Monthly Archives: September 2023

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/20/23

SELECTBOARD 09/29/2023 Leave a comment

Selectboard Present:  Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry; Steve Dalessio

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Selectboard Office. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair; Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary. 

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,974.29 dated 9/22/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,622.12. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SPECIAL SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – September 7, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of September 7, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – September 14, 2023:   Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 14, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, and Mr. Dalessio abstaining, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 14, 2023:   Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 14, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, and Mr. Dalessio abstaining, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

     • Conservation Committee Meeting – September 11, 2023

     • Planning Board Meeting – September 12, 2023

Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes. 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Employee Uniforms: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that a Town employee was in contact with Cintas regarding the return of uniforms. The Selectboard agreed to table this topic until the employee notifies them when they hear back from Cintas. Ms. Mayberry spoke to the mindfulness needed for Town employees when they are purchasing clothing related to their position. 

Tree Replacement Committee: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that 5 members have volunteered to be on this committee. Mrs. Pschirrer spoke of the importance of identifying the supervisory body of this committee. Ms. Mayberry then questioned the management of funds. Mr. Dalessio stated that the committee should put forth a charter or mission to guide their activities, as well as selecting a chair for the committee itself. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Selectboard would write a letter to the Conservation Committee stating that they would be the committee, and that the Tree Replacement group would function as its subcommittee. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Fund Balance Policy:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Finance Manager has been discussing fund balance policies in a recent seminar.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the fund balance policy created in 2017. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Drainage Ditch next to 11 Main Street:  The Selectboard agreed to table this topic until the non-public session.

SWRPC Fall 2023 Meeting:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Selectboard has been invited to the Fall Meeting with the Southwest Regional Planning Commission.

NH Association of Assessing Officials:  Ms. Mayberry moved for the chair to sign the ballot for the NH Association of Assessing Officials. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Sealing Non-Public Minutes:  Mrs. Pschirrer reflected on a recent article by the New Hampshire Municipal Association concerning the sealing and unsealing of non-public minutes. The Selectboard discussed the process by which sealed minutes would be unsealed. 

Sealed Non-Public Meeting Minutes Review Protocol:  Mrs. Downing stated that she is also keeping a document with a detailed list of sealed minutes for each year.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:  

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:58 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:15 PM. 

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c):  

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public session at 7:15 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:37 PM. 

Mr. Dalessio moved to seal the non-public minutes. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary 

Book Discussion – 10/4/23

EVENTS 09/28/2023 Leave a comment

if you haven’t read The Bear yet, it’s not to late. Pick up your free copy at the library today. – Lil

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 9/28/23

Uncategorized 09/28/2023 Leave a comment

Just a heads up that Sarah says that next week’s meeting will be on Wednesday, not Thursday. – Lil

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/14/23

SELECTBOARD 09/22/2023 Leave a comment

Selectboard Present:  Peggy Pschirrer, Chair and Cheryl Mayberry  

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary

Others Present: Ray Boas

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary. She explained that Mr. Dalessio was not present because he was at a meeting, but a quorum of Selectboard members was present for a meeting to be held.

Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mr. Boas to speak. He asked for the written terminology for a cease-and-desist order. Mrs. Pschirrer explained that this matter may be tabled until the non-public session. Mrs. Pschirrer explained that any construction must be halted because there is no building permit. Mrs. Pschirrer explained that the Selectboard has the responsibility to enforce the decisions of the Planning Board. 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,004.08 dated 9/15/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,755.59. Seconded by Ms. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 7, 2023:   Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 7, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – September 7, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of September 7, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ms. Mayberry brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

     • North Walpole Commissioners Meeting– September 5, 2023

Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes. 

TIMBER TAX ABATEMENT:

Map and Lot# 013-053-001: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the timber tax abatement of $511.71 for Map and Lot# 013-053-001, as the quality of cut was reduced. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

2023-22, Map and Lot# 011-006-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a building permit for Map and Lot# 011-006-000 to add a new 87’ x 48.6’ addition and garage/barn. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

2023-23, Map and Lot# 017-008-001: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a building permit for Map and Lot# 017-008-001 to install a 21’ x 12’ ground mount solar array. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS: 

Parking Policy: Mrs. Pschirrer stated she has a copy of the Town’s parking ordinance but is going to rewrite the policy with clearer language.

NH DMV Letter: Ms. Mayberry moved to allow interim road agent Mike Symonds to register vehicles and trailers on behalf of the town of Walpole. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Employee Uniforms: Mrs. Pschirrer stated this item would be tabled and will be discussed at the following Selectboard meeting. 

