Gilmanton meeting summaries, agendas, and minutes

Cemetery trustees approve $5,005 Durrell project, $1,650 Hillside repairs

The Gilmanton Cemetery Trustees approved $5,005 in granite posts and turnbuckles at Durrell cemetery and $1,650 in parking area repairs at Hillside cemetery at their Aug. 18 meeting. The board also voted unanimously to contribute $1,000 from its budget toward a new town computer for cemetery access.

Cemetery Trustees

The board approved the Durrell granite posts project and the Hillside parking repair, each by unanimous vote. It also agreed unanimously to contribute $1,000 to the town computer purchase. The trustees accepted the July 21, 2026 minutes by a 5-0 vote and adjourned at 7:48 p.m. by a 5-0 vote.

Other recent meetings

Board of Selectmen (Aug. 10)

The Board of Selectmen met with a consent agenda, new business, and public comment. Agenda items included a request to upgrade and add courts at Crystal Lake Park, a garden club update, an energy committee report, and a stump grinding agreement. The board also considered releasing $1,000 from the Public Water Reclamation Exp Trust Fund for milfoil treatment on Rocky Pond, purchasing desktop computers for the Police and Highway departments for $3,975 from Lakes Region Computer, and accepting a Highway Block Grant from the State of NH in the amount of $49,408.87. The board entered non-public sessions for a fire department hire, highway discussions, and legal advice. Minutes have not yet been published.

Conservation Commission (Aug. 11)

The Conservation Commission discussed a land donation from Urner, an easement donation from Gilman/Dombrowski, and an update on the Frisky Hill project, including seeding and planting. Other items included Tom Howe Barn electric work timing and confirmation, and a tree work estimate. No planning or zoning applications were scheduled for August. Minutes have not yet been published.

Planning Board (Aug. 13)

The Planning Board held a preliminary discussion on a request by Laurie and Robert Henderson for a tiny home/pocket neighborhood on their 98.78-acre property on Middle Rt (Map & Lot 409-076-002) in the Rural Zone. The board also reviewed minutes from June 11 and July 9, 2026, and took public comment. Minutes have not yet been published.

Sawyer Lake Village District (Aug. 20)

The Sawyer Lake Village District commissioners met to review financial reports and updates on the district's dam, roads, and beaches. Old business included bridge insurance and signage. Agenda items covered signs for beach ordinances and bridges, message board installation, insurance for pedestrian bridges, and repair materials costs for the dam foot bridge. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming up

No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days.

Gilmanton boards weigh trails, energy, courts, and tiny homes; no decisions recorded

Over the past two weeks, several Gilmanton boards met to discuss trail maintenance, energy efficiency, park upgrades, land donations, and a proposed tiny home neighborhood. All meetings were agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published, so no final votes or decisions are available.

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee (Aug. 4)

The subcommittee reviewed status updates for local trails, including a Beaver Woods map update, a platform at the Cogswell Beaver Loop, and blazing updates for Lou Lane and Urner trails. Members also discussed tree removal by Ron Klemarczyk and email correspondence from Ken MacGray.

Energy Committee (Aug. 5)

The committee reviewed minutes from July 15 and discussed the WindowDressers energy efficiency program, including measurer training and outreach. They also followed up on the Volunteer Fair, reviewed savings from the 2023 Lighting Project, and discussed the annual budget. Additional items included considering membership in Clean Energy NH and an energy audit update via the NH Energy Audit Cohort.

Board of Selectmen (Aug. 10)

The Selectmen’s agenda included several financial items: releasing $1,000 from the Public Water Reclamation Exp Trust Fund for milfoil treatment on Rocky Pond, purchasing desktop computers for the Police and Highway departments for $3,975 from Lakes Region Computer, and accepting a Highway Block Grant from the State of NH in the amount of $49,408.87. The board also considered a request to upgrade an existing court and create additional courts at Crystal Lake Park, a garden club update, an energy committee report, and a stump grinding agreement. The board entered non-public sessions for a fire department hire, highway discussions, and legal advice.

Conservation Commission (Aug. 11)

The commission discussed a land donation from Urner, an easement donation from Gilman/Dombrowski, and an update on the Frisky Hill project, including seeding and planting. Administrative items included recruiting, a brochure, timing of electric work at the Tom Howe Barn, and a tree work estimate. No planning or zoning applications were scheduled for August.

Planning Board (Aug. 13)

The board held a preliminary discussion on a request by Laurie and Robert Henderson for a tiny home/pocket neighborhood on their 98.78-acre property on Middle Rt (Map & Lot 409-076-002) in the Rural Zone. The board also reviewed minutes from June 11 and July 9, 2026, and heard public comment.

