire's Right-to-Know law (RSA 91-A:3): consideration or negotiation of pending claims or litigation, consideration of legal advice from legal counsel, and two personnel-related matters. No public business, votes, or dollar amounts are listed on this agenda, which covers only the nonpublic portion of the meeting.

• Closed session on pending claims or litigation under RSA 91-A:3, II (e)
• Closed session on legal advice from legal counsel under RSA 91-A:3, II (l)
• Closed session on a personal matter under RSA 91-A:3, II (c)
• Closed session on personnel under RSA 91-A:3, II (a)
• Agenda posted July 17, 2025; meeting set for 7:00 PM in Town Council Chambers

The Merrimack Town Council held a nonpublic meeting to discuss pending litigation and mediation regarding an Oceanus property abatement, potential changes to the assessing office and Town Clerk/Tax Collector positions, and updates on the Fire Department. The council also discussed a tax-deeded property buyback request for 1 Lovejoy Lane before closing the session, sealing the minutes, and adjourning.

• Entered into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (e), (l), (c), and (a) (4-0-0)
• Closed the nonpublic session at 9:02 PM (6-0-0)
• Sealed the nonpublic session minutes (6-0-0)
• Adjourned the public session at 9:03 PM (6-0-0)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road, for a public hearing under NH RSA 676:7. The board will review several site plans and subdivisions, including a 60-unit elderly (55+) housing development at 29 Bedford Road and a 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road, both continued from earlier meetings. It will also take up a car wash expansion at 376 Daniel Webster Highway and a waiver request to convert a single-family home at 8 Depot Street into a 4-unit multi-family dwelling, both rescheduled from July 1 due to a legal noticing error. A conceptual discussion on multi-family housing at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard is also listed.

• Site plan for a 60-unit elderly (55+) housing development at 29 Bedford Road (Case # PB 2025-14), continued from May 20, 2025
• 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road (Case # PB 2025-17), continued from June 17, 2025
• Car wash improvements at 376 Daniel Webster Highway including 12 new vacuum stations, 3 queue lanes, and a bypass drive aisle (Case # PB 2025-19)
• Waiver of full site plan review to convert 8 Depot Street single-family home into a 4-unit multi-family dwelling (Case # PB 2025-21)
• Site plan for a 19,200 +/- square foot contractor's building at 8 Crow's Nest Circle (Case # PB 2025-22)

The Merrimack Planning Board granted conditional final approval for a 60-unit elderly housing development at 29 Bedford Road after hearing extensive public comment regarding traffic and density concerns. The Board also accepted a waiver and granted conditional final approval for a four-unit multi-family conversion at 8 Depot Street. Several other agenda items, including cluster subdivisions and commercial site plans, were continued to August 2025, and the Board held a conceptual discussion regarding a proposed 230-unit residential apartment project at the Merrimack Premium Outlets.

• Approved consent agenda (7-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for a 60-unit elderly housing development at 29 Bedford Road with conditions including limited construction hours, left/right turn lanes, and recessed lighting (6-1)
• Continued 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road to August 19, 2025 (7-0)
• Rescheduled car wash site plan at 376 Daniel Webster Highway to August 5, 2025 (7-0)
• Accepted application for 8 Depot Street multi-family conversion (6-0-1)
• Granted waiver of full site plan review for 8 Depot Street (6-0-1)
• Granted conditional final approval for 4-unit multi-family conversion at 8 Depot Street (6-0-1)
• Continued contractor's building site plan at 8 Crow's Nest Circle to August 19, 2025 (7-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, July 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Room for its annual meeting. The agenda includes a request for land access for continued wildlife monitoring by UNH and NH Fish & Game, and appointment of two MCC representatives to an Invasive Species Subcommittee. The commission will also review its Rules of Procedure, hold its annual election of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary, and make subcommittee appointments. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Request for land access for continued wildlife monitoring by UNH and NH Fish & Game
• Appointment of two MCC representatives to an Invasive Species Subcommittee
• Fields Farm update and discussion of potential next steps, submitted by Steve Perkins
• Ongoing discussion of potential education opportunities, submitted by Karis Welsh
• Annual election of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Secretary; approval of June 23, 2025 minutes

The Merrimack Conservation Commission held its annual meeting on July 14, 2025, electing Karis Welsh as Chair, Ellen Kolb as Vice-Chair, and Tom Martinson as Secretary. The Commission also reached a consensus to allow UNH and NH Fish & Game to maintain wildlife tracking cameras on conservation land for five more years, appointed members to multiple subcommittees, and approved minutes from the June 23, 2025 meeting.

• Elected Karis Welsh as Chair (7-0-0)
• Elected Ellen Kolb as Vice-Chair (6-0-1)
• Elected Tom Martinson as Secretary (6-0-1)
• Appointed members to the Grater Woods Subcommittee
• Appointed members to the Horse Hill Nature Preserve Subcommittee
• Appointed members to the Wildcat Conservation Area Subcommittee
• Appointed members to the Sklar Subcommittee
• Approved June 23, 2025 minutes with amendments (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council met on June 26, 2025 and approved several spending items from capital reserve funds, including a $210,945 dump truck, $41,100.84 in radio power backups, and a $75,000 skid steer. It also accepted a $14,007.71 state grant extension for the police department's opioid and substance use program. The council approved committee appointments and accepted donations, including a boat and trailer from Nashua Fire and trail cameras for the Conservation Commission. Note: the supplied text is the minutes of the June 26 meeting, not an agenda for the July 10 meeting named in the header.

• Public hearing and 5-0 vote to accept and spend $14,007.71 from the NH Department of Justice for the Merrimack Police COSSUP grant through September 30, 2026
• Approved $210,945 from the Highway Capital Reserve Fund for a 2025 International HV507 SFA dump truck with snow plow and controls
• Approved $41,100.84 from the Communications Capital Reserve Fund for eight Eaton Uninterruptable Power Supply Systems for the radio system
• Approved $75,000 from the Solid Waste Disposal Capital Reserve Fund for a new skid steer loader and replacement tires at the Transfer Station
• Accepted donations: a 2011 inflatable boat ($750) and 2011 trailer ($1,500) from Nashua Fire, and two Spypoint Flex-M Cellular Cameras (~$60.35 each) from resident Jake Bowen for the Conservation Commission

The Town Council created committees to address invasive species, the USA 250th Anniversary, and town building planning. The Council also approved the annual investment policy for public funds and a letter to the Governor opposing Senate Bill 213.

• Appointed Kathleen Sher as Alternate member to the Trustees of Trust Funds (7-0-0)
• Established Invasive Species Committee consisting of two Conservation Commission members, one Councilor, one DPW representative, and three public members (7-0-0)
• Established 250th Anniversary Committee consisting of one Parks and Rec Director, one Parks and Rec Committee member, one Councilor, three public members, and one Police and Fire representative (6-0-0)
• Established Town Buildings Subcommittee consisting of three Councilors, the Town Manager, Town Manager designates, and three public members (6-0-0)
• Approved Town Manager's letter to the Governor opposing SB213 (7-0-0)
• Approved Town Investment Policy for FY 2025-26 (7-0-0)
• Approved June 26, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (7-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Grater Woods subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Conference Room. The agenda lists no new business; the only substantive item is old business on maintenance. Members are also set to approve minutes from May 13, 2025, then adjourn.

• No new business listed on the agenda
• Old business: maintenance
• Approval of minutes from May 13, 2025

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets July 1, 2025 to elect officers and review several site plans and waiver requests. Cases include razing a single-family home at 44 Daniel Webster Highway to build a 3-unit multi-family building, a 9,870 square foot office/warehouse at 101 Herrick Street, and conversions of existing buildings at 5 Depot Street and 8 Depot Street into multi-family units. Two conceptual discussions are also scheduled: a medical device manufacturing facility at Daniel Webster Highway and Mast Road, and multi-family units at 80-1 Premium Outlets Boulevard.

• Site plan to raze a single-family dwelling and build a 3-unit multi-family building at 44 Daniel Webster Highway (Case PB 2025-10)
• Site plan for a two-story 9,870 square foot office/warehouse at 101 Herrick Street (Case PB 2025-12)
• Waiver of full site plan review to convert a place of assembly into 4 one-bedroom units at 5 Depot Street (Case PB 2025-16)
• Site plan to improve an existing car wash at 376 Daniel Webster Highway with 12 new vacuum stations, 3 queue lanes, and a bypass drive aisle (Case PB 2025-19)
• Waiver of full site plan review to convert a single-family home into a 4-unit multi-family dwelling at 8 Depot Street (Case PB 2025-21)

The Board granted conditional final approval for a new office/warehouse building on Herrick Street and approved a waiver and conditional final approval for a 4-unit residential conversion at 5 Depot Street. One multi-family project at 44 Daniel Webster Highway was tabled indefinitely.

• Appointed Haleem Mediouni as Chair (7-0-0)
• Appointed Karen Contos as Vice Chair (7-0-0)
• Approved consent agenda (7-0-0)
• Tabled site plan for 3-unit building at 44 Daniel Webster Highway indefinitely (7-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for office/warehouse at 101 Herrick Street (7-0-0)
• Granted waiver of Full Site Plan Review for 4-unit conversion at 5 Depot Street (7-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for 4-unit conversion at 5 Depot Street (7-0-0)
• Approved minutes of June 17 and June 21, 2025 (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Town Council approved paying Merrimack Premium Outlets $7,217,594.85 to settle a years-long property tax assessment lawsuit, drawing the money from the town's unreserved fund balance. The Council also accepted a $9,732.51 police donation, approved a canoe/kayak storage program at Wasserman Park, and transferred $30,000 to cover a Welfare Department budget shortfall. All items passed 6-0-0.

• Authorized $7,217,594.85 payment to Merrimack Premium Outlets per a stipulated judgment, including $750,000 in negotiated interest, from the unreserved fund balance
• Accepted a $9,732.51 donation from Merrimack Crimeline for the Police Department's 1957 Chevrolet DARE car ($5,000) and the 'Mack' Comfort Dog Program ($4,732.51)
• Approved a Canoe/Kayak Rack Boat Storage Program at Wasserman Park with a $100/year fee for residents, run initially as a lottery for 9 spaces
• Accepted a $1,220 donation from Bear Christensen Trust for Parks & Recreation camp ($620) and after-school ($600) scholarship funds
• Approved a $30,000 transfer to cover a Welfare Department budget shortfall after a full-time hire replaced a part-time director

The Town Council authorized several capital reserve withdrawals for a dump truck, radio backups, and a skid steer. They approved additional grant funding for the police department's substance use program and appointed several members to town committees.

• Approved $14,007.71 COSSUP grant extension for Police Department (5-0-0)
• Approved $210,945 withdrawal for 2025 International dump truck (5-0-0)
• Approved $41,100.84 withdrawal for radio system battery backups (5-0-0)
• Approved $75,000 withdrawal for skid steer loader and tires (5-0-0)
• Approved appointments to Conservation Commission, Parks & Rec, Planning Board, and ZBA (5-0-0)
• Accepted boat and trailer donation from Nashua Fire Department (5-0-0)
• Accepted $6,000 in total donations for Camp Scholarship Fund (5-0-0)
• Concurred with Town Manager's support for veto of House Bill 457 (5-0-0)

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The board will consider four variance or special exception requests, including two from John J. Flatley Company for a 304-unit mixed-use development at 645 DW Highway. It will also discuss a request to rehear a previously granted elderly housing variance at 117 Camp Sargent Road, and approve minutes from May 28, 2025.

• Variance request at 6 Mayflower Road (Tax Map 5C Lot 11) to allow a deck 10.2 feet from the side property line where 15 feet is required (Case ZBA 2025-16)
• Special exception request at 386 Daniel Webster Highway (Tax Map 4D-3 Lot 28) for new and used auto sales in the C-2 General Commercial District (Case ZBA 2025-17)
• Variance request at 645 DW Highway (Tax Map 6E-3 Lots 1 and 3) for a mixed-use development with 304 residential units, 41,000 square feet of commercial and restaurant space, a hotel, and a clubhouse in the I-1 Industrial District (Case ZBA 2025-18)
• Variance request at 645 DW Highway (Tax Map 6E-3 Lot 1) to allow 304 units where a maximum of 46 units is permitted, a density of about 6 units per 40,000 square feet instead of 1 unit per 40,000 square feet (Case ZBA 2025-19)
• Request for rehearing of Case ZBA 2025-08, in which the Board granted a variance for an elderly housing development beyond the required radius from the intersection of Daniel Webster Highway and Baboosic Lake Road, involving 117 Camp Sargent (owner), LLC and Fieldstone Land Consultants, PLLC (petitioner)

The Zoning Board of Adjustment denied a variance for a mixed-use residential and commercial development at 645 Daniel Webster Highway (304 units, 41,000 sq ft commercial/restaurant, a hotel and clubhouse) in the I-1 Industrial District; the motion to grant failed 2-3 and a motion to deny passed 3-2. A related density variance (Case #ZBA 2025-19) was deemed moot after the denial. The Board granted a side-yard variance for a deck at 6 Mayflower Road (5-0) and denied a special exception for new and used auto sales at 386 Daniel Webster Highway (3-2). The Board also voted 4-1 to rehear ZBA Case #2025-08 regarding an elderly housing variance on Camp Sargent Road.

• Granted variance for deck 10.2 ft from side line at 6 Mayflower Road, condition: obtain building permit (5-0-0)
• Denied special exception for new and used auto sales at 386 Daniel Webster Highway (3-2-0)
• Motion to grant mixed-use variance at 645 DW Highway failed (2-3-0)
• Denied mixed-use variance at 645 DW Highway (3-2-0)
• Density variance for 645 DW Highway (Case #ZBA 2025-19) deemed moot after denial
• Voted to rehear ZBA Case #2025-08 (elderly housing variance, Camp Sargent Road) (4-1-0)
• Approved May 28, 2025 minutes as drafted (5-0-0)
• Adjourned at 8:32 p.m. (5-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a goal-setting session on June 25, 2025, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm, followed by a facilitated discussion with the Town Manager from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. The agenda includes reviewing last year's goals, identifying and categorizing goals for 2025-26, and developing strategic objectives for top goals. The session is procedural and planning-focused; no specific decisions, contracts, or ordinances are listed in the agenda.

Town Council

The Merrimack Appointment Committee meets Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Memorial Room to interview candidates for the Conservation Commission. The committee will interview Ellen Kolb and Gage Perry for full membership and Danielle Melanson for alternate membership. After the interviews, the committee will deliberate on recommendations to fill the vacant positions. The agenda was posted June 20, 2025.

• Interview with Ellen Kolb for full membership on the Conservation Commission
• Interview with Gage Perry for full membership on the Conservation Commission
• Interview with Danielle Melanson for alternate membership on the Conservation Commission
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill vacant Conservation Commission positions

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a goal-setting session on June 25, 2025, from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm, followed by a facilitated discussion with the Town Manager from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. The agenda covers introductions and ground rules, a review of last year's goals, identifying and categorizing 2025-26 goals, developing strategic objectives for top goals, and a Town Manager discussion on the current state of the Town. No specific decisions, contracts, or public hearings are listed; the session is a planning workshop.

• Review of last year's goals: what worked and what should change
• Identify 2025-26 goals
• Categorize goals
• Develop strategic objectives for top goals in group work
• Facilitated discussion from Town Manager on current state of the Town

Town Council

The Appointment Committee for the Parks and Recreation Committee meets Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:45 PM in the Memorial Room. The agenda lists an interview with Danielle Melanson for alternate membership on the Parks and Recreation Committee, followed by deliberation on recommendations to fill the vacant Parks and Recreation Committee position. The meeting then adjourns. No decisions are recorded in the agenda itself.

• Interview with Danielle Melanson for alternate membership on the Parks and Recreation Committee
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill the vacant Parks and Recreation Committee position
• Posted June 20, 2025

Town Council

The Appointment Committee for the Planning Board meets Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room. The committee will interview Justin Wadsworth and Nelson Disco for alternate membership on the Planning Board, then deliberate on recommendations to fill vacant Planning Board positions. No decisions on appointments are listed as final; the agenda covers interviews and deliberation only.

• Interview with Justin Wadsworth for Planning Board alternate membership
• Interview with Nelson Disco for Planning Board alternate membership
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill vacant Planning Board positions

Town Council

The Appointment Committee for the Zoning Board meets Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Memorial Room. The committee will interview Patrick Dwyer for full membership on the Zoning Board of Adjustment, then deliberate on recommendations to fill the vacant position. The agenda lists no other business.

