Sandown meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Sandown Conservation Commission approves $2,880 for boardwalk consulting

The Sandown Conservation Commission approved spending up to $2,880 for consulting on the Hunts Pond Boardwalk Project, the only major financial decision recorded in the past two weeks. The commission also deferred a wetland permit for a retaining wall repair until plans are redrawn.

Conservation Commission

At its Aug. 13 meeting, the commission voted all in favor to spend up to $2,880 from its Environmental Consultant budget for West Environmental's proposal on the Hunts Pond Boardwalk Project. The commission deferred signing a Wetland Permit by Notification for 66 Phillips Pond Drive until the plans are redrawn by an engineer.

The commission also approved minutes from the July 23 meeting and non-public minutes as written, all in favor. It scheduled a red barn cleanup for its next meeting on Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m., postponed the Wells Village Town Forest discussion to the next meeting, and agreed to have West Environmental present proposals to the commission going forward.

Other recent meetings

Several boards met on agenda-only items with no decisions recorded:

• **Board of Selectmen (Aug. 10):** Discussed a potential bank change for a special account with Finance Director Gayle Hamel, considered appointments to the Senior Affairs Transportation Committee, and entered a nonpublic session for employee matters and hiring.
• **Supervisors of the Checklist (Aug. 13):** Met to certify nomination papers for the general election ballot.
• **Trustees of the Trust Funds (Aug. 17):** Discussed closing the Senior Transportation Program's warrant article account, approving payments, and updating their Google Drive.
• **Recreation Commission (Aug. 19):** Reviewed the summer program and quarterly money reports, then moved to a nonpublic session for employee matters.

Coming up

• **Board of Selectmen (Aug. 24):** Will discuss proposed 2027 wage increases, 2026-27 plow rates and contracts, and the status of the town backhoe. The board will also accept donations to the Oktoberfest Donation Trust Fund and arrange coverage for the State Primary Election. Candidates for NH State Representative (Kevin Major, Donald Selby, Matthew Brooks) will be introduced.
• **Oktoberfest Committee (Aug. 24, 6 p.m.):** Site walk and business meeting at Sandlot Event Center, 33 Sandlot Way, covering donations, fundraising, budget, music, beer tent, games, and vendors.
• **Cable Access Board (Aug. 25):** Reviews minutes, hears the station manager's report, and reviews the station's operating fund balance. The board is seeking new members.
• **Supervisors of the Checklist (Aug. 29):** Final voter registration session before the Sept. 8 primary. New voters must bring photo ID, proof of residency, and proof of citizenship; naturalized citizens must provide court details.

Sandown Selectmen Approve Road Rename, Election Inspectors

The Sandown Board of Selectmen approved the renaming of a private section of Snow Lane to Coco Lane at its July 27 meeting, along with appointments for election inspectors and a tax deed waiver. The board voted 4-0-0 on all four items, according to official minutes.

Board of Selectmen

The board unanimously approved the renaming of the private section of Snow Lane (referred to as Snow Lane Extension) to Coco Lane. It also accepted a list of names for Inspectors of Election, with terms expiring July 31, 2028. In a separate action, the board approved a deed waiver and delayed acceptance of the Tax Collector's deed for Tax Map/Lot 10-36 until October 31, 2026. Minutes from the July 20 meeting were also approved.

Senior Affairs Transportation Committee

The Senior Affairs Transportation Committee met on July 28 and approved second-quarter 2026 gas card expenses totaling $378. The committee reorganized its leadership after accepting the resignation of Scott Bickford as Chair, Treasurer, and Board Member. Bickford was appointed as an Alternate Board Member, and Breanna Ekholm was appointed to fill the roles of Chair, Treasurer, and Board Member.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment met on July 30, but minutes have not yet been published. According to the agenda, the board will consider a variance for a single-family home at 18 Brian Street and a mixed-use commercial building on Bobcat Way. It will also review two motions for rehearing regarding a previous decision on Sanctuary Estates, LLC's property at 412 Main Street. No decisions have been reported.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are scheduled in the next 14 days, according to the provided data.