Management Book: Mrs. Pschirrer felt that the next staff meeting should include the distribution of a management book. Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry stated they would look at how to incorporate this book into the quarterly meetings before distributing the book to the department managers.

NEW BUSINESS:

Appointment Notices:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the appointment of Nicole Adams to be an alternate on the Conversation Committee, and to serve as a Hooper board member, both until 3/20/2026. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Tax Collector:  Mrs. Pschirrer spoke about the possibility of the tax collector having her own postage meter, or sharing the one that is in the Selectboard Office. Ms. Mayberry stated that if the Tax Collector and Town Clerk’s Office had their own postage meter, they would be responsible for tracking their separate postage expenses. Ms. Mayberry stated that the cost of the postage meter should be investigated before a decision is made. The immediate solution is to buy pre-stamped envelopes.

Complete Streets Grant Extension:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the deadline to apply for this grant was extended until 10/27/2023.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a):  

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 6:55 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:24 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/20/23

Uncategorized 09/19/2023 Leave a comment

Please note the change from Thursday to Wednesday due to Horse Thieves Dinner. – Lik

Zoning Board Meeting Agenda – 9/29/23

Uncategorized 09/18/2023 Comments: 2

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 9/11/23

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 09/15/2023 Leave a comment

Members Present:  John Peska, Peter Palmiotto, Lewis Shelley, Wendy Grossman, Steven Dumont  

Members Absent:  Alicia Flammia, France Menk

Seating of Alternates:  Kara Dexter

Visitors Present:  Nicole Adams, Peggy Pschirrer, Select Board Liaison, Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

Call to Order:  Peter Palmiotto called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.

Review and Approval of Minutes:  Jean Kobeski said she would correct the August minutes to state that Ray Boas attended the August 7, 2023 meeting. With that correction Steven moved to accept the August minutes;  Wendy seconded and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Public Business

Financial Report:​​ Mason​     $20,280.57

​​​​ Gateway.    $2,054.07

The $7500 fee requested by Ann McBride of the Monadnock Conservancy for the Nerrie Easement will be discussed at the October meeting.

Correspondence:  John reported that NE Power Co. has asked the DES for permission to paint power transmission towers from Bellows Falls to Surry.

New Business

Budget Items:  Wendy asked that brush hogging and trail materials be put into next year’s budget. $1500 should be enough but she will double check.  Steven asked for money for maps.

Peggy explained that all departments are asked to level fund for the coming year.  The first draft is due now to Rich Kreissle.  Between now and December, Select Board members will meet with all department heads to discuss their budgets. John stated that current numbers can be rearranged, not to exceed the level funded budget.

Steven stated the commissioners need to take a deeper dive into some of those numbers. Peter said he would ask Alicia for a copy of this year’s budget. Peggy said she would have Rich Kreissle send a copy of the budget to Peter and John.  John and Peter will submit the budget by September 22 after first sharing it with the commissioners on Google Drive. Steven suggested that, before the next meeting, commissioners look at the budget and think about where monies can be moved around to better suit their expenditures.

Condition of Route 12 Rest Areas:  John and Peter reported that there is trash and high grass at the rest areas. John and Peggy said the state is responsible for mowing.  The WCC used to hire someone to clean the Fanny Mason rest area, using money from the Fanny Mason Fund. This individual is no longer available.  Peter said he would find out how frequently this was done and what the compensation was so the commissioners can make a motion and vote at the October meeting for a replacement.

John reported that Nicole Adams has written a letter of interest to the Select Board in becoming an alternate to the Walpole Conservation Commission.  Kara made a motion to recommend supporting the nomination Nicole Adams as an alternate to the WCC.  John seconded the motion and all voted in favor.  John will write the letter of recommendation to the Select Board.

Old Business

Tree Replacement:  Jean has sent the names and email addresses of four individuals who have volunteered to serve on the committee to Ray Boas.  He will contact them to set up a meeting.  Peter has offered to be the WCC liaison to this committee.

Liaison to the Hooper Board:  Nicole Adams volunteered to be the Conservation Commission’s liaison to the Hooper Institute Board.  Peggy thanked Nicole, noting how important it is to have WCC representation on that board.