• Interview with Patrick Dwyer for full membership on the Zoning Board of Adjustment
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill the vacant Zoning Board of Adjustment position

The Town Council approved a strategic goal-setting summary covering sessions from June 2024 and June 2025. The document outlines objectives for launching a resident smartphone app, reviewing the town charter, addressing police and fire space needs, and implementing a wage scale for non-union employees. It also sets timelines for community conversations on facilities and establishing a committee for the town's 250th anniversary.

• Approved goal-setting summary (August 21, 2025)
• Approved moving forward with website redesign and new citizen engagement app
• Implemented performance-based wage scale for all non-union employees
• Set objective to ask public to vote on charter changes within 12 months
• Directed creation of subcommittee for Police and Fire space needs by August 1, 2025
• Set deadline for website and app implementation by February 1, 2026
• Established timeline for 250th anniversary committee by October 1, 2025

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, June 23, 2025 to review several development proposals and make recommendations to the Planning Board. Items include a 23-lot subdivision at 19 Tinker Road, car wash improvements at 376 Daniel Webster Highway, and a request to convert a single-family home at 8 Depot Street into a 4-unit dwelling. The commission will also review two Shoreland permit applications, discuss creating an invasive species subcommittee, and approve minutes. No public hearings are scheduled.

• 23-lot subdivision review at 19 Tinker Road (John O'Neil & Tinker Road, LLC) in R-4 and Aquifer Conservation Districts
• 376 DW Car Wash site plan review: 12 new vacuum stations, 3 queue lanes, bypass drive aisle at 376 Daniel Webster Highway
• 8 Depot Street waiver request to convert single-family home into 4-unit multi-family dwelling (Case # PB 2025-21)
• Shoreland permit review for 2 North Jebb Road: raze and rebuild non-conforming structure (Sean Demers and Amanda Walsh)
• Shoreland permit review for 36 Greenwood Road: 2-bedroom house with septic system (Robert C. Houvener)

The Merrimack Conservation Commission authorized access through Mitchell Woods for lumber harvesting at Watkins Forest and reviewed subdivision, site plan, and shoreland permit applications. The Commission also discussed creating an invasive species subcommittee and approved minutes from prior meetings.

• Authorized access through Mitchell Woods to Watkins Forest for lumber harvesting (7-0-0)
• Approved June 9, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments (5-0-2)
• Approved June 16, 2025 site walk minutes without amendment (6-0-1)
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:39 pm (7-0-0)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board will hold a site walk on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. at 29 Bedford Road. Board members will meet at the entrance to the property to walk the property and answer questions about site features. The public is welcome to attend. No decisions or votes are scheduled; this is a site inspection only.

• Site walk at 29 Bedford Road, 8:00 a.m., Saturday, June 21, 2025
• Purpose is to walk the property and answer questions regarding site features
• Public welcome to attend
• Posted May 29, 2025

The Merrimack Planning Board held a site walk on June 21, 2025, but only three members attended, so no quorum was present and the gathering was not an official meeting. Discussion covered property measurements, drainage, retaining walls, and privacy concerns between a proposed development and the abutting property at 25 Cabot Road. The group agreed to refine the residential buffer and landscaping plan and to consult with a property owner's daughter about vegetation placement. A motion to adjourn passed 3-0-0, but staff noted the vote is moot because there was no quorum.

• No official decisions made; site walk lacked a quorum
• Motion to adjourn passed 3-0-0, but staff noted the vote is moot due to no quorum
• Agreed to review site further, check cross-sections, and refine residential buffer and landscaping plan
• Agreed to consult property owner's daughter about vegetation placement at 25 Cabot Ln

Town Center

The Merrimack Town Center Committee meets Friday, June 20, 2025 at noon in the Matthew Thornton Room at Merrimack Town Hall. The agenda is largely status updates on ongoing projects, including the Baboosic Lake Road sidewalk, the Church Street property survey, the O'Gara Drive sidewalk, the Route 3/Wire Road and Baboosic Brook bridges, and a footbridge over the Souhegan River. Members will also discuss Town Meeting results and Rotary plans for Watson Park, and hear public comments. No votes or dollar amounts are listed on the agenda.

• Status update on Baboosic Lake Road sidewalk (Dawn Tuomala)
• Status update on Church Street property survey (Dawn Tuomala)
• Status update on O'Gara Drive sidewalk (Matt Shevenell)
• Status update on Route 3/Wire Road and Baboosic Brook bridges (Dawn Tuomala)
• Discussion of Rotary plans for Watson Park and Town Meeting results' impact on TCC plans

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Merrimack Trustees of Trust Funds meet Friday, June 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the Town Hall Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda covers a portfolio review, an investment policy update, trustee training, and an update on the Watkins Forest harvest, including funding matters. Trustees will also handle correspondence on fund requests and hold annual organization, including electing a chair and naming a trustee alternate.

• Watkins Forest Harvest update, including funding and a tree farm inspection due December 1, 2025
• Correspondence: Library request of $3000 (Patterson, Lawrence, Carroll), $2000 (Anna Lawrence), and $1000 (Quimby)
• Correspondence: Town request for CRF reimbursement listed as $2,MM xxx (amount unclear in agenda)
• Correspondence: Flower Funds listed as paid $XXX (amount unclear in agenda)
• Annual organization: election of Chair and selection of a trustee alternate

The Merrimack Trustees of Trust Funds approved a $2,017,643.84 reimbursement to the Town for Capital Reserve Funds and authorized $28,000 in payments for the Watkins Forest harvest. They also approved May 18, 2025 minutes, library fund disbursements totaling $6,000, and re-elected Christensen as Trustee Chair by acclimation.

• Approved May 18, 2025 minutes (3-0-0)
• Authorized $28,000 in payments to Evergreen Forestry Services/Eric Radloff for the Watkins Forest harvest (3-0-0)
• Approved $2,017,643.84 to be paid to the Town to reimburse various Capital Reserve Funds (3-0-0)
• Approved Library Trustees requests for $3,000 from the Patterson, Lawrence and Carroll Fund, $2,000 from the Lawrence Fund, and $1,000 from the Quimby Fund (3-0-0)
• Christensen will continue as Trustee Chair by acclimation

Parks and Recreation

No agenda was available for this Merrimack, New Hampshire Parks and Recreation meeting on 2025-06-18. The only supplied material directs readers to review the minutes instead. Because no agenda text was provided, no items, decisions, or dollar amounts can be reported from this record.

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee postponed its annual officer elections to the August meeting. The committee approved a $1,220 donation to the camp scholarship fund and current program fund. Additionally, the committee accepted the minutes from the May 21, 2025 meeting.

• Postponed annual elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary to August (9-0-0)
• Approved $1,220 donation to camp scholarship fund and current program fund
• Accepted May 21, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-5)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road, for a public hearing under NH RSA 676:7. The board will review two applications: a waiver request to convert an existing place of assembly at 5 Depot Street into a 4-unit multi-family building, and a 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road. Both parcels lie in the R-4 (Residential, by soils) and Aquifer Conservation Districts. The agenda also includes a consent agenda on regional impact determinations, the Planning & Zoning Administrator's report, and approval of the June 3, 2025 minutes.

• Case #PB 2025-16: Vicinity Development, LLC seeks a waiver of full site plan review to convert an existing place of assembly at 5 Depot Street into a multi-family building with 4 one-bedroom units (Tax Map 6E-1, Lot 17)
• Case #PB 2025-17: John O' Neil & Tinker Road, LLC seek review of a 23-lot cluster subdivision at 19 Tinker Road (Tax Map 2C Lot 19 & 19-1 and Tax Map 2B Lot 293-14-2)
• Both parcels are in the R-4 (Residential, by soils) and Aquifer Conservation Districts; 5 Depot Street is also in a Wellhead Protection Area
• Consent agenda: Regional Impact Determinations
• Approval of Minutes — June 3, 2025

The Merrimack Planning Board voted to accept two major applications as complete for review: a request to convert a former place of assembly at 5 Depot Street into a four-unit multi-family building, and a proposal for a 23-lot conservation subdivision at 19 Tinker Road. Both public hearings were continued to upcoming July meetings for further review and receipt of municipal department comments. The Board also approved the June 3, 2025 meeting minutes and noted that Chair Robert Best's term ends June 30, 2025, after which he will no longer serve on the Board.

• Approved consent agenda including regional impact determinations (7-0-0)
• Accepted 5 Depot Street multi-family conversion application as complete for review (7-0-0)
• Continued 5 Depot Street public hearing to July 1, 2025 (7-0-0)
• Accepted 19 Tinker Road 23-lot cluster subdivision application as complete for review (7-0-0)
• Continued 19 Tinker Road public hearing to July 15, 2025 (7-0-0)
• Approved June 3, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:30 p.m. (7-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission will hold a site walk on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the corner of DW Highway and Mast Road (Tax Map 2D Lot 022). Commission members will meet at the property entrance with a certified soil scientist, engineer, and construction consultant to walk the property, answer questions about site features, and view the current state of the wetlands. A quorum may meet, but no motions or decisions will be made at the site walk.

• Site walk at corner of DW Highway and Mast Road (Tax Map 2D Lot 022)
• Purpose is to view current state of wetlands on the property
• Certified soil scientist, engineer, and construction consultant will attend
• No motions or decisions will be made at the site walk

The Merrimack Conservation Commission held a site walk on June 16, 2025, to view wetlands and the area where a proposed railroad spur will be constructed. No motions or decisions were made during the meeting.

• Conducted site walk at DW Highway and Mast Road (Tax Map 2D Lot 22)

Parks and Recreation

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee meets Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall Matthew Thornton Meeting Room. The agenda includes approval of the May 21, 2025 minutes, annual elections for chair, vice chair, and secretary, and committee openings. The Director's Report covers summer camp, after-school registration, summer concerts, and the 4th of July, plus updates on the Merrimack Dog Park and a canoe/kayak rental space program. No meeting is scheduled in July; the next meeting is Wednesday, August 20th.

• Annual elections for Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary
• Merrimack Dog Park update; current balance $695.73
• Director's Report: Summer Camp, After School Program Registration, Summer Concerts in the Park, 4th of July
• Update on Canoe/Kayak Rental Space Program
• No meeting in July; next meeting Wednesday, August 20th

Town Council

The Town Council met May 22, 2025 and approved several items, including a flat sewer rate of $357 for apartment complexes, a withdrawal of up to $328,550 from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for Naticook Road drainage repairs, and acceptance of three new roads. It also approved an Eagle Scout bench project at Horse Hill Nature Preserve, a food truck at Martel Field, a "Longest Day" Alzheimer's proclamation, and a $930 Rotary Club donation to the Parks and Recreation camp scholarship fund. The agenda text provided is the minutes of the May 22 meeting, not the June 12, 2025 meeting listed in the header.

• Apartment sewer flat rate set at $357, moving complexes to the same scale as residential sewer
• Up to $328,550 withdrawn from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for Naticook Road drainage repair
• Acre Lane, Claire Street and Theodore Circle accepted, with easements and Town Manager authorized to sign paperwork
• Eagle Scout Tucker Landry approved to place three benches at Horse Hill Nature Preserve, estimated $230 per bench
• Ramon Campana's food truck allowed at Martel Field Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6:00-9:00 PM

The Merrimack Town Council voted unanimously to pay $7,217,594.85 from the unreserved fund balance to settle a long-standing tax assessment lawsuit with Merrimack Premium Outlets. The Council also accepted several grants and donations, approved a seasonal canoe and kayak boat storage program at Wasserman Park, appointed a new member to the Souhegan River Local Advisory Committee, and approved a $30,000 budget transfer for the Welfare Department.

• Accepted $9,732.51 donation from Merrimack Crimeline for DARE car restoration and the Mack Comfort Dog Program (6-0-0)
• Approved Rivier University's request for tick sampling research at Horse Hill Nature Preserve from July to September 2025 (6-0-0)
• Accepted $1,220 donation from Bear Christensen Trust for Parks and Recreation scholarship funds (6-0-0)
• Approved Canoe/Kayak Rack Boat Storage Program at Wasserman Park through Labor Day with a $100 annual fee (6-0-0)
• Appointed Andrew Duane as a member of the Souhegan River Local Advisory Committee (6-0-0)
• Approved transfer of $30,000 to cover the Welfare Department budget shortfall (6-0-0)
• Authorized payment of $7,217,594.85 to Merrimack Premium Outlets per the stipulated judgment (6-0-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from May 22, 2025 (5-0-1)

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Watkins Forest Harvest Subcommittee of Merrimack, NH meets on June 11, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda covers introductions, an overview of the harvest and its purpose, forums for public discussion and education, and signing a work statement. No dollar amounts, contracts, or specific decisions are listed in the agenda text.

• Overview of the Watkins Forest harvest and its purpose
• Forums for public discussion and education on the harvest
• Signing of a work statement
• Any other new business

The newly formed Watkins Forest Harvest Management Committee held its first meeting to discuss timber production and property management for parcels bequeathed for the benefit of the Merrimack school district. Committee members discussed public education plans regarding upcoming harvests, site access requirements, and invasive plant treatments. Ultimately, the committee signed two work orders from Evergreen Forest Management.

• Signed two work orders from Evergreen Forest Management

Conservation Commission

The Horse Hill Nature Preserve subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. Members will consider approving minutes from March 11, 2025, then take up new business on beaver dam breaches and water damage, leaf blowing on trails, and NEMBA trail elves work on outer ledges. Other business includes discussion of an Eagle Scout project and thanks for the Spaulding foundation cleanup. No votes on ordinances, contracts, or fees appear on this agenda.

• Approval of March 11, 2025 minutes
• Beaver dam breaches and water damage
• Leaf blowing on trails
• NEMBA trail elves work on outer ledges
• Discussion of an Eagle Scout project

The Horse Hill Nature Preserve Subcommittee approved the minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting with amendments. The group discussed recent beaver dam breaches causing flooding on Rocky Trail and in the Watson area, noting that the Department of Public Works is currently stretched thin. Members also addressed unauthorized leaf blowing on trails and thanked volunteers for recent maintenance work.

• Approved March 11, 2025 minutes with amendments (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:45 p.m. (6-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack, NH Conservation Commission was scheduled to meet on 2025-06-09, but no agenda was provided for this meeting. The only available material directs readers to review the minutes instead. Because the agenda is missing, this summary cannot report what the Commission decided or discussed.

The Merrimack Conservation Commission reviewed a proposed 420,000-square-foot medical device manufacturing facility for Integra Biosciences Corp. and discussed upcoming community outreach and property management updates. The Commission approved purchasing two Spypoint Flex M cellular cameras valued under $150.00 and approved the May 12, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments.

• Approved purchase of two Spypoint Flex M cellular cameras with expected donation value under $150.00 (6-0-0)
• Approved May 12, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments (6-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council has posted a nonpublic agenda for Wednesday, June 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is a personnel matter under RSA 91-A;3, II (a), a New Hampshire law allowing certain discussions to be held outside public view. The agenda then lists adjournment, and no other business, votes, or dollar amounts are shown in the supplied text.

• Nonpublic session on a personnel matter under RSA 91-A;3, II (a)
• Meeting scheduled for 6:00 PM on June 4, 2025 in the Town Council Chambers
• Agenda posted June 2, 2025

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets June 3, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. It will hold public hearings on two continued site plans and a conceptual discussion of a mixed-use development, plus an administrator's report and approval of May 20 minutes. If the meeting is cancelled, all items move to June 17, 2025.

• Site plan to raze a single-family dwelling and build a 3-unit multi-family building at 44 Daniel Webster Highway (Tax Map 2E Lot 1, Case # PB 2025-10), continued from May 6
• Site plan for a two-story 9,870 square foot office/warehouse building at 101 Herrick Street (Tax Map 3D-2 Lot 20, Case # PB 2025-12), continued from May 6
• Conceptual discussion of a mixed-use hotel, apartments, retail, and office development on Daniel Webster Highway (Tax Map 6E Lots 3-1, 3-3, 3-7, Case # PB 2025-15)
• Planning & Zoning Administrator's Report with possible action
• Approval of minutes from the May 20, 2025 meeting

The Planning Board voted 6-0-0 to accept as complete a site plan for a 9,870 square foot office/warehouse building at 101 Herrick Street (Case # PB 2025-12) and granted three landscaping-related waivers, then continued the public hearing to July 1, 2025. The Board also continued a 3-unit multi-family proposal at 44 Daniel Webster Highway (Case # PB 2025-10) to July 1, 2025. A conceptual discussion was held on a proposed mixed-use hotel, apartment, retail and office development on Daniel Webster Highway (Case # PB 2025-15); no decision was made. The Board approved the May 20, 2025 minutes 5-0-1 and adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

• Accepted as complete the Ferris Enterprises site plan for a 9,870 sq ft office/warehouse at 101 Herrick Street (6-0-0)
• Granted waiver from Section 3.11.L.1.iii on parking-area landscaping (6-0-0)
• Granted waiver from Section 3.11.L.3 on shade trees per parking spaces (6-0-0)
• Granted waiver from Section 4.12.c.18.viii on identifying existing trees 15 inches in diameter (6-0-0)
• Continued Ferris Enterprises public hearing to July 1, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. (6-0-0)
• Continued 44 Daniel Webster Highway 3-unit multi-family site plan to July 1, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. (6-0-0)
• Held conceptual discussion on John Flatley Company mixed-use development at Daniel Webster Highway; no vote taken
• Approved May 20, 2025 minutes as drafted (5-0-1, Disco abstained)

Conservation Commission

The Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, June 2, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room. The agenda covers new business including wooden stakes and fencing for a re-growing parking area, an invasive management plan, camera and gate updates, and a map. Other business includes short- and long-term goals such as trail report forms, an online trail maintenance course, trail standards, and continued monitoring of the park for trash, vandalism, graffiti, and poor trail conditions. The only approval item is the minutes of May 19, 2024.

