Monthly Archives: August 2013

Last Cruise Night Of The Season At The Real Twist

The Real Twist Soft Serve Ice Cream stand in Walpole, NH will hold its last Classic Car Cruise Night of the season, weather permitting, on Sunday, September 1st, from 5 till dark. Here’s a chance for the whole family to enjoy a Sunday evening looking at old and antique cars, while enjoying a soft serve ice cream or frozen yogurt.   There will be live music by Doc Vinnie Dibernardo (vet on-call duties permitting). Anyone who brings his classic car to show will get a free regular sized sundae.  Everyone visiting can get free jimmies, diptop or flavorburst with any cup or cone.  Make sure to enter the drawing for gift certificates to the Real Twist or Real to Reel!

The Real Twist is located next to Real to Reel Video at the NorthMeadowPlaza in Walpole. It is open noon – 9PM, seven days a week through September 2nd.  Enjoy your ice cream outside, in the lovely garden, or under the porch. See you there!

 

Summer Sunday Concert Series

There was a request for a way to alert people to’happenings in the area” so movies, concerts, wouldn’t be missed.  In that spirit, here is a post that was forwarded from Barbara Kasper.  Am more than happy to psread the word as long as people will assist in gathering it. – Lil

You are in for a treat if you attend the next Summer Sunday Socials Series at the Rockingham Meeting House featuring “newgrass” and local contemporary folk trio The Stockwell Brothers, Sunday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m.

“The Stockwell Brothers are always a treat and an extremely popular local band,” Vermont Festivals producer Ray Massucco said.  But, Massucco considers putting them in the Rockingham Meeting House nothing less than a stroke of genius, even if it was his own idea.  “The unplugged set means we are going to hear a lot more mandolin from Al, and for my money, you can’t get too much mandolin,” he said.

There is not a bluegrass music fan in the tri-state region who is not familiar with the Stockwell Brothers and to know them is to love them, Massucco said.   “Having them play in this intimate and historic venue with the pitch perfect acoustics is going to be memorable experience you won’t want to miss!” he said.

The Stockwell Brothers are Vermont’s longest running folk/bluegrass group. Bruce, Barry and Alan Stockwell’s music spans traditional and progressive styles, but their trademark acoustic sound features new singer/songwriter material recast with banjo, alternative rhythms and three-part harmonies.  They cover straight ahead bluegrass songs, finger picked acoustic guitar ballads, full tilt breakdowns and traditional mandolin tunes mixed in with unusual fare – Americana melodies riding world beat grooves and Celtic, jazzy, even neo-classical instrumentals.

Featuring 2005 Merlefest bluegrass banjo contest winner Bruce Stockwell, The Stockwell Brothers have performed alongside artists from Bill Monroe, Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs to Mary-Chapin Carpenter, Jonathan Edwards and Asleep At The Wheel, recorded with Mike Auldridge and Phil Rosenthal of the bluegrass supergroup The Seldom Scene, and toured throughout the United States and in Canada and Europe.  As a trio, they have released two albums, “Stobro” and “Leave My Dreams Alone.” Individually, they also contribute to the fabric of music in southern Vermont in many ways:

Barry Stockwell, guitar, lead vocals; director of Twilight Music, managing the Hooker-Dunham Theater and Gallery in Brattleboro and producing concerts in southern Vermont.  Bruce Stockwell, banjo, vocals; 2005 Merlefest Banjo Contest winner, teaches banjo at his home in Putney.  Alan Stockwell, mandolin, bass, vocals; 20-year veteran recording engineer at Soundesign in Brattleboro.

Tickets are available in downtown Bellows Falls at Village Square Booksellers & Shona Grill, or via brattleborotix.com. $18 advance/$20 door; ANGEL tickets are  $25/advance/$30 door.  The Meeting House series will conclude on October 6 with Cliff Eberhardt.  For more information, please call Vermont Festivals at 802-463-9595, or visit the website www.vermontfestivalsllc.com.

English: Rockingham Meeting House

English: Rockingham Meeting House (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

In case you missed the correction

When I sent the reminders for the week I had said that the hearing regarding the water and sewer budget omission was on Thursday, 8/28.  A number of people checked the calendar more closely than I had and commented that Thursday is actually the 29th.  I edited the entry but those who only read the emails and not the blog, do not see the edited version and do not receive the comments.  Because of the hearing and because the Selectboard will be voting on the Hooper Committee report, I wanted to be sure that everyone knows that Thursday is the 29th.  The hearing is at 2:00 and I understand that the vote is scheduled for 3:00.  (Might not hurt to be there early.) – Lil

Haunted Walpole Weekend – 10/25/13

Barbara Kasper wrote this for the Walpole Players and, as Ray Boas and I have discussed, we aren’t in competition, we are in collaboration to get the word out to as many people as possible.  Because of that agreement, I took the liberty to copy and paste here.  Bet you will also see it in “The Clarion” that they do such a great job with. – Lil

There’s always something new happening in Walpole, and this fall it’s the Haunted Walpole Weekend. Scheduled for the weekend just prior to Halloween, the series of events is being orchestrated by a collaboration of The Walpole Players and The Walpole Village School.

For the past two years, the Players have presented a “Haunted Corn Maze” with assistance from the Great Falls Co-Op and various student organizations. This year, the maze will open in its new location in the cornfield behind the Walpole Scoop Shop. The change in venue is expected to make attendees even happier with its close proximity to the best pizza and most delicious ice cream in the area. (After all, there’s nothing like a good gut-wrenchingly terrifying scare to give you an appetite.) The maze will return to a 3-week schedule, but the first weekend will feature only 2 shows: the Saturday night horror-fest and the Sunday afternoon children’s maze. The final two weekends will encompass all 4 shows each (Friday & Saturday nights, and Saturday & Sunday afternoons).

Last year, Walpole Village School hosted its first-ever “Spooktacula”, featuring a plethora of children’s activities in the afternoon, and a haunted house and adult-themed events in the evening. It was so successful that event organizers Erinn Richardson and Heidi Gascoyne planned to reprise their efforts again this year. In conversation with Sarah Manning and Barbara Kasper, “Haunted Corn Maze” organizers, all parties realized the two separate events could be reorganized into a major happening over the entire weekend (loosely modeling the triennial Old Home Days weekend). The maze will have been up and running for the previous 2 weekends, but the last weekend is traditionally the most crowded and the large influx of visitors will have many more scary (and not-so-scary) activities from which to choose.

