The Walpolean

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting via Zoom to order at 6:26 PM.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations. Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Jodi Daigle, Water & Sewer Clerk and Administrative Assistant, at a separate location and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, at a separate location.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were no members of the public in attendance. 

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Steven Dalessio was present at home; Peggy Pschirrer was present at home and Cheryl Mayberry was present at home.  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $1,920,381.70 for checks issued December 17, 2021.  This includes a payment in the amount of $1,713,518.00 to the Cheshire County for taxes.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 11, 2021, in the amount of $27,835.23 dated December 17, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,435.03.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETINGMINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – December 9, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 9, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.   

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION MINUTES – December 9, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 9, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORT:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee report:

• Walpole Conservation Committee Meeting – December 6, 2021.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #009-054-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $958.65 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #009-054-000.  This is due to an overpayment of the Fall taxes.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-116-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $13.31 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-116-000.  This is due to an overpayment of the Fall taxes.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #027-001-001-2:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $6.61 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #027-001-001-2.  This is due to an overpayment of the Spring taxes.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:

MAP and LOT #012-013-004:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Supplemental Tax Warrant for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-013-004.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

Permit #2021-44, MAP and LOT #010-031-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit #2021-44 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #010-031-000 to “Construct a 24’ x 24’ roof mount solar array on the garage”.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

WARRANTS:

WALPOLE WATER FEES:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Walpole Warrant for Water Tax Liens in the amount of $1,120.73.  This will be given to the Tax Collector.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

WALPOLE SEWER FEES:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Walpole Warrant for Sewer Tax Liens in the amount of $1,191.64.  This will be given to the Tax Collector.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.   

NORTH WALPOLE SEWER FEES:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for the Village of North Walpole Sewer Tax Liens in the amount of $11,564.41.  This will be given to the Tax Collector.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Proof of Vaccinations:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the distribution of the Notice of Proof of Vaccinations to each employee as soon as possible.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned the Selectboard will go into the office to sign this notice.  Mrs. Daigle advised the notices will go out with all paychecks next week.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Pending Further Actions:

Vilas Bridge, Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters

Trees on the Common:  Mr. Dalessio reported that Liberty Utilities was at the Planning Board meeting last Tuesday.  It was a part of the scenic road trimming discussion along Farnum Road and the Old Drewsville Road.  Ms. Heather Green, Project Manager for Vegetation and Inspection, and Ms. Kelly Hoffman, Consulting Utility Arborist for Environmental Consultants, Inc. were present.  They are more than willing to visit Walpole to talk about the trees on the Common.  They have a program to give trees out to the towns; free of charge.  Ms. Mayberry noted that they were going to reach out to them but at the same time they thought they would hear from Arborclimb.  Mr. Dalessio explained that Liberty Utilities has a standard they have to follow.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to move forward and contact Ms. Green and Ms. Hoffman.

NEW BUSINESS:

North Walpole Park:  Mrs. Diane Harty contacted Mrs. Pschirrer about their offer for a Pocket Library.  They would like to put it up near their storage shed.  They will talk to the Walpole Librarian, Mrs. Jane Malmberg, about the use of it but they will take care of it.  All Mrs. Harty is asking for is permission for them to accept this offer and put the Pocket Library up.  Mr. Kraig Harlow approved this request.  He had an offer of two more from Charlestown, but no decision was made on them at this time. Mrs. Pschirrer stated, “Let’s go ahead and get this first one up.”

Salary Study:  Mrs. Pschirrer spoke with Ms. Carol Granfield.  She worked with Mr. Dalessio about 2016 when a salary study was done.  Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to her about doing a survey of all the employees this time.  It would include the Recycling Center and the Library.  Her question is does the Selectboard want her to look at the job descriptions.  How detailed do they want this salary review?  She will then send them a written proposal.  Walpole has 41 employees; 17 are part-time.  Mr. Dalessio feels they should do it all if they are going to do it.  Include the job descriptions; everything.  Ms. Mayberry agrees but hopes they can move forward with the results in a positive way.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like her to do a full review.  The cost might be approximately $5,000-to-$6,000 for a brief overview.  There was a consensus to have Mrs. Pschirrer continue to work with Ms. Granfield.                  