Coming up

• **Sawyer Lake Village District** – Aug. 20, Commissioner Meeting: financial reports and updates on dam, roads, and beaches; old business includes bridge insurance and signage, message board installation, and repair materials costs for the dam foot bridge.

Gilmanton boards review projects, no decisions yet

Four Gilmanton boards met over the past two weeks to review ongoing projects and discuss future plans, but none of the meetings produced published minutes or formal decisions. All items below are from agendas only; the town has not yet released minutes for any of the sessions.

Records Retention Committee (July 29)

The committee met to approve minutes from its April 21, 2026 meeting and to review project updates for the TC/TX office, Police Department, Assessing, and ImageSilo. No further details were available.

Historic District Commission (July 30)

The commission held a public hearing on Case #2026-06, a request to replace wooden trim baseboard with PVC at 451-457 Meeting House Rd (Map/Lot 414-045) in the Meeting House Historic District. The commission also discussed amendments to local historic district regulations. No vote or decision was reported.

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee (August 4)

The subcommittee reviewed status updates for several local trails, including the Beaver Woods map, the Cogswell Beaver Loop platform, and blazing updates for Lou Lane and Urner trails. Old business included tree removal by Ron Klemarczyk and email correspondence from Ken MacGray. The group also discussed a map maker. No decisions were recorded.

Energy Committee (August 5)

The committee reviewed minutes from July 15 and discussed the WindowDressers energy efficiency program, including measurer training and outreach plans. It also followed up on the recent Volunteer Fair, reviewed savings from the 2023 Lighting Project, and discussed the annual budget. The committee considered membership in Clean Energy NH and explored grant opportunities, including an energy audit update via the NH Energy Audit Cohort. No votes or dollar figures were provided.

Coming up

Sawyer Lake Village District Commissioner Meeting – August 20, 2026. The agenda includes financial reports and updates on the district's dam, roads, and beaches. Commissioners will discuss old business regarding bridge insurance and signage, including signs for beach ordinances and bridges, message board installation, insurance for pedestrian bridges, and repair materials costs for the dam foot bridge.

All meeting agendas and minutes are available through the town of Gilmanton's official channels. Residents are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings or review posted materials for the most current information.

Gilmanton Selectmen Approve Public Hearing on Fee Changes

The Gilmanton Board of Selectmen voted July 20 to hold a public hearing on proposed changes to fees for dog licenses, transportation stickers, and marriage ceremonies, the most consequential decision from recent town meetings.

Board of Selectmen

The board approved the Town Clerk/Tax Collector's proposal to hold a public hearing on fee consideration in a 3-0 vote. The board also accepted eight oaths of office for ballot clerks and inspectors (3-0).

Several sets of minutes were approved: Non-Public Minutes from June 1, 2026 (2-0), and regular minutes from June 15, July 6, and July 10, 2026 (each 2-0). The board tabled recommendations concerning credits and exemptions and agreed to reissue a survey on hazardous trees and utility poles due to limited participation.

Other Recent Meetings

The Cemetery Trustees met July 21 to review minutes from June 16, 2026, site reports, general project updates, and the budget. The agenda was largely procedural, and no specific decisions were listed.

The Historic District Commission met July 23 and again July 30 to consider Case #2026-06, a request to replace trim baseboard with PVC at 451-457 Meeting House Rd (Map/Lot 414-045) in the Meeting House Historic District. The commission also discussed potential amendments to historic district regulations. Minutes from these meetings have not yet been published.

The Records Retention Committee met July 29 to review minutes from April 21, 2026, and discuss project updates regarding the TC/TX office, Police Department, Assessing, and ImageSilo. Minutes have not yet been published.

Coming Up

The Conservation Trails Sub-Committee meets Aug. 4 to review trail updates, including the Beaver Woods map, Cogswell Beaver Loop platform, and blazing updates for Lou Lane and Urner trails. The group will also discuss old business regarding a map maker and tree removal by Ron Klemarczyk, as well as email correspondence from Ken MacGray.

The Energy Committee meets Aug. 5 to discuss its annual budget and the WindowDressers energy efficiency program, including measurer training and outreach. The committee will review savings from the 2023 Lighting Project, consider membership in Clean Energy NH, and discuss an energy audit update via the NH Energy Audit Cohort. The committee will also follow up on the recent Volunteer Fair.

Gilmanton roundup: Selectmen weighed $915k road-fund withdrawal; minutes still pending

Gilmanton's boards and committees met across the second week of July, but minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent sessions, so outcomes and vote tallies are not available. Based on posted agendas, the largest item was a proposed $915,434.13 withdrawal from the Infrastructure Repairs and Upgrades fund for road projects, scheduled for the Board of Selectmen on July 6.

