It was a poor turnout with 1,390 voters doing the town’s business.

Moderator
Randy Walker  1,219

Selectman
Sarah Silk 939
Dave Bowers 1,034

Treasurer
John Burt 1,141

Trustee of Trust Funds
Mary O’Brien 1,131

Budget Committee (3 years)
Robert Moholland 928
Harold Parker 960
John Burt 994

Budget Committee (1 year)
Matt Kraus (write in) 830

Library Trustee
Candace Thayer 1,096
Michael Hodder 1,005

Supervisor of the Checklist
Barbara Hunt 1,130

Police Commissioner
Joe Balboni 613

Planning Board
John Thurston 705
Vaune Dugan 704

ARTICLE 2: ADD § 175-42.1 BUILDING PERMIT REQUIREMENT FOR ISLAND LOTS.

To amend ordinance to exempt island properties serviced by boats from RSA 674:41 and therefore be eligible for a building permit without relief from the
Zoning Board of Adjustment or Board of Selectmen.
• The Planning Board Recommends Approval
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 857
No 424

ARTICLE 3: AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE II, WETLANDS CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICT

To clarify the ordinance, as recommended by Town Counsel, without changing any of the current standards.
• The Planning Board Recommends Approval
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 1,036
No 256

ARTICLE 4: ARTICLE XXIV, CONSERVATION SUBDIVISION, § 175-148. EXEMPTIONS

To exempt from the conservation subdivision requirements any subdivisions which create a total number of lots that are less than 50% of the permitted development density, are fully compliant with all underlying zoning requirements and on which the owner imposes a restriction prohibiting any additional subdivision of the created parcels”
• The Planning Board Recommends Approval
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 824
No 428

ARTICLE 5: ADD A NEW SECTION, 175-xxx STEEP SLOPE PROTECTION ORDINANCE

To regulate development on all areas with a slope of 15 percent or greater and where the proposed site disturbance is greater than 20,000 square feet and prohibit development on all areas with a slope greater than 25%.
• Recommended by the Planning Board
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 811
No 466

ARTICLE 6: ADD A NEW SECTION, 175-xxx STANDARDIZED LOT SHAPE

To regulate lot shape, in order to avoid odd shaped lots, and to ensure adequate space near the road for the construction of a dwelling unit, each lot shall have a
Form Factor of less than 35 as defined in the Form Factor definition. Proposed Lots with either frontage greater than 300 feet or area greater than ten acres are
exempt from this requirement.
• Recommended by the Planning Board
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 709
No 573

ARTICLE 7: CONVERT CENTER STREET C2 GD AND WOLFEBORO FALLS C1 TO A NEW DISTRICT NAMED THE WOLFEBORO FALLS LIMITED BUSINESS DISTRICT WFLBD

To convert the C2 GD and Wolfeboro Falls C1 districts to the new Wolfeboro Falls Limited Business District, the purpose of which is to provide for a transition
from the existing village core to a district providing professional, institutional, cultural, limited retail activity, mixed commercial, and residential uses.
• Recommended by the Planning Board
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 857
No 403

ARTICLE 8: CHAPTER 65, FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT

To amend the floodplain ordinance as necessary to comply with requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Recommended by the Planning Board
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 1,064
No 227

ARTICLE 9: SHOREFRONT RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS

To establish development standards for properties in the shorefront residential district designed to protect the surface waters by virtue of retaining the standards established in the NH Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act of 2008.
• Recommended by the Planning Board
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 886
No 395

ARTICLE 10: ADD A NEW SECTION, 175-xxx GROUP HOME OVERLAY DISTRICT

To recognize group homes fall into a protected class of individuals and as such, local regulations are limited in their ability to impose standards and/or limitations in addition to those already established by Federal and State regulatory structures. The amendment is to regulate group homes consistent with state and
federal requirements. Group Homes of 3 or less individual, in compliance with the definition of the ordinance, shall be exempt from Town regulations and a
Group Home for four (4) to eight (8) residents shall be permitted by a Conditional Use Permit in all districts if it meets the certain criteria defined in the
Ordinance.
• Recommended by the Planning Board
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 531
No 746

ARTICLE 11: Structural Repairs at the Public Safety Building

$350,000-General Fund
This article seeks to fund the $350,000 cost of making structural repairs and related improvements to the Apparatus Garage at the Public Safety Building. These
structural repairs will include rebuilding and reinforcing the masonry walls, connecting the roof to the walls and the walls to the foundation, replacing the
existing membrane roof, and installing new interior roof drains. These structural repairs and improvements are intended to extend the life of the Apparatus
Garage at the Public Safety Building for at least another 10 years and to avoid another catastrophic collapse of the roof of this building as occurred in 2010.
It is important to note that of this project’s total $350,000 cost, it only requires $132,892 in new funds being appropriated and bonded, with the balance being
transferred from other available funds, as shown below:
Project Total $350,000
Previous Unexpended Bond ($123,114)
Existing Capital Reserve Fund ($93,994)
New 10 Year Bond Amount $132,892
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.000 2013–$0.009 2014–$0.008
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 9-0
• 3/5 Vote Required

