Jeanie Forrester: Meredith Selectboard considers new policy for private, class VI roads

The Aug. 10 Meredith Selectboard meeting included a public hearing on amendments to the short-term rental program, a second public update on the dam repair project, a review of our ambulance service agreement, consideration of a change to the Winnipesaukee River Basin Program ownership, and approvals for the playground project funding and adoption of a Private & Class VI Roads Policy.

Meredith’s short-term rental program has been operating for several months and in that time, some needed adjustments to the program have been identified. Implementation of the licensing initiative determined a plot plan was a redundant requirement as staff already had the necessary information and the Meals and Rentals Tax license number is a state responsibility. The recommendation was to remove both items from the application.

The Short-Term Rental Committee also recommended adding an owner-in-residence definition to the fees section reducing the $400 annual license fee to $200 for that category of rental. The OIR rental has significantly less impact on town resources for owners residing on the property while being rented. The selectboard voted to adopt the changes to the Short-Term Rental program as recommended.

A second public update for the Lake Waukewan Dam repair project was presented by representatives from Hampshire Hospitality Holdings, highlighting the three phases of the project and the accelerated project timeline. The bulk of the project is being funded by HHH with assistance from a FEMA grant while a small portion of the repair, within the canal by the public parking lot, will be funded by the town from existing expendable trust funds. The project is expected to begin this fall.

The town’s emergency medical services contract with Stewart’s Ambulance expired on June 30, although two, 30-day extensions were granted. The fire chief presented a proposed contract securing EMS through June 30, 2031, and includes the towns of Center Harbor, Moultonborough and Sandwich. As with the previous contract, each town’s cost is based on their respective call volume. Meredith’s percentage is approximately 53% with an estimated base annual cost of $406,805. The estimated cost for Center Harbor is $81,167 (11%), Moultonborough $183,055 (24%), and Sandwich $89,201 (12%).

The Winnipesaukee River Basin Program, operated by the NH Department of Environmental Services, is a regional wastewater collection and treatment system serving 10 communities in the Lakes Region (Laconia, Franklin, Gilford, Meredith, Tilton, Belmont, Northfield, Sanbornton, Center Harbor, and Moultonborough). The WRBP is funded entirely by the 10 communities although they have no control over the system. The communities want to evaluate the creation of a regional wastewater authority to assume ownership and operation of the system. They believe a regional authority would provide savings to the rate payers and more equitably allocate costs by operating the facility, setting budgets and overseeing capital projects. The selectboard voted to support a study on developing a regional wastewater authority.

The new playground at Prescott Park is now complete and the final payment of $110,090 is due. The selectboard voted to authorize the expenditure of $96,343 from the Parks and Recreation Expendable Trust Fund and the remaining balance of $13,747 will come from the William Andrews Fund.

The planning and development department asked the selectboard to approve a policy for building on class VI highways or private roads which have not been approved by the planning board. The selectboard tabled the request until they consult with the town attorney.

The next meeting of the selectboard will be at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24,  at the Meredith Community Center.

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Jeanie Forrester serves on the Meredith Selectboard.