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Ossipee Selectmen temporarily close Mill Pond to swimming after dam safety concerns
Summary
Selectmen voted to close Mill Pond to swimming and authorized public works to rope off the area pending a fencing solution after staff reported a large crevice and engineers flagged the dam as non‑compliant; the board will post a public notice with photos and seek options including engineering assessment or removal.
Ossipee Town Selectmen voted to close Mill Pond to swimming and authorized public works staff to temporarily rope off the pond until a permanent fencing or engineering solution can be developed.
Selectmen took the action after public works personnel reported a large crevice or vortex near the Mill Pond dam that staff said is allowing substantial water leakage. The chair summarized the board’s briefing, saying the town’s prior engineering work shows the structure is “not compliant as it currently sits” and that state dam standards mean the town may ultimately need to remove or rebuild the dam, in which case the pond would no longer be a swimming hole.
TJ, the town public‑works representative who raised the condition, told the board that the crevice is large enough to create a vacuum and could pose a catastrophic risk if a swimmer entered the area. Members discussed short‑term options — caution tape, signage, buoys or a temporary barrier — and concluded that only a physical barrier that prevents access or a full engineering fix would adequately mitigate the risk.
Selectman Jim moved to close Mill Pond to swimming and to allow public works to temporarily rope the area off until TJ can present a fencing option; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The board directed staff to post a public notice with photographs on the town website and to place signs on the bridge warning that swimming is prohibited beyond the marker.
Board members said the town previously spent about $50,000 on an initial engineering assessment to measure risk, and that subsequent steps would include a full engineering plan to evaluate two main options: remove the dam or rebuild it to comply with state rules. Selectmen and staff discussed seeking grant funding but noted limited grant prospects because Mill Pond serves a small number of waterfront residences and has limited taxable value to support a local match.
The board did not set a timeline or appropriation for additional engineering work at the meeting; rather, members authorized temporary public‑works measures (rope, signs) and asked TJ to return with a proposed fencing option and cost estimate. The board also noted potential liability and the need to consult the town attorney on signage and temporary measures.
Next steps: public works will rope off the hazard, post notice and photos on the recreation page, and return to the Selectmen with proposals for temporary and long‑term fixes. If engineers recommend rebuilding to state standards, public access for swimming is likely to be restricted permanently.