Gateway Update: Lew stated that Peter purchased the materials and he and Peter installed the fence at the Gateway turnaround. Peggy reported that the Select Board received a complaint from some community members hoping to take their kayaks down to the river that the gate is still locked.  Peter explained the lock is still locked but people can gain access by simply moving the wire and replacing it when finished. Steven suggested replacing the lock with a carabiner;  Lew supported that idea and has one to donate. Steven prepared an instruction sheet for gaining access to the Walpole Gateway, which will be laminated and posted on the kiosk and on the post.  Steven also offered to write an article about the gate opening for the Walpole Clarion and WCC website.

Other Business

Reservoir Dam:  John reported the gate has been repaired and Houghton has brush hogged and cleaned up the area, as requested by the state inspector.

Peggy left the meeting at 8:00.

Cranberry Meadow Bog:  John asked that the Letter of Deficiency for Cranberry Meadow Bog be put on the October agenda.

Walpole Trails Subcommittee:  Steven reported that the maps have been paid for and he has been reimbursed.  He also said some equipment will be needed for Mill Pond repair. Steven said he would take measurements for pressure-treated lumber for the Fanny Mason Bridge replacement and get a price quote from LaValley. 

Lew stated the High Blue culvert washed out and was repaired by Larry Britton. He also said Rob Westover is asking permission to begin some new mountain biking trails in the Hooper Forest.  He is meeting with Helen Dalbeck to discuss this.

Rail Trail:  Wendy reported that the Rail Trail and Gateway field were brush hogged on Aug 25-26. Wendy and Will did some further cleaning. There are some trees down on the trail and the Grossman’s cleaned up some of the branches. 

Lew has the Special Use Permit and has paid the $1,000 bond for the RTP Grant work.  He will start the work in early October.  Wendy and Will will mark areas for him to avoid. It is time to write the letter to the Trustees of the Trust Fund to request the $5,000. Peter said he would contact Alicia to learn the scope of what’s necessary to secure that money.

Property Monitoring:  Wendy has been going through commission files and will start doing some of the monitoring. Peter said he would contact Lauren to make sure she has returned all files that she was using. 

Peter will call a meeting of the Property Monitoring Committee for Tuesday, October 3, 6:00, in the commission’s office in the basement of Town Hall.

Adjournment:  Steven made a motion to adjourn the meeting and John seconded.  Peter adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

The next meeting will be on Monday, October 2, 2023 in Town Hall.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the October 2, 2023 meeting.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/7/23

SELECTBOARD 09/15/2023 Leave a comment

Selectboard Present:  Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry (by Zoom); Steve Dalessio

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary

Others Present: Ron Rosko

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair; Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $952,973.54 for checks issued 9/08/2023. This includes a $700,531.17 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PUBLIC INPUT: 

Mr. Ron Rosko stated he was present to discuss the speeding on Prospect Hill. Mr. Rosko had made several calls to the Walpole Police Station regarding the issue. He also stated that he did not feel safe, and that he has not been responded to after repeated attempts to communicate this issue. Ms. Mayberry questioned Mr. Rosko as to the process by which he would prefer this to be handled. Mr. Rosko stated that in the mornings and the afternoons would be preferable times to observe for traffic speeders. He also felt there should be more police presence in Walpole. 

Mr. Rosko then said he had a booster pump for water in the basement of his home. If the electricity goes out, he cannot get water on the second floor of his home. Because of this, Mr. Rosko felt he should have a reduced water bill. Ms. Mayberry explained that the water bill is based upon usage. Mrs. Pschirrer stated this issue would be followed up upon.

Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mr. Rosko if he had any other topics to discuss. Mr. Rosko asked about the mowing of roadsides. Mr. Dalessio explained that the Highway Department began last week cutting the sides of Town roads. Mrs. Pschirrer explained that there are 70 miles of roads in Walpole, and that the department has begun work on the roads. 

Mr. Rosko asked for the agenda and inquired about the issues pertaining to the heading “Old Business”. Mr. Dalessio explained that many of the Old Business agenda items are left on the agenda, but that they are not necessarily part of each meeting’s discussion.

Mr. Rosko departed the meeting.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c):  

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 6:41 PM. Mr. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:25 PM. 

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $30,332.28 dated 9/08/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,406.52. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 31, 2023:   Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 31, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – August 31, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of August 31, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

    • North Walpole Commissioners Meeting– August 29, 2023

Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes. 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Middle Street Drainage Improvements: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to a contract dealing with Middle Street working through Ransom Consulting. Mr. Dalessio moved to allow the chair to sign the Middle Street Drainage Improvements – Contract Amendment No. 1 for an “as built” record not to exceed $2,900. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Budget Meeting: Mrs. Pschirrer asked what time the meeting would be starting on 9/22/2023. It was agreed that this meeting would start at 8:00 AM.

