Gilmanton public meetings in 2025

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold a non‑public session to review and approve a hiring determination/PAF for a public employee. They will also receive a legal update and discuss end‑of‑year expense, encumbrance, and cleanup from the Dec 15 meeting. Both items are addressed under RSA 91‑A:3 provisions.

• Review and approve hiring determination/PAF for a public employee (RSA 91‑A:3(b))
• Legal update and discussion of year‑end expense, encumbrance, and cleanup from Dec 15 meeting (RSA 91‑A:3(l))

The Selectmen unanimously approved hiring Isaac Morse as Road Agent starting Jan. 1, 2026. They changed an encumbrance to allocate $45,001.12 for 3/8" stone for the Highway Department. They also approved language for a warrant article that moves 100% of Land Use Change Tax revenues into the town's General Fund, replacing Article 14. The meeting concluded with discussion of budget pressures and an adjournment.

• Hired Isaac Morse as Road Agent (effective Jan 1 2026) – passed unanimously (2-0)
• Changed Personnel Administration and Planning encumbrance to $45,001.12 for 3/8" stone – passed unanimously (2-0)
• Approved Land Use Change Tax warrant article language to deposit 100% of revenues into General Fund – passed unanimously (2-0)
• Moved into Non-Public Session 91-A:3(b) – passed unanimously (2-0)
• Came out of Non-Public Session 91-A:3(b) – passed unanimously (2-0)
• Moved into Non-Public Session 91-A:3(l) – passed unanimously (2-0)
• Came out of Non-Public Session 91-A:3(l) – passed unanimously (2-0)
• Adjourned meeting – passed unanimously (2-0)

Sawyer Lake Village District

The Sawyer Lake Village District will hold a routine commissioner meeting to approve minutes and review a financial report. The agenda includes status updates on the dam, roads, and beaches, as well as a mailbox update. No specific dollar amounts, new ordinances, or major construction projects are listed in the provided text.

• Financial Report presented by Claudia Ferber
• Dam status update by Rick Milliken
• Roads status update by Brian Palmer
• Beaches status update by Rick Milliken
• Mailboxes update under Old Business

The board approved the November 20, 2025 meeting minutes and the financial report, each by unanimous consent. A motion to secure a debit card for district purchases was also passed unanimously. No other substantive actions were taken at this meeting.

• Approved November 20, 2025 minutes (all in favor)
• Approved the financial report (all in favor)
• Approved securing a debit card for purchases (all in favor)

Budget Committee

The Gilmanton Budget Committee has scheduled a series of meetings for the 2025‑2026 fiscal year. Items include town department presentations with Q&A, school presentations with Q&A, discussions with outside agencies, and a public hearing on operating budgets for town and school on January 14, 2026. A potential bond public hearing is also noted for that date. No specific decisions are recorded; the agenda outlines topics for discussion.

• Town department presentations with Q&A (multiple dates)
• School presentations with Q&A (multiple dates)
• Outside agencies and overall budget discussions
• Public hearing on operating budgets for town and school – Jan 14, 2026
• Potential bond public hearing included on Jan 14, 2026

The Budget Committee heard presentations and funding requests from CASA, New Beginnings Without Violence, the Community Action Program, the Gilmanton Snowmobile Association, Granite VNA, the Gilmanton Year‑Round Library, the Gilmanton Youth Organization, and Lakes Region VNA. Each request specified an amount to raise and appropriate for the FY 2026 budget. The minutes do not record any approvals, denials, or vote tallies for these requests.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider several purchase orders for town departments and review draft policies for capital assets and fund balances. The meeting includes non-public sessions regarding personnel and the transfer station.

• Police Department purchase of Taser 7 Bundles from Axon Enterprise, Inc. for $24,991.20
• Academy Building ceiling and grid replacement by John C. Pratt Company, LLC for $7,866.00
• Highway Department plow blades and hardware from Jordan Equipment for $5,647.88
• Request to withdraw $2,832.39 from the Accrued Benefit Liability Fund for employee vacation payout
• Review of draft Capital Asset and Fund Balance policies

The Selectmen approved a pay grade increase for Fire Department employee Matt Greene and authorized several large purchases, including Tasers and equipment for the police and fire services. They also approved $163,000 for 2026 road projects and funded the Loon Pond Road culvert project up to $30,600. The board voted to sponsor a Land Use Change Tax warrant article to redirect LUCT revenue to the general fund. A proposed $7,866 ceiling replacement contract was rejected after reconsideration.

• Approved pay grade increase for Matt Greene (3-0)
• Approved purchase of Tasers for $24,991.20 (3-0)
• Approved $163,000 encumbrance for 2026 road projects (3-0)
• Approved Loon Pond Road culvert project funding up to $30,600 (3-0)
• Approved sponsorship of Land Use Change Tax warrant article (3-0)
• Approved purchase orders for Axon Enterprises ($24,991.20) and Alton Motor Sports ($56,700) (3-0)
• Approved withdrawal of $2,832.39 to reimburse general fund (3-0)
• Failed expenditure of $7,866 to John C. Pratt Company after reconsideration (2-1)

Planning Board

The Gilmanton Planning Board will hold public hearings to review several land‑use requests, including a child‑care site plan, a minor subdivision, and a lot line adjustment. It will also consider two amendments to the 2026 Zoning Ordinance that change permitted uses and definitions for childcare facilities. The meeting includes routine items such as minutes, correspondence, and public comment.

• Review of Site Plan Approval request for a child‑care facility at 136 NH Rte. 106 (Business Zone) – CASE# SPR2025-412
• Review of minor subdivision creating two lots (2.51 acres and 2.68 acres) at 38 Munsey Hill Rd (Rural Zone) – CASE# SUBMIN2025-506
• Review of lot line adjustment between Map & Lots 420-055 and 420-056 at 298 Meadow Pond Rd – CASE# SUBMIN2025-507
• Consideration of Zoning Ordinance Amendment #1 to replace “Childcare Facility” with “Day Care Home” and add “Group Child Day Care Center” as a conditional use
• Consideration of Zoning Ordinance Amendment #2 to add definitions for “Family Day Care Home”, “Family Group Day Care Home”, and “Group Child Day Care Center”

The Planning Board voted 4‑0 to place two zoning‑code amendments on the 2026 ballot. It also approved a minor subdivision at 38 Munsey Hill Rd and a lot‑line adjustment at 298 Meadow Pond Rd, each with conditions. The childcare facility application at 136 NH Rte. 106 was accepted for further review and continued to the January 8 meeting pending additional information.

• Motion to move 2026 zoning amendments to ballot passed 4‑0
• Accepted childcare facility application (SPR2025-412) passed 4‑0
• Continued childcare facility application to Jan 8 passed 4‑0
• Accepted minor subdivision application (SUBMIN2025-506) passed 4‑0
• Approved minor subdivision (SUBMIN2025-506) passed 4‑0
• Accepted lot‑line adjustment application (SUBMIN2025-507) passed 4‑0
• Approved lot‑line adjustment with conditions passed 4‑0
• Adjournment motion passed 4‑0

Historic District Commission

The Gilmanton Historic District Commission will meet on December 10, 2025 at Old Town Hall. The working session includes a discussion of proposed amendments to the town's historic district regulations. No other substantive agenda items are listed. The meeting will adjourn and set the date for the next session.

• Consider amendments to historic district regulations

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee is meeting to conduct a second school presentation including a question and answer session. This is part of the 2025-2026 budget calendar.

• School Presentation with Q & A

The Budget Committee reviewed the school budget, including a proposed three-year teacher contract with 3% annual raises and a 1% health insurance concession, and a new Article 8 allowing a special meeting if the contract fails. No formal votes were taken; the committee continued its review and will meet again on December 17.

• Reviewed school budget with $3,000 cut to co-curriculars (no vote)
• Discussed new 3-year teacher CBA with 3%, 3.5%, 3.5% raises (no vote)
• Noted new Article 8 for special meeting if CBA fails (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review bids for electrical work at the Tom Howe Barn and discuss proposed 2026 Zoning Ordinance amendments regarding childcare facilities. The board will also review several subdivision and variance applications from the Planning and Zoning Boards.

• Review of bids for electrical work at the Tom Howe Barn
• Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments #1 and #2 regarding Day Care Home and Group Child Day Care Center definitions and permits
• Review of minor subdivision requests for Shannon Road, 38 Munsey Hill Rd, and 298 Meadow Pond Rd
• Review of major subdivision request for 461 Meeting House Rd & Governor’s Rd
• Review of variance request for a single-family dwelling on Valley Shore Dr

The commission approved sending a letter to Mr. Sanborn about debris removal (7‑0). Several expense requests for the Trail Committee, supplies, and a meeting meal were approved for disbursement from the Conservation Fund. The meeting was moved to non‑public and then back to public by unanimous motions (7‑0 each). Members unanimously adopted new leadership, naming Stephen Hopkins as Chairman and Nikita Twaaflhoven as Vice Chairman.

• Approved sending letter to Mr. Sanborn (7‑0)
• Approved $519.98 Trail Committee sign purchase
• Approved $219.00 Trail Committee supplies reimbursement
• Approved $547.39 food expense for meeting
• Approved utility installation notification for 391 & 395 Crystal Lake Rd (Chairman approval)
• Moved meeting to non‑public (7‑0)
• Moved meeting back to public (7‑0)
• Adopted new leadership: Stephen Hopkins as Chairman, Nikita Twaaflhoven as Vice Chairman (unanimous)

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee is meeting to hear a presentation from the school including a question and answer session. This is part of a scheduled budget calendar leading toward public hearings and the deliberative session.

• School Presentation with Q & A

The committee reviewed a detailed school budget covering regular, special, co‑curricular, and other services. No budget items were approved, denied, or tabled. The only formal action was the unanimous motion to adjourn. Members agreed to continue the budget review at the next meeting on Dec 10, 2025.

• Adjournment motion passed (7-0)
• Committee agreed to resume budget review on Dec 10, 2025

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee will meet to review energy efficiency projects and the 2023 lighting project savings. The body will also discuss the annual budget, town report, and master plan updates.

• 2023 Lighting Project incurred savings
• Annual Budget
• Annual Town Report
• Master Plan Updates - Letter of Interest
• Clean Energy NH municipal membership

The committee approved the October 2025 draft meeting minutes. The Board of Selectmen excluded several items from the committee's draft survey and tabled further discussion of the survey. The committee discussed plans for an Earth Day event, a Window Dressers project, and the preparation of an annual report to be submitted by Dec 31 2025. No other formal actions were recorded.

• Approved October 2025 draft meeting minutes
• Board of Selectmen excluded survey items and tabled discussion

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review expenditures for hazardous waste collection and emergency medical equipment. The meeting includes a discussion on 2026 estimated revenue and a determination on transfer station sticker fees.

• Purchase of Lucas Chest Compressions System from Stryker Sales for $40,593.33
• Lakes Region Household Hazardous Product Collection Program Summer 2026 commitment of $5,666.00
• Determination of Transfer Station Sticker fees
• Review of Town of Gilmanton 2026 Estimated Revenue
• Event request for First Congregational Society Fundraiser on April 25, 2026

The Selectmen unanimously approved the town's 2026 estimated revenue of $2,180,389. They also approved the consent agenda items, including a $5,667 hazardous‑waste program commitment and a $40,593.33 purchase of a Lucas Chest Compression System. The board approved a First Congregational Society fundraiser event and kept the transfer‑station sticker fee structure unchanged by a 2‑1 vote. A merit‑pay increase for Town Administrator Heather Carpenter was also approved unanimously.

• Approved 2026 estimated revenue of $2,180,389 (3-0)
• Accepted Lakes Region Hazardous Product Collection Program commitment for $5,667 (3-0)
• Approved Striker sales agreement for Lucas Chest Compression System $40,593.33 (3-0)
• Approved First Congregational Society fundraiser event (3-0)
• Left transfer station sticker fee structure unchanged (2-1)
• Approved merit‑pay increase for Town Administrator Heather Carpenter (3-0)
• Approved public minutes from 11/17/2025 (3-0)
• Approved non‑public minutes from 11/17/2025 (3-0)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will meet to review a variance request for a property in the Rural Zone. The board will determine if the owners may build a single-family dwelling on a non-conforming lot.

• Case #2025-19: Variance request for Map & Lot 131-090 on Valley Shore Dr regarding road frontage and setbacks

Sawyer Lake Village District

The Commissioner Meeting will include reports on the dam, roads, and beaches. Commissioners will discuss the proposed 2026 budget and warrant articles, as well as mailbox fees and the Special Revenue Fund.

• Discussion of 2026 SLVD Proposed Budget and Warrant Articles
• Review of mailbox fees and Special Revenue Fund
• Reports on dam, roads, and beaches

The commissioners unanimously approved the October 16 minutes and the financial report. They adopted a one‑time $100 leasing fee and related lock and key fees for district mailboxes. They also moved forward with the 2026 budget proposal that includes a $30,000 warrant article for the dam capital reserve and a fallback $15,000 article. Additional authorizations were made for up to $35,000 to purchase new mailbox sections and up to $2,500 for office equipment.

• Approved October 16 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved financial report (unanimous)
• Adopted mailbox leasing fee structure: $100 new mailbox, $75 lock replacement, $25 lost key (unanimous)
• Approved moving forward with 2026 budget Proposal 2, including $30,000 dam reserve warrant article and $15,000 fallback article (unanimous)
• Authorized up to $35,000 to purchase new mailbox sections (unanimous)
• Authorized up to $2,500 for office equipment (printer, file cabinet, laptop) (unanimous)

Budget Committee

The Gilmanton Budget Committee will meet several times from November 2025 through February 2026. Meetings include town department presentations with Q&A, school presentations with Q&A, and discussions with outside agencies. A public hearing on operating budgets for the town and school is set for January 14, 2026, and a potential bond public hearing is also listed for that date.

• Town department presentation with Q&A – Wednesday, November 12, 2025
• School presentation with Q&A – Wednesday, November 12, 2025
• Outside agencies and overall budget discussions – Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• Public hearing on operating budgets for town & school – January 14, 2026
• Potential bond public hearing – January 14, 2026

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee reviewed the Highway Department budget, noting a 15.64% decrease in the Highway and Streets operating budget and a 31.02% increase in Highway Administration. Members discussed a single $1.5 million warrant article to fund large‑scale road projects and agreed to provide a detailed project list for voters. The committee also examined Transfer Station budget items, including a $13,800 reserve addition and a $58,495 request for a new plow and truck, and approved a $1,000 reduction to the library budget. Finally, they decided to redesign the main budget summary into a single landscape page with added comparison columns.

• $1.5 million highway warrant article to fund major road projects
• $13,800 transfer station reserve fund warrant article
• $58,495 warrant article for a new plow and facility truck
• $36,442 request for a new part‑time mechanic position in the highway department
• $1,000 reduction to the Billington‑Perma Library budget

The Budget Committee heard presentations on a $1.5 million Highway Department warrant article, a $13,800 transfer‑station capital reserve warrant article, and a $58,495 warrant article to purchase a plow/facility vehicle. Members also discussed staffing needs, a proposed part‑time mechanic position, and road maintenance practices. No formal votes, approvals, or rejections were recorded in the minutes.

Cemetery Trustees

The Gilmanton Cemetery Trustees will meet on November 18, 2025 at the Town Offices. The agenda includes approval of the October 21, 2025 minutes, discussion of stone cleaning and repair projects, site and general project reports, and review of the budget. Any other business may be addressed as legally permitted.

• Approval of October 21, 2025 minutes
• Stone cleaning, repair and volunteer projects
• Site reports
• General project reports/items
• Budget review

The trustees unanimously approved the minutes from the October 21 meeting. The Selectmen approved a $200 (1.14%) increase to the 2026 town cemetery budget. The board approved submission of the 2025 cemetery annual report to the town. The board decided to cancel the December meeting.

• Approved October 21 minutes (4-0)
• Selectmen approved $200 increase to 2026 cemetery budget
• Board approved 2025 annual report submission
• Board cancelled December meeting
• No quorum for the posted November 3 meeting

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss the bottom line budget and process. The board is reviewing several fund withdrawals for highway, fire, and building repairs, as well as a facility usage request for the Old Town Hall.

• PO for Paradigm: $14,080.00 for Highway Department Generator
• PO for Glenn’s Truck Service: $7,767.00 for 6-wheeler repairs
• Request to withdraw $18,982.51 for Academy Building Main Drain Line and Corner Post repairs
• Request to withdraw $16,654.13 for Bailer and Grader repairs
• Facility usage request for Old Town Hall from Belknap County 4-H Youth Leadership Team

The Selectmen unanimously approved the 2025 property tax rate of $15.25, including a $50,000 overlay. They also approved the tax warrant to collect $8,430,585 in property taxes with an 8% interest charge after Dec 23 2025. Several fund withdrawals and administrative actions were approved, and the 2026 holiday schedule was amended.

• Approved minutes from the Nov 3, 2025 meeting (unanimous 3‑0)
• Approved $516,654.13 withdrawal from Highway Vehicle Repair Equipment reserve (3‑0)
• Set 2025 property tax rate at $15.25, including $50,000 overlay (3‑0)
• Waived $125 rental fee for Belknap County 4‑H contra dance (3‑0)
• Authorized Chairman to sign facility‑use form for the 4‑H event (3‑0)
• Authorized department heads to over‑spend individual budget lines, with board approval required for total over‑spend (3‑0)
• Approved tax warrant to collect $8,430,585 in property taxes with 8% interest after Dec 23 2025 (3‑0)
• Approved 2026 meeting and holiday schedule, swapping Martin Luther King Day for Christmas Eve as a paid holiday (3‑0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings to review the regional impact of two subdivision requests. The board will also hold a preliminary discussion regarding a proposed subdivision on Stage and Gilman Roads.

• Case# SUBMIN2025-505: Minor subdivision request by Benjamin Schneeweiss for two 2-acre lots on Shannon Road
• Case# SUBMAJ2023-550: Extension request for a major subdivision of 8 lots at 461 Meeting House Rd & Governor’s Rd
• PRE2025-505: Preliminary discussion with ILLEREX, LLC for subdivision of property on Stage Rd and Gilman Rd
• Discussion of proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments

The Planning Board accepted the subdivision plan for Benjamin Schneeweiss’s property on Shannon Road as complete and then approved the application with three conditions. The board also granted a one‑year extension for a major subdivision extension request at 461 Meeting House Rd and Governor's Rd. Minutes from the September 11 and October 16, 2025 meetings were approved, and the board adjourned at 7:31 p.m.

• Accepted Schneeweiss plan as complete (5-0)
• Approved Schneeweiss subdivision application with conditions (5-0)
• Granted one‑year extension for conditional approval of subdivision at 461 Meeting House Rd (5-0)
• Approved September 11, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Approved October 16, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:31 p.m.

Budget Committee

The Gilmanton Budget Committee meeting on November 12, 2025 will include town and school department presentations with questions and answers. It will also schedule a public hearing on operating budgets for the town and school, and note a potential bond public hearing on a later date. No specific budget figures or contracts are listed.

• Town department presentation with Q&A
• School department presentation with Q&A
• Public hearing on operating budgets for town and school
• Potential bond public hearing (date to be confirmed)

The committee voted unanimously to appoint Brian Forst as Chairman and Anne Kirby as Vice‑Chair. After the nominations, members agreed to add a summary of prior years' actual expenditures on page 104 of the budget packet. No other budget line items were voted on during this meeting.

• Chair Brian Forst nominated and approved (7‑0)
• Vice‑Chair Anne Kirby nominated and approved (7‑0)
• Add summary of prior years' actual expenditures on page 104 of the budget packet

Conservation Commission

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission will open and review bids for electrical work at the Tom Howe Barn, including a sealed‑bid requirement if the contract exceeds $5,000. Members will discuss safety concerns at Rollins Pond and remind attendees of state dredge‑and‑fill permit rules. The Trails sub‑committee will consider clearing invasive plants and installing a well cover at Frisky Hill. Additional old‑business items such as conservation lot monitoring assignments and a resident request for signage and privacy screening will also be addressed.