As currently planned, activities for the weekend will begin on Friday, October 25, with the third and final Friday night Haunted Corn Maze. Over the following 2 days, the schedule includes a cemetery tour, more corn maze activities, Great Falls Co-op harvest festival, and a hayride along a route featuring dozens of scarecrows decorated for competition. There will also be face-painting, cookie-decorating and crafting, a haunted house, dance and pumpkin auction at the WVS, and continuously-running horror films at a venue yet to be determined. Tickets purchased to one event will offer discounts for other events, and many activities will be offered free of charge. This promises to be an excitement-packed weekend for the Halloween-minded, so mark your calendars and keep an eye out for further information as October draws nearer.

Invitation from the Walpole Leadership Academy

A big thank you to Steve D’Alessio, Andrea Johnson and Jen Fabis for taking over this project.  I recommend it highly as a great way to learn more about your community and the great people that make it that way. – Lil

WLA

On behalf of the Walpole Grange, and our co-sponsor, The Walpole Foundation, we invite you to participate in an important program for the future of our town: the 2013/2014 class of the Walpole Grange Leadership Academy.

The Leadership Academy was founded in 2006 by Chuck and Sue Bingaman as a way of identifying potential leaders in our town and to introduce them to the people, groups and organizations that make Walpole the wonderful place that it is.

We hope our Academy participants will become interested in taking leadership roles in Walpole, maybe even in running for office in the future, and in being better informed about how our town works.

Members of past classes have been elected to serve on various boards, volunteer their skills and experience on appointed boards and volunteer for organizations in town.

The Academy opens with a reception for participants and faculty on Monday evening September 16, 2013 at Burdick’s Restaurant and continues with two or three sessions each month through April with time out for the holidays. Many of the sessions meet “on location” ie: Walpole Fire Station or at the town hall during the normally scheduled meetings of the Selectmen, Planning Board and the Zoning Board. Other sessions will be held at the town library. Each session is designed to help you learn exactly what these town boards do, what problems they work on and what volunteer leadership opportunities they present.

Because we enjoy the backing of our sponsors we can organize and present The Leadership Academy for a tuition fee of only $49.00. The cost includes everything including class materials, opening reception, thank you gifts for our volunteer faculty members and our closing session for faculty, participants and
guest.  It even covers a one-year membership in the Walpole Grange.

We hope you’ll find the Academy experience a valuable insight into what makes Walpole such a wonderful place to live.

We are seeking 10 – 12 participants in the 2013 – 2014 class and hope to fill the class quickly.

If you would like to join us, please make your registration check payable to The Walpole Grange/WLA
and mail to 361 Valley Road, Walpole, NH 03608. If you would like to raise questions or otherwise discuss the Academy please call evenings 603-445-5485 or days 603-542-8884 Ex. 202

Thank you,

Steve Dalessio                        Jen Fabis                Andrea Johnson
Co-Director                             Co-Director          Co-Director

2013 – 2014 Class Schedule

(Tentative)

Welcome and Introductions                      September 16, 2013        5:30 PM               Burdick’s

How town government works                   September 30, 2013        7:00 PM                Library

Town and School Board Budget                October 14, 2013            7:30 PM              Town Hall

Meeting with Select Board                        October 24, 2013            6:30 PM              Town Hall

Meeting with Planning Board                     November 12, 2013        6:30 PM              Town Hall

Making Hard Public Decisions                    November 18, 2013        7:00 PM               Library

Meeting with ZBA                                    November 20, 2013         6:30 PM             Town Hall

Meeting with Police Dept.                         December 5, 2013             TBD                 Police Dept.

Meeting with Fire Dept.                           December 18, 2013            TBD                 Fire Station

Importance of Volunteer Leadership          January 13,2014               7:00 PM              Library

Where Do I Fit In                                    January 20, 2014              7:00 PM             Town Hall

Open Forum With Alumni                        February 10, 2014             7:00 PM               Library

Town Budget Hearing                              February  TBD                  TBD                   Town Hall

Town Meeting                                         March TBD                       TBD                  Town Hall

Closing Session                                       March/April                      TBD                      TBD

3rd Annual Walpole Walks a Million!

I received a copy of a terrific flyer from Heather Ferland regarding this year’s Walpole Walks a Million Campaign,  It has a great picture of the sneaker in front of the school where they record the amount raised as well as their sneaker logo.   I can’t seem to copy it here but I wanted to bring your attention to the campaign and provide a heads up so you can watch for their flyer.  I can also rpovide the boring but relevant details. – Lil

Our goal is to raise $12,000 for the Walpole Parent Teacher Group.
We did it before and we can do it again!  We need your help!
Help raise the Sneaker Meter!

NEW THIS YEAR…
NEW! Walk Across America Challenge
NEW! Online step log – track your progress
NEW! Sponsored Sneaker Fundraiser

WHAT’S the SAME…
• Pedometers for every student – Sept. 13th
• School-wide pep rally – Sept. 12th – 1:30 p.m.
• Wellness Fair Plus Bike Rodeo Sept. 14th 10-12
• Couch to 5K Club – It’s back! – Details to come
• Annual 5K Fun Run & Walk – Oct. 19th

Whatever you do,

Watch the Sneaker Meter RISE!

Reminders for Next Week – 8/26-8/31/2013

Monday.8/26/13:

– Fall Mountain Regional School Board meets in the library at the high school @ 6:30.  By the way, if you’ve not seen the new website for the school district, you should check it out.  Lynne Phillips, the technology director, applied for, and received a grant for $25,000 to provided the training and technical assistance for this and it is impressive.   http://www.sau60.org allows you to go from there to access info about the FMRHS, Walpole Schools, etc.  (If I ever learn how to make a link I will do so but in the meantime, I trust you to take care of it.)

Tuesday, 8/27/13:

– First Day of School – Drive carefully past those bus stops.

– Planning Board Workshop Session will be meeting downstairs in the Town Hall @ 7:00.

Thursday, 8/29/13:

– Selectboard Public Hearing at the Town Hall @ 2:00.  If I remember correctly this was also the meeting where they were to make a decision on the report from the Hooper Committee.  I hope someone will correct me if I have my date wrong.

Next Weekend is Labor Day which to most of us marks the end of summer.  Make it a good, safe weekend.

Public Hearing – 8/29/13

Bob Anderson sent an email suggesting a separate entity regarding this hearing from the Selectboard minutes.  Sounded like a good suggestion, so here it is. – Lil

The selectboard minutes included the mention of a public hearing. Because it is such a large amount, it might be a good idea to have a separate entry in the Walpolean to let people know.