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 6:45 PM. 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:55 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 6:56 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:39 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 16, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

According to “my sources” the Nativity is at 8:00 or 8:15 on December 24th.

St. John’s will be having a Christmas Eve service on December 24th at 3pm held OUTSIDE by the front steps of the church right at the corner of Elm and Westminster. It will be a service of prayers, music and a homily but not communion.  There will be chairs available as well as standing room.  All are welcome to join in person or by Zoom (see link at www.stjohnswalpole.org).  Look for us by the folk art manger scene that will be set up on the lawn. The next service at St. John’s will be Sunday at ten.  Merry Christmas to all!

Sent from my iPhone

I have heard “via the grapevine” that there may be confusion about the Live Nativity. I have been notified that the inside Candlelight Service at the Congregational Church has been cancelled. I am sure you recall that post.

I have not heard that the Live Nativity Plans have been changed. If there is someone out there who knows differently or can advise us of a time, I hope they will let me know.

Not sure what other churches may have planned but I would be more than happy to share – ltdecoste@comcast.net.

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:31 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  This meeting was being recorded.  Also present was Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  There were no members of the public in attendance.  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $115,478.47 for checks issued December 10, 2021.  This includes a payment in the amount of $35,692.13 to the North Walpole Village District for the second half of the payment from the Great River Hydro PILOT.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 04, 2021, in the amount of $30,729.13 for checks dated December 10, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,895.20.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETINGMINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – December 2, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 2, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.  

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION MINUTES – December 2, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 2, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORT:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – November 16, 2021.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS & ABATEMENTS:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the following Property Tax Refunds and Abatements for tax deeded properties:• Map and Lot #028-039-000• Map and Lot #028-120-000• Map and Lot #003-082-CL8

The combined total refund/abatement is $3,063.00 for accounting purposes.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #029-010-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $28.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #029-010-000.  This home was recently sold.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #019-049-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $123.98 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #019-049-000.  This home was recently sold.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION:

MAP and LOT #009-048-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Solar Energy Exemption to the owner(s) of Map and Lot #009-048-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Tax Anticipation Note (TAN):  Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) for One Million Dollars ($1,000,000).  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Houghton Brook Bridge Permit Plans and Wetlands Permit Application:   Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Houghton Brook Bridge Permit Plans and Wetlands Permit Application and to allow Mr. Michael Rau and the Town Clerk to sign these documents.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

Pending Further Actions:

Vilas Bridge, Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters:

Vilas Bridge:  Ms. Mayberry reported that the Executive Council met yesterday; their meeting was on Zoom and she listened in.  The Vilas Bridge got approved to be put back in the Ten Year Plan at 93%.  It went through without questions and/or comments.  There was a focus on a lot of bridge work.  Hopefully, it stays on the Plan long-term.  Ms. Mayberry advised the Town will continue to move forward with finding an alternative.   

NEW BUSINESS:

Recreation Committee Appointment Letter and Notice:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the appointment of Mrs. Jean Kobeski as a member on the Recreation Committee for a period of three (3) years, December 2021 through Town Meeting, March 2024.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Liaison Meeting Request:  The Foundation members were tasked with helping prioritize projects in the Upper Basin of the Long Island Sound Watershed for the next round of funding coming out in early 2022.  Mr. Dalessio suggested this be given to the Walpole Conservation Commission and, if they feel the Town should pursue it, they will have to make a recommendation to the Selectboard.   

Thank You Note re: Stone Bench on Common:  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged receipt of a Thank You note from Mrs. Marcia Frankewicz regarding the granite bench that was placed on the Common.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned it looks good.  Ms. Mayberry had a resident express concern about why it is there when there are no other benches like it.  He asked if they would be over-run with similar benches.  Ms. Mayberry replied they are at the discretion of the Selectboard as to how, when and where but she would acknowledge the concern.  Ms. Mayberry feels it looks nice and does not take away from the Common.  

Staff Meeting for December 16, 2021:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to cancel the Staff Meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 16, 2021.  The Selectboard will be meeting with Department Managers on Friday, December 10, 2021, to go over their proposed 2022 Budgets.  Mrs. Downing was asked to send a notice to the Department Managers.