Yes 1,062 (79%)
No 279 (21%)

ARTICLE 12: Acquisition of Property at 255 South Main Street

$160,000-General Fund
This article seeks to bond the cost of acquiring the property at 255 South Main Street, formerly known as the Bun McBride residence and located between the
Library and Public Safety Building, and demolishing or removing the buildings on the site. This will enable the Town to consolidate its holdings at its South
Main Street campus and to make vehicle egress and parking improvements on the site at a later date.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.001 2013–$0.011 2014–$0.010
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 9-0
• 3/5 Vote Required

Yes 1,067 (79%)
No 279 (21%)

ARTICLE 13: Wastewater Facility Upgrades

$180,000-General Fund
This article calls for $180,000 to be bonded for needed improvements at the Town’s Wastewater Treatment Facility and Effluent Spray System. Ninety thousand
dollars will be used to replace outdated and inefficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment at the 40-year old Wastewater (sewerage)
Treatment Facility on Filter Bed Road. The remaining $90,000 will be used to make improvements in the Effluent Spray System, which is now needed to supplement the effluent disposal capacity of the Town’s Rapid Infiltration Basins (RIB) facility.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.000 2013–$0.003 2014–$0.012
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 6-3
• 3/5 Vote Required

Yes 984 (74%)
No 348 (26%)

ARTICLE 14: Downtown Streets Upgrade—Phase 3

$750,000-General Fund
This article seeks approval for bonding in the amount of $750,000 to construct drainage, road, and sidewalk improvements on Lehner and Union Streets in
downtown Wolfeboro. Phase 3 will extend these road, sidewalk, drainage, and water and sewer improvements on Lehner Street from Glendon Street toward
Center Street to a point where the driveway to the parking lot at Foss Field intersects it. Completion of the balance of Lehner Street will be rolled into another
project. These proposed improvements are in addition to the already completed Phase I water and sewer line upgrades on Union and School Streets and the
soon to be commenced Phase 2 major drainage, water and sewer upgrades, road and sidewalk improvements on Glendon and School Streets and a portion of
Lehner streets that residents will see under construction this Spring.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.002 2013–$0.037 2014–$0.033
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 8-0
• 3/5 Vote Required

Yes 1,085 (81%)
No 260 (19%)

ARTICLE 15: Construct Glendon Street Parking Lot

$280,000-General Fund
This article seeks bonding authorization in the amount of $280,000 to construct a new municipal parking lot off the end of Glendon Street on the parcel of land
purchased by the Town in 2009 for this purpose, and to improve the existing Glendon Street parking lot, all of which will provide a larger and much improved
facility for off-street parking in downtown Wolfeboro. This project has already been bid out, and the Town has a firm contract price for this project, which
includes landscaping, lighting, and related improvements. The project will result in a net increase of about 65 parking spaces with some boat trailer parking.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.000 2013–$0.014 2014–$0.012
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 8-0
• 3/5 Vote Required

Yes 935 (69%)
No 415 (31%)

ARTICLE 16: Water Meter Upgrades

$500,000-Water Fund
This article requests a bonding authorization in the amount of $500,000 to upgrade water meters from the current manual read system to a new radio read system. In addition, all of the older water meters in use would be replaced with new meters. The new radio read system will allow all the water meters in town to
be read in 1 or 2 days, as opposed to the 2 weeks now required to read one-third of the water meters in town every month. This new system will also enable the
town to issue more frequent water bills (monthly or bimonthly), and will enable residents and town employees to more readily identify leaks and other unusual
flows that currently sometimes result in huge water bills for residents. Wolfeboro currently experiences about 31% lost or unaccounted for water. Other communities that have adopted these new meter systems have reduced their unaccounted for water to 10-15%. According to the engineer’s report, a 3% reduction
in our unaccounted for water will result in these improvements paying for themselves.
The principal and interest for this bond issue will be paid out of the Water Fund, and as such will have no direct impact on the Tax Rate. In addition, the Town
has received a tentative commitment of $175,000 in grant funds for this project from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) if it is funded in 2012.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.000 2013–$0.000 2014–$0.000
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 6-2
• 3/5 Vote Required

Yes 825 (62%)
No 511 (38%)

