Winter 2021 Newsletter

We hope this newsletter finds you all healthy and looking forward to a vaccination and a return to near normal. While nothing concrete happened in 2020 much discussion has taken place and movement is in a positive direction.

Town Docks and Parking

The town had planned to go out to bid on new docks for Shep Browns to be installed this spring. However, after seeing plans Goodhue has in mind for their facility it was apparent that the parking issue should also be addressed at the same time. Land is available through a private owner and could be purchased either by the town or Browns and land swaps could be part of the solution. We want to make it clear that any solution to the parking problem will require more remote parking than we now have. This is not to say we would be giving up what we have now but that additional parking would be more remote to the town docks.

In the next few months, the select board will be holding a discussion about the waterfront infrastructure and what they are prepared to do in the present and future and what they are not going to do at all. Since their meetings have been online, we are hoping that will be the case for this meeting. The public has been allowed to log on to the meeting and make comments during a public comments portion of the meeting. The town manager has agreed to let us know when that is scheduled, and we will e-mail details to the membership.

NHEC is now offering broadband fiber optic internet service in currently under-served or unserved areas. All the islands in Meredith with possible exception of Bear fit this description. Bear has service but due to service and repair problems (once per week appointments on Bear) a good argument can be made that we are under-served by Atlantic Broadband. If you want to see service on your island or better service, you need to let NHEC know at WWW.NHEC.COM/BROADBAND-INTEREST/ . The Association will also be sending a letter to NHEC expressing our desire for them to service the islands.

Public Safety

It has been suggested that we investigate a phone APP to allow members to alert their island community of an ongoing fire or medical emergency. The app could also be used to send out alerts for lost children or pets. To be effective the app would be two way meaning you would be able to send and receive alerts. During the Memorial Day fire on Bear Island, it was demonstrated that the early actions of islanders kept the situation in check until professional help arrived. Being able to summon ample bodies to combat a situation would greatly improve the chances that a minor emergency does not become a major one.

We would like to know the membership’s willingness to download an app and have your phone participate in this kind of project. Please send your comments to meredithislandassociation@gmail.com .

For those on the north end of Bear Island, BICA had a tree company working in the forest for 6 days this fall to clear much of the dead undergrowth that resulted after the tornado years ago. All dead standing trees and piles or cut down trees were mulched by a Brontosaurus on an excavator. While not complete the high fire danger area was greatly reduced. Thanks to BICA for their efforts.

General Information

The Annual Meeting will be scheduled for late July or early August. We will be watching the COVID-19 situation to see if it will be in person or on Zoom. The President, Treasure and one Board of Directors positions are up for election. Anyone wishing to be on the ballet for one of those positions should email their desire to meredithislandassociation@gmail.com .

Join Meredith Islands Association

The Meredith Islands Association is forming. If you are a property owner on one of the unbridged islands in the town of Meredith you are invited to join. If you have not received an e-mail or letter in the mail please respond with your name, e-mail address, island property address, winter address to meredithislandassociation@gmail.com as soon as possible so you can be brought up to date on what the association hopes to do. About half of your island neighbors have agreed to participate so why not join. Officers and Directors

OFFICERS

President: Bill Young

Vice President: Craig Bulkley

Treasurer: Barbara Agel

Secretary: Judy Sehnal

DIRECTORS

Richard Laronde

Richard Spaulding

Dawson Deyo

Elizabeth Kovalcin

Open Position

JOIN

Meredith Islands Association –Simple Sign Up

Name________________________________________

Island_____________________ Lot #_______________

Email address___________________________________

Mailingaddress__________________________________

Best Phone____________________________________

Interested in?: __________________________________

Enclose Check Payable to Meredith Islands Assoc.____________

Mail to: MIA, PO 1505, Meredith NH 03253

GOALS

Meredith Islands Association

What We Can Do Together

Engage with Town officials through a cohesive and collective voice representing Meredith island taxpayers. Improve the Town’s attitude regarding services and sensitivity to islanders, respective of the $678,000 island property tax revenue.

Fire, Police, EMT support services

Boat and Car parking facilities for islanders & guests

Voting rights, taxation policies, other town business

Foster a greater sense of community among Meredith’s island residents through convenient communication channels, meetings, focus groups, social events.

WebSite specific to Meredith Island Association

Islander discussion forum on topics of interest

eMail service lists for pertinent Meredith islander news

eMail connections to voice concerns/support to town officials

Promote education/awareness building on topics of islander interest

DES & Shoreline Protection Act: limits and allowances

Water quality, testing, and Department of Environmental Services

Forestry conditions, maintenance practices, fire prevention