• Bid opening for electrical work at the Tom Howe Barn (sealed bid if > $5,000)
• Safety concerns around Rollins Pond and reminder of DES Shoreland and Alteration of Terrain permits
• Invasive‑species removal and well‑cover installation at Frisky Hill (Trails sub‑committee)
• Assignments of conservation lot monitoring updates to commission members
• Resident request for signage and privacy screening, with quotes to be obtained

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review financial and statistical reports. The board is discussing the addition of 12-2 PM hours on Saturdays and planning a volunteer event.

• Proposal to add 12-2 PM hours on Saturdays
• Planning for volunteer and Book Chat party
• Discussion of red dots on new books

The trustees approved the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes, with Sue Roberts moving and Deb Fifield seconding. The treasurer reported that all bills are paid and the library is working to join the town's auditing system. The board discussed plans for a Volunteer Appreciation Day on November 18 and a Selectmen visit on November 17, but no formal action was taken. The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 pm.

• Approved September 8 minutes (motion by Sue Roberts, seconded by Deb Fifield)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission's Trails Subcommittee will meet to review trail updates and approve minutes from August. The group will also discuss budget updates and community outreach efforts.

• Approve August minutes
• Trail updates: Beaver Woods, Cogswell, Lou Lane, Jones Farm, Kelley/Rollins Pond
• Community Outreach: GLT Annual
• New Business: Budget update
• New Business: John & Ursula Allen

The Conservation Trails Sub‑Committee approved the October meeting minutes. The board decided there will be no meeting in December and scheduled the next meeting for January. Several action items were assigned, including drafting a Beaver Woods map, updating Cogswell trail mileage, picking up signs, and conducting a workday for tree removal and trail blazing on November 5‑6.

• Approved October minutes (motion by Chris, seconded by Thomie)
• Decided no meeting in December
• Scheduled next meeting for January
• Assigned Nikita to draft Beaver Woods map (needs GPX file)
• Assigned Thomie to generate GPX file for Beaver Woods trail
• Assigned Lori to pick up signs on 11/05 for workday 11/06
• Planned 11/05 workday: tree removal by Guy & Frank; blaze and install posts/signs by Lori, Chris, Walter, Bill
• Assigned Mike to update Cogswell mileage; Nikita to update Main Summit distance

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board will consider a rehearing request from Kerry Whalen and Derrick Feld regarding a variance previously approved on September 18, 2025 for Andrew and Cheryl Schkuta. The variance permits construction of a single‑family dwelling on a non‑conforming lot on Hemlock Drive, which lacks frontage on a Class V road and is within required setbacks. The property is identified as Map & Lot 119‑162 in the Residential Lake Zone.

• Rehearing request (Case #2025-15) for variance allowing a single‑family home on Hemlock Dr, Map & Lot 119‑162

The Board voted to deny the rehearing request for variance case #2025-15 concerning a single‑family dwelling on Hemlock Drive. The motion to deny the rehearing passed unanimously (3‑0). The Board then adjourned the meeting by a 3‑0 vote.

• Denied rehearing of variance case #2025-15 (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Gilmanton Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on proposed cemetery fee changes, including adjustments to the care fund deposit and corner post costs. A separate public hearing will consider accepting $15,379.80 from the Concord Regional Solid Waste/Resource Recovery Cooperative, representing Gilmanton’s share of proceeds from a land sale on Whitney Road. The meeting also includes routine consent agenda items such as a highway block grant acknowledgment and a purchase order for shed repairs, and a discussion of the FY 2026 Selectmen budget.

• Cemetery fee changes: sales price $100, care fund deposit $300 → $350, corner posts $200 → $450, total $600 → $900
• Public hearing to accept $15,379.80 from Concord Regional Solid Waste/Resource Recovery Cooperative (Whitney Road land sale)
• State of New Hampshire acknowledgment of Quarter 2 Highway Block Grant, $49,857.44
• Clear Span purchase order $14,575.00 for GYO shed cover repairs
• Proposed Selectmen Budget FY 2026

The Board approved a $50 increase to the cemetery perpetual‑care fund deposit, raising it from $300 to $350 while keeping the grave sales price at $100. It accepted $15,379.80 of unanticipated funds from a regional solid‑waste cooperative and approved the $49,857.44 highway block‑grant acknowledgement together with a $14,575 purchase order for GYO shed repairs. The Board also approved the assessing services contract with George Hildum, entered a non‑public session, and hired Patrol Officer Brianna Skehan at $27.49 per hour with a $10,000 sign‑on bonus; all motions passed with the recorded vote counts.

• Approved increase of cemetery care fund deposit from $300 to $350, sales price unchanged (3-0)
• Accepted $15,379.80 unanticipated funds from Concord Regional Solid Waste/Resource Recovery Cooperative (3-0)
• Approved minutes of October 20, 2025 meeting (2-0; Vice Chairman abstained)
• Approved acknowledgement of $49,857.44 Quarter 2 Highway Block Grant and $14,575 purchase order for GYO shed cover repairs (3-0)
• Approved assessing services contract with George Hildum (annual fee $18,240) (3-0)
• Entered non-public session for hiring a public employee (3-0)
• Hired Patrol Officer Brianna Skehan at $27.49/hr with $10,000 sign-on bonus (3-0)
• Supported implementation of new board member application questionnaire (no vote recorded)

Cemetery Trustees

The Gilmanton Cemetery Trustees will hold a public hearing, together with the Board of Selectmen, to discuss grave right‑to‑interment prices. After the hearing, the trustees may consider any other business that legally comes before them.

• Public hearing on grave right‑to‑interment pricing (in concert with the Board of Selectmen)
• Consideration of any other business that may legally come before the trustees

Fire

The Gilmanton Fire Department will discuss its staffing shortfall and request adding one full‑time member to achieve 24‑hour in‑house coverage. It will also emphasize that adopting the 2026 budget is essential to fund that position and maintain operations. Updates on equipment repairs and security upgrades at the IW Station will be reviewed.

• Request to add one full‑time staff member for overnight coverage
• Call for adoption of the 2026 budget to fund staffing and operations
• Tanker 2 scheduled for warranty tank repair on Dec 10
• Forestry 1 winch repair planned
• Door and security upgrades at IW Station by A&B Lock, expected by year‑end

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will meet to discuss amendments to the Historic District Regulations. The commission will also review meeting minutes from April 24, 2025.

• Historic District Regulations Amendments

Capital Improvement Plan Committee (CIPC)

The committee will hold a site walk at the Gilmanton School, with Brenda Wiswell and the School Facility Coordinator present. No formal decisions are listed for this meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for February 10, 2026.

• Site walk at Gilmanton School

The Capital Improvement Plan Committee reviewed parking lot safety, boiler replacement options, LED lighting rollout, ventilation, kitchen equipment, electrical upgrades, roof replacement, and other school facility needs. No items were approved, denied, or formally adopted during the meeting. The only action taken was a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and carried.

• Adjourned at 7:00 p.m. (motion by Vice Chairman Harkey, seconded by Chairman Forst)

Capital Improvement Plan Committee (CIPC)

The Capital Improvement Plan Committee is reviewing findings from site walks at several town facilities. The committee will also determine spreadsheet items and the priority ranking timeframe for departments.

• Findings from Crystal Lake Park, Transfer Station, Public Safety Building, and Iron Works Fire Department site walks
• Determination of FY2026 calendar
• Scheduled school site walk for 10/29/25

The committee approved amended minutes for the September 29, September 18 and October 21 meetings, and voted 5‑to‑1 to revise the wording of the $10,000 capital‑item threshold. Action items were moved out of the formal minutes. The board also identified immediate capital priorities, including a roof repair for the Public Safety Building, a concrete pad for the Transfer Station fuel tank, and replacement of the oldest police cruiser.

• Amended $10,000 capital‑item threshold wording passed 5‑to‑1 (voice vote)
• Motion to accept September 29, 2025 minutes as amended passed
• Motion to accept September 18, 2025 minutes as amended passed
• Motion to accept October 21, 2025 minutes as amended passed
• Action items moved outside formal minutes (no vote recorded)
• Prioritized Public Safety Building roof replacement (~$50,000) as immediate need
• Prioritized installation of concrete pad under Transfer Station fuel tank
• Prioritized replacement of oldest police cruiser (~$80,000) as immediate capital item

Trustees of the Trust Fund

The Trustees of the Trust Fund will meet on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. in the town office at 503 Province Rd. No specific agenda items are listed, so the meeting will address routine trust‑fund business. The gathering follows the standard schedule for the town’s trust‑fund trustees.

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 28, 2025 meeting. After reviewing the Fidelity account, trustees agreed no changes to the holdings are needed at this time. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved July 28, 2025 minutes (all voted in favor)
• Agreed to make no changes to Fidelity holdings
• Motion to adjourn adopted

Energy Committee

The Gilmanton Energy Committee will consider the town's annual budget and discuss updates to energy efficiency projects, including savings from the 2023 lighting project. It will also review the minutes from the September 24, 2025 meeting, update the energy audit, and consider a draft letter of interest for the master plan. Additional items include a town survey and information on Clean Energy NH membership and grant opportunities.

• Review and approval of minutes from September 24, 2025 meeting
• Update energy audit
• Energy efficiency projects – 2023 lighting project incurred savings
• Master plan updates – draft letter of interest
• Annual budget

The committee approved the September 2025 minutes after two small changes, with a motion and second. It also approved the language of a draft letter of interest to the Town Administrator and Select Board regarding the Master Plan Capital Improvement. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved September 2025 minutes (motion by Elise, seconded by Sue)
• Approved language of draft capital‑improvement letter to Town Administrator and Select Board

Capital Improvement Plan Committee (CIPC)

The Capital Improvement Plan Committee is conducting site walks at two town facilities. The Town Administrator, Fire Chief, and Police Chief will be present for these visits.

• Site walk at Public Safety Complex (297 NH RTE 140)
• Site walk at Iron Works Fire Station (1824 NH RTE 140)

The committee directed Police Chief Currier to adjust the roof replacement cost sheet to include a 3% inflation factor. Town Administrator Carpenter was tasked with verifying the septic tank’s weight‑bearing capacity and locating a “second round” memo on miscellaneous infrastructure improvements. Fire Chief Hempel will continue obtaining quotes for epoxy flooring, and the next CIPC meeting was scheduled for Oct 27 at 6 PM.

• Police Chief Currier to adjust roof cost sheet for 3% inflation (action assigned)
• TA Carpenter to verify septic tank weight‑bearing capacity in original plans (action assigned)
• TA Carpenter to locate “second round” memo on miscellaneous infrastructure improvements (action assigned)
• Fire Chief Hempel to continue soliciting epoxy flooring quotes (action assigned)
• Next CIPC meeting scheduled for Oct 27, 2025 at 6:00 PM (scheduled)

Cemetery Trustees

The Gilmanton Cemetery Trustees will meet on October 21, 2025 at 7 p.m. in the Town Offices. They will approve the minutes from the September 16 meeting, review stone cleaning and repair projects, receive site and general project reports, and discuss the cemetery budget. Any other business that may legally arise will also be considered.

• Approval of minutes from September 16, 2025
• Stone cleaning, repair, and volunteer projects
• Site reports
• General project reports/items
• Budget discussion

The board unanimously approved the September 16, 2025 minutes (4‑0) and later unanimously adjourned the meeting (4‑0). They agreed to pay $250 toward corner post costs for a Beech Grove grave and to cover $900 for three ash trees at Lougee, with the tree owner covering the remainder. The trustees also decided to notify the Selectmen about a proposed grave‑cost increase and to have JR obtain a second price for granite posts.

• Approved September 16, 2025 minutes (unanimous 4‑0)
• Authorized $250 payment for Beech Grove corner post costs
• Approved $900 payment for three ash trees at Lougee (agreement, no vote recorded)
• Decided to notify Selectmen about proposed grave cost increase
• Tasked JR with obtaining a second price for granite posts
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous 4‑0)

Records Retention Committee

The Records Retention Committee will hear project updates on several record‑preservation efforts. Items include a book restoration cost review, restoration of Board of Selectmen minutes from 1992‑2005, and updates on the PD, Assessing, and ImageSilo projects. No formal decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Book restoration cost versus record
• Restoration of BOS minutes (1992‑2005)
• Update on PD project
• Update on Assessing project
• Update on ImageSilo project

The Records Retention Committee approved the minutes from July 22, 2025. The committee assigned Bre Daigneault to create a Record Retention page on the town website, including the policy, RSA 33-A, purpose, and agendas and minutes.

• Approved minutes from 7/22/25
• Tasked Bre Daigneault to create a Record Retention page on the town website

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen will review and approve the previous meeting minutes and a consent agenda that includes a $15,379.80 fund acknowledgment from the Concord Regional Solid Waste/Resource Recovery Cooperative, a cemetery fee increase, and a $300 deposit for a cemetery lot purchase. New business will cover the Winter Management Policy, the Annual Winter Maintenance Contracts, and the Winter Maintenance On‑Call Stipend Policy. Budget items such as the September expense report and insurance rate acknowledgments will also be discussed. A non‑public session will address legal matters and confidential applications.

• Acknowledge receipt of $15,379.80 from Concord Regional Solid Waste/Resource Recovery Cooperative
• Acknowledge cemetery fee increase and schedule public hearing for Nov 3, 2025
• Accept $300 deposit for lot #G1d1 at Beech Grove Cemetery into the cemetery general fund
• Discuss and consider the Winter Management Policy
• Review Annual Winter Maintenance Contracts

The Selectmen approved the minutes from the September 15 meeting and scheduled a public hearing for solid‑waste and cemetery fee items on November 3. They adopted a new Winter Management Policy, three‑year winter maintenance contracts, and the on‑call stipend policy, and authorized the Chairman to sign the contracts. Pay raises were approved for Firefighter/Medic Adam Rague and for three senior staff members. Several non‑public legal matters were discussed and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved September 15 minutes (2-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for waste funds and cemetery fee increase on Nov 3 (2-0)
• Accepted $300 deposit into Beech Grove Cemetery General Fund (2-0)
• Approved Winter Management Policy, three‑year contracts and on‑call stipend policy (2-0)
• Authorized Chairman to sign the three winter maintenance contracts (2-0)
• Increased Firefighter/Medic Adam Rague pay to $28.61/hr, effective Oct 5 (2-0)
• Increased pay for Lauraine Paquin, Amanda Davis, and Bre Daignault (2-0)
• Approved stipends for Heather Carpenter, Alex DeCoste, and John Skeehan (2-0)

Capital Improvement Plan Committee (CIPC)

The Capital Improvement Plan Committee will walk the Crystal Lake Park site and then the Transfer Station site, with the Town Administrator and Solid Waste Manager present. The meeting will outline next steps, including a follow‑up walk on October 21 at the Public Safety Complex and the Iron Works Fire Station. No formal decisions or votes are listed on the agenda.

The committee toured Crystal Lake Park and the Transfer Station, discussed infrastructure needs, maintenance issues, staffing, equipment replacement, and funding options. All items were presented and debated, but no motions were voted on or formally adopted.

Sawyer Lake Village District

The Sawyer Lake Village District Commission will review a financial report, updates on the dam, winter road maintenance, and beaches. A work session will be held to develop the 2026 budget. The board will also consider mailbox issues and AI‑generated minutes. The meeting concludes with an open forum and adjourns.

• Financial Report presented by Claudia Ferber
• Winter Road Maintenance Update (Roads) by Brian Palmer
• Beaches update by Rick Milliken
• Work Session for the 2026 Budget (minimum half‑hour)
• Mailboxes discussion

The board approved the amended minutes for August and September 2025 and accepted the Treasurer's Report unanimously. They authorized a $15‑per‑month AI program to prepare records and minutes. The Road budget was raised to $80,000 and a brush‑hog rental for dam clearing was approved. A show of hands indicated most members support raising the Dam Capital Reserve contribution from $15,000 to $30,000.

• Approved August 21, 2025 minutes (all voted in favor)
• Approved corrected September 18, 2025 minutes (all voted in favor)
• Accepted Treasurer's Report (all voted in favor)
• Authorized AI minutes program at $15/month (all commissioners agreed)
• Raised road budget allocation to $80,000 (agreement by commissioners)
• Authorized brush‑hog rental ($601) and labor for dam area clearing
• Increased beach water‑testing budget to $6,800 (agreement)
• Show of hands supported raising Dam Capital Reserve contribution to $30,000

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a site plan and conditional use permit for a ground mounted solar array. The board will also hold a preliminary discussion on a boundary line adjustment and discuss proposed zoning ordinance amendments.

• Case# SPR 2025-410: Site Plan Approval and Conditional Use Permit for solar array at 216 Burke Rd
• Case# PRE2025-504: Boundary line adjustment discussion for 1719 Province Rd
• Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments
• Case# SPR2025-411: Kennel operation at 136 NH Rte 106 (Withdrawn)

The board accepted the September 11, 2025 minutes by a 5‑0 vote. It approved the site plan and conditional use permit for a ground‑mounted solar array at 216 Burke Road, also by a 5‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned at 6:49 pm with a unanimous 5‑0 vote.

• Accepted September 11, 2025 minutes (5-0)
• Motion to accept solar application as complete passed (5-0)
• Approved site plan and conditional use permit for ground‑mounted solar array at 216 Burke Rd (5-0)
• Closed public hearing with no public comments (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:49 pm (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will open bids for electrical work at the Tom Howe Barn. The body will also discuss forest management plan updates for Ayers Brook and Pine Hill Town Forests and safety concerns at Rollins Pond.

• Bid opening for Tom Howe Barn electrical work
• Forest management plan updates for Ayers Brook and Pine Hill Town Forests
• Safety concerns around Rollins Pond
• Invasive species clearing and well cover for Frisky Hill
• Asbestos at Arrowhead Lane camp

The commission approved the September 9, 2025 minutes. It accepted a $5,860 donation from the Gilmanton Historical Society for the Tom Howe Barn. The board approved payment of membership dues ($40 and $250) and a $595 field‑mowing contract from the operating budget. Motions to move discussions into and out of non‑public status and to adjourn were also approved unanimously.

• Approved September 9, 2025 minutes (8-0)
• Accepted $5,860 donation for Tom Howe Barn (8-0)
• Approved payment of $40 Belknap Range Conservation Coalition dues (8-0)
• Approved payment of $250 NHACC dues (8-0)
• Approved payment of $595 field‑mowing contract to Charles Townsend (8-0)
• Moved discussion into non‑public status (8-0)
• Moved discussion out of non‑public status (8-0)
• Adjourned meeting (8-0)

Planning Board

The Gilmanton Planning Board will hold public hearings for a ground-mounted solar array on Burke Road and a kennel operation on Route 106. The agenda also includes preliminary discussions on a boundary line adjustment and proposed zoning ordinance amendments.

• Public hearing for solar array at 216 Burke Rd
• Public hearing for kennel at 136 NH Rte 106
• Preliminary discussion for boundary line adjustment at 1719 Province Rd
• Review of proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments
• Site Plan Approval with Conditional Use Permit requests

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission Trails Subcommittee will vote to approve the August meeting minutes. Members will discuss updates on several town trails, including Beaver Woods, Cogswell, Lou Lane, Jones Farm, and Kelley/Rollins Pond. The agenda also includes a community outreach item and a slot for any new business.

• Approve August minutes
• Beaver Woods trail update
• Cogswell trail update
• Lou Lane trail update
• Jones Farm & Kelley/Rollins Pond trail update

The Trails Sub‑Committee approved the September meeting minutes after a motion by Lori Baldwin and a second by Thomie Dombrowski. Members assigned map‑creation tasks to Nikita for several trail sections and agreed to change the purple blazes on Lou Lane to pink. Additional actions include dispatching a fallen tree at Jones Farm, building more first‑aid kits, and allocating GLT funds for a new kiosk.

• Approved September minutes (motion by Lori Baldwin, seconded by Thomie Dombrowski)
• Assigned Nikita to create a map for the Kelley/Rollins Pond (Kulash‑Maher) trail system
• Decided to change purple blazes on Lou Lane to pink for better visibility
• Tasked Thomie Dombrowski and Guy Williams to dispatch fallen tree at Jones Farm on Thursday
• Lori Baldwin will build additional first‑aid kits and a major‑bleeding kit for chainsaw use
• GLT allocated budget for a double‑sided kiosk dedicated to Alan McCulloch
• Agreed to move stones and open the wall on the Kelley/Rollins Pond trail
• No media volunteers were identified for the sub‑committee

Board of Selectmen

The Selectmen will review and approve routine consent‑agenda items, including payments to Primex, Wolcott Construction, Civic Plus LLC, and Gilmanton Garage. New business includes a collections update for FY2025, a building inspector contract, and an engineering agreement with North Point Engineering for a Middle Route bridge and culvert. Old business covers the same bridge agreement and a certification of satisfaction for a previously approved grant. The meeting also includes budget expense reporting and departmental updates.

