Keeping the community up to date on community topics
Walpole Planning Board
Workshop agenda
Walpole Town Hall
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Just a reminder that there’s a Planning Board workshop meeting in the basement conference room on Tuesday. We’ll be talking about the Draft copy of the Transportation, Population, and Natural Features sections of the Master Plan with SWRPC senior planner, Lisa Murphy.
Marilou Blaine
Secretary
Selectboard Present:Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. He advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record. There was one visitor in attendance.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
JAN GALLOWAY-LeCLERC, Chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustment: Mrs. Galloway-LeClerc reported there are several properties in Town being used as AirB&B businesses. The ZBA Site Plan Review requires that properties being used as “B&B or Bed and Breakfast” businesses are required to appear before the ZBA for approval. Ms. Mayberry noted that AirB&Bs are rentals. Mrs. Galloway-LeClerc said if a B&B business was going in next door to her, she would be notified as an abutter but, at this time, she would not be notified of an AirB&B going in. If a property is being rented that is one thing but an AirB&B could just be a one weekend big party. There was discussion relative to the fact that the only difference between the two businesses is that with a B&B the property owner or a manager is present and usually a meal is served. The AirB&B serves no food. Ms. Mayberry said it is a commercial business in a residential area. Mrs. Galloway-LeClerc feels the AirB&B could affect an area as much or more than a B&B. She read the section in the current Site Plan Review that covers the B&Bs. The ZBA members discussed asking the attorney if this definition would cover the AirB&Bs. Mr. Dalessio felt they need a definition of both. There could be life safety issues. Research has to be done. The Selectboard suggested having Mrs. Galloway-LeClerc look at the RSAs, check on how other towns are handling this and send an email to the NH Municipal Association. Ms. Mayberry mentioned without some control theAirB&Bs can spiral out of control. Mrs. Galloway-LeClerc will do the research and take the information to the ZBA Board members. She will keep the Selectboard up-to-date.
There was discussion relative to several properties with possible zoning violations. Mr. Dalessio recommended there should be a policy for dealing with zoning violations and fees.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $788,363.60 for checks issued January 17, 2020. This includes a monthly payment in the amount of $615,232 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
PAYROLL:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 11, 2020, in the amount of $27,332.63 for checks issued January 17, 2020, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,439.79. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MINUTES – January 9, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of January 9, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the Minutes were approved
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 9, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 9, 2020, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:
PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:
Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the following Property Tax Refunds:
Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrerand Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
TIMBER TAX WARRANT:
MAP and LOT #008-033-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Original Warrant, Yield Tax Levy and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed Intent Filed During Tax Year April 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, for the Galloway Revocable Trust, Nancy and Jerome Galloway, Map and Lot #008-033-000, Operation #19-461-002-T in the amount of $566.20. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
CURRENT USE APPLICATIONS:
MAP AND LOTS #008-061-000 and #008-062-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Current Use Application for Mapand Lots #008-061-000 and #008-062-000. This is for the Hooper Golf Course properties. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
MAP and LOT #006-009-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Current Use Application for Map and Lot #006-009-000. This is for a small area left out of Current Use for a sugarhouse that was never built. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
NOTICES OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the following Notices of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber:
Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrerand Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Warrant Article Listing Review: Mr. Dalessio felt with the updates to Articles #4 and #13 the 2020 Warrant Articles look good. This document will remain unsigned until February 4th, 2020, as petitioned articles could still be received until that date.
Vilas Bridge Letter Response and Grant Opportunity: Mr. Dalessio acknowledged some feedback from Mr. J.B. Mack and Senator Jay Kahn on their Vilas Bridge letter. Mr. Mack would like the States to coordinate with each other to apply for a USDOT discretionary grant through either the BUILD program or the INFRA program. The Vilas Bridge was on the agenda for the last Bellows Falls Village Board of Trustees meeting. Mr. Dalessio will have a letter ready for next week to encourage applying for a grant.