ARTICLE 17: 2012 Operating Budget

$25,663,524-All Funds
The amount requested for the Town’s Operating Budget in 2012 represents a 0.59% increase in the Town’s Operating Budget over the amount approved by the
Voters in 2011. It includes the General Fund, which supports most of the Town’s functions, and the four (4) Enterprise Funds—Water, Sewer, Electric, and Pop
Whalen Arena. The 2012 Town Operating Budget represents the lowest rate of budgetary increase in more than 5 years.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$4.21
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 8-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 977 (74%)
No 350 (26%)

ARTICLE 18: Construct Bath House at Albee Beach

$125,000-General Fund
This article seeks a one-time appropriation of $125,000 to complete the construction of a new bath house facility at Albee Beach. The foundation and the septic
system for the bath house have already been constructed and paid for from the 2011 Operating Budget. The bath house will house ADA-accessible restrooms,
changing rooms, and a first aid station and will serve hundreds of visitors to the beach, Cotton Valley trail bikers and hikers, as well as the sailing, swim lessons, and day camp programs of the Parks and Recreation Department. In addition, the Town will no longer incur the expense of unsightly portable toilets at
this beach.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.061
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 8-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 960 (71%)
No 391 (29%)

ARTICLE 19: Town Hall Repairs and Improvements

$200,000-General Fund
This article requests funding in the amount of $200,000 for the purpose of making repairs and improvements to the Brewster Memorial Town Hall to include
needed repairs to the building, life safety code improvements, energy efficiency measures, and improvements to the working environment of town employees.
These repairs and improvements will include the following:
• Asbestos Abatement• Install Fire Alarm System
• Commercial Dehumidification of the Basement
• Foundation Damproofing
• Evaluate and Replace Heating Units Where Needed
• Replace Carpeting
• Repair and Replace Existing Windows (first floor only)
In addition, the budget for these repairs and improvements includes funds for architectural and engineering services as may be required and an 8% contingency
fund.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.098
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 9-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 752 (56%)
No 587 (44%)

ARTICLE 20: Interim Town Office Space (Citizen Petition)

To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Seventy Thousand dollars ($70,000) and authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a one
year lease, with the option to renew, for space to temporarily relocate town personnel whose offices are now located in Brewster Memorial Hall thereby avoiding
an uneconomical investment in an inefficient, aged, and neglected building. Said sum would also cover associated costs such as fitting out space, moving files,
equipment, and personnel to such an alternate site(s). Rental costs for any ensuing years, as needed, shall be paid out of the Town operating budget.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.034
• Not recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 4-0
• Not recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 8-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 442 (34%)
No 863 (66%)

ARTICLE 21: Upgrade Town Roads

$550,000—General Fund
This is the annual warrant article for reconstructing and resurfacing Town roads and improving their drainage. It has been reduced to $550,000 this year (from
$750,000 last year) to reduce its impact on the Town’s tax rate. The Town roads presently programmed for improvements in 2012 are:
• Pleasant and Lucas Streets-overlay only
• Pleasant Valley Road-sections-overlay only
• Downtown Streets—in conjunction with Article 14 (Downtown Streets Upgrade)
• Cross Road
• Libby Street
• Cotton Valley Road (Bryant to Cotton Mountain)
• Lang Pond Road (gravel section)
• North Wolfeboro Road and Stoddard Road-sand seal only
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.268
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 9-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 1,110 (84%)
No 211 (16%)

ARTICLE 22: Public Safety Radio Communications Equipment

$75,000—General Fund
This article seeks the appropriation of $75,000 to address the problem of dead zones in public safety radio dispatch reception and communications in Wolfeboro.
Last year the voters approved funding in the amount of $55,000 to build a radio transmission tower at the Public Safety Building, but that project proved infeasible. This article represents a different approach to the problem by acquiring and installing radio repeaters, antennas, and related equipment on the existing
Bennett Hill telecommunications tower, pursuant to a $1/year sub-lease agreement with the tower owner. The article also rescinds the balance of last year’s
appropriation ($49,607.75)
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.037
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 9-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 1,069 (81%)
No 249 (19%)

ARTICLE 23: Police Union Contract Agreement

$20,407—General Fund
This article seeks to fund a new 1-year collective bargaining agreement with the Police Union, which represents both the uniformed officers and dispatchers.
The new contract calls for a 2% cost of living increase, changes to their shift differential compensation, and the continuation of step increases. This bargaining
unit did not receive an increase in their base wages last year, only a one-time stipend. These changes in the Police Union Contract were approved by both the
Police Commission and Board of Selectmen.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.010
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Police Commission by a vote of 3-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 9-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 1,019 (78%)
No 294 (22%)

ARTICLE 24: Drinking Water Treatment Facility Chemical Feed System

Upgrades $120,000—Water Fund
This article calls for $120,000 to be approved to relocate and upgrade the chemical feed system at the Town’s Drinking Water Treatment Facility on North Line
Road. The upgraded system will be more reliable, reduce the range of fluctuations and reduce chemical costs. These improvements will be paid for from the
surplus in the Water Fund, and will have no impact on the tax rate or water user rates.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.000
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 9-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 1,129 (86%)
No 181 (14%)

