Town of Gilford, NH - Selectmen's Minutes 08/13/2008 Summer Town Forum

In attendance were Selectman Benavides, Selectman Hayes, Recreation Director Herb Greene, Town Clerk/Tax Collector Denise Morrissette, DPW Director Sheldon Morgan, Deputy Fire Chief John Beland, Assessor Wil Corcoran, Administrative Secretary Sandra Bailey, Interim Town Administrator John Markland, Finance Director Geoff Ruggles, Police Captain Kevin Keenan and Superintendent of Schools Paul DeMinico.

· Sheldon Morgan, Director of Public Works, began his presentation by reviewing the status of the Glendale Docks. He feels that Glendale has been functioning quite well this summer and he has received no complaints. He has attempted to streamline costs while maintaining the existing infrastructure. He thanked residents for their efforts with recycling and encouraged them to provide his department with input.

· Town Clerk/Tax Collector Denise Morrissette briefly reviewed the services that are available from her office. She provided residents with an update on the use of non-resident license plates. In closing, TC/TC Morrissette stated that she will continue to pursue new programs that will provide greater customer service and urged residents to utilize the Town’s website. She hopes that in the near future property tax payments will be able to be made on-line.

· Finance Director Geoff Ruggles briefly reviewed the status of the 2008 budget. High costs from winter maintenance and rising energy costs have put pressure on the budget.

· Town Appraiser Wil Corcoran provided an update on the inspection of properties. He has reviewed island properties this year and as a result, there will be some changes in valuation. Mr. Corcoran also provided a general overview of the state of the existing real estate market. There is presently a backlog of properties in the Town of Gilford.

· Recreation Director Herb Greene provided a review of summer activities. He cited various equipment purchases that have taken place. He also reviewed the participation level in various summer programs. In closing, he stated that Old Home Day is August 23^rd and the Committee has been working hard in its preparations.

· Police Captain Kevin Keenan stated that it has been a very busy year for the Police Department, although they have not had high publicity cases. He reviewed vehicle replacement that has taken place, indicating that the Department has switched to Ford Fusions, which have less fuel consumption. The Department also plans to run the Civilian Police Academy this winter. The Timberman Triathlon is this weekend and the Department is working hard to minimize any traffic concerns.

· Deputy Fire Chief John Beland thanked the residents who came out for the Summer Town Forum. The Department’s calls are up 2% from last year, although the summer season has not seemed as busy as in other years. He reviewed new fire apparatus that has been purchased and training that has been enhanced with the NH Marine Patrol. DC Beland also encouraged residents to continue with the island numbering program.

· Superintendent of Schools Paul DeMinico reported that enrollment is down and the School District is constantly working to provide quality education with the least impact to taxpayers. He further stated that the School District turned back $1 million to the Town, due to revenues being up and insurance and special education costs decreasing. Dr. DeMinico complimented the Town Departments for their cooperation in dealing with the School District.

· Library Building Committee member Bill Seed encouraged residents to come by and see the new Library, which will be opening on Tuesday, August 19, 2008.

Phil Nash, of Lockes Island, thanked the Town for their efforts and suggested that the dumpsters at the Glendale Docks be emptied more often. He also provided a brief review of last week’s Gilford Island Association Meeting and suggested that the Glendale Docks be limited to boats no larger than 26’.

Richard Holdaway of Mark Island expressed concern with the effect that the high water is having on assessments of shorefront properties. Wil Corcoran responded that sales of properties show value, not the high water mark. Mr. Holdaway also asked about how “grandfathering” applies to the new shoreland protection regulations. Sen. Kath Sgambati, who worked on this legislation, responded to Mr. Holdaway.

Sally Davis recommended that more barrels be placed at the Glendale Docks for plastic recyclables. She also suggested that information be posted regarding recycling.

John Goodhue recommended that double shifts be run at the Glendale Docks on the weekends, which are very busy from early morning to late at night.

Joe Hoffman provided comments in response to the earlier discussion on “grandfathering”. He also commented on the matter of taxation of various docks and marinas.

Mr. Holdaway suggested that people with handicapped decals on their vehicles be permitted to leave them connected to their boat trailers which parking at Glendale.