• Wooden stakes and fencing for re-growing part of the parking area
• Invasive management plan
• Camera and gate updates
• Short- and long-term goals: trail report forms, workday forms, kiosk forms, trail standards, Sklar brochure, map
• Approval of minutes from May 19, 2024

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, June 9, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The main item is a review of a proposed site plan by Integra Biosciences Corp. to build a medical device manufacturing facility on Daniel Webster Highway and Mast Road, in the I-1 (Industrial) and Aquifer Conservation Districts, Tax Map 2D Lot 22. The commission will also consider appointing a representative to the Hazard Mitigation Committee and discuss education, security at Sklar, and Terracycle boxes. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Review of Integra Biosciences Corp. proposed medical device manufacturing facility at Daniel Webster Highway and Mast Road (Tax Map 2D Lot 22), in I-1 Industrial and Aquifer Conservation Districts
• Appointment of an MCC representative to the Hazard Mitigation Committee
• Materials for awareness campaigns submitted by Karis Welsh
• Ongoing discussion of education opportunities, security measures at Sklar, and an update on Terracycle boxes
• Approval of minutes from May 12, 2025

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The Board will consider seven variance petitions covering residential subdivisions, multifamily buildings, and signs. Two cases (54 Lawrence Road and 332 Daniel Webster Highway) are continued from the March 26 and April 30, 2025 meetings. The Board will also discuss other items and approve minutes from April 30, 2025.

• Brian Lawrence seeks variances to subdivide 54 Lawrence Road into two lots with 50,600 sq ft each (100,000 required), 215 ft road frontage (250 required), and lot depths of 223 ft and 246 ft (300 required); continued from March 26 and April 30
• Peter McClintick & APMK Ventures, LLC seek variances for a 3-unit multifamily building at 332 Daniel Webster Highway with 26,136 sq ft lot area (120,000 required), 135 ft depth (200 required), and 120 ft frontage (200 required); continued from March 26 and April 30
• 526 DW, LLC seeks a variance to allow an existing electronic message display at 526 Daniel Webster Highway to show static messages for about 10 seconds instead of the required 10 minutes
• 8 Depot Street, LLC seeks variances for a four-unit multifamily building at 8 Depot Street with about 27,187 sq ft lot area (160,000 required) and 151.92 ft frontage (200 required)
• Mark Verostick and FMR Merrimack Realty Trust FID seek a variance for an 86 sq ft externally illuminated ground sign at 1 Spartan Way, where a 6 sq ft non-illuminated sign is allowed; Olivier Dusfour and Venair, INC seek a variance for a 32.6 sq ft illuminated wall sign at 4 Center Street, where a 6 sq ft non-illuminated sign is allowed

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment approved six variance requests at its May 28, 2025 meeting, including property subdivisions, multi-family conversions, and commercial signage. Actions included granting relief for a two-lot subdivision at 54 Lawrence Road, a three-unit multi-family conversion at 332 Daniel Webster Highway, a digital billboard display interval change at 526 Daniel Webster Highway, a four-unit multi-family conversion at 8 Depot Street, a ground sign at 1 Spartan Way, and a wall sign at 4 Center Street. The board also approved the minutes from the April 30, 2025 meeting.

• Approved variances to subdivide 54 Lawrence Road into two lots (5-0)
• Approved variances for a 3-unit multi-family building at 332 Daniel Webster Highway (5-0)
• Approved a variance for a 10-second static message display on the electronic billboard at 526 Daniel Webster Highway (5-0)
• Approved variances for a 4-unit multi-family conversion at 8 Depot Street (4-1)
• Approved a variance for an 86 square foot ground sign at 1 Spartan Way (5-0)
• Approved a variance for a 32.6 square foot wall sign at 4 Center Street (5-0)
• Approved the April 30, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)

Town Center

The Merrimack Town Center Committee meets Friday, May 23, 2025 at noon in the Matthew Thornton Room at Merrimack Town Hall. The agenda covers approval of the March 28, 2025 minutes, updates on several ongoing projects, and discussion of how Town Meeting results may affect Town Center Committee plans. Items listed are discussion topics; the agenda does not state any decisions, dollar amounts, or votes.

• Status of Baboosic Lake Road sidewalk (Dawn/Leo Laviolette)
• Status of Church Street Property survey (Dawn Tuomala/Leo Laviolette)
• Town Meeting results on O'Gara Drive Sidewalk (Matt Shevenell)
• Status of Route 3/Wire Road and Baboosic Brook Bridges (Leo Laviolette)
• Discussion of Town Meeting results impacts to TCC plans; footbridge over the Souhegan River; support for Merrimack 4th of July pancake breakfast

The committee reviewed status updates for several infrastructure projects, including sidewalks and bridge repairs. No substantive new projects were approved or denied during the meeting.

• Approved March 28, 2025 minutes with changes (6-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council meets May 22, 2025, to consider spending up to $328,550 from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for Naticook Road drainage repairs and to hear a final Sewer Rates and Fees Study Report addressing billing inequities. The council will also review the Planning Board's annual report, consider accepting three roads and a $930 Rotary Club donation, and take up several other requests. Most items are proposals for consideration rather than final decisions.

• Withdraw and expend up to $328,550 from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for Naticook Road Drainage repair
• Final Sewer Rates and Fees Study Report presented, including apartment building flat rate implementation
• Acceptance of Acre Lane, Claire Street and Theodore Circle along with associated easements
• Accept $930 donation from the Rotary Club of Merrimack to the Parks and Recreation Camp Scholarship Fund
• Eagle Scout project proposal to place benches at Horse Hill Nature Preserve; food truck service request at Martel Field

The Merrimack Town Council held a nonpublic meeting and voted to proceed with a negotiated settlement agreement with Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall (MPO) totaling $7,217,594.85, consisting of $6,467,594.85 in principal and a $750,000 interest payment. The council also voted to seal the nonpublic session minutes before adjourning.

• Entered into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (e), (l), and (c) (5-0-0)
• Approved proceeding with the Negotiated Agreement with Merrimack Premium Outlet Mall for $7,217,594.85 (6-0-0)
• Closed the nonpublic session (5-0-0)
• Sealed the nonpublic session (5-0-0)
• Adjourned the public session (5-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council meets Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda includes an annual review with the Planning Board, a public hearing, and several new business items. Among them: a request to withdraw up to $328,550 from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for Naticook Road drainage repair, acceptance of three roads, a sewer rate study presentation, and a $930 Rotary Club donation to the Parks and Recreation Camp Scholarship Fund.

• Withdrawal request of up to $328,550 from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for Naticook Road Drainage repair
• Road acceptance of Acre Lane, Claire Street and Theodore Circle with associated easements
• Sewer Rates and Fees Study Report presentation on apartment building flat rate implementation
• Acceptance and expenditure of a $930 donation from the Rotary Club of Merrimack to the Parks and Recreation Camp Scholarship Fund
• Proclamation designating June 26, 2025, as "The Longest Day" for Alzheimer's awareness

The Merrimack Town Council approved an emergency drainage repair expenditure for Naticook Road, accepted several new town roads, and voted to implement a flat rate structure for apartment sewer fees. The council also approved an Eagle Scout project proposal, food truck operations at Martel Field, and a donation to the Parks and Recreation scholarship fund.

• Approved Eagle Scout project proposal to place benches at Horse Hill Nature Preserve (6-0-0)
• Allowed Ramon Campana's Food Truck to operate at Martel Field on Monday and Wednesday evenings (5-0-0)
• Issued proclamation designating June 26, 2025 as 'The Longest Day' for Alzheimer's awareness (6-0-0)
• Accepted $930 donation from the Rotary Club of Merrimack for the Camp Scholarship Fund (6-0-0)
• Approved flat rate structure for apartment Sewer Rates and Fees to $357 for a one-year increase (6-0-0)
• Approved withdrawal and expenditure of up to $328,550 from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for Naticook Road drainage repairs (6-0-0)
• Accepted Acre Lane, Claire Street, and Theodore Circle along with associated easements (6-0-0)
• Approved May 8, 2025 meeting minutes as amended (5-0-1)

Parks and Recreation

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee holds its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Matthew Thornton Meeting Room at Town Hall. The agenda includes approval of April 16 minutes, an update on the Merrimack Dog Park, and a Director's Report covering the budget, summer camp, after-school registration, summer concerts, and the 4th of July. Other items include a possible Rotary Club funding source for a canoe/kayak rental space program, Movie Night in the Park with the Lions Club, and Footprints & Fresh Air. No specific votes, dollar amounts, or public hearings are listed beyond the dog park's current balance of $695.73.

• Merrimack Dog Park update; current balance reported as $695.73
• Director's Report: budget update, summer camp, after-school program registration, summer concerts in the park, 4th of July
• Possible funding from the Rotary Club for a canoe/kayak rental space program
• Movie Night in the Park with Lions Club Program; Footprints & Fresh Air
• Approval of minutes from April 16, 2025; next meetings June 18 and August 20, no meeting in July

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall. The board will review a site plan for a sixty-unit elderly (55+) housing development at 29 Bedford Road, and an amended site plan for Phase 2 of an approved warehouse/manufacturing building at 7 Crow's Nest Circle. It will also take up consent agenda regional impact determinations, the Planning & Zoning Administrator's report, and minutes from May 6, 2025.

• Site plan review: 60-unit elderly (55+) housing development at 29 Bedford Road, R-4, Aquifer Conservation and Wellhead Protection Area districts (Case # PB 2025-14)
• Amended site plan for Phase 2 of an approved warehouse/manufacturing building at 7 Crow's Nest Circle — would reduce building depth, increase mezzanine space, add parking (Case # PB 2025-13, continued from May 6, 2025)
• Consent agenda: Regional Impact Determinations
• Planning & Zoning Administrator's report, discussion, and possible action on other items of concern
• Approval of minutes from the May 6, 2025 meeting

The Board granted conditional final approval for an amended site plan at 7 Crow’s Nest Circle. An application for a 60-unit elderly housing development at 29 Bedford Road was accepted as complete and continued for further review.

• Approved amended site plan for 7 Crow’s Nest Circle (7-0-0)
• Accepted site plan application for 60-unit elderly housing at 29 Bedford Road as complete (7-0-0)
• Continued public hearing for 29 Bedford Road to July 15, 2025 (7-0-0)
• Scheduled site walk for 29 Bedford Road on June 21, 2025 (7-0-0)
• Approved consent agenda for Regional Impact Determinations (7-0-0)
• Approved May 6, 2025 meeting minutes (7-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, May 19, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room. Members will welcome new members, review a recent work day, and discuss adding cameras to address recurring vandalism, plus managing the road during mud season. Other business covers short- and long-term goals such as a parking map, trail report and workday forms, invasive species reporting on EDDMaps, trail standards, and a park brochure. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from April 7, 2024, and adjournment.

• Discussion of adding cameras to address re-occurring incidents of vandalism at Sklar Riverfront Park
• Management of the park road during mud season
• Short-term goals: parking map, trail report form, workday forms, kiosk comment forms, map updates, invasive reporting on EDDMaps, mailbox for maps
• Long-term goals discussion: trail standards, invasives management plan, Sklar brochure, map, clarification on combined use of Sklar/Town trails
• Approval of minutes from April 7, 2024

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Trustees of Trust Funds meet Friday, May 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall. They will approve minutes from April 18, 2025 and review the portfolio with CTC, including the investment policy, an estimated Town CRF reimbursement for June, and MVD deposits to the CRF. Other items include Flower Funds, an update on the Watkins Speaking Contest, and the Watkins Forest Harvest, plus correspondence on a Parks & Rec fund request.

• Portfolio review with CTC, including the investment policy
• Estimated Town CRF reimbursement for June discussed as a question on the agenda
• MVD deposits to the CRF
• Correspondence: Parks & Rec fund request
• Watkins Forest Harvest update

The Merrimack Trustees of Trust Funds approved several financial actions, including a significant Capital Reserve reimbursement request expected to be between $2.5 and $3.0 million, which must be completed before June 30. The board also approved funding for local contests, cemetery flowers, and summer camp programs. Additionally, the group discussed using principal funds rather than income for upcoming forest harvest fees.

• Approved April 18 minutes with amendment clarifying Watkins Prize Spelling Contest amount as 'up to' $1,000 (3-0-0)
• Approved up to $200 for three Cemetery Flower funds (3-0-0)
• Approved up to $500 for Watkins Prize Speaking Contest (3-0-0)
• Approved Bear Christensen Fund contribution of $620 for camp and $600 for day care (3-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Grater Woods subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Conference Room. Members will take up new business including subcommittee member adjustments, downed trees, trail flooding, and a potential land swap, plus old business on gate replacement, trail day, and trail markers. The only scheduled vote is approval of the March 11, 2025 minutes. The agenda gives no dollar amounts, locations, or details on any item.

• Possible land swap discussed under new business (no details or parcels named)
• Trail flooding and downed trees listed for discussion
• Gate replacement, trail day, and trail markers carried over as old business
• Approval of March 11, 2025 minutes

The Merrimack Grater Woods Subcommittee discussed member adjustments, downed trees, trail flooding caused by beavers, and a potential land swap with the Amherst Land Trust. The subcommittee also reviewed upcoming maintenance, including a scheduled trail day on May 31st, and approved the minutes from the March 11, 2025 meeting.

• Approved March 11, 2025 subcommittee minutes with amendments (5-0)
• Adjusted member terms and subcommittee roles, noting the Conservation Commission is the appointing authority

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, May 12, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. There are no public hearings. Members will consider appointing Nick Ilyadis as an alternate to the Sklar Subcommittee and may vote on creating draft land acquisition letters for approval by Town Departments and Town Council. Other items include treating knotweed at Sklar, a possible donation of game cameras, a Fields Farm update, an illegal tree stand at Grater Woods, and security measures at Sklar.

• Possible vote on draft land acquisition letters for approval by Town Departments and Town Council
• Appointment of Nick Ilyadis to the Sklar Subcommittee as an alternate, term expiring 6/30/25
• Treating knotweed at Sklar, submitted by Karis Welsh
• Possible donation of game cameras, submitted by Karis Welsh
• Discussion of illegal tree stand at Grater Woods property, submitted by Andrew Duane

The Merrimack Conservation Commission appointed Nick Ilyadis as an alternate member to the Sklar Subcommittee and approved appropriating $1,320 from fund 53 to create a stewardship plan for Fields Farm. Commissioners also discussed invasive species, land acquisition letters, an illegal tree stand in Grater Woods, and potential educational opportunities. Additionally, the commission approved the minutes from the April 28, 2025 meeting with amendments.

• Appointed Nick Ilyadis to the Sklar Subcommittee as an alternate member with a term ending 6/30/25 (6-0-0)
• Appropriated a sum not to exceed $1,320.00 from fund 53 to create a stewardship plan for Fields Farm (7-0-0)
• Approved the April 28, 2025 Conservation Commission minutes with amendments (7-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council met on April 24, 2025, and approved a proposed adjusted 2025-26 town budget of $42,863,616, which is $2,055,374 above the default budget. The Council also approved spending up to $379,890 from the Solid Waste Capital Reserve Fund for a new John Deere loader and approved a Boy Scout's plan to build three Little Free Lending Libraries in town parks. The agenda also included a Parks and Recreation annual review and a final reading on elderly tax exemption changes.

• Approved proposed adjusted 2025-26 budget of $42,863,616, a $2,055,374 difference from the default budget
• Approved withdrawal of up to $379,890 from the Solid Waste Capital Reserve Fund for a new John Deere loader
• Approved Boy Scout Ryan Marone's Eagle Scout project for three Little Free Lending Libraries at Abbie Griffin, Veterans Park, and Watson Park, with a $436 materials estimate
• Consent Agenda final reading on changes to Chapter 178, Taxation (Article II, Elderly Tax Exemptions), effective April 1, 2025
• Parks and Recreation annual review discussed the Wasserman Park waterfront project, budget issues, and an ADA extension

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The agenda lists two items, both cited under RSA 91-A:3, II (c), the New Hampshire law allowing closed sessions for personnel matters. No other business is listed, and the agenda was posted May 5, 2025.

