Monthly Archives: September 2017

Planning Board workshop Minutes – 9/26/17

PLANNING BOARD 09/29/2017 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board

Workshop Session

September 26, 2017

Town Hall

 

Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Co-chair Robert Miller, James Aldrich secretary, Jason Perron, Dennis Marcom, Cheryl Mayberry Selectboard Representative, Alternates Joanna Andros, Ed Potter, Selectboard member Steve Dalessio, Guest Ray Boas.

 

Suggestions to the Selectboard – Complete Streets The following Complete Street recommendations were discussed and it was decided that they would be sent to the Selectboard and the Board would let the Planning Board know which recommendations they considered feasible now and why and which might be good ideas for the future. The people at the workshop also voted to accept the Walpole Complete Streets Planning and Design Guidelines, drafted in July 2017, as their policy. Both the recommendations and policy will become part of the Master Plan.

The recommendations came from monthly meetings beginning in January and ending in August.

The following recommendations were selected to send to the Selectboard for their implementation.

 

Walpole, NH Complete Streets Recommendations

The Planning Board is making recommendations to the Selectboard for implementation now are in the future. They are being made after nine months of meetings and input with Planner Mari Brunner and other representatives of Southwest Regional Planning Commission and Walpole Police Mike Paquette.

 

Speeds: The speed limit, which is 25 mph, should be clearly marked and enforced in the Village. Consider installing a speed limit sign on South Street as drivers enter the village and another sign on Main Street near Costume Ladies or before Edward Jones.

 

Walkway/sidewalk near Jakes and Mascoma Bank: The painted walkway on the northwest corner of the Westminster St/Main St. intersections should be restored to a sidewalk. When the gas station and convenience store changes hands in the near future might be a good time to do this.

 

Shared Bicycle Lane Markings (i.e. “sharrows): Consider adding sharrows to Main Street and other roads in the village to indicate that motorists should share the road with bicyclists. For roads with parallel parking, sharrows should be placed outside the “door zone” of parked cars. For roads with diagonal parking, sharrows should be placed in the middle of the travel lane (closer to the yellow line) to direct bicyclists away from cars backing out of angle parking spaces.

 

Fountain on Westminster St.: Consider continuing adding roadway markings and signage to clarify how motorists should navigate around the fountain in the intersection of Westminster St. and Main St.

 

Main St. connection from school to Walpole Village: Consider traffic calming by adding sharrows and/or a bike lane for students who bicycle to school, and education to raise awareness among students and drivers about how to safely share the road and decrease incidents of students walking in the travel lane. Keep overhanging brush cut.

 

Main St. connection from school to Mill Pond: Consider widening and improving the surface condition of the shoulders along this stretch of road where space allows. In addition consider placing signage that says “Pedestrian Crossing Ahead” to alert motorists to likely pedestrian crossing location.      While this may be a large expense, consider in the future making a sidewalk from the school up to where the neighborhoods are.

 

Library Crosswalk: Add yield signs on the pavement before the crosswalk on both sides of the road.

 

NORTH WALPOLE VILLAGE

 

Crosswalk on Killeen St./Route 12: Consider working with the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) to install a pedestrian crosswalk near Stateline Grocery where the sidewalk ends on one side of the road and continues on the other side of the road.

 

Informal pedestrian railroad crossing from Church St to Center St.: According to Chief Paquette, some students cross the railroad tracks to get from the bus stop on Church St. to Center St. as a shortcut to get home. Consider working with School Bus company to change the location of the bus stop, improve the fence to block children from crossing at this location, or working with the police dept. to identify other strategies to address the situation.

 

DREWSVILLE VILLAGE

 

Check with state to keep a 35 mph speed consistent from the cemetery through the village.

 

September 2017

 

 

            Amended DADU: On the advice of the town’s attorney, Jeremy Hockensmith, the     following amendments were approved at the meeting. At it’s next regular meeting, the Board will discuss whether or not it wants to hold a Public Hearing in November or December to place it on the ballot for the voters to approve.

 

Here is the document. The additions are in bold.

 

Are you in favor of the following changes to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance?

Add under Article IV General Provisions Section O Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit as
permitted under RSA 674:73 (Effective June 1, 2017)

 

            DADU – As defined as a residential living unit that is with the same single-family lot and provides independent living facilities for one or more person, including provisions for     sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same parcel of land as the principal unit it accompanies.

1. One Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU) shall be allowed in all zoning districts                          that permit single-family dwellings. The following requirements apply: No change in frontage or setbacks shall be required for a DADU, however, the minimum lot size for any given Zoning District shall be the following:

  1. Residential District Type A minimum lot area shall be 80,000 square feet
  2. Residential District Type B minimum lot area shall be 50,000 square feet
  3. Rural/Agricultural minimum lot area shall be 80,000 square feet
  4. 4.Timberland  not permitted                                                  
  1. The maximum area for a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be 900 square feet of living space.  A larger living space may be permitted by a variance granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
  1. No more than Three (3) bedrooms may be permitted in a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit.
  2. Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit must be within 150 feet of the principal dwelling unit.
  3. Occupancy of the accessory or principal unit is limited to family members related by blood, marriage, adoption, foster children or, if unrelated, not more than two (2) unrelated individuals.  (See 3C for maximum occupancy.)
  4. No conversions to condominiums and must remain in common ownership.

 

  1. The Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit may be within separate detached building on the     property (such as a garage or barn).        
  1. Unless otherwise provided for herein, all existing regulations applicable to single family dwellings shall also apply to the combination of a principal dwelling unit and detached accessory dwelling unit, including the following:.
    1. the state building code
    2. applicable sections of the state fire code
    3. the standards for maximum occupancy per bedroom consistent with policy adopted by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
    4. only one DADU per lot
    5. Must comply with town ordinances and regulations.

