The Walpolean

Roll Call: Board present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Bill Carmody, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Alternate: Trevor MacLachlan. Absent: Alternate Travis Adams.

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes were recorded. They are unapproved and will be reviewed next month for additions, corrections and omissions.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

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

New Business:

Chuck Shaw, Subdivision, one lot into two lots, 6 Walker Road, Map 10, Lot 2-1, Rural/Ag district,Veterinary Clinic, request for a public hearing in March. 

Dr. Shaw wants to divide his property on Route 12, where his veterinary clinic is, into two lots. Lot 1 would be 5.02 acres and Lot 2 would be 7.94 acres. There is a right of way just off of Route 12 to Lot 2. He requested a public hearing for the March meeting. Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public for Dr. Shaw in March for the subdivision. Mr. Marcom seconded it and the motion carried.

In order to register the subdivision at the Cheshire County Registry of Deeds, Dr. Shaw needs a Mylar. Since the survey was done in 1994 and the surveyor William J. Fitzgerald is no longer in business, surveyor Joe DiBernardo, who was at the meeting about another matter, was asked if he could help out. Mr. DiBernardo said he would try. Dr. Shaw said talked to a surveyor in 2019 about the subdivision but nothing more was done at that time. 

Good news! Mr. DiBernardo tracked down the previous surveyor and Mr. DiBernardo said he will have a Mylar ready for the March meeting.

Old Business:

Public Hearings continued.

MBP Management Group, Dunkin 2,000 square-foot coffee shop and drive-thru site plan. Tax Map 12, Lot 13-3, Route 12, 234.8 feet on Main Street, Commercial district, pond and wetlands to the south.

Public Hearing

Subdivision/Condo Lots: Avanru Development Group LLC:

Tax Map 12, Lot 13-3 into 3 parcels.

Since this matter has been on the agenda since October and concerns about condo lots has been more recently on the agenda and affects this parcel of land, both parties agreed to re-notify abutters of this public hearing.

Mr. Chad Branon, a civil engineer with Fieldstone Land Consultants from Milford, NH., was the presenter. He began by saying that Avanru Development Group LLC was withdrawing its request for a subdivision. Therefore, the surveyed map, which is the map of record and was approved at a previous meeting was being used in Tuesday night’s discussion. The three condo lots are actually only one lot and Lot 12-3 is now 3.32 acres.

Mr. Branon said the site plan application that was presented for MBP Management Group to build a Dunkin building that had been submitted in the last couple of months met all the requirements of Walpole’s site plan and should be approved. The lot now has 70 percent green space. Branon then presented a copy of the notification from the NH Department of Transportation approving the Route 12 cut. He also had a letter from Fire Chief Mark Houghton saying he approved of the project for fire, water & sewer. He still needs to see building specifics to sign off on that building, but in a recent email Mr. Houghton said he doesn’t expect any problems.

Regarding the land, Avanru Development Group will own the land and Dunkin will own the building, parking lot, green space. The driveway around the parking lot to the drive-thru will be for common use, Branon said. Mr. Miller said Walpole’s site plan says two buildings can be built on that one lot. 

George Delegas, the architect for the project, was also at the meeting. He said the inside layout has remained the same but the outside will now look like a barn. It reflects its surroundings, Mr. Delegas said. There’s a barn across the street and an exit road is called Red Barn Lane and the barn look seems fitting for this rural New Hampshire town. The siding of the building will be board and batten in a gray color. The windows are now glazed giving them a different effect. Landscaping will not change. Signage will include two signs on the building.

There being no more questions Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the site plan as presented. Mr. Perron second the motion and the Board unanimously approve the motion.

New Business:

Adam Naeck, Lot Line Adjustment, 107 Merriam Road, Tax Map 3, Lots 55 (15.63 acres) and Lot 56 (1.66 acres) Lot 55 – 200 feet road frontage, Lot 56 – 322.28 feet road frontage, Rural/Ag district. Property is in current use. Request for a public hearing in March.

Surveyor Joe DiBernardo represented Mr. Naeck. He said this is a simple lot line adjustment. It creates a second lot that is 1.66 acres in front of an existing lot with a home and some outbuildings on the property. Road frontage on Merriam Road, which is a Class 5 road, is 322.28 feet in the rural/agricultural district. Lot 55 would end up with 15.63 acres and has the required 200 feet of road frontage. 

Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing for the lot line adjustment in March for Mr. Naeck.  Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Barry Bellows, Potato Barn 9 new apartment units – there are three floors in the Potato Barn, apartments on each floor. Tax Map 24, Lot 6, 42 Potato Barn Lane. Request for a public hearing in March. Owner Steve Rudek.

