The Walpolean

Present: Chair Jan Leclerc, Clerk Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes, Judy Trow, Tom Winmill. Alternates  Don Sellarole, Carolyn Vose, Myra Mansouri. Absent: Dave Edkins. Also attending the meeting were Marcia Galloway, Cindy Westover and Shane O’Keefe.

Minutes: Written by Marilou Blaine. This meeting was recorded. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the September 2022 meeting for corrections, and additions and/or omissions.

Call to order: Ms. Leclerc called the meeting at 7:01 pm. A full board was present so there was no need to ask an alternate to fill in.

Minutes of July 2022 minutes: Ms. Trow made a couple of corrections. On page 3, third paragraph, she added the word “in” to the word “with”; on page 4 under the section titled Adjournment it should read “Ms.” Trow, not Mr. Trow. Mr. Murray made corrections on page two 2. In the third paragraph from the bottom the word “be” should be added after the word “would” and Carbone should have an “e” at the end of his name. At the end of the sentence, add “than the previous distance” Ms. Trow made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion.

Mr. Windmill said he had quite a few corrections. He began by saying the July 22 minutes had no mention of the agenda item that he requested regarding the establishment of procedures plan for creating the agenda. The secretary interrupted to state that items discussed in a nonpublic session could not be stated in a public meeting. Mr. Winmill replied, “let’s just see” and continued reading aloud. Mr. Winmill began reading his five points for the plan. Mr. Murray vehemently opposed point 3 by saying the board can’t do that. Point 3 said that the agenda must be distributed to all board members and alternates 72 hours before the meeting for comments. Mr. Murray said that first of all the board members and alternates are not supposed to be contacting each other about board business. Board business should only be discussed at an official open meeting. Mr. Winmill objected to Mr. Murray’s comments and kept on reading aloud. Ms. Leclerc said Mr. Winmill was out of order but he continued to read on. Mr. Murray made a motion to not put Mr. Winmill’s statements in the minutes. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and four members voted aye. Mr. Winmill’s motion was never seconded and not discussed at the meeting. 

A vote on the motion to approve the minutes was finally taken and the minutes were approved as corrected by four members with one member voting no.

Clarion article for September: Mr. Edkins was not at the meeting so discussion of the application for Non-Conforming Uses will be discussed next month. 

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Request for a public hearing for an Appeal from Administrative Decision

Ms. Leclerc said the board had received an application for a request for a public hearing and the board needs to vote to accept the application. She explained that the application was an appeal being made by Ms. Jennifer Plante, owner of the day care center, Home Away From Home. Ms. Plante is appealing the decision made by the Planning Board that the day care center’s site plan be approved on the condition that she get a variance from the ZBA. The appeal is on the conditional part of that decision. 

Ms. Leclerc wanted to know who was going to be able to be at the meeting and who was going to recuse himself or herself. So the people who were planning to recuse themselves from the hearing sat in the audience. Hearing the appeal needs a quorum of five people. Ms. Leclerc and Mr. Murray recused themselves. So that left Ms. Barnes, Ms. Trow, Mr. Windmill, Mr. Sellarole and Ms. Vose to vote on the motion to hold a public hearing for the appeal. 

Ms. Trow stepped up as vice-chair and took up this portion of the meeting. She asked Ms. Vose and Mr. Sellarole to take part as board members in this portion of the meeting. Ms. Trow asked if the application was in order and if all fees had been paid. The answer was yes. Ms. Barnes made a motion to approve the request for a public hearing to be held in September for an Appeal from Administrative Decision. Mr. Sellarole seconded the motion and the motion carried with no one opposing the motion. 

Nomination of an alternate

Ms. Leclerc asked Shane O’Keefe, who was in the audience, if he would like to be an alternate. Mr. O’Keefe said yes. He was familiar with zoning boards, he said. He served as town administrator in Bellows Falls and Newport, Vermont. He has spent much of his 31-year career in municipal government and planning including writing administrative reports. He has a master’s degree in city and regional planning.

Ms. Trow made a motion to appoint Mr. O’Keefe as an alternate. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and said you certainly seem quite qualified. Mr. Winmill asked Mr. O’Keefe how he heard about the board needing an alternate. Ms. Leclerc called me up, Mr. O’Keefe said. “She knows I have been in this kind of work and she knows I ran for a Planning Board seat last year. I can add my experience to my home town,” he said. 

