Meredith Selectboard to discuss policy on special events

MEREDITH — After approving closing Main Street for August’s Boho Bazaar, selectboard members made clear they wanted a policy for parks and street closures moving forward.

This, among other items, will be discussed at Monday’s selectboard meeting at the Meredith Public Library, as repairs to the community center continue.

After discussing the use of parks and street closures for events for the past several months, the selectboard asked for a policy. Town Manager Judie Milner created a draft to be considered, and it will be reviewed at the meeting.

The draft “Road Closure and Special Event Policy” was included in the meeting packet, stating the purpose is to ensure “safe, fair, and consistent management of events requiring road closures or use of public spaces, while supporting community activities and protecting public resources.”

It includes definitions of events and road closures, and permits required for events. The draft states all events impacting public roads and parks need a special permit, and all events impacting parks only require a facility event permit.

The section about the road closure policy is separated into areas defining what to do with municipal and nonprofit events, and for-profit events. For municipal and nonprofit events, the draft states road closures need to be requested through the town’s permitting process; meet safety, traffic, and operational requirements; and receive departmental approvals pertaining to police, fire, and public works.

In the case of for-profit events, the draft policy states road closures be approved by the selectboard. The board’s review is required when the event is commercial, there is significant traffic disruption expected, and if the event requires exclusive or extended use of public infrastructure.

Approval criteria in the draft includes public safety; traffic and emergency access impacts; economic and community benefits; frequency and cumulative impact of similar events; and the availability of alternative locations.

The use of parks and public spaces is also addressed in the draft policy, for both nonprofit and municipal use, and for-profit use. Parks are primarily for nonprofit use, and for-profit use of parks is not permitted as a matter of right, but can be considered case by case, according to the draft.

Criteria for evaluation includes public benefit versus private gain; the impact on public access; duration and exclusivity of use; and wear and tear on facilities.

The draft includes fees and cost recovery, as well as application timelines, and various conditions of approval and denial.

The town has received feedback from residents at prior meetings. Hermit Woods Winery & Eatery owner Bob Manley wrote a letter to the selectboard on April 10, responding to the board’s recent decision to limit the town parks to use by nonprofits.

“I appreciate the intent to ensure our public spaces are used in ways that serve the broader community, and I support thoughtful policies that protect that goal,” Manley wrote. “That said, I believe this decision raises important considerations worth further discussion.”

He wrote that local businesses are a “central part” of the town’s vitality and contribute significantly to the tax base, provide local employment, bring visitors to town, and often directly support nonprofits, as well.

Manley encouraged the selectboard to consider policy framework allowing for both nonprofits and businesses to use the parks, and suggested a structured permitting or fee system which prioritizes nonprofit access.

Cemetery pricing

The board will also hold a public hearing regarding cemetery price adjustments, which were approved at the April 13 meeting, but upon further review by staff, the new structure doesn't align with comparable pricing in the region, or broader industry standards.

The proposed prices show reductions from current amounts. This includes the price for a monument base dropping from $500 to $200; four corner posts reduced from $500 to $75; grass level markers dropping from $500 to $75; cremation grave dropping from $750 to $300; a full grave from $1,500 to $1,000; and a columbarium dropping in price from $2,700 to $2,000.

The price proposal is prepared by Cemetery Sexton Bob O’Neill, and will be presented by Public Works Director Craig Hale.

Other business

The selectboard will continue to prioritize infrastructure strategic goals following recommendations by Hale and Water Superintendent Jason Bordeau at the previous meeting. Milner is expected to recommend the board vote on prioritizing “large ticket items” which need coordinated financial planning.

Bordeau will also recommend acceptance of 2026 Water and Sewer rate increases of 8.25% for water, and 9% for sewer. The fee change was approved at the Nov. 24, 2025 selectboard meeting, and the ordinance needs to be updated.

Two items pertain to the America 250th Celebration Committee, one for the selectboard to vote to appoint its members, and another to discuss the process for accepting donations of $10,000 or more.

The final item is for a budget update.

The selectboard meets at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27, at Meredith Public Library. To read the agenda and related materials, visit meredithnh.gov/AgendaCenter.