Hampton meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Hampton Select Board sets 4.8% budget target, approves $10K for National Night Out

The Hampton Select Board on Aug. 10 set a 4.8% budget increase target for the coming year, approved $10,000 in Crimeline funding for National Night Out, and directed staff to draft a commercial trash cost recovery policy. The Planning Board's Capital Improvements Plan Committee also moved the DPW facility project up a year to 2028.

Select Board

The Select Board voted 5-0 to accept and expend $10,000 from Crimeline of the Hamptons for National Night Out. It also approved Seafood Festival licenses and parking lot use, with added indemnification and insurance requirements (5-0).

The board denied a hawkers and peddlers license for Aptive Environmental LLC (5-0) and directed staff to develop a draft cost recovery policy for commercial trash collection at $3.07 per cart. It set budget guidance at a 4.8% increase, referencing the Municipal Cost Index, and authorized a subcommittee to draft Town Manager evaluation criteria and 2027 goals (5-0).

Action on a 2025 abatement for Barn Realty at 724 Lafayette Road was postponed until the next meeting (5-0). Minutes from July 27, 2026 were approved (5-0).

Planning Board and Capital Improvements

The Capital Improvements Plan Committee, meeting as part of the Planning Board on Aug. 10, voted unanimously to move the DPW Facility project from 2029 to 2028 and the Winnacunnet Road Improvements from 2031 to 2030. It kept the Hampton Hub project in its proposed year and agreed to ask the Select Board to consider a more aggressive paving approach.

On Aug. 17, the committee voted unanimously to send the draft 2027-2032 CIP Report to the Planning Board for a public hearing scheduled for Sept. 16. It also noted that the State reduced expected improvements for the SAU 90 pond and dam project, and that work will not be part of the CIP. Minutes from Aug. 10 were approved unanimously, with Faucher abstaining.

Other boards and committees

The 79-E Advisory Committee met twice. On Aug. 12, it approved remote attendance for Ms. Mullen (unanimous) and minutes (6-0-1, Glover abstained), but made no substantive decisions. On Aug. 19, it selected Milford's covenant template as preferred, decided to address condominium ownership with legal counsel, and confirmed that tax relief duration is limited to five years per a 2011 warrant article. It also planned 2027 warrant articles covering rehabilitation thresholds, public benefits, zone conversion, and discretionary tax relief.

The Heritage Commission on Aug. 13 approved minutes from May (6-0-0) and June (5-0-1) and discussed the Blacksmith Shop restoration and the Whatzit-Wherezit map, but made no decisions. No demolition permits were reviewed.

The Hampton Beach Village Precinct meeting on Aug. 19 was purely procedural, with no substantive items.

Two meetings were agenda-only and no decisions were made: the Planning Board on Aug. 19 discussed a Housing Opportunity Planning (HOP) grant and a possible summit application; the Zoning Board of Adjustments on Aug. 20 scheduled a public hearing for four variance petitions (21-26 through 24-26) but has not yet acted.

Coming up

The Select Board meets Aug. 24 to consider a fire truck bid award, a draft commercial refuse collection policy, and an ordinance correction for Greene Street. The 79-E Advisory Committee meets Sept. 2 to discuss CRIZ assessment, covenant templates, and potential warrant articles.

Hampton moves DPW facility to 2028, approves charcuterie shop

The Capital Improvements Plan Committee voted unanimously to move the DPW Facility project from 2029 to 2028 and the Winnacunnet Road Improvements from 2031 to 2030, adjusting the town's six-year capital plan. The committee also agreed to keep the Hampton Hub project in its proposed year and to ask the Select Board to consider a more aggressive paving approach. The moves were part of a review of town and school capital requests for 2027–2032.

Capital improvements timeline adjusted

The committee, meeting August 10, approved the changes without dissent. The DPW Facility project is now scheduled for CIP Year 2028, and Winnacunnet Road Improvements for CIP Year 2030. The committee also approved minutes from its May 26, 2026 meeting unanimously.

