The Walpolean

FALL MOUNTAIN REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Report of the Annual District Meeting

Thursday, February 6, 2014

The meeting convened, pursuant to the warrant, at the Fall Mountain Regional High School in the Town of Langdon in said district on the 6^th day of February 2014.

Moderator David Edkins called the meeting to order at 6:33 PM. The Fall Mountain Regional High School JROTC Color Guard Cadets presented the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Moderator Edkins introduced the Fall Mountain Regional School District School Board, Chair Mary Henry, Vice Chair Lilla DeCoste, Gabe St. Pierre, Andy Collins, John Streeter, and Misty Bushee, School Board Clerk.

Moderator Edkins recognized Superintendent Lori Landry, Superintendent, Deborah Connell, Assistant Superintendent and Business Administrator, Jamie Teague.

Superintendent introduced the school Principals, Assistant Principals, Facilities Director and the IT Director.

Moderator Edkins reviewed the rules of order and proceeded to read the warrant.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 1.      Shall the school district raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $28,494,854? Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $28,557,541, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the district or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).

Motion: (Christie/Collins) to open discussion on Article 1.

Linda Christie spoke to the article. She thanked the administration for their hard work and explained that the goal was to keep the budget as close to previous years as possible.

Motion: (Nancy Houghton-Charlestown/Steven Neal-Charlestown) to amend Article 1 to read as follows:

Shall the school district raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $27,994,854. Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $28,557,541, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the district or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. Motion failed.

Nancy Houghton spoke to the proposed amendment explaining that each year the budget increases resulting in excessive taxes. Ms. Houghton asked that the amendment be considered.

Gordon Gowan (Acworth) spoke stating that if this were a business, it would be closed. Costs are rising and pupils declining. Each year it is the same and something needs to change.

Jamie Teague, Business Administrator spoke to the amendment. Ms. Teague commended the residents for being mindful of the budget. She further explained that although the student population is shrinking, revenue is as well. She stated that because there are 11 schools throughout the district, the savings would be spread out and would not necessarily mean a large savings for any one town. It will most likely result in cuts to programs and services.

Mary Henry spoke to Article 1 as well, explaining that due to the decrease in adequacy aid, NH retirement requirements and special education mandates, the cost to the district is rising and it is difficult to absorb. She explained that a cut this size would severely impact programming and increase class sizes. Ms. Henry encouraged that tax payers to write to the their representatives.

Steven Neal (Charlestown) stated that he has been a selectman for 15 years, and that for the last 10 years there has been a left over balance in the budget.

Ms. Teague explained that last year there was a surplus of $957,602, of which $500,000 was sent to Capital Reserves and $457,602 was credited back to the towns taxpayers as a revenue offset in the budget. We are self-insured and each year we pay actual claims and prescription costs. We budget based on Health Trust and Anthem’s actuarial projections of cost (3 yr. review) and almost every year we’ve had some surplus in healthcare. We have developed Health and Wellness programs which have helped to bring costs down, changed program coverage with the Unions and have not experienced large claims.  It is impossible to predict. We have also had savings in oil and energy consumption over the last couple of years, along with prudent spending on the part of the Principals in each of the attendance areas. 

Eleanor Elbers (Alstead) asked where in the salary lines are the pre-kindergarten teachers budgeted for.

Ms. Teague explained that the Alstead pre-kindergarten teacher was in last years budget in the regular education teacher line.

Ms. Elbers asked why the taxpayers have not had an opportunity to vote on the program.

Ms. Teague explained that when the program was added to the budget, the budget was voted on, not the program.

Darin Honey (Alstead) questioned how the School Board could expand programs beyond the articles of agreement, stating that the articles of agreement are for K-12 and does not include pre-kindergarten. Pre-kindergarten would be an expansion above the articles of agreement.

Jamie Teague explained that the articles are silent on program expansions and do not discuss the ELC or the vocational center. She referred the question to Sarah Murdough, District Attorney.  We will research the question and get a legal opinion. 

Sarah Murdough, District Attorney explained that she did not have the articles of agreement to review. Attorney Murdough reiterated that the budget is what is voted on, not the individual programs.