“Mr. Street moved to have a Public Hearing on Thursday, August 29, 2013, at 2:00 PM to raise and expend $401,237.00 to include the Water and Sewer Revenue and Expenditures in the Town’s Operating Budget which was excluded from the Operating Budget originally voted in Warrant Article No. 3 on March 5, 2013. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.”

Selectboard Minutes – 7/10-8/8/2013

There’s a lot of reading here since I combined the 5 meetings I received from Janet Clough.  Thought it would be better than 5 separate posts, however. Will try to keep them from piling up in the future. – Lil

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 10, 2013

Selectboard Present: Jamie Teague (Chair); Chas Street; Whitney Aldrich

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Teague called this meeting to order at 3:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with seven people present in the audience.

These are unapproved Minutes.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

 

CURT CONGDON: Mr. and Mrs. Curt Congdon explained their on-going drainage problems on Carpenter Hill Road. They displayed pictures of the damage on their property. Over the years Mr. Congdon has done a lot of the clean-up work and kept the culvert running but it is getting more difficult for them to do it. Mr. Terrell advised that the Town has done a lot of work on that road and on top of the hill. Roads get washed-out in these big storms; it is an act of nature. He went over some of the work that has been done over the years to alleviate this problem in that area. They cannot control a force of water. Mr. Terrell does not have a solution. This is the second wettest season on record.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING: Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 3:19 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 3:46 PM.

 

JIM TERRELL: Mr. Terrell reported that he met with a representative from FEMA and Hazard Mitigation yesterday. The Town had about $100,000 of damage all over Town. County Road, North Road and Wentworth Road got hit twice. North Walpole had no substantial damage. The Town of Hancock sent some trucks to help them with the repairs. This moved their paving schedule back.

Mr. Terrell left a sheet entitled “Information for Owners of Flood-Damaged Property” that was issued by the NH Department of Safety / Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. It states that “New Hampshire is seeking a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Cheshire, Grafton and Sullivan counties because of damage caused by heavy rain and flooding that started June 26, 2013. The primary purpose of this federal disaster assistance is to pay for repairs to public property and infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and culverts.”

Mr. Terrell advised that the trees in North Walpole will be coming down tomorrow and then they will do the stumps. He did not notify people in that area because in this case the trees were dangerous and this needed to occur. Next year they will do the sidewalk in that section. Mrs. Teague requested that in the future he leave a note on the door of the neighbors when trees are being taken down because it is a shock to the people when they are not aware of it happening.

 

POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL PAQUETTE: Chief Paquette got a call from the electric company that they were ready to take down the poles and lights that the State of NH declared they were no longer willing to pay for. The three locations are by Malnati’s Farm, by the old Jiffy Mart and across the street from Aumand’s Furniture Store. They wanted to be sure that the Town was aware of this.

Mrs. Teague is working on the break-down of the figures for the Special Detail rates and anticipates having them ready for review at the next meeting.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated July 03, 2013, in the amount of $47,542.44. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated July 12, 2013, in the amount of $39,226.11. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending June 29, 2013, for checks dated July 05, 2013, in the amount of $24,785.48. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending July 06, 2013, for checks dated July 12, 2013, in the amount of $25,046.19. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,750.94 for the week ending June 29, 2013. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,915.71 for the week ending July 06, 2013. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 26, 2013: Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of June 26, 2013, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – June 26, 2013: Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 26, 2013. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the following meeting minutes:

 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 02, 2013.

 

BUILDING PERMITS:

 

GAFFNEY, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #008-027-000: Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit No. 2013-20 for Patrick Gaffney to “Construct a 22’ x 22’ 1 Story Garage” at 199 Wentworth Road, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

TUTTLE, Upper Road, Map & Lot #012-030-001: Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit No. 2013-21 for David & Lynn Tuttle to “Construct a 28’ x 24’ 1 Story Garage” at 244 Upper Road, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

DEPUTY FOREST FIRE WARDEN: Mr. Street moved to approve the appointment of Jeffrey Vose as a Deputy Forest Fire Warden for the Town of Walpole as recommended by William Houghton, Forest Fire Warden. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

MONADNOCK FARM & COMMUNITY COALITION REQUEST: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter and invitation from the Monadnock Farm and Community Coalition to send one Selectman to their upcoming forum.

 

COLD RIVER LOCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT: Acknowledgement was made of receipt of a letter from the NH Department of Environmental Services confirming the appointment of Kim Lewis to a three-year term on the Cold River Local Advisory Committee. The Selectboard was pleased to hear of this appointment and thanked Ms. Lewis for volunteering to serve on this committee.

 

WALLACE LETTER: Mr. Aldrich acknowledged receipt of the letter regarding drainage issues from Ivan Wayne Wallace and Brenda Wallace. A copy of this letter will be forwarded to Jim Terrell, Highway Superintendent.

 

PLANNING BOARD: Mrs. Borden advised that during the Planning Board meeting last Tuesday a vote was taken to forward the proposed Amendment entitled “Changes and Alterations in an Approved Site Plan” to Attorney Hockensmith to be sure that the wording is legal. The Selectboard was in agreement with this decision.

 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 4:35 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 4:51 PM. No announcements were made.

 

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 4:52 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 18, 2013

 

Selectboard Present: Whitney Aldrich, Chas Street; (Absent: Jamie Teague)

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 3:02 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with six people present in the audience.

These are unapproved Minutes.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

 

MR. IVAN WALLACE: Kristin Wallace, on behalf of her parents, Ivan Wallace, and Jody Caskin-Bruzgis, on behalf of her parents, Roland and Maureen Caskin, were present. Ms. Wallace explained that on July 3rd there was extensive flooding damage to both properties at 150 North Road and Colonial Drive. She advised that her mother has periodically asked if the drainage could be moved to the other side of the road, right straight down the road, because it is coming down more and more often. It is getting worse. Mr. and Mrs. Caskin had their driveway repaired as they could not drive on it otherwise. They received a recommendation to put a culvert on the other side and run the water right down into the cow field. They are wondering if it is something that the Selectboard would consider. Mr. Aldrich explained that in accordance with the RSAs the Town would be unable to divert the water onto another property without an agreement therefore, if it is considered, it would require research. Mr. Aldrich felt they should talk to Mr. Terrell first and he is expected to come into this meeting shortly. This has been such a wet season; the ground is saturated.