 

  1. Adequate provisions for water supply and sewage disposal for the detached accessory dwelling unit in accordance with RSA 485-A:38 shall be demonstrated by the applicant. Separate systems, including but not limited to plumbing, heating, electrical and sanitary disposal systems, are not required for the principal and detached accessory dwelling unit provided that occupants of both units have access to the electrical panel and circuit breakers serving their respective units.
  2. All applications to create a detached accessory dwelling unit shall demonstrate to the Zoning Board of Adjustment that the property has ample parking for both the principal unit and DADU.
  3. When the creation of an DADU requires an addition to or modification of the exterior of the existing detached structure, or the creation of a new detached structure, the design and details to be used shall be aesthetically compatible with and maintain an aesthetic continuity with the principal dwelling unit as a single-family dwelling.

 

  1. An addition to or exterior modification of an existing detached structure shall be designed to match within reason the architectural style, detail, and materials of the existing structure.
  2. When constructing a new detached structure to accommodate an DADU, the exterior design may either reflect the architectural style, detail, and materials of the existing single family structure, or it may reflect the architectural style, details and materials that are commonly found in detached accessory structures associated with a single family dwelling, such as a barn, or a garage with      apartment over.                           
  3. The owner of the property shall occupy either the principal dwelling unit or the detached accessory dwelling unit as their “Principal Place of Residence.” Whichever dwelling unit is not the property owner’s principal place of residence may be rented to a person(s) unrelated to the property owner
  4. The owner shall demonstrate to the Select Board that one of the units is his or her “Principal Place of Residence” prior to issuance of a Building Permit by the Select Board for the accessory dwelling unit.
  5. The term “Principal Place of Residence” for purposes of determining owner occupancy shall mean the location where the property owner is domiciled and has a place of abode, and the location where the property owner has, through all of his or her actions, demonstrated a current intent to designate said residence as his or her principal place of physical presence.

Such an intent on the part of the property owner is evidenced by, among other things, his or her voter’s registration, vehicle registration, driver’s license, or the placement of his or her children in local public schools.

Any temporary lapse of owner occupancy in the primary residence caused by the death of a property owner shall be permitted for a period not to exceed 1 year.

  1. The property owner shall submit to the Select Board a signed and notarized “memorandum of adequate notice”, to be recorded at the registry of deeds at the applicant’s expense.
  2. The notice shall identify the property on which the detached accessory  dwelling unit is located by source deed, and serve as a notice to successor owners that the accessory dwelling unit is subject to the provisions of this section of the zoning ordinance, and that owner occupancy of one of the two units is required by this subsection. This  notice shall be recorded upon issuance of a Building Permit.
  3. If the owner of the property is a trust, the term “property owner” shall mean the creator or beneficiary of the trust. If the owner of the property is a corporation, the term “property owner” shall mean the principal stockholder.

 

Under Section XVII,  P. Add after “A one or two family dwelling will share the same foundation per lot.”
Effective June 1, 2017 Attached Dwelling Units are to comply with RSA 674:71 – RSA 674:72

 

Legal education – the Board decide that the Ruggiero decision brought up many questions about what Planning and Zoning Boards could and couldn’t do. But since the Ruggiero case is still under appeal, it cannot specifically be discussed by the Board. But there are some general questions that can be. The group expressed the desire to have Mr. Jeremy Hockensmith, the town’s attorney, come to a workshop with the Boards and answer some questions the Planning Board will prepare about gray areas. This questions to be discussed will be decided at the regular meeting. Mr. Hockensmith will hold the workshop at a regular Planning Board workshop time.

 

Respectfully submitted, Marilou Blaine

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/21/17

SELECTBOARD 09/29/2017 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Cheryl Mayberry

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were five members of the public in attendance.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

PAUL McGUIRK:   Mr. McGuirk was present at this meeting with questions regarding his new assessment especially on his land on County Road. He did some research.  The valuation on his land alone went up 31%.  Is that average or high compared to the whole town?  His residence went down approximately $100.00.  He does not feel the letter from Avitar Associates is clear.  He asked for the listing of the new assessments mentioned in the letter as he does not have a computer.  He would like to compare some of his neighbor’s property values to his.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied the Town does not yet have that complete listing; she did have a copy of his new tax card.  Mr. McGuirk noted the letter does not tell the residents if they did not have any satisfaction after they made the appeal, they could make an appointment to meet with the Selectboard members.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the Selectboard usually has property owners appeal directly to Avitar.  When Mr. McGuirk met with the Avitar representative he asked Mr. McGuirk if he could get the price of his appraisal if he were to sell the property.  What bothers Mr. McGuirk is the assessments on commercial land.  He checked on three properties he had looked at five years ago, in addition to looking into properties in the Tractor Supply area; residential and commercial.  He does not yet have the new assessments.  Residential property turns over faster than commercial property.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted with this assessment a lot of land value went up yet the assessment on a house either stayed the same or went down.  She heard one answer; a lot of land was sold in Town so that is how they compared values.  Mr. McGuirk stated a property owner can appeal to the Selectboard, then to the Board of Tax and Land Appeals and, if necessary, to the Superior Court but that is expensive.  Mrs. Pschirrer explained an appeal goes to Avitar. It then comes back to the Selectboard to either approve or deny their recommendation.  Mrs. Downing advised the list of the new assessments will arrive in the office next Wednesday.  Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that the Selectboard cannot answer all his questions tonight but they will do their homework and research and get back to Mr. McGuirk.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:44 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:59 PM.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:00 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:42 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of September 21, 2017, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $562,378.21 for checks dated September 22, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $535,300.00 to the Fall Mountain Region School District.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending September 16, 2017 in the amount of $21,739.45 for checks dated September 22, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,624,53 for the week ending September 16, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 14, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of September 14, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – September 14, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 14, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

  • Planning Board – September 12, 2017;
  • Cemetery Trustees – September 9, 2017;
  • North Walpole Village District Commissioners – August 29, 2017;
  • North Walpole Village District Commissioners – September 12, 2017
  • Hooper Institute Committee – September 12, 2017.

