Gilford Selectboard holds public hearing about pickleball court noise

GILFORD — In what will be the final selectboard meeting for Town Administrator Scott Dunn before he retires at the end of the week, a public hearing regarding hours of operation for the town's new pickleball courts highlights the agenda for Wednesday's meeting.

The public hearing stems from a discussion at the previous selectboard meeting on July 22, where Wildwood Road resident Lynn Moscone requested the board address noise there, affecting her sleep and mental health. After a lengthy discussion, the selectboard unanimously voted to temporarily light the court from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., rather than until 10 p.m., then scheduled a public hearing.

Dunn told the selectboard the pickleball courts, located at the Arthur A. Tilton Ice Rink, have been heavily used since they opened. He acknowledged there is a large group who comes from 8 to 10 a.m. for tournaments, and players are there throughout the day. Moscone said the sound of the paddles hitting the balls, as well as the noise generated by the crowds and slamming of gates, was concerning to her.

Town leaders said she was the only person who complained about the sound. They thought it fitting to have a preemptive move and cut off lights earlier, then hear from the public before taking any further action.

The project to make improvements at the ice rink was approved by the selectboard on Oct. 22, and work was done on the rink itself in November and December. The pickleball portion was done by SealPro, painting and surfacing done in warmer weather. Final painting was done during the week of July 6.

The town appropriated a total of $360,000 for the project, with $150,000 coming from a Land and Water Conservation Grant, $80,000 from the Recreation Revolving Fund, and $130,000 from the town’s surplus fund balance. The pickleball painting and lining portion of the project had a price tag of $27,500.

With funds from the LWCF grant, a stipulation was the court would be free and open to the public, not requiring a town sticker. The town does not staff an attendant at the rink, and has not indicated any plans to hire one, which would be costly.

Public Works Director Meghan Theriault will give an update on the garage building project, which approaches completion. The selectboard will also discuss an agreement for payment in lieu of taxes for Gilford Village Knolls III, and leadership of the Winnipesaukee River Basin project.

Under new business, the selectboard is expected to vote on accepting $1,372.99 from a body worn camera grant. Other items include discussing revised job descriptions for the accounting clerk and payroll clerk; Glendale dock replacement plans; disposal of surplus property; a wood grinding bid award; and accessible parking at Glendale docks.

The selectboard will meet at Town Hall at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12.