Lunch Options for Budget Meeting: The Selectboard agreed to order lunch from Diamond Pizza on Friday, December 10th when they will be having an all-day work session to meet individually with Department Managers to review their proposed 2022 Budgets and Warrant Articles.

Zoom Meetings: Mr. Dalessio moved that the Selectboard return to Zoom meetings starting next week. This will include Staff meetings. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry asked if they will urge other Boards / Committees to do Zoom meetings.  Mr. Dalessio felt they should be made aware of the Selectboard’s decision.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted this is taking into consideration the health and safety of the Selectboard and guests.  This will have to be posted.  

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:00 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:30 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 09, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Present: Board Members Chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc, Vice-Chair Myra Mansouri, Clerk Tom Murray,  Ernie Vose, Pauline Barnes. Alternates Don Sellarole, Judy Trow and Dave Edkins.  

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes were recorded. They are unapproved and will be reviewed at the January 2022 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Roll Call: Ms. Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7 pm. A full board was present.

Minutes: Mr. Vose made a motion to approve the minutes as printed. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

Signage: US Cellular. 48 Meadow Access Lane. Tax Map 12, Lot 55 13A, commercial district.

Heather Dudok – Auburn, MA

Heather postponed the meeting until January. She does not have a revision of the new sign yet.

Delia Blanchard – Information about building a modular home on her property. Ms. Blanchard did not attend the meeting.

Chris Linkin – Discuss car detailing shop at 455 March Hill Road.

 Mr. Linkin explained that he was interested in purchasing the property at 455 March Hill Road for a car detailing business. He said he has looked elsewhere in Walpole, but has not found any other location for his business. This property is in the rural/agricultural district so it will need a Special Exception to operate a commercial business there. The building has previously been an automotive shop, a butcher shop and a bakery shop for pizza dough. According to the Walpole Zoning Ordinances a special exception in a rural/agricultural district needs the following:

C.  Special Exceptions

               1. Property currently zoned for industrial, manufacturing and commercial operations is either unavailable or inadequate for the proposed use; and the proposed use is appropriate and consistent with the Town’s Master Plan.

2. Each proposed use must show that it will not infringe on the primary established use of the district.

3. No industrial, manufacturing or commercial venture or use shall be permitted which could cause any undue hazard to health, safety or property values or which could be offensive to the public because of noise, vibration, excessive traffic, unsanitary conditions, noxious odor, smoke, or other similar reason.

4. Each proposed use shall provide adequate off-street parking, including loading customer vehicles. Additional parking may be required based on the size and nature of the business.              

6. All signs shall meet the requirements of Part D of the General Provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.

While the building has living space as well as space for his business, Mr. Linkin will not be living there so it won’t be considered a home business. Mr. Edkins asked if he had a diagram of the property, that it would be helpful. Mr. Linkin passed out a copy of the advertisement to sell the property. The advertisement had photographs of the 5,292 square-foot building as well as an interior shot of the work space and a map of its location. Mr. Edkins asked Mr. Linkin if he was going to do any painting of cars. Mr. Linkin replied no. Ms. Leclerc explained that he needed a recommendation from the Planning Board and then he had to come back to the Zoning Board for the Special Exception. Ms. Leclerc also asked if he was going to spend more than $10,000 on renovating the space. If so, he needed to get site plan approval from the Planning Board. Ms. Trow explained that meant the $10,000 was for construction or renovations of space. He doesn’t plan to make any improvements to the building.

So the timetable is as follows: Mr. Linkin will go to the Planning Board in January 2022 to ask for a Public Hearing for a recommendation to have a car detailing business at 455 March Hill Road in the rural/agricultural district. He fills out an application, abutters are notified of the public hearing and a legal notice appears in The Keene Sentinel. If the Planning Board gives their recommendation to Mr. Linkin, he returns in February to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for a public hearing for a special exception to have a business in the rural/agricultural district.

Mr. Vose made a motion to hold a public hearing in February 2022 for a special exception to have a car detailing business in a rural/agricultural district after a recommendation from the Planning Board and completions of all the applications and fees. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried. Ms. Mansouri noted that if Mr. Linkin intended to have a sign at the March Hill location, he needed to come back to the Zoning Board. The secretary will put him on the Planning Board agenda for January 2022.

Update on day care center – Maplewood Circle.