• Primex – acceptance of $13,575 for repairs to Gilmanton Sand/Salt Shed
• Wolcott Construction – $8,600 for prepping, patching, flagging on Crystal Lake Rd
• Civic Plus LLC – $6,500 for website upgrade for ADA compliance
• Building Inspector Contract – discussion and possible approval
• North Point Engineering Agreement – work on Middle Route bridge/culvert

The Board approved several consent‑agenda purchases, including $13,575 for sand‑and‑salt shed repairs, $8,600 for work on Crystal Lake Road, $6,500 for website ADA upgrades, and $51,576.93 for ambulance tire alignments (3‑0). It accepted cut‑and‑certify reports totaling $7,698.52 and approved the building‑inspector independent contractor agreement (3‑0). The Board approved a $60,000 agreement with North Point Engineering for the Middle Route Bridge assessment and authorized the Chairman to sign it (3‑0). Additional actions included authorizing the BEA certification, purchasing 155 employee service pins for $5,775, hiring Deputy Town Clerk Brenda Holgate, and directing the Tax Collector to send unpaid‑tax notices (2‑1).

• Approved consent‑agenda purchases: $13,575 sand/salt shed repair, $8,600 Crystal Lake Rd work, $6,500 website ADA upgrade, $51,576.93 ambulance tire alignments (3-0)
• Accepted Report of Cut for map/lots totaling $7,698.52 (3-0)
• Approved independent contractor agreement for building inspector Robert Garzak (3-0)
• Approved $60,000 North Point Engineering agreement for Middle Route Bridge project (3-0)
• Authorized signing of BEA Certification of Satisfaction for Municipality (3-0)
• Approved purchase of 155 employee service pins for $5,775 (3-0)
• Approved hiring of Deputy Town Clerk Tax Collector Brenda Holgate at $524.46/hr (3-0)
• Directed Tax Collector to send unpaid‑tax notices; motion passed 2-1 (Vice Chairman Coffins opposed)

Fire

The Gilmanton Fire Department gave its September 2025 monthly update. It reported answering 51 calls, compared with 46 calls in the same month last year, and a year‑to‑date total of 475 calls. The department detailed repairs and inspections of several fire apparatus and noted the state‑issued outside burn ban that has suspended all permitting. Training activities and budget planning were also reviewed.

• Answered 51 calls for service in September (46 calls in same month last year).
• Repaired unit 9E3 and returned it to service after an incident.
• Sent unit 9F1 to Kidder repair service for diagnostic testing.
• Inspected units: tie rod ends needed on 9E1; brake repairs on 9T2; batteries under warranty for 9A2; front tires and alignment needed on 9A1; alignment needed on 9A2.
• State of NH issued an outside burn ban, suspending all permitting.

Capital Improvement Plan Committee (CIPC)

The committee is conducting a site walk and business session to discuss the structure and systems of the Old Town Hall. Members will also review findings from a previous Highway Department site walk.

• Site walk and discussion of Old Town Hall structure and systems
• Discussion of Highway Department site walk findings
• Scheduling of future site walks for the School and Transfer Station
• Scheduled walk through of IW Fire Department and Public Safety Building for October 21

The committee approved the July 14 and September 8, 2025 meeting minutes, correcting a phrasing error in the latter. It adopted new Capital Improvements Program Committee Rules of Procedure, establishing a $10,000 threshold for capital items. The committee also set the generator and fuel pumps as Priority 1 items for the Highway Department and deferred ranking of other equipment until a foreman assessment.

• Approved July 14, 2025 minutes (voice vote)
• Approved September 8, 2025 minutes with correction (voice vote)
• Adopted CIP Committee Rules of Procedure with $10,000 capital item threshold (voice vote)
• Designated generator and fuel pumps as Priority 1 (Urgent) for Highway Department
• Deferred ranking of most vehicle and equipment items pending foreman assessment
• Assigned Perkins Painting to perform exterior touch‑ups using remaining LCHIP funds
• Tasked Town Administrator to handle RFP process for fuel tank and generator project
• Scheduled next site walk for October 21 at Public Safety Building

Tricentennial Committee

The Gilmanton Tricentennial Committee will discuss several old‑business topics, including updates to the committee’s webpage and Facebook page, the status of challenge‑coin sales, a gaming license, and fundraising ideas such as license‑plate sales and non‑numbered coins. New‑business items include assigning social‑media duties to Adam Mini, reviewing historical projects, a marketing logo file, planning an Old Home Day table, and displays in the Academy building. No formal decisions are noted in the agenda.

• Social media webpage and Facebook page updates
• Challenge coin update and sales
• Gaming license discussion
• Fundraising via license plates and non‑numbered coins
• Marketing logo file review

The committee assigned Vinnie to write a post about the challenge‑coin sale and Adam to post it on the Community page. Marketing members will compile survey questions over the next month, Adam will contact the school about a student historical component, and Vinnie will contact Lori at the Historical Society for survey ideas. The association’s finances were reported as $1,695.69, primarily from coin fundraising. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.

• Vinnie to write post about coin sale (assigned)
• Adam to post coin‑sale update on Community page (assigned)
• Marketing committee to compile survey questions over next month (assigned)
• Adam to contact school about student historical component (assigned)
• Vinnie to contact Lori at Historical Society for survey ideas (assigned)
• Finances reported: association balance $1,695.69 (reported)
• Meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m. (completed)

Historic District Commission

The Gilmanton Historic District Commission will hold a public meeting to review amendments to district regulations and minutes from a previous session. The agenda lists a public hearing and comment period, followed by the review of the May 22, 2025, meeting minutes.

• Review Historic District Regulations Amendments
• Review Minutes from May 22, 2025
• Public Hearing and Comment Period

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee is meeting to review energy efficiency projects and the annual budget. The body will also discuss Master Plan updates and a draft letter of interest.

• 2023 Lighting Project incurred savings
• NHSaves Button Up Workshop scheduled for October 28
• Annual Budget review
• Master Plan updates and draft letter of interest
• Clean Energy NH municipal membership

The committee approved the minutes from the August 2025 meeting after Elise moved and Cyndi seconded. Members discussed the upcoming energy audit RFP, assigned Dick de Seve to request past project data from Heather Carpenter, and tasked Aimee Ruiter with distributing the town survey and sharing grant information. The committee scheduled its next meetings for October 22, December 3, and January 28.

• Approved August 2025 minutes (motion by Elise, seconded by Cyndi)
• Dick de Seve to arrange library posting of Button Up Workshop on calendar
• Dick de Seve to prepare and submit request to Heather Carpenter for past project cost and results data
• Aimee Ruiter to send completed town survey to committee and Heather Carpenter
• Aimee Ruiter to share list of CleanEnergyNH grant opportunities with committee
• Aimee Ruiter to follow up with explanatory email to Heather Carpenter regarding KearsargeEnergy letter
• Scheduled next meeting for October 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
• Scheduled combined November/December meeting for December 3, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. and January 28, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.

Capital Improvement Plan Committee (CIPC)

The Capital Improvement Plan Committee will approve the minutes from the June 23 and July 14 meetings, review the Rules and Procedure document, and examine the original CIP spreadsheet. The committee will also conduct a brief walkthrough of the ACA system and plan meetings with department heads, setting agenda items for the September 28, 2025 meeting.

• Approval of June 23 and July 14 meeting minutes
• Review of Rules and Procedure document
• Review of original Capital Improvement Plan spreadsheet
• Walkthrough of ACA system/structure
• Scheduling meetings with department heads and setting agenda for Sep 28, 2025

The committee approved the June 23 meeting minutes and tabled the July 14 minutes for later review. It approved wording changes to the September 8 minutes. A motion to define a capital improvement item as having a useful life over five years and a value over $10,000 was adopted (opposed by the Selectmen’s representative). The group scheduled future site‑visits and set the next meeting for September 29, then adjourned.

• Approved June 23 meeting minutes (motion passed)
• Tabled July 14 meeting minutes for future review
• Amended September 8 minutes wording as requested
• Adopted new CIP threshold: >5‑year life and >$10,000 value (passed, Selectmen’s Rep. opposed)
• Scheduled September 29 meeting with site visit to Old Town Hall
• Set additional site‑visit dates: Oct 21 and Oct 27 for police and fire departments
• Vice Chairman Harkey designated point of contact for future site visits
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Budget Committee

The Gilmanton Budget Committee will hold a series of meetings from November 2025 through February 2026. The agenda includes department and school presentations with Q&A, and a public hearing on operating budgets for the town and school on Jan 14 2026. That hearing may also include a potential bond public hearing. The calendar sets deadlines for final budget recommendation copies and deliberative sessions.

• Department presentations with Q&A on Wed Nov 12 2025
• School presentations with Q&A on Wed Nov 19 2025
• Public hearing on operating budgets (town & school) on Wed Jan 14 2026
• Potential bond public hearing included on Jan 14 2026
• Last day to deliver copies of final budget recommendations to governing body (date listed in calendar)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will rehear Case #2025-15, a variance request by Andrew and Cheryl Schkuta to build a single-family dwelling on a non‑conforming lot on Hemlock Dr in the Residential Lake Zone. The board will also consider three new variance applications: a garage and deck expansion by Nicolas Peterson at 108 Valley Shore Rd, a storage structure by Nicolas Peterson on Valley Shore Rd, and a single‑family dwelling by Vincenzo Martino on Musket Tl, all located in the Rural Zone.

• Case #2025-15 – variance for Andrew & Cheryl Schkuta to construct a single‑family dwelling on Hemlock Dr (Map & Lot 119‑162), Residential Lake Zone
• Case #2025-16 – variance for Nicolas Peterson to add a garage and expand a deck at 108 Valley Shore Rd (Map & Lot 131‑079), Rural Zone
• Case #2025-17 – variance for Nicolas Peterson to build a storage structure on Valley Shore Rd (Map & Lot 131‑091), Rural Zone
• Case #2025-18 – variance for Vincenzo Martino to construct a single‑family dwelling on Musket Tl (Map & Lot 132‑058), Rural Zone

The Zoning Board of Adjustment held public hearings on three variance requests but did not vote on any of the applications. The board unanimously passed motions to close the hearings on Cases #2025-15 and #2025-16. No substantive decisions were made on the variance requests.

• Motion to close public hearing on Case #2025-15 passed 5-0
• Motion to close public hearing on Case #2025-16 passed 5-0
• Meeting minutes approved

Sawyer Lake Village District

The Commissioners will conduct a work session for the proposed 2026 budget and review updates to the Financial Procedures Document. The meeting includes reports on dam, beach, and road maintenance.

• Work session for the 2026 proposed budget
• Review and acceptance of Financial Procedures Document updates
• Discussion regarding a 6-month Audit
• Winter road maintenance costs and guidelines
• Water testing report from Ed Lavallie

The board unanimously approved moving forward with an engineer’s dam design and obtaining the required permit. They also accepted the updated Financial Procedures Manual, the treasurer’s report, and ordered road maintenance materials. A motion to discuss mailbox fee collection at the next budget meeting was approved, and the commissioners agreed to negotiate a contract with Palmer and Razor’s Edge before November 1.

• Approved proceeding with engineer dam design and acquiring permit (unanimous)
• Accepted updated Financial Procedures Manual (unanimous)
• Accepted treasurer’s report (unanimous)
• Approved ordering road maintenance materials (unanimous)
• Approved motion to discuss mailbox fee collection at next budget meeting (unanimous)
• Approved motion to listen to audio recording after agenda (unanimous)
• Agreed to negotiate contract with Palmer and Razor’s Edge before Nov 1 (unanimous)
• Agreed to review dam grant workplan deadline with DES (unanimous)

Cemetery Trustees

The board unanimously approved the minutes from the August 19, 2025 meeting (3‑0). The trustees voted unanimously to conditionally approve the removal of two dead ash trees inside the cemetery, one dead ash tree on adjacent property within 25 feet, and one oak tree inside the cemetery, subject to insurance, cost approval, permits, and debris‑removal requirements (3‑0). The Selectmen later approved the town’s 2026 cemetery budget request that had been endorsed by the trustees. Several follow‑up tasks were assigned, including placement of two unknown stones at Buzzell and checks on gate and wall‑repair contractors.

• Approved August 19, 2025 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Conditionally approved removal of two dead ash trees inside cemetery, one ash on adjacent property, and one oak tree inside cemetery (3-0)
• Selectmen approved 2026 cemetery budget request (no vote tally provided)
• JR Stockwell assigned to place two unknown stones (Ethel & Dawn Reid) in Buzzell unknown stone section
• JR Stockwell assigned to check gate and contractor for wall repairs at Durrell site

Board of Selectmen

The Gilmanton Board of Selectmen will conduct a public hearing to accept and spend $44,106.60 of Block Grant Aid for maintenance, construction and reconstruction of Class IV and V highways. The meeting will also review and approve recent public and non‑public minutes and consider several consent‑agenda items, including fire apparatus repairs, pager purchases, road repairs and cemetery fee deposits. Additional agenda items cover a website update contract, policy updates, budget packet review and non‑public personnel matters.

• Public hearing to appropriate $44,106.60 Block Grant Aid for Class IV and V highway work
• Consent agenda – Lakes Region Fire Apparatus repair, $6,122.37
• Consent agenda – Middle Route Gilmanton/Belmont line repair, $70,151.95
• Consent agenda – Shellcamp maintenance, $93,104.00
• New business – Civic Plus website update contract

The Selectmen accepted and expended S44,106.60 of unanticipated Block Grant Aid for Class 4‑5 highway maintenance. They approved several purchase orders, a website upgrade contract, personnel actions, and the final Academy building rot‑repair bill. The 2026 operating budget requests for multiple departments were also approved. All motions were recorded with vote tallies.

• Accepted and expended S44,106.60 for Class 4‑5 highway maintenance (2‑0)
• Approved purchase orders: S6,122.37 to Lakes Region Fire Apparatus, S1,126 to Ossipee Mountain Electronics, S70,151.95 to Wolcott and Busby, and S93,104.40 for Shell Camp maintenance (3‑0)
• Accepted cemetery fees of S100 from Sellin and S100 from Derby for Beech Grove Cemetery (3‑0)
• Approved one‑year rolling Civic Plus website contract, authorizing Chairman to sign (3‑0)
• Approved Return Check ACH Policy (2‑1)
• Approved pay increase for Deputy Fire Chief Dennis Comeau to S27.00 per hour (3‑0)
• Accepted resignation of Deputy Town Clerk Sam Munroe and rehired part‑time at S19.54 per hour (3‑0)
• Approved final Academy building rot‑repair bill of S27,780.12, funding shortfall from non‑capital building fund (3‑0)

Planning Board

The Gilmanton Planning Board will hold public hearings to review two minor subdivision applications and a site‑plan approval for a ground‑mounted solar array. The board will also consider two private‑road agreement requests and proposed zoning ordinance amendments. No decisions are recorded in this agenda; the items are for discussion and review.

• Case# SUBMIN2025-503: Minor subdivision creating two lots (2.84 acres and 142.2 acres) at 150 Meeting House Road, Rural Zone.
• Case# SUBMIN2025-504: Minor subdivision creating one lot (2.26 acres) at Meeting House Road, Rural Zone.
• Case# SPR2025-409: Site‑plan approval and conditional use permit for a ground‑mounted solar array at 333 Sawtooth Rd, Rural Zone.
• Case# PRA2025-03: Private Road Agreement request for Musket Trail (Map and Lot 132-058).
• Case# PRA2025-04: Private Road Agreement request for Hemlock Drive (Map and Lot 122-051).

The board approved three minor subdivision applications with conditions, approved a solar array site plan, and approved a private road agreement for Musket Trail. It recommended the Board of Selectmen not approve a separate private road agreement for Hemlock Drive but agreed to forward it with conditions. The minutes from August 14 were accepted and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved subdivision CASE# SUBMIN2025-503 (2.84‑acre and 6.19‑acre lots) with conditions – vote 6-0
• Approved subdivision CASE# SUBMIN2025-504 (2.26‑acre lot) with conditions – vote 6-0
• Approved site plan and conditional use permit for solar array at 333 Sawtooth Rd – vote 6-0
• Approved private road agreement for Musket Trail (tax Map and Lot 132-058) – vote 6-0
• Recommended BOS not approve private road agreement for Hemlock Drive; board reached consensus to forward with conditions (no formal vote recorded)
• Accepted minutes of August 14, 2025 – vote 4-0
• Adjourned meeting – vote 6-0

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will review minutes and easement monitoring, discuss several land‑use applications—including subdivisions, variances, a solar array, and a private road agreement—and vote on expending $407 from the Conservation Fund for Tom Howe Barn window repairs.

• Vote to expend $407 for Tom Howe Barn window replacement from the Conservation Fund
• Intent‑to‑cut notification for ~100‑acre cut on Shannon Rd (M/L 415-033)
• Minor subdivision requests at 150 Meeting House Rd (2.84 ac and 142.2 ac) and 97 Meeting House Rd (2.26 ac)
• Site Plan Approval with Conditional Use Permit for a ground‑mounted solar array at 333 Sawtooth Rd
• Private Road Agreement request for Hemlock Drive (Map and Lot 122-051) to meet emergency‑vehicle standards

The Conservation Commission approved the August 12, 2025 minutes with a unanimous 6‑0 vote. It also approved spending $407 from the Conservation Fund for Tom Howe Barn window replacement, again 6‑0. The board agreed to solicit sealed bids for the barn’s electrical work, requiring bids over $5,000 and to present any donations to the Board of Selectmen. The meeting was adjourned with a 6‑0 vote.

• Approved August 12, 2025 minutes (6-0)
• Approved $407 window repair expense from Conservation Fund (6-0)
• Agreed to put Tom Howe Barn electrical work out to sealed bid (bids > $5,000)
• Stated no concerns with intent‑to‑cut at Shannon Rd
• Noted no concerns with all planning cases except case #2025-16
• Scheduled Walch Town Forest donation recognition for 10/25
• Set GLT commemorative plaque placement for mid‑September
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Capital Improvement Plan Committee (CIPC)

The Capital Improvement Plan Committee discussed the underfunded CIP, asset conditions, and possible cost‑saving consolidations, but no formal approvals or votes were recorded. Procedural items included deferring approval of prior meeting minutes and noting the draft Rules of Procedure have not been adopted. The committee adopted several action items for the chair and members to complete before the next meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)
• Chairman Forst assigned to review draft "Rules of Procedure"
• Chairman Forst assigned to contact previous committee chair for guidance
• Chairman Forst assigned to coordinate town office building walk‑through
• All members assigned to review June 23 and July 14 meeting minutes

Library Trustees

The Gilmanton Corner Public Library Board of Trustees will review financial reports and volunteer schedules. The board will also discuss a new name for the Memorial Bench and the upcoming Saturday dedication ceremony.

• Review and approve minutes from August 11, 2025
• Treasurer’s Report
• Library Statistics
• Volunteer/Scheduling Report
• Discuss new name for the Memorial Bench

The trustees approved the minutes from the August 18 meeting. The Treasurer reported that all bills are paid and accounts are current. The board gave Lucille Cook four library cards to distribute to a family. The meeting was adjourned at 3:50 pm.

• Approved minutes for August 18 meeting (approved by Sue Roberts, seconded by Deb Fifield)
• Distributed four library cards to Lucille Cook
• Adjourned meeting at 3:50 pm

Board of Selectmen

The Gilmanton Board of Selectmen moved three winter maintenance purchase orders from the September 15 meeting to September 3 due to extended budget discussions. The items include end-of-year grading, security door installation at the IW Fire Station, and fire apparatus repairs.

• PO 01609 - End of year grading work: Andrew Morse - $95,000
• PO 01782 – A & B Lock- Security/Door for the IW Fire Station - $13,905
• PO 01783 – Lakes Region Fire Apparatus Inc. 9E1- Break repairs - $7,237.26

The Board of Selectmen examined the bid tabulation for the 2025 plowing RFP, detailing each bidder, assigned routes, truck types, hourly rates, and mileage. The minutes record only the bid information and do not indicate any award, vote, or other decision.