Business approvals

The Planning Board, meeting August 5, approved a change of use at 32 Depot Square (Building 2), converting a hair salon to Quinn's Corner, a charcuterie and wine tasting shop. The vote was 7-0. The board also granted three wetlands permits, all by 7-0 votes: a 28'x10' concrete pad for dumpster storage at 493 Ocean Boulevard; slope stabilization at 36 Cliff Avenue and 50 Dumas Avenue; and a two-year extension for a wetlands permit at 549 Ocean Boulevard through November 6, 2028. Minutes from July 29, 2026 were approved 6-0-1.

Tax relief proposal

The 79-E Advisory Committee, meeting August 5, reached consensus to propose a substantial rehabilitation threshold of 220% of pre-rehabilitation assessed valuation to the Select Board. The committee directed staff to draft a revised list of public benefit criteria, striking options 4, 6, and 11, combining options 1-2 and 3-9, keeping option 7 but removing "Hampton based contractors," and adding an option for public art. No final decisions were made; the proposal and draft list are pending further review.

Coming up

• **Planning Board (CIP Committee)** – August 17, 2026: Vote on sending the draft 2027–2032 capital plan to the Planning Board.
• **Planning Board** – August 19, 2026: Discussion of a Housing Opportunity Planning (HOP) grant and a possible application for a small grant to host a housing and economic development summit.
• **Zoning Board of Adjustments** – August 20, 2026: Public hearing on four variance petitions, including properties at 1 Beach Plum Way, 559 Winnacunnet Rd, 14 Elaine St, and 555 Winnacunnet Rd.

Hampton Select Board approves $63K DPW study, creates tax relief committee

The Hampton Select Board approved a $63,000 contract for a Department of Public Works facility study and established a committee to review tax relief ordinances at its July 27 meeting. The board also adopted a policy to redact personal information from public documents and approved several other expenditures.

Select Board

The board voted 5-0-0 to award a $63,000 contract to Weston & Sampson for a DPW facility study. It also voted 5-0-0 to create the 79-E Advisory Committee, which will review Community Revitalization Tax Relief Incentive ordinances. A new policy to redact personally identifiable information (PII) from public documents was adopted 5-0-0.

Other actions included:

• Approved $17,373 for firefighter personal protective equipment from the Capital Reserve Fund (5-0-0)
• Approved an entertainment license amendment for Ocean Gaming LLC for 7-day DJ/entertainment (5-0-0)
• Approved a $3,500 fitness equipment donation for Beach Fire Station (5-0-0)
• Approved use of the Ashworth Avenue parking lot for a Car Show on 9/19 (4-0-1)
• Approved a driveway permit waiver for cobblestones at 7 Acadia Avenue (4-0-1)

Planning Board

The Planning Board approved an administrative change to the Liberty Lane site plan, removing playground equipment and associated sidewalks, by a 5-1 vote. The board also approved minutes from its July 1 meeting (6-0-0). Members discussed proposed regulatory changes for workforce housing and town center revitalization, with further action deferred to August 19.

Other recent meetings

The Conservation Commission met July 28 to consider two town wetland permit applications: a 28' x 10' concrete pad at 493 Ocean Blvd and slope stabilization at 36 Cliff Ave and 50 Dumas Ave. No decisions were recorded.

The 79-E Advisory Committee met July 29 and selected Donald Bliss as chairperson and Ryan Pope as vice-chairperson. The committee discussed updating the 79-E ordinance to align with HB 1103 but took no formal votes on ordinance changes.

On August 5, the 79-E Advisory Committee was scheduled to discuss public benefit criteria, substantial rehabilitation thresholds, and the designated area. The Planning Board also met August 5 for public hearings on two wetland permits, a change of use request for 32 Depot Square (from hair salon to charcuterie/wine tasting), and a wetlands permit extension for 549 Ocean Boulevard. Minutes for these meetings have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **August 10** – Planning Board: The Capital Improvements Plan Committee will review 2027-2032 capital requests from the Lane Memorial Library, Public Works, Fire and Police Departments, and SAU21 and SAU90, and discuss project prioritization.
• **August 20** – Zoning Board of Adjustments: Public hearing on four variance petitions, including properties at 1 Beach Plum Way, 559 Winnacunnet Rd, 14 Elaine St, and 555 Winnacunnet Rd. The board will also approve minutes from its July 16 meeting.

