Stratford Select Board: Recommends Planning Board review data center ban; water grant discussed

Stratford Select Board · Meeting recap · meeting of Monday, October 5, 2026

The Select Board met Monday, October 5, 2026, at Fuller Town Hall. The meeting ran from 3:30 PM to 4:10 PM. Selectmen Harry R. Juergens, Ron Scott, Jr, and Charlie Goulet were present.

Decisions

• The board passed a motion to recommend that the Planning Board move forward with considering a warrant article to amend the Town's land use ordinance to prohibit data centers. The minutes say the motion carried. The Town Administrator will give the proposed language to the Planning Board, which will review it and hold the required public hearing.
• Charlie Goulet and Ron Scott, Jr. approved the manifest 3/0 for 9/21/2026 and 9/28/2026.
• The board agreed that Road Agent Mike Lynch should inspect a failing section of Bog Road and provide a repair estimate.

Also discussed

• Water and septic: The board heard about an upcoming NHDES inspection of the Town's septic truck. Meter readings are set for the week of October 12. One meter appears defective and needs replacing, and a replacement was ordered for a resident's home because of a connection problem. The board is watching septic pump-out volume against the monthly disposal limit.
• NHDES grant: The application covers a propane generator, variable frequency drives for the pumps, control system upgrades and ventilation work. Review is expected in November. The board also discussed getting more electrical quotes and doing minor excavation in-house if appropriate.
• Solar array: One inverter is still out of service, and follow-up with the contractor continues.
• Cell towers: The Town's utility assessor finished updated assessments of the three cell towers. They are expected to significantly increase tax revenue from those properties.
• Nash Stream Committee: The committee meets October 21. Board members were asked to send in questions or concerns for it.
• Roads and signs: The board discussed keeping Bordeaux Road work on the 2027 warrant. The Tetrault Road sign has been installed. The board will consult the Road Agent before painting or replacing a rusty signpost on Mason Road.

Money

• If the water grant is funded on a 90/10 basis, the Town could need a loan. Any borrowing would need Town Meeting approval. The board is hoping the grant pays 100%.
• About 600 pounds of aluminum cans from a resident were part of the Town's recycling load, valued at approximately $402. The board discussed reimbursing the resident. The minutes record no decision.

Documents signed between meetings included two raffle permits, a cell tower contract and a timber tax warrant. The board also signed the September 21 minutes.

This is an automated summary of the town's posted minutes. The official record is the original document. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.