EPA Grant Kick-Off Meeting: Mrs. Pschirrer reported they had a very good meeting last Monday on the Brownfields Cleanup Project. Copies of the agenda were distributed and they covered everything on it. They met with Mr. Steve Rickerich, the QEP from Ransom Consulting; Michael McCluskey, NH DES; and Mr. Joe Ferrari, US Environmental Protection Agency, was on the conference call. A schedule of events will run into 2021-2022. They will be scheduling another meeting this spring. Mrs. Pschirrer will be putting together a Community Relations Committee that will include Richard Kreissle, Director of Finance; Thomas Goins, Town Treasurer; Margaret Palmer, Assistant Treasurer; Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration and abutters of the project. In the parking lot proposal, they included some electrical charge stations. The grant includes much of this work. They have some work to do with the abutters and may have to be on some other properties as well during the project. Mrs. Pschirrer feels they made the right decision by contracting with Ransom Consulting. They will keep us informed every step along the way. A report has to be made to the EPA at the end of January.
2019 Town Report Dedication Page: The Selectboard discussed the Dedication page of the 2019 Town Report.
Town Deeded Properties: There was a consensus that the two Town Deeded properties will be sold by sealed bids. The target date will be the beginning of March 2020. This will be published in the Clarion and posted in the customary locations.
Pending Further Actions:
New Reuse Center Plans: The new Reuse Center is included in the Warrant Article for Town buildings.
Lights re: Walpole, NH – Rockingham, VT 42277 Bridge Renovation Project: Senator Kahn would like to know if the Town would be willing to pay the electric bill for the lights on the Arch Bridge if the State left them there. Mr. Dalessio said if the State is willing to put up the poles with LED energy lights the Town will pay for the electricity. It will be about $200/year. Mr. Dalessio will contact Senator Kahn to advise if this is the offer from the State, the Town of Walpole will pay for the lights.
Letter to Property Owner of 47 North River Road re: Zoning Issue: Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a letter as soon as she receives additional information from the ZBA.
Joint Meeting Request from Bellows Falls Village Board of Trustees: The Selectboard is waiting for feedback from the Board of Trustees regarding a date for the Joint Meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Review of Town Attorney Invoice: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve paying the invoices received from Attorney Hockensmith in the amount of $1,732.35. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the motion was approved.
School Funding & Property Taxes 101 Forum: Mr. Dalessio received an email from Mr. Jim Fenn regarding School Funding and Property Taxes 101 Forum in Marlow on Thursday, March 5th, 2020, at 7:00 PM. The Selectboard plans to attend this Forum.
Selectboard Meeting – March 5, 2020: The Selectboardagreed to change their regular Selectboard meeting from Thursday, March 5th, 2020, at 6:30 PM to Thursday, March 5th, 2020, at 8:00 AM. This will allow them to attend the School Funding & Property Taxes 101 Forum in Marlow.
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 (c) Reputations. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:48 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:00 PM.
Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 16, 2020, be sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Walpole Library: Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Library has 12 LED lights they will not be using. Mr. Nash will pick up these lights as they could be used in the Town Hall basement or the new Reuse Center.
RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:24 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Hooper Trustees Present: Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:02 PM. He advised this meeting is being recorded.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – January 9, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of January 9, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the Minutes were approved.
HOOPER BUSINESS:
Reimbursement from the Hooper Education Trust to the Town of Walpole: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Reimbursement of Funds in the amount of $9,848.98 from the Hooper Education Trust to the Town of Walpole for December 2019 expenses. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION:
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular Hooper Trustees meeting resumed at 8:22 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of January 16, 2020, will be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees Meeting. The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Selectboard Present:Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry
Staff Present:Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Department); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); Rebecca Whippie (Hooper InstituteEducator);
Michael Paquette (Chief Police Department); Justin Sanctuary (Lt. Police Department);
Excused:Justine Fafara (Library Director); Justin Cassarino (Recreation Director);
Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director)
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and welcomed everyone. He announced that Town Reports are due. Get them in on time for Mrs. Downing.
Hooper Institute: Mrs. Becky Whippie explained this is an activity she does with the students. She distributed laminated pictures of various actual sized mammal animal tracks to each person. Everyone held up their picture of tracks found in snow. They are broken down into four categories: Hoppers, Bounders,Whoppers and Trotters. Some animals have two different type feet (front and back). Mrs. Whippie went around the room, had everyone hold up their picture and make a guess on the animal by their tracks. Each distinctive track was described in detail. Red Squirrel, Gray Squirrel, Fisher, Porcupine, Gray Fox, Mink, Bobcat, etc. were identified. The program was very informative and enjoyed by everyone.
Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Tree Program last Sunday was terrific. Twenty-eight people attended. It was a nice weather day. There was discussion regarding Norway Maple trees. Mrs. Whippie noted they were planted or “blew in” more than 30-to-40 years ago; they are invasive.