 

BUILDING PERMITS:

Walpole Handmade Chocolates, LLC – 35 Main Street, Map and Lot #020-080-000:

Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-33 for Walpole Handmade Chocolates, LLC to add a “8’ x 6’ Covered Porch Entrance” at 35 Main Street.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio advised when a contractor comes in for a Building Permit the Selectboard still need a letter from the property owner. This Building Permit was made out for Burdicks however they no longer own this building; it is Walpole Homemade Chocolates, LLC.  Mr. Dalessio recommended the owner re-do this application.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved the Selectboard rescind their previous motion to approve Building Permit No. 2017-33.  This building is no longer owned by Burdicks.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Tom and Cheryl Patty, 124 Upper Walpole, Map and Lot #012-047-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-34 for Tom and Cheryl Patty to “add a “16’ x 18’ Bedroom Addition” at 124 Upper Valley Road, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Donna and Edward Karmen, 232 Upper Walpole Road, Map and Lot #012-031-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit #2017-35 for Donna and Edward Karmen to add a “36’ x 26’4” 1st and 2nd Floor Addition” at 232 Upper Walpole Road, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

CURRENT USE:

Map and Lot #001-016-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Land Use Change Tax for Map and Lot #001-016-000 as requested.  Reclaimed land is being moved back into Current Use.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

Gowdy Living Trust, Old Drewsville Road, Map and Lot #001-016-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for the Gowdy Living Trust, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Lane Construction Co., Access through Westmoreland, Map and Lot #003-002-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Lane Construction Company, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Westberg Property:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported today is the day Southwest Region Planning Commission wanted the Selectboard to give them a decision on the Westberg property as they are holding money for this Walpole project.  Mr. Mike McClosky expected the DES would begin their sampling today.  It will be October 6th before they have test results.  The next meeting of the Brownfields Committee is on November 21st.  The Selectboard have to let them know as soon as possible if they want to move forward with Phase I. Everyone agrees they will not be able to complete everything in order to apply for the November round of grants.  It would be in the Town’s best interest for the Selectboard to advise they want to proceed with Phase I and have the SWRPC hold the funds but not start Phase I until the middle of winter. In the meantime Mrs. Pschirrer communicated with the executor of the Westberg estate.  Mr. Dalessio feels they should go ahead with Phase I with the understanding that we have no obligation to take the property.  Ms. Mayberry said if they have time to get the sampling results then she is okay with moving forward.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to continue to pursue acquisition of the Westberg Central Plating property from the Westberg Estate and request funding from Southwest Region Planning Commission for funding Phase I with the understanding that the Town expects liability protection from the federal government and the State of New Hampshire.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio would like to know if the Town can still hold Westberg Estate liable for this. Mrs. Pschirrer said it is a good question to ask Attorney Hockensmith.  Mrs. Pschirrer will send this motion to Mr. J.B. Mack at SWRPC.

Letter to Andrew Lewis:  Acknowledgement was made of the letter from Mr. Andrew Lewis.  His property is on Blackjack Crossing and he is concerned with the assessment on his property but does not want to enter into an appeal process.  He hopes the Selectboard will intervene with Avitar Associates.  Mrs. Downing was asked to contact Avitar Associates to ask for a letter as to why the land portions have gone up so much.  It is the Town’s common complaint.  It will be nice to have the answer in writing.

Recreation Revolving Fund Request – Volley Ball Net:  Ms. Mayberry would like to table the Recreation request for a volley ball net for North Walpole as Mr. Gallagher will come to the Selectboard meeting next week to talk about the park.  They are all concerned about the vandalism.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT):  Mrs. Pschirrer attended this Public Hearing; it was an interesting hearing on the 10-year Plan starting 2019.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned there is an article in the Keene Sentinel on the Vilas Bridge.    

Water and Sewer Receipts to Date: Water and Sewer collections continue and the delinquent amount continues to be reduced each week.

Recreation Revolving Fund Request:  A request was received from Mr. Justin Cassarino and the Recreation Committee to purchase soccer uniforms for the players ages 4-11.  They will be purchasing their items through Grizzly Graphix.  The total cost is $1,260.50.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve this request by the Recreation Committee to purchase soccer uniforms for the amount of $1,260.50 from their Revolving Fund.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

A-5 Land Use Change Tax Form:

Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the A-5 Land Use Change Tax Form which goes back to 2015 as requested by Mrs. Smith.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer signed the document.  Ms. Mayberry abstained from the vote as it was prior to her being a Selectboard member.

Health Trust HRA and FSA Option: The Selectboard received a letter from the Health Trust regarding their introduction of “HealthTrust Benefit Advantage”.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like to have the HealthTrust representative, Teresa Williams, schedule a meeting to talk with the Selectboard.

Calendar:  Mr. Dalessio suggested having a calendar posted with all the dates and deadlines for end of the year 2017 and start of 2018.  The dates are needed when various documents need to be in.  Mrs. Downing was asked to print one to share with the Selectboad and Mr. Kreissle.

Parking on Westminster Street:  An email was received from Mr. Fred Ernst who lives on Westminster Street. There is marked parking with lines on both sides of the street.  There is no parking space directly across from Mr. Ernst’s driveway because of the fire hydrant.  Mr. Ernst would like the Town to remove all the parking spaces on the opposite side of the street from his driveway.  Mrs. Pschirrer will write him a note to advise the Selectboard declined his request.

Conservation Commission Recording Secretary: The Conservation Commission will need a new Recording Secretary due to the resignation of Regina Borden.  This will be advertised and posted.

 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION #2:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:35 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:48 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of September 21, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Commonwealth Property in North Walpole:  Ms. Mayberry clarified some on-going issues with the new building on the Commonwealth property in North Walpole following the Walpole Planning Board meeting.  She encouraged the Commissioners to have either Mr. John Foster or one of the Commissioners attend these Planning Board meetings when a property in North Walpole is on the agenda.  Therefore, she asked that copies of agendas and minutes be forwarded to the North Walpole Commissioners.