Hampton boards weigh DPW bids, wetland permits, and commercial conversion ordinance

Select Board reviews DPW facility bids and trash cost recovery

The Select Board met July 27 to review bids for the DPW facility and discuss cost recovery for the town's trash policy. The agenda also included a $1,180 donation to the Police Department from Crime Line for the Hamptons, a driveway permit waiver request for 7 Acadia Avenue, an accessible parking space request for 11 J Street, and an entertainment license amendment for Ocean Gaming LLC, doing business as Beach Club Casino. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so no vote outcomes are available.

Conservation Commission considers two wetland permit applications

The Conservation Commission met July 28 to review two town wetland permit applications: a 28' x 10' concrete pad at 493 Ocean Blvd and slope stabilization at 36 Cliff Ave and 50 Dumas Ave. The commission was also scheduled to review previous meeting minutes and financial reports. Minutes have not yet been published.

79-E Advisory Committee elects leadership, begins ordinance update

The 79-E Advisory Committee met July 29 and selected Donald Bliss as Chairperson and Ryan Pope as Vice-Chairperson. The committee discussed updating the 79-E ordinance to align with HB 1103 and defining designated areas for commercial conversions. Members discussed establishing public benefit metrics, rehabilitation thresholds, and the application process. No formal votes were taken on ordinance changes.

Planning Board discusses housing grant and Liberty Lane modifications

The Planning Board met July 29 to discuss a Housing Opportunity Planning grant with Jennifer Rowden of the Rockingham Planning Commission. The board also considered proposed site plan modifications for Liberty Lane, including excluding playground equipment and immediate sidewalk connections, and a proposal to provide open recreational area. A recap of the Select Board and Planning Board joint meeting was also on the agenda. Minutes have not yet been published.

Master Plan Implementation Committee tables June minutes

The Master Plan Implementation Committee met July 22 and unanimously tabled the June 24, 2026 minutes until its September meeting. The committee reviewed priority recommendations for town center revitalization and resilience that had been previously presented to the Select Board. Members discussed public engagement strategies and reviewed proposed 'Plan Hampton' logo designs.

Coming up

• **Aug. 5 — 79-E Advisory Committee:** Discussion of public benefit criteria, substantial rehabilitation thresholds, and the designated area for commercial conversions.
• **Aug. 5 — Planning Board:** Public hearings on wetlands permits for 493 Ocean Boulevard (28' x 10' concrete pad for dumpster storage) and for 36 Cliff Avenue and 50 Dumas Avenue (slope stabilization). The board will also consider a change of use at 32 Depot Square, Building 2, from a hair salon to a charcuterie and wine tasting business, a wetlands permit extension request at 549 Ocean Boulevard, and anticipated 2027 zoning amendments.

Hampton Select Board approves $64,500 police fire alarm panel, $15,000 public information officer role

The Hampton Select Board authorized up to $64,500 from the municipal building capital reserve for a fire alarm panel and UPS at the police department and approved $15,000 for a new Public Information Officer position at its July 13 meeting, according to official minutes.

Select Board spending actions

The board voted 5-0-0 to waive the bidding process and authorize up to $64,500 from the municipal building capital reserve for a fire alarm panel and UPS for the police department. It also approved a $10,000 nonprofit technology equipment request (5-0-0) and authorized a $15,000 expenditure for a Public Information Officer (4-1-0). Minutes from the June 22, 2026 meeting were approved 5-0-0, and consent agenda items were moved 5-0-0.

Economic summit and RSA 79-E direction

The Select Board reached consensus to move forward with a proposed Housing and Economic Development Summit. It also directed members Grip, Pope, and Novotney to prepare updates on RSA 79-E rehabilitation thresholds, public benefits, covenant templates, and financial review processes for future ballot consideration. The board approved the Planning Board's indication of interest in the UNH Extension CBE program.