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee

The Conservation Trails Sub-Committee will meet to approve August minutes and receive updates on several local trails. The group will also discuss community outreach for the GLT Annual and a budget update provided by John and Ursula Allen.

• Trail updates for Beaver Woods, Cogswell, Lou Lane, Jones Farm, and Kelley/Rollins Pond
• Community outreach regarding GLT Annual
• Budget update from John and Ursula Allen

The Conservation Trails Sub‑Committee approved the August meeting minutes after a motion and second. Members reviewed signage options for the Beaver Woods trail, Cogswell trail, and Lou Lane trail, and noted needed map wording changes. A budget update reported $1,764 spent year‑to‑date. The meeting also covered community outreach and upcoming GLT annual meeting.

• Approved August minutes (motion passed, seconded)

Fire

Chief Hempel provided the August 2025 monthly update, which included the presentation of the 2026 budget and proposed warrant articles. The report detailed equipment maintenance and call volumes for the month.

• 2026 budget and proposed warrant articles presented to Board of Selectmen
• 63 calls for service answered in August
• Unit 9F1 placed out of service due to turbo issues
• Unit 9E3 involved in an accident; repairs completed via Primex insurance claim
• Security and door feature project scheduled to begin mid-September

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing on proposed changes to a property in the Corners Historic District, including garage modifications and a new sign. The commission will also review recent meeting minutes and discuss amendments to historic district regulations.

• Case #2025-03: White Mountain Charm, LLC requests garage door replacement, window installation, sign addition, and mini split system at 518 Province Rd (Map & Lot 127-037)
• Review of minutes from May 22, 2025 meeting
• Discussion of Historic District Regulations Amendments

The commission voted 4‑0 to approve George and Margaret Roberts' application to build a single‑family dwelling on Meeting House Rd in the Meeting House Historic District, subject to specified conditions. The minutes from the April 24, 2025 meeting were accepted by a 3‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by a 4‑0 vote and the next commission meeting was set for June 26, 2025 at 6 pm.

• Approved Roberts' single‑family dwelling application with conditions (4-0)
• Accepted April 24, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)
• Scheduled next meeting for June 26, 2025 at 6 pm

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to conduct a non-public session. The session is designated for the hiring of a public employee under RSA 91-A:3, II(b).

• Non-public session regarding the hiring of a public employee

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a rehearing regarding a request to build a single-family home on a non-conforming lot. The board will determine if the applicants may bypass specific frontage and setback requirements.

• Case #2025-15: Variance request for a single-family dwelling at Map & Lot 119-162 on Hemlock Dr

The Zoning Board of Adjustment voted 5‑0 to grant a continuance of variance case #2025-15 to the September 18, 2025 meeting and stated it will be the last continuance allowed. The board approved the July 17, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.

• Granted continuance of variance case #2025-15 to Sept. 18, 2025 (5-0) with amendment that it is the last continuance
• Approved July 17, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Sawyer Lake Village District

The Commissioner Meeting will cover financial reports and updates on the dam and beaches. A primary focus is the cost, details, and backup planning for winter road maintenance.

• Winter road maintenance costs and details
• Subcontractor COI and W-9 updates
• Backup plan for winter road maintenance
• Water testing for beaches

The commissioners approved the July 17 minutes with a correction (unanimous). They also approved the financial report and a new spreadsheet to track mailbox counts, each with unanimous support. By consensus the winter road maintenance contract was awarded to Brian Palmer Snow Plowing and Sanding and Razor’s Edge. No vote tally was recorded for the contract award.

• Approved July 17, 2025 minutes with correction (4-0)
• Approved Financial Report (4-0)
• Approved spreadsheet to document full‑time residence mailboxes (4-0)
• Awarded winter road maintenance to Brian Palmer Snow Plowing and Sanding and Razor’s Edge (consensus, no vote recorded)

Energy Committee

The Gilmanton Energy Committee will meet to review an energy audit, discuss past lighting project savings, and consider future efficiency projects. The group will also review a draft letter of interest and discuss upcoming workshops and conferences.

• Review of 2023 Lighting Project Incurred Savings
• Draft Letter of Interest for Master Plan Updates
• NHSaves Button Up Workshop scheduled for October 28
• Local Energy Solutions Conference on September 25
• Kearsarge Energy Letter discussion

The committee adopted the July 23, 2025 meeting minutes with a small amendment. Members discussed how to obtain quotes from energy auditors, upcoming budget discussions, and several upcoming events, assigning tasks such as contacting auditors and forwarding clean‑energy information to the Selectmen. No other formal actions were voted on.

• Approved July 23 minutes (as amended)

Cemetery Trustees

The Cemetery Trustees will meet to approve the minutes from the June 17, 2025 meeting and discuss ongoing stone cleaning/repair projects and volunteer initiatives. They will also receive site reports and general project updates, with no specific decisions or dollar amounts listed.

The board approved several unanimous actions, including raising the price of a single grave to $900, adopting a new sign for the front gates, withdrawing the May duplicate and orphan gravestone motion and amending that policy, and approving the 2026 cemetery budget request of $18,096. All votes were 4‑0. Additional items such as ordering the gate sign and purchasing a longer chain for the side gate were also assigned.

• Approved restructuring grave cost to $900 (4-0)
• Approved front‑gate sign order "please use side entrance" (4-0)
• Approved withdrawal of May duplicate/orphan gravestone motion (4-0)
• Approved amendment to 2012 duplicate/orphan gravestone policy (4-0)
• Approved 2026 budget request of $18,096 (4-0)
• Approved adoption of June 17, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Ordered longer chain to open side pedestrian gate (action)
• Approved volunteer project to address repairs at Hillside, Tibbetts, Buzzell, and Sanborn (action)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will make a determination on fee schedules following a public hearing. The meeting includes reviews of welfare guidelines, a hazard mitigation plan, and budget presentations.

• Purchase order for Morton Salt: $28,196.62 for 1,600 tons of salt
• Purchase order for Bonnette, Page, & Stone Corp.: $11,766 estimate for Academy building column replacement
• Determination on fee schedules following 8/4/25 public hearing
• Hazardous tree work on Pancake Hill Road (pending estimate)
• Review and approval of Welfare Guidelines

The Selectmen approved a series of fee schedule changes—including land‑use and building‑permit fees and a police detail fee increase—to take effect on October 1, 2025. They also approved the 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan update and the updated General Assistance Guidelines. Personnel Action Forms were approved for temporary Town Clerk coverage and a merit increase for a road agent. Funding requests were adopted for New Beginnings, Lakes Region VNA, Lakes Region Mental Health, Granite VNA, CASA and the Community Action Program.

• Approved public minutes from 07‑21‑2025 (2‑0)
• Approved public minutes from 08‑04‑2025 (2‑0)
• Approved consent agenda with Morton Salt purchase, column repair estimate, and $7,000 tree work (3‑0)
• Approved PAF for Bonnie Haubrich temporary Town Clerk coverage ($23/hr) and merit increase for John Skehan ($28.10/hr) (3‑0)
• Approved land‑use and building‑permit fee changes, police detail fee increase, and other fees to be effective Oct 1 2025 (3‑0)
• Accepted 2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan update (3‑0)
• Accepted updated General Assistance Guidelines (3‑0)
• Approved funding requests for New Beginnings, Lakes Region VNA, Lakes Region Mental Health, Granite VNA, CASA and Community Action Program (3‑0)

Library Trustees

The Gilmanton Corner Public Library Board of Trustees will review minutes from the July 14 meeting, receive the treasurer’s report, and discuss library statistics and volunteer scheduling. No formal decisions are listed; the group will also discuss the 2026 budget and timing for installing plaques.

• Discuss 2026 budget
• Discuss timing for plaque installation

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to review a request for a site plan approval and conditional use permit. The application concerns the installation of a ground-mounted solar array.

• Case #SPR2025-408: Site Plan Approval and Conditional Use Permit for a ground mounted solar array at 107 Sawyer Lake Rd (Map/Lot 118-010)

The board accepted the solar application as complete and closed the public hearing. It then approved the site plan and conditional use permit for a 24‑panel, ground‑mounted solar array at 107 Sawyer Lake Road with a 4‑0 vote. The board also approved the July 10, 2025 minutes (4‑0) and agreed to let Humble Auto owners clean the overgrown area and submit a landscape plan.

• Accepted solar application as complete (4-0)
• Closed public hearing on solar application (4-0)
• Approved site plan and conditional use permit for 24‑panel ground‑mounted solar array at 107 Sawyer Lake Rd (4-0)
• Approved July 10, 2025 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Allowed Humble Auto owners to clean area and submit landscape plan (no vote recorded)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to review wetland, shoreland, and forestry notifications. The body will also discuss forest management plan updates for Ayers Brook and Pine Hill Town Forests.

• Forestry notifications for Map/Lot 414-043, 113-029, 403-026, and 405-055
• ZBA variance rehearing for non-conforming lot and setbacks at 119-162
• Forest management plan updates for Ayers Brook and Pine Hill Town Forests
• Discussion on Frisky Hill parking area signage and invasive species clearing
• Review of town-owned property and conservation lot monitoring assignments

The Conservation Commission approved the July 16, 2025 minutes with a 7‑0 vote. The board also approved accepting Evan Collins’s electrical work quote for the Tom Howe Barn, again 7‑0. The meeting was formally closed by a 7‑0 vote.

• Approved July 16, 2025 minutes (7-0)
• Accepted Evan Collins electrical quote for Tom Howe Barn (7-0)
• Closed the meeting (7-0)

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee

The subcommittee is meeting to discuss updates for several trail projects and review the budget. The session includes reports on specific trail maintenance and infrastructure needs.

• Budget review
• Beaver Woods updates
• Cogswell trail BLE, platform, and map updates
• Lou Lane updates
• Jones Farm bench and weedwacking

The sub‑committee approved the June meeting minutes after a motion and second. Members agreed to obtain a weedwhacker for trail upkeep. Guy Williams will contact the New Hampshire State Department to request a trailhead parking sign on Route 140. The group discussed creating a digital map with Nikita and, if needed, a second designer.

• Approved June minutes (motion moved by Thomie, seconded by Chris)
• Consensus to acquire a weedwhacker for trail maintenance
• Guy to investigate obtaining a state‑provided trailhead parking sign on Route 140
• Plan to produce a digital trail map with Nikita (and possibly Soren) using Photoshop
• Thomie suggested using QR codes on signage to replace paper maps

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will hold public hearings to consider a petition to reopen a discontinued highway and to discuss updates to town fee schedules.

• Petition to layout a highway from Route 107 (Province Rd.) over Map/Lot 424-66.1 to Map/Lot 423-037
• Proposed police detail fee increase from $90 to $110 per hour
• Proposed increase in mail fees for motor vehicles and dogs from $1.00 to $2.00
• Proposed increase in returned check fees to $25.00 plus MVSB fees of $12.00
• Review of building permit fees, including $350.00+ for new single-family dwellings

The board voted 2-0 to deny the petition to reopen the discontinued road. It approved the consent agenda, which includes a $257,000 culvert project and other purchases, also by a 2-0 vote. Police Department merit‑increase personnel action forms and a fire department student‑intern rate amendment to $18.50 were each approved 2-0. The vote on adopting the Hazardous Mitigation Plan was postponed to the next meeting.

• Denied petition to reopen discontinued road (2-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda, including $257,000 culvert project (2-0)
• Approved public minutes from 07-07-2025 (2-0)
• Approved non-public minutes from 07-30-2025 (2-0)
• Approved Police Department PAF merit increase (2-0)
• Amended Fire Department student intern rate to $18.50 (2-0)
• Postponed vote on Hazardous Mitigation Plan adoption (decision to defer)
• Approved meeting minutes and consent items as presented (2-0)

Fire

The Gilmanton Fire Department provided a monthly update on call volumes, personnel changes, and equipment maintenance. The report covers activities for July 2025, including budget preparations for 2026.

• Answered 46 calls for service in July
• Matthew Greene sworn in as full-time firefighter
• Shayne Mackey selected as student resident for 2025-27
• Hazard Mitigation update forwarded to FEMA for final review
• Budget preparations conducted for the 2026 Budget year

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to conduct business. The agenda includes a non-public session to discuss highway matters.

• Non-public session regarding Highway matters under RSA 91-A:3 (c)

The board voted unanimously to move the meeting into a non‑public session under RSA 91‑A:3, then immediately voted to return to a public session. They accepted Road Agent Travis Mitchell’s retirement and thanked him. They instructed the Town Administrator to gather information on contracted highway services. The meeting was adjourned.

• Moved into non‑public session under RSA 91‑A:3 (3‑0)
• Returned to public session (3‑0)
• Instructed Town Administrator to collect information on contracted services (3‑0)
• Accepted Road Agent Travis Mitchell’s retirement (3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (3‑0)

Trustees of the Trust Fund

The agenda is procedural boilerplate and does not list any specific items for decision or discussion.

The board approved the May 5, 2025 meeting minutes with all members in favor. They reviewed the trust fund’s income, expenditures and portfolio totals. The trustees agreed no changes are needed to the Fidelity account holdings at this time. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved May 5, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to keep Fidelity holdings unchanged (no action required)
• Motion to adjourn passed

Tricentennial Committee

The Tricentennial Committee is meeting to review old business regarding social media, challenge coins, and gaming licenses. The body will also discuss new business related to marketing logos, Old Home Day, and displays in the Academy Building.

• Updates on webpage and Facebook page
• Challenge coin sales
• Gaming license
• Fundraising for license plates and non-numbered coins
• Marketing logo file

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee will discuss updates to the town's energy audit and review cost estimates and savings from the 2023 Lighting Project. The body will also discuss Master Plan updates and the annual budget.

• 2023 Lighting Project incurred savings
• Refreshed cost estimates for energy efficiency projects
• Draft Letter of Interest for Master Plan updates
• NHSaves Button Up Workshop scheduled for October 28
• Annual Budget discussion

The committee approved the May 16 and June 18, 2025 meeting minutes, with the June minutes amended to note a Board of Selectmen meeting. Members voted to forward the Energy Committee survey to the Selectmen for review. The committee also noted upcoming attendance at Board of Selectmen meetings in August and September to keep the Board informed.

• Approved May 16, 2025 minutes (motion by Sue, seconded by Aimee)
• Approved June 18, 2025 minutes with amendment (motion by Elise, seconded by Aimee)
• Approved sending Energy Committee survey to the Selectmen (motion by Elise, seconded by Kyle)

Records Retention Committee

The Records Retention Committee will meet to review minutes and receive project updates. The agenda consists of procedural items.

• Review of minutes
• Project updates

The Record Retention Committee reviewed the current retention schedule and discussed operational items such as labeling record boxes, historical document preservation, and scanner requirements. The meeting was formally adjourned at 11:45 a.m. after a motion by Community Development and a second by the Town Clerk/Tax Collector. The committee plans to meet again in three months for its quarterly review.

• Adjourned meeting (motion by Community Development, seconded by Town Clerk/Tax Collector)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will review several appropriation requests for community organizations and discuss repairs to the Academy Building and Crystal Lake Park. The meeting includes a review of community development tax abatements and exemptions.

• Proposed $16,200.89 contract with Paradigm Plumbing and Heating for Academy Building water line replacement
• Proposed $3,800 for Eldridge Concrete for a scrap metal slab
• Appropriation requests: Lakes Region Mental Health Center ($7,500), Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association ($1,500), CASA ($1,000), and New Beginnings ($1,000)
• Discussion of Riel Road concerns and various property tax abatements and exemptions
• Update on Crystal Lake Park bathhouse repairs

The Selectmen approved the 06‑16‑2025 non‑public minutes and FY 2025 appropriation requests totaling $101,000. They increased salaries for two firefighters, authorized a $16,200.89 repair of the Academy Building wastewater pipe, and approved a series of tax‑abatement applications, granting most and denying a few. The board also accepted a committee resignation and appointed a new Capital Improvement Plan Committee chair.

• Approved 06‑16‑2025 non‑public minutes (2‑0)
• Approved FY 2025 appropriations: $91,000 CASA, $1,000 New Beginnings, $7,500 Lakes Region Mental Health Center, $1,500 Lakes Region Visiting Nurse Association (2‑0)
• Approved firefighter salary increases: Joe Cotton to $22.00, Richard Cline to $20.00 (2‑0)
• Approved Academy Building wastewater pipe repair for $16,200.89 from Capital Reserve (2‑0)
• Approved tax‑abatement applications: denied lots 122‑022 and 423‑038; partially granted lot 414‑050; granted lots 115‑040, 402‑004, 406‑036, 406‑048, 414‑044, 414‑045, 415‑015, 417‑023, 417‑045, 424‑008 (2‑0)
• Denied tax‑abatement application for lot 129‑009 (2‑0)
• Accepted resignation of Joshua Mann from Budget and CIP Committees (2‑0)
• Appointed Brian Forst as member and Chairman of Capital Improvement Plan Committee (2‑0)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will consider two variance applications for properties in the Residential Lake Zone. The board will decide if applicants may build structures within required setbacks or on non-conforming lots.

• Case #2025-14: Variance request for a deck at 28 Wood Dr (Map & Lot 118-031)
• Case #2025-15: Rehearing for a single family dwelling on Hemlock Dr (Map & Lot 119-162)

The board approved Clarissa Macdonald's variance to build a deck at 28 Wood Dr, requiring the deck not be enclosed or used as living space. The public hearing on the application was closed. The board voted to continue a separate variance case (Case #2025-15) to the August 21 meeting. Minutes were approved and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved deck variance for 28 Wood Dr with condition (5-0)
• Closed public hearing on deck variance (5-0)
• Continued Case #2025-15 to next meeting (5-0)
• Approved meeting minutes (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Sawyer Lake Village District

The board approved the meeting minutes and accepted the treasurer’s financial report and the 2024 audit. A motion to buy a new printer/scanner for $370 was approved, and the commission accepted a donated laptop. The commissioners also approved weekly water testing at all five beaches starting July 21, with results to be posted online. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved July 17 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Accepted Treasurer’s financial report (unanimous)
• Accepted 2024 audit (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of new printer/scanner for $370 (unanimous)
• Accepted donated laptop from Dustin Millikens
• Approved weekly water testing at all five beaches on July 21 (unanimous)
• Approved continuation of weekly testing if e‑coli levels remain unsafe (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Conservation Commission

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission will review forestry notifications and zoning applications. The body will also discuss forest management plan updates for Ayers Brook and Pine Hill Town Forests.

• Forestry notifications for Map/Lot 417-051 and Map/Lot 426-015
• Planning Board Minor Subdivision application for 420-115
• ZBA variance applications for 118-031 and 119-162
• Frisky Hill parking area signage and plaque placement
• Forest management plan updates for Ayers Brook and Pine Hill Town Forests

The commission approved a $701.17 reimbursement for Blue Line Trail materials (4-0). Members agreed to move forward with a commemorative plaque at Frisky Hill and to allow woodchips on the site. The board decided to monitor the newly placed trash can without immediate action. The meeting minutes were approved and the session adjourned (both 4-0).

• Reimbursement $701.17 for Blue Line Trail materials approved (4-0)
• Plaque placement at Frisky Hill approved (unanimous)
• Woodchips allowed on Frisky Hill site (unanimous)
• Trash can decision deferred; monitor usage (unanimous)
• Minutes of May 13, 2025 approved (4-0)
• Meeting adjourned (4-0)

Capital Improvement Plan Committee (CIPC)

The July 14 Capital Improvement Plan Committee meeting discussed urgent highway department needs, road maintenance funding, and facility maintenance structure, but did not approve any new projects or budgets. The only formal action was a motion to adjourn, which passed unanimously. Action items were assigned to distribute the preliminary CIP spreadsheet and complete meeting minutes.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees will meet to review financial and statistical reports. The board will discuss the results of the July 4th book sale and the installation of plaques.

• Review of July 4th Book Sale
• Discussion regarding the installation of plaques
• Treasurer's Report
• Library Statistics

Sawyer Lake Village District

The Commissioner Meeting will cover financial reports and infrastructure updates. The body will review the 2024 Financial Audit Report and discuss maintenance for the dam, beaches, and roads.