High Street Bridge FEMA Grant: Mr. Dalessio stated that the notification was part of the routine FEMA process, and that no signatures were required. 

Employee Uniforms: Ms. Mayberry spoke to whether or not purchases could be reimbursed for uniform clothing. She was asked by a Town employee and advised them that a final decision has not been established by the Town on this matter. Mr. Dalessio stated that this issue should be placed on a future agenda to be finalized at a later date. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Oath of Office:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that an oath of office for a newly hired police officer required Selectboard signatures. Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the oath of office for Ian Tuttle to be an officer for the Walpole Police Department. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Seal Bids for 1-Ton Dump Truck:  Mrs. Pschirrer announced that four bids had been received for the 2008 Ford, F450 dump truck:

1. James Reynolds bid $2,802.

2. Heather Haskins of Bellows Falls, VT bid $786.

3. Busted Knuckles LLC of Marlow, NH bid $3,000.

4. Shawn Condon of West Chesterfield bid $1,367.

Mrs. Pschirrer reflected that Busted Knuckles LLC was the high bid. Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the bid of $3,000 for the 2008 F-450 One-Ton Dump Truck. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:  

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:43 PM. Mr. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:48 PM. 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:49 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary

Clarion Deadline – 9/22/23

Uncategorized 09/15/2023 Leave a comment

Again time for your submissions, now for the October CLARION. Deadline is 5PM (Walpole Time) Friday, September 22. Early submissions are always better to aid us in preparing a pleasing publication for your enjoyment. If you could make your submissions on Thursday the 21st, that will help us this month. Submission guidelines, and contact email are on the CLARION website.

Remember, this is “your community resource” to share information about your group – its activities and events residents will enjoy attending. And, having a nice mix of articles for readers, I welcome “feel good” news of past local events, stories and accomplishments to share. All subject to space, of course, space that is made possible by the CLARION’s supporting advertisers. We all owe them a big “thank you.”

If you have any questions, or interest in placing an advertisement, reaching over 1900 Walpole, North Walpole and Drewsville addresses, I welcome your inquiries, so please do get in touch with me. Advertising information and contact information is on the CLARION website.

Thank you, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 9/12/23

PLANNING BOARD 09/15/2023 Leave a comment

Present: Board members: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Trevor MacLachlan, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Absent: Board member Joanna Andros and alternates Travis Adams and Bill Carmody.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 6:57 pm.

Minutes: Review minutes of August 2023 meeting and workshop minutes. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the regular August meeting minutes and the August workshop minutes as written. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Old Business:
Public Hearing: Site Plan: Adam Naeck, owner of Alyson’s Orchard, application for up to seven campsites and a future two-story, 56-foot-by-40-foot-addition to the farm store. Tax Map 4, Lot 33, Rural Agricultural District.

Mr. Naeck did not come to this public hearing. Abutters will be notified if and when there is a new public hearing date. 

Public Hearing: Subdivision: Robin Sanctuary, two lots into three lots. Tax Map 8, Lots 8 and 8-1. Residential A District. Old Keene Road and Hooper Road.

Surveyor Joe DiBernardo presented the subdivision. He said that Lot No. 1 will have 334.01 feet frontage on Old Keene Road and will now be 1.01 acre. The driveway will come in from Hooper Road. Lot No. 2 will now be 3.01 acres with 200 feet of road frontage on Old Keene Road. Lot 3 will be 3.83 acres with 265.03 feet of frontage on Hooper Road.

A couple of people commented on the steepness of Hooper Road. Mr. DiBernardo said that according to John Tarmey Hooper Road is a town-approved road. 

Abutter Lucy McVitty Weber said her property abuts Lot No. 2 and she was concerned about the back of the property and the drainage of water onto her property. The land there is quite steep and she wanted it noted that if the new owners planned to place a house there they should be aware of and sensitive to a potential water problem on her property. The land runs straight down toward her house and she already has a huge concern about excess water.  She also said she remembers when this property was originally divided into two lots, there was a promise not to divide the property again.

Mr. DiBernardo said he did not find any covenant in the deed stating that was the case. 

