Moultonborough Town Meeting

tis · 07-01-2020, 03:54 PM

Doesn't the school have a gym? Why do they need a big rec hall?

Sue Doe-Nym · 07-01-2020, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tis

Doesn't the school have a gym? Why do they need a big rec hall?

We don’t think they do, and that’s why the old fogies, a group to which I belong, vote it down year after year. These people don’t care about the cost, and of course the initial cost of construction is just the beginning. This painful issue has torn the town apart...and it’s truly emotionally exhausting. Makes me sad yet disgusted at the same time.

jbolty · 07-01-2020, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sue Doe-Nym

We don’t think they do, and that’s why the old fogies, a group to which I belong, vote it down year after year. These people don’t care about the cost, and of course the initial cost of construction is just the beginning. This painful issue has torn the town apart...and it’s truly emotionally exhausting. Makes me sad yet disgusted at the same time.

Me, and everyone I know was able to grow up in moultonboro without a rec center and we didn't even have cell phones, internet or cable tv. I know times change but the population has gone up since then maybe 4 times and the number of town employees has gone up by about 20x. enough.

Susie Cougar · 07-01-2020, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jbolty

Me, and everyone I know was able to grow up in moultonboro without a rec center and we didn't even have cell phones, internet or cable tv. I know times change but the population has gone up since then maybe 4 times and the number of town employees has gone up by about 20x. enough.

My sister has lived in Moultonborough forever. Both of my nieces went through Moultonborough schools and graduated. I never heard anybody complain that they were lacking anything at the school.

tis · 07-01-2020, 04:33 PM

None of the towns are any different. They are spend crazy. They don't know the difference between need and want.

Sue Doe-Nym · 07-01-2020, 04:33 PM

Oh, by the way, I believe that we are paying around $30k per student attending Moultonborough schools.

ARV · 07-01-2020, 05:50 PM

It’s been interesting to watch the conversation going on here post town meeting. What I find most interesting is the notion that a community center would be “for the kids”. I will also add that I can definitely see both sides of this coin. The town currently owns both properties. At some point, I’m sure the idea was to do something with them.

Some interesting facts:
Did you know that if we had a community center, there would be more programs for everyone, young and old?

Did you know that most people seeking recreation (walking, exercise, socialization, clubs, kids programs) are currently paying money in other towns to participate in these kinds of activities? (This also has an effect on people moving to other towns because they do offer those programs)

Did you know that because of all the grants and pledged donations, the tax rate would only be impacted by ~ .14/$1000?

Did you know that the town would be able to make revenue from a community center, which would further benefit all of us?

Did you know that there isn’t enough room to hold Rec department Programs because the space is being utilized by the school?

I know the discussion will start to quiet down, now that town meeting is over. I am wholeheartedly interested in knowing the opposition to this. Why not have a community center?

TiltonBB · 07-01-2020, 06:54 PM

Arv: I have no skin in the game but after you posted that you could see both sides the remaining 95% of your post was to support the idea of a rec center. Interesting that there wasn't one sentence supporting the other sides position that it is not needed. Just an observation.

ARV · 07-01-2020, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Arv: I have no skin in the game but after you posted that you could see both sides the remaining 95% of your post was to support the idea of a rec center. Interesting that there wasn't one sentence supporting the other sides position that it is not needed. Just an observation.

I appreciate the comment! I do understand where the oppositional side is coming from, for reasons previously stated although I support the community center. I hope that makes sense!

phoenix · 07-01-2020, 06:52 PM

Sue if i remember the select board voted 5-0 for the 7 million article

Sue Doe-Nym · 07-01-2020, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phoenix

Sue if i remember the select board voted 5-0 for the 7 million article

I think they were split on the initial vote. However, when the pandemic hit and businesses had to close down, most re-evaluated spending. As an aside, at Monday night’s meeting, several items in the town budget were amended to much lower figures, and these amendments were put up by various members of the Selectboard.