Select Board goal-setting session

With facilitation from Primex, the Select Board held a goal-setting session identifying town successes and challenges. Members established goals under Future Planning, Finance & Budget, and Infrastructure categories, to be reviewed within 12-18 months.

Trustees of the Trust Fund

On July 14, the Trustees of the Trust Fund unanimously approved April 21, 2026 minutes and took several financial actions:

• Distributed $185.92 from the Campbell Sports Scholarship Trust to the town and journaled $185.92 to principal (5-0-0).
• Reimbursed the town $4,428.16 for firefighters' turn-out gear (5-0-0).
• Pre-approved reimbursement of $18,900.92 for the town-wide municipal buildings assessment project (5-0-0).
• Approved $100 training reimbursement for each of two trustees (3-0-2).

Planning Board meeting cancelled

The Hampton Planning Board meeting scheduled for July 15, 2026 was cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for August 5, 2026.

Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing set

The Zoning Board of Adjustment has scheduled a public hearing on five variance petitions. The agenda lists a continued variance for use definitions at 558 Exeter Rd (Lemerise Family Rev Trust); a variance for dimensional requirements at 2 Greene St (Cheryl & Melissa Harman); variances for dimensional and wetland use at 299 Exeter Rd (AG Hampton Hospitality LLC); variances for dimensional requirements at 20 Campton St (William Wilson); and a dimensional variance at 1 Beach Plum Way. The board will also discuss a road access modification for Aquarion at 5R Falcone Circle. Minutes from this hearing have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **July 22 — Planning Board, Master Plan Implementation Committee:** Discussion of 2026 priorities presented to the Select Board, development of a public engagement strategy for the Master Plan, upcoming 2027 zoning amendments, and planning for a Master Plan table at Hampton Farmers Markets.
• **August 5 — Planning Board:** Next regular meeting following the July 15 cancellation.

Hampton Select Board rejects paving bid, authorizes water tank road work; wetland permits advance for Brown Ave rebuild

The Hampton Select Board rejected a paving bid for Lafayette Road, Scott Road, and McCarron Drive on June 22 after costs exceeded available funds, voting 5-0 to accept only Part B for asphalt purchase and re-bid the project. The board also authorized Aquarion to clear and pave an additional 300 feet of service road for the Exeter Road water tank replacement, and awarded a line striping contract to Pro Finish Lines at $58,715 for 2026 and $60,961 for 2027.

Select Board — June 22

All votes were 5-0. The board approved a consent agenda covering cemetery deeds, a donation, and permits; accepted May financials; approved the minutes of June 8 as corrected; and authorized the Aquarion service road work for the water tank replacement project. The rejected Bid 2026-011 covered paving on Lafayette Road, Scott Road, and McCarron Drive; the board will re-bid.

Conservation Commission — June 23

The Commission recommended approval of a Town Wetland Permit for a FEMA-compliant raze-and-rebuild residential project at 81 Brown Ave, voting 6-0-1 with standard stipulations. The project reduces impervious surfaces by removing a large shed and asphalt. The Commission voted 7-0 not to oppose the state-level NHDES permit and the prime wetland waiver for the same site. Members also approved the May 26, 2026 meeting minutes as amended, 7-0.

Planning Board / Master Plan Committee — June 24

The Master Plan Implementation Committee voted unanimously to change its meeting schedule from monthly to every two months, with meetings planned for July, September, and November 2026, plus additional meetings as needed. The committee unanimously approved minutes from May 27, 2026. Discussion continued on 2026 priorities, a presentation to the Select Board, and a stormwater regulation grant project. No final decisions were recorded on those discussion items.

Planning Board — July 1 (agenda only; minutes not yet published)

The Planning Board set public hearings on several development proposals. Items on the agenda include site plan review for a 4-story mixed-use building with retail, restaurant, and 4 residential units at 931 Ocean Boulevard; a subdivision at 24 Locke Road creating three new lots, with waiver requests for street width, cul-de-sac, and stormwater standards; a condominium conversion amendment at 14 and 16 Dover Avenue with parking reconfiguration; a wetlands permit to raze and rebuild a single-family home at 81 Brown Avenue; and a temporary outdoor dining application at 320 Lafayette Road using three parking spaces. Minutes for this meeting have not been published, so outcomes are not yet available.

