[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6473379,"mediaKeyId","5745063-a169e4ecbf7861d798ccedfa1faea324","parentId",5745063,"title","Residents urge Alton selectmen to address town-hall hours, building-department enforcement and zoning delays","audioSeconds",4811,"startMs",153000,"endMs",4964000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5745063-a169e4ecbf7861d798ccedfa1faea324&start=153&end=4964","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5745063-a169e4ecbf7861d798ccedfa1faea324/thumbnail_153000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6473379/New-Hampshire/Residents-urge-Alton-selectmen-to-address-town-hall-hours-building-department-enforcement-and-zoning-delays","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473379-5037f59e4ee65f16cd02bca75c9cc27a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773639606&Signature=cajP38iNh5C9Jc6Gx2RwTLeM7S86iZO~ybHzuk29TKuPIcL1sD4oOO4dx0ywKOYCGL~3U~r4X62iB9cOg6TctOME8kXrkW3YhsqrJX1eexwE0KQeF8UFqOruTG~w21SK7LWzstk3m9THuZWd6i~6J4694W8TODEVqtfjvHBTO-JCKHUZOL4nn~zIVz6av5LHOqw4Kwdjjy8ahpPyJ1e6dFKOyLArMsmsBJhah7W6CFPRWyyConnwHLzto2fuUFlKhbi6aBa8fHahj8lmWZRBdvoZ3EDZDJhAonYU-Rj-AvI-rPW0odZzecFvpo4E6xyYc6sS-nS~UmYEo~I133v4tA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Alton, NH","date","2025-09-09T21:46:11Z","article","Several residents raised related concerns about town services during the public-input period at the Sept. 9 Alton Town Board of Selectmen meeting, asking the board to address reduced town-hall hours, what they called heavy-handed or inconsistent enforcement by the building department, and lengthy delays in planning and zoning reviews.

Roger Sample, who said he submitted an application related to a town roll-off truck, discussed complaints about limited town-hall hours and said the building department often appears unmanned: \"It used to be 40 hours, 5 days a week... that place is unmanned all the time,\" Sample said, adding that residents need daytime access for inspections and registrations.

Bob Flannery, who said his property at 208 Main Street is undergoing landscaping, criticized the use of police to deliver code-enforcement paperwork and a cease-and-desist rather than contacting property owners by phone first: \"A simple phone call to me would have resolved the issue versus a cease and desist,\" Flannery said.

Walter Borowski, representing the Eagles Rest family trust, urged the board to examine zoning and code-enforcement procedures and cited state statute RSA 674:32-e (manufactured housing), saying the town's process and late-distributed staff notes to applicants have led to repeated continuances and delays. \"When you go to a meeting, you don't get the planners or code enforcement building inspectors notes until an hour before the meeting... that's how you go from 1 or 2 meetings to 13,\" Borowski said.

Board members replied with a mix of acknowledgment and explanation. A selectman noted some budget and staffing constraints, saying warrant-article votes had moved prospective positions out of the default budget and that volunteers had helped fill inspection gaps. The selectmen also reiterated that they changed the board's operating schedule to retain employees; they said the four-day week provides longer daily hours though it leaves some residents seeking Friday access.

The board did not take regulatory action during public input; residents asked that staff and the board address communications and permitting timelines, and several selectmen said they would follow up with department heads.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BOS Meeting 9-9-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents used public input to press the board on three related issues: restoring five-day town-hall hours, inconsistent building-department enforcement and lengthy delays in planning and zoning approvals that they say hinder local development.","taxTitle","Alton Town, Belknap County, New Hampshire","taxId",74073,"location","New Hampshire","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6473384,"Selectmen approve transfer of old inflatable boat to Alton Firemen's Association",114,2239000,2353000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5745063-a169e4ecbf7861d798ccedfa1faea324&start=2239&end=2353","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5745063-a169e4ecbf7861d798ccedfa1faea324/thumbnail_2239000.jpg","/articles/6473384/New-Hampshire/Selectmen-approve-transfer-of-old-inflatable-boat-to-Alton-Firemens-Association","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473384-a21a2b77cf6411aa8da312d652f03913/orig.mp4?Expires=1773639606&Signature=FnuUGWspRLQQ96nwd-Hu1PBr9yYuLdfyaaoEdAMXYISjgYHxjxQqpTSl~qpJn9rjcCWpvKlRG8Ep9Fsw2JYbvD4ciTwvvZtvGTH9q0S~yxU3dXvAWN-5bUmahgxmS~pXDXZ1pFexwpIP-lQ5XHhASIP8eGx3CmQ9hhsmak6xBf4vIa-WckBAEejkmf2oTL8UOT-Z1sFu5oUUPPKj2WU2t2Op6W2uzjnvHxZGJytJ-HpmUqHX~sVzWH3m4PZEAqAk2AYRL9cWywfdKHdjtaMq~sug9piCoVFAXAG2MrAnlQ5ZsgBXHPzyikRvDv1S~rPbtyZIXbigbwIGbSemNqGcmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alton Town Board of Selectmen voted Sept. 9 to transfer an unserviceable 2018 Breeze 12-foot inflatable boat from the town's fire department back to the Alton Firemen's Association.