Sandown Roundup: Commercial Building Approved for Main Street, Selectmen Adopt Permitting Software

The Sandown Planning Board conditionally approved a 2,745-square-foot commercial building and parking lot at 327 Main Street, while the Board of Selectmen approved a $7,000 annual contract for new permitting software and accepted $700 in donations for Old Home Day.

Planning Board

On July 21, the Planning Board granted conditional approval for a Change in Use Amended Site Plan for a commercial building at 327 Main Street, passing 5-0-0. The board also released remaining PREA funds for 323 Main Street and released performance guarantees to Eversource Energy for projects H141 and R193.

Several public hearings were continued to August 18, 2026, including the KRKR Trust site plan review on Bobcat Way, the NTV Builders, LLC subdivision for Noah Estates, and the Sanctuary Estates, LLC site plan and permit applications. The board approved meeting minutes from June 16, 2026, and July 7, 2026, the latter passing 4-0-1.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen met on July 20 and July 27. On July 20, the board approved a subscription to GovWell permitting software for a $7,000 annual fee, voting 5-0-0. The board also accepted $700.00 in donations for The Old Home Day Donation account (5-0-0) and approved meeting minutes from June 29, 2026 (4-0-0).

On July 27, the selectmen approved renaming the private section of Snow Lane, known as Snow Lane Extension, to Coco Lane (4-0-0). The board accepted a list of names for Inspectors of Election, with terms expiring July 31, 2028 (4-0-0). A deed waiver and delayed acceptance of the Tax Collector's deed for Tax Map/Lot 10-36 was approved until October 31, 2026 (4-0-0). Minutes from the July 20 meeting were approved 4-0-0.

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission met on July 23 and approved public and non-public meeting minutes from July 9, 2026. The commission entered a non-public session at 7:50 PM and approved a motion to seal the non-public minutes. Members discussed maintenance needs for the Red Barn and Wells Village Town Forest, as well as signage and bridge planning for Hunt Pond.

Other Meetings

The Senior Affairs Transportation Committee met on July 28 to review the treasurer's report and analyze monthly miles and trips. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment met on July 30 to review variance applications for a single-family home at 18 Brian Street and a mixed-use commercial building on Bobcat Way. The board also reviewed two motions for rehearing regarding a previous decision on Sanctuary Estates, LLC's property at 412 Main Street. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published.

Coming Up

There are no upcoming meetings scheduled for the next 14 days.

Sandown Conservation Commission declines wetland permit for Phillips Pond Drive retaining-wall repair

The Sandown Conservation Commission voted unanimously not to sign a Wetland Permit by Notification for a retaining-wall repair at 66 Phillips Pond Drive, citing insufficient information. The application was filed by Alpine Site Development.

The July 9 meeting also included several procedural actions, all passed unanimously: approval of the July 25–26 public and non-public meeting minutes, a move into non-public session, sealing of the non-public minutes, and adjournment of both the public and non-public meetings.

Planning Board site walk for The Sanctuary Estates

On July 7, the Planning Board conducted a site walk to review a Site Plan and Conditional Use Permit application for 412 Main Street, filed by The Sanctuary Estates, LLC. The proposed development includes 32 recreational camping cabins, a driveway, parking spaces, and an onsite well and septic system. No substantive decisions were made; the board adjourned the site walk meeting 4-0.

Fire Engineers review policies and staffing

The Board of Fire Engineers met July 8 to review minutes from prior meetings, receive updates on fire department policies, apparatus, and equipment, and examine per-diem staffing arrangements. Minutes for this meeting have not yet been published, so no decisions are on the record.