• Nonpublic session item 1: RSA 91-A:3, II (c) – Personal
• Nonpublic session item 2: RSA 91-A:3, II (c) – Personal
• Meeting scheduled for 6:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers
• Agenda posted May 5, 2025

The Town Council voted 6-0-0 to let the Town Manager sign Municipal Sidewalk and Work Zone Agreements with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation tied to the F.E. Everett Turnpike widening project, which includes sidewalks on the northbound side of the Wire Road bridge. The council also appointed Councilor Jobin to the Town-owned Watkins Forest Committee (6-0-0), approved new Merrimack Youth Association signage at Bishop Field and Reeds Ferry field (7-0-0), and approved a proclamation for Professional Municipal Clerks Week (7-0-0). The council approved the April 24, 2025 minutes 6-0-1 with Councilor M. Murphy abstaining. Finance Director Paul Calabria gave a second-quarter financial review; no vote was recorded on it.

• Approved Town Manager signing NHDOT Municipal Sidewalk and Work Zone Agreements for F.E. Everett Turnpike widening (6-0-0)
• Appointed Councilor Jobin to the Town-owned Watkins Forest Committee (6-0-0)
• Approved Merrimack Youth Association new signage at Bishop Field and Reeds Ferry field (7-0-0)
• Approved proclamation designating May 4-10, 2025 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week (7-0-0)
• Approved April 24, 2025 meeting minutes as written (6-0-1, Councilor M. Murphy abstaining)
• Adjourned the meeting (7-0-0)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room to review four development applications and hold one public hearing. Items include a site plan to replace a single-family home with a 3-unit building at 44 Daniel Webster Highway, a condominium conversion subdivision at 734 Daniel Webster Highway, a new office/warehouse building at 101 Herrick Street, and amended plans for a warehouse/manufacturing building at 7 Crows Nest Circle. The Board will also hold a non-binding public hearing on a proposed public charter school at 646 Daniel Webster Highway. Most items are listed for review for acceptance and consideration, meaning no final decisions are guaranteed at this meeting.

• Site plan to raze a single-family dwelling and build a 3-unit multi-family building at 44 Daniel Webster Highway (Case # PB 2025-10)
• Subdivision plan for a condominium conversion at 734 Daniel Webster Highway (Case # PB 2025-11)
• Site plan for a two-story 9,870 square foot office/warehouse building at 101 Herrick Street (Case # PB 2025-12)
• Amended site plan to reduce building depth, increase mezzanine space and add parking at 7 Crows Nest Circle, Phase 2 of an approved warehouse/manufacturing building (Case # PB 2025-13)
• Non-binding public hearing under RSA 674:54 on a proposed public charter school use at 646 Daniel Webster Highway

The Board granted conditional final approval for a commercial condominium conversion to facilitate a warehouse project. Several other site plan applications were continued to future meetings for further review. The Board also held a non-binding informational hearing regarding a proposed public charter school.

• Approved consent agenda (6-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for condominium conversion at 734 Daniel Webster Highway (5-0-0)
• Continued site plan for 3-unit building at 44 Daniel Webster Highway to June 3, 2025 (6-0-0)
• Continued site plan for office/warehouse at 101 Herrick Street to June 3, 2025 (5-0-0)
• Continued amended site plan for 7 Crow’s Nest Circle to May 20, 2025 (6-0-0)
• Approved April 1, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-1)

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The board will consider six variance and special exception requests covering elderly housing, a two-lot subdivision, a physical therapy office, and multifamily buildings. Five of the six cases are continued from the March 26, 2025 meeting. The board will also discuss other items and approve the March 26, 2025 minutes.

• 117 Camp Sargent Road: variance for elderly housing beyond required radius from Daniel Webster Highway and Baboosic Lake Road (Case ZBA 2025-08, continued)
• 54 Lawrence Road: variances to subdivide into two lots of 50,600 sq ft each, with 215 ft road frontage and 223/246 ft depth (Case ZBA 2025-01, continued)
• 421 Daniel Webster Highway: special exception for a physical therapy medical office in the Town Center Overlay District (Case ZBA 2025-07, continued)
• 332 Daniel Webster Highway: variances for a 3-unit multifamily building on 26,136 sq ft with 135 ft depth and 120 ft frontage (Case ZBA 2025-06, continued)
• 5 Depot Street: variances for a 4-unit multifamily building on about 9,583 sq ft with less than 200 ft depth (Case ZBA 2025-09, continued)

The Board granted several variances, including one for an elderly housing development outside the required overlay district and another for a 4-unit building on a non-conforming lot. A special exception for a physical therapy office and a variance for a closed-door pharmacy were also approved.

• Approved variance for elderly housing development at 117 Camp Sargent Road (4-0-0)
• Approved special exception for physical therapy office at 421 Daniel Webster Highway (4-0-0)
• Approved variances for 4-unit multifamily building at 5 Depot Street (3-0-0)
• Approved variance for closed-door pharmacy at 297 Daniel Webster Highway (4-0-0)
• Continued variance request for 54 Lawrence Road to May 28, 2025
• Continued variance request for 332 Daniel Webster Highway to May 28, 2025
• Approved March 26, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The agenda lists three items to be discussed behind closed doors under New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law: pending claims or litigation, legal advice from counsel, and personnel matters. No public business, votes, or dollar amounts are listed on this agenda, and the only action noted is adjournment. The agenda was posted April 28, 2025.

• Nonpublic session on pending claims or litigation under RSA 91-A:3, II (e)
• Nonpublic session on legal advice from counsel under RSA 91-A:3, II (l)
• Nonpublic session on personnel under RSA 91-A:3, II (a)
• No public items, contracts, or dollar amounts listed; agenda ends with adjournment

The Merrimack Town Council held a nonpublic session on April 30, 2025, to discuss pending litigation, legal advice, and personnel. Town Manager Paul Micali updated the council on a tentative settlement agreement with Merrimack Premium Outlets (MPO) totaling $7,217,594.85. The council subsequently closed the nonpublic session, voted to seal the minutes, and adjourned.

• Entered into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (e), (l), and (a) (7-0-0)
• Closed nonpublic session at 9:40 PM (7-0-0)
• Sealed the nonpublic session minutes (7-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 9:41 PM (7-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, April 28, 2025, to review four development proposals and make recommendations to the Planning Board. Items include a pharmacy-to-church use change at 420 Daniel Webster Highway, a 3-unit multi-family building at 44 Daniel Webster Highway, a 9,870 square foot office/warehouse at 101 Herrick Street, and an amended warehouse plan at 7 Crows Nest Circle. The commission will also consider a subcommittee appointment, a honeybee hive presentation, an Eagle Scout project, and trail-naming updates with Amherst. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Waiver request to change use from pharmacy to church at 420 Daniel Webster Highway (Tax Map 5D-4 Lot 3-1)
• Site plan to raze a single-family dwelling and build a 3-unit multi-family building at 44 Daniel Webster Highway (Tax Map 2E Lot 1)
• Site plan for a two-story 9,870 square foot office/warehouse building at 101 Herrick Street (Tax Map 3D-2 Lot 20)
• Amended site plan for Phase 2 warehouse/manufacturing at 7 Crows Nest Circle to reduce building depth, increase mezzanine space, and add parking (Tax Map 2D Lot 21)
• Appointment of Cliff LoVerme to the Wildcat Conservation Area Subcommittee as alternate, term expiring 6/30/25

The Merrimack Conservation Commission reviewed several planning board applications, heard presentations on honeybee hive placement and an Eagle Scout trail bench project, and appointed Cliff LoVerme as an alternate member to the Wildcat Conservation Area Subcommittee. The Commission also approved the meeting minutes from April 14, 2025, and discussed ongoing items such as stormwater management, volunteer forms, and trail connections.

• Appointed Cliff LoVerme to Wildcat Conservation Area Subcommittee as a full member (7-0-0)
• Approved April 14, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments (7-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:27 pm (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on April 24, 2025 at 6:15 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is review and approval of nonpublic minutes from eight earlier meetings held between January 2 and April 16, 2025. The agenda then lists adjournment. No other business, votes, or dollar amounts are described in the supplied text.

• Review and approval of nonpublic minutes from January 2, 2025
• Nonpublic minutes from January 23, 2025
• Nonpublic minutes from February 6 and February 20, 2025
• Nonpublic minutes from March 19 and March 27, 2025
• Nonpublic minutes from April 4 and April 16, 2025

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council met on April 10, 2025, and voted to advance changes to the town's elderly tax exemption amounts to a final reading on May 8, 2025, retroactive to April 1, 2025. It also approved spending up to $11,851 from the Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund for police equipment and up to $11,852 for fire rescue equipment. A request to withdraw up to $259,115 from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for the Nutmeg Lane drainage and road project was tabled. The council also received updates on state Right to Know legislation and a Highway Safety Committee report.

• Elderly tax exemptions would rise from $85,000 to $115,000 (ages 65-74), $115,000 to $155,000 (ages 75-80), and $150,000 to $195,000 (80+), retroactive to April 1, 2025; final reading set for May 8, 2025.
• Approved up to $11,851 from the Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund for two DJI Avata 2 drones, a Trek Service Electric bike, 45 refurbished iPhones, and six Yankee Hill Suppressors for the Southern NH Special Operations Unit.
• Approved up to $11,852 from the Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund for a Confined Space Rescue Rigging Kit, four CAPTO Pulley Systems, and two ATOM Global Harnesses for the Fire Rescue Department.
• Tabled a request to withdraw up to $259,115 from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for the Nutmeg Lane Drainage and Road Reconstruction Project.
• Highway Safety Committee reported a new stop sign at Bishop St and School St and upcoming solar flashing LED stop signs at Wire Rd and Bedford Rd.

The Merrimack Town Council held a nonpublic session on April 24, 2025, to discuss personnel matters and review past minutes. The council approved nonpublic minutes from several dates between January and April 2025 before sealing the session and adjourning.

• Entered into nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (c) (6-0-0)
• Approved nonpublic minutes of January 2, 2025 (4-0-2)
• Approved nonpublic minutes of January 23, 2025 (5-0-1)
• Approved nonpublic minutes of February 6, 2025 (4-0-2)
• Approved nonpublic minutes of February 20, 2025 (3-0-3)
• Approved nonpublic minutes of March 19, 2025, March 27, 2025, April 4, 2025, and April 16, 2025
• Sealed the nonpublic session (6-0-0)
• Adjourned the public session at 6:41 PM (6-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 6:15 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The agenda lists one substantive item: a personnel matter under RSA 91-A:3, II (c), a New Hampshire law allowing private sessions for certain personnel discussions. The only other item is review and approval of nonpublic minutes from eight earlier meetings, after which the council adjourns. The agenda was amended on April 23, 2025; it does not state what the personnel matter concerns or what, if anything, was decided.

• Nonpublic session for a personnel matter under RSA 91-A:3, II (c)
• Review and approval of nonpublic minutes from January 2, January 23, February 6, February 20, March 19, March 27, April 4, and April 16, 2025
• Agenda amended April 23, 2025 at 11:45 AM; originally posted April 18, 2025

The Town Council approved a proposed adjusted budget for 2025-26 and authorized the purchase of a new loader for the Solid Waste Division. The Council also approved changes to elderly tax exemptions and a Boy Scout project to install three lending libraries in town parks.

• Approved adjusted 2025-26 Town Council budget (6-0-0)
• Approved withdrawal of up to $379,890 from Solid Waste Capital Reserve Fund for a new John Deere Loader (6-0-0)
• Approved changes to Chapter 178, Taxation (Article II, Elderly Tax Exemptions), effective April 1, 2025 (6-0-0)
• Approved installation of three Little Free Lending Libraries at Abbie Griffin, Veterans, and Watson Parks (6-0-0)
• Re-elected Chairman Rothhaus (5-0-1) and Vice Chair Harrington (5-0-1)
• Approved annual committee assignments for Council members (6-0-0)
• Approved April 7, 2025 minutes (5-0-1)
• Approved April 10, 2025 minutes as amended (5-0-1)

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Trustees of Trust Funds meet Friday, April 18, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the Town Hall Matthew Thornton Room. They will review the March 20 minutes, election outcomes (including a $2.4MM CRF approved by the Town and new CRFs for the School and MVD), and hear from the Watkins Forest Committee. The agenda also covers a portfolio review with advance questions for Cambridge Trust, scholarship items, Watkins Prize award amounts, and future meeting dates.

• Town elections: Christensen re-elected; Watkins Forest Harvest approved; $2.4MM CRF approved
• School: new CRF for Admin building approved
• MVD: CRF additions approved
• Scholarships: Leo Weston outstanding; Greenleaf amount possibly $400 to $500; Watson principal vs expendable question
• Watkins Prize award amounts, including Spelling and Speech MMS (Chrigus Boezman)

The Trustees of Trust Funds increased the authorized prize money for future spelling contests and adjusted several scholarship amounts. The board also withdrew one scholarship award due to a lack of contact with the recipient.

• Authorized up to $1,000 for future spelling contest prize money (3-0-0)
• Withdrew Watson Scholarship award for Leo Weston (3-0-0)
• Increased Greenleaf Scholarship from $400 to $500 for 2025 and future awards (3-0-0)
• Approved five $1,000 Watson scholarship awards for this year (3-0-0)
• Approved March 20, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0-0)

Parks and Recreation

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee meets Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall Matthew Thornton Meeting Room. The agenda includes a new Eagle Scout project proposal from Ryan Marone of Troop 424, approval of February and March minutes, and a Merrimack Dog Park update noting a current balance of $695.73. The Director's Report covers the budget, summer camp, a Rotary Club project at Wasserman Park, the Easter Egg Hunt, and a possible expansion of the Naticook After School Program to Reeds Ferry Elementary School and Mastricola Upper Elementary.

• Eagle Scout project proposal by Ryan Marone, Troop 424
• Merrimack Dog Park update with current balance of $695.73
• Possible expansion of Naticook After School Program 2025–2026 to Reeds Ferry Elementary School and Mastricola Upper Elementary
• Rotary Club project at Wasserman Park
• Approval of minutes for February 19 and March 19, 2025

The Parks and Recreation committee voted to accept an Eagle Scout project proposal to build three little libraries at local parks and passed minutes from previous meetings. The director reported that the town budget was rejected by voters, requiring $2 million in cuts, and provided updates on summer camp enrollment and facility projects.

• Accepted Eagle Scout Library Project Proposal and presented to Town Council (9-0-0)
• Accepted February 19, 2025 meeting minutes (6-0-2)
• Accepted March 19, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:55pm (9-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The agenda lists two items under New Hampshire's right-to-know law: RSA 91-A:3, II (c) for personal matters and RSA 91-A:3, II (a) for personnel matters. The Council will also review and approve nonpublic minutes from seven prior meetings. The agenda does not describe any public business, votes, contracts, or dollar amounts.

• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (c) — personal matters
• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (a) — personnel matters
• Review and approval of nonpublic minutes from January 2, January 23, February 6, February 20, March 19, March 27, and April 4, 2025

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room has been cancelled. No agenda items were listed. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The notice was posted April 4, 2025.

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, April 14, 2025 to review two development items for recommendation to the Planning Board and to discuss conservation matters. The larger item is a proposed 15,452-square-foot warehouse addition at 4 Webb Drive in the Industrial and Aquifer Conservation Districts. The Commission will also consider a request to waive full site plan review to convert a pharmacy at 420 Daniel Webster Highway into a church. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Review for Planning Board recommendation: 15,452 sf warehouse building addition at 4 Webb Drive (Tax Map 2D, Lot 32), I-1 Industrial & Aquifer Conservation Districts
• Review for Planning Board recommendation: waiver of full site plan review to change use from pharmacy to church at 420 Daniel Webster Highway (Tax Map 5D-4 Lot 3-1), C-2 Town Center Overlay, Elderly Housing & Aquifer Conservation Districts
• Appointment of Steve Desilets to the Grater Woods Subcommittee as an alternate member, term expiring 6/30/26
• Discussion of security cameras at the Sklar property, submitted by Tom Martinson
• Discussion of adding trail markers at Grater Woods with an estimated cost of $350.00, submitted by Tom Martinson

The Merrimack Conservation Commission appointed Steve Desilets to the Grater Woods Subcommittee and approved up to $375 for new trail markers. The Commission also reviewed site plan recommendations for 4 Webb Drive and 420 Daniel Webster Highway, and discussed property management issues including gates, security cameras, and an unauthorized tree stand at Grater Woods.