Highway Department: Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent/Highway Department, had submitted a Walpole Highway written report for the period of 12/19/2019-to-01/15/2020. He reported the Town is now down to two Red-Listed Bridges instead of three. The sidewalk by the Town Hall was fixed. Rice Tree Service will be here on Monday to cut the trees by the Library plus another dead tree down the road. Ms. Mayberry asked about the tree in North Walpole. Mr. Rau said it is on the list but he will remind Mr. Rice. The new generator is in. The first one was damaged. Therefore, Mr. Houghton sent it back. The kitchen area is almost finished. Their new employee started and is working out great. Work at the Mill Pond was done.
Recycling Center: Mr. Ben Hoy provided the following written report dated 01/14/2020.
Their new max pack horizontal bailer is spitting out 4’x5’x2.5’ bales. The average weight of a new cardboard (OCC) bale is 1250 lbs. The old horizontal baler created cardboard bales with the same dimensions (4’x5’x2.5’) that averaged 1200 lbs. The deep penetrating ram of the new baler creates better compressed bales and maximizes freight revenue. Thirty-five new bales constitutes a “full load” based on 44,000 lbs. max load. It would take 36 bales to make a full load with the old baler at 44,000 lbs. max load. That is 6 pieces of extra baling wire per load.
Green Mountain Railroad has decided to discontinue providing them with waste oil. The process of retaining waste oil at Green Mountain Railroad involves a “skimming” process that can have environmental impacts if not done properly. There was at least one such occurrence at Green Mountain Railroad which prompted them to discontinue this operation. The railroad informed him that we can retain the skimming equipment and complete this process ourselves if interested.
Potential oil spills at our site did not seem like a better alternative. Mr. Hoy contacted Swanzey Oil Company. They informed him that they had used oil if we could pick it up. Without a lift gate or means of lifting by machine on site, this would be an impossible task. He phoned Mike Rau about the issue who sent Keith and Harry from the Walpole Highway Department to pick up our heating oil for the winter.
He attended Natural Resource Recovery Association (NRRA) meeting in Epsom, New Hampshire, on January 8th. It is a chance to talk to other managers across the state.
Several new Alstead residents have begun recycling at Walpole Recycling over the past few weeks. Alstead transfer station discontinued recycling plastic last month.
Mr. Dalessio asked Mr. Kreissle about the Revenue side. Mr. Kreissle advised they just started this year. Last year they were a little under on anticipated revenue.
Selectboard Office: Mrs. Sarah Downing provided the following report dated January 16, 2020.
Assessing Update:
Water and Sewer:
Town Hall Facilities:
Human Resources:
Town Report:
Thursday, Feb. 13th – 2020 Budget Hearing at 5:00 PM;
Saturday, March 14th – Town Meeting;
Town Clerk/Tax Collector: Mrs. Sandy Smith provided the following report.
Since the last Staff Meeting, they have collected $1,729,338.84 in taxes. They have collected $4,999.79 in interest.
Delinquent sewer payments are coming in very slowly, if not paid they will go to tax lien and be recorded at the Cheshire County Registry of Deeds office; this affects the owner’s credit.
Their total uncollected is only $618,151.39. This includes delinquent water, sewer, 2017, 2018 liens and the spring and fall bills that are outstanding. This is a very small uncollected. They will be sending delinquent notices very soon. This brings in phone calls and some payments. The Town Clerk’s Office has collected $37,874.50.
They are contacting Town departments that have permanent plates as this is the year for renewals. In the past, they did this every five years. The State has changed the rules; this year is the last year that they will have to process renewals for state vehicles. Going forward, they will just have to process transfers and any new vehicles that the Town buys. The Highway Department has brought in copies of their registrations. These will be the first ones processed. She will contact the Village of North Walpole to make them aware of this change.
They are also busy with absentee ballots for the February and March elections.
Police Department: Police Chief Michael Paquette reported that they are finished with the Wentworth Road pole project. The Town will have to contact the telephone company about removing the old poles.
These double poles are taxable. Mrs. Downing will talk to Avitar Associates about this. Chief Paquette foresees more special detail work with some tree projects and possibly the Broadband project. They are getting an increased number of K-9 stuff. Therefore, they are looking at adopting a Town policy with fines and possibly a K-9 officer/person. An animal control person goes through training. Dr. Shaw has been very gracious in allowing them to bring these dogs to his office temporarily (a day or two). Then the dogs are transported to the Humane Society. The Police Department to make other arrangements because they do not have the extra staff. This is taking the officers away from other duties.
