Gilmanton  Selectmen’s  Corner

Submitted By Carolyn Baldwin
The following summary, compiled by Carolyn Baldwin, is drawn from the minutes of Gilmanton Selectmen’s meetings of November 10 through December 15, 2008. Complete copies of all approved minutes are available at the Selectmen’s Office during their business hours and can be viewed on line at the Town’s  website: www.gilmantonnh.org.

Town Meeting Warrant: The selectmen spent considerable time working on the Town Meeting warrant and the  budget for 2009 to be presented to the budget committee. Among issues considered were: budgets for the fire,  police and highway departments, recycling facility, land use boards, town clerk/tax collector and selectmen’s office; maintenance of Town buildings; various capital reserve funds;  funding for Lakes Region Mutual Fire Aid;  health insurance costs; tax exemption for the cost of installation of solar energy facilities as proposed by the energy committee.

The selectmen met with representatives of the Gilmanton Year-Round Library Association  relative  to operating  costs.  They advised the Association that they should submit a warrant article by petition for that purpose.

Christmas tree at the Academy. Israel Willard volunteered to put up a Christmas tree at the Academy, and the selectmen approved the offer with thanks.

Recycling Facility:  Justin Leavitt was promoted to the position of Recycling Facility Manager with a probationary period of three months.  As of early November the Town sent 1300 tons of trash to the Penacook incinerator at a cost currently of $42.55 per ton (not including hauling). The Recycling committee appointed by the selectmen in the fall, continues to examine ways to increase the recycling rate in town.

Police Department:  Stacie Fiske was sworn in as a full-time police officer.  Patrick Dawson was sworn in as a part-time police officer for the Town of Gilmanton on December 15.

Tax rate:  The Town’s tax rate for 2008 was set at $20.98, an increase of 45 cents per thousand.  Town, $4.56 (includes all town services: police, fire, highway, trash and recycling, town clerk and town offices); school, $12.52; State school $2.49; county $1.41.

Class VI Road policy:  The selectmen reviewed the work of the Class VI Road committee, including inventory of all Class VI (non-maintained) roads in Town, and a draft policy to guide the selectmen when they are asked to approve building on a Class VI road.  They also reviewed the water and wildlife maps with the conservation commission.   The selectmen made some changes to the standards and procedures sections and will hold a public hearing before adopting the policy.

Town Hall Feasibility Study: The feasibility committee, appointed in accordance with the vote of the Town in March 2008, has consulted with an architect and an engineer to determine whether Old Town Hall can be renovated to accommodate the police department. The committee reported to the selectmen that they concluded that the cost of the most feasible option (an addition on the back of the building) was excessive.  It was decided not to go forward with further design efforts, and the remainder of the funds appropriated for the study was returned to the general fund. Chairman Guarino, Chief O’Brien and building inspector Bob Flanders will look at a parcel for sale to see if it would be suitable and attempt to prepare an option to voters at Town Meeting. No suggestions or decisions were made as to future uses for Old Town Hall.

Beech Grove Cemetery: The Beech Grove Cemetery Association voted to disband and petition the Town to accept the cemetery property and assets.  An article asking the Town to accept the cemetery, including its perpetual care funds, will appear on the Town warrant in March.

Road Names: Some changes in road names were considered to comply with 911 requirements. There is a Leavitt Road off Middle Route and a Levitt Road on the Alton line. Name changes are being considered for Joe Jones Road and a portion of the Bean Road.

Perambulation of Town Boundaries: The statutes require that the Selectmen (or designee) perambulate the Town boundaries every seven years.  Dave Nagel undertook the task of perambulating the Town line between Gilmanton and Loudon.  Remaining to be done are boundaries with Barnstead, Canterbury and Belmont.  Dave plans to do the remaining towns within the next year.  The report is available in the Town office.
 

Your Friends At The Gilmanton Fire Department Present Chimney Fire Safety And Awareness

Did you know that chimney fires are one of the most common types of residential structure fires in this area? Luckily they are also one of the most preventable. Following these easy steps will help prevent the occurrence of a chimney related incident at your home.

• Keeping up on the maintenance of your chimney is perhaps the most important step in keeping your home safe!

Try the following:

• Have your chimney checked at the start of each burning season by a qualified chimney professional.
• Burn only well seasoned and dry hardwood. Burning green and moist wood can lead to accelerated creosote build up.
• Install a chimney cap and ensure your chimney’s liner is intact and clean.

Also remember that with rising fuel costs many people are installing wood stoves as an alternative source of heat in the winter. Always have these types of home improvements inspected by a professional. Plan to have your wood stove installed at least 36" from any wall and placed on an approved stove board while venting into an approved flue. Not doing so can have disastrous consequences, including carbon monoxide poison and fire. Also install smoke and CO detectors on every floor of your home, and know what to do in case of an emergency. Dial 9-1-1 immediately and evacuate your home if you suspect trouble. 

For further information or to schedule a free home safety inspection, please contact us at 364-2500.

MVSB Gives $2,500 To Area Organizations Through Mitten Tree Program

Through the generous support of community members throughout the Lakes Region, Meredith Village Savings Bank’s 2008 Mitten Tree Program gave more than $2,500 to local organizations as well as hundreds of hats, mittens, gloves, scarves and other warm winter clothing to people in need.

Each year  the bank’s 11 offices throughout the Lakes Region collect handmade and store-bought mittens, gloves, hats and scarves from the community and coordinate with local organizations such as the Visiting Nurses Association and local school nurses to distribute the items to those who need them. In addition, MVSB makes monetary donations to the local community groups or nonprofit organizations named by those who donate the items.

This year, the program resulted in a donation of $486 to the New Hampshire Humane Society, $330 for the Laconia Elders Friendship Club, a combined total of more than $300 to various food pantries throughout the Lakes Region, and dozens of smaller donations to a wide array of groups including Boys and Girls Clubs of the Lakes Region, Community Caregivers, Moultonborough Meals on Wheels, Mrs. Santa Fund of Alton, Newfound Area Nursing Association, New Hampshire Association for the Blind, Ozanam Place, Plymouth Area Community Closet, and the Salvation Army of Laconia.

“We’re excited to be able to support so many local organizations that are close to the hearts of our customers and so important to the communities we serve,” noted Cindy Hemeon-Plessner, marketing officer at MVSB. “It’s a potent reminder of the impact we can make when we all come together to contribute, no matter how small our individual efforts may seem.”

In addition, the program donated many items to area organizations who distributed them to people struggling to keep their families warm this winter:

• More than 600 pairs of mittens
• More than 550 hats
• More than 85 scarves
• 4 sweatshirts
• 2 sweaters
• 3 blankets
• 1 pair of baby booties
 

Meredith Village Savings Bank is an independent mutual savings bank with 11 offices serving individuals, families, businesses, organizations and towns around Lake Winnipesaukee and the Plymouth area. MVSB has offices in Alton, Ashland, Center Harbor, Gilford, Laconia, Meredith, Moultonborough, Plymouth, and Wolfeboro. More information about the bank can be found at www.mvsb.com