Abutter Mr. Richard Paul said he was concerned about the size of the lots being proposed. Lots in that area are at least 2 to 5 acres, Mr. Paul said. His house abuts Lot No. 3. He assumed the old house on Lot No. 3 will be torn down and was concerned about where a new house would be situated on the lot. His house is up on a hill and didn’t want a home built right in front of his place. Mr. DiBernardo said this hearing was a request for a subdivision and had nothing to do with a site plan.

The public hearing was closed and the board discussed the subdivision. Board members’ concerns were the steepness of the road and the concerns about water and drainage.

A motion was made to approve the subdivision contingent upon approval of all the driveways by Walpole’s road agent.  Also, that contingency would be placed in the approval letter as well as concerns and sensitivity of drainage of water onto other properties. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business:

NGP Management, LLC Site Plan for a Dunkin coffee shop, Town Map 12, Lot 56, Commercial District. 

Jason Hill of TFMoran, an engineering and surveying company in Bedford, NH, presented the Dunkin site plan. The property is located at the intersection of Route 12 and Upper Walpole Road. It is currently undeveloped with a baseball field on the property. The Dunkin building will not affect the  baseball field at this time. The building, parking lot and supporting land will be on one to one and a half acres. He requested a public hearing for October.

Mr. Hill said the proposed coffee shop would be 1815 square feet with an entrance to the building on the north side of the building and two drive-thru windows on the south side. There is full-length bypass lane along side the drive-thru lane. 

Access is proposed by two full-access driveways, one located on Route 12 and one on Upper Walpole Road. Access to the coffee shop is via Route 12. There will be a regular right-turn lane into the property a well as a new left-turn lane making the road at that the entrance point three lanes plus 4 foot shoulders on both sides of the road. Once on the Dunkin property there is a left turn into a parking lot for employees and the public with two-handicapped parking spaces or drivers can continue in the lane for the drive-thru.

To mitigate any increase in stormwater runoff generated by the additional pavement and building, an infiltration basin is proposed at the south end of the property. The infiltration basin will detain and recharge captured runoff, Mr. Hill said. Any discharge of captured stormwater will be directed in the same manner as in the existing condition with no increase or impact to off-site properties.

Mr. Hill showed a drawing of the building that was gray and black. The building was of no particular style of building and no mention of its siding. Mr. Hill was reminded that the first time he was before the board a drawing of a New England Colonial style building was submitted. Mr. Hill received a copy of that building again. Mr. Perron suggested Mr. Clifford look at the Dunkin in Claremont. Mr. Miller also pointed out that the landscaping was sparse.

Mr. Miller was most concerned about the traffic and safety. He said that across the road is a pizza restaurant. In-house seating dining is no longer available, so all customers go through a drive-thru. Mr. Miller said from about 4 pm to about 8 pm customers are in a line on the shoulder of the road waiting to turn into the parking lot. Mr. Hill said the new 11-foot middle lane should mitigate that issue. This will require restripping Route 12 in front of the Dunkin site. Mr. Hill said the permitting from the NH Department of Transportation will be submitted this week.

Mr. Dalessio asked about tractor trailer parking. Mr. Hill said that the parking at the top left is where a tractor trailer delivering Dunkin supplies would unload there. There is room for two tractor trailers there. There was concern about how it was going to work with cars passing the trucks. Mr. Clifford said trailer truck drivers would never deliver in the morning when it’s busiest and only deliver once or twice a week and during off-peak times

When asked if the project had the required 30 percent green space, Mr. Hill said based on it being a five-acre property, there was plenty of green space. 

Mr. Miller also reminded Mr. Hill to contact Fire Chief Mark Houghton to have him check the building.

A motion was made and seconded to hold a public hearing for the Dunkin project in October. The motion carried unanimously.

Alyson’s Orchard

Mr. Robert Miller, an abutter to the Alyson’s Orchard property, spoke for a group of people who were at the meeting for the orchard public hearing. He said there are a lot of changes going on at that property and he wasn’t sure if they were following zoning and planning regulations. He recommended the planning and zoning boards make a site visit to the property. The concerns were about the camping sites and other changes to the property. Mr. Dalessio said Mr. Naeck is aware of all the rules, regulations and codes on this type of camping as well as on the restaurant that is open on weekends. He’s following them and there are no health and safety issues at this time. Abutters will be notified if and when there is a for a new public hearing.

Adjournment

Mr. Marcom made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Workshop this month: Tuesday, Sept. 26: Carol Ogilvie – Discuss draft of Natural Resource section of Master Plan. There is a new draft.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Recording Secretary