Paul Looney (Walpole) asked about the ranking of the district in the state of New Hampshire and how will reducing the funding by this about adversely affect our district.

Lori Landry explained that the NH Dept. of Education does not rank our schools.

Beth Gosekamp (Charlestown) explained that she has had three children graduate from Fall Mountain and that the education provided has done them well. Further stating that if we reduce the budget by $500,000, it will adversely affect the quality education our district.

Andy Collins stated he feels that we have an innovative school district and that we need to continue to be a school that can afford the education others cannot.

Nicole Younger (Alstead) commented that there are other ways to cut expenses.

Diana Bushway (Charlestown) stated that she understood what everyone has to say, that respectfully it is fool hearty to think that when you ask to cut 500,000, it is foolish to think that children will not suffer. It will sacrifice programming for children in this district.

Matt Saxton (Alstead) explained that $500,000 is just over 2% of the proposed budget.

Hearing nothing further, Moderated Edkins opened the amendment for a vote.

Amendment failed.

Motion: (Benji VanAlystyne, Alstead/Nancy Houghton, Charelstown) to amend Article 1 to read as follows: Shall the school district raise and appropriate as an operating budget, not including appropriations by special warrant articles and other appropriations voted separately, the amounts set forth on the budget posted with the warrant or as amended by vote of the first session, for the purposes set forth therein, totaling $28,209,906. Should this article be defeated, the default budget shall be $28,557,541, which is the same as last year, with certain adjustments required by previous action of the district or by law; or the governing body may hold one special meeting, in accordance with RSA 40:13, X and XVI, to take up the issue of a revised operating budget only. Motion failed.

Hearing nothing further, Moderator Edkins closed discussion on Article 1.

Motion: (St. Pierre/Henry) to open discussion on Article 2.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 2.      To see if the District will vote to withdraw $200,000 from the High School Capital Reserve Fund to offset a portion of the expense on the principal payment for the High School Renovation Project.  The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).  

Gabe St. Pierre spoke to Article 2 explaining that it is revenue only warrant article and that it would not increase taxes.

Darin Honey (Alstead) asked if this is a full payment.

Jamie Teague explained that it is a partial payment and that the other portion will be paid with building aide.

Hearing nothing further, Moderator Edkins closed consideration of Article 2.

Motion: (St. Pierre/Streeter) to open discussion on Article 3.

Modderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 3.      Shall the residents of Alstead vote to raise and appropriate $85,000 to purchase the property located at 8 Murphy Hill Road in Alstead, NH abutting the Vilas School, with $20,000 coming from a charitable donation and the balance of $65,000 to come from taxation in Alstead. The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).

Gabe St. Pierre explained that this is a one-year only article, and that the property can be used for parking and storage.

Motion: (Benji VanAlystyne, Alstead/Eleanor Elbers, Charlestown) to amend Article 3 as follows:

Shall the residents of Alstead vote to raise and appropriate $0 to purchase the property located at 8 Murphy Hill Road in Alstead, NH abutting the Vilas School, with $0 coming from a charitable donation and the balance of $0 to come from taxation in Alstead. Motion Passed.

Cindy Westover (Walpole) clarified that this vote should only include Alstead Residents.

Lisa Young (Alstead) asked about the current land value, acreage and assessed value.

Jamie Teague stated that the current town appraisal is approximately $130,000 and the land and building includes 1.6 acres.

Marcus Hansen (Alstead) requested that someone from the board speak to this article.

Gabe St. Pierre explained that to begin with, he was not in support of this article. However, after speaking with Bruce Bellows he felt that this article should be presented to the taxpayers to decide.

Bruce Bellows (Alstead) explained that he has overseen the Vilas school project along with Glenn Elsesser of Alstead from the beginning. He explained that they have faced a number of issues that need to be addressed. Walpole and Charlestown students will not travel to play games in the Vilas Gymnasium. They recognize that they need a master plan before moving forward. Mr. Bellows further explained that there is a massive safety problem in terms of traffic flow and congestion.

Glenn Elsesser (Alstead) explained that any time you attend for a function, there are typically 100 plus people standing in the gymnasium due to lack of space. There are a number of other issues, including sports fields. Last year they hired an architectural firm. He explained that the last time this was on the ballot for $120,000, it lost by 20 votes. The owner approached them, willing to sell it for $85,000 with an anonymous donor who has put up $20,000. This is a one-time cost of $50.00, making it a worthwhile investment.