Town staff reported the earlier donation agreement specified that if the town no longer needed or could not use the boat it should be returned to the association rather than disposed. The board gave final approval to the transfer by motion and voice vote.

Outcome: Motion approved to transfer the 2018 inflatable boat from the town fire department to the Alton Firemen's Association.","The board approved returning a donated but unserviceable 2018 inflatable boat to the Alton Firemen's Association after the town purchased a replacement for department use.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6473390,"Police chief gets approval to repair K-9 patrol car; board weighs repair vs. equipment transfer",950,2328000,3278000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5745063-a169e4ecbf7861d798ccedfa1faea324&start=2328&end=3278","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5745063-a169e4ecbf7861d798ccedfa1faea324/thumbnail_2328000.jpg","/articles/6473390/New-Hampshire/Police-chief-gets-approval-to-repair-K-9-patrol-car-board-weighs-repair-vs-equipment-transfer","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473390-b94e1967da1000c4ae9f9b948da2a80a/orig.mp4?Expires=1773639606&Signature=JckXNoGrvPutNUnZW2ZN4hajF6sR9keCh72R73xawRw4lbtQ6N62ugWm4XAEAhkzG8sehAoBRGUq27ef8j7v6OqI5WBRqAG7quiIS0uYk7gJZDm2CQpRmk2Jm5RmMZUrO-BGtVQVkdvHNHj9CR7uXqbtP~ueXE378tvb2npQV--VwSzLS-hOd6nXFvIm7crY0lAINXtSUJNgxfGnJV6kIjzSOv0WnCT5AL3WEw4xB-5yrvQKywdHV77alqJ88hUSwR-vzMawFQi3wjEOHId4kSRqmX2wWGm0EOHx63eCDh~B77kxLBj0H9Gc406TFCfLpEWH2~6boYVgYVZGZJISFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alton Town Board of Selectmen voted Sept. 9 to allow the police department to proceed with an estimated $4,475.70 repair of Unit 3, the department's K-9 vehicle, while board members and the chief debated whether to transfer the canine equipment to a different, lower-mileage vehicle instead.

The police chief told the board Unit 3 had developed a distinct ticking noise; inspection revealed a lifter issue and a wiped cam lobe. The repair estimate for cam and lifter work was $4,475.70, a fraction of the roughly $16,000 the department feared if a full motor replacement were required. The chief said the vehicle has about 145,000 miles and that the repaired vehicle might last between 10,000 and 50,000 miles depending on use.

Another option the chief had investigated was transferring all K-9 equipment, including an electrical climate-harness and kennel insert, into a lower-mileage unit; that transfer was quoted at approximately $5,015. The chief recommended repairing Unit 3 to get more service life and cited the higher-than-expected transfer cost as a factor.

After discussion of fleet rotation, detail usage and the police revolving account that helps fund vehicle leases and equipment, the board voted by voice to permit the chief to proceed with the repair, not to exceed $4,475.70.

Outcome: Motion approved to repair Unit 3 up to $4,475.70; the chief will manage repair and fleet decisions within department budgets.","The board authorized up to $4,475.70 to repair the motor on Unit 3, the department's K-9 vehicle, after police presented repair and equipment-transfer cost estimates and discussed fleet-management tradeoffs.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6473393,"Alton selectmen approve up to $75,000 to repair lakefront retaining wall; waive bid requirement",468,1720000,2188000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5745063-a169e4ecbf7861d798ccedfa1faea324&start=1720&end=2188","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5745063-a169e4ecbf7861d798ccedfa1faea324/thumbnail_1720000.jpg","/articles/6473393/New-Hampshire/Alton-selectmen-approve-up-to-75000-to-repair-lakefront-retaining-wall-waive-bid-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473393-a2a1fcde87ee4d86c161962e7f62d183/orig.mp4?Expires=1773639606&Signature=Jqd5UN7EMd5XFYKmG566X4xexSnpxHC3Bg9oMpxgDQz7NdI6U-2X~ZNoG~wvoWzsZ1Z2iBT6vyia~G0EKLQCsPudFMMmN8q64xRKyvAnRgJ8Y7w-MY3KOfakElzRbezmDQY23TJDiJn-gFoeb1l2U0GGX0pye1DBUkSBuyrTW8-TMihY-Gl~9haSerVi2AmbYdjsRbCmYgp8apd9fABfYFZCfPBfSZrXt53uzKpEIHIjiww7XTvgZdiBX5TkC2QRERXxm7bB6y29z02GXySkNGd7kensey4Vy5UT4C9DWhk-CZ~uzLXqdqqWCi08Yy53VtC5J45HmY4I-~r9MsbNxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alton Town Board of Selectmen voted Sept. 9 to authorize up to $75,000 from the retaining-wall capital reserve fund to restore the worst section of the stone retaining wall by the boat ramp and swim stairs.