• Appointed Steve Desilets to the Grater Woods Subcommittee as an alternate member with a term ending 06/30/2026 (7-0-0)
• Appropriated funds from Fund 53 not to exceed $375.00 for Grater Woods trail markers and nails (7-0-0)
• Approved the March 24, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments (6-0-1)
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:32 pm (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council meets April 10, 2025 to consider withdrawing up to $259,115 for the Nutmeg Lane drainage and road reconstruction project and up to $750,000 for the Hartwood & Woodland drainage and road reconstruction project, both from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund. Two public hearings are scheduled: one on accepting and spending up to $23,703 from the Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund for police and fire equipment, and one on changes to the town's Elderly Tax Exemptions. The council will also discuss April 8 town election results as they relate to the Default Budget, make Planning Board committee assignments, and issue a proclamation for National Public Works Week May 18-24, 2025.

• Public hearing on spending up to $23,703 from the Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund for two DJI Avata 2 Fly More drones, a Trek Service Electric bike, 45 refurbished iPhones, six Yankee Hill Suppressors, a Confined Space Rescue Rigging Kit, four CAPTO Pulley Systems, and two ATOM Global Harnesses
• Public hearing on recommended changes to Chapter 178, Taxation (Article II, Elderly Tax Exemptions)
• Withdrawal request of up to $259,115 from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for the Nutmeg Lane Drainage and Road Reconstruction Project
• Withdrawal request of up to $750,000 from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for the Hartwood & Woodland Drainage and Road Reconstruction Project
• Discussion of April 8 Town Election results as they pertain to the Default Budget

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council met on March 27, 2025, and approved several capital reserve fund withdrawals, including up to $218,000 for cardiac monitors, $31,000 for an ambulance, $25,000 for thermal imaging cameras, and $26,571.30 for server infrastructure. The council also accepted Whitetail Ridge road and easements, approved committee appointments and a Girl Scout tree-planting project, and discussed state legislative updates and a new media video platform. The meeting included no public hearing or consent agenda items.

• Approved $31,000 withdrawal from Ambulance Capital Reserve Fund for ambulance purchase cost increases
• Approved up to $218,000 from Ambulance Equipment Capital Reserve Fund for 3 new and 2 refurbished cardiac monitors
• Approved up to $25,000 from Fire Equipment Capital Reserve Fund for thermal imaging cameras
• Approved $26,571.30 from Computer Capital Reserve Fund for server infrastructure replacement
• Accepted Whitetail Ridge (1,645 LF) with drainage, slope easements, and fire cistern

The Town Council voted 7-0 to advance changes to the Elderly Tax Exemptions in the town code to a final reading on May 8, 2025, retroactive to April 1, 2025. It approved spending up to $11,851 from the Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund for police equipment and up to $11,852 for fire rescue equipment, both 6-0. The council authorized up to $750,000 from the Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for the Hartwood and Woodland drainage and road project (7-0) and tabled a separate $259,115 Nutmeg Lane drainage request (7-0).

• Approved up to $11,851 from the Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund for police drones, e-bike, iPhones and suppressors (6-0-0)
• Approved up to $11,852 from the Abbie Griffin Memorial Fund for fire rescue rigging, pulleys and harnesses (6-0-0)
• Advanced elderly tax exemption changes to final reading May 8, 2025, retroactive to April 1, 2025 (7-0-0)
• Authorized up to $750,000 from Road Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund for Hartwood & Woodland drainage and road reconstruction (7-0-0)
• Tabled the $259,115 Nutmeg Lane drainage and road reconstruction withdrawal request (7-0-0)
• Approved National Public Works Week proclamation for May 18-24, 2025 (7-0-0)
• Appointed Councilor Albert as Town Council representative to the Planning Board (6-0-1, Albert abstaining)
• Approved March 27, 2025 minutes as amended (6-0-1, Albert abstaining)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a special meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room. The single substantive item is a request from Town Clerk / Tax Collector Brenda DuLong to approve the use of new ImageCast Precinct Ballot Counting Machines for the Annual Town Election on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. The rest of the agenda is procedural: call to order, pledge, announcements, and public comment periods.

• Approval of ImageCast Precinct Ballot Counting Machines for the April 8, 2025 Annual Town Election, submitted by Town Clerk / Tax Collector Brenda DuLong
• Special meeting scheduled for 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room, one day before the election
• Public comment periods listed before and after new business

At a special meeting on April 7, 2025, the Town Council voted 4-0-0 to authorize the use of Dominion ImageCast Precinct 2 electronic ballot-counting devices for all Merrimack elections held on or after April 7, 2025, under RSA 656:40. Town Clerk/Tax Collector Brenda DuLong said the town's prior machines were obsolete and could no longer be serviced, and that the new machines were certified by the Secretary of State's Office and the State of NH in early March and tested the prior week. The meeting adjourned at 6:07pm. No other substantive business was decided.

• Authorized Dominion ImageCast Precinct 2 electronic ballot-counting devices for all Merrimack elections on or after April 7, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (4-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, April 7, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Memorial Room. The agenda covers subcommittee elections, managing the access road during mud season, reviewing tasks, spring workday ideas, and a parking map. Other business includes trail report and workday forms, map updates, invasive species reporting on EDDMaps, trail maintenance courses, and long-term goals such as trail standards and an invasives management plan. The subcommittee will also vote to approve minutes from April 3, 2024.

• Subcommittee elections
• Managing access road during mud season
• Spring workday planning and parking map
• Approval of April 3, 2024 minutes
• Long-term goals: trail standards, invasives management plan, Sklar brochure

The Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee elected Katie Little as chair and reviewed membership positions for recommendation. The group also discussed adding a gate to protect the access road during mud season, planning an invasive species management plan, and scheduling upcoming spring workdays.

• Elected Katie Little as subcommittee chair (5-0-0)
• Approved March 3, 2024 minutes (5-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is scheduled to meet Friday, April 4, 2025 at 5:30 PM in the Town Council Chambers for a nonpublic session. The only listed item is a personnel matter under RSA 91-A;3, II (a), a New Hampshire law allowing private discussion of certain personnel issues. The agenda then lists adjournment, and no other business, votes, or dollar amounts are shown. The agenda was posted April 3, 2025.

• Nonpublic session on a personnel matter under RSA 91-A;3, II (a)
• Meeting scheduled for 5:30 PM, April 4, 2025, in the Town Council Chambers
• Agenda posted April 3, 2025

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room to review two site plan cases. One seeks a waiver of full site plan review to change a pharmacy at 420 Daniel Webster Highway into a church; the other is a continued request to add a 15,452 sf warehouse addition at 4 Webb Drive. The board will also handle a consent agenda, an administrator's report, and minutes from March 18, 2025.

• Waiver request to convert a pharmacy to a church at 420 Daniel Webster Highway (Case # PB 2025-09)
• Amended site plan for a 15,452 sf warehouse addition at 4 Webb Drive, continued from March 18, 2025 (Case # PB2025-08)
• Consent agenda includes release of a maintenance bond for Greenfield Farms Subdivision
• Approval of minutes from the March 18, 2025 meeting

The Merrimack Planning Board voted to grant conditional approval for a 15,452-square-foot warehouse addition at 4 Webb Drive, including a stormwater waiver subject to a peer review compromise. The Board also accepted and granted conditional approval for a waiver of full site plan review to convert the former Rite Aid at 420 Daniel Webster Highway into a church. Additionally, the Board approved the consent agenda, released a maintenance bond, and approved prior meeting minutes.

• Approved consent agenda including maintenance bond release for Greenfield Farms Subdivision (7-0-0)
• Granted stormwater waiver for 4 Webb Drive warehouse addition subject to Fuss & O'Neill review (7-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for warehouse addition at 4 Webb Drive (7-0-0)
• Accepted church conversion application at 420 Daniel Webster Highway as complete (7-0-0)
• Granted waiver of full site plan review for church conversion at 420 Daniel Webster Highway (7-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for church conversion at 420 Daniel Webster Highway (7-0-0)
• Approved March 18, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0-2)

Conservation Commission

The Wildcat Conservation Area subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets on Tuesday, March 31, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Room. The agenda covers scheduling a spring trail clean-up, trail signs, kiosk maintenance, trail maps, and a possible trail connection from Watson Park to the Wildcat Conservation Area. It also lists approval of minutes dated October 28, 2025.

• Schedule a date for Spring trail clean-up
• Additional trail signs needed for the property
• PMMA/Plexi glass sheet replacement for kiosk maintenance
• Trail maps
• Trail development from Watson Park to Wildcat Conservation Area

Town Center

The Merrimack Town Center Committee meets Friday, March 28, 2025 at noon in the Matthew Thornton Room at Merrimack Town Hall. The agenda includes routine business — introducing new member Frances Ferrari, designating a minute taker, and approving January 24, 2025 minutes — plus updates on several ongoing projects. New business includes a DOT request for an easement on Baboosic Lake Road, the status of a footbridge over the Souhegan River, and support for Merrimack's 4th of July. No votes or dollar amounts are listed on the agenda.

• New business: discussion of a DOT request for an easement on Baboosic Lake Road (Matt Shevenell & Dawn)
• Old business: letter of support to DOT for Baboosic Lake Road sidewalk and its status (Dawn)
• Old business: status of the Church Street Property survey (Dawn Tuomala)
• Old business: status of Route 3/Wire Road and Baboosic Brook Bridges (Dawn Tuomala)
• New business: status of the footbridge over the Souhegan River and any further communication from Ms. Cassell

The Town Center Committee approved the January 24, 2025 minutes by a 6-0 vote. Members reviewed updates on the Church Street property survey, noting the Town Council requested more traffic flow information before considering a street closure. The committee also discussed plans to repair O'Gara Drive and add sidewalks in the 2026-2027 budget, with a $500,000 Capital Reserve account established.

• Approved January 24, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)
• Next meeting scheduled for May 16, 2025
• School District approved easement; $500 check received from State

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is scheduled to meet Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers for a nonpublic session. The only listed item cites RSA 91-A:3, II (c), which allows a closed session for a personnel matter. The agenda then lists adjournment. No public business, votes, or dollar amounts are described in this agenda.

• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (c) — personnel matter
• Meeting posted March 21, 2025
• Agenda contains no public items, contracts, or ordinances

Town Council

This document is the minutes of a Merrimack Town Council special session held March 12, 2025, immediately after the Deliberative Session. The Council voted 7-0-0 to recommend several warrant articles to voters, including a $43,863,616 operating budget, $2,410,000 in capital reserve fund appropriations, and $600,000 for the Sewer Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund. It also recommended a $100,000 engineering study for the Pennichuck Square Pump Station, contingent on Clean Water State Revolving Fund approval. Note: this is a minutes record of the March 12 session, not an agenda for the March 27, 2025 meeting named in the header.

• Article 3: $43,863,616 operating budget recommended 7-0-0; default budget if defeated is $40,808,242
• Article 4: $2,410,000 added to capital reserve funds, including $820,000 for Road Infrastructure and $400,000 each for Fire and Highway Equipment
• Article 5: $600,000 to Sewer Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund from sewer fees, not taxation
• Article 2: $100,000 engineering study for Pennichuck Square Pump Station, contingent on CWSRF funding 100% of the project; up to $55,000 in loan forgiveness anticipated
• Articles 6 and 7 were non-monetary and required no Council recommendation

The Merrimack Town Council approved multiple funding withdrawals from capital reserve funds for a fire rescue ambulance, cardiac monitors, thermal imaging cameras, and server infrastructure replacements. The Council also accepted the resignation of a Planning Board member, approved committee appointments, and advanced proposed updates to the Personnel Policy Manual and elderly tax exemptions.

• Approved resignation of Mark Williams from the Planning Board (6-0-0)
• Approved $31,000 withdrawal from Ambulance Capital Reserve Fund (5-0-0)
• Approved Girl Scout tree planting project at Fraser Square (6-0-0)
• Approved committee appointments for John Frechette, Neil Anketell, and Frances Ferrari (5-0-0)
• Approved acceptance of Whitetail Ridge road, sidewalks, easements, and fire cistern (6-0-0)
• Approved $26,571.30 withdrawal from Computer Capital Reserve Fund for server replacement (6-0-0)
• Approved $218,000 withdrawal for cardiac monitors and equipment (6-0-0)
• Approved $25,000 withdrawal for thermal imaging cameras (6-0-0)

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment holds a public hearing on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road. The Board will consider six petitions for variances and one special exception covering elderly housing, multifamily buildings, a subdivision, and a medical office. The agenda also includes approval of the February 26, 2025 minutes and a discussion item. If the meeting is cancelled, all items would be taken up on April 30, 2025.

• Case ZBA 2025-03: John O'Neill & Tinker Road, LLC seek a variance under Section 2.01.7 to build a 69-unit elderly housing development at 19 Tinker Road, beyond the required radius from Daniel Webster Highway and Baboosic Lake Road
• Case ZBA 2025-06: Peter McClintick & APMK Ventures, LLC seek variances under Section 3.02 for a 3-unit multifamily building at 332 Daniel Webster Highway on 26,136 sq ft (120,000 required), with 135 ft lot depth (200 required) and 120 ft road frontage (200 required)
• Case ZBA 2025-07: Michael Hanning & John Hyslip seek a special exception under Section 2.02.13(D)(1) for a physical therapy medical office at 421 Daniel Webster Highway in the Town Center Overlay District
• Case ZBA 2025-08: 117 Camp Sargent (owner), LLC & Fieldstone Land Consultants, PPLC seek a variance under 2.01.7 for an elderly housing development at 117 Camp Sargent Road beyond the required radius
• Case ZBA 2025-01: Brian Lawrence seeks variances under Section 3.02 to subdivide 54 Lawrence Road into two lots of 50,600 sq ft each (100,000 required), with 215 ft road frontage each (250 required) and lot depths of 223 ft and 246 ft (300 required)

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment allowed the petitioner to withdraw a 69-unit elderly housing variance request for 19 Tinker Road. A separate variance request for a 32-unit elderly housing development at 117 Camp Sargent Road failed in a 2-2 tie vote before being continued to April 30, 2025. Four other public hearing items were continued to the April 30 meeting, and the board approved the February 26, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Withdrew variance petition for 69-unit elderly housing development at 19 Tinker Road (Case # ZBA 2025-03)
• Failed to grant variance for 32-unit elderly housing development at 117 Camp Sargent Road (2-2 vote)
• Continued 32-unit elderly housing variance case at 117 Camp Sargent Road to April 30, 2025 (4-0)
• Continued multifamily building variance case at 332 Daniel Webster Highway to April 30, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Continued medical office special exception case at 421 Daniel Webster Highway to April 30, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Continued property subdivision variance case at 54 Lawrence Road to April 30, 2025 (4-0-0)
• Continued multifamily building variance case at 5 Depot Street to April 30, 2025 (3-0-0)
• Approved minutes of the February 26, 2025 meeting (4-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, March 24, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The main item is a review for a recommendation to the Planning Board on a conditional approval of an amended site plan for a 15,452 sf warehouse building addition at 4 Webb Drive, in the I-1 (Industrial) and Aquifer Conservation Districts. The commission will also hear about open positions on the Local Advisory Committee for River Protection, discuss a potential recycling program, and consider spending about $270.00 for a replacement gate at Grater Woods. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Review for recommendation to the Planning Board: amended site plan for a 15,452 sf warehouse addition at 4 Webb Drive (Tax Map 2D, Lot 32), I-1 and Aquifer Conservation Districts
• Discussion and possible vote on spending an estimated $270.00 for a replacement gate at Grater Woods
• George May of the Local Advisory Committee for River Protection to speak about open committee positions
• Potential recycling program submitted by Karis Welsh
• Approval of February 24, 2025 minutes

The Commission approved spending up to $350 for a new gate at Grater Woods. Members also discussed river advisory committee vacancies and a proposed recycling survey. A warehouse addition project at 4 Webb Drive was tabled due to the absence of the applicant.

• Approved appropriation of up to $350 from Fund 53 for Grater Woods gate replacement (7-0-0)
• Approved February 24, 2025 minutes with three amendments (7-0-0)
• Agreed to allow Commissioner Welsh to create a Facebook survey regarding Terracycle recycling boxes
• Tabled review of warehouse addition at 4 Webb Drive until a future meeting

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Trustees of Trust Funds meets Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall. The agenda includes approving minutes from January 17, 2025, reviewing Town and School deliberative sessions, and discussing outstanding scholarships for Jenson Munroe and Leo Weston. Trustees will also hear school-related items (LEGO at JMUES and speech at MMS) and correspondence about a $480.00 spelling contest. Future dates noted include Town Meeting on April 8 and the Christensen term expiring in 2025.