In November the Zoning Board discussed the 2008 minutes of a Zoning Board meeting in which there was discussion of the Home Away from Home Day Care, a child care center on Maplewood Circle Road. A homeowner, who lives across from the day care facility, complained that parents who had children at the day care facility were parking in her driveway and/or blocking her driveway so when she wanted to leave for work she couldn’t. She also complained about trash in her yard. The Board wanted to look at the original minutes in which the day care facility was discussed.

In the meantime, the Select Board, at its December 2^nd meeting, met with the person running the day care center, Ms. Jenny Laplante, to discuss parking and the location of their dumpster. The day care facility is in the commercial district because it is within 150 feet of Main Street. Day care facilities are permitted in commercial districts. At the Select Board meeting it was decided that the dumpster should be screened behind a fence or other structure. Ms. Laplante said she would screen the dumpster and the Select Board was agreeable to waiting until the spring for the change.

The recent Select Board minutes say “the road is two lanes and the cars are actually on her property. Their driveway has always been as it is now. Mr. Dalessio agrees that some cars are parked in the field. No ordinances says they cannot park across from the driveway. He had Police Chief Sanctuary look at the area; he indicated there are no violations. Two cars can pass each other and there is adequate room for emergency vehicles. Ms. Pschirrer asked about the zoning approval when she appeared before that Board (in 2008). Ms. Laplante said it was never their intention to park in the driveway. Their lot is plowed in the winter to allow for parking. There would probably be 5-to-6 cars parked there during a normal work shift. Mrs. Leclerc (chair of the Zoning Board) pointed out that in the meeting minutes Ms. Laplante stated that all cars would be parked on her property. The neighbor has to drive over a berm to get out of her driveway. Mr. Dalessio asked why all the cars could not park in the lot. Ms. Laplante explained that depending on the season the ground could be soft in spots/slushy. She worries about people falling.”

Amanda Raney is the person who made the complaint and she was at the Zoning Board meeting and was thinking about an appeal to what she thought was the Select Board siding with Ms. Laplante. She may file an appeal.

Mrs. Raney said people picking up children at the day care, some park in her driveway or park so it blocks her car in the driveway. She’s complained about the problem and asked that it it not happen. Also, Mrs. Raney said the owner has expanded her space so she now has three  playgrounds instead of one. There is a field at the end of the property for parking where everyone can park. She stated that a couple of years ago one of her children almost got hit by a car while the child was playing in the driveway. 

Also she has found trash in her yard that has blown out of the dumpster, which is in the front yard of the day care property. Another complaint is that it’s sometimes 7 or 8 at night before children get picked up. Her children go to bed at 7:30 and it’s noisy. She showed the board members a video of the line of cars and some photographs that she had taken.

Ms. Raney said she has to get close to the cars to get our of the driveway to go to work or wait a couple of minutes while someone is trying to maneuver out of the line of cars to leave. The berm was put in by the town to direct water. 

Ms. Laplante runs the day care, Ms. Leclerc said. At the meeting the Select Board said they thought it was okay for the cars to park on the road because even though it’s a town right-of-way, it’s technically her property. And at the meeting, Ms. Laplante said she never said people could park in the driveway. Ms. Leclerc said that is the opposite of what is says in the 2008 minutes. Also, she currently has a total of 45 children, 24 of which are after-school placements. This is many more than the stated number of children mentioned in the 2008 minutes. At the recent meeting with  Laplante, the Select Board said that if anyone doesn’t agree with what they said that they could appeal to the Zoning Board. Ms. Raney doesn’t agree that the parking situation is okay.

Ms. Leclerc pointed out to Ms. Raney that if she files an appeal it will cost her some money. There is $150 for the application and $8 for each abutter. The day care facility has probably four or five abutters. So the total would be about $200. Then there would be a public hearing and Ms. Raney would explain her point of view and any members of the public could speak. Then the Zoning Board would make a decision. According to Mr. Edkins, the Select Board has to abide by the Zoning Board’s decision on the matter. There is also the matter of time. Ms. Trow pointed out that the Zoning Board Bylaws say that Ms. Raney had 30 days from when the Select Board made its decision. That would be January 2, 2022.