Mr. Dalessio recommended that copies of agendas and minutes be forwarded to all elected officials; there should be a distribution list.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:54 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:03 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Town of Walpole Staff Meeting – 9/21/17

SELECTBOARD 09/29/2017 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Cheryl Mayberry

Also Present:                Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Police Chief Michael Paquette (Police Department), Michael Rau (Highway Department), Paul Colburn (Recycling Center), Sandra Smith (Town Clerk / Tax Collector), Rebecca Whippie (Hooper Institute)

Call to Order:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised this meeting is being recorded.  Justine Fafara and Justin Cassarino were not present.

 

Mrs. Pschirrer thanked Mrs. Downing for organizing the picnic for employees, volunteers and their families.  It was terrific.  She thanked everybody for the desserts and thanked those who stayed to help clean-up.

Mrs. Pschirrer thanked the Department Heads for turning in their budgets.  The Selectboard will contact the Department Heads to arrange a date and time for them to meet.  The Department Heads received a reminder that no matter how small or insignificant an injury is it must be reported immediately otherwise the Town could get a fine for late reporting.  Even if the injury never goes anywhere report it to Mrs. Downing so she can give the State first notice.  If something develops later on we made the report.  It is a safety issue.

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned any time they are filling out a time sheet; make sure the employee initials any corrections.  The Town also had a fine for that.  Mr. Dalessio said to be sure to put AM or PM on the time shifts.  This is very important.  Mrs. Pschirrer said when any of the above issues leads to fines, the Selectboard brings it to the Department Head’s attention.

 

Town Clerk/Tax Collector:  Mrs. Smith reported they collected $76,659.37 in property taxes.  They received lots of calls regarding the reassessment and referred some to Mrs. Downing.

Mrs. Smith attended the annual Town and City Clerks Association meeting held in North Conway.  They always learn something new and net working with the other clerks is always interesting.

The Motor Vehicle department will be closed October 6th and plan to be up and running on Wednesday, October 11th.  They will be installing a new version of their software called VISION.  During this period no one in the State will be able to register their vehicles.  The Town Clerk/Town Collector’s office will be open normal hours as they can collect taxes and process vital records and answer questions.  They will also be working on their files.

They collected $65,376.50 in town clerk receipts.  Of this amount, dogs accounted for $240.50.  Meghan is still sending letters and telephoning and bringing in results!

They will go to the One check system on October 2nd.  Customers will write one check instead of two checks.  In a few weeks they should be able to accept credit cards.  The customer will be paying the convenience fee of 2.95% if they use their credit card.  There will be no cost to the Town.  Mr. Kreissle and she have spent hours working on this project.

They collected $445.00 in Marriage license fees—of this amount the Town gets to keep $84.00.  This takes lots of time with little income.

 

Highway Department:  Mr. Rau advised that eleven (11) miles of roads were paved.  They still have some money left over so he hopes to do some shimming on the roads to help get them through the winter.  They tried to do some work on low shoulders/dips alongside the roads.  Chesterfield and Alstead helped them with paving.  It is good to work with other towns.  Mrs. Pschirrer said the cooperation is good. They just have a few more roads to do and they will have been around the entire town once doing roadside mowing.  The department has also done the following:

  • Cold patching;
  • Serviced the trucks and equipment;
  • Took care of trash cans;
  • Road sweeping
  • Picked up ash at the Recycling Center;
  • Helped with trucking for Chesterfield, paving;
  • Helped Alstead with trucking, gravel;
  • The pool cover is on the pool;
  • Trees in the roads;
  • Truck inspections;
  • Fixed Truck #4 – Hydraulic hose;
  • Fixed mower – hydraulic hose and brackets;
  • Set up and took away tables and chairs for the cookout;
  • Put up school bus signs.

Mr. Rau mentioned the department is moving along.  It was a busy summer.  They got the majority of projects done.  Mrs. Pschirrer said the fall season is arriving quickly.  Mr. Rau said they will be ready by October 15th.

 

Hooper Institute:  Ms. Rebecca Whippie reported they got off to a great start with the new school year.  It was a rainy summer; the gardens are growing well.

Mrs. Eloise Clark is working with:

Fifth Grade – Insects;

Sixth Grade – Botany and planting.

Ms. Rebecca Whippie is working with:

Pre-K – Getting to know the young students; they should be ready to go outside next week.

Kindergarten to the Fourth Grade – Working in the garden and doing outside observations;

Water and tasks in the garden;

First Grade – Planting seeds, saving seeds and doing apple exploration;

Second Grade – Soils;

Third Grade – Photosynthesis – Trees;

Fourth Grade – Conservation programs for protected wildflowers, squash plants and drawing                 w/labels; Kale seed saving and apples.  The students keep eating the kale.

Different classes have tasted: blueberries, mint, chives, green beans, kale, rhubarb cake, orange-cherry tomatoes. There are more things to harvest but things are still growing.

Community Gardens – produce has regularly been delivered to the local food shelf and/or Keene Community Kitchen.

 

Manager of Finance:  Mr. Kreissle is still working on the budget.  He will start training Mrs. Jodi Daigle on payroll work next week.  Mrs. Pschirrer talked to Mr. Kreissle about the fact that not much was spent out of Warrant Article for municipal buildings. It seems like a lot of it is for the Library.  Chief Paquette will be using about $4,000 to finish some work.  Mrs. Pschirrer hopes the Department Heads will think of future repairs so they can put together another Warrant Article for repairs to their buildings.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned the Selectboard might consider encumbering some money left over; it might be $20,000.

 

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Justine Fafara was unable to attend this meeting but submitted the following report dated September 20th:

August 2016 Stats:                                           August 2017 Stats:

25 Days Open                                                  25 Days Open

1789 People                                                     1614 People

2420 Circ                                                         2248 Circ

34 Programs                                                     26 Programs

186 Kids                                                          129 Kids

2 Teens                                                                        11 Teens

159 Adults                                                       132 Adults

April 2016 Avg: 72 ppl & 97 circ per day       April 2017 Avg: 65 ppl & 90 circ per day

10 People per program                                     10 people per program

The new lighting is in and looks great!  That was the last of their warrant article projects.