• Minutes of January 17, 2025 up for review
• Scholarships outstanding: Jenson Munroe and Leo Weston
• School items: LEGO JMUES (Nicole Rheulp) and Speech MMS (Chrigus Boezman)
• Correspondence: Spelling Contest, $480.00
• Town Meeting April 8; Christensen term expires 2025

The Trustees of Trust Funds approved a deadline extension for one scholarship awardee and authorized a payment for spelling contest prizes. The board also discussed the potential restart of the LEGO League and Watkins Prize Speaking contest.

• Approved January 17, 2025 minutes (3-0-0)
• Approved scholarship extension for Leo Weston until April 18, 2025 (3-0-0)
• Approved $480.00 reimbursement to Middle School for Watkins Prize Spelling Contest prizes (3-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council has posted a nonpublic agenda for Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is a personnel matter under RSA 91-A;3, II (a), a New Hampshire exemption allowing closed sessions for personnel discussions. The agenda then lists adjournment, and no other business or public items are included.

• Nonpublic session on a personnel matter under RSA 91-A;3, II (a)
• Meeting scheduled for March 19, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Town Council Chambers
• Agenda posted March 14, 2025

The Merrimack Town Council held a nonpublic session to discuss the evaluation results for Town Manager Paul Micali. The Council determined his performance exceeded satisfactory and recommended a salary increase to be submitted through Human Resources.

• Entered nonpublic session for personnel (6-0-0)
• Recommended salary increase for Town Manager Paul Micali after evaluation
• Closed nonpublic session (7-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)

Parks and Recreation

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee meets Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Matthew Thornton Meeting Room at Town Hall. The agenda includes approval of February 19th minutes, an update on the Merrimack Dog Park, and a Director's Report covering summer camp registration, summer hiring, a Rotary Club project at Wasserman Park, community garden registration opening April 1st, the Easter Egg Hunt on April 12th, and the 4th of July. Organization reports and public comment are also scheduled.

• Merrimack Dog Park update; current balance listed as $695.73
• Community Garden Registration opens April 1st
• Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday April 12th, 10:00–11:45 am
• Rotary Club Project at Wasserman Park
• Summer Camp Registration and Summer Hiring updates

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee held a non-quorum meeting on March 19, 2025, skipping formal actions like minutes approval due to low attendance. The committee received updates from the Director regarding summer camp registration, upcoming community events including the Easter Egg Hunt and 4th of July parade, and seasonal facility openings. The meeting concluded with an adjournment vote.

• Adjourned meeting at 7:28pm (5-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is a personnel matter under RSA 91-A:3, II (a), a New Hampshire law allowing certain discussions to be held outside public view. The agenda was amended on March 18, 2025, and the meeting is scheduled to adjourn after that item. No decisions, contracts, or dollar amounts are stated in the agenda.

• Nonpublic session on a personnel matter under RSA 91-A:3, II (a)
• Agenda amended March 18, 2025 at 3:30 PM
• No public business items listed; meeting ends with adjournment

The Town Council met in nonpublic session on March 19, 2025, under RSA 91-A:3, II (a) for a personnel matter. The council reviewed the cumulative evaluation results for Town Manager Paul Micali, deemed his performance exceeded satisfactory, and recommended a salary increase to be submitted through Human Resources. Chairman Rothhaus will arrange to speak with the Town Manager about the evaluation results. No other substantive decisions were recorded.

• Entered nonpublic session for personnel matter (6-0-0)
• Deemed Town Manager Paul Micali's performance exceeded satisfactory
• Recommended salary increase for Town Manager, to be submitted through Human Resources
• Chairman Rothhaus to arrange discussion with Town Manager about evaluation results
• Closed nonpublic session (7-0-0)
• Adjourned public session (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Appointment Committee for the Town Center Committee meets Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Town Manager's Conference Room. The agenda lists an interview with Frances Ferrari for full membership on the Town Center Committee, followed by deliberation on recommendations to fill the vacant position, then adjournment. No other business is listed.

• Interview with Frances Ferrari for full membership on the Town Center Committee
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill the vacant Town Center Committee position

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets March 18, 2025 to review a proposed 15,452 square foot warehouse addition at 4 Webb Drive in the I-1 Industrial and Aquifer Conservation Districts. The board will also handle a consent agenda covering Whitetail Ridge maintenance bond and street acceptance items and a Greenfield Farms bond release. A separate amended site plan at 106 Herrick St was withdrawn by the applicant on March 13, 2025, so that item is no longer active.

• Case # PB2025-08: amended site plan for a 15,452 sf warehouse addition at 4 Webb Drive (Tax Map 2D, Lot 32), I-1 Industrial & Aquifer Conservation Districts
• Case # PB 2025-07 at 106 Herrick St (C-2 General Commercial & Aquifer Conservation Districts) withdrawn by applicant on March 13, 2025
• Consent agenda: establish two-year Maintenance Bond for Whitetail Ridge
• Consent agenda: recommendation to Town Council for street acceptance of Whitetail Ridge
• Consent agenda: release Maintenance Bond for Greenfield Farms Subdivision

The Board approved several waivers for a proposed 15,452 sf warehouse addition at 4 Webb Drive, including parking and landscaping requirements. A request for a storm water treatment waiver was tabled pending further review. The application was continued to April 1, 2025.

• Approved consent agenda including Whitetail Ridge maintenance bond and street acceptance recommendation (5-0-0)
• Accepted warehouse addition application at 4 Webb Drive as complete (5-0-0)
• Granted parking space requirement waiver for 4 Webb Drive (5-0-0)
• Granted full site survey waiver for 4 Webb Drive (5-0-0)
• Granted lighting plan waiver for 4 Webb Drive (5-0-0)
• Granted landscape plan waivers for 4 Webb Drive (5-0-0)
• Granted traffic impact analysis waivers for 4 Webb Drive (5-0-0)
• Tabled storm water treatment waiver for 4 Webb Drive

Town Council

The Appointment Committee for the Planning Board meets Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 6:15 PM in the Town Manager's Conference Room. The agenda lists an interview with Neil Anketell for full membership on the Planning Board, followed by deliberation on recommendations to fill the vacant Planning Board position, then adjournment. No decisions are recorded in this agenda; it is a short, three-item meeting notice posted March 14, 2025.

• Interview with Neil Anketell for full membership on the Planning Board
• Deliberation on recommendations to fill the vacant Planning Board position
• Meeting posted March 14, 2025; 6:15 PM in the Town Manager's Conference Room

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is scheduled to meet on March 12, 2025. The posted materials list two documents: a nonpublic agenda and a special session meeting agenda. The supplied agenda text does not include the specific items the Council will decide or discuss, so those details cannot be reported from this record.

• Nonpublic agenda posted for the March 12, 2025 meeting
• Special session meeting agenda posted for March 12, 2025

The Merrimack Town Council voted to recommend several warrant articles during a special meeting on March 12, 2025. The council recommended funding for a pump station engineering study, the operating budget, capital reserve appropriations, and a sewer infrastructure fund addition. Article 1, 6, and 7 required no council recommendation.

• Recommended Article 2 for $100,000 engineering study for Pennichuck Square Pump Station (7-0-0)
• Recommended Article 3 for operating budget of $43,863,616 with default budget of $40,808,242 (7-0-0)
• Recommended Article 4 for $2,410,000 in appropriations to various Capital Reserve and Trust Funds (7-0-0)
• Recommended Article 5 for $600,000 to Sewer Infrastructure Capital Reserve Fund from sewer fees (7-0-0)
• Adjourned the special session (7-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Horse Hill Nature Preserve subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. Members will hear a Scout's proposal for an Eagle-level project, discuss invasive species, and plan trail work and bridge projects. They will also consider a Conservation Commission request for an inventory of structures on the property and a request from an adjacent property owner about a fallen tree.

• Scout Tucker Landry to discuss a potential Eagle level project
• Conservation Commission requests an inventory of structures on all properties to assess maintenance needs
• Trail days proposed for Spaulding foundation clean up and Loop Trail wet spot and rock work near power lines past bridge
• Bridge work: measure for supplies and submit a plan; new bridge on North side funded by NEMBA project
• New trail proposal for XC ski between Rocky and Loop Spaulding side; adjacent property owner asks about reclaiming a fallen tree

The Grater Woods subcommittee met on March 11, 2025, to discuss trail maintenance and upcoming events. They approved the minutes from the January 14, 2025 meeting without amendment. The group also discussed a scheduled workday for May 31, potential invasive species projects with Girl Scouts, and various trail repairs including a fallen tree and gate replacement.

• Approved January 14, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Planned workday for Saturday, May 31 at 9am
• Agreed to consider adding name labels to red trail markers
• Identified Tarter Bullmax Round Corner Gate ($270) for purchase approval

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission cancelled its meeting scheduled for Monday, March 10, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. No agenda items were taken up. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 24, 2025.

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council has posted a non-meeting for Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is a consultation with legal counsel under RSA 91-A:2, I (b), a provision of New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law that allows a public body to meet out of public view with its attorney. No decisions, votes, contracts, or other business items appear on the posted notice.

• Non-meeting (not a regular public session) posted for March 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM
• Single agenda item: consultation with legal counsel under RSA 91-A:2, I (b)
• Notice posted March 3, 2025

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room to consider two land-use cases: a Conditional Use Permit for a detached accessory dwelling unit at 9 Peaslee Road, and a lot line adjustment for 18 & 20 Captain Bannon Circle. A consent agenda covers regional impact determinations, a site plan extension, street acceptance recommendations to the Town Council, and a maintenance bond. The board will also hear the Planning & Zoning Administrator's report and approve minutes from February 18, 2025.

• Conditional Use Permit request by Erik Hamnqvist and Currier Orchards, LLC for a detached accessory dwelling unit at 9 Peaslee Road (R-3 District and Wellhead Protection Area), Case # PB 2025-05
• Lot line adjustment review for 18 & 20 Captain Bannon Circle, filed by Jennifer & Hamish Rossell and Kayal & Remy Fletcher, Case # PB 2025-06
• Consent agenda: extension request for As Life Goes on Amended Site Plan (Case # PB 2020-27)
• Consent agenda: recommendations to Town Council for street acceptance of Acre Lane, Theodore Drive & Claire Street
• Consent agenda: establish two-year maintenance bond for Level Acres Phase III

The Merrimack Planning Board approved a Conditional Use Permit for a 1,198-square-foot detached accessory dwelling unit at 9 Peaslee Road on the Currier Orchards farm lot, subject to conditions in a February 28, 2025 staff memo. The Board also granted conditional final approval to a lot line adjustment at 18 & 20 Captain Bannon Circle, swapping four hundredths of an acre to eliminate an existing easement. Both votes were 7-0-0. The Board approved its consent agenda and the February 18, 2025 minutes, also 7-0-0.

• Approved consent agenda including street acceptance recommendations for Acre Lane, Theodore Drive & Claire Street (7-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for a detached ADU at 9 Peaslee Road, Case # PB 2025-05, subject to February 28, 2025 staff memo conditions (7-0-0)
• Accepted as complete the lot line adjustment application for 18 & 20 Captain Bannon Circle, Case # PB 2025-06 (7-0-0)
• Granted conditional final approval for the lot line adjustment at 18 & 20 Captain Bannon Circle, subject to February 28, 2025 staff memo conditions (7-0-0)
• Approved February 18, 2025 meeting minutes as drafted (7-0-0)
• Voted to adjourn at 6:50 p.m. (7-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Sklar Riverfront Park subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, March 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room. Members will discuss managing the access road during mud season, including parking and a road barrier, along with subcommittee tasks and spring workday ideas. Other items include adding literature to the kiosk, confirming an email address to post, short- and long-term goals, and park monitoring for trash and vandalism. The only approval item is the minutes of December 2, 2024.

• Managing the access road during mud season, including parking and a road barrier
• Spring workday ideas
• Adding literature to the kiosk and confirming an email address to post
• Short-term and long-term goal discussions
• Park monitoring for trash and vandalism

The Sklar Riverfront Park Subcommittee discussed access road management during mud season, upcoming spring workdays, kiosk repairs, and long-term goals such as adding security cameras. The subcommittee formally approved the minutes from the December 2, 2024 meeting.

• Approved December 2, 2024 minutes (4-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council met on February 13, 2025 and voted 6-0-0 to send a proposed $42,863,616 municipal operating budget, a $2,410,000 General Fund capital reserve deposit, a $600,000 Wastewater capital reserve deposit, and $100,000 for a Pennichuck Square Pump Station engineering study to the Town Warrant. The budget discussion cited an estimated tax rate increase of about $0.34 and an amount raised by taxes up $1,681,429 (about 7.8%). The council also held public hearings and approved a $20,500 milfoil treatment program for Horseshoe Pond and Naticook Lake, a Zoning Board of Adjustment fee increase to $200 per application, and solid waste disposal fee changes. Residents spoke during public comment asking the council to increase the elderly tax exemption. Final decisions on the budget and warrant articles go to the March 12 Deliberative Session and April 8 Annual Meeting vote.

• $42,863,616 municipal appropriation moved to the Town Warrant (6-0-0)
• $2,410,000 General Fund capital reserve and $600,000 Wastewater capital reserve moved to warrant
• $100,000 Pennichuck Square Pump Station engineering study moved to warrant; $55,000 state relief, $45,000 from Wastewater
• $20,500 milfoil treatment at Horseshoe Pond and Naticook Lake approved, half from NHDES grant, half from Milfoil Expendable Trust Fund
• Zoning Board of Adjustment application fee raised to $200; commercial trash fee to $168 and construction/demolition disposal to $185

The Town Council voted 6-0-0 to support the Merrimack Village District's request that the New Hampshire Department of Transportation create a "Low Salt" or "Limited Salt" route in the wellhead protection area along Industrial Drive and Continental Boulevard. The council also accepted and agreed to spend a $1,000 donation from the DuLong family for the Parks & Recreation camp scholarship fund, and accepted the town's Administration of Federal Grant Funds Policy. Members reviewed 2024-25 town goals and assigned who will make and second motions for articles at the March 12, 2025 Deliberative Session.

• Approved support for a "Low Salt"/"Limited Salt" route on Industrial Drive and Continental Boulevard in the wellhead protection area (6-0-0)
• Accepted and authorized spending a $1,000 DuLong family donation for the Parks & Recreation camp scholarship fund (6-0-0)
• Accepted the Town of Merrimack Administration of Federal Grant Funds Policy with a discussed change (6-0-0)
• Approved January 29, 2025 budget meeting minutes as amended (6-0-0)
• Approved February 13, 2025 minutes as written (5-0-1, Councilor M. Murphy abstaining)
• Assigned motion makers and seconders for Deliberative Session Articles 2-6
• Adjourned the meeting at 7:33pm (6-0-0)

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment meets Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall, 8 Baboosic Lake Road, to hold public hearings on several zoning petitions. A 69-unit elderly housing variance at 19 Tinker Road will not be heard due to a legal notice error. The Board will also consider a church use at 420 DW Highway, an elderly assisted living facility and adult daycare at 7 Henry Clay Drive, and a junkyard at 63 Back River Road, plus approval of January 29, 2025 minutes.

• Case # ZBA 2025-03: 69-unit elderly housing variance at 19 Tinker Road (John O'Neill & Tinker Road, LLC) — not heard due to a legal notice error
• Case # ZBA 2025-02: Special Exception for a church use at 420 DW Highway in the Town Center Overlay District (Felipe Goncalves / Premier Commercial Properties, LLC)
• Case # ZBA 2025-04: Variance for an elderly assisted living facility and adult daycare at 7 Henry Clay Drive (Whiting Building, LLC)
• Case # ZBA 2025-05: Variance to permit a junkyard at 63 Back River Road in the R-4 Residential District (Richard Beauchesne)
• Approval of Minutes – January 29, 2025

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a special exception for a church in the Town Center Overlay District and a variance for an elderly assisted living facility and adult daycare. A variance to permit a junkyard in a residential district at 63 Back River Road was unanimously denied. Another variance application for an elderly housing development at 19 Tinker Road was tabled due to a legal notice error.

• Tabled variance for 69-unit elderly housing development at 19 Tinker Road due to notice error (No vote required)
• Approved special exception for church use at 420 DW Highway (5-0)
• Approved variance for elderly assisted living facility and adult daycare at 7 Henry Clay Drive (4-1)
• Denied variance to permit a junkyard at 63 Back River Road (5-0)
• Approved January 29, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0-2)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, February 24, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The commission will discuss and potentially vote on two Fund 53 expenditures: an estimated $4,830.00 for a Beaver Solutions recommended annual maintenance plan and maintenance of previously installed flow devices, and a $250.00 membership donation to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Members will also discuss community outreach ideas and long-range planning, approve minutes from February 10, 2025, and enter a non-public session under RSA 91-A:3, II(d) regarding real or personal property acquisition, sale, or lease. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Potential vote on $4,830.00 from Fund 53 for Beaver Solutions annual maintenance plan and maintenance of previously installed flow devices
• Potential vote on $250.00 from Fund 53 for a 2025 Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests membership donation
• Community outreach ideas: property scavenger hunts and a public event on properties, history, and outdoor education (submitted by Karis Welsh)
• Non-public session under RSA 91-A:3, II(d) on acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property
• Approval of February 10, 2025 minutes

The Commission approved expenditures from Fund 53 for beaver-related water management and a professional membership donation. Members discussed future maintenance responsibilities for water leveling devices and potential community outreach events.