The abutters would be the abutters of the day care center not Ms. Raney, Mr. Edkins said. Mr. Edkins also asked about police equipment near the site. Ms. Raney thought it might be for counting cars. Ms. Raney said she has lived there since 2013. It’s a lot of traffic in and out, it’s noisy. She said she just wanted to come home and relax and not worry about cars. There’s trash blowing all over her yard. It attracts wild animals, Ms. Raney said.

The dumpster that is currently in the front yard has been taken care of, Ms. Leclerc said. There are 45 children enrolled in the day care facility. About 24 are for after school placements. Ms. Laplante said she had 24 children there at one time. Mr. Murray said that is about three-quarters more than she said in the 2008 minutes.

Ms. Leclerc wants to look at the 2007 zoning ordinances booklet to see if there is anything in the ordinances about parking in a commercial district. She thought there might be a typo and that all businesses had to have ample parking spaces for their employees and customers in a commercial district.

It was suggested that  Ms. Raney talk to husband about the appeal and then tell the secretary her decision. Ms. Raney said, “I’m not the only one having issues. I want it fixed.”

It’s complicated. It a commercial venture in a residential neighborhood, Mr. Edkins said. It never got to have a site plan because it complied with the zoning ordinance. But there have been many changes since 2008.

Ms. Raney asked if all the board members at the meeting would have a vote. Ms. Trow said there needed to be a majority of three votes of a five-member board to make a decision. Three members of the meeting that night were alternates.

It was finally decided that since Ms. Raney has never had a chance to tell her side of the story to the Select Board, she should attend a Select Board meeting and tell her story. That wouldn’t cost her anything and she could always go back to the Zoning Board.

Update on Clarion Article

Ms. Mansouri, Mr. Vose and Ms. Barnes have been working on an article for the Walpole Clarion to familiarize the public on what the Zoning Board does. Mr. Edkins said since the board is an appeals board, he would sign the article Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment, not just Walpole Zoning Board. He would also say the main purpose of the board is to hear appeals from the strict terms of the zoning ordinance or its interpretation by other boards. Others suggested informing the public on when and where the board meets.

Re-ups for next year. Ms. Leclerc and Ms. Mansouri have terms that finish in 2022.

Adjournment:

Mr. Murray a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary

cc: ZBA, WPB, Town Officials, The Walpolean

Posted: Inside the Town Hall, on the bulletin board outside the Post Office, www.walpolenh.uc

                                                                                   

Dear Library Community,

Due to the current surge of Covid cases in the area, the rise of the Omicron variant and staffing shortages due to illness, the Walpole Town Library will be making some changes to hours and services from now through the month of January.  

• Due to staffing, the Bridge Memorial Library will close early on Monday 12/20 & 12/27 and Wednesday 12/22 & 12/29 (at 5:00 pm instead of 7:00 pm).  
• Due to staffing, the North Walpole Library will close early on Tuesday 12/21 &12/28 (5:00 pm instead of 7:00 pm).
• Due to the holidays, both libraries will be closed on Friday, December 24 and Saturday, December 25 as well as Friday, December 31 and Saturday, January 1. We plan to resume normal hours the week of January 3rd.
• Effective today through January 31, all in-person library programs are cancelled. We will offer the following virtual and take-home programs:
  • Community Conversation on Redistricting. Virtual Program. Monday, January 3, 2021, at 7 pm.  
    For more information or to receive a Zoom link, please call the library or email jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org
  • Spark Joy Program. Virtual Program.
    There will be a link available to view the program anytime between Wednesday, January 5^th at 7:00 am and Friday, January 7^th at 7:00 am, with a live Zoom Q&A session on Thursday, January 6^th, from 5:00-5:20 pm. For more information or to receive a link to view the program, please call the library or email jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org
  • Crafternoon will be a take-home program this month with kits available for pickup on Friday, January 14th at both library branches.
  • The Carolyn Show and Sneak Peak Saturday will start up once again the week of January 3^rd via Facebook and the library’s YouTube channel.
  • Wiggle Time, Story Time and Pajama Story Time will be virtual on Facebook and the library’s YouTube channel.
• We encourage you to stock up when you are here, just in case we need to close suddenly due to a library exposure risk or if we reach critical staffing levels. Just as we do for snow, we will announce last minute closures on our Facebook page and on our website.
• We also encourage you to request curbside service or our home delivery service. 
• Please keep your visits short, whenever possible, and be understanding that staff will not assist in close contact technology help at this time.