Mr. Murray also had a possible candidate. He said Katy Beam, who is a real estate agent at Galloway Realty, also expressed interest in being on the board as an alternate. Mr. Winmill said the Fall Mountain school board has had a recent vacancy and they put it out on the web that the board is seeking letters from those who are interested in the vacant seat so if someone wanted to serve on the school board, that person could write them a letter. Mr. Winmill suggested the Walpole Zoning Board do something similar.

Ms. Barnes said the board is facing a time constraint with this upcoming hearing. Mr. Sellarole will not be at the hearing in September because he is going on vacation abroad. A motion was made by Mr. Sellarole, seconded by Ms. Barnes and the board voted that Mr. O’Keefe become an alternate. The vote was 4 ayes, and 1 nay.

Gravel pit inspections assignments

RSA 155 E states that gravel pits must be inspected yearly and for the last few years this has been done by the members and alternates of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. 

This year’s gravel pit assignments are:

Tim Graves on Wentworth Road – Tom Murray and Don Sellarole

Hodgkins on Old Drewsville Road – Judy Trow and Pauline Barnes 

Cold River Materials on Brewery Road – Carolyn Vose and Jan Leclerc.

The inspection forms are due at the October meeting.

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Nonpublic session

At 7:40 pm Ms. Trow made a motion to go into nonpublic session to review the minutes of the nonpublic meeting last month. At 8:50 pm the board came out of non public session.

Ms. Leclerc Clarion article

Since last month’s meeting with Town Counsel Jeremy Hockensmith, there have been changes on how the Zoning Board of Adjustment will operate. The Board has been informed that the job of the ZBA does not include answering questions about zoning and about zoning applications. So in the future, if anyone has a question about a potential project or needs help in understanding the application process, the Town is asking you to call Mr. Ernest Vose at 603-756-3589. Mr. Vose has been a long-time member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and is thoroughly familiar with the Walpole Zoning Ordinance. He can direct you to the application forms you will need and explain the application process to you. When the ZBA receives the application, the board will set a public hearing for the following month if the application is filled out properly and fees paid. See the complete article attached at the end the minutes.

Changes to zoning board procedures

Beginning August 23, changes will occur on how these boards will operate regarding approvals and denials of requests. Many members and alternates attended a Webinar on Zoom August 10. It was presented by the NH Municipal Association and the presenter were lawyers with the Association. According to one presenter about 500 individuals signed up for the Webinar. Check the town website for a look at the forms that will need to be filled out and kept by the ZBA.

Email reminders

Chair Leclerc passed out the following reminders to the board and alternates at this meeting.

1. NO discussion about minutes via email. All discussion about minutes must take place at a public meeting  that has been properly noticed.

2. No sending emails to all board members. NEVER “reply all” to any emails received.

3.  If you want to make a statement to go into the minutes verbatim you must follow these steps:

​a. Write your brief, respectful statement down on PAPER.

​b. READ your brief, respectful statement ALOUD at a public meeting.

​c. Hand your paper with your brief, respectful statement on it to the secretary immediately after you ​ have read it aloud at the public meeting.

Nomination of a vice-chair

As was mentioned in the July 2022 minutes, long-time Walpole Zoning Board member Ernie Vose resigned from the board. Mr. Vose was currently vice-chair of the Zoning Board. Mr. Vose was a member who was respected for his good judgment, knowledge of Walpole’s zoning regulations and has a memory of years and years of applications and applicants. He was thoughtful about each presentation, polite in his manner of questioning. He leaves a huge, empty hole in landscape of the board. Ms. Leclerc said his position had to be filled and asked for nomination. Mr. Murray made a suggestion of Judy Trow. Ms. Trow has served the Walpole Zoning Board in many different ways. Originally, for 14 years she was recording secretary. She has also served as a member of board or alternate for 16 years. She is extremely knowledgeable about the Walpole Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Murray made a motion to appoint Ms. Trow. Ms. Barnes seconded the  motion and the motion carried.

Zoning maps

Board members and alternates received copies of two zoning maps of Walpole. One map showed the entire town. The other focused on the village and its surrounding areas. The different colors show the commercial, industrial, Residential A, Residential B, Rural-Agricultural areas in Walpole and Drewsville and  other colors showed the North Walpole Commercial, North Walpole Industrial and North Walpole Residential A & B districts.. 

The maps were prepared by Emily Horton at Antioch University New England for the Town of Walpole Planning Board in 2012. Peter Palmiotto modified the maps for the Zoning Board of Adjustment in 2022 to conform to the town’s current zoning districts. The Town will be hanging a larger version of these maps on a wall in the entry way of the Town Offices soon. The Board thanks Mr. Palmiotto for his time and effort in creating these useful, colorful zoning maps. 