• Approved up to $6,002.00 from Fund 53 for repair and installation of water leveling devices by Beaver Solutions, LLC (7-0-0)
• Approved $250.00 membership donation to the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests from Fund 53 (7-0-0)
• Approved February 10, 2025 minutes with amendments (6-0-1)
• Entered non-public session to discuss property acquisition, sale, or lease (7-0-0)
• Voted to seal non-public minutes from February 24, 2025 (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is scheduled to meet Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is a nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (d), covering consideration of the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property. No other business is listed on this agenda, and the agenda then adjourns. The agenda does not identify any specific property, price, or outcome.

• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (d) on acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property
• No public items, contracts, ordinances, or dollar amounts listed on this agenda
• Agenda posted February 14, 2025

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council has posted a non-meeting for Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is a consultation with legal counsel under RSA 91-A:2, I (b), a provision of New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law that allows a public body to meet outside the public eye for legal advice. No decisions, votes, contracts, or public hearings are listed on this agenda.

• Non-meeting (not a regular public session) posted for Feb 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM
• Sole agenda item: consultation with legal counsel under RSA 91-A:2, I (b)
• Agenda posted February 14, 2025

Parks and Recreation

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee holds its regular meeting on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025 at 7 pm in the Matthew Meeting Room at Town Hall. The agenda includes approval of January 15, 2025 minutes, an update on the Merrimack Dog Park, and a Director's Report covering the budget, camp and after-school coordinator, 2025 summer camp registration, summer hiring, and a review of the 33rd Annual Winter Carnival. Organization reports and public and committee comments are also scheduled. No specific decisions, contracts, or fee changes are listed on the agenda.

• Merrimack Dog Park update; current balance listed as $647.18
• Director's Report: budget update
• Summer Camp Registration 2025 and summer hiring update
• Review of the 33rd Annual Winter Carnival
• Approval of minutes from January 15, 2025

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation committee approved the minutes from their January 15, 2025 meeting and heard routine updates regarding the dog park, departmental budgets, summer camp registration, and upcoming community events. No other formal votes or policy decisions were made during the session.

• Approved January 15, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0-3)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The main item is a conceptual plan by Lagoinha Nashua Church, with owner Premier Commercial Properties, LLC, to convert a vacant drugstore at 420 Daniel Webster Highway into a church with site improvements. The Board will also consider three consent-agenda extension requests and the Planning & Zoning Administrator's report, and may approve minutes from February 4, 2025.

• Conceptual plan (Case # PB2025-04) to convert a vacant drugstore at 420 Daniel Webster Highway into a church; parcel is in the C-2 Commercial Town Center Overlay, Elderly Housing and Aquifer Conservation Districts, Tax Map 5D-4 Lot 3-1
• Consent agenda extension request: Flatley Commerce Park Access Road Site Plan (Case # PB2021-29)
• Consent agenda extension request: Flatley 3-lot Subdivision (Case # PB2023-24)
• Consent agenda extension request: Patriots Car Wash Site Plan (Case # PB2022-40)
• Planning & Zoning Administrator's report and discussion, with possible action on other items of concern

The Planning Board voted 4-0-0 to approve a consent agenda granting extension requests for the Flatley Commerce Park Access Road Site Plan, the Flatley 3-lot Subdivision, and the Patriots Car Wash Site Plan. The Board also heard a conceptual plan to convert a vacant drugstore at 420 Daniel Webster Highway into a church; no decision was made, and the applicant was advised to return with a formal proposal addressing parking and occupancy. The Board approved the February 4, 2025 minutes 4-0-0 and adjourned at 7:01 p.m.

• Approved consent agenda with extension requests for Flatley Commerce Park Access Road Site Plan (PB2021-29), Flatley 3-lot Subdivision (PB2023-24), and Patriots Car Wash Site Plan (PB2022-40) (4-0-0)
• Heard conceptual plan to convert vacant drugstore at 420 Daniel Webster Highway into a church (PB2025-04); no vote taken
• Approved February 4, 2025 minutes as drafted (4-0-0)
• Voted to adjourn at 7:01 p.m. (4-0-0)

Heritage Commission

The Merrimack Heritage Commission meets Monday, February 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Community Development Conference Room at Town Hall. The agenda covers introductions, approval of prior meeting minutes, and a project status review. Items under review include grave markers at Thornton's Cemetery from the Descendants of Signers of the Declaration and the Sons of the American Revolution, signage for Town historic sites, Granite Incorporated signs, and Heritage Commission files. The meeting closes with a round table discussion and adjournment; the next meeting is March 10, 2025.

• Project status review of Thornton's Cemetery grave markers from the Descendants of Signers of the Declaration and the Sons of the American Revolution
• Signage for Town historic sites under review
• Granite Incorporated signs under review
• Heritage Commission files under review
• Approval of prior meeting minutes

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council met on January 23, 2025, and approved a letter opposing House Bill 407, which would require town and school spending items to receive votes from at least 15 percent of registered voters. The council also voted to raise commercial tipping fees at the Transfer Station and discussed a new pavement management plan. Several items were informational or follow-up discussions.

• Approved 7-0-0 a letter by Chairman Rothhaus opposing HB 407, which would require at least 15% of registered voters (3,077 in Merrimack) to pass town or school spending items
• Voted 7-0-0 to increase commercial tipping fees: trash from $133 to $168 per ton and construction debris from $150 to $185 per ton, effective April 1, 2025, projected to increase Solid Waste revenue by about $89,250
• Reviewed a proposed Town Pavement Management & Preservation Plan, including cold in-place recycling planned for Turkey Hill Road, McQuestion to Candy Ln
• Discussed Wildcat Conservation Area follow-up; fines for residents are $50 first offense, $100 second, $150 subsequent
• Heard a Town Manager report on a conceptual proposal by Recycling Associates for a 44,500 s.f. waste recycling warehouse and 55,500 s.f. municipal solid waste sorting facility; no application filed and no town approvals sought or granted

The Town Council approved several fee increases for zoning and waste disposal and authorized funds for milfoil treatment. The Council also moved the 2025-26 proposed operating budget, default budget, and capital reserve deposits to the Town Warrant for voter consideration.

• Approved $20,500 for Milfoil Treatment Program at Horseshoe Pond and Naticook Lake (6-0-0)
• Increased Zoning Board of Adjustment application fee to $200 (6-0-0)
• Increased commercial trash disposal fee to $168 and construction/demolition fee to $185 (6-0-0)
• Moved $42,863,616 Municipal Appropriation to the Town Warrant (6-0-0)
• Moved $100,000 for Pennichuck Square Pump Station engineering study to the Warrant (6-0-0)
• Moved $2,410,000 General Fund CRF and $600,000 Wastewater CRF to the Warrant (6-0-0)
• Moved $40,808,202 default budget to the warrant (6-0-0)
• Appointed Donna LaRue as Trustee Alternate to the Library Trustees (6-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, February 10, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. There are no public hearings. The agenda includes discussion of a Girl Scout invasive species project, VFW workday and contaminated-area projects, and a request to release an easement at 27 Sarah Drive (Tax Map 4C Lot 48-05). The commission may vote on allocating $235.00 for materials to rebuild the Sklar kiosk and will review minutes from January 27, 2025.

• Possible vote to allocate $235.00 for materials to rebuild the Sklar kiosk (submitted by Tom Martinson)
• Easement release request for 27 Sarah Drive, Tax Map 4C Lot 48-05, by owner Ron Hayward and Eli Leino of Bernstein Shur
• Girl Scout invasive species project discussion submitted by Jennifer Schelly
• VFW workday project and projects in contaminated areas, both submitted by Eric Starr
• Discussion of Land Agent role and responsibilities submitted by Andrew Duane

The Merrimack Conservation Commission voted to approve the release of a conservation easement at 27 Sarah Drive. The commission also approved allocating up to $250.00 from Fund 53 to rebuild the Sklar kiosk and approved the minutes from the January 27, 2025 meeting.

• Approved release of conservation easement at 27 Sarah Drive (6-0-0)
• Allocated up to $250.00 from Fund 53 to rebuild the Sklar kiosk (6-0-0)
• Approved January 27, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments (4-0-2)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only agenda item is consideration of the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property under RSA 91-A:3, II (d), a New Hampshire law allowing certain property discussions to be held outside public view. The agenda then adjourns. No specific property, address, or dollar amount is identified in the posted agenda.

• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (d) to consider acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property
• No property address, parcel, or dollar amount listed in the posted agenda
• Agenda posted February 3, 2025

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Room. The main item is a Conditional Use Permit request from Autumn Howe for a Level II baked goods home occupation at 25 E Chamberlain Road, Unit G. The board will also hear the Planning & Zoning Administrator's report and approve minutes from January 21, 2025. If the meeting is cancelled, all items move to February 18, 2025.

• Conditional Use Permit for a Level II baked goods home occupation at 25 E Chamberlain Road, Unit G (Case # PB 2025-03)
• Property is in the R-4 Residential, Aquifer Conservation, and Elderly Housing Overlay Districts; Tax Map 4D-3 Lot 77-2
• Planning & Zoning Administrator's report and possible action on other items
• Approval of minutes from the January 21, 2025 meeting

The Merrimack Planning Board granted conditional final approval for a Level II baked goods Home Occupation at 25 E Chamberlain Road, Unit G. The applicant, Autumn Howe, plans to sell items from a bookcase outside her home approximately twice a month using the condo association's parking lot. The board also approved the minutes from the January 21, 2025 meeting.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Level II baked goods Home Occupation at 25 E Chamberlain Road (6-0-0)
• Approved minutes from January 21, 2025 (6-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council has posted a non-meeting for Thursday, January 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is a consultation with legal counsel under RSA 91-A:2, I (b), a provision of New Hampshire's Right-to-Know Law that allows a public body to meet outside the public eye for legal advice. No decisions, votes, contracts, or other agenda items are listed in the posted notice.

• Non-meeting (not a regular public session) posted for January 30, 2025 at 6:00 PM
• Sole item: consultation with legal counsel under RSA 91-A:2, I (b)
• Notice posted January 24, 2025

Zoning Board

The supplied record contains no agenda for this Merrimack Zoning Board meeting. The only text provided states that no agenda is available and directs readers to review the minutes. No items, decisions, or discussions can be reported from this source.

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment denied a request for rehearing regarding a previously granted frontage variance for a property at 54 Parkhurst Road and denied a rehearing request for a denied accessory dwelling unit variance at 6 Haise Way. The Board also approved the minutes from the December 18, 2024 meeting with a staff verification condition and adjourned the meeting.

• Denied rehearing for ZBA Case #2024-28 (54 Parkhurst Road frontage variance) (3-0-0)
• Denied rehearing for ZBA Case #2024-26 (6 Haise Way ADU variance) (3-0-0)
• Approved December 18, 2024 meeting minutes with a verification condition (3-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m. (3-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a budget meeting on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda lists public comment and council deliberation on the 2025/26 Budget, along with discussion of proposed debt issuance, a review of capital reserve funds, and discussion of fund balance usage. The agenda does not include specific dollar amounts, votes, or decisions.

• Public comment period
• Proposed issuance of debt
• Review of capital reserve funds
• Discussion of fund balance usage
• Deliberation on the 2025/26 Budget

The Town Council approved a series of adjustments to the 2025/26 budget, including bringing snow plowing in-house and purchasing a shared pickup truck. The council voted unanimously to move the adjusted General Fund budget of $42,909,979, along with Capital Reserve Funds totaling $3,010,000, to the February 13 public hearing. No decision was made on increasing fire department staffing or ambulance fees, which were discussed but left for further deliberation.

• Approved budget adjustments including in-house plowing and shared vehicle purchase (7-0)
• Moved $2,410,000 General Fund Capital Reserve to Feb 13 public hearing (7-0)
• Moved $600,000 WWTF Capital Reserve to Feb 13 public hearing (7-0)
• Moved $42,909,979 Town Budget to Feb 13 public hearing (7-0)
• Tabled Proposed Issuance of Debt agenda item (7-0)

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, January 27, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. There are no public hearings; the agenda is discussion items, including possible orientation maps for Grater Woods and Horse Hill Nature Preserve, a new gate at Grater Woods, plexiglass for the Sklar Kiosk, and a report on a Town Council vote about the name of the Wildcat Conservation Area. The commission will also hear about participation in the 2025 Winter Carnival and approve minutes from January 13, 2025.

• Discussion on potential orientation maps for Grater Woods and Horse Hill Nature Preserve (submitted by Jim Arsenault)
• Discussion on installing a new gate at Grater Woods
• Discussion on a request for new plexiglass for the Sklar Kiosk (submitted by Karis Welsh)
• Report on the Town Council vote on the name of the Wildcat Conservation Area (submitted by Ellen Kolb)
• Approval of minutes from the January 13, 2025 meeting

The Merrimack Conservation Commission discussed potential orienteering maps and events at Grater Woods and Horse Hill Nature Preserve, reviewed plans for the Winter Carnival and Sklar Kiosk repairs, and heard updates on parking and the Wildcat Conservation Area name. The Commission approved the January 13, 2025 meeting minutes with amendments and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved January 13, 2025 Conservation Commission minutes with amendments (5-0-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0-0)

Town Center

The Merrimack Town Center Committee meets Friday, January 24, 2025 at noon in the Matthew Thornton Room at Merrimack Town Hall. Members will approve December 13, 2024 minutes and discuss old business including the Church Street Property survey, the Town Center Priority List and cost estimates, the School Master Plan, and the status of Route 3/Wire Road and Baboosic Brook bridges. New business includes a DOT easement request on Baboosic Lake Road, the Souhegan River footbridge, support for the February 8, 2025 Merrimack Winter Carnival, and a TCC letter of support for TAP grants on the north side of Baboosic Lake Road. No votes on spending or ordinances are listed on this agenda.

• Status of Church Street Property survey (Dawn Tuomala)
• Review of Town Center Priority List and cost estimates; Nelson & Dawn Tuomala ten-year plan
• DOT request for easement on Baboosic Lake Road (Matt Shevenell & Dawn Tuomala)
• Status of footbridge over the Souhegan River; any communication from Ms. Cassell
• TCC letter of support for upcoming TAP grants, north side of Baboosic Lake Road

The Town Center Committee approved the minutes from December 13, 2024, by a vote of 4-1-0. The committee discussed the status of the Route 3/Wire Road & Baboosic Brook Bridges project, which is in design phase with bids expected in January 2026. A temporary slope easement of approximately 65 feet for NH DOT was granted to match road grades.

• Approved December 13, 2024 minutes (4-1-0)
• Granted temporary slope easement for NH DOT (~65 feet)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council met on January 9, 2025, and approved the 2025-2031 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) after a follow-up discussion with the Planning Board's priority rankings. The Council also approved a NHDOT proposal to acquire 357 square feet of temporary construction easement for the Baboosic Lake Road bridge replacement over the FE Everett Turnpike. A public hearing on changes to Chapter 183, Vehicles & Traffic, of the Merrimack Town Code was moved to the Consent Agenda for the next meeting. The meeting also included legislative updates from state representatives and a Town Manager's report.

• Approved 2025-2031 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) with Planning Board rankings, including urgent items like the 800 MHz project, Master Plan, and wastewater pump stations
• Approved NHDOT's acquisition of 357 sq ft temporary construction easement for Baboosic Lake Road bridge replacement over the FE Everett Turnpike
• Public hearing on stop sign at Bishop Street and School Street moved to Consent Agenda for next meeting
• Town Manager reported state-mandated AVS computers for handicap voters estimated at $8,000 per unit, with programming costs of $600-$800 per local election
• TAP grant application and letter of support discussed for Baboosic Lake Road sidewalk project

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The only listed item is a closed session under RSA 91-A:3, II (d) to consider the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property. No other business is on the agenda, and the agenda then adjourns. The agenda does not identify the property or any proposed terms.

• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (d) on acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property
• No public business items listed; agenda ends with adjournment
• Agenda posted January 17, 2025

The Merrimack Town Council approved raising commercial tipping fees at the transfer station for trash and construction debris, effective April 1, 2025. The Council also accepted $1,800 in total donations from Franklin Savings Bank and Mosquito Joe for the Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series, and approved a letter opposing State House Bill 407. In addition, the Council reviewed the town pavement management plan and discussed the Wildcat Conservation Area.