Michael from Quality Computer Services in Alstead came and did some re-wiring and troubleshooting for them.  Everything is working wonderfully now and all the wires and routers are organized in a cabinet under her desk.

  • Fafara went to the Children’s Book Preview at the State Library on the 11th.
  • She is going to New England Library Association Conference on October 22nd-24th.
  • Friends are collecting books for the book sale until October 12th. The sale is the 27th-29th.
  • The Stuffed Animal Slumber Party is this weekend, the 22nd and 23rd. The children bring in their favorite stuffed animals and leave them overnight.  Pictures are taken.  The children come back the next day to pick up their animals.

North Walpole Stats:

July 2016                                                         July 2017

194 circ                                                                       273 circ

3 computer use                                                            7 computer use

62 patrons                                                        84 patrons

29 hours                                                          31 hours

 

August 2016                                                    August 2017

198 circ                                                                       250 circ

3 computer use                                                            7 computer use

64 patrons                                                        62 patrons

32 hours open                                                  32 hours open.

 

Recycling Center:  Mr. Paul Colburn explained the figures in his “3 Year Comparison to Recyclables” and “Daily Weight Report and 3 Year to Date Comparison” reports.  The Recycling Center is right on track with Revenues; the markets are up at this point.  There was a good showing on recyclables for August; 122-123 tons over the year than forecast.  The big items are cardboard and mixed paper.  C and D is unpredictable month-to-month.  Their budgeted figure for the year is $166,350.00 and as of September 20th the actual figure is $126,263.75. Two loads of wood were brought in.  Fall Mountain Region School District came in with four loads of paper and other miscellaneous items.  They are changing over for the season.  A new volunteer, Mr. Paul Happ, is helping out with the web-site and volunteer program.  The wood program is going well.  Last Wednesday Mr. Colburn spoke to the Walpole Seniors and they gave him a check for $25.00 that will be in next month’s receipts.  He enjoyed visiting with them.

 

Police Department:  Police Chief Michael Paquette provided the following report from August 16, 2017 through September 15, 2017.  The total number of calls for service was 354.

  • Public Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls -37                Administration – 52                 Citizen Assists – 63

  • Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 17                         MV Stops – 75                         Traffic Safety – 19

  • Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol – 25        Crimes Against a Person – 49     Crimes Against Property -22

 

The Motor Vehicle grants will be up at the end of this month for DUI, Distracted Driver and radar enforcement.  They are working to finish these up.  They hope to get more grants.  He will know in November if the department received a 50-50 match for equipment.  Detective Bromley and Officer Gosetti went to a training class for acquiring evidence at the scene.  He has some employment ads in the Upper Valley News, Keene Sentinel and on-line.  They anticipate having a test at the end of October.  In October the Child Advocacy Center, through the State, is having a fundraiser.  Law enforcement officers will grow beards and put in $30-to-$40 to bring awareness of the Center.  Sgt. Justin Sanctuary was promoted to Lieutenant in September.  He is very qualified and well deserving of this.  The Police Department purchased 200 Halloween bags with some treats and wrist bands that glow in the dark for the children.  These bags will be given out on Drug Take Back day, October 28th at both the Police Department and Fire Department.  The bags not given out on Drug Take Back Day will be brought to the Village to be given out to the children.  Drug Take Back Day has been advertised in the Clarion and put on their Facebook page.  There were car break-ins in North Walpole; some property was recovered.  This is the time of the year the officers have to finish up their training as mandated by the State.  Chief Paquette does not yet know if a Halloween Pumpkin Fest event will occur in Keene. Most Walpole officers were trained in riot control.

 

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing submitted the following report dated September 21, 2017.

Assessing Update:

  • Notice of Preliminary Assessment letters were mailed to property owners by Avitar Associates on August 28, 2017. The letters included an online address to view and download draft property cards.  The Selectboard Office printed cards for those property owners who had difficulties accessing property card information.
  • Included in the notice was a phone number and a date range for making an appointment to meet with the Avitar assessors. These meetings were held at the Town Hall on Sept. 13th and 14th.  Avitar had multiple assessors present. There was high interest from property owners to meet with or submit written letters to Avitar regarding their property assessments.  Most land values went up.
  • Department of Revenue (DRA) appraisers were present on Sept. 14th to conduct exit interviews after property owners met with an Avitar assessor. DRA appraisers have been also involved in field work involving recent property sales and random sample appraisals to compare their findings with assessments completed by Avitar.
  • The MS-1 report which sets the total valuation for the Town of Walpole will be submitted on or before Sept. 29th. The Selectboard will sign this report next week.

Water and Sewer:

  • Demand of Payment Notices for accounts that are over 90 days overdue were mailed on 8/14/17.
  • Increased collections have been occurring due to consistent and frequent communication with users. Continual follow-up is planned so that delinquent accounts will become current.
  • Prep for October meter reads is occurring. Meter reading are planned to start during the first week of October.  Billing is to follow for the middle to latter portion of October with bills being due before the end of November.
  • The October dated water and sewer invoice will cover a 4-month interval (June, July, August and September). The next billing will be for a 3-month and will be the first quarterly bill for 2018.  The hope is because the quarterly bill will be a smaller bill that people will pay quicker.