ARTICLE 25: Drinking Water Treatment Plant Energy Efficiency Upgrades

$150,000—Water Fund
The Department of Public Works seeks approval of $150,000 to construct energy efficiency improvements at the Town’s Drinking Water Treatment Plant on
North Line Road. These improvements, which are pursuant to an energy audit conducted in 2011, include a new HVAC system, increased insulation in the attic
and insulating the clarifier tanks, and a new roof. These upgrades are projected to reduce fuel consumption by more than 50%. These improvements will be
paid for from the surplus in the Water Fund, and will have no direct impact on the tax rate or the water user rates.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.000
• Recommended by Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 9-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 1,102 (84%)
No 209 (16%)

ARTICLE 26: Develop Asset Management Program

$50,000—General Fund
The Board of Selectmen seek the appropriation of $50,000 to develop a long-term, sustainable
Asset Management Plan (AMP) which will inventory and assess all Town-owned assets and assist in prioritizing and optimizing investments in maintenance
and capital projects. This project may take up to 5 years to complete and fully implement. This article is to fund the first year of this effort; funding of future
years’ efforts will be including in the Operating Budget going forward.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact 2012–$0.024
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Not Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 8-1
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 500 (39%)
No 784 (61%)

ARTICLE 27: Fire Trucks and Apparatus Replacement Capital Reserve

Account $175,600—General Fund
This article seeks the appropriation of $175,600 which will be placed in the Fire Trucks and Apparatus Replacement Capital Reserve Account. By setting funds
aside in this manner on an annual basis, it is planned to have sufficient funds available when the Fire Department faces its next scheduled major apparatus
replacements in 2013-14. The amount requested is level-funded with last year’s funding amount for this purpose. Estimated Tax Rate Impact: 2012–$0.086
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 9-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 989 (74%)
No 345 (26%)

ARTICLE 28: Public Works Vehicles and Equipment Capital Reserve

Account $155,000—General Fund
The Department of Public Works requests the appropriation of $155,000 to be placed in the Public Works Vehicle and Equipment Capital Reserve Account. By
building up this Capital Reserve Account, it enables the Department to avoid the budgetary spikes that otherwise occur when the Department needs to replace
major capital vehicles and equipment. The amount requested for this purpose is level-funded with last year’s appropriation.
Estimated Tax Rate Impact; 2012–$0.076
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Recommended by the Budget Committee by a vote of 8-0-1
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 955 (72%)
No 363 (28%)

ARTICLE 29: Establish Recreation Revolving Account

This article seeks authorization to establish a Recreation Revolving Fund for the Parks and Recreation Department, as permitted by RSA 35-B:2. Monies received
from fees and charges for self-sustaining recreation programs will be allowed to accumulate from year to year in the Revolving Account, and expenditures for
these programs will no longer be included in the Town’s Operating Budget. Having such a Revolving Account will encourage the Parks & Recreation
Department to make its programs self-sustaining, and will increase the flexibility of the Department to respond to the interests and needs of the community.
• Recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 5-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 1,056 (81%)
No 253 (19%)

ARTICLE 30: Citizens’ Petition

The registered voters who submitted this article by petition request your nonbinding opinions on the following questions, in the hope that the collective
responses will assist in proposing solutions that will be supported by the community.

a) Do you support restoration of Brewster Memorial Hall to serve as Town Offices?
Yes 627 (48%), No 680 (52%)
b) Do you support building new Town Offices?
Yes 518 (41%), No 756 (59%)
c) Do you support leasing space for Town Offices?
Yes 422 (34%), No 812 (66%)
d) Do you favor rehabilitation of Brewster Memorial Hall;
1. By taxpayers as the sole financial support?
Yes 215 (19%), No 906 (81%)
2. By private funds as the sole financial support?
Yes 497 (45%), No 603 (55%)
3. By a combination of taxpayer and private funds?
Yes 622 (51%), No 598 (49%)
e) Do you support selling Brewster Memorial Hall?
Yes 583 (46%), No 679 (54%)

ARTICLE 31: Citizens’ Petition–Long Term Municipal Building Plan

To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to, in 2012, formulate a 10-year comprehensive plan to address the need for upgrades, repairs or
replacement of all the Town’s municipal buildings. This should include but not limited to Police, Fire and Town Hall employees. Consideration should include
a multifunctional building complex. The goal of such a plan would be to identify and prioritize the most efficient, economical and best management approach
for spending tax dollars to meet the Town’s immediate and future facilities needs.
• Not recommended by the Board of Selectmen by a vote of 4-0
• Majority Vote Required

Yes 501 (40%)
No 765 (60%)