Thank you for your patience as we navigate these unpredictable times together. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Jane Malmberg
Library Director
603-756-9806
jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

For clarification:

The original notice did not mention that it is the Congregational Church Candlelight Service that is being cancelled. Neither they, nor I, noticed that. Thanks to the numerous people that have set us straight. – Lil

Roll Call: Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Miller, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Bill Carmody and Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Absent: Alternate Trevor MacLachlan. Also present was Travis Adams, a candidate to be an alternate.

Recording: Secretary Marilou Blaine. These minutes are being recorded. They are unapproved and will be reviewed at the January 2022 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Meeting coming to order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at at 7 pm. A full board was present.

Minutes: Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Old Business:

Public Hearing: Liberty Utilities: Routine Maintenance on Scenic Roads:

Presenting was Heather Green, Program Manager, Vegetation and Inspection. With Ms. Green was Kelly Hoffman, Liberty Utilities Representative, Consulting Utility Arborist for ECI, Environmental Consultants, Inc. Walpole has two designated scenic roads – Farnum Road and Old Drewsville Road. RSA 231:172

Ms. Green was present to discuss the maintenance work on the two scenic roads in Walpole. It will begin in January 2022 and, depending on the pandemic, should last for about six months.  The planned work includes tree pruning, trimming, flat cutting and tree removal. The biggest concern is usually tree removal, Green said. Planned tree removal on Farnum Road includes three trees, a maple, a black cherry and a basswood. Tree removal on Old Drewsville road includes 11 trees: five maple trees, two white pine, one black cherry, one basswood, one popular and one ash. 

In addition to the trees that were mentioned in the report, Ms. Hoffman added 4 additional trees that are a threat to conductors. The one on Farnum Road is a 22” in diameter black cherry between poles 16 and 17. On Old Drewsville Road, there are a 35-inch white pine between poles 7 and 8, an 8-inch black birch between poles 56 and 57 and a 23-inch hemlock between poles 70 and 71. On scenic roads there is a little more sensitivity to cutting, Ms. Green said. The marks for removal of trees Liberty uses are blue and white markers or red markers. Currently the routine maintenance has been every four years. Liberty Utilities will now be on a five-year cycle due to the pandemic, work-force issues and budget.

The planned work can be categorized as follows: any and all trees over the 15-inch circumference limit will be pruned to remove dead/dying, weak and structurally poor limbs to conform to the clearances specified by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. In the handout that Ms. Green gave to the Board, it says: 

​

“PUC 307:10 Tree-Pruning Standards 

“a) With the land-owner’s consent, utilities shall prune trees adjacent to all distribution circuits     to the following minimum clearances on no more than a 5-year cycle:

​

​1) 10 feet below the conductors;

​2) 8 feet to the side of the nearest conductor; and

​3) 15 feet above the conductors, at time of pruning.”

Ms. Green continued that newer PUC 307.10 standards requires our clearance corridor to be wider than in the past. PUC makes a corridor of 8 feet. Liberty Utilities was doing a 6-foot corridor. This has required more vegetation work and tree removals and as a result, trees planned for removal are sometimes at an inventory state. Currently removals located along single-phase construction are being deferred. The removals will be performed as resources are available and will be prioritized by relative risk to other trees found in the inventory process. That is, we expect most of these planned and inventoried removal on the scenic roads to be deferred until a future date.

Ms. Green said they will follow the PUC guideline if it’s a good idea to follow it. Sometimes, she said, professionally, it’s not a good idea. If it’s an 8-foot shrub like a viburnum that won’t grow much higher, a better cut might be at 9 or 10 feet. It’s not a rigid 8-foot rule. Additionally you have to consider the electric conductors. You may have to be a little more aggressive so the electric conductor doesn’t fail. This will minimize outages. So following the states 231 RSA rule and because of budget we strive to do what is best. However, at this time Ms. Green said she expects to have the budget to remove the above list of trees.