• 2024 Financial Audit Report
• Winter road maintenance costs and details
• Dam updates
• Beach updates
• Mailbox updates

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to review a request for a minor subdivision. The proposal involves creating one new 13.73-acre lot from an existing property.

• Public hearing for Case #SUBMIN2025: minor subdivision at 46 Dow Rd (Map and Lot 420-115) to create one 13.73-acre lot

The board appointed Shane Bruneau as a one‑year alternate (vote 6‑0). It approved a minor subdivision at 46 Dow Rd creating a 13.73‑acre lot (vote 6‑0). Members also approved the May 8 and June 12 meeting minutes and elected Roy Buttrick as Chair and Parker Hoffacker as Vice Chair (all votes unanimous).

• Appointed Shane Bruneau as alternate (1‑year term) – vote 6‑0
• Approved minor subdivision at 46 Dow Rd – vote 6‑0
• Approved May 8, 2025 minutes – vote 4‑0
• Approved June 12, 2025 minutes – vote 5‑0
• Elected Roy Buttrick as Chair and Parker Hoffacker as Vice Chair – vote 6‑0

Fire

The town is holding a meeting to identify 2025 problems and mitigation actions to reduce long-term hazard risks. The body will discuss estimated costs, potential funding, and a prioritization method for these actions.

• Identification of 2025 problems and mitigation actions
• Discussion of estimated costs and potential funding for actions
• Establishment of a prioritization method for mitigation actions
• Review of 2022 FEMA Guidelines & Checklist changes

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will swear in Matt Greene as a Firefighter/Paramedic and consider several requests regarding Crystal Lake Park. The meeting includes reviews of public safety equipment purchases and upcoming public hearings for department fees and road access.

• Purchase orders for Bergeron Protective Clothing ($942.63), Zoll Medical Corp ($820.82), and Nucar Tilton ($3,738.55)
• Public hearing scheduled for 8/4/2025 regarding department fees
• Public hearing scheduled for 8/4/2025 regarding a petition to open a discontinued road
• Donation request from Don Guarino for portable toilets at Crystal Lake Park
• Police Department Highway Safety Grant Agreement FFY26

The Selectmen voted to accept a donated portable toilet for Crystal Lake Park, conditional on a liability waiver. They approved the Labor Day Fair application for the same park, noting possible additional portable toilets. The purchase of two Zoll cardiac monitors for $127,398 was authorized, funded by the ambulance revenue account. The Board also accepted the Highway Safety Grant terms, amount $58,500 (adjusted total $98,500).

• Approved public meeting minutes from 06-16-2025 (2-0)
• Sealed non‑public minutes for six months, expiring 12/16/2025 (2-0)
• Approved consent agenda items #2, #3, #4 for the Fire Department (2-0)
• Approved public hearing schedule for Aug 4, 2025 (2-0)
• Accepted donation of portable toilet for Crystal Lake Park, donor to sign liability waiver (2-0)
• Approved Labor Day Fair application for Crystal Lake Park, with possible additional portable toilets (2-0)
• Approved purchase of two Zoll cardiac monitors for $127,398 from the ambulance revenue account (2-0)
• Accepted Highway Safety Grant terms, amount $58,500 (adjusted total $98,500) (2-0)

Fire

The Gilmanton Fire Department provided a monthly update on operations, training, and maintenance. The report covers call volumes, equipment upkeep, and budget preparation.

• 50 calls for service answered in June
• 2026 budget preparation in progress
• Vendor quotes received for bay floor repairs and maintenance
• Zoll Cardiac monitor representatives presented new units
• CIP planning documents updated and forwarded to committee

Sawyer Lake Village District

The Sawyer Lake Village District will discuss infrastructure maintenance and environmental issues. The body is reviewing road conditions and beach preservation. A lot line adjustment for a specific property is listed under new business.

• Lot line adjustment for 6 Hemlock Drive
• Culvert at 334 Hemlock Road
• Pricing for winter sanding and plowing maintenance
• No Wake Zone Signs
• Beaver issues and loon preservation at beaches

The minutes for the June 26, 2025 Sawyer Lake Village District meeting contain only unintelligible text and do not document any clear approvals, denials, or actions. Consequently, no substantive decisions can be identified from the record.

Capital Improvement Plan Committee (CIPC)

The Capital Improvement Plan Committee approved the minutes from the May 28 and June 9 meetings. It agreed that departments must prioritize projects, categorize urgency, and provide at least three bids for major purchases. The committee decided to hold on‑site meetings with the Police and Fire departments on July 7 to review their needs. Follow‑up tasks were assigned to committee members.

• Approved May 28 minutes (vote 4-0-1)
• Approved June 9 minutes (unanimous)
• Decided to schedule on‑site meetings with Police and Fire departments for July 7
• Required departments to prioritize project lists and provide three bids for major purchases
• Agreed to conduct site visits to assess asset conditions
• Speaker 1 to follow up with town administration on outstanding information requests
• Speaker 1 to arrange facility tours for Police and Fire departments on July 7
• Speaker 3 to assist departments with grant resource information

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will consider three variance requests for property modifications and lot subdivisions. The board will also hear an appeal regarding the use of composite siding in the Corner’s Historic District.

• Case #2025-12: Variance for an 8-foot by 42-foot deck at 73 Lakeshore Rd
• Case #2025-13: Variance to subdivide 8.0 ac at 208 Sargent Road with less than 200' frontage
• Case #2025-11: Appeal of Historic District Commission approval for composite siding at 513 Province Rd
• Case #2025-08: Rehearing for variance to build a single family dwelling on Hemlock Dr

The Zoning Board of Adjustment discussed the appeal of the Historic District Commission's approval allowing the Allen property at 513 Province Rd to replace wood clapboard siding with Everlast composite siding. Board members, the town administrator, and an attorney presented arguments about historic regulations, material appearance, reveal size, and installation methods. The discussion covered the applicability of variance criteria and the adequacy of existing regulations. No vote or final ruling was recorded in the minutes.

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee will discuss updates to the town's energy audit and review cost estimates and savings from the 2023 Lighting Project. The body will also discuss a town survey and a draft letter of interest for Master Plan updates.

• 2023 Lighting Project incurred savings
• Refreshed cost estimates for energy efficiency projects
• Draft Letter of Interest for Master Plan updates
• NHSaves Button Up Workshop scheduled for October 28
• Town Survey

The committee met on June 18, 2025, but did not have a quorum, so no official actions were taken. The May minutes were reviewed with a minor change and will be approved at the July meeting. Discussions covered a new audit for the LED lighting project, a town survey, a public workshop, and the master plan, but no votes or approvals were recorded.

Cemetery Trustees

The Cemetery Trustees will meet to review site reports and general project updates. The agenda includes discussions on stone cleaning, repair, and volunteer projects, as well as the budget.

• Stone cleaning, repair, and volunteer projects
• Budget review
• Site reports

The board approved the minutes from the May 20, 2025 meeting (3‑0). They also voted unanimously (3‑0) to amend the existing duplicate stone policy. A new Expendable Trust Fund for private donations was created with an initial $100 contribution. Other items were discussed but no further decisions were recorded.

• Approved May 20, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Amended duplicate gravestone policy (3-0)
• Created Expendable Trust Fund for private donations with $100 initial donation

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is reviewing a proposal to enter a 60-month lease for a Sharp BP-70C45 copier through Formax. The agreement includes a buyout of the current OTS lease.

• 60-month lease for Sharp BP-70C45 copier
• Proposed monthly savings of $20
• One-time payment of $2,048.34 from Formax to the Town for lease buyout

The Selectmen voted 3‑0 to end the temporary hiring freeze and to hire Firefighter Matthew Greene and Contract Building Inspector Robert Garside, also approving three employee unpaid‑time requests. They approved a Formax copier and postage‑machine lease, accepted $4,197 for Police Department Grant #2, and scheduled several fee changes for public hearings. The board also signed the dog‑licensing warrant and moved forward with tax‑deed processing for four properties.

• Lift hiring freeze (3-0)
• Hire Firefighter Matthew Greene and Contract Building Inspector Robert Garside; approve three unpaid‑time requests (3-0)
• Approve Formax copier and postage‑machine lease, $2,048.34 check, 60‑month term (3-0)
• Accept Police Department Grant #2 funds, $4,197.00 (3-0)
• Move Transfer Station sticker fee proposal to public hearing (3-0)
• Increase outside‑agency detail rate to $110/hour, move to public hearing (3-0)
• Sign dog‑licensing warrant for 143 unregistered dogs (3-0)
• Proceed with tax deed waivers for properties 120-010, 120-011, 122-105, 131-064; do not deed Route 106 (3-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings for two new requests and a six-month review of an existing site plan. The board is evaluating changes to property boundaries and business expansions in the Residential Lake and Business zones.

• Lot line adjustment request for 6 Hemlock Dr and Brook Ave (Case #LLA2025-701)
• Site Plan Review for Humble Auto, LLC to expand into Unit B at 136 NH Rt 106 (Case #SPR2025-407)
• Six-month review for Humble Auto, LLC automobile sales and service center at 136 NH Rt 106 (Case #SPR2024-405)

The board appointed Kevin Crowley as a full member (4‑0). The Humble Auto, LLC site‑plan application for 136 NH Rt 106 was accepted as complete (5‑0) and approved pending inspection/approval by Fire Chief Hempel (5‑0). The meeting was then adjourned (5‑0). No substantive public comments were made.

• Appointed Kevin Crowley as full member (4-0)
• Accepted Humble Auto site‑plan application as complete (5-0)
• Approved Humble Auto site‑plan with fire‑chief inspection condition (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting (5-0)

Conservation Commission

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission will review conservation easement monitoring and various land-use notifications. The body is discussing the placement of a commemorative plaque on the former Twigg property and parking signage at Frisky Hill.

• Approval for commemorative plaque on the former Twigg property on Province Road
• Resident request for 'NO PARKING AFTER SUNSET' signage at Frisky Hill parking area
• Tree maintenance and trash cleanup on Town land at Shellcamp
• Asbestos removal quote for a camp on Arrowhead Lane
• Proposed removal of invasive species and installation of a well cover at Frisky Hill

Joint Loss Management Committee

Committee members walked through the Gilmanton Iron Works fire station and the Public Safety building, noting that the fire station needs updates to its kitchen and living quarters and that the Public Safety building will require future roof and parking lot repairs. Chief Hempel will develop an action plan to address the fire station issues. The next meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2025 at the Academy Building and Old Town Hall.

Capital Improvement Plan Committee (CIPC)

The committee decided to keep the $5,000 value and five‑year lifespan criteria for capital projects during the initial data‑collection phase and postponed final approval of the draft rules of procedure. It also agreed that the secretarial role will be shared by Chair Josh Mann and Vice Chair Colleen Harkey, who will tag‑team on minute review. No other proposals were approved or denied.

• Retain $5,000 value and five‑year lifespan criteria for initial data collection
• Postpone final approval of draft rules of procedure
• Assign secretarial responsibilities to Josh Mann and Colleen Harkey (shared)
• Josh Mann to request revised Fire Department submission meeting $5,000/5‑year criteria
• Josh Mann to request additional information from Police Department submission
• Josh Mann to request more background from Town Clerk on document restoration fund
• Josh Mann to follow up with School Superintendent on school CIP submission
• Heather Carpenter to correct formula errors in Executive and Parks & Rec submission

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee

The subcommittee is meeting to discuss updates for several local trail projects and review the budget. Members will also coordinate community outreach for July 4th.

• Review of Beaver Woods easement parking language
• Cogswell trail updates regarding BLE, platform, and map
• Lou Lane platform and reroute updates
• Jones Farm bench, kiosk roof painting, and map updates
• Budget review and creation of a two-team work system

The Conservation Trails Sub‑Committee approved the May minutes with a unanimous vote. The meeting included updates on trail projects, parking easement at Beaver Woods, bridge plans at Lou Lane, and budget items, but no additional formal votes were recorded. The board assigned follow‑up tasks such as reimbursement tracking, a social‑media post for t‑shirt donations, and a July community outreach event.

• Approved May minutes (unanimous)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will discuss department head parameters for the 2026 budget and review several purchase orders. The meeting includes discussions on the July 4th parade route and police department grant information.

• Purchase order for cruiser laptops and equipment from Northeast MDT for $43,189.08
• Purchase order for cruiser mounting brackets from Northeast MDT for $4,194
• Acceptance of $10,755 in unanticipated funds from JSJ Auctions for vehicle sales
• Purchase order for Upper City Road Plowing from Town of Loudon for $7,500
• Purchase order for Household Hazardous Waste Collection from Lakes Region Planning Commission for $5,257

The Selectmen approved the May 19 minutes and accepted $10,755 of unanticipated auction funds. They denied four community‑development applications while approving four others, and chose not to pursue the FEMA SAFER grant. The board also approved a rate increase for Fire Medic Dylan Raymond, authorized signatures on the MDT grant, adopted a new private‑road cost process, and set the 2025 proposed budget figure as the baseline for the 2026 budget.

• Approved minutes from 05-19-2025 (3-0)
• Accepted unanticipated JSJ Auctions funds totaling $10,755 (3-0)
• Denied applications 131-020, 420-077, 420-078, 420-084 and approved 403-004, 406-035, 414-050, 419-012 (3-0)
• Decided not to pursue the SAFER grant application (consensus)
• Approved rate increase for Dylan Raymond to $25.50 per hour (3-0)
• Approved Town Administrator to sign MDT grant certificate; Chief Currier, Chairman, Vice Chairman as co‑grantees (3-0)
• Approved private‑road agreement process with costs borne by property owners (3-0)
• Adopted 2025 proposed budget figure as target for formulating the 2026 operating budget (consensus)

Fire

The Gilmanton Fire Department provided a monthly update on call volumes, equipment maintenance, and training. The report details operational activities and the start of 2026 budget preparation.

• 51 calls for service answered in May (compared to 43 in May of the previous year)
• Construction and installation of Engine 3 charging station
• Brake and electrical repairs performed on A2 at Nucar dealership
• Commencement of hydrant maintenance and testing
• Initiation of 2026 budget preparation by Chief Hempel

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing regarding a request to build a single-family dwelling. The board will also discuss amendments to Historic District Regulations.

• Public hearing for Case #2025-02: single-family dwelling on Meeting House Rd (Map and Lot 414-059)
• Discussion of Historic District Regulations Amendments

The commission approved the Roberts’ application to build a single‑family dwelling on Meeting House Road (Map and Lot 414‑059) in the Meeting House Historic District. The motion passed 4‑0 with conditions that exterior colors be submitted to the Selectman’s office for approval and that any design changes receive board approval. The commission also accepted the April 24, 2025 minutes (3‑0) and adjourned the meeting (4‑0).

• Approved single‑family dwelling construction on Meeting House Rd (4-0)
• Approved with conditions: exterior colors to be submitted to Selectman’s office
• Accepted 04/24/2025 minutes (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Capital Improvement Plan Committee (CIPC)

The Gilmanton Capital Improvements Committee unanimously elected Joshua Mann as Chair and Colleen Harkey as Vice Chair. Members agreed on a $5,000 value and a five‑year useful‑life minimum as an initial soft threshold for capital assets and set a 10‑year horizon for the Capital Improvements Plan. They deferred finalizing the rules of procedure, will review and submit revisions, will use a sample spreadsheet template from the Town of Raymond, and will begin data collection from town departments and the school.

• Joshua Mann elected Chair unanimously
• Colleen Harkey elected Vice Chair unanimously
• Adopted $5,000 value and >5‑year useful life as initial asset threshold
• Set 10‑year horizon for the Capital Improvements Plan
• Deferred finalization of rules of procedure to a future meeting
• Agreed to review draft rules and send revisions to Heather Carpenter
• Approved use of sample CIP spreadsheet template from Town of Raymond
• Planned to initiate departmental and school data collection for CIP

Cemetery Trustees

The board unanimously approved the minutes from April 15 and April 23, 2025, with one abstention. Trustees decided not to purchase additional site signs at this time. They approved establishing a new Expendable Trust Fund to receive private donations. The next meeting was scheduled for June 17, 2025 at 7 p.m.

• Approved minutes of April 15, 2025 (3-0-1)
• Approved minutes of April 23, 2025 (3-0-1)
• Decided not to purchase additional site signs now
• Approved creation of the Expendable Trust Fund for private donations
• Scheduled next meeting for June 17, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will meet to approve the 2025 first-half tax warrant and discuss the 2025/2026 budget cycle. The board will also consider a petition to reopen a discontinued road and review a building inspector candidate in a non-public session.

• Approval of $5,000 appropriation for Community Action (Warrant Article #31)
• Approval of $8,700 appropriation for Gilmanton 4th of July (Warrant Article #26)
• Review of petition to reopen discontinued road per RSA 231:22
• Discussion of gate and bars on Lougee Rd.
• Non-public session for building inspector candidate update and possible hire

The Selectmen voted 3‑0 to adopt the 2025 first‑half tax warrant, directing collection of $7,855,280 in property taxes. They also approved the petition to reopen a discontinued road, covering the cost of a title search and reimbursement to the town. The draft Boston Post Cane policy was adopted with the agreed‑upon age and residency requirements. Additional consent‑agenda items, including small warrant articles and the Energy Committee appointment, were also approved.

• Approved Public minutes from 05‑05‑2025 (2‑0)
• Approved Non‑Public minutes from 04‑21‑2025 (3‑0)
• Approved Warrant Article #31 ($5,000) and #26 ($8,700) (3‑0)
• Approved Yield Tax Levy (3‑0)
• Approved 2025 First Half Tax Warrant for $7,855,280 (3‑0)
• Approved petition to reopen discontinued road, covering title‑search cost and reimbursement (3‑0)
• Approved draft Boston Post Cane policy with age and residency amendments (3‑0)
• Approved Cindy Peabody‑Paulin as Energy Committee member for a 3‑year term (3‑0)

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee will discuss follow-up from Earth Day, energy efficiency projects including a 2023 lighting project and updated cost estimates, and a town survey. They will also cover a NHSaves Button Up Workshop scheduled for October and Master Plan updates. The meeting includes review of previous minutes and coordination with the Board of Selectmen.

• Review of 2023 Lighting Project incurred savings
• Refreshed cost estimates for energy efficiency projects
• Town survey discussion
• NHSaves Button Up Workshop on October 28
• Master Plan updates

The committee approved the April 2025 meeting minutes with one minor change. No other formal actions were voted on; members discussed the LED lighting project savings, contractor outreach, and upcoming town initiatives. The meeting set the next Energy Committee session for June 18, 2025.

• Approved April 2025 minutes (unanimous)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will hear an appeal of a Historic District Commission decision regarding composite siding at 513 Province Rd, and two variance requests: one for a storage shed at 41 Meeting House Rd and one for a dwelling on a non-conforming lot on Hemlock Dr. The board will also consider minutes from its April 17 meeting.

• Case 2025-10: James Juneau seeks a variance for an 8x12 Cape-style tool shed within setbacks at 41 Meeting House Rd (Rural Zone).
• Case 2025-11: Town Administrator Heather Carpenter appeals Historic District Commission approval of James and Amber Allen's use of Everlast composite siding at 513 Province Rd (Corner's Historic District).
• Case 2025-08: Andrew & Cheryl Schkuta continue seeking a variance to build a single-family dwelling on a lot with no Class V road frontage on Hemlock Dr (Residential Lake Zone).
• Approval of minutes from the April 17, 2025 meeting.

The Zoning Board voted 5‑0 to accept an extension, setting the review of the historic district appeal for June 19, 2025. The board also voted 5‑0 to close the public hearing on a tool‑shed variance at 41 Meeting House Rd. A separate motion was passed 5‑0, though the minutes do not specify its purpose. No vote on granting the tool‑shed variance was recorded.

• Accepted extension to June 19, 2025 for historic district appeal (5‑0)
• Closed public hearing on tool‑shed variance case #2025‑10 (5‑0)
• Passed unspecified motion (5‑0)
• No vote recorded on granting the tool‑shed variance

Sawyer Lake Village District

The Commissioner Meeting will cover updates on the dam and roads, as well as beach preparation for summer. The body will also discuss mailbox fee schedules and winter maintenance contracting options.