Public Works Director Seth Garland described the problem and the proposed repair, saying crews would dismantle and rebuild sections of the wall using as much of the original stone as possible, repair drainage, replace aging outlet pipes with ductile iron, and reset or repoint the cap stones. \"He's pretty confident and I'm pretty confident to him to his work is pretty good,\" Garland said of the contractor.

Garland told the board the capital reserve contains $153,584 and the contractor's estimate ranged from $60,000 to $75,000 depending on how much salvageable stone is found. Board members noted there had been an earlier engineered proposal that would have cost nearly $2 million and that the contractor had performed well on prior town jobs. The board unanimously moved to waive the competitive bid process because prior bids were not being submitted by other firms and the contractor is familiar with the site and prior repairs.

Motion: The board approved a motion to spend up to $75,000 from the retaining-wall capital reserve fund, waive bidding, and authorize contractor Ethan Falk to begin restoration work. The vote was taken by voice.

Garland said the timing is favorable because lake levels are low and the contractor expects to start soon. The work will include repointing, replacing damaged drainage outlets, restoring rock under the ramp and installing steps and a railing at the swim stairs as described in the contractor's estimate.","The board authorized up to $75,000 from the retaining-wall capital reserve to repair a failing stone retaining wall at the bay, accepting a time-and-materials proposal from a contractor familiar with prior town work.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6473398,"Alton board authorizes town clerk to correct 2022–2023 tax-lien interest coding",359,1062000,1421000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5745063-a169e4ecbf7861d798ccedfa1faea324&start=1062&end=1421","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5745063-a169e4ecbf7861d798ccedfa1faea324/thumbnail_1062000.jpg","/articles/6473398/New-Hampshire/Alton-board-authorizes-town-clerk-to-correct-20222023-tax-lien-interest-coding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6473398-1d237299954c3aa51642f828bb609cab/orig.mp4?Expires=1773639606&Signature=UtoGRCqsA~~cRMjPu7qwql8mamVrM~agBppB98OnKTs5khEdTnpSvPrRkEjnv0d9PpPAYsYEUXPEYimkmbk0okV58k4yKrywFYePNbNSjGOvlVpDlp28sKb7v4V~m3JiQZA6hlYk0VzMh919TwcYP3brmLqZe3H1wFM7rVexaJqEUAXrX4UzWad6kWK8d63bMB-zYiHadSPnwSKTJy5VkfDZRsKVI65KPawj4KZD4YYkx8Aqky8YzwKu5N6PQKwd9RDYOtB13Dtv8XR9BNdxIzhRGmNLcL-ffwHp-nDpnv55X-Wqr0GmunfrAkj71RDqScYQFhgj2FRQfCzwr6IxUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Alton Town Board of Selectmen on Sept. 9 authorized the town clerk and tax collector to correct a software coding error that led some taxpayers to be charged an outdated tax-lien interest rate for 2022 and 2023. Town Clerk and Tax Collector Jen told the board the mistake stemmed from the town's migration to new financial software and that state law changed the lien interest rate in 2019.

Jen explained the software had two codes, “tax l” and “tax l 14,” and invoices for certain outstanding 2022 and 2023 liens were posted at 18% instead of the correct 14%. “With your consensus and permission to move forward, I will adjust those. . . . It's not a lot of money, but it is still due to the taxpayers,” Jen said.

The board voted by voice to permit the clerk to reverse affected payments, create credit balances where appropriate and reapply payments at the corrected rate; Jen said she will consult legal counsel if refunds become necessary when a property-owner change is discovered. A selectman noted the adjustments would not change the interest that accrues from the tax bill due date to lien date, which the clerk said remains governed by the separate 8% lien-date rule.

The clerk told the board the software company had helped identify affected invoices and that she had hand-checked calculations. The board asked whether taxpayers should be notified; Jen said they could generate a letter but that most affected payers would simply see lower outstanding balances when their next payment is applied.

Outcome: The board approved a motion to allow the town clerk/tax collector to reverse and reprocess affected tax-lien payments for tax years 2022 and 2023 to correct the interest-rate coding.

The action responds to an administrative error and does not change statutory lien deadlines or the town's standing legal obligations.","The Alton Town Board of Selectmen gave the town clerk permission to reverse and reprocess tax-lien payments affected by a software-code error so taxpayers will be charged the legally updated interest rate for 2022 and 2023.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge Alton selectmen to address town-hall hours, building-department enforcement and zoning delays

Selectmen approve transfer of old inflatable boat to Alton Firemen's Association

Police chief gets approval to repair K-9 patrol car; board weighs repair vs. equipment transfer

Alton selectmen approve up to $75,000 to repair lakefront retaining wall; waive bid requirement

Alton board authorizes town clerk to correct 2022–2023 tax-lien interest coding