MR. JIM TERRELL: Mr. Terrell reported that the drainage on North Road worked like it was supposed to; there are three culverts going down the hill and they had been cleaned but in downpours it does not take long for the debris to fill them up again. He plans on going back to work on the other ditches on the hill by digging out the ditches and putting stone in the ditch line after they finish up the other wash-out damage in Town. The Caskin yard only has one place for the water to go and that is down their driveway. They try to continue the flow of water as it traditionally flows; they cannot change the flow without more problems down the road. Ms. Wallace pointed out that her parents want to fix up the yard to avoid another mud problem. She displayed pictures of the damage. She feels there has to be a way to protect her parent’s house and the Caskin’s property. Mr. Terrell advised that he would like to help them but hesitates to even make recommendations because, as a representative of the Town, the Town might be liable if he recommended something and it did not work.

Mr. Terrell advised that yesterday the Governor signed a request for Disaster Relief which will open up FEMA monies. State-wide there was over $6,000,000 of damage. There was a lot of damage on Wentworth Hill and repairs are taking a long time. He talked to the Hazard Mitigation people. There could be some money for a new drainage system at least for the first level. A pavement would bring in more mitigation money. The Town crew could do the work but it would then be September before they get into the paving therefore he asked the Selectboard if he could get three quotes in the next week. In his budget he could use about $48,000 toward the project. Right now he purchased about $16,000 of materials. Leasing the excavator would be about $3,800. The Town of Hancock had two trucks here for five days but that is reimbursable by FEMA. Wentworth Road was on the paving schedule for next year. He could postpone some other paving work to do Wentworth Road instead. They also need to put in curbing on the upper part. The only piece of the project that he does not have the money for is the contractor who will to do the work. FEMA did close out the amount for the big snow storm so the Town should be getting about $24,000 back for that damage. Mr. Street and Mr. Aldrich gave Mr. Terrell approval to get the quotes.

 

BOY SCOUT: Paul Beliveau was present to observe this meeting as he is working for another Boy Scout badge. The Selectboard said they would explain the Agenda topics as the meeting progressed and encouraged him to come again.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated July 19, 2013, in the amount of $543,100.27. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount included a monthly payment in the amount of $483,288.72 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

 

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending July 13, 2013, for checks dated July 19, 2013, in the amount of $23,876.79. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,508.58. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, so voted.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 10, 2013: Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 10, 2013, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 10, 2013: Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of July 10, 2013, with one edit that was made. The Minutes will be sealed indefinitely. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the following meeting minutes:

 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 09, 2013; and

 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 16, 2013.

 

BUILDING PERMIT:

 

SPICER & CONNELLY 2001 TRUST, Hillside Acres, Map & Lot #016-010-000: Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit No. 2013-22 for Spicer & Connelly 2001 Trust and Pat Spicer to “Construct a 10’ x 12’ 1 Story Garage” at 46 Hillside Acres. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

STATE OF NH DRA PA-28 FORM: Mr. Street moved to send the PA-28 form back to the Department of Revenue Administration to advise that the Town of Walpole will not be using the PA-28 Inventory of Taxable Property Form for 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

CONSERVATION COMMISSION REQUEST: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from John W. Peska requesting consideration for appointment to the Walpole Conservation Commission.

Mr. Street moved that this letter be forward to the Chair of the Conservation Commission for action. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING: Mr. Street moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 4:29 PM.

Mr. Aldrich called this recessed Selectboard meeting back to order at 4:41 PM.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 4:42 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 4:49 PM. No announcements were made.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Street moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 4:51 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Whitney R. Aldrich

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the July 25, 2013, Selectboard meeting.)

 

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 25, 2013

Selectboard Present: Jamie Teague (Chair); Chas Street; (Absent: Whitney Aldrich)

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Teague called this meeting to order at 3:36 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people present in the audience.

These are unapproved Minutes.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Street moved to recess the Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Teague resumed the recessed Selectboard meeting at 4:53 PM.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

 

JIM TERRELL: Mr. Terrell talked to one of the mitigation representatives about County Road where they had to put in another culvert. Since Wentworth Road is all torn up and they have put some work into it already he felt that the best thing to do for the future is to put drainage on the second hill. He priced the materials that will be needed. He asked three companies to submit quotes to do the work; he showed them all the same plans: Bazin Bros decided not to submit a quote; Hodgkins & Sons put in a quote for $27,436.00 and the Fuzzy Brothers put in a quote for $19,100.00. There was a consensus to award the project to the Fuzzy Brothers for $19,100. The project costs are: Installation of the drainage is $19,100, drainage materials will be a little over $16,500 and paving about $56,000 for a total of approximately $91,600. From his budget he can take all the materials and the excavator plus paying for the assistance from the Town of Hancock; approximate cost $16,500. He also has enough funding for the storm related damage in the other areas. He does not have enough for the paving and installation. Some of these costs will come back to the Town if it is determined that the State meets the requirements for FEMA reimbursement. The Town is waiting for reimbursement of about $24,000 from the snow storm damage.

Mr. Street moved to Petition the State of New Hampshire to allow us to withdraw $75,000 from the Reserve Fund to pay for the recent damage to the Town’s infrastructure. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Terrell reported that Mr. Britton contacted him about a road wash-out on Scovill Road that is a Class 6 road. He cannot do anything about it but he can give Mr. Britton permission to make the repairs. We have already lost some sections of the Town’s Class 6 roads due to the storms. With all the rains they will continue to deteriorate. Mr. Terrell asked the Selectboard to consider this an emergency lane so he could put minimum repairs into it. It will take about a day to repair it. Mrs. Teague suggested that this be brought to the Conservation Commission’s attention to see if they would take care of the repairs. She asked Mr. Terrell to draw up a cost estimate.

Mr. Terrell advised that Valley Road is on the paving schedule for this year. Today he got a call from the State as they are going to start to work on Route 123 in Alstead and want to run over Valley Road. He will hold up on the paving until next spring if the State moves forward with their project.

Mr. Terrell is working with the engineer to obtain the permit from the State to work on the Wentworth Road Bridge.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated July 26, 2013, in the amount of $18,263.65. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending July 20, 2013, for checks dated July 26, 2013, in the amount of $22,400.02. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,157.01. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 18, 2013: The minutes of both the regular and the non-public meetings of July 18, 2013, are pending until a quorum is present.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the following meeting minutes:

 Zoning Board of Adjustment – July 17, 2013;

 Planning Board – July 9, 2013; and

 Hooper Institute – July 17, 2013.