Board of Selectmen

The July 6 agenda listed the $915,434.13 withdrawal for road projects, a Highway Safety Grant agreement of $8,500, a road study update for Meeting House Rd, High St, and Middle Route, and a Solitude Lake Management milfoil treatment proposal for Shellcamp Lake. Consent agenda items included acceptance of a Defibtech Lifeline AED donation from the Gilmanton Firefighter's Association, trust fund allocations, and a municibid sale of a welder/generator. A July 10 selectmen meeting at the Academy Building on Province Rd included a non-public session to discuss the hiring of a public employee. No minutes are published for either meeting.

Trustees of the Trust Fund

The July 6 agenda focused on administrative tasks: re-aligning trust accounts per Town Treasurer procedures, regaining access to a Fidelity DOM account, creating continuity procedures for board transitions, documenting sources, investments, and distributions for all trust funds, and soliciting candidates for a board alternate.

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee

On July 7, the subcommittee was set to discuss the Beaver Woods trail map, a Cogswell trail beaver loop platform, Lou Lane trail blazing, Jones Farm parking lot cleanup, and Pine Hill parking and a tree removal by Ron Klemarczyk.

Planning Board

The July 9 agenda included a public hearing on Case #LLA2026-702, a lot line adjustment on Stone Rd (Map 415, Lots 068 & 069-002) in the Rural Zone, requested by Michael and Stephanie Fogg.

Conservation Commission

The July 14 agenda included updates on Frisky Hill parking lot planting and electric work at Tom Howe barn, easement monitoring and charter development, a Planning Board boundary line adjustment for M/L 415-068 & 415-069-002, and ZBA variance applications for M/L 133-004 and M/L 119-061.

Energy Committee

On July 15, the committee was scheduled to review an energy audit update, 2023 lighting project incurred savings, the annual budget, Clean Energy NH municipal membership, and follow-ups from the Gilmanton Volunteer Fair and Earth Day.

Sawyer Lake Village District

The July 16 agenda covered dam maintenance, road updates, beach ordinance signage, pedestrian bridge insurance, and appointing a person responsible for mailboxes.

Zoning Board of Adjustment

The July 16 agenda listed two variance cases: Case #2026-12, Adam & Michelle Mini requesting a front setback variance for a shed at 120 Ridgewood Dr., and Case #2026-13, Joseph & Dwikorawati Grant requesting a variance from Condition #3 for a full basement at 8 Applewood Dr. The board was also to approve minutes from June 16, 2026.

Coming up

• **July 20 — Board of Selectmen:** Will hear a speed study request from Justin Caldon for High Street and Meetinghouse Road and discuss possible speed limit changes. The agenda also includes a public hearing request on dog fees, transfer-station stickers, and marriage ceremonies; a budget expenditure item; a letter from the Commissioner regarding the Sawyer Lake District Capital Reserve Fund; and a non-public session on tax-deeding matters under RSA 91-A:3(c).
• **July 21 — Cemetery Trustees:** Will review minutes from June 16, 2026, site reports, project updates, and budget. The agenda is largely procedural.
• **July 23 — Historic District Commission:** Will consider Case #2026-06, a request to replace trim baseboard with PVC at 451-457 Meeting House Rd, and possible historic district regulation amendments.

Gilmanton boards weigh $915k road withdrawal, lot line adjustment, and hiring in busy July stretch

Gilmanton's boards met several times in early July, but because minutes have not yet been published for any of the recent sessions, only what was on the agendas can be reported — not what was ultimately decided. The largest dollar item on the table was a proposed $915,434.13 withdrawal from the Infrastructure Repairs and Upgrades fund for road projects, scheduled for consideration by the Board of Selectmen on July 6.

Board of Selectmen — July 6 and July 10

The July 6 agenda listed the $915,434.13 road-project withdrawal as the lead item. Also on the agenda: a Highway Safety Grant agreement of $8,500, a road study update covering Meeting House Rd, High Street, and Middle Route, and a milfoil treatment proposal for Shellcamp Lake from Solitude Lake Management. Consent agenda items included acceptance of a Defibtech Lifeline AED donation from the Gilmanton Firefighter's Association, trust fund allocations, and a municibid sale of a welder/generator.

The Selectmen met again July 10 at the Academy Building on Province Rd. The agenda included a non-public session to discuss the hiring of a public employee. No other details were listed.