Coming up

• **July 14 — Trustees of the Trust Fund:** The board will approve prior meeting minutes, review investment performance of funds, and discuss old and new business. A public comment period is included.
• **July 15 — Planning Board:** Meeting cancelled. The next regular meeting is set for August 5, 2026.
• **July 16 — Zoning Board of Adjustment:** Public hearing on five variance petitions, including dimensional and wetland-use variances at 299 Exeter Rd (AG Hampton Hospitality LLC), a continued variance for use definitions at 558 Exeter Rd (Lemerise Family Rev Trust), dimensional variances at 2 Greene St (Cheryl & Melissa Harman) and 20 Campton St (William Wilson), and a dimensional variance at 1 Beach Plum Way with a road access discussion at 5R Falcone Circle.

Hampton Select Board Rejects Over-Budget Paving Bid, Awards $60K Line-Striping Contract

The Hampton Select Board on June 22 rejected a paving bid for three roads because costs exceeded available funds, authorized a water tank access road, and awarded a nearly $60,000 line-striping contract. The Conservation Commission recommended a wetland permit for a FEMA-compliant beach-area rebuild, and the Planning Board held public hearings on a proposed four-story mixed-use building at 931 Ocean Boulevard.

Select Board Actions

The board unanimously rejected Bid 2026-011 for paving Lafayette Road, Scott Road, and McCarron Drive. The bid came in higher than the money budgeted for the work. The board accepted Part B of the bid solely for asphalt purchase and directed staff to re-bid the project (5-0).

In a separate infrastructure vote, the board authorized Aquarion Water Company to clear and pave an additional 300 feet of service road needed for the Exeter Road water tank replacement project. The vote was 5-0.

The board awarded the town’s line-striping contract to Pro Finish Lines. The contract totals $58,715 for 2026 and $60,961 for 2027. The vote was 5-0.

Also by unanimous votes, the board accepted the May 2026 financial reports and approved a consent agenda that included cemetery deeds, a private donation, and event permits. Meeting minutes from June 8 were approved as corrected.

Wetlands Permit for 81 Brown Ave.

The Conservation Commission voted 6-0-1 to recommend approval of a Town Wetland Permit for a FEMA-compliant “raze and rebuild” residential project at 81 Brown Ave. The project will reduce impervious surfaces by removing a large shed and asphalt driveway area. The commission then voted 7-0 not to oppose the corresponding state-level NHDES permit and prime wetland waiver.

Master Plan Committee Moves to Bi-Monthly Schedule

The Master Plan Implementation Committee voted unanimously on June 24 to change its meeting frequency from monthly to every two months. Meetings are now planned for July, September, and November 2026, with additional sessions scheduled as needed. The committee also continued discussions on 2026 priorities, a Select Board presentation, and a stormwater regulation grant.

Planning Board Hears Several Proposals

The Planning Board held public hearings on July 1 for a series of development applications. Among them is a site plan review for a four-story mixed-use building at 931 Ocean Boulevard that would include ground-floor retail and restaurant space and four residential units. The board also heard proposals for a four-lot subdivision at 24 Locke Road with waiver requests for street width, cul-de-sac, and stormwater standards; a condominium conversion amendment with parking reconfiguration at 14 and 16 Dover Avenue; a wetlands permit to rebuild a single-family home at 81 Brown Avenue; and a temporary outdoor dining application at 320 Lafayette Road that would use three parking spaces. Meeting minutes were not yet published at press time, and no decisions were immediately available.

Coming Up

The Trustees of the Trust Fund meet July 14 to review the investment performance of town funds and discuss old and new business. The Planning Board’s July 15 meeting has been cancelled; its next regular meeting is set for Aug. 5. The Zoning Board of Adjustment holds a public hearing on July 16 to consider five variance petitions, including requests related to dimensional requirements and wetland use at 299 Exeter Road, dimensional relief at 2 Greene Street and 20 Campton Street, and a continued use-definition variance at 558 Exeter Road.