 

ABATEMENTS:

 

WATER & SEWER: ABINGTON SPARES, South Street, Map & Lot #018-006-000: Mr. Street moved to grant the Abatements for Water in the amount of $308.61 and Sewer in the amount of $268.36 for Abington Spares. This is due to a meter reading error. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

WARRANTS:

 

LAND USE CHANGE TAX WARRANT and LAND USE CHANGE TAX FORM A-5: Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Tax Collector’s Land Use Change Tax Warrant and Form A-5 to the Department of Revenue Administration in the amount of $5,250.00 for Mona-Rae Living Trust Agreement / Mona-Rae Hall, Trustee. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

TIMBER TAX WARRANT: WIERZBOWSKI, Taggard Road, Map & Lot #005-041-000: Mr. Street moved to approve the Original Warrant Timber Tax Levy to the State of NH and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed in the amount of $71.30 for George & Wendy Wierzbowski. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

GRAVEL WARRANTS: HODGKINS & SONS, Map & Lot #012-073-000, Industrial Park Drive and Map & Lot #001-010-000, Old Drewsvillr Road: Mr. Street moved to approve the Original Warrant Gravel Tax Levy to the State of NH in the amount of $93.60 for Hodgkins & Sons, Inc. for the two properties. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

PLANNING BOARD – ALTERNATES:

Mr. Street moved to appoint Edward Potter as a Planning Board Alternate for a term of three years, March 2013 through Town Meeting, March 2016. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Teague moved to appoint Jeffrey White as a Planning Board Alternate for a term of one year, March 2013 through Town Meeting, March 2014. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

NH DRA FORM MS-2: Mrs. Teague reported that they are working on balancing some of the tax forms that have been filed at the State Department of Revenue Administration.

 

LETTER FROM DANA HEMENWAY: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from Dana Hemenway. Mrs. Teague suggested that they schedule in a field trip with Mr. Terrell to look over the area on the Old Keene Road.

 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

 

Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations. Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 4:55 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 5:24 PM. No announcements were made.

 

VENDORS ON THE COMMON: Mr. Street was approached by a resident who questioned him about the gentleman that was given permission by the Selectboard to sell ice cream on the Common during the Sunday Band Concerts. Her concern is that they are opening up the door to anyone wanting to sell food. There was discussion about this being comparable to the Farmers’ Market. It was noted that the person selling ice cream is a Walpole resident and no one else was selling ice cream. However a decision was made by the Selectboard to explore this further with the Local Government Center.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

 

Mr. Street moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 5:41 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

AUGUST 1, 2013

Selectboard Present: Jamie Teague (Chair); Chas Street; Whitney Aldrich

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Teague called this meeting to order at 6:02 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with six people present in the audience.

These are unapproved Minutes.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

 

MR. PAUL COLBURN – Recycling Center: Mr. Colburn brought in the newspaper article that was in the Eagle Times on Wheelabrator closing. Walpole went there therefore he is calling around to check with other possible sites and with other towns to see how they will be handling this. The biggest problem is that they only have about five weeks as Wheelabrator will close the doors on September 16th. No doubt it will entail more trucking and higher tipping fees. By State Statute they can only store trash for a week.

Mr. Colburn distributed copies of the “2013 Summary Monthly Comparison for the Month Ending July 31, 2013”. He reviewed the figures and percentages with the Selectboard.

Mr. Colburn advised that his anniversary date is coming up soon. He requested that the Selectboard authorize him to carry over 80 hours but he will use 40 hours in September. In addition, he has 12 other hours that he will take as soon as possible. Tom Fitzgerald also has 40 hours that he would like to carry over.

Mr. Street moved that Mr. Colburn, Supervisor of the Recycling Center, be allowed to carry over 80 hours of vacation time with the intent that he use 40 hours in the Fall. In addition, Mr. Fitzgerald is allowed to carry over 40 hours of vacation time. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

MR. RED SMITH: Mr. Smith asked if the Town was to receive a check to buy a piece of property that was improved at no expense to the Town would they acquire it. He explained that it would be the Westberg property where the building was demolished. The Walpole Foundation would retain the small red building on the property but it could be used for additional parking spaces for the Town. Mr. Smith pointed out that the existing parking area is quite often full. At times vehicles that do not have a handicapped parking plaque park in the handicapped parking spaces because everything else is full. The Selectboard expressed an interest in pursuing this further provided it is not a hazardous waste site. Mr. Smith will try to get something in writing from the EPA stating that it is not.

 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION #1:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel. Mr. Street seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 6:38 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 6:57 PM. No announcements were made.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS (Continued):

MYRA MANSOURI: Mrs. Mansouri and Mrs. Pschirrer from the Zoning Board of Adjustment were present. They discussed up-dating their ordinances from 2010 as some changes were made in 2011 and 2012 therefore they need to be re-typed plus they are in the process of up-dating the ordinances for 2013. Mrs. Clough advised that before Ms. Aslinger left in 2010 she emailed the ordinances to Selectboard Office therefore she will email them to Ms. Blaine who will do the up-dating for the ZBA.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated August 02, 2013, in the amount of $88,017.21. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending July 27, 2013, for checks dated August 02, 2013, in the amount of $25,357.06. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,709.59 for the week ending July 27, 2013. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 18, 2013: Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 18, 2013, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With Mr. Street and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mrs. Teague abstained as she was not present at this meeting.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 18, 2013: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 18, 2013, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Street. With Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Street in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mrs. Teague abstained as she was not present at this session.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 25, 2013: Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 25, 2013, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With Mr. Street and Mrs. Teague in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 25, 2013: Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 25, 2013, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Street. With Mrs. Teague and Mr. Street in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this session.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the following meeting minutes:

 Conservation Commission – July 1, 2013; and

 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 23, 2013.

 

Mrs. Teague mentioned that some residents in North Walpole are questioning why the Town did the sidewalk on both sides of Ash Street and Pine Street because they are so narrow. Why not pull one side to make the road wider. She felt this is something that should be taken under consideration.

 

ABATEMENT:

 

SEWER: BURTCO, Route 123, Westminster, VT.: Mrs. Clough explained that Mr. Houghton has been working on this account as BURTCO is billed different in that this meter gave gallons used rather than cubic feet.