Trustees of the Trust Fund — July 6

Trustees were scheduled to review several administrative tasks: re-aligning trust accounts with Town Treasurer procedures, regaining access to a Fidelity DOM account, creating continuity procedures for board transitions, documenting sources, investments, and distributions for all trust funds, and soliciting and reviewing candidates for a board alternate.

Conservation Trails Sub-Committee — July 7

The subcommittee's agenda covered trail updates across town, including Beaver Woods trail map discussion, the Cogswell trail beaver loop platform, Lou Lane trail blazing, Jones Farm parking lot cleanup, and Pine Hill parking and a tree removal by Ron Klemarczyk.

Planning Board — July 9

The board scheduled a public hearing on Case #LLA2026-702, a lot line adjustment request from Michael and Stephanie Fogg for properties on Stone Rd (Map 415, Lots 068 and 069-002) in the Rural Zone. The agenda also included review of June 11 minutes and other routine business.

Coming up

• **Conservation Commission, July 14:** Updates on Frisky Hill parking lot planting and electric work at Tom Howe barn; review of a Planning Board boundary line adjustment for M/L 415-068 and 415-069-002, plus ZBA variance applications for M/L 133-004 and M/L 119-061.
• **Energy Committee, July 15:** Energy audit update, review of 2023 lighting project savings, annual budget discussion, and consideration of Clean Energy NH municipal membership.
• **Sawyer Lake Village District, July 16:** Dam maintenance, road updates, beach ordinance signage, pedestrian bridge insurance, and mailbox responsibility appointment.
• **Zoning Board of Adjustment, July 16:** Case #2026-12, Adam and Michelle Mini request a front setback variance for a shed at 120 Ridgewood Dr.; Case #2026-13, Joseph and Dwikorawati Grant request a variance from Condition #3 for a full basement at 8 Applewood Dr.
• **Cemetery Trustees, July 21:** Minutes approval, site reports, project updates, and budget discussion.
• **Historic District Commission, July 23:** Case #2026-06, a request to replace trim baseboard with PVC at 451-457 Meeting House Rd, plus potential amendments to historic district regulations.

Note: All recent meetings are listed as agenda-only; minutes have not yet been published. Outcomes, votes, and any dollar amounts approved will be confirmed once minutes are available.

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).

Sawyer Lake adopts beach ordinances; CIP panel revises project priorities

The Sawyer Lake Village District adopted new beach regulations on a 5-1 vote, restricting camping, glass, fireworks and other uses, and sent a letter to the town expressing disappointment over fund handling. Separately, the Capital Improvement Plan Committee reshuffled its project priority list, elevating sidewalk ADA compliance and portable radios while tabling a police cruiser replacement.

Sawyer Lake Village District

The board adopted beach ordinances with Commissioner Tom LeMien opposed. The rules prohibit camping, glass containers, fireworks, dogs and ATVs on district beaches, require all personal items to be removed by the end of each day, and limit motorized boat launches to beach 5 only.

In a unanimous vote, the board also adopted a mailbox ordinance. The decision on appointing someone to handle mailbox keys and repairs was deferred, and a decision on mailbox structure was tabled pending consultation with the postmaster.

The board sent a letter to the Town of Gilmanton expressing disappointment over the handling of the Capital Reserve Fund; the motion passed unanimously. The financial report for May 2026 was approved unanimously, noting $74,754.28 in available funds and issues with a $30,000 contribution to the Capital Reserve.

Capital Improvement Plan Committee

The committee reviewed and revised capital project priority rankings. The Academy boiler was moved from Priority 1 to Priority 3, and the Old Town Hall kitchen replacement was pushed out to 2029. Sidewalk ADA compliance was elevated to Priority 1, as were portable radios for 2027. The Crystal Lake bathhouse interior doors were moved to Priority 1, while electrical work there fell to Priority 4. A fire command vehicle was confirmed as ordered and funded in 2026.

The replacement of Police Cruiser #5 was tabled pending additional information. 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.

Coming up

Board of Selectmen (July 6) will consider a $915,434.13 withdrawal from the Infrastructure Repairs and Upgrades fund for road projects, an $8,500 Highway Safety Grant agreement, a road study update, and a milfoil treatment proposal for Shellcamp Lake.

Planning Board (July 9) holds a public hearing on a lot line adjustment at Stone Road (Map 415, Lots 068 & 069-002) in the Rural Zone.

Zoning Board of Adjustment (July 16) will vote on a front setback variance for a shed at 120 Ridgewood Drive and a variance to allow a full basement at 8 Applewood Drive.

Sawyer Lake Village District (July 16) will discuss dam and road maintenance, beach ordinance signage, and pedestrian bridge insurance.