• Approved letter opposing House Bill 407 regarding town voting requirements (7-0-0)
• Approved Chapter 183 Vehicles & Traffic code changes on final reading (7-0-0)
• Approved commercial tipping fee adjustments at the Transfer Station effective April 1, 2025 (7-0-0)
• Accepted $900 donation from Franklin Savings Bank for Summer Concert Series (7-0-0)
• Accepted $900 donation from Mosquito Joe for Summer Concert Series (7-0-0)
• Approved January 7, 2025 special meeting minutes (6-0-1, Councilor Albert abstained)
• Approved January 8, 2025 budget meeting minutes as amended (6-0-1, Councilor Albert abstained)
• Tabled January 9, 2025 meeting minutes until the next meeting (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a public budget meeting on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Matthew Thornton Room to review the 2025/26 budget. Departments on the agenda include Welfare, Library, Parks and Recreation, Summer Day Camp, Fire, and Code Enforcement. The agenda also lists a proposed issuance of debt. Public comment is included, and the meeting is scheduled to adjourn afterward.

• Review of the 2025/26 budget for Welfare, Library, Parks and Recreation, Summer Day Camp, Fire, and Code Enforcement
• Proposed issuance of debt listed on the agenda
• Public comment period included
• Meeting held in the Matthew Thornton Room at 6:30 PM

The Town Council reviewed budget presentations for Welfare, Library, Parks and Recreation, Fire, and Code Enforcement. The only formal vote taken was to table the proposed issuance of debt agenda item until the January 29 meeting. No budget figures were approved or denied during this session.

• Tabled proposed issuance of debt discussion (7-0)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meets Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. in the Memorial Room to hold two conceptual discussions: a proposed waste recycling and municipal solid waste sorting facility on Star Drive, and a proposed subdivision with a 48-unit elderly multi-family workforce housing building at 381 DW Highway. The Board will also hold a public hearing on amendments to its fee schedule under RSA 675:7. No final decisions are scheduled; the two development items are listed as conceptual discussions.

• Conceptual discussion (Case # PB 2025-01): CMI Leasing Corp (applicant) & Kalika LLC (owner) propose a 44,500 s.f. warehouse for a waste recycling facility and a 55,500 s.f. warehouse for a municipal solid waste sorting facility, with office space and site improvements, at the end of Star Drive in the I-1 (Industrial) and Aquifer Conservation Districts, Tax Map 3D-1 Lots 4 & 4-1
• Conceptual discussion (Case #PB2025-02): David Whittemore (applicant/owner) proposes to subdivide the parcel, build a 3-unit "barndominium" building and a 2-unit building on the existing house lot, and a 48-unit elderly multi-family workforce housing building on the proposed lot at 381 DW Highway in the R-4 (Residential by soils) Elderly Housing and Aquifer Conservation Districts, Tax Map 4D-3, Lot 92
• Public hearing under RSA 675:7 on amendments to the Planning Board fee schedule, authorized by RSAs 674:44(V) & RSA 676:4(I)(g)
• Consent agenda includes a bond reduction
• Approval of minutes from December 17, 2024; Planning & Zoning Administrator's Report with discussion and possible action

The Planning Board approved a revised fee schedule based on a regional analysis. A proposal for a residential subdivision and 'barndominium' project was tabled indefinitely. The Board also held a conceptual discussion regarding a proposed waste recycling and sorting facility.

• Approved consent agenda including Chestnut Hill bond reduction and Thomas More College site plan extension (5-0-0)
• Tabled residential subdivision and 'barndominium' project at 381 DW Highway indefinitely (5-0-0)
• Adopted amended Planning Board fee schedule (5-0-0)
• Approved December 17, 2024 meeting minutes (5-0-0)

Zoning Board

The Merrimack Zoning Board of Adjustment meets Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. to hold public hearings on two requests for rehearing of earlier decisions. One concerns a granted variance for a two-lot subdivision at 54 Parkhurst Road; the other concerns a denied variance for an accessory dwelling unit at 6 Haise Way. The agenda also lists approval of December 18, 2024 minutes and possible discussion of other items.

• Rehearing request in Case #ZBA 2024-28: Sweeney property at 54 Parkhurst Road, where a variance was granted for a two-lot subdivision with 150 feet and 227.10 feet of frontage versus the 250 feet required (Tax Map 7A Lot 4)
• Rehearing request in Case #ZBA 2024-26: Frioni property at 6 Haise Way, where a variance for an Accessory Dwelling Unit was denied because the owner occupies neither the ADU nor the primary dwelling (Tax Map 6C Lot 197)
• Approval of minutes from December 18, 2024
• If cancelled, all agenda items would be taken up February 26, 2025

Trustees of Trust Funds

The Trustees of Trust Funds meets Friday, January 17, 2025 at 9:00 AM in the Matthew Thornton Room at Town Hall. The agenda includes approving minutes from November 22, 2024, a forest warrant article, scholarship payments and 2025 award authorization, audit follow-up, and correspondence about a $12,000 Bear Christensen Fund donation tied to a December 19, 2024 public hearing. Future meeting and deliberative session dates are also listed.

• Bear Christensen Fund donation of $12,000, with a public hearing held December 19, 2024
• Scholarships paid to Gibson and Greenleaf; possible authorization for 2025 awards to Watson
• Forest comments and a warrant article
• Audit feedback follow-up and a possible School Board response
• Upcoming dates: February 21, March 21, School District Deliberative March 4, Town Deliberative March 12, Town Meeting April 8; Christensen term expires 2025

The Trustees of Trust Funds approved minutes from their November 22, 2024 meeting and discussed scholarship funding, trust donations, and capital reserve funds. Trustees noted that 5 Watson Scholarships from May 2024 remain unpaid, and they plan to fund 5 $1000 Watson Scholarships for 2025 using funds on hand. They also acknowledged the deposit of $2,790,000.00 from the Town for Capital Reserve Funds.

• Approved minutes of November 22, 2024 (3-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a public budget meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Matthew Thornton Room to review the 2025/26 budget. The review covers six public works areas: Wastewater Treatment Fund, Highway, Equipment Maintenance, Solid Waste Disposal, Buildings and Grounds, and Public Works Administration. The agenda includes a public comment period and then adjournment. No specific dollar amounts, votes, or decisions are listed in the agenda text.

• Public comment period scheduled
• Review of 2025/26 Wastewater Treatment Fund budget
• Review of 2025/26 Highway department budget
• Review of 2025/26 Equipment Maintenance, Solid Waste Disposal, Buildings and Grounds, and Public Works Administration budgets

The Merrimack Town Council held a budget meeting on January 15, 2025, to review proposed 2025/26 budgets for the Wastewater Treatment Fund, Highway Division, Equipment Maintenance, Solid Waste Disposal, Buildings and Grounds, and Public Works Administration. Town officials and department heads presented department figures, staffing ratios, and cost increases regarding utilities, fuel, software, and supplies. No final formal budget adoption votes were recorded during the session, which concluded with a unanimous adjournment vote.

• Adjourned the meeting at 8:30pm (7-0-0)

Parks and Recreation

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee meets Wednesday, January 15th at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall Memorial Conference Room. The committee will welcome new member Brian Landrigan, hear a director's report on programs and events, and discuss an upcoming budget presentation to the Town Council. It will also review the November 20th, 2024 minutes and take public and committee comments.

• Budget presentation to the Town Council scheduled for Wednesday, January 22nd
• Merrimack Dog Park update; current balance reported as $497.34
• Summer Camp registration 2025 and summer hiring update
• Review of the 31st Annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting and Watson Park Ice Skating Rink
• 33rd Annual Winter Carnival on Saturday, Feb 8th, 12:00–3:00 pm; volunteers needed

The Merrimack Parks and Recreation Committee approved minutes from their November 20th meeting by a 6-0-1 vote and adjourned at 7:46 pm. The committee also received updates regarding the upcoming town budget presentation, summer camp registrations, and local program reports.

• Approved November 20th, 2024 meeting minutes (6-0-1)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:46 pm (8-0-0)

Conservation Commission

The Grater Woods subcommittee of the Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Conference Room. New business covers a tree down at the Tadpole/Centipede intersection and trail markers. Old business covers maintenance updates, and the group will consider approving minutes from November 12, 2024.

• Tree down at the Tadpole/Centipede intersection
• Trail markers discussion
• Maintenance updates
• Approval of November 12, 2024 minutes

The subcommittee approved the minutes from the November 12, 2024 meeting. Members discussed trail map updates, maintenance of duck boxes, and the reporting of a downed tree.

• Approved November 12, 2024 minutes

Heritage Commission

The Merrimack Heritage Commission meets Monday, January 13, 2025 at 7:00 pm in the Community Development Conference Room at Town Hall. The agenda covers introductions, approval of prior meeting minutes, and a project status review. Items under review include grave markers at Thornton's Cemetery from the Descendants of Signers of the Declaration and the Sons of the American Revolution, signage for Town historic sites, Granite Incorporated signs, and Heritage Commission files. The meeting closes with a round table discussion and adjournment; the next meeting is February 10, 2025.

• Project status review of Thornton's Cemetery grave markers from the Descendants of Signers of the Declaration and the Sons of the American Revolution
• Signage for Town historic sites
• Granite Incorporated signs
• Heritage Commission files
• Approval of prior meeting minutes

Conservation Commission

The Merrimack Conservation Commission meets Monday, January 13, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room. The agenda includes appointments to the Grater Woods and Horse Hill Nature Preserve subcommittees, and several Sklar property items submitted by Karis Welsh: a new gate, barriers to close the park to vehicles for winter/flooding season, plexiglass for a kiosk, and discussion of funding for surveillance cameras. No public hearings are scheduled; the commission will also discuss education opportunities, long-term objectives, an annual seedling purchase, and approve minutes from December 9, 2024.

• Appointment of Marjorie Kuhn to Grater Woods Subcommittee as alternate, term expiring 6/30/25
• Appointment of Kerry Batiste to Horse Hill Nature Preserve Subcommittee as full member, term expiring 6/30/25
• Appointment of Robert Batiste to Horse Hill Nature Preserve Subcommittee as alternate, term expiring 6/30/26
• Sklar property items submitted by Karis Welsh: new gate installation, barriers to close park to vehicles for winter/flooding season, plexiglass for kiosk, and discussion of funding for surveillance cameras
• Discussion of long-term Commission objectives (5- or 10-year plan) and annual seedling purchase

The Merrimack Conservation Commission appointed new members to the Grater Woods and Horse Hill Nature Preserve subcommittees and approved funding for additional seedlings. Commissioners also discussed ongoing maintenance issues at the Sklar property, potential educational opportunities, long-term objectives, and approved the December 9, 2024 meeting minutes with amendments.

• Appointed Marjorie Kuhn as an alternate member of Grater Woods Subcommittee (7-0-0)
• Appointed Robert Batiste as a full member of Horse Hill Nature Preserve Subcommittee (7-0-0)
• Appointed Kerry Batiste as an alternate member of Horse Hill Nature Preserve Subcommittee (7-0-0)
• Allocated a sum not to exceed $200.00 from Fund 53 for additional seedlings (7-0-0)
• Approved December 9, 2024 meeting minutes with amendments (7-0-0)

Town Council

This document is the minutes of the Merrimack Town Council meeting held December 19, 2024, not the January 9, 2025 agenda. The Council accepted $12,000 in donations to the Bear Christensen Fund, voted to place a Watkins Forest tree-cutting warrant article on the 2025 ballot, appointed four committee members, and moved a proposed stop sign on Bishop Street at School Street to a public hearing. The Town Manager also presented his recommended 2025/2026 budget, though the minutes cut off mid-presentation.

• Accepted and authorized expenditure of two donations totaling $12,000 to the Bear Christensen Fund ($8,000 Common Principal Fund, $4,000 Common Income Fund)
• Voted 7-0-0 to place a 2025 ballot warrant article on cutting and selling trees in the town-owned Watkins Forest (165 acres off Profile Dr./Mitchell St. and Lawrence Rd.)
• Appointed Brian Landrigan (Parks and Recreation), Karen Contos (Planning Board), Rodney Buckley (ZBA), and Charles "Chuck" Mower (ZBA alternate)
• Moved a first-reading change to Chapter 183, Vehicles and Traffic, to add a stop sign on Bishop Street at School Street to a public hearing (6-1-0, Councilor Koenig opposed)
• Town Manager presented the recommended 2025/2026 budget, including a $50,000 ambulance revenue increase; minutes end mid-presentation

The Town Council approved the 2025-2031 Capital Improvements Program (CIP) by a vote of 7-0-0. They also authorized the acquisition of a 357-square-foot temporary construction easement for the Baboosic Lake Road bridge replacement project, voting 7-0-0. Additionally, the council voted 6-1-0 to rename Wildcat Falls to Wildcat Conservation Area.

• Approved 2025-2031 Capital Improvements Program (7-0-0)
• Approved NHDOT temporary construction easement for Baboosic Lake Road bridge (7-0-0)
• Approved letter of support for TAP grant application for Baboosic Lake sidewalk (7-0-0)
• Approved renaming Wildcat Falls to Wildcat Conservation Area (6-1-0)
• Approved December 19, 2024 minutes as amended (6-0-1)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a public budget meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 6:30 PM in the Matthew Thornton Room to review the 2025/26 budget. Departments listed for review include Assessing, Community Development, Town Clerk / Tax Collector, Media, Communications, Police, Police Detail, General Government, and Revenues. The agenda includes a public comment period and ends with adjournment. No specific dollar amounts, votes, or decisions are stated in the agenda text.

• Public meeting to review the 2025/26 budget
• Departments listed: Assessing, Community Development, Town Clerk / Tax Collector, Media, Communications, Police, Police Detail, General Government, Revenues
• Public Comment period included on the agenda
• Meeting scheduled for 6:30 PM in the Matthew Thornton Room
• Agenda posted January 3, 2025

The Town Council held a budget meeting to review proposed spending and revenues for various town departments. The session consisted of presentations and discussions regarding departmental needs; no formal votes were taken to approve or deny specific budget line items.

• Adjourned the meeting (7-0-0)

Planning Board

The Merrimack Planning Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Matthew Thornton Room has been cancelled. The notice states the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2024, a date that appears inconsistent with the January 2025 meeting date. No agenda items were listed, so nothing was decided or discussed.

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a meeting on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Memorial Room to interview candidates for an open Town Council seat. Tom Thornton, Peter Albert, and Randy Gordon are each scheduled for a 30-minute interview. The agenda also lists a review of the procedure to fill the open position, followed by adjournment. No decision on the appointment appears on this agenda.

• Interview with Tom Thornton for the Town Council vacancy at 6:00 PM
• Interview with Peter Albert for the Town Council vacancy at 6:30 PM
• Interview with Randy Gordon for the Town Council vacancy at 7:00 PM
• Review of the procedure to fill the open Town Council position

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council holds a special meeting on January 7, 2025, at 7:30 PM in the Memorial Room. The single substantive agenda item is deliberation to appoint someone to fill a Town Council vacancy until the April 2025 election, under Charter Article 4-5. The item was submitted by Chair Finlay Rothhaus and Vice Chair Nancy Harrington. The rest of the agenda is procedural: call to order, pledge, announcements, public comment, and adjournment.

• Deliberation and appointment to fill a Town Council vacancy until the April 2025 election, pursuant to Charter Article 4-5
• Item submitted by Town Council Chair Finlay Rothhaus and Vice Chair Nancy Harrington
• Special meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 7, 2025, 7:30 PM in the Memorial Room
• Backup material available for review in the Town Council's Office at Merrimack Town Hall
• Agenda posted December 30, 2024

The Merrimack Town Council deliberated and voted to appoint Peter Albert to fill a Town Council vacancy until the April 8, 2025 election. The council also approved a motion to adjourn the meeting.

• Appointed Peter Albert to fill Town Council vacancy until April 8, 2025 election (6-0-0)
• Adjourned meeting (7-0-0)

Town Council

The Merrimack Town Council is holding a nonpublic meeting on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the Town Council Chambers. The agenda lists one substantive item: consideration of the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property under RSA 91-A:3, II (d), a New Hampshire law allowing certain property discussions to be held outside public view. The council will also review and approve nonpublic minutes from November 7, 2024, and December 5, 2024, then adjourn. No public business, votes, or dollar amounts are listed on this agenda.

• Nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3, II (d) to consider acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property
• Review and approval of nonpublic minutes from November 7, 2024
• Review and approval of nonpublic minutes from December 5, 2024
• Agenda posted December 27, 2024