Jeanie Forrester: Meredith board explores further investment in town’s Prescott Park

The Sept. 28, Meredith Selectboard meeting included a public hearing, capital project planning, several parks & recreation updates, fire department grants, personnel policies, and the emergency medical services contract.

A public hearing was held on the establishment of fees for a myriad of town services and facilities use. Department heads researched fees from surrounding and comparable communities making recommendations consistent with town goals. These fees go into the general fund and offset taxes. The selectboard approved the updated fee schedule as presented, effective Jan. 1, 2027. A master list is available on the town’s website.

Dave Thorpe presented three scenarios for capital project plans including minimal, moderate, and aggressive spending, showing all proposed projects, their schedules, likely costs and tax rate implications. Debt was chosen as the means of funding the five largest projects: Prescott Park, town offices, Main Street, water and sewer repairs and waterfront infrastructure. These plans give an initial, unfiltered view of all requests. If approved, it appears 2027 and 2028 capital spending would increase to approximately $4.5M, increasing the capital portion of the tax rate from approximately $0.50 to $1.10 with any of the three plans. Increases, beyond 2028, will be greatly influenced by schedules for the five largest projects. All projects will receive critical reviews by the CIP Committee, planning board and selectboard prior to approval.

The director of parks & recreation followed up with the board on the Prescott Park Master Plan with agreement that a cost estimate of the first phase should be the next step. Thus far, $141,000 has been spent on this project.

At the request of the selectboard, the parks & recreation director reviewed the town’s current senior programming at the Community Center. Survey results revealed a strong interest in expanded programing such as bringing back community meals and the need for improved communications about programs already available. The goal is to take a thoughtful approach, expand programming where there is demonstrated interest, improve awareness of what we already offer and explore partnerships that can provide additional opportunities for older adults in our community.

The parks & recreation director also presented information about two new recreational amenities, disc golf and a fitness station in Prescott Park. Her update on the disc golf proposal noted the two location options could be Waukewan Highlands Park or the Meredith Community Forest. There would be no cost to the taxpayers as funding for implementation and future maintenance will be managed through fundraising efforts. The calisthenics fitness station would be near the basketball court at Prescott Park. Residents would have an opportunity to incorporate strength, stretching, etc. into their existing routine. A local business offered to donate the complete calisthenics station including all equipment and supplies, site installation, and labor associated with the installation at no cost to the town.

The fire chief presented information on two grants that require public hearings to accept and appropriate the funds. The first grant is for $10,758 from the New England Fire Chief’s Association SAFER grant to assist with recruiting and retention. The second grant from the Department of Homeland Security for $37,819 will upgrade the department’s forestry personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes 32 sets of boots, shirts, goggles, helmets, pants, and hoods. Public hearings are set for Oct. 19.

As part of the personnel policy discussion, the town manager recommended a remote work policy and asked to include a training policy. The board directed her to prepare an analysis of each change in the policy manual including cost to taxpayers. A decision on the remote work policy/training policy was delayed until all selectboard members were present to vote.

The selectboard approved the Stewart’s Ambulance emergency medical services contract effective through June 30, 2031. The annual fiscal impact is $406,805 based on Meredith’s call volume. The contract is subject to an annual cost of living increase in subsequent years.

The next meeting of the selectboard on Monday, Oct. 19, will include a discussion on town manager vs town administrator form of government.

Other important dates:

• Monday, Oct. 12 — Columbus Day, Town Offices closed
• Saturday, Oct. 31, 5-8 p.m. — Halloween on Main Street

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Jeanie Forrester serves on the Meredith Selectboard.