• Summer mowing by RJ Mici Landscape
• Dam brush clearing and toe of dam clearing
• Mailbox fee schedule and repairs
• Winter plowing and sanding contract pricing and RFP
• Subcontractors’ certificates of insurance (COI)

The commissioners elected Tom Le Mien as chair and adopted the corrected meeting minutes. They approved moving the district’s banking to a Business 100 account and appointed Megan Denutte as the elected auditor. An invoice approval procedure was adopted, the $45 mailbox fee was retained, and three loads of road material were authorized for purchase.

• Elected Tom Le Mien as Chair (all voted in favor)
• Adopted corrected minutes (all voted in favor)
• Approved switch to Business 100 account (all voted in favor)
• Appointed Megan Denutte as auditor (all voted in favor)
• Adopted invoice approval process (agreement after discussion)
• Retained $45 mailbox fee (decision to keep fee)
• Authorized purchase of three loads of road material (Board authorization)
• Denied resident beach graduation party request (David Ferber to contact resident)

Conservation Commission

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission will discuss the Frisky Hill project, which has exceeded its budget by $1,800 due to repaving costs, and review conservation easement stewardship, intent-to-cut applications, and other land-use notifications. The meeting also covers ongoing items including a tree on town land, asbestos removal at a camp on Arrowhead Lane, and potential trail maintenance at Frisky Hill.

• Frisky Hill project: $28,300 spent against $26,500 budget, over budget due to repaving apron
• Intent-to-cut applications: Benjamin Barr (Map & Lot 120-003, NH Rte 106) and Matthew Healy (Map & Lot 424-067/068, Province Rd)
• Conservation easement monitoring and stewardship review
• Tree on Shellcamp town land: landowner agreed to topping and limb removal; board requests trash cleanup
• Camp on Arrowhead Lane with asbestos: board requested updated written quote for removal

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission approved a $2,600 quote to remove a tree on Lake Shore Drive using a crane; the motion passed 6‑0. The commission also approved two invoices—$29.98 to Rich Mayer and $749.00 to Guy Williams—each passing 5‑0. Additionally, the commission unanimously approved the March 12 and April 8 meeting minutes (6‑0).

• Approved $2,600 tree removal quote with crane (6-0)
• Approved Rich Mayer invoice $29.98 (5-0)
• Approved Guy Williams invoice $749.00 (5-0)
• Approved March 12 and April 8 meeting minutes (6-0)
• Approved motion to come out of Non-Public session (5-0)

Library Trustees

The Gilmanton Corner Public Library Board of Trustees will review April meeting minutes, hear the treasurer's report and library statistics, and receive a volunteer/scheduling report. Under new business, the board will discuss how to use remaining funds from the previous year and the progress on commemorative plaques.

• Discussion on using leftover money from last fiscal year
• Update on plaque project status
• Approval of April 14, 2025 meeting minutes
• Treasurer's report and library statistics review

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a combined site plan review (Case SPR2025-403 & 404) to allow Brown's Ledge, LLC to construct two commercial storage facility buildings on South Rd in the Business zone. The board will also conduct a preliminary discussion on a proposed subdivision at 29 Grant Hill Rd in the Rural Zone. Minutes from April 10 will be considered.

• Public hearing: Site plan review for two commercial storage buildings by Brown's Ledge, LLC on South Rd (Map 412-009, Business zone)
• Preliminary discussion: Subdivision proposal by Brent Minery, Sr. at 29 Grant Hill Rd (Map 405, Lot 002, Rural zone)
• Approval of minutes from April 10, 2025

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission Trails Subcommittee will meet to approve minutes, receive trail updates including the Beaver Woods project, and discuss community outreach for the 4th of July. New business includes reviewing a draft budget, first aid training, and other planning items. The meeting is primarily procedural and planning-focused.

• Review of draft budget
• Trail updates including Beaver Woods project
• Community outreach planning for 4th of July 10-12
• First aid training discussion
• Bags to Benches and Frisky Hill conservation items

The sub‑committee unanimously approved the April meeting minutes. The board also approved the purchase of three new Trex benches at a cost of $749.97, to be placed at Frisky Hill View/Overlook – East Peak, Tasse, and Blue Line Ext – Grotto. No other motions were decided at this meeting.

• Approved April minutes (all in favor)
• Approved purchase of 3 Trex benches for $749.97 (all in favor)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen will consider approving minutes from April 21 and a consent agenda including Fire Department revalidation, Highway Department Mountain Road, and multiple trust fund warrant articles totaling $147,287. New business includes Fire Department per diem pay, an Energy Committee discussion, and appointments to the Energy Committee and Lakes Region Planning Commission. Old business involves reviewing CIP committee candidates and the July 4th Committee update. A proposal to add monthly budget discussions with department heads will be discussed, followed by public comment and non-public sessions on the cable franchise agreement and general assistance.

• Trust fund warrant articles: Article #3 ($90,069), #5 ($17,218), #13 ($10,000), #16 ($20,000), #17 ($10,000), #18 ($10,000)
• Request to add budget discussions to second monthly meeting
• CIP committee candidate interviews and school board participation discussion
• Oath of office for Cyndi Peabody-Paulin to Energy Committee (3-year term)
• Appointment of Travis Mitchell to Lakes Region Planning Commission (TAC member, 2-year term)

The Selectmen approved the prior meeting minutes and several consent‑agenda items. They opened Old Town Hall for events, accepted community‑development recommendations, and continued the Lakes Region Planning Commission road agent. The board also tabled fire‑department per‑diem items and appointed two members to a new Capital Improvement Plan committee.

• Approved prior meeting minutes (04‑21‑2025) (2‑0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items 3‑6 (2‑0)
• Approved Old Town Hall usage for events (2‑0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items 7‑8 (2‑0)
• Accepted Community Development Director recommendations (2‑0)
• Tabled Fire Department per‑diem items (2‑0)
• Continued Road Agent Travis Mitchell on Lakes Region Planning Commission (2‑0)
• Approved Colleen Harkey and Mark Sisti as members of the new Capital Improvement Plan Committee (2‑0)

Trustees of the Trust Fund

The Trustees of the Trust Fund are scheduled to meet on May 5, 2025, at 8:30 AM at 503 Province Rd. The agenda contains only procedural boilerplate with no specific items for discussion or decision.

The trustees approved the minutes from the February 3, 2025 meeting unanimously. After reviewing the income and expense projections, no action was taken. The board agreed that no changes are needed to the Fidelity account holdings. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved Feb 3, 2025 meeting minutes (5-0)
• Decided no changes to Fidelity holdings

Tricentennial Committee

The Tricentennial Committee will discuss old business including updates on social media and challenge coin sales, and new business covering fundraising efforts such as license plates and non-numbered coins, history projects, event planning based on other towns' examples, a logo file, and an Old Home Day table. The meeting also includes approval of November minutes.

• Challenge coin updates and sales
• Fundraising: license plates and non-numbered coins
• Social media webpage and Facebook page updates
• Marketing: logo file
• Old Home Day table planning

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing on a request to build a single-family dwelling on Meeting House Road within the Meeting House Historic District. The commission will also discuss possible amendments to historic district regulations and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Public hearing for Case #2025-02: construction of single-family dwelling by George & Margaret Roberts on Meeting House Rd (Map/Lot 414-059) in Meeting House Historic District
• Discussion of Historic District Regulations Amendments
• Approval of minutes from the April 9, 2025 meeting

The commission found the application for a single‑family dwelling on Meeting House Rd incomplete because no site plan was submitted. The board agreed to give the applicant a list of missing information and to hear the case again at the May 22, 2025 meeting. The commission approved the minutes from the April 9, 2025 meeting by a 4‑0 vote. The meeting was adjourned by a 4‑0 vote.

• Deferral of Case #2025-02 (Roberts’ dwelling) pending additional information (no vote)
• Approved minutes of 04/09/2025 (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Cemetery Trustees

The Cemetery Trustees will hold their spring meeting to discuss the annual gravestone cleaning program for Gilmanton cemeteries. This is a routine procedural gathering with no formal decisions or new business items listed.

The trustees received a volunteer report stating that work will resume at Copp Cemetery and then move to Wilson Hill. Trustees noted that JR will review notes on two Daigle stones at Copp and will obtain ground probes. No formal approvals, denials, or votes were recorded.

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen reviewed the 2023 audit results, which included an adverse opinion on governmental activities due to GASB 75 requirements. They also received a presentation from the DOT on the Route 107 and Badger Brook Crossing culvert replacement project, estimated at $3.1 million with no local match. The board discussed a police detail request form process and approved previous meeting minutes.

• 2023 audit results presented by Tyler Paine of Plodzik & Sanderson: unmodified opinion for general fund, adverse opinion for full accrual statements due to GASB 75
• Ending unassigned fund balance for FY23 approximately $2.8 million
• Route 107 culvert replacement project: $3.1 million, 80% federal, 20% state, construction planned for 2027
• Easements needed: 16,000 sq ft permanent upstream, 3,600 sq ft permanent downstream
• Police detail request form under review; all departments to submit standardized forms by next meeting

The board approved the April 7 meeting minutes and most consent‑agenda items. It adopted a Donation Offer and Acceptance Form and approved the town’s uncashed‑check policy. A motion passed to move the Highway Department Crown Victoria, the Police Department cruiser, and the 1935 Fire Department truck to White’s Farm or Municibid by early May. The board also tabled further discussion on CIP membership and the historic‑district appeal.

• Approved April 7, 2025 minutes (3-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda items #2, #3, #5, #6 and tabled item #4 (3-0)
• Accepted Donation Offer and Acceptance Form (3-0)
• Approved Uncashed Check Policy (3-0)
• Authorized sending Crown Victoria, police cruiser to White’s Farm by May 7‑8 and fire truck to Municibid or White’s Farm (3-0)

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will review five cases requesting variances from town zoning articles. These requests involve building single-family homes on non-conforming lots, constructing a garage, and subdividing land.

• Case #2025-02: Variance for a home on a non-conforming lot at Penobscott Path and Pocumtuck Path
• Case #2025-06: Variance for a garage with cupola over 35’ in height at 545 NH Rte. 140
• Case #2025-07: Variance to build a home within wetland/stream setbacks at 26 Rainbo Ln
• Case #2025-08: Variance for a home on a non-conforming lot at Hemlock Dr
• Case #2025-09: Variance to subdivide a parcel leaving one lot with 100’ of frontage on Meeting House Rd

The board voted 4‑0 to close the public hearings on the variance requests for the PatriotPlot property (Case 2025‑02), the Hart garage reconstruction (Case 2025‑06), and the Rainbo Lane dwelling (Case 2025‑07). It also voted 4‑0 to table the variance application of Andrew & Cheryl Schkuta (Case 2025‑08) until May 15, 2025. No variances were approved or denied at this meeting.

• Closed public hearing on Case 2025‑02 (PatriotPlot variance) – motion passed 4‑0
• Closed public hearing on Case 2025‑06 (Hart garage variance) – motion passed 4‑0
• Closed public hearing on Case 2025‑07 (Rainbo Lane variance) – motion passed 4‑0
• Tabled variance application Case 2025‑08 (Schkuta) to May 15, 2025 – motion passed 4‑0

Sawyer Lake Village District

The Board of Commissioners will vote on joining the NH Municipalities Association and on hiring an attorney for the district. They will also discuss issuing two separate RFPs for road maintenance (spring/summer/fall and winter plowing) and consider establishing a dam committee. A budget committee representative and alternate will be appointed.

• Vote on SLVD membership for NH Municipalities Association
• Vote to hire an attorney for the district
• Discuss two separate RFPs for road maintenance (seasonal and winter)
• Discuss establishing a dam committee and recruiting members
• Discuss rafts and ropes management (volunteers vs. RFP)

The board unanimously approved the March and Annual Meeting minutes. They voted to pay a $640 one‑year NH Municipal Association membership and to keep the existing summer beach and road maintenance system. An invoice from Bob Dow was approved and the accumulated mailbox cash will be deposited into the operating account. Additional actions included appointing a budget committee representative and assigning dam oversight to a commissioner.

• Approved March meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Annual Meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved $640 NH Municipal Association 1‑year membership (unanimous)
• Approved keeping summer beach and road maintenance system (unanimous)
• Approved invoice from Bob Dow (unanimous)
• Decided to deposit accumulated mailbox cash into operating account (unanimous)
• Appointed David Ferber as SLVD representative to Town Budget Committee (unanimous)
• Assigned Rick to lead High Hazard Dam oversight (unanimous)

Cemetery Trustees

The Gilmanton Cemetery Trustees are meeting to review and potentially approve the minutes from March 18, 2025, discuss spring volunteer coordination, receive site reports, plan tree work, and consider the budget for cemetery operations. No specific dollar amounts or project names are listed in the agenda.

• Approval of minutes from March 18, 2025
• Spring volunteer meeting planning
• Site reports for cemetery properties
• Tree work discussion
• Budget review for cemetery operations

The board approved the March 18, 2025 meeting minutes by a 4‑0 vote. The town agreed to provide two computer accesses for the trustees. Dignified will supply four corner posts for $450. No vote was taken on the proposed grave‑cost increase.

• Approved March 18, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Town to provide two computer accesses for trustees
• Authorized Dignified to install four corner posts for $450

Library Trustees

The Gilmanton Corner Public Library Board of Trustees is meeting to review standard reports and minutes. New business includes discussing longer operating hours from May through October, honoring Barb Swanson and others with plaques, and planning for painting the library. The next meeting is scheduled for May 12 or June 9, 2025.

• Discuss extending library hours from May to October
• Discuss plaques to honor Barb Swanson and others
• Discuss painting the library
• Review and approve March 10, 2025 meeting minutes
• Treasurer's report and library statistics

The board approved a trial of longer library hours from May to October, with Tuesday evenings 4‑6 pm and Wednesday afternoons 2‑5 pm. They also approved changing the March volunteer calendar to a Volunteer/Schedule report. Sue Roberts was tasked to memo Heather about library painting and to meet with Heather together with Deborah Fifield.

• Approved trial longer library hours May‑Oct (Tue 4‑6 pm, Wed 2‑5 pm)
• Approved change from calendar to Volunteer/Schedule report
• Approved Sue Roberts to send memo to Heather about painting
• Approved Sue Roberts and Deborah Fifield to meet with Heather to discuss painting

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee will plan Earth Day activities for April 26, 2025, review energy efficiency project savings and cost estimates, and discuss a town survey. They will also coordinate with the Planning Board on a pending warrant article for the Master Plan.

• Earth Day planning on April 26, 2025, including activities, booths, food, and coordination with Trails Committee, School, Scouts, and Citizens’ Climate Lobby
• Review of 2023 Lighting Project incurred savings and refreshed cost estimates
• Discussion of a Town Survey
• Planning Board coordination and Master Plan update related to a pending warrant article
• Tentative NHSaves Button Up Workshop scheduled for October 28

The Gilmerton Energy Committee approved the minutes from the March 2025 meeting. The committee then discussed plans for Earth Day, including presentations, activities, and outreach, but no formal votes or approvals were recorded for those items.

• Approved March 2025 meeting minutes (motion moved by Elise Smith, seconded by Cyndi Paulin)

Planning Board

The board approved a conditional use permit for a child‑care facility at 269 Sawtooth Road, allowing up to 12 children, operating from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and requiring CPR/First‑Aid certification. It denied a solar‑array permit at 51 Bingham Road. Kevin Crowley was appointed to the Capital Improvement Committee. All public hearings were formally closed.

• Approved child‑care conditional use permit (6‑0) – max 12 kids, hours 06:30‑17:30, CPR certified
• Denied solar‑array conditional use permit (5‑1)
• Accepted solar application as complete (6‑0)
• Closed public hearing on child‑care application (6‑0)
• Closed public hearing on solar application (6‑0)
• Appointed Kevin Crowley to Capital Improvement Committee

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will continue a public hearing (Case #2025-01) for James & Amber Allen's request to replace siding with Everlast advanced composite at 513 Province Rd in the Corner's Historic District. The commission will also discuss amendments to the Historic District Regulations and approve prior meeting minutes.

• Public hearing continued: siding replacement at 513 Province Rd (Map 127-002) with Everlast composite siding
• Discussion of Historic District Regulations Amendments
• Approval of minutes from March 27, 2025 meeting

The commission voted to approve the Allens' proposed Everlast composite siding, including both colors, 5½‑6" corner boards, the 4½" reveal, trim, window trim, and doors to be stained natural wood. The motion passed unanimously, 3‑0. The commission also approved the meeting minutes as amended, 3‑0.

• Approved Everlast siding material, colors, 5½‑6" corner boards, 4½" reveal, trim, window trim, and natural‑wood doors (3‑0)
• Approved minutes as amended (3‑0)
• Adjourned meeting (motion passed)

Conservation Commission

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission will hold a non-public session under RSA 91-A:3,II(d) to discuss the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property. The board will also review minutes, monitor conservation easements, and discuss updates on the Frisky Hill project (spent $28,300 against initial $26,500). Old business includes a tree on town land at Shellcamp, a plaque for Frisky Hill, and asbestos removal at a camp on Arrowhead Lane.

• Non-public session for property acquisition/lease (RSA 91-A:3,II(d))
• Frisky Hill project: $28,300 spent vs. initial $26,500 allocated
• Tree on town land at Shellcamp – limb removal agreed with landowner
• Asbestos removal at camp on Arrowhead Lane – updated written quote requested
• Conservation lot monitoring assignments and plaque for Frisky Hill

The Conservation Commission could not meet quorum, so the meeting was postponed. Stephen Hopkins approved and signed a $75 invoice to NH Conservation Real Estate, to be deducted from the operating budget. A board‑member application was given to Anne Bartlett and will be reviewed at a later time. No other actions were taken.

• Postponed meeting due to lack of quorum
• Approved and signed $75 invoice for NH Conservation Real Estate (operating‑budget deduction)
• Provided board‑member application to Anne Bartlett for future review

Board of Selectmen

The Board is reviewing a project to increase hydraulic capacity at the Badger Brook culvert under NH 107 to remove its High Hazard Dam classification. The plan includes installing two 60-inch pipes and a weir, with construction estimated for 2027.

• Estimated project cost of $3.1 million
• Installation of two 60-inch diameter corrugated pipes using pipe jacking
• Proposed permanent and temporary easements for Michael Amaral, Teresa Ferrara, and Patricia L. Bradley
• Requirement to use approximately 1,500 feet of town-owned Munsey Hill Road for access
• Project advertisement planned for October 2026

The Board voted to appoint Selectman Vincent Baiocchetti as Chairman (3‑0) and Selectman Evan Collins as Vice Chairman (3‑0). The Board also approved amendments to the December 16, 2024 public minutes (2‑0), the March 17, 2025 public minutes (2‑0), and the March 26, 2025 public workshop minutes (3‑0). Items #5, #6, and #7 on the consent agenda were approved (3‑0).

• Appointed Vincent Baiocchetti as Chairman (3-0)
• Appointed Evan Collins as Vice Chairman (3-0)
• Approved amendment to public minutes of 12-16-2024 (2-0)
• Approved public minutes from 03-17-2025 (2-0)
• Approved public workshop minutes from 03-26-2025 (3-0)
• Approved consent agenda items #5, #6, #7 (3-0)

Sawyer Lake Village District

The Sawyer Lake Village District holds its annual meeting to hear updates on roads, dam, beach, and other village matters. Residents will discuss and vote on the proposed budget and warrant articles that affect taxes. Elections will be held for commissioner, treasurer, clerk, budget representative, auditor, and road agent positions.

• Vote on approving the district budget
• Discussion and vote on warrant articles related to taxes
• Election of officers: commissioners (3-year and 1-year terms), treasurer, clerk, budget representative
• Appointment of auditor and road agent if no nominations
• State of the district updates on roads, dam, beach, and volunteer efforts

The meeting approved a $119,745 budget for general operations, authorized temporary loan debt, and added $15,000 to the Sawyer Lake Dam Capital Reserve Fund. Commissioners and other officers were elected for the coming year. No other substantive motions were recorded.