Lt. Justin Sanctuary distributed copies of a graph providing information on 2019 accidents. There was a total of 88 accidents. Motor Vehicle Accidents with Injury – 18%. Motor Vehicle Accidents – 82%.
3:01PM-6:00PM – 24, 27%; 6:01PM-Midnight – 17, 19%.
Chief Paquette mentioned there are more accidents in the summer than winter. Mr. Dalessio would like to see the Crimes Against People broken down but not by locations. Ms. Mayberry would like to see the time of accidents broken out more.
Administrator of Finance: Mr. Kreissle advised that W-2s were processed today. They should be in the mail next week.
Walpole Recreation Department: Mr. Cassarino was unable to attend. He submitted the following written report dated January 16, 2020.
Basketball:
3 4 boys and girls and 5/6 boys and girls;
Daddy and Me Dance:
Joanie Joan’s Bakery
The Village Blooms
Loves Photography
Selena Garrison (DJ)
Pool:
Hooper Institute: Mrs. Helen Dalbeck did not attend this meeting but submitted the following report dated 12/18/19-01/14/2020:
School Programs: They have only been back for a little over a week. Classes are being taught in winter wildlife, tracking, tree math, forests around the world, subnivean wildlife as well as mammals that are true hibernators. The state of no snow cover is encouraging creative classes on their part. On a positive note, spinach is still growing in the High Tunnel.
Public Programs: The Walpole Village Tree Tour was a grand success with 28 attendees. She is meeting with the “Art After School” group this week to plan for some after school sessions in February.
Building and Grounds: Their driveway is being plowed by an anonymous volunteer. They do an amazing job. Becky and she check on the building regularly.
Governance: The Hooper Institute (HI) Board met Jan. 8th. They are planning and prepping for a successful year.
Looking Ahead: Tracks and Trees 3/8 at Distant Hill, Eyes on Owls: a live owl program on 4/11, Earth Week at the Hooper Institute 4/20-4/24 and save the date for the 1st Annual Hooper Looper5K Trail Run, 5/16/2020!
Outreach: She has been invited to and plans to attend the February Conservation Commission Meeting.
Thanks everyone and please consider becoming a Friend of the Hooper Institute (FOHI).
Helen Dalbeck, Hooper Institute Director
Walpole Town Library: Mrs. Fafara was unable to attend this meeting. She had submitted information on 2019 Checkouts and Events, etc. This is available at the Library and Town Hall.
ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Dalessio thanked everyone for attending. He adjourned this Staff Meeting at 6:05 PM.
Sarah Downing sent this list of times for all the meetings scheduled for February 13th. – Lil
Since each of the hearings and/or meetings must be posted for Feb. 13th, Steve has slightly revised the schedule of when each shall happen.
In order to allow the public to participate in each meeting, the start time must be set for each. If the Board should start earlier than the posted time and someone arrived at the posted time, there could be a complaint.
Hope to see you at this very important meeting to be held at 6:30 at FMRHS. (It’s advisable to come a little early since voters must go through the check list in order to receive a ballot to use when voting.)
The proposed budget for the school district will be presented, deliberated and voted up or down as proposed or amended. Additional warrant articles will be presented and explained but it is no secret, the most important is the one impacting the future of our district.
At the ballot box in March you are being asked to vote yes or no on allowing Charlestown to withdraw from the school district. There are certainly valid arguments on both sides of the issue and the outcome of this vote will have untold impact on the education of our children and our taxes. It’s very important to be as informed as possible before casting that ballot. This meeting is where you will hear the arguments on both sides of the issue that will help decide what you feel is the best course of action.
Present: Paul Looney, Chair; Dick Hill, Rod Bouchard, Bob Anderson, Steve Grenier, Peggy Pschirrer. Absent: Dennis Marcom
Paul Looney called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm in Walpole Town Hall.
Dick Hill moved the minutes of December 18, 2019 and January 6, 2020 be approved as presented. The motion was seconded and so voted.
The purpose of this meeting was to talk with Renelle L’Huillier, Bond Counsel.
