Salisbury meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Planning Board declines ADU condominium conversion; ZBA grants garage variance

The Salisbury Planning Board voted to decline a provision that would have allowed accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be sold separately as condominiums, a decision that affects how such units can be transferred in the future. The board also reviewed a proposed three-lot subdivision on Bay Road and discussed outreach for the Master Plan update. In other business, the Zoning Board of Adjustment unanimously granted a variance for a garage at 198 Center Road.

Planning Board

The Planning Board met on August 17 and took several actions. It appointed Joe Schmidl as a voting member for the meeting (unopposed) and approved the draft minutes from July 20, 2026 (unopposed).

Board members discussed the Master Plan update, noting a low survey response and agreeing to explore advertising in the Andover Beacon to increase participation. They also held a conceptual consultation for a proposed three-lot subdivision on Bay Road (Map 232, Lot 4). The board requested standard map scaling and noted requirements for test pits and boundary markers.

The board declined to include a provision that would allow accessory dwelling units to be converted to condominiums and sold separately. No vote tally was recorded for this decision.

Additionally, the board noted a new state law that limits dual ZBA/Planning Board members from voting on matters already decided by the Zoning Board.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment met on August 13 and approved the June 11, 2026 minutes as written. The board then granted a variance to Cole A. Saltmarsh to build a garage within the side yard setback at 198 Center Road (Tax Map 245, Lot 36.02). The board determined that all five variance criteria were met and approved the request unanimously.

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee met on August 12 with no public attendees. It approved the July 8, 2026 draft minutes as written (unopposed). The committee discussed a potential second use for the solar array at the highway property—livestock grazing—and planned a site visit with a solar contractor. Members also noted that a second energy audit of town buildings had been completed, with a report from Unitil pending.

The committee discussed creating a Capital Reserve Fund for energy projects and noted that the Selectboard is drafting a request for proposals (RFP) for the Highway Building that includes an option for electric HVAC. No formal votes were taken on these items.

Board of Selectmen (agenda only)

The Board of Selectmen met on August 19, but minutes have not yet been published. The agenda included the following items:

• **Blackwater Dam Master Plan Revisions:** A 30-day public comment period begins with an open house on August 27 at Webster Town Hall.
• **Morton Salt Quote 2026-2027:** A price increase from $79.46 per ton to $90.91 per ton.
• **Current Use Assessment Application:** Denial for Map 244, Lot 1 (Gallion).
• **Solar Exemption:** Map 248, Lot 5 (Mason).
• **Resignation of Pierre Ballou** from the Budget Committee.

Coming up

• **August 27, 2026:** Open house for the Blackwater Dam Master Plan revisions at Webster Town Hall, marking the start of a 30-day public comment period.
• No other upcoming meetings were listed in the next 14 days.

Salisbury boards tackle subdivision hearings, Highway Department planning in late July

Salisbury's town boards held a packed schedule in late July, with the Planning Board scheduling public hearings on two Old Turnpike Road land matters and the Board of Selectmen convening a work session on Highway Department infrastructure and financing. Because minutes have not yet been published for any of these meetings, this roundup reflects agenda items only — not outcomes of votes or final decisions.

Planning Board: Boundary adjustment and 5-lot subdivision hearings

The Planning Board's July 20 agenda included approval of July 6 draft minutes and two public hearings. The first concerned a boundary line adjustment at Old Turnpike Road, covering Map 238 Lot 3 and Map 239 Lot 32.02, owned by Jason and Karen Currier. The second was a five-lot major subdivision at Old Turnpike Road and Center Road, Map 238 Lot 55, owned by Loren, Daniel, and Jacob Martin.

The board also planned to review the 2027 Master Plan questionnaire and consider an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding Accessory Dwelling Units under Article IV. Minutes for this meeting have not been published, so it is not yet known whether any items were approved or tabled.

Board of Selectmen: Highway Department work session

On July 29, the Board of Selectmen held a work session focused on Highway Department infrastructure and staffing. Agenda items included the Highway Department Building and Sand & Salt Shed Design Build RFP/RFQ, bonding options through NH Municipal Bank and Bond Counsel, Highway vehicles, and a draft operating budget.

The board also listed a proposal to change the Road Agent position to an Appointed Highway Director via Warrant Article. As an agenda-only item with no minutes published, it is unclear whether the board took a position or advanced the proposal toward the warrant.

Trustees of the Trust Funds

The Trustees of the Trust Funds met July 21 to approve minutes from April 23, 2026, and review the Issues and Resolutions Policy/Procedure for a new binder. No new business or financial reports were scheduled.

Library Trustees

The Salisbury Free Library Trustees met July 21 to review treasurer and director reports. Unfinished business included discussion of library shutters, and new business covered Old Home Day planning.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission met July 22 with agenda items including an update on Hattan land conservation, trail building on the McLaughlin land donation, review of mail and correspondence, and planning for an Old Home Day booth. No votes on new regulations or funding were scheduled.

