Meredith Selectboard tables vote on proposed boat launch fees

MEREDITH — A proposal to increase boat launch fees would apply to both commercial and residential boaters, Police Chief Michael Harper told the selectboard during a regular meeting Nov. 24.

Harper proposed charging a $1,500 annual fee for companies to use the boat launch at the town docks on Lake Winnipesaukee, and wanted to impose such a fee at the Goodhue Boat Company launch, as well. The proposed non-commercial launch fee would increase from $20 to $30, as well.

“We got to take a little more time with that one,” Harper said. “We had a couple ideas of maybe making it just Town of Meredith businesses, but you really can’t do that with the Goodhue location, because [any launch where fees are imposed] has to be all public.”

Harper said the police department and Town Manager Judie Milner looked at all town fees. He said with the frequency of use of the commercial boat launch, due to wear and tear, the idea was to increase the fee.

He estimates commercial boat companies launch several times a day at a high point, and the $1,500 annual fee equates to about 50 launches.

“There could be times where these companies do that more than twice every hour,” Harper told the selectboard. “So that certainly would cover that, and then some. We looked at making that a one-time fee, and then the town manager and I would go through an application process.”

Harper said this would involve identifying each boat company, and targeting more toward the daily use as opposed to heavy commercial going out to islands to work on projects.

“We’d try to adopt something like we do with a private program for parking,” Harper said.

Harper said they would most likely have a hang tag, or a decal, for officers to identify the businesses who can use the launch.

The revenue would go directly to the general fund, which Harper said can be used for maintenance or repairs at the launches.

Selectboard member Jim Gregoire asked Harper if there were any estimates on how many companies would be paying this fee, and Harper said at a quick look, there are three to four businesses.

Two other selectboard members, Steve Aiken and Jeanie Forrester, asked how the change would affect the volume of launchers, and Harper doubted it would increase volume. There may be some who don’t want to pay a fee, and he added that for companies in Meredith that use the launches enough, $1,500 wouldn’t be “that crazy of a hit.”

“It may reduce some,” Harper said. “But I don’t think it will reduce our local companies. There aren’t a lot of options, honestly.”

Selectboard Chair Mike Pelczar is in favor of the fee, as the funds can be used to make future fixes and regular upkeep of the launches.

“The boats are coming in at first daylight, and they're using the docks as well, so you know they’re doing it,” he said. “So, to recoup some of it, to help us with that expensive infrastructure, potential repair down the road, I think it is kind of needed.”

Frank Murphy, vice chair of the Waukewan Watershed Advisory Committee, agreed with Harper’s conclusions, and said he hopes this can be extended to the Waukewan facilities. Murphy said there is not only wear and tear on those facilities, but also the water and resources.

“What we don’t know at any given time, what level or what compliance, with clean drain and dry state law, applies to any kind of valet launches,” Murphy said. “With the idea of minimizing invasive species. We don’t know where these boats come from, where they went last, or where they are going to go next.”

Murphy strongly advocates an increase in fees, and suggested $2,500 to $3,000 for valet commercial services. He said this will help with funding Lake Hosts.

“Currently, there is no fee to launch at the Waukewan boat ramp,” Murphy said. “We have definitive numbers for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and anecdotal numbers for the rest of the week. We know there is an increase and concerns about invasive species. I think it’s a great idea, and could allow us to continue to move toward total lake ramp coverage.”

Harper said he is not aware of much commercial launching in Waukewan, but Murphy said there are “a number of” valet launches. Forrester said she is open to looking into this, because it is the town’s water source.

“Invasive species are a big deal,” Murphy said.

Resident Jonathan Miller said nobody in town is doing a true valet service. While Murphy said East Coast Flightcraft does launch boats, Miller said these are for people who live on Waukewan and need their boat serviced.

“Most people nowadays don’t buy trailers for their boats,” Miller said. “They don’t know how to tow a trailer, or have a vehicle to tow a trailer. These boats going in and out, they’re for people who live on the lake. It’s people who are coming up for the day and paying someone to launch their boat.”

He said Winnipesaukee could be different, as day boaters there tend to launch themselves.

“There are certainly no marinas launching boats for day usage on Waukewan,” Miller said, adding he works for 603 Marine, and is a former longtime Flightcraft employee, speaking from experience.

Resident Chritina Touhey said this isn’t a new solution being proposed, as other Lakes Region towns already have permits for commercial use. She suggested the selectboard investigate this, as well as other changes, like parking and lake quality. It is clear to her there is an increased usage of the launch on Waukewan.

Resident Wayne Heiligman said the fees are small, and suggested increasing to $40 to $50 per day for launching into Winnipesaukee, due to limited parking. He said companies are likely charging to put people’s boats in the water as part of their fees, and this is something to consider. He also thought the fee should be double the chief’s proposal.

Selectboard member Lynn Leighton did not see the need to vote on a fee if there might be further changes. Forrester also wanted more information, and noted one of the selectboard’s priorities is protecting their “largest economic assets” pertaining to water quality.

“I’d rather have it done right, than have it done fast,” Forrester said.