As for ARV’s questions about a community center, most of the seniors who attended are for it...that was art. 5, but it was defeated. Many of us are perfectly fine with a community center at a reasonable cost ($3 million). The younger set won’t accept that.

jbolty · 07-01-2020, 07:53 PM

not everything that's a good idea has to be done at government expense.

loonguy · 07-02-2020, 03:58 AM

I agree with ARV that the Rec Center is a good idea and the minimal incremental tax cost is justified, but it appears that this might never be approved by the voters. Has the Town explored funding the center with charitable contributions, perhaps with naming rights to the center, gym, food kitchen, etc. tied to major contributions? I am not personally into naming rights or the related major contributions, but would be willing to make a charitable contribution otherwise. This could be an opportunity for Sue Doe-Nym to use her real name!

Shipfitter · 07-02-2020, 05:44 AM

The way I see it is one side of the community wants a senior center with room for meals on wheels. This could also be used as a function hall. This side of the community has also stated that the preferred location is the old lions club property. A walking track for winter use and pickle ball courts Is also on their wish list and I don’t believe that has to be at the lions club. The others side of the community wants a recreation complex that has to be walking distance to the school. So why don’t we do both. 3.5 million apiece.

Shipfitter · 07-02-2020, 06:10 AM

The way I see it is one side of the community wants a senior center with room for meals on wheels. This could also be used as a function hall. This side of the community has also stated that the preferred location is the old lions club property. A walking track for winter use and pickle ball courts Is also on their wish list and I don’t believe that has to be at the lions club. The others side of the community wants a recreation complex that has to be walking distance to the school. So why don’t we do both. 3.5 million apiece.

Susie Cougar · 07-02-2020, 08:27 AM

If I remember correctly, hasn’t there been a lot of disagreement over the $6.7 million price tag? Didn’t someone mention that Fryeburg Maine was building a rec center very similar to the one that Moultonborough had proposed but at a much lower cost? Did anyone look into this further? It seems to me there are many issues as to why the town is not able to move forward.

Susie Cougar · 07-02-2020, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loonguy

I agree with ARV that the Rec Center is a good idea and the minimal incremental tax cost is justified, but it appears that this might never be approved by the voters. Has the Town explored funding the center with charitable contributions, perhaps with naming rights to the center, gym, food kitchen, etc. tied to major contributions? I am not personally into naming rights or the related major contributions, but would be willing to make a charitable contribution otherwise. This could be an opportunity for Sue Doe-Nym to use her real name!

It’s funny to me that I don’t know the real identities of most everyone on the forum. I keep waiting to be surprised to learn that one of you is someone that I have known in the past.

upthesaukee · 07-02-2020, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

It’s funny to me that I don’t know the real identities of most everyone on the forum. I keep waiting to be surprised to learn that one of you is someone that I have known in the past.

Ah the days of you're. Eight years ago, and longer, we had a Forum Fest each year at a particular location, pot luck meals usually, and lasted for most of an afternoon, usually on a Saturday afternoon. It was a chance to meet the face behind the User Name, and in some cases form a friendship that it lasted the Forum Fests.

Some of the years there were raffles, like a penny sale, with the money going to a local charity or non-profit (Loon Society one year).

Unfortunate that as with many good endeavors, the planning and work fell on only a few shoulders, and with no one else willing to step up to help, the gathering fell by the wayside.

Look at the index of forums on this site, on a full site view, and near the bottom of this list is "Forum Fests". Take the time to view, interesting read.

Back to the town meeting.

Dave

Susie Cougar · 07-02-2020, 11:09 AM

Thanks, Dave.

tis · 07-02-2020, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

It’s funny to me that I don’t know the real identities of most everyone on the forum. I keep waiting to be surprised to learn that one of you is someone that I have known in the past.

I was very surprised to discover that up had signed my yearbook.

As far as the Forum Fests, I never made it to one but I followed them. I think they got to be too much work. At first it was a simple drop by and say hi and bring a pot luck or something if you feel like it. Then it got complicated and somebody had to do an awful lot of work to organize them.

tummyman · 07-02-2020, 04:06 PM

While this has been just recently brought up to the BOS, there is a VERY FINE building currently available at 130 Whittier Highway...the old Keepsake Quilting headquarters. Go to Roche Realty Commercial properties and see the pictures. Link is below....

https://rocherealty.com//mls-4796817...-NH-03254.html

All for $1.65M plus some renovation costs. Bet for a small $2.0M we could be in the building by next April if Town Meeting would approve. There will need to be a little more parking added to the approx. 65 spaces currently there, but this building is really ready to go. Even has high bays that could handle sports activities. But then again, nobody here has any creativity. Town could work on a short term lease with option to buy if TM approves. And with some $$$ donations, costs would be less than $2M for a top notch facility. Nobody here can compromise on anything !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why????? I am sure you will all hear about the folks that say why it cannot happen, but we need to move forward. Are there no reasonable people left???? Time for folks to buck up, as we have not made any headway on prior ideas.

