Meredith Selectboard to hear Prescott Park Master Plan, vote on EMS contract

MEREDITH — The selectboard will hear a presentation about the Prescott Park Master Plan, and vote on the EMS contract with Stewart’s Ambulance, among other business at its meeting on Monday.

Parks and Recreation Director Krystal Alpers wrote in a memo in the agenda packet about the Prescott Park Renovation Committee presentation. Parks & rec staff have been working with Ironwood Design Group, Gale Associates, Sheerr McCrystal Palson Architecture, and Preferred Construction Management Company to develop a master plan for Prescott Park.

The plan was developed through community outreach that included gathering feedback and input from residents and park users. Most recently, the playground was completed at the park, and the final payment was approved. The goal of the project is to identify needed and desired improvements at Prescott Park. Issues covered include outdated and damaged amenities, deteriorated park features, and poor drainage.

The discussion will include a variety of funding mechanisms for the projects, through state, federal, and nonprofit organizations. The project is expected to take years, and while an estimated price tag has yet to be released, committee Chair Dan Curnyn said in an interview it will be millions of dollars in improvements.

America 250th Committee Chair Chris Kelly will be at the meeting to discuss a proposed time capsule.

Police Chief Michael Harper will meet the board to request use of the Buildings and Facility Maintenance Expendable Trust Fund to replace a dry valve for the police department’s sprinkler system.

The valve is leaking, and if it does not maintain a proper seal, it may not work reliably in a fire. The system is about 20 years old, and the fiscal impact is $6,500, according to estimates by John L. Carter Sprinkler Company. The balance of the trust fund is $162,762.

Harper will return to talk to the board about an Enforcement Patrol Grant through the New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency. The annual grant supports pedestrian contact efforts, and speed, drunk driving and distracted driving enforcement. The total grant amount being offered for 2027 is $10,300, with a required town match of $2,575.

The board is expected to vote on supporting a NHDES 319 Watershed Assistance Grant application for mitigation to the town boat ramp, adjacent waterfront and park site, and the Forrest Hill Road site on Lake Waukewan. The intent to apply is due Sept. 11, and the grant allows for cash and in-kind matches.

Fire Chief Ken Jones made a presentation at the Aug. 10 meeting about the EMS contract with Stewart’s Ambulance Service, and recommended renewing the contract. If approved by the selectboard, the contract will be valid through June 30, 2031. Four towns are involved, and Meredith pays 63% based on call volume, The estimated base annual cost is $406,805.

Finance Director Robert Carpenter will also provide the selectboard with the town’s financial report.

The Meredith Selectboard will meet at the Meredith Community Center at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24.