Town Hall Facilities and Technology Updates:

  • The Town Hall entrance steps continue to be cleaned, spot repaired and sealed.
  • Exterior signs are to be installed next week. This will be helpful for upcoming October weddings.  Visitors may not know where the Town Hall is located.
  • The cleaning out of basement continues with several no-longer-needed items being moved out over the past month. The first shipment of paper documents to the commercial shredding company will start next week.  More sorting and cleaning out of documents is planned for several storage areas in the basement.
  • New laptops for the Selectboard Recording Secretary and the Highway department have been purchased. A new laptop for the Recycling Department is being ordered.  A new desktop for Selectboard Office has been delivered and installed.  All new machines will be using Office365 which will maintain the most current version of the software and to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

Save the Dates:

  • Friday, October 20th will be a Health Trust Benefits presentation from 1-2pm to all full-time Town employees. Mandatory attendance is required for this employee group.
  • Friday, November 3rd from 1-2pm is the annual Harassment Awareness Training for all Town of Walpole employees. Attendance is mandatory.  If an employee cannot attend this training a certificate of attendance for an online course or training with another group can be submitted.

 

Recreation Department:  Mr. Justin Cassarino was unable to attend this meeting but submitted the following report dated September 21, 2017.

Pool:

  • Highway Department will be putting the cover on (Thanks Mike);
  • Trash was picked up (Thank you Paul).

Soccer:

  • 115 participants;
  • Purchased all new equipment for the program;
  • Games started this week;
  • Entering four teams into the Walpole Elementary School tournament on September 30th.

Other:

  • Their Smoke Free signs still need to be put up at the pool house, Stone Church field, and North Walpole Park.
  • Informed the North Walpole Park committee that their request is on-hold and Cheryl Mayberry will meet with them.

 

 

Adjournment:  Mrs. Pschirrer closed this Staff Meeting at 6:00 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/14/17

SELECTBOARD 09/22/2017 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

SEPTEMBER 14, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Cheryl Mayberry

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were three members of the public in attendance.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

TAXATION OF SOLAR PANELS and ARRAYS:  Mr. Bob Anderson and Mr. Ernie Vose were present to discuss the new Taxation of Solar Panels and Arrays assessment.  Mr. Anderson was surprised to see this new assessment on his new property tax bill.  When both he and Mr. Vose started their solar arrays in 2015 they were told there would be no charge.  Mr. Vose mentioned most towns in the State have no tax on solar systems.  Mr. Anderson talked with an Avitar representative today who explained they have now figured out to assess them.  The assessment is based on the number of panels.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out in 2008 there was Article 20 and Article 21 on the Warrant by Petition relative to “exemption from taxation for the full value of Solar Powered Energy System Improvements”; it was amended on the floor by Jill Robinson to $10,000.00 but both Articles were defeated by the voters.  That was almost ten years ago, so voters may have changed their minds.  Mr. Vose said solar panels can be moved by truck; they can be sold and/or moved to another property.  Avitar had said they would not assess the solar arrays but now they are.  Mr. Dalessio suggested they submit their request for the exemption by a petition.  They can pay their property tax bills and file for an abatement.  Mr. Anderson explained a solar array has a long pay-back; he described his financial investment and how long it takes to recover their costs.  He distributed copies a “Solar Panel Assessment Methodology” and explained the some real/some fictitious figures on the document.  The panels lose their efficiency over time.  Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that the Selectboard will talk to Avitar Associates about this as well as other matters that have been brought to their attention. However, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Vose should consider either submitting a petition or warrant article.

 

NICHOLAS POLSELLI:  Mr. Polselli lives in the log home on the river side of Route 12 in North Walpole.  He provided some history on bank erosion that includes his property going back to 1996.  When he received his recent property tax bill, the assessment increased by $11,900.00 and he feels this is excessive given the bank erosion of his property and up-coming road construction project on Route 12.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised his assessment on the dwelling went down but the land value went up. She recommended he should pay his property tax bill but apply for an abatement between January and March 2018.  The Selectboard will discuss this parcel assessment with Avitar Associates.

 

PETER GRAVES:  Mr. Graves asked about the process to change a name on a property tax bill.  Mrs. Downing will look at the Cheshire County records and then contact Mr. Graves with the existing name on the Deed.

The Selectboard and Mr. Graves, County Commissioner, talked about the next county bill.  Mr. Graves noted the Town of Walpole pays more per person than some other towns.  The County Commissioners have not yet set the budget for next year but are trying not to increase the taxation because of the bond issue for Maplewood.  The county has about 480 employees.  The Selectboard expressed concern with their taxes.  Mr. Dalessio asked if Mr. Graves had talked to the County Sheriff about having them transport juveniles back-and-forth to court.  Mr. Graves replied the Sheriff said they do it when they are available. However they do not work after hours or week-ends.  Mr. Dalessio advised the police have to meet the court time lines.  Mr. Graves mentioned that County business is running smooth.

There was discussion relative to paving the roads in Walpole.  Mr. Graves mentioned Cold River Materials is located in Walpole and pays property taxes yet the Town chose to go with a company outside the Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the Town looks at paving product and prices every year.  A representative from Cold River Materials attended a meeting when this was discussed.  The Town tries to do ten miles each year.  They do not want to re-pave the roads too often so they look for the best product at the best price.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $80,625.55 for checks dated September 15, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending September 9, 2017 in the amount of $36,005.18 for checks dated September 15, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $10.609.96 for the week ending September 9, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 7, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of September 7, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – September 7, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 7, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

  • Walpole Conservation Commission – August 7, 2017:

 

OLD BUSINESS:

State of New Hampshire Department of Labor – Inspector Report, Youth Only:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Town was cited by the Labor Department for record keeping for youth this summer.

Mr. Dalessio moved to pay the $250.00 penalty and not appeal the NH Department of Labor decision.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved that this penalty in the amount of $250.00 be taken out of the Hooper Trust.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Recreation Revolving Fund Request – Volley Ball Net:  Ms. Mayberry requested this be carried over until the next Selectboard meeting as she has not yet had an opportunity to talk to the North Walpole Commissioners.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed – Sale of Lot D453:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Lot #D453 to Patricia Lawlor.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Laptop Computer:  Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the purchase order for the laptop from TrueNorth for the Recycling Center.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests – Map 6, Lot 24 Land Question:  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests as they are working with the owner of this property to evaluate conservation options.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests request that the Town does not have any knowledge of this property having solid or hazardous materials on it.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:  Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:48 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 14, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:06 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:09 PM

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 9/20/17

ZONING BOARD 09/22/2017 Leave a comment

Zoning Board of Adjustment

Town of Walpole

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

7:30 pm

 

Present: Board Members: Chair Myra Mansouri, Vice-Chair Jan Galloway Leclerc, Tom Murray, Judy Trow, Mary Therese Lester. Alternate: Pauline Barnes. Absent: Ernie Vose. 

