Belmont Selectboard to hold public hearings about Gale School, police grants Wednesday night

BELMONT — The Belmont Selectboard meets at 6 p.m. Wednesday night, and among the many items of business are grant discussions about Gale School renovations, a police department update on e-bikes as well as a grant for a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe, and an anonymous citizen complaint.

Three public hearings will be held, including two for grants related to the Gale School, which has long been under renovations to become a daycare center run by the Boys & Girls Club of Central and Northern New Hampshire, along with office space for other entities.

A $500,000 Community Development Block Grant public facilities award to Lakes Region Community Developers, from 2020, will go toward renovations currently underway on Concord Street, at the Gale School.

Additionally, a 2025 CDBG Economic Development award — up to $210,000, for the Boys & Girls Club of Central and Northern New Hampshire to construct a playground at the Gale School building for the new daycare center — will be discussed. The amount of the CDBG award is based on jobs created at the daycare.

Finally, a third hearing will discuss a USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant to the tune of $73,000, for a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe and associated upfit costs to be used by the Belmont Police Department.

New business items include an update on a Stanton K-9 Foundation grant of $32,000, which will be used by the police department for the purchase of a dual-purpose K9 to “enhance patrol capabilities,” while also mitigating the costs of food, training, veterinary care, handler compensation and a portion of vehicle upgrades.

The department has selected a new K9 handler, Officer Kenneth Faath.

“Following an extensive interview and selection process, Chief [Stephen] Akerstrom selected Officer Kenneth Faath as our next K-9 handler. Officer Faath brings previous K-9 handling experience from his time in New York and will be an excellent addition to this program,” Capt. Evan Boulanger wrote in an email. “After the retirement of our previous K-9, and the department’s previous K-9s, we know the significant impact police K-9s have on both department operations and our connection with the community. We are looking forward to welcoming our new pup later this summer. Officer Faath and his K-9 partner will begin training at the Boston K-9 Academy in September, and we are excited to see the positive impact they will have on our department and the community we serve.”

Free pet supplies will be handed out throughout this week to those in need, and town leaders are helping spread the word. Courtesy of the New Hampshire Humane Society and Chewy, items such as wet and dry cat and dog food, litter and pet gates will be given away.

Distribution days at the Belmont Mill’s front entrance include from 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Thursday, and from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday. 

A FEMA violation on Gardners Grove Road will be a topic of discussion, as the property owners received a 2025 violation, highlighted on town property records. According to FEMA.gov, a violation can be given if the lowest floor of a structure sits below the base flood elevation, there is missing paperwork, or if unpermitted work, like sheds or additions, is performed.

The selectboard will also name the 2026 Belmont Good Citizen Award Winner.

To view the agenda, visit belmontnh.gov.

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.