What residents should watch

The two Planning Board public hearings on Old Turnpike Road — a boundary adjustment and a five-lot subdivision — are the items most likely to affect neighboring property owners. The Selectmen's discussion of a warrant article to convert the Road Agent position to an appointed Highway Director, along with bonding options for Highway Department buildings, could shape future town budgets and ballot questions. Residents should watch for published minutes to confirm what was decided.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Readers should check the town website for newly posted agendas or special meetings.

Salisbury adopts new FEMA flood maps; Planning Board denies all waivers for Martin subdivision

The Salisbury Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on July 15 to adopt the new FEMA Flood Insurance Study Report and Flood Insurance Rate Maps, making the updated floodplain data the official basis for the town's flood insurance and building requirements. The board also approved $1,647 from the Recreation Capital Reserve Fund for an ice-rink liner.

FEMA flood maps adopted

The Selectmen adopted a resolution to use the new FEMA Flood Insurance Study Report and Flood Insurance Rate Maps, unopposed. The vote makes the updated federal flood study and rate maps the official reference for floodplain regulation and insurance in Salisbury. Residents in mapped flood zones should check with their insurers about how the new maps affect coverage requirements.

Planning Board denies all waivers for Martin subdivision

On July 6, the Planning Board denied three waivers requested for a 5-lot major subdivision on Tax Map 238, Lot 55. The board denied the waiver for topography on the backlands (3-0), the waiver for metes and bounds markings (unanimous), and the waiver for the definition of a private street (unanimous).

The board accepted the subdivision application as complete pending several open items (unanimous) and continued the public hearing until a new plan is submitted without waiver conditions (unanimous).

The board also appointed Joe Schmidl as a voting member (unanimous) and David Hostetler as Ex-Officio (unanimous), and approved the June 1 and June 3, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous).

Ice-rink liner approved

The Selectmen approved $1,647 from the Recreation Capital Reserve Fund to purchase an ice-rink liner, unopposed. The expenditure funds equipment for the town's recreational ice rink.

Energy Committee recommends alternate member

The Energy Committee recommended Janet Long as an alternate member to the Selectboard (unopposed) at its July 8 meeting. The Selectmen confirmed the appointment on July 15 (unopposed). The committee also approved the June 10, 2026 draft minutes (unopposed). Members discussed energy audits of town buildings and potential solar compatibility for the Safety Complex and Highway buildings; no decisions were recorded on those topics.

Coming up

The Planning Board meets today, July 20, for two public hearings: a boundary line adjustment at Old Turnpike Road (Map 238, Lot 3 and Map 239, Lot 32.02), owned by Jason and Karen Currier, and a 5-lot major subdivision at Old Turnpike Road and Center Road (Map 238, Lot 55), owned by Loren, Daniel, and Jacob Martin. The board will also review the 2027 Master Plan questionnaire and consider a Zoning Ordinance amendment regarding Accessory Dwelling Units, Article IV. The board will first approve the July 6 draft meeting minutes.

Salisbury Planning Board to consider 5-lot subdivision; Conservation Commission discusses Hattan land donation

Salisbury's Planning Board will hold a public hearing Monday night on a proposed 5-lot major subdivision at Old Turnpike Road and Center Road, the most consequential item on the town's calendar. The Conservation Commission also met recently to discuss a potential land donation and other updates, though no decisions have been reported from that gathering.

Conservation Commission discusses Hattan land donation

The Conservation Commission met on June 24, 2026, but the minutes have not yet been published, so only the agenda is available for review. According to the agenda, the commission discussed several items, including a time-sensitive review of the Hattan land donation. That discussion included a draft purchase and sale agreement and draft deed. Other agenda items included:

• Approval of draft minutes from the May 27, 2026 meeting
• An update on the Natural Resources Inventory and the Town Master Plan, in conjunction with the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission (CNHPC)
• An update on a trail building workshop
• Review of mail and correspondence

Because the minutes are not yet available, no votes or final decisions are recorded. The commission’s next regular meeting agenda will clarify any actions taken on the Hattan donation.

Planning Board to hold public hearing on 5-lot subdivision

The Planning Board meets on July 6, 2026, at a time and location listed on the town’s agenda. The main item is a public hearing on a proposal to create a 5-lot major subdivision on property identified as Map 238, Lot 55, located at the intersection of Old Turnpike Road and Center Road. The board will also review a conceptual boundary line adjustment involving two parcels on Old Turnpike Road: Map 238, Lot 3 and Map 239, Lot 32.02. This second item is a conceptual review, meaning no final decision is expected at this meeting.

No other items appear on the Planning Board agenda for July 6.

Coming up

• **Planning Board public hearing** – July 6, 2026, at the town meeting location (check town website or agenda for time). The board will hear public comment on the 5-lot major subdivision proposal and review the conceptual boundary line adjustment.
• The Conservation Commission has not yet posted an agenda for its next meeting. Residents should check the town website for updates.

Residents interested in development, land conservation, or trail building are encouraged to attend the Planning Board meeting or follow future Conservation Commission agendas. All official documents, including agendas and minutes, are available on the town’s website.