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the October meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Roll Call: Ms. Mansouri called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. There were five board members present so no one was needed to fill in.

 

Minutes:  Corrections to the minutes are as follows: page 4, first paragraph – center of the road was changed to edge of the road; page 2, paragraph 2 second sentence should be in quotes and in the same paragraph the last word, “with” should be followed by “selling excess materials.”

Ms. Leclerc made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the Board voted in favor of the motion.

The August Executive Session minutes will be voted on next month.

 

New Business:

Paula Burdick wants to put in a new driveway at a home she owns on Elm Street. Ms. Burdick could not make the meeting so it was postponed until next month.

New signage at Jakes was postponed until next month.

 

Gravel Pit Inspections:

Every year gravel pits must be inspected by the Zoning Board. This year the assignments are as follows:

Cold River and Whipple Hill – Ernie and MT

Hodgkins – Drewsville and Industrial Park – Judy and Myra

Graves – Jan and Tom

Sawyer – Jan and Tom

Inspection forms will be turned in at the October meeting.

Ms. Barnes asked about inspections. Ms. Trow suggested she check RSA 1:55, which is in the Planning Board manual on page 119.

 

Letter to the Zoning Board

The Zoning Board received a letter from a Walpole resident living in Dearborn Circle. The person was  concerned about the September Zoning Board minutes and was writing about the discussion of a storage facility at 6 Ames Plaza Lane.

The letter said that in March 2007, Dearborn Circle and Burrows Lane was changed by referendum ballot from Commercial to Residential A.

The letter also mentioned that the trees, mentioned in the minutes, were not tall, nor adequate in their implementation. “They do not provide adequate screening, as the lower branches die off in the single-row planting. No tree is greater than 30 feet tall, and three trees in that row have died in the past five years.”

The tax card was looked at and it was found that that property is zoned Residential B, not commercial, as was stated at the prior meeting. A person could not build a storage facility there without a Special Exception or a Variance. And an owner of the property could not built a four or six apartment house structure as an apartment in Residential B can only have two apartments.

 

Warrant Article 

Ms. Trow and Ms. Barnes will read through the Zoning Articles and find road names that have been changed. Changes to the Zoning Articles will then be presented at two public hearings regarding the name changes and be put on the 2018 warrant.

 

A motion was made to adjourn. It was seconded by Ms. Lester and approved by the Board.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Grange Harvest Dinner – 10/7/17

Uncategorized 09/22/2017 Leave a comment

Join us as we celebrate the taste of the season. Tickets are now available at Galloway Real Estate for the Grange Harvest Dinner to be held on Sunday, October 7th at 6 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Walpole. Ticket price $12. Proceeds go to Walpole Community Grange and Fall Mountain JROTC.  

Apple Pie Competition – 9/24/17

Uncategorized 09/21/2017 Leave a comment

Bring your HOMEMADE PIE to Alyson’s Orchard on Sunday, September 24th between 9:30 and 11 AM for judging & prizes. Adult and Kid’s categories. (Kid’s12 years old and under) No pre-registration necessary! Other events include pie sampling, cider making on an old-fashioned press, chain saw carving, PYO apples, wagon rides, face painting, pumpkin crafts, BBQ from Kirby’s Q, Pat’s Cider Donut’s, Sub Zero ice cream and more! For details: http://www.alysonsorchard.com or call 603-756-9800.

Tag Sale – 10/21/17

Uncategorized 09/21/2017 Leave a comment

The Walpole Unitarian Church will have a Tag Sale on Saturday, October 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 on the lawn. In Case of rain, it will be held at Hastings House up the street. The proceeds will go toward renovation of our beautiful large windows.  The church is accepting donations of quality used items such as furniture, small appliances, housewares, china, glass, ceramics, paintings or other art, clothing, and tools. If interested in donating to the sale, contact Joanna Andros at 756-3560 to make arrangements to drop off your items. Hastings house will be open from 4-8:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20 to accept donations. If you are unable to transport your items, please call to arrange a pick up in the week preceding the sale or earlier. 

Those who have nothing to donate to the sale, may make a monetary donation to the window renovation, by writing a check to the Walpole Unitarian Church specifying that it be used for the windows. Thank you!  

Library Book Sale – 10/27-29/17

EVENTS 09/19/2017 Leave a comment

Jana Sellarole wanted to share these last minute details about the upcoming Book Sale. – Lil

 

  • The deadline for donating books for the sale is Thursday, October 12. Book donations are accepted every Wednesday (9-10 am) and Thursday (3-4 pm) at the former RN Johnson facility.
  • Would you like to sponsor a table at the Book Sale? Your $10/table donation would help to offset the cost of table rental, and help increase the sale’s profit. Contact Cheryl Hoffman (756-4066) for more information. Thank you so much for considering this!
  • Thank you for all your support of this annual fundraiser to support our wonderful local library!

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 9/12/17

PLANNING BOARD 09/19/2017 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board

September 12, 2017 Minutes

Town Hall

7 pm

 

Presiding Members: Jeffrey Miller (Chair), Robert Miller (Vice-Chair), James Aldrich, (Secretary), Jason Perron, Cheryl Mayberry (Selectboard Representative). Alternate: Joanna Andros.  Absent:  Board members Jeff White and Dennis Marcom, Alternate Ed Potter.

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the October 2017 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Meeting Opened: Mr. J. Miller called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. 

Roll Call: There were enough Board members present for a quorum.

