rule changes at Glendale

When the Board of Selectmen and the Glendale Committee begin wrestling with the rules governing the operation of the public launch and docks can spring be far behind? Yesterday the selectmen and the committee met to consider changes to the rules, particularly the fee charged to businesses using the docks, for the upcoming season.

The $1000 fee for commercial users headquartered in Gilford was introduced in an effort to ease pressure and congestion on the crowded facility by deterring marinas from using the boat launch, which is intended for the use of residents. But, the fee has proven very difficult to apply fairly and collect efficiently. Dave Ewing, a member of the Glendale Committee who, as the owner of Dave's Motorboat Shoppe pays the fee, told the meeting that while between eight and ten firms frequently used the facility, only two paid the fee last year.

Sheldon Morgan, Director of Public Works, advised the selectmen that if the fee is retained, a more conscientious effort should be made to collect it. However, he cautioned that Police Chief Evans Juris questioned whether the ordinance granted the town sufficient authority to police commercial use of the docks.

To add to the problem, the committee found it was often difficult to distinguish commercial from residential users of the facility. For instance, since Gilford residents are entitled to use the launch and docks, some who are employed by firms in neighboring communities launch customers' boats at Glendale.

Likewise, not all commercial users are treated the same. While marinas are liable for the $1000, contractors operating barges, often laden with heavy equipment, for jobs on the islands are exempt upon proof they are working in Gilford. Acknowledging the distinction was an awkward one, Morgan explained that barge operators were not charged the fee because it would increase the cost of construction for residents. "Very few launch sites allow barge access," he said. "Winnipesaukee Marine Construction has a facility at Alton, but every other company is like a man without a country. They have to keep moving to get access to the lake," he continued. "Gilford has become a base of operations." Ewing suggested that any fee should apply to all commercial users.

The selectmen agreed to retain the fee for commercial users while amending the ordinance to impose a penalty in the form of a fine not to exceed $1000 for failure to pay the fee. It was not clear whether the fee would apply to barge operators.

Both the selectmen and the committee agreed that extending enforcement at Glendale to between 60 and 80 hours a week last summer alleviated many of the problem and much of the congestion. Juris offered to prepare an estimate of the cost of adding another 20 hours of enforcement. Meanwhile, on the recommendation of the committee, the ordinance would be amended to extend the docking and launching rules from October 12, Columbus Day, until the end of the month. When Juris pointed out that the ordinance was adopted at Town Meeting and questioned whether it could be amended by the selectmen, the selectmen agreed to seek an opinion from town counsel.

A public hearing on the proposed changes is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. in Room A of the Town Hall.