Oktoberfest Committee reviews event plans

The Oktoberfest Committee met July 16 to discuss planning for the upcoming Oktoberfest event. Agenda items included review of donations, fundraising, raffle, and the event budget, as well as music and entertainment, alcohol and beer tent logistics, games and contests, food and craft vendor coordination, and marketing outreach. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

• **Board of Selectmen — July 20, 2026:** The board will consider a permitting software program proposal presented by Building Inspector Jason Chui, and whether to accept donations to the Old Home Day Donation Trust Fund. The agenda also includes review of prior meeting minutes, a public comment period, and a department liaison report.
• **Planning Board — July 21, 2026:** Continued public hearings are scheduled for several development applications: a Change in Use Amended Site Plan for a 2,745-sf commercial building at 327 Main Street; a Site Plan Review for a 37,856 sq. ft. non-residential building at Bobcat Way; a subdivision application for 21 single-family dwelling units at 112 Little Mill Road (Noah Estates); Site Plan and Conditional Use applications for 32 recreational camping cabins at 412 Main Street; and release of performance guarantees for Eversource Energy Transmission Line Structure Replacement Projects.
• **Senior Affairs Transportation Committee — July 28, 2026:** The committee will review the treasurer's report and monthly transportation statistics, including miles and trips.

Sandown roundup: Selectmen fund fire gear, accept highway safety grant; boards review housing and subdivision proposals

The Sandown Board of Selectmen approved $15,000 in capital reserve funds for firefighter turnout gear and accepted a $12,849 highway safety grant at its June 29 meeting, the most consequential decisions among recent town government actions.

Board of Selectmen — June 29

The board voted 5-0-0 to authorize use of the Fire Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund for turnout gear, not to exceed $15,000. It also voted 5-0-0 to accept a Highway Safety Grant of $9,100 plus an amendment of $3,749.85, totaling $12,849.00.

Members approved minutes from June 15, 2026 (5-0-0), reviewed a resident's concerns regarding a private road, and entered a non-public session for reputation and employee matters (5-0-0). The board voted to seal the non-public minutes.

Heritage Commission — July 2

The commission approved its May 7, 2026 meeting minutes and authorized spending up to $350 for presenter fees and mileage for the "Redcoats & Rebels" program. Members also discussed planning for the Fall Heritage Fair and potential updates to the town's heritage webpage. No further details on those discussions were recorded in the available minutes.

Planning Board — July 7 (agenda only)

The Planning Board scheduled a site visit at 412 Main Street to review a proposal by The Sanctuary Estates, LLC for 32 recreational camping cabins. The agenda lists a site plan and conditional use permit review covering 40 parking spaces, a 320-foot driveway, a 2,300-square-foot driveway impact area, a 24-foot culvert, and an onsite well and septic system. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

Board of Fire Engineers — July 8 (agenda only)

The board's agenda included review of prior meeting minutes, an update on fire department policies, apparatus and equipment, and a review of per-diem staffing arrangements. Minutes have not yet been published, so no outcomes are confirmed.

Conservation Commission — July 9 (agenda only)

The commission was scheduled to review a Conditional Use Permit application by NTV Builders, LLC for a 21-unit single-family subdivision at 112 Little Mill Road (Tax Map 2, Lot 26). The agenda also listed a Wetland Permit by Notification hearing for 66 Phillips Pond Drive (Map 6, Lot 11) to repair a retaining wall. Minutes have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Readers seeking the latest schedule should check the town's official postings.

Sandown roundup: ZBA approves commercial variance, Conservation Commission OKs boardwalk contract

Zoning Board approves mixed-use commercial variance, residential addition

The Sandown Zoning Board of Adjustment approved two variances at its June 25 meeting, including one for a mixed-use commercial building on Bobcat Way.

The board unanimously approved a variance for KRKR Trust to build a mixed-use commercial structure featuring contractor bays and self-storage at Bobcat Way. The board also conditionally approved a variance for Michael R. Rulfs and Lori E. Gangi at 3 Main Street for a home addition and deck within a wetland setback. That approval, which passed 3-1-0, is contingent on drainage mitigation. The board also approved its May 28, 2026 meeting minutes unanimously.