Barry Bellows is the contractor on this project. He is just about completed creating 3 apartments in the piggery section, which is behind the barn. These apartments are called units one, two and three. Bellows explained that the main barn had three floors with the top floor being the event space with a bridge out to Homestead Avenue. Work will be confined to the interior of the building with the exception of replacing windows, making them larger. The building is already entirely sprinkled and attention was paid to fire protection when the building was redone several years ago. Units four, five and six will be on the first floor of the barn and be 800 square feet, 972 square feet and 575 square feet.  All will be one-bedroom units. The middle portion of the barn will have three units: 1,521 square feet, 773 square feet and 600 square feet with a one two-bedroom unit and two one-bedroom units. The top floor will have four units – two two-bedroom units at 1,068 and 1,236 square feet respectively and two units 830 and 810 square feet for two one-bedroom units.  

Mr. Bellows has spoken with Fire Chief Mark Houghton and Mr. Houghton wants him to put in an alarm system tied into firehouse, which can easily be done working off the existing system. Mr. Bellows also said the market for these apartments are for older people who are downsizing.

On the middle floor there is quite a lot of additional space that may be used in the future as a common area for the residents. The future for this space is to be determined later depending on the clientele. It may be a woodworking station, fitness area, pickle ball court. 

One other thing is that they are putting in poles for electricity to carry 1,200 amp service.

Mr. Bellows asked for a public hearing in March. Mr. Marcom made a motion to have a public hearing in March for the addition of nine units to the Potato Barn. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Workshop 

Reminder: there is a 4^th-=-Tuesday workshop with Lisa Murphy to finish work on the Master Plan and also work on an ordinance in the basement conference room.

Adjournment

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary

I am having a hard time comprehending that it is time again, and a “baker’s week” away to the closing date for the March CLARION onTuesday, February 21. I will need your inputs by 5 PM Walpole time to be included in this next issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION. 

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

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

Thank you, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Tonight! Second Saturday Potluck Supper
Fellowship Hall, First Congregational Church of Walpole
5:30 PM
Bring a main dish, side, salad, bread, or dessert to share. And bring a friend!
A goodwill offering will be collected for World Central Kitchen efforts in Ukraine.
Second Saturday Potluck Suppers have raised over $1,000 for food aid to date! Thank you!

Selectboard Present:  Steven Dalessio, Chair; Peggy Pschirrer and Cheryl Mayberry

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:33 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. Ben Hoy, Manager of the Recycling Center/Transfer Station was also present.

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 at 6:34 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. These minutes are to remain sealed.

The meeting reconvened at 7:05 p.m.

The meeting was joined by Ms. Celeste Aumand and Mr. Paul Looney

Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire Agreement: Mr. Looney presented documentation to the Selectboard. Ms. Mayberry questioned if this was a re-signing of an existing document. Mr. Dalessio was presented with a document to re-sign.  Ms. Pschirrer commented that the purpose of re-signing the document is because an individual was incorrectly listed as a “second”. Mr. Looney said he would stop by the Selectboard Office in the morning and ask Mrs. Daigle to email the scanned document to CPCNH.

North Walpole Plowing and Other Concerns: Mr. Dalessio asked if Ms. Aumand was present representing the North Walpole Commissioners. Ms. Aumand said she was. Ms. Aumand queried as to the Walpole procedure of plowing the North Walpole Fire Station. Ms. Aumand stated she has shoveled the fire department this season. Ms. Aumand commented that plowing did not occur with the last snowstorm. Mr. Dalessio stated he would speak to Mr. Mike Rau. Mr. Dalessio provided Ms. Aumand with his cell phone number and stated that when she notices the fire department is not plowed, she should call him.  Discussion was held regarding the process by which the fire department’s snow is removed when a snowstorm occurs. Ms. Aumand then asked if there were parking/towing ordinances for the Town. Ms. Aumand described the process by which school buses are dropping children off at school. Mr. Dalessio commented that the school district needs to address why the school buses cannot drop off appropriately. Mr. Dalessio proposed that the North Walpole Commissioners to send a letter to Mary Henry at the school who oversees facilities and describe the problem regarding the drop-off of children at the school. 

Mr. Dalessio stated that a solar speed sign would be installed in North Walpole in the spring. Mr. Dalessio stated that the sign pole had arrived. Ms. Aumand commented that one of Don Newcomb’s properties has water and it is unclear if his property is metered. Mr. Dalessio requested that Mrs. Daigle confirm there is a sewer bill. Mr. Dalessio stated that the software which reads the meters will be changed because it is outdated. Mr. Dalessio commented that Ms. Pschirrer will follow up with the Police Department concerning signs, and that he will speak to Mr. Rau about the fire department snow removal.