• Approved $119,745 budget for General District Operations (motion accepted)
• Authorized commissioners to incur debt for temporary loans (motion carried)
• Added $15,000 to Sawyer Lake Dam Capital Reserve Fund (motion carried)
• Elected David Ferber as 3‑year Commissioner (30 votes to 19)
• Elected Brian Palmer as Road Agent (unopposed)
• Elected Claudia Ferber as Treasurer (unopposed)
• Elected Mary Sawyer as Clerk (unanimous)
• Elected Richard Milliken as 1‑year Commissioner (unopposed)

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission Trails Subcommittee will meet to discuss trail projects for 2025, plan Earth Day outreach, schedule trail walks, and create a draft budget. No binding decisions are expected; the meeting is focused on planning and coordination.

• Discuss trail projects for 2025
• Earth Day planning for community outreach
• Schedule trail project walks
• Create draft budget for trails
• Identify GRTT trail work day

Rob moved to approve the March minutes and Thomie seconded the motion, resulting in approval. The sub‑committee reviewed trail conditions, noted missing kiosk plexiglass, and discussed upcoming projects and walks. Action items for field walks, Trail Days, and an Earth Day event were assigned. Board members Chris Schlegel and Thomie renewed their three‑year terms.

• Approved March minutes (motion by Rob, approved by Thomie)

Fire

The Gilmanton Fire Department presented its March monthly update, reporting 61 calls for service and a year-to-date total of 159 calls. The report covers personnel changes, training activities, and the donation of thermal imaging cameras by the firefighters association.

• 61 calls for service in March, bringing 2025 total to 159 (158 in same period 2024)
• Fulltime firefighter Seth Boden resigned to join Hooksett Fire, remains per-diem
• Gilmanton Firefighter Association donated thermal imaging cameras to the town and department
• Outside burning permits now required as snow departs
• Training included hose advancement, ladder operations, and pump operations

Fire

This is a monthly activity report, not a decision-making meeting. It summarizes March 2025 operations: 61 calls for service, a firefighter resignation, training drills, and a donation of thermal imaging cameras. No new ordinances or budget items are proposed.

• 61 calls for service in March 2025; 159 total year-to-date vs. 158 same period 2024
• Fulltime firefighter Seth Boden resigned to take a position with Hooksett Fire (remains per-diem)
• Gilmanton Firefighter Association donated thermal imaging cameras to the town and department
• Outside burning permits now required as snow recedes
• Assisted with horse rescue on Stage Rd; interviewed students for LRCC intern program

Energy Committee

The Gilmanton Energy Committee will discuss Earth Day planning for April 26, 2025, including activities, food, and coordination with local groups. They will also review savings from the 2023 lighting project and refreshed cost estimates, discuss a town survey, and consider a pending warrant article involving Planning Board coordination and the master plan.

• Earth Day planning for April 26, 2025, including activities, food, and coordination with Trails Committee, schools, Scouts, and Citizens’ Climate Lobby
• Review of incurred savings from 2023 Lighting Project and refreshed cost estimates
• Discussion of town survey results or plans
• NHSaves Button Up Workshop update
• Planning Board coordination and master plan — committee pending warrant article

The committee approved the February 2025 minutes after a motion by Aimee Ruiter and a second by Elise Smith. The town's $1 budget did not pass. The Planning Board’s creation of a Capital Improvements committee was noted, and Earth Day activities for April 26 were discussed.

• Approved February 2025 minutes (motion by Aimee Ruiter, seconded by Elise Smith)
• Town $1 budget not approved
• Planning Board established Capital Improvements committee (informational)

Historic District Commission

The Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing on a request from James & Amber Allen to replace siding with Everlast advanced composite siding at 513 Province Rd (Map and Lot 127-002) in the Corner's Historic District. The Commission may also discuss amendments to historic district regulations and consider approval of the October 24, 2024 minutes.

• Public hearing for siding replacement at 513 Province Rd (Case #2025-01)
• Property owners James & Amber Allen requesting Everlast advanced composite siding
• Discussion of Historic District Regulations Amendments
• Approval of minutes from October 24, 2024

The commission voted 3-0 to approve the minutes from the January 23 and February 10 meetings. Because there was no quorum, the public hearing on the siding replacement request for 513 Province Rd was postponed to April 9, 2025. The board also voted 3-0 to adjourn the meeting.

• Approved Jan 23 & Feb 10 minutes (3-0)
• Postponed public hearing on siding replacement at 513 Province Rd to April 9 2025 (no quorum)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Board of Selectmen

This is a workshop meeting open to the public but without public comment. No specific items or decisions are listed on the agenda. The next regular meeting is April 7, 2025, with public comment at 6:00 p.m.

• Workshop only; no specific proposals or votes listed.

The Gilmanton Board of Selectmen approved a series of budget reductions totaling $458,760 to bring the 2025 default budget down to $5,219,476. Cuts were made across the Transfer Station, Police, Fire, Road, Parks, and building‑maintenance departments. The adjustments include eliminating positions, reducing overtime, and scaling back equipment and material purchases.

• Reduced Transfer Station municipal solid waste budget by $10,000
• Eliminated $30,000 administrative assistant position for the Road Department
• Cut Police overtime budget by $5,000
• Reduced Fire Department part‑time wages by $49,000
• Trimmed Parks and Recreation custodial supplies by $2,400
• Decreased Highway repairs budget by $10,000 (to $5,000)
• Reduced Fire vehicle repair budget from $20,000 to $15,000
• Adjusted Town Clerk recount expense to a net $862 cost for the town

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee will meet on March 26, 2025, for a wrap-up session. The agenda does not list specific items for decision or discussion.

The Budget Committee re‑nominated Brian Forst as Chairman and Joshua Mann as Vice‑Chair, each passing unanimously. A motion also appointed Joshua Mann as the Budget Committee representative on the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Committee, approved 7‑0. The Committee accepted the December 4, 11, 18 and February 1 minutes as presented, and returned the January 18, 2025 minutes to draft form, all with unanimous votes.

• Re‑nominated Brian Forst as Chairman (7‑0)
• Re‑nominated Joshua Mann as Vice‑Chair (7‑0)
• Appointed Joshua Mann as Budget Rep on the CIP Committee (7‑0)
• Accepted December 4 minutes as presented (7‑0)
• Accepted December 11 minutes as presented (7‑0)
• Accepted December 18 minutes as presented (7‑0)
• Returned January 18, 2025 minutes to draft form (7‑0)
• Accepted February 1 minutes as presented (7‑0)

Joint Loss Management Committee

The Joint Loss Management Committee conducted walkthroughs of the Transfer Station and Highway Garage, completed safety checklists, and reviewed maintenance records. No safety concerns were noted, and routine maintenance tasks were documented. The committee listed sites for future review and scheduled the next meeting for June 10, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. No approvals, denials, or policy changes were made.

• Adjourned meeting at 2:40 p.m. (motion to close passed)

Tricentennial Committee

The Gilmanton Tricentennial Committee meets to discuss ongoing preparations for the town's 300th anniversary. The agenda includes approval of January minutes and updates from subcommittees on social media, fundraising, history, events, and marketing. No votes on contracts or expenditures are scheduled.

• Approval of January meeting minutes
• Social media update from Adam Mini
• Fundraising update from Vinnie Baiocchetti
• Events update from Greg Downing
• Marketing update from Paula Gilman

The Tricentennial Committee did not achieve a quorum on March 24, 2025, so no meeting was held. Consequently, no actions were approved, denied, or tabled. The next meeting is scheduled for April 28, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will consider two new variance requests for properties in the Rural Zone. The board will also hear a request for a rehearing regarding a previously denied variance for a single-family home.

• Case #2025-04: Variance request to enlarge a three-season porch at 307 Crystal Lake Rd
• Case #2025-05: Variance request to build a single-family dwelling on Thistle Rd/Lougee Rd
• Case #2025-02: Rehearing request for a single-family home at Penobscott Path and Pocumtuck Path

The Zoning Board approved a variance to enlarge a three‑season porch at 307 Crystal Lake Rd, with the condition that the space not be used as living space. The board also accepted a request for a rehearing of a previously denied variance (case 2025‑02) and set the hearing for April 18. The application for a variance on Thistle Rd/Lougee Rd (case #2025‑05) was withdrawn. All votes were unanimous (3‑0).

• Granted variance for three‑season porch at 307 Crystal Lake Rd (3‑0)
• Accepted rehearing request for case 2025‑02, hearing set for April 18 (3‑0)
• Withdrawn variance application for Thistle Rd/Lougee Rd (case #2025‑05)
• Adjourned meeting (3‑0)

Sawyer Lake Village District

This is a routine monthly meeting with no specific proposals or decisions detailed. The board will discuss minutes, dam, beaches, roads, treasurer's report, and hold an open forum.

• Approval of minutes from February 20, 2025
• Discussion on dam maintenance
• Discussion on beaches
• Discussion on roads
• Treasurer’s report

The commissioners accepted the February 20 minutes and the Treasurer's Report. They set the District's Annual Meeting for Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the Town Hall. The meeting was then adjourned at 6:14 PM.

• Accepted February 20 minutes
• Accepted Treasurer's Report
• Scheduled Annual Meeting for April 5, 2025, 10:00 AM, Town Hall
• Adjourned meeting at 6:14 PM

Cemetery Trustees

The Gilmanton Cemetery Trustees will meet to approve minutes from November 2024, review results from the recent Town Meeting, and elect officers for the coming year. They will also discuss a winter update, the default budget, and adopt the 2025 Plan of Activities. The agenda is largely procedural with no specific financial amounts or project details listed.

• Approval of minutes from November 19, 2024
• Review of Town Meeting results
• Election of officers and work appointments
• Discussion of default budget
• Adoption of 2025 Plan of Activities

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is reviewing responses to a Request for Proposals for a Town Engineer/Engineering Firm to provide independent review of land use applications, monitor construction, and assess town infrastructure. The board will consider hourly rates, qualifications, and selection criteria to recommend a firm. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes.

• RFP for Town Engineer with submittal deadline of February 20, 2025; hourly rate and qualification requirements
• Selection criteria include experience, cost, references, and conflict-of-interest mitigation
• Approval of February 3, 2025 meeting minutes

The Board of Selectmen reviewed five proposals for the Town Engineer position but unanimously tabled the decision until the next meeting for further individual review. The board also began addressing a budget deficit of approximately $458,260.72, requesting department heads prepare 5% and 10% cut scenarios. Several routine items were approved, including consent agenda items, committee appointments, and personnel actions.

• Tabled Town Engineer RFP decision to next meeting (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda items 3-8, including $12,542.83 fire engine repairs (2-0)
• Approved committee and commission appointments (2-0)
• Approved yield tax warrants 113-030, 416-015, 410-026 (2-0)
• Approved Current Use Application 483-021 (2-0)
• Approved Fire Department personnel action forms (2-0)
• Approved voluntary address change for 7 Beaver Lane (2-0)
• Approved letter opposing SB 297 (2-0)

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold public hearings on four new applications: a conditional use permit for two duplexes on NH Route 140, a minor subdivision on South Rd, and two site plan reviews for commercial storage facilities on the subdivided lots. A continued hearing from February for an auto service station site plan on NH Rte 106 will also be heard. The board will also consider approving the February 13, 2025 meeting minutes.

• Case #SPR2025-402: Conditional Use Permit for two duplexes on NH Route 140 (Map 413-097, Rural zone)
• Case #SUBMIN2025-501: Minor subdivision creating two lots (3.7 and 4.3 acres) on South Rd (Map 412-009, Business zone)
• Case #SPR2025-403: Site Plan Review for commercial storage facility on proposed lot 2 of the subdivision
• Case #SPR2025-404: Site Plan Review for commercial storage facility on proposed lot 3 of the subdivision
• Case #SPR2025-401 (continued): Site Plan Review for automobile service station at 136 NH Rte 106 (Business zone)

The Gilmanton Planning Board approved a conditional use permit and site plan review for two residential duplex buildings on a 43-acre lot on NH Route 140 (Case #SPR2025-402), granting waivers for topographical mapping and wetland delineation. The board also continued several other applications to future meetings, including a minor subdivision and two commercial storage facility site plans on South Rd, and a site plan for an automobile service station on NH Rte 106. Minutes from February and January were approved.

• Approved conditional use permit and site plan for two duplexes on NH Route 140 (7-0)
• Granted waivers for topographical mapping and wetland delineation for the duplex project (7-0)
• Continued minor subdivision application (SUBMIN2025-501) to May 8 meeting (7-0)
• Accepted site plans as complete for two commercial storage facilities on South Rd (7-0)
• Continued site plan reviews for commercial storage facilities to May 8 meeting (7-0)
• Continued automobile service station site plan (SPR2025-401) to April 2025 (7-0)
• Approved February 13, 2025 minutes (4-0)
• Approved January 9, 2025 minutes (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will meet to review conservation easement monitoring, wetland and shoreland applications, and budget costs. The agenda includes a nonpublic session to consider the acquisition, sale, or lease of real or personal property.

• Nonpublic session regarding real or personal property acquisition, sale, or lease
• Review of Conservation Easement Monitoring and Stewardship
• Wetland, Shoreland, Biosolid, Intent-to-Cut, and Forestry notifications/applications
• Review of invoices, costs, and budget
• Planning Board and Zoning Board applications

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission met on March 12, 2025, and approved the February 11, 2025 minutes as amended. The board opened and closed a nonpublic session under RSA 91-A:3,II(d) to discuss property acquisition, sale, or lease. They discussed a land offer at 127 Varney Rd and decided to research the property before making a decision, with a possible abatement if the assessed value is too high. No final action was taken on the land offer or other applications; several items were continued or referred to the Planning Board.

• Approved February 11, 2025 minutes as amended (6-0)
• Opened nonpublic session to discuss property acquisition (6-0)
• Closed nonpublic session (8-0)
• Deferred decision on 127 Varney Rd property offer pending research and April 8 meeting
• Requested amended invoice from NH Conservation Real Estate for $150 instead of $300
• Agreed to send representation to Planning Board meeting on March 13, 2025

Library Trustees

The Board of Trustees will review minutes from January 2024, receive the treasurer's report, and discuss library statistics and volunteer scheduling. New business includes planning the May-October calendar, the NHAIS interlibrary loan system, and a remembrance gathering for Barb Swanson. The meeting is largely discussion-based with no votes on major expenditures or policy changes.

• Review and approve minutes from January 2024
• Treasurer's report and library statistics
• Discussion of May-October library calendar
• Discussion of NHAIS interlibrary loan system
• Discussion of remembrance gathering for Barb Swanson

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission Trails Subcommittee will meet on March 6, 2025, at the Old Town Hall. They will approve February minutes, receive trail updates, and finalize trail projects. Community outreach plans include events for Snow Moon (March 14) and Earth Day. New business includes a Matt Tarr bird walk event and consideration of a summer hike series.

• Community outreach: Snow Moon event on March 14 and Earth Day events
• Reappointments for Chris and Thomie
• Update on Lou Lane from Gary Ambelas
• Matt Tarr bird walk event
• Consideration of a summer hike series

The Trails Subcommittee approved the February minutes and discussed several 2025 trail projects, including culvert work on Lou Lane, a bird walk with Matt Tarr, and a possible summer hike series. No formal votes were taken on these projects; they remain under discussion.

• Approved February minutes (all in favor)
• Discussed Lou Lane culvert construction with Gary Ambelas, targeting summer 2025
• Planned Earth Day event at GYRL on April 26, 10am-1pm
• Noted Snow Moon event on March 14 cancelled due to weather
• Discussed Matt Tarr bird walk for summer or fall
• Considered summer hike series, suggested by Bill Foster
• Listed 2025 trail projects: Cogswell Blue Line Extension, Thompson Town Forest blazing, kiosk fixes, Page State Forest walk

Fire

The Gilmanton Fire Department provided a monthly update for February 2025. The report details call volumes, equipment maintenance, and personnel changes.

• 45 calls for service answered in January
• 98 total calls for service for 2025 to date
• Resignation of FF Boden effective 3/18/25
• Ice rescue training conducted on Crystal Lake
• Repairs completed on 9E3 pump panel and 9E1 cooling system

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will consider two variance requests to allow single-family home construction on lots that lack frontage on a Class V road or better. Case #2025-02 involves a lot at Penobscott Path and Pocumtuck Path (Map & Lot 131-035), and Case #2025-03 involves a lot on Sawtooth Rd (Map & Lot 410-026), both in the Rural Zone. The board will also approve the minutes from its January 16 meeting.

• Case #2025-02: Variance request by Christopher Dame for PatriotPlot, LLC to build a home on a non-conforming lot at Penobscott Path and Pocumtuck Path (Lot 131-035)
• Case #2025-03: Variance request by Cathy L. Dyment to build a home on a non-conforming lot on Sawtooth Rd (Lot 410-026)
• Approval of minutes from January 16, 2025

The Gilmanton Zoning Board of Adjustment denied a variance request for a home on a non-conforming lot at Penobscott Path and Pocumtuck Path (Map & Lot 131-035) without prejudice, citing insufficient information. The board approved a variance for a home on Sawtooth Road (Map & Lot 410-026) after the applicant provided a road agreement with the Selectmen and a state-approved septic design. Both votes were 3-0.

• Denied variance for single-family home at Penobscott Path/Pocumtuck Path (Map & Lot 131-035) without prejudice (3-0)
• Approved variance for single-family home on Sawtooth Road (Map & Lot 410-026) (3-0)
• Approved minutes of January 16, 2025, as amended (3-0)

Sawyer Lake Village District

The Board of Commissioners will hold its monthly meeting to discuss routine items including dam, beaches, roads, and the treasurer's report. No specific proposals or decisions are listed on the agenda; the meeting follows standard procedures with an open forum and approval of previous minutes.

• Approval of minutes from January 16, 2025
• Dam status update
• Beaches discussion
• Roads review
• Treasurer's report

The Sawyer Lake Village District commissioners met on February 20, 2025, and handled routine business, including accepting the January minutes and the treasurer's report. No substantive decisions were made; the main discussion on subcontractor liability insurance and W9/1099 requirements ended without resolution. The annual meeting is scheduled for April 5, 2025.

• Accepted January 16, 2025 meeting minutes with changes
• Accepted Treasurer's Report (General Account $202,073.84, Operating Account $3,410.42)
• Scheduled annual meeting for April 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM
• No decision on subcontractor liability insurance or W9/1099 requirements

Energy Committee

The Gilmanton Energy Committee will hold a working session and monthly meeting to review energy efficiency projects, discuss Earth Day planning, and address new business items including Clean Energy NH membership and planning board coordination.

• Review of 2023 Lighting Project savings
• Refreshed cost estimates for energy efficiency projects
• Earth Day planning for April 26, 2025, 11 am - 2 pm
• Discussion of Clean Energy NH Municipal Membership
• Coordination with Planning Board on pending warrant article

The Gilmanton Energy Committee met on February 19, 2025, and approved the January 2025 meeting minutes with one change. The committee noted that its budget was reduced to $1 at the deliberative session. No substantive decisions were made; the meeting focused on planning for Earth Day, cost estimates for future projects, and other administrative items.

• Approved January 2025 meeting minutes with change (moved by Cyndi, seconded by Aimee)
• Noted budget reduced to $1 at deliberative session

Planning Board

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing to review a site plan for an automobile service station. The board will also hold preliminary discussions regarding two potential subdivisions.

• Case #SPR2025-401: Site Plan Review for VITALAUTO, LLC at 136 NH Rte 106 (map/lot 421-018)
• Preliminary discussion on potential subdivision of Map and Lot 419-015
• Preliminary discussion on potential subdivision and site plan for Map and Lot 412-009

The Gilmanton Planning Board voted 4-0 to accept the VITALAUTO, LLC site plan application as complete, but continued the review to the March 13 meeting pending a more detailed site plan and a fire chief's site walk. The board also held preliminary discussions on two potential subdivisions but took no formal action.

• Accepted VITALAUTO site plan application as complete (4-0)
• Closed public hearing for VITALAUTO (4-0)
• Continued VITALAUTO site plan review to March 13 pending updated site plan and fire chief site walk
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Conservation Commission

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission will meet to review minutes, correspondence, and routine conservation business. Items include conservation easement monitoring, wetland and shoreland notifications, and review of invoices and budget. The agenda is procedural with no specific proposals or decisions listed.

