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Swansea board reviews lake-stipend request, dam engineering contract and election logistics
Summary
Board members heard a letter asking to raise the Swansea Lake host stipend to $5,000, discussed a $140,000 engineering authorization for the Swansea Lake dam, affirmed support for SB538 net-metering extension and weighed steps to enforce polling-place rules ahead of the election.
The Swansea Board of Selectmen received administrative and public updates covering local projects, grant pursuits and election logistics.
The board read a letter from the Swansea Lake Protective Association requesting an increase in the lake-host stipend from $3,000 to $5,000, saying the additional funds would help cover higher hourly wages and ramp coverage during peak use. The letter stated, "This program is vital for keeping invasive species out of our lake." Board members said they had budgeted the prior $3,000 allocation and would review the association’s request at the March 18 budget meeting and invite the new coordinator to provide background.
Staff reported that the town is pursuing congressional directed-spending applications for several capital projects, including the DPW building and the fire station, and that staff (Stefan and Bob) were actively submitting applications through congressional offices with imminent deadlines. The group also discussed the Swansea Lake dam engineering contract: the board previously selected Fen O'Neal for engineering work and staff said the engineering quote was in the neighborhood of $140,000; the board signaled consensus to authorize the contract and asked staff to finalize and sign it.
By consensus, members said the town will join other municipalities in supporting New Hampshire Senate Bill 538, which would extend the net-metering period from 2040 to 2060.
On election logistics, a public commenter raised concerns about electioneering near the polls and suggested handing candidates a printed summary of state rules and creating a marked 'bullpen' area behind a caution line to keep campaigners off the approach to the polling place. Board members discussed practical options, including temporary barriers and asking town staff or the moderator to enforce the line during voting.
Other items included reminders about a DPW open house (Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon), progress reports on the fire station and website redesign, an update that NEPA work for the Christian Hill Bridge was completed with a plan to go out to bid next year, and early planning for the town’s 250th-anniversary events and Old Home Day. Staff said they would follow up with schedule details and finalize grant submissions.