NEW BUSINESS:

Rabid Wildlife: Mr. Dalessio stated that he researched the rabid animal complaint. Ms. Pschirrer commented on a fox den on a property in the village. Mr. Dalessio stated that police will refer to NH Fish and Game animals that they are not able to dispatch. He stated that baby raccoons were captured and sent to a rehabilitation center. Mr. Dalessio was advised by the police department that there are no new problems with wildlife within the Town. Ms. Mayberry commented on the process by which residents can be notified when animal issues arise. Ms. Pschirrer stated there are open compost piles located within the Town. 

SWRPC Winter Meeting:  The meeting will be held on February 14, 2023, at 5:00 PM.

Legislative Delegation Meeting: The meeting will be held on March 1, 2023, and will begin at 6:30 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $13,372.21for checks issued February 3, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. This includes a $2,912.39 payment to Irving Energy.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 28, 2023, in the amount of $34,188.24 dated February 3, 2023, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $7,178.95.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 26, 2023: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 26, 2023, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – January 26, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of January 26, 2023, as submitted. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The following reports were acknowledged by the Selectboard:

• Safety Committee – January 19, 2023;

• Planning Board Workshop – January 24, 2023

ABATEMENTS:

Map and Lot# 028-119-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve an abatement for Map and Lot# 028-119-000, with a $381.24 property tax refund. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 024-013-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve an abatement for Map and Lot# 024-013-000, with a $2,764.54 property tax refund.  Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 004-028-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny an abatement for Map and Lot# 004-028-000.  Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

REFUND:

Map and Lot#0 027-001-006:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a property tax refund for Map and Lot# 027-001-006, with $231.13 due to the overpayment of fall 2022 property taxes.  Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BLIND PROPERTY EXEMPTION:

Map and Lot# 022-017-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a blind exemption for Map and Lot# 022-017-000. Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot# 030-006-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the All Veterans’ Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 030-006-000, as the applicant served over 90 days of active duty, was honorably discharged during a time of non-conflict. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 030-006-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the All Veterans’ Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 030-006-000, Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The applicant is a veteran and the spouse of the prior applicant.

Map and Lot# 008-024-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a Veteran’s Credit for Map and Lot# 008-024-000. Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The applicant served over 90 days of active duty, was honorably discharged, and served during a time of conflict.

CURRENT USE:

Map and Lot# 009-024-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a current use application for Map and Lot# 009-024-000, Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. It is a ten-acre lot being entered into current use.

Map and Lot# 011-031-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a current use application for Map and Lot# 011-031-000, Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

2023-02, Map and Lot# 007-021-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a building permit for Map and Lot#007-021-001, to construct a 34’ x 26’ one and a half story garage with a one bed efficiency apartment on the second floor. Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Houghton Brook Bridge: Mr. Dalessio updated the Selectboard on Houghton Brook bridge. The Town is not going to get the easement that is needed. He stated that potentially the Town will purchase a structure for a temporary bridge. 

School & Union Street Drainage Project: Mr. Dalessio commented upon the Union street and School street drainage project drawings that deal with the drainage. Mr. Dalessio discussed the cleaning of the catch basin. 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Hooper Trustees Meeting at 8:10 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:36 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting at 8:37 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion. There was none. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary 

20th Century French Songs with Bob Grenier at the Walpole Town Library

In this program, we will listen to a wide range of wonderful French songs by singers such as Brel. Bécaud, Gainsbourg, Goldman, Renaud, Vigneault, Charlebois, Ferrat, Piaf, Aznavour… Each song will be discussed. We will make sure that everyone understands the lyrics. There will be explanations of grammar and vocabulary if the need arises. Texts of the lyrics will be available, and at last, we will all be able to join in and sing along with the featured chanteur.

This program is intended for those who enjoy French music, either know French, or would like to renew the French they have learned and have forgotten, or those who are at various levels of trying to learn French. Songs are a wonderful way to learn and enjoy a foreign language. We are hoping to have a good mix of folks of all ages and levels who can help each other in the learning process.

Program will start February 15, 7:00-8:00, in the Hubbard Meeting Room. If there is enough interest, there will be further sessions.

Roll Call:

Minutes of January 2023.

Old Business:

Final draft of updating ZBA Bylaws. Second of two readings and vote to approve updated Bylaws.

March meeting:

Since Jan will be away in February, we will consider the nonpublic minutes of January 2023 and the unsealing two more sealed nonpublic session in March.