Sue Doe-Nym · 07-02-2020, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tummyman

While this has been just recently brought up to the BOS, there is a VERY FINE building currently available at 130 Whittier Highway...the old Keepsake Quilting headquarters. Go to Roche Realty Commercial properties and see the pictures. Link is below....

https://rocherealty.com//mls-4796817...-NH-03254.html

All for $1.65M plus some renovation costs. Bet for a small $2.0M we could be in the building by next April if Town Meeting would approve. There will need to be a little more parking added to the approx. 65 spaces currently there, but this building is really ready to go. Even has high bays that could handle sports activities. But then again, nobody here has any creativity. Town could work on a short term lease with option to buy if TM approves. And with some $$$ donations, costs would be less than $2M for a top notch facility. Nobody here can compromise on anything !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why????? I am sure you will all hear about the folks that say why it cannot happen, but we need to move forward. Are there no reasonable people left???? Time for folks to buck up, as we have not made any headway on prior ideas.

That certainly merits investigation. Trouble is that the school parents want a fancy schmancy building adjacent to the academy. They will settle for that or nothing, and so far that’s what they have achieved: NOTHING! Year after year: same old, same old. Very tiresome.

Susie Cougar · 07-02-2020, 05:17 PM

It’s a good location for sure. I think most people that live in Moultonborough go to Center Harbor and Meredith. It would be very convenient for the seniors but they would not be happy because it is on busy route 25. It’s too bad it could not be accessed from Lake Shore Drive.
Then, of course, that’s only half the issue. If they still need some kind of a rec center for the students, it needs to be at the school.

07-01-2020, 05:50 PM	#7
ARV Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 53 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts	Something for everyone It’s been interesting to watch the conversation going on here post town meeting. What I find most interesting is the notion that a community center would be “for the kids”. I will also add that I can definitely see both sides of this coin. The town currently owns both properties. At some point, I’m sure the idea was to do something with them. Some interesting facts: Did you know that if we had a community center, there would be more programs for everyone, young and old? Did you know that most people seeking recreation (walking, exercise, socialization, clubs, kids programs) are currently paying money in other towns to participate in these kinds of activities? (This also has an effect on people moving to other towns because they do offer those programs) Did you know that because of all the grants and pledged donations, the tax rate would only be impacted by ~ .14/$1000? Did you know that the town would be able to make revenue from a community center, which would further benefit all of us? Did you know that there isn’t enough room to hold Rec department Programs because the space is being utilized by the school? I know the discussion will start to quiet down, now that town meeting is over. I am wholeheartedly interested in knowing the opposition to this. Why not have a community center?

07-01-2020, 06:52 PM	#10
phoenix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: phoenix and moultonboro Posts: 1,549 Thanks: 60 Thanked 273 Times in 192 Posts	Sue if i remember the select board voted 5-0 for the 7 million article __________________ it's tough to make predictions specially about the future

07-02-2020, 05:44 AM	#14
Shipfitter Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 7 Thanks: 10 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I think we all agree The way I see it is one side of the community wants a senior center with room for meals on wheels. This could also be used as a function hall. This side of the community has also stated that the preferred location is the old lions club property. A walking track for winter use and pickle ball courts Is also on their wish list and I don’t believe that has to be at the lions club. The others side of the community wants a recreation complex that has to be walking distance to the school. So why don’t we do both. 3.5 million apiece.

07-02-2020, 06:10 AM	#15
Shipfitter Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 7 Thanks: 10 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I think we all agree The way I see it is one side of the community wants a senior center with room for meals on wheels. This could also be used as a function hall. This side of the community has also stated that the preferred location is the old lions club property. A walking track for winter use and pickle ball courts Is also on their wish list and I don’t believe that has to be at the lions club. The others side of the community wants a recreation complex that has to be walking distance to the school. So why don’t we do both. 3.5 million apiece.