Matt Saxton (Alstead) asked if this vote should pass, what would happen to the house.

Mr. Bellows explained that if the lot is purchased, the present owner has offered to remove the house (built in 1805).

Jamie Teague explained that in the meantime, the property would likely be used for storage.

Benji VanAlystyne (Alstead) commented that the article seems irresponsible and that he is not in favor of purchasing the property.

Eleanor Elbers (Alstead) agreed while the need is there for a new gym, the plans are too “iffy”.

Andy Collins explained that the owner approached the district and feels that it is the districts obligation to put it out for voters to vote.

Mary Henry reiterated what Mr. Collins said. Additionally stating that the congestion is dangerous, that the purpose of the article is for the board to offer it back to the voters.

Hearing no further discussion, Moderated Edkins opened the amendment for a vote.

Amendment passes.

Motion: (Christie/Collins) to open discussion on Article 4.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 4.      To see if the District will vote to appropriate $352,000 to furnish and install fire protection work per the SFC Engineering Specifications for Project #591401 for the Fall Mountain Regional High School consisting primarily of an upgraded sprinkler system, holding tank and pump system, with said funds to come from the High School Capital Reserve Fund.  The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent)

Steve Dilessio (Walpole) asked for clarification on capital reserve fund balance.

Darin Honey (Alstead) asked for the estimated cost of project 

Jamie Teague explained that the project was advertised and put out to bid with two bids received.

Hearing nothing further, David Edkins closed consideration of Article 4.

Motion: (Henry/Streeter) to open discussion on Article 5.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 5.      To see if the Langdon voters will vote to appropriate $30,000 to remodel the main floor and provide permanent fire separation from the basement level and upgrade fire separations between the floors and furnace room per approved engineering specifications for the Sarah Porter School, with said funds to come from the Langdon Capital Reserve Fund.  The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).  

Mary Henry explained that the renovations noted in this article are required by the life and safety codes and are tax neutral.

Motion: (Christie/DeCoste) to open discussion on Article 6.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 6.      To see if the Acworth voters will vote to appropriate $20,000.00 to update the fire and smoke alarm system and install all new fire rated doors per approved specifications for the Acworth School, with said funds to come from the Acworth Capital Reserve Fund.  The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).

Motion: (Streeter/Henry) to open discussion on Article 7.

Moderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 7.      To see if the Charlestown voters will vote to appropriate $89,000.00 to update the fire sprinkler system in the old section of North Charlestown Community School, install door closures for fire protection in Charlestown Primary and Middle Schools, install fire suppression system and hoods in the kitchens at Charlestown Primary and North Charlestown Community School and replace the roof on the kindergarten section of the Charlestown Primary School, with said funds to come from the Charlestown Capital Reserve Fund.  The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent). Henry

John Streeter spoke to this article.

Beth Hanson (Charlestown) asked how old the roof on the Charlestown Primary School Kindergarten section is.

Bill Botting explained that the roof was built around 1998-99 with the organic shingles that were not warrantied.

Motion: (Jamie Teague, Walpole/Collins, Walpole) to restrict consideration to Article 1. Motion passed.

Motion: (DeCoste/Collins) to open discussion on Article 8.

Modderator Edkins presented Warrant Article 8.      To see if the district will vote to appropriate up to $500,000 in the district’s capital reserve funds with the breakdown as follows: 3.14% up to $15,700 to be added to the Acworth Capital Reserve Fund; 8.09% up to $40,450 to be added to the Alstead Capital Reserve Fund; 22.20% up to $111,000 to be added to the Charlestown Capital Reserve Fund; 2.60% up to $13,000 to be added to the Langdon Capital Reserve Fund; 13.97% up to $69,850 to be added to the Walpole Capital Reserve Fund and 50% for up to $250,000 to be placed in the High School Capital Reserve Fund, with said funds to come solely from any year-end unassigned general fund balance. These funds are to be held by Trustees of Trust Funds in the respective towns and no withdrawals shall be made without consent of the voters. The School Board recommends this article (7-Yes, 0-No, 0-Absent).