Mr. Street moved to grant the Abatement for Sewer in the amount of $179,068.76 for BURTCO, Inc., as submitted. This is to correct an incorrect reading in cubic feet rather than gallons. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Notification of Inspection: The Town received a Notification of Inspection from the New Hampshire Department of Labor. The date is August 27, 2013. Mrs. Clough is in the process of obtaining the information that is being requested.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

Conservation Commission Appointments: Mr. Street moved to appoint Seth Andrews to a one year term and Alicia Flammia to a three year term on the Conservation Commission to fill current vacancies as recommended by Tom Beaudry, Chair of the Conservation Commission. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich; with great reluctance. Mrs. Teague abstained from the vote.

 

NH DRA Form MS-2: Mrs. Clough advised that the Selectboard will need to schedule a Public Hearing. The new MS-2 form needs to be signed by the Selectboard as there were a number of changes made. The new MS-2 form will be accompanied with a letter to the Department of Revenue Administration to explain that an error was made. In addition, the Emergency Expenditure Revenue Source Form for the Town’s request in the amount of $75,000 to enable Mr. Terrell to fix the roads that were damaged will be forwarded to the DRA.

Mr. Street moved to approve and the amended MS-2 form. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to have a Public Hearing on Thursday, August 29, 2013, at 2:00 PM to raise and expend $401,237.00 to include the Water and Sewer Revenue and Expenditures in the Town’s Operating Budget which was excluded from the Operating Budget originally voted in Warrant Article No. 3 on March 5, 2013. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

DETAIL RATE: Mr. Street moved to change the hourly Detail Rate for the Police Department to $65.00/hour. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING: Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 7:56 PM.

Mrs. Teague called the recessed Selectboard meeting back to order at 8:04 PM.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETINGS – AUGUST SCHEDULE:

The Selectboard set the following schedule for the remaining meetings in August:

 August 15, 2013 – 2:00 PM – Non-Public Session With Regular Meeting to Follow;

 August 22, 2013 – 6:00 PM;

 August 29, 2013 – 2:00 PM – Special Meeting With Regular Meeting to Follow.

 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION #2:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel. Mr. Street seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 8:09 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:14 PM. No announcements were made.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING: Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a Non-Public session as the Hooper Trustees pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations. Mr. Street seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

Call To Order: Mrs. Teague called this recessed Selectboard Meeting back to order at 8:30 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Street moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 8:31 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the August 8, 2013, Selectboard meeting.)

 

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

AUGUST 8, 2013

Selectboard Present: Jamie Teague (Chair); Chas Street; Whitney Aldrich

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Teague called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM at the Hooper Mansion with twelve people present in the audience.

These are unapproved Minutes.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

 

MR. BRUCE LaBELLE: Mr. LaBelle lives on County Road and he has been watching a culvert, above his property, for about 20 years as he is worried that it will wash out again. It has always over-flowed. Mr. Terrell, Road Agent, reported that it washed-out last year and they put gravel back in. This is the second time so they put in a stone ditch and made an agreement with Mr. LaBelle that if he bought a driveway culvert the Highway Department would put it in. This time the water backed up to the stone wall so he got permission from those owners to remove a portion of the stone wall that should help resolve the wash-outs. Mr. Terrell will be sure to watch it the next time there is a heavy rain. Mrs. Teague advised that the Selectboard talked to a few other residents that had wash-outs in various parts of the Town because of the heavy rain. It is their intent to set a date to look at the properties. They would like to let Mr. Terrell get caught up first and then make the appointments. Mr. LaBelle will be notified as to the date and time when they will look at his property. He expressed a willingness to wait.

 

ATTORNEY TOM HANNA: Attorney Tom Hanna and Jim Phippard from Brickstone Land Use Consultants were present. They were representing Steven Rudek the present owner of the “Potato Barn property”, Tax Map #024, Lot #006. Attorney Hanna distributed copies of his letter to the Selectboard dated August 8, 2013. Mr. Rudek is seeking the Selectboard’s support and assistance to restore the Potato Barns and develop a business center with vehicular access from Route 12. The letter outlined some history and the improvements that have recently been made on this property. Mr. Rudek is interested in preserving the Potato Barns as a historical landmark and revitalizing the site. At the Annual Town Meeting in 1998 the voters approved Article 17: “To see whether the Town will vote to advise the Board of Selectmen to lay out a new Town road off Route 12 just south of the old ‘Potato Barn’. This dead-end road would provide access to the proposed parking lot of the Barn, would be engineered, constructed and maintained by the Barn’s developer, and would not be built until financing for the Barn project had been assured.” However the owner of the property at that time was unable to go forward with her efforts to provide access to the site from Route 12 or to restore the barns. Attorney Hanna referenced page 2 of his letter and the paragraph that states: “It will be necessary for the Town to maintain the road so that the road qualifies as a Class V highway. The expense of maintenance, however, will be borne by Steven Rudek, who will reimburse the Town for maintenance as billed. Mr. Rudek will also post security for payment of maintenance expenses. The amount of the security may be based upon the Selectmen’s estimate of annual maintenance expenses for the road, or some other amount that the Selectmen deem reasonable under the circumstances. We can discuss this with the Board.” It was noted that basically they cannot get a curb cut without the Town’s approval. They are requesting the Selectmen’s endorsement for laying out the new road. Mr. Terrell pointed out that he does not feel there are any problems with the maintenance agreement. Mrs. Teague advised that the Selectboard has the letter and would like to consult with the Town attorney. Mrs. Clough will contact the Local Government Center for a legal opinion. They will try to have an answer for the meeting next week.

 

JACK FRANKS: Mr. Franks wanted to bring some concerns that he has with the Planning Board to the attention of the Selectboard. Due to comments made by certain PB officials in the past he hopes that before any new amendments / legislation are approved that they will be forwarded to the Town Attorney for a legal opinion to be sure they are unbiased and the language is legal.

 

MR. MO BIRON – Old Drewsville Road: Mr. Biron, Mr. John Carpenter, Mrs. Holly Gowdy and two other residents on the Old Drewsville Road were present to voice their concerns regarding safety conditions on this road. How can an accident be prevented? Mr. Biron advised that the Police Department and the Highway Department do a good job on that road however there are no restrictions as to what type vehicles can travel on it. Many of the vehicles speed. They have all experienced many close calls. It used to be a 4-wheel drive road. Mr. Carpenter put reflective tape on the trees to help mark the edges of the roadway. Mrs. Gowdy stated that they have to walk their animals across the road but they always worry about their safety. Is there any way of slowing down the traffic? Could the speed be reduced to 25 MPH? Mr. Terrell noted that the traffic continues to increase. Mrs. Gowdy asked if the Selectboard could talk to Police Chief Paquette about having a police cruiser more visible especially as school starts. Mrs. Teague stated that they can talk to Chief Paquette about the concerns. She thought they could put some part-time officers in that area for visibility. They could also have a conversation with the kids in the school. They will follow-up on this safety issue.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

 

Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 7:21 PM.