07-01-2020, 03:54 PM	#1
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,702 Thanks: 751 Thanked 1,454 Times in 1,011 Posts	Doesn't the school have a gym? Why do they need a big rec hall?

The Following User Says Thank You to tis For This Useful Post:
jbolty (07-01-2020)

07-01-2020, 04:33 PM	#5
tis Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 6,702 Thanks: 751 Thanked 1,454 Times in 1,011 Posts	None of the towns are any different. They are spend crazy. They don't know the difference between need and want.

07-01-2020, 04:33 PM	#6
Sue Doe-Nym Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,425 Thanks: 743 Thanked 788 Times in 413 Posts	Oh, by the way, I believe that we are paying around $30k per student attending Moultonborough schools.

07-01-2020, 06:54 PM	#8
TiltonBB Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Gilford, NH and Florida Posts: 2,988 Thanks: 695 Thanked 2,195 Times in 930 Posts	Arv: I have no skin in the game but after you posted that you could see both sides the remaining 95% of your post was to support the idea of a rec center. Interesting that there wasn't one sentence supporting the other sides position that it is not needed. Just an observation.

07-01-2020, 07:53 PM	#12
jbolty Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 663 Thanks: 320 Thanked 251 Times in 150 Posts	not everything that's a good idea has to be done at government expense.

07-02-2020, 03:58 AM	#13
loonguy Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Moultonborough near the Loon Center Posts: 196 Thanks: 60 Thanked 69 Times in 47 Posts	I agree with ARV that the Rec Center is a good idea and the minimal incremental tax cost is justified, but it appears that this might never be approved by the voters. Has the Town explored funding the center with charitable contributions, perhaps with naming rights to the center, gym, food kitchen, etc. tied to major contributions? I am not personally into naming rights or the related major contributions, but would be willing to make a charitable contribution otherwise. This could be an opportunity for Sue Doe-Nym to use her real name!

07-02-2020, 08:27 AM	#16
Susie Cougar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Parrish, Florida Posts: 598 Thanks: 282 Thanked 222 Times in 158 Posts	If I remember correctly, hasn’t there been a lot of disagreement over the $6.7 million price tag? Didn’t someone mention that Fryeburg Maine was building a rec center very similar to the one that Moultonborough had proposed but at a much lower cost? Did anyone look into this further? It seems to me there are many issues as to why the town is not able to move forward.

07-02-2020, 11:09 AM	#19
Susie Cougar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Parrish, Florida Posts: 598 Thanks: 282 Thanked 222 Times in 158 Posts	Thanks, Dave.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to tis For This Useful Post:
upthesaukee (07-02-2020), webmaster (07-03-2020)

07-02-2020, 04:06 PM	#21
tummyman Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 831 Thanks: 256 Thanked 671 Times in 242 Posts	While this has been just recently brought up to the BOS, there is a VERY FINE building currently available at 130 Whittier Highway...the old Keepsake Quilting headquarters. Go to Roche Realty Commercial properties and see the pictures. Link is below.... https://rocherealty.com//mls-4796817...-NH-03254.html All for $1.65M plus some renovation costs. Bet for a small $2.0M we could be in the building by next April if Town Meeting would approve. There will need to be a little more parking added to the approx. 65 spaces currently there, but this building is really ready to go. Even has high bays that could handle sports activities. But then again, nobody here has any creativity. Town could work on a short term lease with option to buy if TM approves. And with some $$$ donations, costs would be less than $2M for a top notch facility. Nobody here can compromise on anything !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why????? I am sure you will all hear about the folks that say why it cannot happen, but we need to move forward. Are there no reasonable people left???? Time for folks to buck up, as we have not made any headway on prior ideas.

The Following User Says Thank You to tummyman For This Useful Post:
Sue Doe-Nym (07-02-2020)

The Following User Says Thank You to Sue Doe-Nym For This Useful Post:
tummyman (07-02-2020)

07-02-2020, 05:17 PM	#23
Susie Cougar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Parrish, Florida Posts: 598 Thanks: 282 Thanked 222 Times in 158 Posts	It’s a good location for sure. I think most people that live in Moultonborough go to Center Harbor and Meredith. It would be very convenient for the seniors but they would not be happy because it is on busy route 25. It’s too bad it could not be accessed from Lake Shore Drive. Then, of course, that’s only half the issue. If they still need some kind of a rec center for the students, it needs to be at the school.