The details and the wording of the Bond Warrant Article were discussed: Renelle made it clear that we must include the cost of the whole project, which is three million, two hundred eighteen thousand, five hundred sixty-two dollars ($ 3,218,562.00). The amount of the bond will be one million, eight hundred fifty-six thousand, one hundred dollars ($1,856,100.00). Peggy asked that the sum of the total applicable to Consolidated Communications also be included in the bond warrant. That sum is one million, three hundred sixty-three thousand, four hundred sixty-two dollars ($1,363,462.00). Renelle agreed it could be included. She will send a draft of the corrected warrant article.
The Committee reviewed the items we must gather to send to the Bond Counsel for our application to the Bonding Authority.
There is still concern as to whether the bonds will be taxable or non-taxable.
The Backbone of the fiber optic network will be owned by the Town; the fees from the user will be used to pay for the bond.
After the call was concluded with Renelle, the committee reviewed and adjusted the power point presentation for Saturday’s meeting at 10 am in Town Hall. Mr. Koester is bringing is own slides and equipment. We will have the room set up and our sound system will be available.
Peggy Pschirrer
Rebecca Sethi, FMRSD Representative, asked me to share this here. So many of us have no students in the school but yet are very interested in what happens there. This is our chance to have input in the very important decision that will be made soon. – Lil
WALPOLE PRINCIPAL SEARCH SURVEY FORM
If you would like a hard copy of our survey, please call the Walpole School office
at 756-4728, or access it by clicking on the link above. It can also be found in the
School district website at https://sau60walpole.ss19.sharpschool.com/
Present: Board Members: Chair Jan Galloway Leclerc, Vice-Chair Myra Mansouri, Clerk Judy Trow, Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes. Alternates: Don Sellarole, Ernie Vose. Absent: Bob Anderson.
Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the regular February 2020 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.
Roll Call: Ms. Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7 pm. There was a full board present so an alternate was not needed to fill in.
Minutes: The December minutes had two corrections. Mr. Trow was changed to Ms. Trow and mult-family was changed to multi-family. Ms. Trow made a motion to approve the minutes as amended, Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Old Business:
Public Hearing:
Variance: Marcus Lovell Smith, Boggy Meadow Farms, 13 Boggy Meadow Lane, Tax Map 7, Lot 1, rural/ag district wants to put a mobile home in the barnyard area of the farm. He is hoping to start milking cows again (he has 250 new heifers) and the mobile home is for two employees to be near the cows 24 hours a day. Postponed until February meeting. Article VIII, Section B.
New Business:
Hope Prentiss, in-home business, hair salon, 162 Cheshire Turnpike, rural/ag. Ms. Prentiss needs a letter of approval from the ZBA to open a salon in her home. Article VIII, Section B.
John Frost was at the meeting to represent Hope Prentiss. He said Ms. Prentiss would be working on Tuesdays and Thursdays. He needed a letter of approval from the ZBA to show a representative from the state licensing board when their representative comes to inspect the salon. He brought with him four letters written by abutters to show that they did not object to Hope Prentiss opening up a hair salon and photographs of – the salon, adjoining bathroom, separate entry to the salon and parking. The parking photographs show more than enough room for several cars.
Article VIII, B in the Walpole Ordinance Uses Permitted in the rural/ag district states “Residences may be used to house such customary uses by the owner or tenant as offices for doctors, lawyers, real estate or insurance, or other recognized professions or such home occupations as hair dressing or dress-making, except that the number of persons employed at any one location shall not number more than two persons in addition to the owner or tenant. Adequate off-street parking shall be provided on the premises.”
Since the request was a permitted use in the district, it was approved without any further action from the Board and Mr. Frost received a letter of approval for Ms. Prentiss to operate a hair salon at 162 Cheshire Turnpike.
Three-apartment home on River Road:
At the December 2019 meeting, The Board received an email from the Town’s Manager of Administration, Sarah Downing, alerting ZBA Chair Jan Leclerc to the fact that a house at 47 North River Road, Lot #018-012-001, is now a three-apartment building. The Walpole Zoning Ordinances state in Section V that the permitted uses for property in Residential A and B Districts include “one single or one two-family dwelling per lot with private garages and accessory buildings.” So this property is in violation of that zoning ordinance. After some discussion it was decided that the secretary should write a letter to the Select Board pointing out the violation and recommending that the violation could be remedied by having the owners of the property come before the Zoning Board to request a Special Exception. The Board decided on a Special Exception because it also requires Site Plan Approval from the Planning Board.
