Gilmanton roundup: Sawyer Lake adopts beach restrictions, capital plan shifts priorities, selectmen eye $915k road withdrawal
The Sawyer Lake Village District adopted new beach ordinances restricting use to residents and guests, while Gilmanton's Capital Improvement Plan Committee reshuffled project priorities and tabled a police cruiser replacement. The Board of Selectmen meets tonight to consider a $915,434.13 withdrawal for road projects.
Sawyer Lake Village District
On June 24, the district board adopted beach ordinances on a 5-1 vote, with Tom LeMien opposed. The ordinances prohibit camping, glass, fireworks, dogs, and ATVs at the beach, require removal of items by end of day, and limit motorized boat launches to beach 5. The mailbox ordinance was adopted unanimously.
The board unanimously approved the May 2026 financial report, which noted $74,754.28 in available funds and issues with a $30,000 contribution to the Capital Reserve. Commissioners unanimously sent a letter to the Town of Gilmanton expressing disappointment over handling of the Capital Reserve Fund. A decision on mailbox structure was tabled pending consultation with the Post Master, and appointment of a person to handle mailbox keys and repairs was deferred to the next meeting.
Capital Improvement Plan Committee
The CIPC met June 23 and updated priority rankings for multiple capital projects. The Academy boiler was reduced from Priority 1 to Priority 3, and the Old Town Hall kitchen replacement was moved to 2029. Sidewalk ADA compliance was elevated to Priority 1, as were Crystal Lake bathhouse interior doors and portable radios for 2027. Crystal Lake bathhouse electrical was moved to Priority 4.
The committee tabled replacement of Police Cruiser #5 pending additional information. The fire command vehicle was confirmed as ordered and funded in 2026. The committee unanimously recommended a cost-benefit analysis on the cardboard recycling baler at the transfer station and planned its final report and presentation to the Board of Selectmen.
Historic District Commission
The commission met June 25 to review continued requests for two new residential dwellings — a single-family home with garage on Province Rd (Case #2026-02) and a new dwelling on Meeting House Rd (Case #2026-04) — plus exterior renovations at 11 High St including a weathervane, driveway paving, and new windows (Case #2026-05). Minutes were not yet published.
Coming up
- **Board of Selectmen — July 6:** Will consider a $915,434.13 withdrawal from the Infrastructure Repairs and Upgrades fund for road projects, a Highway Safety Grant agreement ($8,500), a road study update for Meeting House Rd, High Street, and Middle Route, and a milfoil treatment proposal for Shellcamp Lake. Consent agenda includes a defibrillator donation from the Gilmanton Firefighter's Association, trust fund allocations, and a municibid sale of a welder/generator.
- **Trustees of the Trust Fund — July 6:** Will review re-aligning trust accounts per Town Treasurer procedures, regaining access to a Fidelity DOM account, and soliciting candidates for a board alternate.
- **Conservation Trails Sub-Committee — July 7:** Will discuss trail blazing, parking, a beaver loop platform, and a tree removal request by Ron Klemarczyk at Pine Hill.
- **Planning Board — July 9:** Public hearing on a lot line adjustment on Stone Rd (Map 415, Lots 068 & 069-002) in the Rural Zone, requested by Michael and Stephanie Fogg.
- **Energy Committee — July 15:** Will discuss the annual budget, an energy audit update, 2023 lighting project savings, and Clean Energy NH municipal membership.
- **Sawyer Lake Village District — July 16:** Will review dam maintenance, road updates, beach ordinance signage, and pedestrian bridge insurance.
- **Zoning Board of Adjustment — July 16:** Will hear Case #2026-12, a front setback variance for a shed at 120 Ridgewood Dr. (Adam and Michelle Mini), and Case #2026-13, a variance from Condition #3 for a full basement at 8 Applewood Dr. (Joseph and Dwikorawati Grant).
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Sawyer Lake adopts beach ordinances; CIP panel revises project priorities
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.