 

Minutes: Mr. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the August meeting. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and it was approved by the Board.

 

Public Hearing No. 1: Lot Line Adjustment for Trebor Properties LLC, Map 13, Lots 3-1 and 9, Valley Road, rural/ag.  Add 10 acres to Trebor Properties to make a larger parcel of 12.32 acres, leaving Madden property with 49.10 acres. Property owners Glenn and Laura Madden, Hayes Road.

 

Mr. Joe DiBernardo, surveyor, represented Trebor Properties, which is owned by Robert Palmer. Trebor Properties wants to acquire 10 acres from the Maddens and add it to property fronting on Valley Road. Mr. DiBernardo showed a map with Mr. Palmer’s property being a triangle and touching a point in the middle of the 10-plus acres. There is a power line easement of 125 feet running the length of the newly acquired parcel on the western side of the property.

Mr. Aldrich asked how large was the area where the point was on the map. Mr. DiBernardo said abut 10 feet. Mr. Aldrich asked about road frontage. Mr. DiBernardo said 224.75 feet. Mr. Aldrich asked if it encroached on the driveway of the abutting property. Mr. DiBernardo said yes but that the property belongs to his son Douglas. Mr. DiBernardo added that he is buying the property for protection for his children’s abutting lots.

At about this point Alternate Joanna Andros walked in and Mr. Aldrich recused himself from voting because he is an abutter. Mr. J. Miller asked Ms. Andros if she would act as a Board member in in his place. She agreed.

Abutter Mike Hayes went to look at the map more closely. He said he was interested in where the property line was between his property and the property being acquired. He was concerned he might lose some property if the pins weren’t in the right place. Mr. DiBernardo said the pins hadn’t been placed yet but he could accompany him when he was doing so. He also invited Mr. Hayes to his office to see the map and boundary lines on Goggle Earth. He was assured by Mr. DiBernardo and Mr. J. Miller that he wouldn’t lose any property.

Mr. Jason Perron made a motion to approve the Lot Line Adjustment as presented. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and it was approved by the Board unanimously.

 

Public Hearing No 2: Site Plan, Commonwealth Construction in North Walpole, Manager Yohbel Brosseau, Map 23, Lot 4, Industrial Zone, Church Street. Changes to original site plan, build new warehouse, 13,000 square feet in place of demolished wooden building, new driveway.

Mr. J. Miller asked if he had a permit for the driveway from the NH Department of Transportation. Mr. Brosseau said yes.

Mr. Brosseau introduced himself and stated he was there to show where the current warehouse was being built. He said the previous wooden structure, which was to be the warehouse, was found to be not as structural sound as thought for this purpose so the company was building a new 13,000 square-foot space that is 75-feet-by-160-feet long structure for the same purpose. The building is a little shorter than the other building and abides by the 20-foot setback rule that the other building did not. There is also a change to the driveway, which Mr. Brosseau said would work better for trucks.

Mr. Don Lennon, an owner of the abutting Len-Tex building welcomed Brosseau to the commercial district and said his construction was enhancing that zone and it was a good thing for North Walpole. He said the Len-Tex business is the last stop along the water line on Route 12. He asked him about water consumption and discharge at the manufacturing site.

Mr. Brosseau that the discharge papers were in progress of being completed and that an engineer from Bellows Falls was helping him. The pipes were 71/2 -inches, which would be sufficient, and 8-inch wide pipes. He was mainly doing the paperwork.

Mr. Brosseau added that all plans for the manufacturing operation were approved in 2015. Both buildings are sprinkled and permission granted from the North Walpole Fire Department.

Mr. Lennon then asked if he had an engineered plan for runoff from the roof of the new warehouse.  Mr. Brosseau said that the runoff was onto grass and it was 20 feet from the abutting property. He added that the slope of the parking lot was away from the building.

Ms. Mayberry, a previous commissioner for North Walpole, said that she thought Len-Tex opted not to hook up to the Route 12 water line. She said that is the way it looks on the waterline map. Mr. Lennon was adamant that his company was last on the Route 12 water line. Ms. Mayberry said she would look into the matter.

Mr. Brosseau was asked to come before the Board and update his site plan when it was discovered he had started building an additional building without coming back to the Planning Board to change the original site plan. Some Board members noticed the structure going up as they drove by and as one person noted – it’s hard to miss a 13,000 square-foot building.

Mr. Brosseau had a building permit from Mr. John Foster. A discussion ensued about permits being issued without following the correct process and without going through the proper channels.

Mr. Lennon said he was concerned about this as projects seemed to be allowed without going through the right steps. Mr. Brosseau added he was also concerned.

Mr. J. Miller remembered when Aubuchon was being built. He said all of a sudden this building was going up at the corner of Route 12 and Route 123 and he stopped in and inquired what was happening. The builders said they had permission from North Walpole. But there had been no site plan or permission from the Walpole Planning Board.

The situation is unique. North Walpole has its own commissioners and a Zoning Board. But it does not have a planning board so anyone in North Walpole needing a subdivision, lot line adjustment or site plan must go before the Walpole Planning Board.

Ms. Mayberry suggested inviting the North Walpole Village Commissioners and Zoning Board to meetings that involve property in their district.

Mr. Perron made a motion to accept the site plan as presented but discharge plans need to be sent to the secretary. The building process of the warehouse may continue while the water discharge plans are being finalized.

Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and it was approved by the Board.

 

New Business:

Mr. DiBernardo requested a Public Hearing for October for James Mort on Brewery Road for a Subdivision and Lot Line Adjustment. It is Map 14, Lot 11, Residential B.

A motion was made to hold a Public Hearing in October. The motion was seconded and approved by the Board.

 

The Amended DADU – Discussion and Complete Streets Discussion will be held at a September workshop on Sept. 26 in the downstairs conference room at 7 pm.

 

Mr. J. Miller would also like all Board members to read the decision by the judge regarding the Ruggiero litigation. He is concerned about the state overriding local decisions.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine