Jeanie Forrester: Meredith Selectboard takes up Breezeline contract, camp sale

The Oct. 26 Meredith Selectboard meeting included discussions on a parcel of waterfront property in Meredith, a sewer grant, a public hearing for the town’s renewal agreement for cable television, and the formal announcement of Phil McLaughlin’s promotion to captain of the Meredith Police Department.

Executive Councilor Joe Kenney presented the selectboard with information regarding Camp Menotomy, a 94-acre property in Meredith, with 4,500 feet of undeveloped shorefront on Lake Winnipesaukee. This property has been used since the late 1930s as a girls’ summer camp. Recently a Massachusetts judge paved the way for the parcel to be sold for $18 million to a developer to build homes.

This ruling is being appealed by those in opposition to the sale who contend that the mission of the Camp Menotomy charitable trust cannot be forfeited if another organization wants to operate a camp on the property. Although the trustees did not look for potential organizations to continue the charitable mission of the trust, at least two organizations expressed interest in operating a camp on the property. One is an existing local camp and the other is a wellness camp for military families and their children.

The New Hampshire Department of Justice is investigating the proposed sale since the property is established in law as a charitable trust and governed by the terms of a trust/deed recorded in the Belknap County Registry of Deeds. More than 50 residents showed up voicing their support for the camp to remain and asking the selectboard and NH attorney general to intervene. The board took no immediate action, but each member voiced support for the position of its residents.

Councilor Kenney also provided an update to the selectboard about the status of state funding for the Meredith Water Treatment Plant Filter Rehabilitation Project. With the councilor’s assistance, our water and sewer superintendent and interim town manager were able to work with the NH Department of Environmental Services to secure early funding for supplies needed for the project thus avoiding a one-year delay.

The selectboard held a public hearing on the Breezeline renewal agreement for our cable television franchise. The agreement maintains the existing annual franchise fee of 3% of Breezeline’s gross revenues, with Meredith receiving $82,000 in 2023, $76,000 in 2024, and $73,000 in 2025. With the completion of negotiations, resolution of the regional customer service office concern, and review by town counsel, the franchise was granted unanimously by the selectboard.

Police Chief/Interim Town Manager Mike Harper was pleased to announce that Phil McLaughlin has been promoted to captain. Capt. McLaughlin has dedicated more than 26 years to the Meredith Police Department and has played an instrumental role in the department’s operations, training, and leadership. With Chief Harper recently assuming the additional responsibilities of interim town manager, Capt. McLaughlin has taken on an expanded leadership role. His experience and institutional knowledge of the Meredith Police Department will be a great asset to the town.

The next meeting of the Meredith Selectboard is at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, at the Meredith Community Center.

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Jeanie Forrester serves as a member of the Meredith Selectboard.