Mrs. Teague resumed the recessed Selectboard meeting at 7:49 PM.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Street moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated August 9, 2013, in the amount of $121,623.20. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

PAYROLL:

Mr. Street moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending August 3, 2013, for checks dated August 9, 2013, in the amount of $25,423.34. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Street moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,779.18. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 1, 2013: Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of August 1, 2013, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION #1 – August 1, 2013: Mr. Street moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of August 1, 2013, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION #2 – August 1, 2013: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of August 1, 2013, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

BUILDING PERMIT:

SHEPPARD FAMILY TRUST, Maplewood Circle, Map & Lot #024-035-000: Mr. Street moved to approve Building Permit No. 2013-23 for the Sheppard Family Trust / Dale I. Sheppard to “Construct a 12’ x 8’ 1 Story Mudroom” at 12 Maplewood Circle. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the following meeting minutes:

 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – August 6, 2013.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

 

Land Use Study Committee: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of an email from Steven Dalessio regarding a decision to hold off for a while before moving forward with the Land Use Study Committee. This is due to the fact that the recent change in zoning required that two other land use ordinances are under review and are being updated by the Zoning Board of Adjustment and the Well Head Protection Committee. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to invite Steve Dalessio and Jeff Miller from the Planning Board to attend their meeting on August 22nd for further discussion.

 

Walpole Leadership Academy: An email was received from Steven Dalessio to request that the Walpole Leadership Academy that is sponsored by the Walpole Grange and the Walpole Foundation be allowed to use the Town Hall for some of their sessions.

Mr. Street moved to allow the Walpole Leadership Academy to use the Town Hall for some of their sessions subject to coordinating the dates, times and locations with Mrs. Clough. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

American Heritage Tour: A request was received for permission to use the Town Hall on September 15th for a Pancake Breakfast from the American Heritage Tour for a fundraiser. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to have them pay the $50.00 deposit that will be refundable after their event provided they have taken care of the clean-up, etc.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

 

Mr. Street moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 8:07 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:28 PM. No announcements were made.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Street moved to adjourn this meeting. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion. With all in favor, the motion was approved. The time was 8:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Whitney R. Aldrich

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the August 15, 2013, Selectboard meeting.)

Planning Board Minutes – 8/13/13

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

AUGUST 13, 2013

Presiding:        Jeffrey Miller (Chair); Robert Miller (Vice-Chair); James Aldrich, Henry Fletcher, Dennis Marcom, Eric Merklein, Jamie Teague (Selectboard Representative)

 Alternates:      Steve Dalessio, Ed Potter

Recording:      Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

These Minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the September 10, 2013, meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.  There were fourteen people present in the audience.

Meeting Opened:  Mr. J. Miller, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the First Congregational Church.  He advised that meetings are tape recorded therefore asked anyone that wishes to speak to identify themselves.

Roll Call:  Mr. J. Miller noted that a full Board was present therefore there was no need to call upon an alternate member.  Alternate member, Jeff White, was unable to attend this meeting.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING on July 9, 2013:  The Planning Board did not hold a Workshop Session in July.

Mr. Fletcher moved to approve the Minutes of the regular PB meeting on July 9, 2013, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Merklein.  With all members in favor, the Minutes were approved.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Mr. J. Miller called this Public Hearing to order at 7:04 PM.

Proposed Amendment to the Site Plan Review (Continued from July Meeting) “Changes and Alterations in an Approved Site Plan”:  Mr. J. Miller advised that a response was received from Attorney G. Jeremy Hockensmith.  It clarifies that the proposed Amendment seems to be satisfactory but he did offer some minor amendments to it.  Mr. J. Miller talked with Mr. Dalessio, who proposed this Amendment, and he felt it would be appropriate to put those suggestions into the Site Plan Review.  From a technical standpoint, Mr. J. Miller recommended that he close this Public Hearing and propose that it be continued to the September PB meeting.  Mr. Dalessio advised that he will re-do the proposed Amendment, it can be reviewed at the Workshop Session on August 27th and then it will be posted and the Public Hearing held during the September PB meeting.

Mr. J. Miller declared this Public Hearing closed at 7:09 PM.

Mr. Aldrich moved to hold a Public Hearing on September 10, 2013, on the proposed changes to the Amendment that will be discussed during the Workshop Session on August 27th, 2013.  Seconded by Mr. R. Miller.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. J. Miller called this Public Hearing to order at 7:10 PM.

Subdivision – One Lot Into Three Lots:  Richard S. Francis, III, Ramsay Hill, Tax Map #011, Lot #007-001, Rural Agricultural Zoning District:  Mr. J. Miller advised that all abutters were notified of the Public Hearing by certified mail, it was duly advertised and posted and the fees were paid.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept this application for Richard S. Francis, III as complete.  Seconded by Mr. Marcom.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Joe DiBernardo, Land Surveyor with DiBernardo Associates, LLC, was representing the applicant.  He displayed the proposed subdivision.  Heading southwest would be to Maple Grove Road.  The applicant is proposing to subdivide his one lot into three lots:  Lot #1 will be 23.81 acres which has his existing house; Lot #2 will be 13.03 acres which has an existing shed; and Lot #3 will be 20.19 acres which is a vacant lot at this time.  This property is in the Rural Agricultural District so it meets all the requirements.  Mr. Francis is reserving some covenants and easements.  Lot #1 has an area that will be reserved for view easement for Lots #2 and #3.  Lot #2 there is a line hatch that has an area to be reserved for view easement for Lots #1 and #3.  There is already an existing 100-foot wide easement to lands of Hatfield.  The view easement is to keep the areas mowed but it depends on how it is worded on the Deed.  Mr. Francis is also reserving a 25 foot wide access easement across the northwesterly end of Lot #2 for access from Lot #3 to Lot #1 in the event he sells #2.  Mrs. Montgomery, a neighbor on Ramsay Hill Road, questioned the future of the view easements in terms of them remaining protected.  Mr. DiBernardo stated that they will be written into the Deed but it is up to the landowner to keep the covenant; it is not the Town’s responsibility.  Mr. J. Miller pointed out that the mylar is also recorded at the Registry of Deeds.  A breach will be a civil matter.

Mr. J. Miller declared this Public Hearing closed at 7:16 PM.

