Michele Chamberlain

The meeting addressed a complex issue regarding a drainpipe at the Town Docks, suspected of leaking sewage into the lake, which involved detailed discussion about past testing, current observations of gutter water discharge, and plans for future investigation including digging and species testing. The Board also held multiple public hearings concerning Temporary Event Permits for the NH Boat Museum (Sasquatch Footy Regatta, Model Yacht Regattas, Boathouse Tour) and the First Congregational Church of Wolfeboro (Easter Sunrise Worship Service, Blessing of the Boats, Sunday Morning Worship Service), approving several of these permits, while tabling one. A public hearing was held for the acceptance of unanticipated funds up to $17,775.00 for the Wolfeboro Milfoil Committee from NHDES, which included debate over the use of chemicals for aquatic plant control. The Board bulk-approved weekly manifests, tax bill adjustments, abatements, exemptions, logging intents, and yield tax levies. New Business included tabling the approval for extended use of the Great Hall by Perform It's Stage Co. pending coordination with Parks and Recreation, and approving 2026 Hawkers & Peddlers licenses. Significant discussion occurred regarding the 2026 Estimated Revenues, noting a reduction in grants, and the subsequent adoption of the 2026 Default Budget. The Board recommended the 2026 Operating Budget and moved both the Operating Budget and a related Warrant Article (Firehouse Community Center) to the warrant, while voting not to recommend, but still moving, the Petition Warrant Article concerning the Libby Museum. Finally, the Board approved the 2025 Town Report, dedicating it to Kirk Titus and including memorials for Mildred Beach and Chip Maxfield, followed by a detailed discussion on updates from Wolfeboro Waters, including draft septic system regulations for the Shorefront Residential District.

The Board meeting included public hearings and subsequent approvals for several Temporary Event Permits, including one for the NH Boat Museum's Sasquatch Footy Regatta and multiple dates for the Wolfeboro Historical Society's Antique & Vintage Fairs. A revised Alcoholic Beverages Permit application for the Lakes Region Curling Association's rescheduled ceremony was also approved. The Board approved a bulk vote covering weekly manifests, the 2025 Municipal Assessment Data Certificate, and several Property Tax Exemptions/Credits. A new appointment to the Agricultural Commission was made. New business involved discussions and approvals concerning the rental fee reduction for the Perform It Stage Co.'s use of the Great Hall, approval of a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement for Hearthstone Homes, and approval of the annual beach pass program renewal for Brookfield residents. The Board reaffirmed existing Foss Field tennis/pickleball court fees pending a future public hearing to discuss revisions. Significant discussion was held regarding the preferred purchase of an electric Zamboni for the Pop Whalen Arena over a propane model, with the Friends of Pop Whalen leading fundraising efforts. The Board also addressed a building permit application for 29 Smith River Road, instructing the Town Manager to work with the attorney on developing a liability waiver and policy for property access on Class 6 roads. The Milfoil Grant chemical treatment topic was tabled pending further information from the Milfoil Committee. The Board debriefed the previous, lengthy deliberative session and scheduled a follow-up work session on the Dockside Ordinance. During the Libby Trustees meeting segment, discussions centered on permission requests regarding the Chester B. Price Indian Trails map copyright and the status of a donation request from the Hicks Family, resulting in a decision to treat the collection as a whole until further clarity is achieved.

The meeting began with site visits concerning a Special Exception and a Variance application. The Board confirmed the remote participation of one member. A major part of the agenda involved deciding on continuances for several cases due to applicant/abutter requests and contractor delays, ultimately continuing the public hearings for the Warren and Jennifer Wilson Special Exception, the 11 Poplar Rehearing, and a Rehearing Request regarding an appeal of the Code Enforcer's decision, all to the March 2, 2026 meeting, with the Wilson case specifically set for that date. The Board denied the rehearing request for the appeal against the Code Enforcer's decision on jurisdiction. The Board approved the January 5, 2026 minutes with minor amendments. During new public hearings, the Board voted to approve a variance for The Politano Family Trust at 129 North Main Street to construct a farmer's porch, subject to six conditions. The public hearings for the First Colony Development at 69 South Main Street—one for a Variance and one for a Special Exception regarding converting an accessory structure/boathouse—were continued to March 2, 2026, with specific conditions imposed regarding providing architectural drawings and documentation on height and property values. Finally, the Board voted to schedule a second meeting monthly beginning in March 2026.

Key discussions included an update on the Libby Museum, where the Commission endorsed a warrant article to remove the Select Board as trustees and create a new 501c3 nonprofit to assume responsibility. The Commission also discussed possible nominees for the Heritage Awards Program, reviewed information from a recent lakes region event focusing on municipal regulatory tools, and addressed the invalidation of a previous internal vote to amend their 'Rules and Procedures.' In new business, the Commission urged the ZBA to deny variance and special exception requests for the demolition and rebuilding project at 69 South Main Street, based on current town ordinances. They also deferred consideration of adopting a historic house plaque program similar to Portsmouth's and discussed scheduling a lecture by Tom Hubka for the Fall. Finally, the Commission forwarded a list of recommendations for new Heritage Commission candidates to the Select Board.

The meeting focused on the review of several NHDES applications. For the Castagna Family Trust application concerning a seasonal dock replacement, the Commission expressed concerns that the project impacts a Prime Wetland and its buffer, questioning if a Prime Wetland constitutes a 'Priority Resource Area' and if a Special Use Permit is required due to the proposed concrete anchoring pad. Discrepancies in existing and proposed dock dimensions were also noted, especially given the presence of State-Threatened species. The Commission declined to authorize the Chair to sign the application pending further scrutiny by NHDES and the Planning Board. Regarding the A&S 2023 Trust Permit By Notification application, the Commission noted no objection, though the State's copy was mailed without the Chair's signature, potentially leading to a longer review timeframe. For the Smith Family Trust application proposing a driveway crossing over a wetland, the Commission noted no objection but questioned whether the application should qualify as a Permit By Notification (PBN) rather than Expedited Minimum Impact, and whether a Special Use Permit was necessary. The Commission agreed to forward Wetlands Conservation Overlay District language to the relevant applicants' agents.