• Conservation Easement Monitoring and Stewardship
• Wetland/Shoreland/Biosolid/Intent-to-Cut/Forestry Notifications
• Review of Invoices/Costs/Budget

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission approved the January 14, 2025 minutes with an amendment to add action items, passing 5-0. The board reviewed two DES wetlands violations on Rte 129 and Birch Ave, and discussed monitoring of conservation easements, including reaching out to Audubon. No major decisions were made beyond the minutes approval; most items were informational or deferred.

• Approved January 14, 2025 minutes as amended (5-0)
• Reviewed DES wetlands violation for Michelle and John Sousa on Rte 129
• Reviewed DES wetlands violation for Robert Mici on Birch Ave
• Discussed monitoring of conservation easements, including Audubon outreach

Historic District Commission

The Gilmanton Historic District Commission held a work session to review proposed amendments to the Historic District Regulations. Members discussed changes to sections on site work, utilities, foundations, grading, wells, driveways, fences, and ponds, but no formal votes were taken. The next meeting is scheduled for March 27, 2025.

• Reviewed proposed amendments to Historic District Regulations
• Discussed changing section A from 'site' to 'structure orientation'
• Eliminated statement restricting overhead utilities
• Planned to require granite foundation maintenance/replacement in kind
• Proposed allowing concrete foundations with 1 foot or less reveal
• Discussed adding section for ornamental ponds up to 100 sq ft without approval
• Planned to rename fence section to 'fences, walls, gates and garden structures'
• No formal votes taken; all items are proposals for future approval

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission Trails Subcommittee will meet to approve January minutes, discuss trail projects for 2025, and hear community outreach plans including the Laconia Earth Day invitation and a Valentine's Moonrise Hike. New business includes addressing the expiring terms of members Chris Schlegel and Thomie Dombrowski in March.

• Approve January meeting minutes
• Discuss trail projects for 2025
• Community outreach: Laconia Earth Day invitation
• Valentine's Moonrise Hike details
• Chris Schlegel and Thomie Dombrowski's terms expiring in March

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission Trails Subcommittee approved the January minutes and discussed trail conditions, reporting good conditions at Cogswell and Urner/Howe trails. They reviewed a draft list of proposed 2025 trail projects, including adding the Rollins Pond easement to the master list and revisiting a trail in The Corners, to be finalized in March. Community outreach plans include a Full Moon Hike on March 14th and potential Earth Day events. Chris and Thomie agreed to renew their terms, which end in March.

• Approved January minutes (motion by Chris, second by Thomie)
• Added Rollins Pond easement to master trail list
• Drafted 2025 trail project list for finalization in March
• Scheduled Full Moon Hike for March 14th
• Chris and Thomie agreed to renew terms ending in March

Trustees of the Trust Fund

The Trustees of the Trust Fund approved the minutes from the Oct. 21, 2024 meeting with clarifications. They reviewed income and expenditure projections, noting total income of $290,601.97 and a total portfolio of $805,704.68. After reviewing Fidelity holdings, they agreed no changes were needed. The next meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2025.

• Approved minutes of Oct. 21, 2024 meeting with clarifications
• Agreed no changes to Fidelity holdings at this time

Board of Selectmen

The Gilmanton Board of Selectmen approved the operating budget of $5,677,737 (9.9% increase, tax impact $3.414) and finalized warrant articles for the upcoming Town Meeting, including items for infrastructure, bridge repair, and a police cruiser. The board also authorized a 63-month copier lease at $238.21 per month, discussed a private road agreement, and accepted the resignation of Building Inspector Tyler Reed. A non-public session was held for a personnel matter.

• Approved $5,677,737 operating budget with $3.414 tax impact
• Authorized 63-month copier lease at $238.21/month
• Warrant articles include $496,430 for infrastructure repairs and $397,000 for bridge at 474 Middle Route Rd
• Accepted resignation of Building Inspector Tyler Reed
• Reviewed $75,000 police cruiser purchase for 2025 Town Meeting

The Board of Selectmen reviewed a list of monies returned to the Town by the School District for years 2015 through 2024, with amounts ranging from $176,376.00 (2015) to $1,768,747.00 (2024). No decisions were made; the item was informational only.

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee is meeting to review the School budget. This session follows previous town budget presentations and precedes the public hearing and deliberative session.

• Review of School budget presentations
• Budget Committee questions for School departments

Town Clerk / Tax Collector

At the Feb. 1 deliberative session, voters moved all warrant articles to the March 11 ballot, including a $5,677,737 operating budget, several trust fund appropriations, and a $397,000 bridge project. They amended the Town Clerk-Tax Collector salary increase to 3% ($73,569.92) and reduced the energy efficiency upgrade request to $1. The Selectmen's office hours petition was amended to 4 days a week (8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Mon–Thu) and will appear on the ballot.

• Approved $5,677,737 operating budget for ballot
• Approved $397,000 bridge construction at 474 Middle Route Rd
• Approved $496,430 for Infrastructure Repairs & Upgrades ETF
• Amended Town Clerk-Tax Collector salary increase to $73,569.92 (3%)
• Amended Selectmen's office hours to 4 days/week (8:30–5, Mon–Thu)
• Amended energy efficiency upgrades to $1
• Approved $90,516.20 for new full-time firefighter position (amended)
• Approved $47,100 for Gilmanton Year-Round Library

Fire

The Gilmanton Fire Department provided a monthly update for January 2025. The report details call volumes, personnel certifications, and equipment updates. No new ordinances or budget items were decided.

• 53 total calls for service in January, with 60.38% being Rescue & Emergency Medical Service
• Bailey Landsteiner sworn in as a fulltime firefighter
• Installation of new Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) in frontline apparatus
• Receipt of leave behind Naloxone from the State
• Unit 9E3 sent to Lakes Region Fire for pump work and valve conversion

Tricentennial Committee

The Gilmanton Tricentennial Committee will discuss old business items including the Facebook page, website, and challenge coins. New business includes approval of November meeting minutes and reports from subcommittees on social media, fundraising, history, events, and marketing. This is a planning meeting for the town's 2027 tricentennial celebration.

• Review of Facebook page and website
• Discussion of Challenge Coins
• Approval of November 2024 minutes
• Social Media report by Adam Mini
• Fundraising report by Vinnie Baiocchetti

The Gilmanton Tricentennial Committee accepted a resignation, nominated a replacement, and approved a challenge coin design. The nomination will be sent to the Board of Selectmen for approval, and the coin design will be finalized at the March meeting. November meeting minutes approval was postponed.

• Accepted resignation of John Dickey
• Nominated Jon Hall to fill vacancy (sent to Board of Selectmen for approval)
• Approved challenge coin design (finalization planned for March meeting)
• Postponed approval of November minutes to next meeting

Budget Committee

The Gilmanton Budget Committee is meeting on January 25, 2025, as part of its 2024-2025 budget calendar. This session is designated as 'Super Saturday - Town,' dedicated to reviewing or presenting all town budgets. No specific proposals, dollar amounts, or votes are listed in the agenda; the document primarily serves as a schedule of upcoming budget events.

• Super Saturday - Town session for all town budgets
• Meeting location: Academy – 503 Province Rd, Gilmanton NH 03237
• Agenda is a calendar of budget events from November 2024 through March 2025
• Other upcoming events include a Budget Committee Public Hearing on operating budgets (Town and School) and deliberative sessions

The Budget Committee held a public hearing on the proposed 2025 town and school operating budgets and warrant articles. No votes were taken; the hearing was for public input. The town budget is $6,143,618, up $361,241 from 2024, and the school budget is $14,289,193, up $343,015. The committee will finalize recommendations at a meeting on January 18, 2025.

• No formal votes taken; public hearing only
• Town operating budget proposed at $6,143,618
• School operating budget proposed at $14,289,193
• Corrected school default budget to $14,480,998
• Noted discrepancy in school warrant article default budget

Historic District Commission

The Gilmanton Historic District Commission will hear public comment on potential uses of a property at 506 Province Rd and discuss amendments to Historic District Regulations. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from previous meetings. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Public comment by Stewart McLean Jr. on potential uses of property at 506 Province Rd
• Discussion of Historic District Regulations Amendments
• Minutes from October 24, November 21, and December 5, 2024 meetings
• No public hearings scheduled

The Gilmanton Historic District Commission met on January 23, 2025, and heard public comment from Stewart McLean about potential uses for his property at 506 Province Rd, including a wedding/event venue or dining club. The commission advised him to contact the Planning Board and noted that regulations are being revised. The only formal decisions were approving minutes from October, November, and December 2024, and adjourning, both passed 3-0.

• Approved minutes from October 24, November 21, and December 5, 2024 (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen approved the 2025 operating budget and removed several warrant articles that lacked majority board support. The board also authorized several department contracts and personnel salary adjustments.

• Approved operating budget of $6,143,618 and default budget of $5,243,154
• Approved $40,000 for Morton Salt and $10,703.20 for Stryker preventative maintenance
• Received $19,436.85 in state body cam grant funds
• Removed warrant articles #4, #5, #21, #24, and #25
• Approved salary increases for Fire Department employees Seth Boden and Dylan Raymond

The Board of Selectmen approved the $5,677,737 operating budget and finalized warrant articles for the upcoming Town Meeting, including a 9.9% increase with a tax impact of $3.414. The board also approved a 63-month copier lease at $238.21/month, accepted the Building Inspector's resignation, and canceled the March 3 meeting. A new firefighter was sworn in.

• Approved $5,677,737 operating budget (2-0)
• Approved warrant articles as presented (2-0)
• Authorized 63-month copier lease at $238.21/month (2-0)
• Accepted Tyler Reed's resignation as Building Inspector (2-0)
• Canceled March 3 Board of Selectmen meeting (2-0)
• Approved minutes from 01-06-2025 (2-0)
• Swore in Firefighter Bailey Landsteiner

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee is meeting to conduct a public hearing regarding the town and school operating budgets. This session allows for public input on the proposed spending plans.

• Public hearing on Town operating budgets
• Public hearing on School operating budgets

The Gilmanton Budget Committee set the proposed Town Operating Budget at $5,677,737, a 9.92% increase over last year's default budget, after rejecting higher amounts. They also set the School District Operating Budget at $13,681,903, a 4.25% decrease from the proposed amount. The committee supported most warrant articles, including funds for roads, bridges, culverts, and a police cruiser, but did not support several articles, including the Town Clerk salary increase and energy efficiency upgrades.

• Set proposed Town Operating Budget at $5,677,737 (6-2)
• Set proposed School District Operating Budget at $13,681,903 (6-2)
• Supported Article 03: Establish Health and Dental ETF, $90,069 (8-0)
• Supported Article 07: Bridge Construction, $397,000 (8-0)
• Supported Article 08: Replace/Repair Culverts, $257,000 (8-0)
• Supported Article 09: Purchase Police Cruiser, $75,000 (8-0)
• Not supported Article 22: Town Clerk Tax Collector Salary/Wages, $4,867.85 (3-5)
• Not supported Article 24: Energy Efficiency Upgrades, $8,875 (0-8)

Sawyer Lake Village District

The agenda consists largely of procedural items, including reading of prior minutes and an open forum. No specific proposals, votes, or dollar amounts are listed for discussion. The board will address topics such as the dam, beaches, roads, and the treasurer's report.

• Reading of minutes from December 19, 2024
• Discussion of dam
• Discussion of beaches
• Discussion of roads
• Treasurer's report

The Sawyer Lake Village District commissioners met on January 16, 2025, and accepted the December 19, 2024, minutes with changes. They discussed obtaining proof of liability insurance from subcontractors and reviewed the treasurer's report, which included a $123,032.00 tax payment from the town. No formal votes were recorded on substantive decisions; the meeting was largely procedural and informational.

• Accepted December 19, 2024, minutes with changes
• Discussed requiring proof of liability insurance from subcontractors (no vote)
• Reviewed treasurer's report: received $123,032.00 from town taxes
• Noted all bills are up-to-date
• Bank of New Hampshire to set up ACH with the district

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a variance request from Erik Ouellette to build a single-family home on a non-conforming lot with no frontage on a class V road, located on Flintlock Cr (Map & Lot 133-077) in the Rural Zone. Old business includes a withdrawn variance request for a storage shed at 10 Canoe Lane, which was continued from November 21, 2024. The board will also approve minutes from the November 21, 2024 meeting.

• Public hearing for variance to allow single-family home on non-conforming lot without class V road frontage (Flintlock Cr, Map 133-077)
• Property is located in the Rural Zone
• Old business item withdrawn: variance for 20x20x10 storage shed within setbacks at 10 Canoe Lane (Map 132-052)
• Approval of November 21, 2024 meeting minutes

The Gilmanton Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a variance (Case #2025-01) for Erik Ouellette to build a single-family home on a non-conforming lot with no frontage on a Class V road, located at Flintlock Cr, Map & Lot 133-077. The board also discussed and drafted a response to an email from Jean Martin regarding a previous case, and approved the November 21, 2024 minutes with corrections. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved variance for single-family home on non-conforming lot (5-0)
• Approved minutes of November 21, 2024 with corrections (4-0, Teunessen abstained)
• Re-elected Elizabeth Hackett as Chair and Nate Abbott as Vice Chair (4-0)

Budget Committee

This is the Budget Committee's 2024-2025 calendar overview. At the January 15 meeting, the committee will hear the Town Presentation of all budgets from town departments. The calendar also includes future dates for school presentations, a public hearing on operating budgets, and Super Saturday sessions before the March deliberative session.

• Town Presentation of all budgets on Jan 15 at 5:00 P.M. at Academy, 503 Province Rd
• Budget Committee Public Hearing on Operating Budgets (Town & School) on Jan 16 at 6:00 P.M.
• Super Saturday – Town on Jan 25 at 8:30 A.M. at Academy
• Super Saturday – School on Feb 1 at 8:30 A.M. at Gilmanton School
• Deliberative Session on Feb 8 at 10:00 A.M. at Gilmanton School

Conservation Commission

The Conservation Commission will discuss the Belknap County Conservation District's use of Mooseplate funding for 2025 plans. The body will also review several invoices and pending land-use notifications.

• Review of invoices for JR Stockwell ($2161.00), Norway Plains Associates Inc ($1112.50), and Ransmeirer & Spellman ($300.00 and $2254.92)
• Discussion of $5,000 grant funding for consulting forester Ron Klemarczyks for Ayers Brook and Nelson plans
• Review of Wetland, Shoreland, Biosolid, Intent-to-Cut, and Forestry notifications
• Review of Planning Board and Zoning Board applications

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission approved the December 10, 2024 minutes with amendments (9-0). A wetland complaint on Lakeshore Drive was resolved, with the area cleaned up, fill and culvert removed, and reseeded. The commission also discussed trail maintenance, a planned Moonlight Hike, and various property and grant matters.

• Approved December 10, 2024 minutes with amendments (9-0)
• Resolved wetland complaint on Lakeshore Drive (cleaned, fill/culvert removed, reseeded)
• Planned Moonlight Hike on February 14, 2025
• Discussed trail maintenance concerns and recruiting stewards
• Noted grant denial for DAR (electrical component not acceptable)
• Discussed open well at Frisky Hill and Daniel Webster property (Sullivans responsible)
• Agreed to have Dombrowski brush hog area and Kelley contact Gilbert Block for well cover quote

Library Trustees

The Board will review and approve November 2024 minutes, receive the treasurer's report showing $8,174.93 in savings and $8,851.29 in checking, and hear library statistics and a volunteer report. Old business includes renaming the Volunteer Report to Scheduling Report. New business focuses on planning for 2025 and discussing the NHAIS interlibrary loan system.

• Review and approve November 2024 minutes
• Treasurer's report: savings $8,174.93, checking $8,851.29
• Discuss renaming Volunteer Report to Scheduling Report
• Plan for 2025 library operations
• Discuss NHAIS interlibrary loan system

Planning Board

The Gilmanton Planning Board will hold a routine meeting including approval of minutes and discussion of unfinished business. The sole substantive item is a review of a private road agreement request for Penobscott Path to ensure it meets minimum standards for emergency vehicle access. No other significant items are on the agenda.

• Review of Private Road Agreement (PRA-2025-1) for Penobscott Path (tax map 131-035) requested by Christopher Dame Jr/Patriotsplots LLC for emergency vehicle access standards.

The Gilmanton Planning Board approved updated plans from Bear Investments for Map and Lot 421-018 (4-0). The board also reviewed a private road agreement request for Patriotsplots LLC on Penobscott Path, recommending drainage, gravel, stormwater management, and fire chief consultation. Minutes from December 12, 2024 were approved after making Alternate Kevin Crowley an active member for voting.

• Approved updated plans from Bear Investments for Map and Lot 421-018 (4-0)
• Approved minutes from December 12, 2024 (4-0)
• Made Alternate Kevin Crowley an active member for voting on minutes (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting (4-0)

Energy Committee

The Energy Committee is meeting to review the Town Annual Report and energy efficiency projects. The body will discuss petition warrant article submissions and cost estimates. Coordination for Earth Day and the town survey are also on the agenda.

• 2023 Lighting Project incurred savings
• Petition Warrant Article submission
• Earth Day planning and school coordination
• Clean Energy NH Municipal Membership
• Planning Board coordination and Master Plan

The Gilmanton Energy Committee met on February 19, 2025, and approved the January meeting minutes with one change. The committee noted that its budget was reduced to $1 at the deliberative session. Members discussed cost estimates for future projects, Earth Day planning, and the town survey, but no substantive decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved January 2025 meeting minutes with one change (moved by Cyndi, seconded by Aimee)

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee

The subcommittee will review the final map for Tasse and a map proposal from Brian Lamarsh. Members will also plan community outreach hikes for February and March and establish annual trail maintenance checklists.

• Review of final Tasse map
• Brian Lamarsh map proposal
• Planning for Snow Moon hike (Feb 12) and March 14 hike
• Creation of annual maintenance checklists for Cogswell, Urner, and Tasse trails
• Budget update from Lori

The Gilmanton Conservation Commission Trails Subcommittee approved moving forward with Brian LaMarsh's map revision services, which will create a trail book similar to Concord's system. The board stipulated that the GCC retain source files as backup. They also approved the November 2024 minutes and discussed trail updates, winter tasks, and a budget rollover of $1,400 for trails.

• Approved November 2024 minutes (motion by Thomie, second by Frank)
• Approved moving forward with Brian LaMarsh's map revision services, with GCC retaining source files

Board of Selectmen

The board approved purchase orders for tree work ($31,230) and winter plowing ($25,075), and held a public discussion on the current tax rate ($14.74) and the 2025 budget process. Residents raised concerns about property revaluation, employee benefits, and road funding.

• Approved PO to Wolcott Construction for $31,230 for tree work on Stage Rd, Potter Rd, and Shannon Rd.
• Approved PO for winter plowing totaling $25,075 for individual contractors.
• Public discussion on tax rate breakdown: $14.74 (County $0.81, State Education $1.03, Local Education $9.48, Town $3.42).
• Discussion on property revaluation process and abatement deadline (March 1).
• Discussion on town employee benefits, full-time positions, and the unassigned fund balance policy.

The Board of Selectmen approved the 2025 operating budget of $6,143,618 and default budget of $5,243,154, and voted to remove five warrant articles that lacked majority board support. The board also approved salary increases for two Fire Department employees, accepted a body cam grant, and hired a new employee in non-public session.

• Approved 2025 operating budget of $6,143,618 and default budget of $5,243,154 (3-0)
• Removed 5 warrant articles without majority board support: Fire Dept salaries, Town Clerk salaries, Forestry Vehicle, AV System, Elderly Tax Exemption (2-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved salary increases for Seth Boden ($20.99 to $21.31) and Dylan Raymond ($20.50 to $21.00) effective 1/5/25 (3-0)
• Approved receipt of $19,436.85 body cam grant from State of NH (3-0)
• Approved signing of Gilmanton PD Highway Safety Grant agreement 25-067, amended (3-0)
• Approved consent agenda with Morton Salt ($40,000) and Stryker PO ($10,703.20) (3-0)
• Recommended signing private road agreement for Sawtooth property (3-0)
• Hired Bailey Landsteiner at $20.99/hr, effective March 12, 2025 (3-0)

Board of Selectmen

The Board of Selectmen is convening to conduct annual evaluations for department heads in a non-public session under RSA 91-A:3, II(c). The meeting includes only this item and adjournment, with no public discussion or decisions on other matters.

• Non-public session for annual evaluations of Fire, Police, Highway, Transfer, and Executive department heads