Mr. J. Miller called this Public Hearing to order at 7:17 PM.

Site Plan Review – Change in Use from Office to Multi-Family Residential:  Bruce R. Carruthers, 28 Main Street, Tax Map #019, Lot #042, Commercial Zoning District:  Mr. J. Miller advised that all abutters were notified of this Public Hearing by certified mail, it was duly advertised and posted and the fees were paid.

Mr. R. Miller moved to accept this application for Bruce Carruthers as complete.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

Daniel Scully, Architect, and David Bergeron, from Brickstone and Land Consultants, LLC, were representing Mr. Carruthers.  Mr. Scully advised that he was asked to verify that the foundation is all one continuous foundation.  He had previously sent a letter, dated July 25, 2013, with three pictures from the north side of the building (1) North Wall: Eastern section; 2) Middle Section looking from West to East; and 3) Junction Middle & East, to confirm that this building is all on one full continuous foundation.  He displayed a plan showing that this property has a circular driveway in the front of the property, there is a driveway and parking on the south side of the property.  This property had been used for years as a commercial property but the tenants have now moved out.  The proposal is to convert the building into three residential units and to change the parking as a part of that proposal which will reduce the amount of pavement.   They are looking at flipping the parking lot over toward the building but reduce the amount of parking spaces from approximately 18 to 9 spaces.  The circular entrance will be closed off; there will just be a singular entrance and a new walkway to the front door where there will be an entrance into the front apartment.  There will be a two car garage in the middle and there will be a third apartment in the rear.  Landscaping will be added along the front of the building and all along the side; it will be a mixture of trees, shrubs and perennials.   They will be taking some pavement up and putting a walkway in to go to the entrance for the back (second) apartment.   This will involve some fairly significant renovations to the interior of the building but very little on the outside.  At this point they are not planning to add any exterior lighting other than at the entrances.  There is an existing propane tank in the back that will still be utilized and there is an air conditioning unit that will still be utilized as well.  They plan on using the existing utilities with underground electric, using Town water and sewer.  The owner was contacted by someone that was interested in using a portion of the building for a commercial business (small office) but nothing has happened on that.  If it does they would come back before the PB.

Mr. Dalessio asked if there will be 30% open space at the lot.  Mr. Bergeron responded that it will be 39%.   Mr. Merklein questioned if the building has a sprinkler system now and, if not, do they plan on doing this.  Mr. Scully said they will be doing a code review but they are not applying for a Building Permit yet.  Mr. Bergeron pointed out that if they had to do that it would require them to dig up the street because the existing water line is not large enough but he does not think they will have to provide a sprinkler system for a three unit building.  They will look into it.

Mrs. Mansouri thanked them for checking on the continuous foundation.  She pointed out that when they go to Union Street and Main Street and go over so many feet, if they read the Zoning Ordinance, a part of their driveway, coming from Main Street, falls into the Residential District.  Mr. Scully asked Mrs. Mansouri that if there was an office use in this building and it became a mixed use building is that allowed in this zone.  Mrs. Mansouri said the building itself is in the Commercial District.  Mr. J. Miller confirmed that they can have an office in a residential building.

Mrs. Cook, an abutter, lives across the street.  She thinks that it will be an addition to that area but questioned how they would know that what is approved is what they get.  She referenced the change from condos to apartments off Route 12.  What is the maximum amount of usage if they change their minds?  Mr. J. Miller advised that they are coming before the PB for a three unit building so any change from this presentation would require another Site Plan Review.  There were two separate public hearings on the Route 12 development.  Mr. Scully said this is a grand old house and Mr. Carruthers wants to keep it that way.  These will be two two-bedroom units; each floor has two bedrooms, a nice living room, dining room, bathroom and kitchen.  They have not planned the back unit at this time but it will be of a similar nature.  When they apply for a Building Permit it will probably just be for the front portion.

Mr. Merklein asked if the driveway is wide enough for a car to go in and a car to go out.  Mr. Bergeron said in the upper part it is about 22-feet wide, it narrows down as it goes out toward the road.

Mr. Aldrich asked about the trees as he does not want to see the building hidden by the trees because it is such a nice building.  Mr. Bergeron responded that there will probably be three sugar maples, a Japanese maple that has a red leaf color and one Elm tree out front.  There will be smaller trees similar to crab apple trees on the islands.

Mr. J. Miller declared this Public Hearing closed at 7:29 PM.

Mr. J. Miller opened the regular Planning Board meeting.

Richard S. Francis, III application:  Mr. Aldrich pointed out that there is no “Walpole Valley Road” in Walpole that it should be corrected to “Valley Road”.  Mr. J. Miller mentioned that on the plat it is okay but on the location map it is incorrect.  Mr. DiBernardo advised that he will do the new mylar and paper copies and drop them off for signatures.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Richard S. Francis, III Subdivision application, as submitted, with the noted change to the name of the road.  Seconded by Mr. Marcom.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

Bruce R. Carruthers application:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Bruce R. Carruthers application, as submitted, for the Site Plan Review.  Seconded by Mr. Marcom.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Rice Mountain Estate:  It was noted that Mr. Gerenser requested that this Public Hearing be tabled until the September meeting.

Stephen H. Bryan / Elisabeth Lacher Bryan and Glenn Barcome:  Mr. Joe DiBernardo displayed a plan for a Boundary Line Adjustment between properties on Stevens Lane and Watkins Hill Road.  They are proposing to cut a small triangle off the Barcome property that is 0.37 acres and add it to the Bryan property.  Both parties have agreed no structure will be erected in the annexed parcel.

Mr. Aldrich moved to set a Public Hearing on September 10th for this application contingent to receipt of the application and fees.  Seconded by Mr. R. Miller.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Clarify Terms of Office for Two Alternate PN Members:  Mr. J. Miller advised that the PB has now received their documentation on clarification of the terms of office for Mr. Potter and Mr. White.

Planning Board:

Workshop Session:  There will be a Workshop Session on Tuesday, August 27, 2013, at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall Downstairs Office.  The topic for discussion will be the proposed changes to the Amendment to the Site Plan Review.

Other Business: 

Hooper Property:  Mr. Sheldon Sawyer asked Mr. J. Miller to announce that there will be a Public Hearing on the Hooper Trust and the Hooper Golf Club Land on Saturday, August 17th at 1:00 PM in the Walpole Middle School gym.  The Hooper Study Committee will give recommendations on what they have been studying and doing research on.  They hope everybody will attend.

Adjournment:  Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:41 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary