On Tuesday, New Ipswich voters rejected a proposed new full-time position that would have combined the duties of the fire chief, code enforcement officer and building inspector, positions which currently are part-time duties that pay a stipend.

There was just a 17-vote difference – 596 in favor and 613 against.

The article called for the three positions to be combined, and for $52,000 to be raised for a half-year’s salary, with the full salary to be included in the budget moving forward.

Other articles related to the Fire Department did pass, including approval to refurbish a donated 2007 Spartan fire engine, for a cost of $227,000, to replace one of the fleet’s trucks. The article passed 937-271.

The voters also approved amending the purpose of the Fire Department’s capital reserve to include the “purchase of new, used or donated fire apparatus or to refurbish the same.” The vote was 970-209, which was well past the two-thirds majority required to pass to change the purpose of a capital reserve.

The only other article not to pass on Tuesday was $6,000 to participate in the City of Keene’s Household Hazardous Waste Program. In the closest vote of the day, the article was defeated by 13 votes, 595 yes to 608 no.

The budget this year is set at $3.36 million, about a 3% increase, and passed in a 694-511 vote.

Voters also approved both articles related to road work in town. Traditionally, New Ipswich splits its total road work budget into two articles, in anticipation that should one of the articles fail, the other might pass, allowing some work to be done. Both articles, totaling $600,000, passed.

Voters also approved a total of $366,000 in a single article, to be split between the town’s various capital reserves and expendable trusts, for future purchases. The article was approved 829-385.

The voters also agreed to create two new expendable trust funds, one for the Green Center, and to fund it with $5,077 from the revolving account for the Green Center, which the town voted to close. The other was in anticipation of the town’s 275th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2025.

In support for non-town entities that provide services to residents, the town approved $45,000 in support of the New Ipswich Library, and $121,200 for the contracted services of Souhegan Valley Ambulance.

Planning Board races decided, incumbents carry the day

Multiple Planning Board races were decided Tuesday, with current members keeping their seats and alternate Nichole Talbot becoming a full member.

In a four-way race for two seats on the Planning Board, incumbents Joshua Muhonen and Bruce Ruotsala both will keep their seats over challengers Jane Elwell and Ray Holmes. Elwell, who owns Silver Scone Teas, a tea party business on River Road which has been embroiled in controversy from neighbors against the business, and Holmes, her boyfriend, had both stated that they signed up for the office not knowing the incumbents were running, and endorsed them during the town’s candidates’ night. 

Muhonen, currently the co-chair of the board received 737 votes, and Ruotsala received 662 to Elwell’s 341 and Holmes’ 227.

In a separate race for a Planning Board seat, Graham Heagy won over Robert Fournier, who is also involved in the Silver Scone case as one of the neighbors who is in the midst of appealing the Planning Board’s approval of the business to the Superior Court. Heagy netted 645 votes to Fournier’s 346.

In the last Planning Board race, Talbot won over Kathleen Sheldon in a 701-275 vote.

Jason Somero ran uncontested for re-election to the Select Board and won with 987 votes.

In a race with no candidates, for cemetery trustee, the top two write-in candidates were Brian Somero and Elwell. For Board of Assessors, there was no candidates or declared winner as yet, as there were two write-in candidates tied for the single seat.

Bob Romeril was re-elected as moderator with 1,037 votes, Brenda Pellerito to supervisor of the checklist with 916 votes, and Bentti Hoiska as trustee of trust funds with 900 votes.

Zoning articles pass

Voters approved three zoning amendments on the ballot on Tuesday.

The first was an amendment that would allow up to two accessory dwelling units on lots of two or more acres, as long as one of them is attached to the home, where previously only one had been allowed. The article passed 920-263.

The second article was to modify definitions and update dates and references within the town’s Floodplain Development Ordinance, in order to comply with the National Flood Insurance Program. The ordinance passed 936-231.

The final amendment was to allow special exceptions or variances that were approved prior to Aug. 19, 2013, but never acted upon, to expire. The expiration would go into effect one year after the vote. Voters approved the measure 831-293.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244, or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.