Lil DeCoste spoke to Article 8 and explained that this article will not increase taxes.

Hearing nothing further, consideration for Article 8 was closed.

Moderator Edkins reminded the voters that voting day is March 11, 2014.

A brief discussion ensued regarding the need for state income tax.

Ann Looney (Walpole) expressed a concern with the cut of the crisis counselor at the high school.

Superintendent Landry commented that she understood her concern and explained the process. It was determined that the position could be covered by the three remaining guidance counselors and assured her that the needs will be met.

Ms. Looney commented that the individual that will be leaving has a mental health background and fears that student needs would not be met without someone with this specific background. 

Tom Ronning, High School Principal responded by stating that during a crisis, all district resources are utilized to ensure that student needs are being met.

Lisa Hawkins (Alstead) commented that to deny kids a professional like Julie Hogan is a cause for alarm.

Mary Henry explained that the budget process begins early and cuts are difficult, the board relies on the administration to make sound decisions.

Moderator Edkins declared the meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,

Misty D. Bushee

School Board Clerk

Five days a week, fifty-two weeks a year (minus holidays and snow days) a group of six people – Krystyna Marcom, Kathy August, Lynette Johnson, Kris Tyson, Dave and Lil DeCoste – deliver Meals on Wheels to 8-12 Senior shut-ins.  Meals are picked up at the Bellows Falls Senior Center and dropped off in North Walpole and Walpole.

It takes about and hour and a half but it is in the middle of the day so those with a 9-5 job really are excluded from the commitment.  That is definitely a problem to finding enough people to share the job.

On the plus side, it is is rewarding to visit with these very appreciative people each week.  They are as glad to see you as you are to see them.  There is no question but that you are giving a valuable service to your community.  After all, if it wasn’t rewarding would Dave and I have done this for over three years or Krystyna for more than twenty?

If you are looking for a way to give back to our wonderful community or simply have a couple of hours a week to do something special, please call Krystyna at 756-4509 and she will fill you in on just how you can help. – Lil

Perhaps talking about summer camp will help you feel like summer will be coming – if not soon, at least eventually. – Lil

It’s been a long, cold winter, but the staff at Meeting Waters YMCA has been hard at work making plans for their 50^th consecutive summer of camp programming.

The regional Y will be hosting two “Cabin Fever Relief-Camp Information Parties” in March. One will take place at the Y’s program center in Bellows Falls on Friday, March 7^th. Another will take place at Marlboro College Graduate Center in Brattleboro on Friday, March 14^th. Both events will run from 5:30-6:30 PM.

Meeting Waters YMCA camp staff will lead camp activities, provide healthy camp snacks, introduce the many financial assistance options, talk about bus service from 11 area communities, answer questions, and accept registrations for the 2014 camp season. All youth that pre-register at the event will receive a free camp shirt.

Children and parents are encouraged to wear summer clothes to the event.

Both events are free and open to the public. For more information about these parties and the regional Y’s day camp for 6-13 year-olds, Leaders-in-Training program for 14 and 15 year-olds, and KinderCamp program for soon-to-be kindergartners, visit http://www.meetingwatersymca.org, follow them on Facebook, or call their office nearest you—Brattleboro area: 246-1036; BF/Fall Mountain area: 802-463-4769; or Springfield area: 885-8131.

Founded in 1895, Meeting Waters YMCA is a charitable, social service organization serving the Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Fall Mountain, and Springfield regions. It strengthens the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

PUT ON YOUR WOOLIES!   JOIN US SUNDAY AFTERNOON!

The Winter Festival promises to be a ton of fun in the snow at the Hooper Institute and the Hooper Golf Club between 1 and 4 Sunday, March 2, 2014.

Parking is limited at the Institute and Club so feel free to drop folks off at the site and return to park at the Middle School.  Bus transportation is available there.

Join us for games, contests, snowshoeing, snow mobiling, and good food.  The pulled pork sandwiches, the Chile and corn bread and the cup cakes will be terrific!   There will be plenty of hot chocolate, coffee and cider!

See you on Sunday!

Sponsored by the Savings Bank of Walpole and the Hooper Preservation Fund.

