Exeter voters approve $17.5M public safety complex: Town meeting results

EXETER — The second time on the ballot was the charm for a project to construct a new police department headquarters and fire substation at 6 Continental Drive.

The $17.5 million bond article was approved at Tuesday’s Town Meeting election by a vote of 1,639 to 945.

Select Board Chair Niko Papakonstantis said the town is “appreciative” a supermajority of residents approved the project that will improve response time and ensure all residents receive equal services to public safety.

“We are very appreciative of our voters coming out today and voting in favor of both our police and fire departments,” he said. “In turn, as a town, we are committed to providing the best in public safety practices.”

The plan calls for constructing a net-zero 23,165-square-foot complex at 6 Continental Drive that will serve as the police headquarters and a fire substation. The current safety complex at 20 Court St. will be reconstructed and become the Fire Department headquarters.

Last March, Exeter voters narrowly shot down a plan to build the same public safety complex — the only difference was that it was for $16.3 million instead of the current $17.5 million price tag.

Town Manager Russ Dean said the price increase was due to inflation.

Eileen Flockhart, chair of Exeter's Tree Committee, called the project “an investment” for the town.

She supported the project, noting the current location at 20 Court Street “just doesn’t make any sense” due to the tight spaces.

Unopposed and unwavering: Molly Cowan secures third term on Exeter’s Select Board

A 2021 feasibility study stated that “every space is overcrowded” in the existing building. The study also noted that “victim-witness privacy, juvenile operations, evidence and property storage, record maintenance and prisoner handling are not assured” due to the limited spaces, Exeter Police Chief Stephan Poulin added.

Having a fire substation on the other side of town, Flockhart said, will also improve response time.

Fire Chief Eric Wilking said the national benchmark used for fire and EMS is a four-minute travel time from station to scene. It currently takes four minutes or greater to reach the Brentwood Road intersection. It takes 11 minutes to reach Exeter High School.

With a substation, Wilking said the Fire Department would be able to meet the four-minute standard 95% of the time.

“As someone who lives on the wrong side of the tracks, I really think it’s got to happen,” said Flockhart. “You’re talking about building housing out by (Route) 101, how are you going to put out those fires?”

Those who voted against the project cited cost.

Resident Ray Tode questioned whether it’s something that “needs to be done right now.” As someone with a fixed income, Tode said he’s “concerned” the tax impact of the $17.5 million project will “hurt” him financially.

The 20-year tax impact is about $270 on a $400,000 home per year, according to an informational page on the town's website.

Other bond questions on the ballot also gained approval including $6 million for water, sewer and drainage improvements in the School Street area, $213,300 to replace the Webster Avenue sewer pump station, and $500,000 to design and engineer a new surface water treatment plant.

Voters approved $22.8M budget, Planet Playground makeover

All other money articles on the ballot also gained approval including the town’s proposed $22.8 million budget, the water budget of $4.9 million, and the sewer budget of $7.4 million.

Planet Playground, a popular spot for children and families in Exeter, could soon be getting a more than half-a-million-dollar makeover. Voters approved the project with the hope of obtaining a $297,500 grant from the state’s Land Water and Conservation Fund. The remaining balance for the project will be covered by the town’s unassigned fund balance, meaning no new tax impact on residents.

Parks and Recreation Director Greg Bisson said if the town does not receive the grant, the project will not proceed.

“We’d have to start from scratch,” he said.

Exeter wants to save Fort Rock from development

Exeter voters also approved a question asking if they support the future purchase of the town’s share of Fort Rock Trail, which lies within the 148 acres of woodlands between Exeter and Newfields.

The property comprised of 47 acres in Exeter and 101 acres in Newfields is owned by the Rugg family.

According to Duane Hyde, conservation director for Southeast Land Trust, the 148-acre property is appraised at $5.16 million. Exeter’s 47 acres are valued at just over $1.64 million, while Newfields’ 101 acres are just over $3.5 million.

Exeter voters supported the project by a vote of 2,222 to 340. The plan is to return next year asking voters for funding.

Emily Verbeck and Abigail Smith both went down to the polling station for one similar goal – to save the Fort Rock Trail.

“The only reason I came was for Article 24,” said Verbeck. “I just want to maintain the outdoor space for our families and our kids, and for people to use. I think it’s a priority for the community to keep outdoor space natural and I hope we can find a way to save Fort Rock.”

Smith, who lives near the trails, echoed a similar sentiment.

"We have two dogs and a baby, so we’re always walking those trails every day,” said Smith.

Voters reject petition to reopen Swasey Parkway to traffic

Voters rejected a citizens' petition to reverse course and keep Swasey Parkway open to through traffic.

Former selectman Don Clement filed the petition to keep “a one-way road northbound in its entirety for motorized vehicular traffic” at Swasey Parkway.

“My intent is to correct an unjust action, which was to exclude people who have mobility issues or elderly from driving to that portion of the parkway,” said Clement.

Voters rejected the article by a vote of 857 in favor and 1,604 against.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Exeter NH election results: $17.5M public safety complex approved