The Select Board addressed the letter at a January meeting, but took no enforcement action. After a short discussion with Select Board member Peggy Pschirrer, she agreed to write a letter to the owners of the property explaining the violation and requesting that they get in touch with the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Airbnbs: The Secretary received a telephone call asking her if there was an ordinance on airbnbs. The question was in regard to a property at 2 Main Street that was for sale and had been “an airbnb for years,’’ the caller stated. Walpole has an ordinance for b&bs, but she did not know if that also meant airbnbs. The ordinance under General Provisions, Section L states:
Bed and Breakfast Establishments
So called “Bed and Breakfast” establishments for the accommodation of paying, overnight guests, may be maintained as home occupations in all zoning districts provided that the number of rooms for rent in any one establishment shall not number more than four and further provided that breakfast shall be the only meal provided and that only to bona fide overnight guests. The conversion of a single-family residence or other building to a “bed and breakfast” shall require Site Plan approval by the Planning Board. Off-street parking for one car per rented room plus space for owner parking shall be provided.
With approval from the Chair Ms. Leclerc, the Secretary called the New Hampshire Municipal Association and spoke with Natch Greyes. The question to Mr. Greyes was “If a town has a Bed and Breakfast Establishment ordinance, does the town need a special ordinance for airbnbs. Mr. Greyes said it would depend on what is in the ordinance. The Secretary read the Walpole ordinance to Mr. Greyes and he said it seems to cover airbnbs.
After some discussion about how many Airbnbs there are in the town and how they are “under the radar,” the Board may have to make a slight change to the title of the ordinance to make airbnbs owners aware that they need to come to go to the Planning Board to get Site Plan approval and be in compliance with the ordinance. It was suggested that Ms. Leclerc get in touch with Town Counsel, Jeremy Hockensmith, as how to proceed.
Fencing: There was a query about fencing: how high, how close to the abutter’s property and does the owner need to make a request from the Zoning board?
The answer was there is no ordinance but the fence should not be on the property line because if the owner has to paint, stain or repair their neighbor’s side of the fence, the owner has to stay on his/her own property. There is no restriction on height and a visit to the ZBA is not required.
Log from May 1988 to August 2004: Clerk Judy Trow passed out a log of decisions on various Public Hearing requests for variances, special exceptions etc. that covered the years from May 1988 to August of 2004. This is a useful document when having to respond to questions from the Town Offices or caller when there is the question “Do you remember when so-and-so received a variance for such-and-such. Thank you Judy for all the work.
Handout: The Board received a handout prepared by the Walpole Conservation Commission titled “Farms, Forests, Streams and Wetlands: Walpole’s Conservation Plan.” There was a lot of oohing and aahing over the colored maps in the document. At a previous meeting, the Board had a question about building near a wetlands and how close a building had to be from the wetlands. The answer, given by Alicia Flammia, Chair of the Walpole Conservation Commission, and found in this booklet is 100 feet.
Ms. Leclerc also began searching for an answer to this question and called the Southwest Regional Planning Commission. She really didn’t get much of an answer there. Then she went online to see where the state stood on the matter. That too was unsuccessful. Mr. Vose suggested she go to the Natural Resources Conservation Service that’s located in the Industrial Park.
Ms. Mansouri, who is an alternate on the commission, mentioned that the commission would like a joint meeting with the Planning and Zoning Board over specific items in the booklet and how to make them part of Walpole’s zoning ordinances. Members of the Zoning Board welcomed that joint meeting.
At the same time it was suggested that since the Planning Board was having an upcoming workshop on updating the land features section of the Master Plan that someone from the Commission might be interested in attending that meeting. Ms. Flammia will receive an email notifying her of the meeting and asking if a WCC member would like to attend. The workshop is open to the public.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
Secretary
Hooper Trustees Present: Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:45 PM. He advised this meeting is being recorded.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – January 2, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of January 2, 2020, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – January 2, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of January 2, 2020, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.
HOOPER BUSINESS:
Hooper Institute Board Meeting: Ms. Mayberry reported that the last meeting went very well. Almost all the members were present. Agendas are coming out ahead of time. Ms. Dalbeckand Mrs. Whippie submitted a report on what they did educationally in the schools from August to December. Ms. Dalbeck is working to reach her goal of a fundraiser every month. There were delays along the way but they hope to finalize opening the checking account by the end of this week. Friends of the Hooper are also working on fundraising.
Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Landry had a conversation today on the Hooper personnel. She gave Ms. Landry contact information on both Ms. Dalbeck and Mrs. Whippie.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting. The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
The Walpolean 
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