I was asked to make a correction in the Upcoming Events at the library.  The Writing It Down Group will meet on the 8th at 10:00, not the 15th.  Should I suggest that group participants be sure to “write it down”? – Lil

If you have never attended, I would recommend this event.  Spend some time viewing the projects and ask students about their displays.  You can’t help but be impressed with what they have done as well as what they have learned. – Lil

The Walpole Elementary School would like to invite the public to attend its annual Academic Fair put on by students in fifth through eighth grade.  The fair will take place on the evening of Wednesday, March 5.  Fifth grade will present their projects from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in their classrooms.  Sixth through eighth grade will present their projects from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium.

The students have spent many hours working on their projects.  Project components include research papers, display boards, oral presentations and interactive components.

We hope that you will join parents, teachers and students on exhibition night, when students will display their research projects to the community.  This is a challenging and rewarding learning experience for our students.  If you have any questions, please call the Walpole Elementary School at 756-4728.

I have to agree with Regina Borden that this doesn’t look especially exciting but I guess it is not my job to determine posts based on the potential for intriuge! – Lil

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD WORKSHOP SESSION

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

MEETING LOCATION:  Walpole Town Hall Downstairs Office at 7:00 PM.

AGENDA

1. General Discussion
2.  Other Business

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

FEBRUARY 11, 2014

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

Alternates:      Steve Dalessio, Ed Potter, Jeff White

Recording:      Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.

These Minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the March 11, 2014, meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.  There were twelve people present in the audience.

Meeting Opened:  Mr. R. Miller, Vice-Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that meetings are tape recorded therefore asked anyone that wishes to speak to identify themselves.

Roll Call:  Mr. R. Miller noted that Mr. Jeffrey Miller, Chair, was not present therefore he called upon alternate member, Mr. Jeff White, to sit on the PB in that seat.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING on January 14, 2014, and WORKSHOP SESSION on January 28, 2014:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Planning Board (PB) meeting on January 14, 2014, and the Workshop Session on January 28, 2014, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Marcom.  With all members in favor, the Minutes were approved.

PUBLIC HEARING:

Mr. R. Miller called this Public Hearing to order at 7:06 PM.  He advised that the application was received, fees were paid, it was duly posted, published in the Keene Sentinel and abutters were notified.

AUMAND REALTY CORP. – Boundary Line Adjustment:  Tax Map #028, Lots #141, #143, and #144.  These parcels are located in the Residential-B zone.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept this application as complete.  Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aurelius DiBernardo, Land Surveyor with DiBernardo Associates, LLC, was present to represent the applicant, Aumand Realty Corp. in North Walpole.  This boundary line is to make 3 lots into 2 lots.  The Residential-B property is at Mountain View Road and Taylor Street.  He explained that 0.07 acres of Lot #144-1 will be annexed to Lot #143 to become one continuous lot of record and 0.17 acres of Lot #144-1 to be annexed to Lot #144 and become one continuous lot of record.

Mr. Kevin Daley questioned if the applicant intends to build on the lot.  Mr. Aldrich responded that if they are going to build on it in the future they would have to come back before the Planning Board.  There was discussion relative to the location of the warehouse and house on the Aumand owned lots.  Mr. Dalessio questioned if the subdivision conforms to the North Walpole Zoning.  Mrs. Teague confirmed that it does.  Mrs. Scott wanted to be sure that this does not represent any changes to down the hill.  Mr. DiBernardo stated that it does not.

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

REGULAR MEETING:

AUMAND REALTY CORP.:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Boundary Line Adjustment for Aumand Realty Corp. as presented at this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mr. R. Miller advised that there is some New Business to come before the PB but they will not be voting on any of the items.  They will be presented for informational purposes.

MARK HOUGHTON:   Mr. Houghton was present on behalf of Alan Johnson.  Mr. Houghton is trying to purchase a portion of the R.N. Johnson property therefore they are proposing to subdivide off the so-called Equipment Storage Shed area which is to the north of the existing water/sewer easement right-of-way that runs down between the two buildings.  He distributed sketches of the proposed subdivision.  Mr. Houghton would like to take this portion off of the existing nine acre parcel.