Mr. Dalessio said that at a Select Board meeting the members were concerned about the “heavy-handedness” that has been going on. Some of trees looked like they had been carved away without any caring about the aesthetic of the tree. So the Board asked Liberty Utilities that trees be “lightly pruned.” This includes any trees on town property. They too should be “gently pruned”. By Mr. Dalessio’s house in Drewsville, the cutting along the Drewsville Common was terrible and the Board is very concerned about that. This also pertains to the scenic roads, Mr. Dalessio said. The Select Board wants it to look decent when they are done. Ms. Green said they would do their best but what Mr. Dalessio was asking is subjective. 

Mr. Dalessio then asked what do you do if a landowner refuses. Ms. Green said if it is definitely considered a fire hazard, there is a follow up with the landowner.  

Ms. Andros asked if a tree were pruned so that it is “super ugly,” is there a situation where the tree can be removed and another replanted in its place. Mr. Dalessio said the town is trying to hire an arborist to advise the Select Board on what trees to plant on the Walpole Common. Sometimes it’s more costly to try and keep a tree alive than it is to replace them, he said. 

Ms. Green said there are other trees that are marked so that they can be watched. The tree may not be growing upright and may go down in a windstorm. Or there might be a limb that might cause potential problems. Poplars are checked because they are prone to fail. A lot of trees are marked and kept as an inventory so that when funding becomes available, there is an opportunity to go back and check those first and then move out from there.

Ms. Green said Liberty Utilities wants to be a partners with its customers and offers other resources that may be found online. For example, there are several energy-saving suggestions. She demonstrated a typical cutting, which is on both sides of a pole. She also referenced a program where customers can get up to 100 trees for free in a town. 

Mr. Miller closed the Public Hearing and said that Liberty Utilities had fulfilled its obligation of the RSA and was all set for the maintenance cutting on Walpole’s two scenic roads.

Here are the remaining PUC guidelines.

“b.) Utilities shall implement measures such as mid-cycle reviews to identifying and mitigating elevated risk from tree exposure on circuits or sections or circuits that are significantly and/or continually experiencing tree-related interruptions, where it is practical to do so.

“c.) Utilities shall not be requires to prune to the clearance standards specified in (a) of this section where:

​1.) The land-owner has refused or restricted permission to prune.

​2.) A municipality or other local body, by ordinance or other official means, has refused ​or restricted permission to prune, or

​3.) Pruning to the standards specified in subpart (a) would be detrimental to the health ​of the tree, in which the utility shall adhere to the guideline provided in ANSI A300 ​Part1- 2008 Edition, available as noted in Appendix B.

“Trees under the 12-inch circumference limit and brush capable of growing into the energized conductors will be cut with landowner’s consent.

“Trees to be removed, based on clearance needs and risk assessment performed by Liberty Utilities and qualified foresters from Environmental Consultants, Inc (ECI) have been marked with red or pink flagging stapled to the trees. Removals are noted in the enclosed details as an activity = “Rmc,” a size = diameter class (ie 05-08”) and by land type distinction ( Unmaintained (UM). Rural (R) and Maintained (M) ).”

Goals and Objectives: No discussion. There will be a Planning Board workshop on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, with Lisa Murphy, a senior planner at Southwest Community Planning Commission.

Fees for voluntary mergers:

After a short discussion it was decided to raise the $25 fee for voluntary mergers to $50 to cover all the costs.

New alternate:

Travis Adams was at the meeting to observe an actual Planning Board meeting. At the end of the meeting Ms. Andros asked him to tell the Board more about himself and why he wanted to be on the Planning Board. Mr Adams said he and his wife live on Pleasant Street and have purchased a lot on County Road and plan to start working on a home in the spring. His wife’s parents live in Walpole. His parents are from Charlestown. He graduated from Fall Mountain High School in 2001. He has never been involved in any civic group before, but after listening to some of his neighbors and after tonight’s meeting, he said he was interested in being a member of the board. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the appointment of Mr. Adams as an alternate member of the Planning Board. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Adams now has to go to the Town Clerk and be sworn in.

Re-up reminder. Dennis Marcom and Jeff Harrington’s terms are up in 2022. They can announce their candidacy at the Town Clerk’s office Jan. 19-28.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary 

cc: WPB, ZBA, Town Officials, The Walpolean.

Posted: Inside the Town Hall, on the bulletin board outside the Post Office, www.walpolenh.us

Next meeting: Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

Workshop: Tuesday, January 25, 2022.