TURNER — Voters at town meeting Saturday approved a change to a zoning ordinance that reclassifies four lots on Beals Pond from residential to commercial.

The 109 voters who met in the Leavitt Area High School cafeteria also approved a town budget of $2.36 million.

Article 56, the zoning change, elicited significant debate but was overwhelmingly approved once it was brought to a vote. Selectmen proposed that four lots on Beals Pond that extend more than 100 feet from the pond and front on Route 4 be reclassified from residential to commercial. All other such lots along Route 4 on Beals and other ponds are so classified.

The change was requested by Todd and Rhonda Harlow, owners of TRH and Sons Excavation. Under the Turner ordinance, commercial vehicles cannot park in residential areas. This prevented the Harlows from driving home and parking their company vehicles in their driveway.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Angelo Terreri said, “We selectmen have no personal interest in this motion. It is a fairness issue. We are trying to treat all Turner residents alike.”

State Rep. Jeffrey Timberlake, a former town selectman who helped draw the zoning maps, said, “We made a mistake when we drew the lines and now we need to fix the problem.”

Several residents spoke against the change. Celena Ranger obviously had done her homework. She read a lengthy statement citing data on water quality, wildlife habitat, and other features of the pond that could be affected by the proposed change. Some who live on the pond expressed concern that the changes could affect their view and the quiet, rustic atmosphere of the area.

The meeting opened with the pledge of allegiance. Then state Sen. Garret Mason and Rep. Timberlake spoke briefly to the crowd.

Timberlake congratulated Jordan Hersom for winning the Fitzpatrick Trophy for being the top high school football player in the state.

Town Manager Eva Leavitt received a standing ovation when she was presented a legislative sentiment honoring her 25 years of faithful service to th town. Leavitt will retire this year.

Turner Sons of the American Legion Post 111 Commander Mike Chavaz and Women’s Auxiliary Commander Mary Richardson accepted the Spirit of America Award for their organizations. Selectmen had nominated these groups to receive the prestigious award for their service to the town.

Vivian Mansini received the Volunteer of the Year Award. For the past 10 years, residents have posted their nominees for this award on a board in the Town Office. Residents vote on the recipient, making the award a representation of the respect and appreciation neighbors hold for the recipient.

Considerable time was spent discussing an article that would permit the selectmen to appoint someone other than the town manager as road commissioner. The measure passed.

 This article will permit selectmen to hire a Public Works director to manage the summer and winter road programs and the transfer station if the best candidate for the town manager job does not happen to be well-versed in those areas.

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