Mr. Aldrich moved to schedule this for a Public Hearing during the March 11, 2014, PB meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Marcom.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RUDEK / POTATO BARN PROPERTY:  Attorney Tom Hanna was present to represent Stephen Rudek, owner of the so-called Potato Barn property.  Back in late 2012 they got Site Plan approval from this PB but it was subject to obtaining temporary access from Route 12 with the understanding that they were going to pursue a permanent Town road access in the future.  When they looked at the cost for a temporary access Mr. Rudek felt it didn’t make much sense to do that so they are moving forward to a permanent access.  After that decision was made they met with the Selectboard who sought legal advice.  They all agree that was needed here is for the PB to approve a Street Plat.  The reason for that is that Selectboard are not allowed to lay out Town roads where there is a PB in Town unless the PB has approved a Subdivision Plan, which they do on a routine basis.  This is not a Subdivision so what they are asking the PB to approve is a Street Plat which just shows exactly where the road will go.  He talked with Mr. Jeff Miller, who is out of town, but he wondered why they have to go through this because this road is identical to what they already approved.  However it was not a Street Plat that the PB approved and that is what Mr. Rudek needs because that is what the Selectboard need in order to lay out a road.  The Selectboard voted to lay the road out subject to getting the Street Plat approved by this PB and then subject to getting the Department of Transportation (DOT) approval on the access off of Route 12 which they fully expect to get.  Attorney Hanna requested that the PB schedule a Public Hearing when they will explain it in more detail.

The PB members discussed why another Public Hearing is needed because they previously approved the Site Plan that has not changed.  Attorney Hanna explained that they do need a Public Hearing because abutters need to be notified under the Statute.  Attorney Hanna referenced the provision in the Subdivision regulations:  Section III-(c), under Minor Subdivisions.  Mrs. Teague felt a Public Hearing will clarify this matter so there will be no questions in the future.

Mrs. Teague moved to schedule this for a Public Hearing during the March 11, 2014, PB meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SHELDON SAWYER:  Matt Phillips was representing Sheldon Sawyer.  In 2012 Mr. Sawyer did a Voluntary Merger off County Road and Pinewood Circle; Tax Map #005, Lots #004, #004-003 and #004-004.  The John Graves pond is on the edge of the road.  His intent is to give one of the lots to Mr. Phillips but to keep the other lot.  When he did this merger he did not read that “These parcels may no longer be separately transferred without subdivision approval”.

Mr. Aldrich moved to schedule this for a Public Hearing during the March 11, 2014, PB meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Fletcher.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WILLIAM DAHER:  Mr. Daher, 1993 Trust, submitted a Voluntary Merger document for Tax Map #012, Lots #012 and #012-005.

Mrs. Teague moved to approve this Voluntary Merger for William H. Daher, 1993 Trust.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

EXCAVATION TAX and RSA 72-B:  Mr. R. Miller advised that several months ago Mrs. Mansouri, Chair of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, was contacted by the Department of Revenue Administration and it was suggested that the PB should have in their Site Plan Checklist an item that has to do with the Timbering or Excavation of commercial or industrial development.  The PB has been discussing this over the past several months and during their Workshop Sessions.  Mr. Dalessio put some verbiage together to add it to Appendix, A Site Plan Checklist, under Section Vii, C Other, add Check #11.

Mr. Dalessio read the Proposed Change to Site Plan Review:

After:

• Plan for Stormwater Management and Erosion Control, if applicable (See Section VIII General Standards F.)

Add:

• Plan for timber/excavation in accordance with RSA 79 and RSA 72:B respectively.

A copy of Form PA-7 Notice of Intent to Cut / Form PA-38 Notice of Intent to Excavate is required to be submitted with Site Plan Application if required under RSA 79 or RSA 72:B.

Mr. Dalessio recommended that this be looked at by the Town Attorney or the Southwest Region Planning Commission as he would like to be sure that the RSAs are correct.  There was a consensus to send it to the Town Attorney for a legal opinion.  It will be voted on during the March meeting.

PLANNING COMMISSION:

Workshop Session – Reminder:  There will be a Workshop Session on Tuesday, February 25, 2014, in the Walpole Town Hall Downstairs Office.

ADJOURN MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Marcom.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:56 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary