Meredith Selectboard to hold short-term rental hearing, vote on ambulance contract

MEREDITH — A public hearing about short-term rental licensing amendments will be held at Monday’s selectboard meeting. Changes include removing a plot plan and state Meals and Room Tax license requirement, along with adding an “owners in residence” definition and a $200 fee for those who live on property they rent out.

This discussion is continued from a presentation by Senior Planner Angela LaBrecque at the meeting on July 27.

In 2025, the selectboard adopted a short-term rental regulation requiring rental property owners to get a license, following a recommendation of the town’s Short-Term Rental Committee.

According to information in the selectboard packet, a compliance letter was mailed to about 150 property owners with active rental listings, and 41 licenses have been issued so far. A second letter campaign will start after any changes are made.

After the initial licensing, the committee discussed regulations for a smoother application process. They agreed to omit two items, including a plot plan application requirement, which applicants have a hard time putting together.

The other is a Meals and Rental Tax license number, issued by the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration, being unnecessary. The committee also discussed implementation of a $200 fee for owners in residence, rather than a $400 fee previously adopted by the selectboard for owners both in and not in residence.

Four short-term rentals in Meredith are considered “owners in residence,” and meeting documents state due to the owner living on the rented property, compliance and monitoring by staff is limited. There are fewer issues with trash, noise and parking, and contact is easier when the property owner is present, according to the document.

The board is expected to vote on the recommended changes after hearing from the public.

The meeting will start with a workshop, including an update about Lake Waukewan Dam repairs. John Lavigne, of the Turner Group, represents Hampshire Hospitality Holdings, the owner of the dam, and will be accompanied by attorney Paul Becht for the second discussion in as many meetings.

Fire Chief Ken Jones will also be at the meeting, for a workshop regarding an agreement with Stewart’s Ambulance agreement. Stewart’s Ambulance serves the towns of Meredith, Moultonborough, Sandwich, and Center Harbor.

Agenda documents show the cost of the contract is based on call volume, with Meredith at 63% of the calls for an estimated annual cost of $406,805. If the agreement isn’t approved, the town would forfeit their part of the contract, and need to seek alternate emergency medical services immediately. Proposed alternatives are to seek a contract elsewhere, or create Meredith Fire/EMS.

The current contract expired on June 30, but two, 30-day extensions were granted. If approved, the contract ensures EMS services until June 30, 2031.

In the business portion of the meeting, Chief Water Operator Phil Sausville will discuss recent Winnipesaukee River Basin Program legislation.

The program was established in the 1970s as a regional wastewater collection and treatment system to serve 10 Lakes Region communities. The collection system starts in Moultonborough, and continues through the communities of Center Harbor, Gilford, Meredith, Laconia, Belmont, Sanbornton, Northfield and Tilton, ending at Franklin’s wastewater treatment plant, where it is treated and discharged into the Merrimack River.

Agenda documents state participating communities are evaluating the creation of a regional wastewater authority.

“The goal is to ensure long-term operational excellence, financial sustainability and continued protection of the WRBP,” the document states.

The report in the packet states the alternative would be increasing fees, “wasteful spending,” and incomplete projects. The selectboard is expected to take a vote, following discussion.

The board will hold a discussion, and is expected to vote, on the remaining $96,343 in funding for the Prescott Park playground, which comes from the Parks and Recreation Expendable Trust Fund.

The board is expected to vote on a policy for building on Class VI and private roads that haven’t been approved by the planning board. Meredith has 111 private roads, and 12 of them were not part of a previously approved plan. Without a policy, the selectboard would need to approve building permits after reviewing with the planning board.

A vote will be taken on reappointments to the planning and zoning boards, and conservation commission and alternates, as well.

The selectboard meets at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10, at the Meredith Community Center.