Conservation Commission approves $1,880 boardwalk consulting contract

The Conservation Commission voted to approve a $1,880 consulting contract for the Hunt Pond boardwalk project, with all members in favor. The commission also authorized up to $300 for public trail magnets, again with all members in favor.

Members approved the June 11 public and non-public meeting minutes, then voted to enter a closed session before adjourning. Maintenance tasks were assigned for the Wells Village bridge and the Red Barn property. No zoning, budget, or policy changes were enacted.

Board of Selectmen discusses fire gear, Balsam Lane concerns

The Board of Selectmen met June 29 to discuss purchasing new fire gear with Fire Chief Michael Devine. Rocco Piccirrili was scheduled to present concerns regarding Balsam Lane. Minutes from this meeting have not yet been published, so no decisions are confirmed.

Heritage Commission considers speaker grants, 250th events

The Heritage Commission met July 2 to discuss and potentially approve funds for a speaker invoice from an NH Humanities grant. The agenda also included stone site reports, planning for the town's 250th events and Old Home Days, and upcoming presentations: NH Humanities' "How the Constitution helps us to Disagree" on July 11, 2026, and the NH Historical Society's "Redcoats & Rebels" on August 5, 2026. Minutes have not yet been published.

Cable Access Board holds routine meeting

The Cable Access Board met June 23 to approve March 2026 minutes, receive a station manager report, and review the operating fund balance. No specific action items or public hearings were listed. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

Planning Board site walk — July 7, 2026, at 412 Main Street. The board will review a site plan by The Sanctuary Estates, LLC for 32 recreational camping cabins, 40 parking spaces, a 320-foot driveway, and a conditional use permit for a 2,300-square-foot driveway impact. The agenda also includes a 24-foot culvert installation and an onsite well and septic system.

Sandown Zoning Board approves mixed-use commercial variance; Conservation Commission OKs boardwalk contract

The Sandown Zoning Board of Adjustment granted a variance for a mixed-use commercial building with contractor bays and self-storage on Bobcat Way, and conditionally approved a residential addition near wetlands off Main Street, during its June 25 meeting.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The board first approved minutes from its May 28 session unanimously. It then took up the variance for the KRKR Trust at Bobcat Way, allowing a mixed-use commercial building that will include contractor bays and self-storage. The vote was unanimous.

A second variance request, from Michael R. Rulfs and Lori E. Gangi for a home addition and deck at 3 Main Street within a wetland setback, was approved with conditions. The board voted 3-1-0 to grant the variance contingent on additional drainage mitigation.

Conservation Commission

The Sandown Conservation Commission approved a $1,880 consulting contract for the Hunt Pond boardwalk project during its June 25 meeting. All members present voted in favor. The commission also authorized spending up to $300 to produce public trail magnets, again unanimously.

In other business, the commission approved minutes from both its public and non-public June 11 meetings, assigned maintenance tasks for the Wells Village bridge and Red Barn property, and moved into a closed session before adjourning. All votes were unanimous.

In other recent meetings

The Cable Access Board met June 23 for a regular session that included approval of March minutes, a station manager report, and a review of the operating fund balance. No action items or public hearings appeared on the agenda, and minutes were not yet published.

The Board of Selectmen convened June 29 with a discussion of potential new fire equipment purchases, led by Fire Chief Michael Devine, and a public comment period about Balsam Lane, presented by Rocco Piccirrili. Official minutes from that meeting are not yet available.

The Heritage Commission was scheduled to meet July 2 to consider approving funds for a speaker invoice under an NH Humanities grant, review stone site reports, and plan activities for the town’s 250th celebration and Old Home Days. The agenda also listed upcoming NH Humanities and NH Historical Society presentations.

Coming up

The Sandown Planning Board will conduct a site walk on July 7 at 412 Main Street to review a proposal by The Sanctuary Estates, LLC for a 32-cabin recreational camping development. The agenda includes a site plan for the cabins, construction of 40 parking spaces and a 320-foot driveway, a conditional use permit for 2,300 square feet of driveway impact within a protected area, a 24-foot culvert installation, and installation of an onsite well and septic system.