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Adjournment

Ms. Trow made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried. It was 9:10 pm.

​

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

ZBA Secretary

cc: ZBA, WPB, Town Offices, The Walpolean

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

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall and via Zoom

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $14,723.29 for checks issued 8/26/2022

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $34,144.74 dated 8/26/22 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,864.39

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Meeting – August 18, 2022
• Staff Meeting – August 18, 2022
• Non-Public Session Selectboard – August 18, 2022

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – August 17, 2022

TIMBER INTENTS

• Map and Lot# 011-045-000
• Map and Lot# 013-054-000
• Map and Lot# 013-034-003

BUILDING & DEMOLITION PERMITS

• 2022-34, Map and Lot# 005-042-000
• 2022-35 (Demolition), Map and Lot# 012-011-000
• 2022-36, (Building), Map and Lot# 012-011-000
• 2022-37, Map and Lot# 009-034-000

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions

• Generators, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Reservoir Dam, School and Union Streets Drainage Project

NEW BUSINESS

• Saving Bank of Walpole Account Forms
• National Election Pool Inquiry

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

• Hooper Trustees Meeting – August 18, 2022

HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS

• Court Order on the Consent Decree

HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II

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

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:33 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and via Zoom.  This meeting was being recorded.  

Mr. Dalessio called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Peggy Pschirrer was present; Cheryl Mayberry was present; and Steven Dalessio, Chair, was present.  Also present was Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  There were two members of the public in attendance:  Judy Epstein and Jan Galloway-Leclerc.  

OLD BUSINESS:

School and Union Streets Drainage Project:  Ms. Epstein was present for an update on School and Union Streets.  Mr. Dalessio reported that on either August 30^th or 31^st they will be meeting with the Department of Environmental Services (DES) onsite to have a technical discussion.  They want to put something upstream to prevent the flooding from happening again.  They do have the engineering done on Main Street.  He does not believe they will cut across the Epstein yard.  The Town is at a standstill until they know what DES wants.  The Town was turned down for one grant but other grants are available. He thinks this is a 2024 project.  In the meantime, they will keep the area cleaned-out for good drainage.      

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $55,960.16 for checks issued August 12, 2022.  This includes a payment in the amount of $31,639.34 to E.E. Houghton.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending August 6, 2022, in the amount of $34,623.54 dated August 12, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,795.36.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 4, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 4, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – August 4, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 4, 2022, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

School and Union Streets Drainage Project:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the e-mail from Jon MacClaren and neighbors.  The residents gathered together on Friday, July 29, 2022, to observe the anniversary of the deluge which flooded their yards with rocks and silt.  They look forward to an engineered solution to reduce the future threat of flooding.  They know the Town officials are working on this and they look forward to hearing an update.    

Letter of Understanding for 2021 Audit With Vachon, Clukay and Company PC:  A Letter of Understanding for the 2021 Audit with Vachon, Clukay and Company PC was received.  This is to provide these services to the Town of Walpole, NH, for the year ended December 31, 2021.  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign this Letter of Understanding dated June 22, 2022.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

Pending Further Action:

Generators, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood:

Houghton Brook Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio advised that while they are waiting for a response from the attorneys. Fuss & O’Neill was told to go out for bid, and they hope everything will come together.  

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio reported that they submitted one grant application that was accepted.  They will go forward with the cost analysis with the understanding that they will stop work if it looks like the project will fail.  The cost is estimated at about the same amount of money as it would be to tear it down.  The recreation value is high.

NEW BUSINESS:

FY 2023 Highway Block Grant:  A letter was received from the NH Department of Transportation (DOT) advising that the State Highway Block Grant Aid available to Walpole in State Fiscal Year 2023 (July 1, 2022 thru June30, 2023) is based on estimated revenues through June 30, 2022.  The total amount is $141,392.39; July 2022 Actual Payment is $42,417.72.  This will be talked about during the next budget sessions.  

Bear Bait Permit on Town Land:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Bear Bait Permits on Town Land was discussed during the last Conservation Commission meeting.  When someone applies, the Selectboard makes the final decision.  It is too late this year to take any action. It will be tabled but it will probably be brought up again next year.     

Wantastiquet Local River Subcommittee 2022 Social Invitation: An invitation was received from the Wantastiquet Local River Subcommittee to attend their 2022 Social on Saturday, October 1^st, 2022, from 11am to 2pm; Rain date is October 8^th.  All guests must RSVP.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 6:54 PM.

The Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:00 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 11, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Preliminary 2023 Budget Meeting:  The Selectboard will begin their preliminary review of the proposed 2023 Budget on Friday, September 9^th, 2022, at 8:30 AM.  

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

FIND OUT IN A FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSION

ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 IN WALPOLE.

Studies have shown that this centuries-old Chinese art of slow, gentle movements can:

    [ Sharpen your sense of balance.

    [ Reduce your risk of falling.

    [ Improve your coordination.

    [ Expand your range of motion.

    [ Help you be more limber.

    [ Relax and unkink your body and calm your mind.

    [ Lift your spirits and improve your sense of well-being.

Also, you’ll meet interesting people and make new friends.

ALL AGES WELCOME.

OUR TAI CHI IS SENIOR-SAFE AND SENIOR-FRIENDLY.

FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSION

Wednesday, September 7, at 9:30 a.m. on the second floor of the Walpole town hall.

No equipment or special clothing necessary. 

Wear loose clothing (elastic waist pants are perfect), try some tai chi moves, get answers to your questions, and see what this ancient art is like.

We would appreciate hearing from you if you might come on September 7 so we can plan for an accurate number of people.

Call or e-mail instructor Ben Daviss at 603-445-2200 or bdaviss@comcast.net.

AFTER SEPTEMBER 7, YOU CAN CONTINUE IN OUR NEW CLASSES.

WHEN AND WHERE

WALPOLE: classes will meet Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. for one hour on the second floor of Walpole’s town hall.

For details, contact Ben Daviss at 603-445-2200 or bdaviss@comcast.net.

BELLOWS FALLS: classes will meet Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for one hour at the Greater Rock Fitness Center at 1 Hospital Court.

For details, contact Greater Rock at 802-591-0910 or greater.rock @gmail.com.

COST: we offer a sliding scale of course fees. The full fee is $10 per class. If that’s a stretch, you can pay $8 or $5, depending on what’s affordable. If you’re unable to pay, you’ll still be welcomed! No one will be turned away for lack of ability to pay.

YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Ben Daviss is a senior instructor with the nonprofit Oriental Healing Arts Association.  He has been practicing tai chi and qi gong for more than 25 years and teaching in Claremont and Walpole, New Hampshire, and Westminster, Vermont, since 2015.

Leslie Lasseter is a senior instructor with the nonprofit Oriental Healing Arts Association and also is associated with Tai Chi Vermont.  She is trained in movement therapy and teaches English Country Dance.  She has taught tai chi in Westminster and Bellows Falls, Vermont, and Claremont and Walpole, New Hampshire. See her “Tai Chi With Leslie” on Rockingham-area FACTV and on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/ channel/UCu9wcIWvHarUr9alXA3rioA.

Town Hall

7 pm

Roll Call: Appointment of alternates if needed.

Minutes: Review minutes of July 2022 meeting. 

Old Business:

Public Hearing:

Expansion of a Non-Conforming Use: Elizabeth Roos, 14 Middle Street, Article V D-2, Tax Map 20, Lot 77, Residential B. Ms. Roos would like to change and enlarge her deck at the back of the house. The door to the deck is the second egress from the house. The door is even with the deck and gets frozen shut in the winter. The plan is to drop the deck down one step and make it 6 feet longer. Postponed until September.

Clarion article for September. Non-conforming use. Dave Edkins.

New Business:

Gravel pit assignments. Hodgkins (Drewsville, Contact John or Roger Hodgkins), Tim Graves (Wentworth Road), Cold River Bridges (Industrial Park – Contact Tom Lentocha), Cold River Materials (Brewery Road – Contact Gary Patch).

Possible nomination of an alternate.

Review minutes of nonpublic session minutes of July 2022.

Discussion about appeal process.

Discussion about board member emails.

Change in ZBA state requirements. Forms. Fact finder. Approval, denial.

Next meeting September 21, 2022.

Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Bill Carmody. Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Alternates: Trevor MacLachlan and Travis Adams. Absent: Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom. Also at the meeting were Barry Bellows, who is in charge of construction at the Potato Barn, and John Penney, representing Robert Kasper. Mr. MacLachlan was asked to sit in for the absent board member.

Minutes: Written by Marilou Blaine. This meeting was recorded. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the September 2022 meeting for corrections, and additions and/or omissions.

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

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

Old Business:

 Public Hearing:

Site Plan: Potato Barn proposed three residential apartments inthe Granary, Piggery and Connector. Apartments will be 1,100, 2,000 and 800 square feet. The 2,000 square-foot apartment in the Granary is two floors. Owner is Steve Rudek of Sacramento, CA. Tax Map 14, Lot 6, commercial district. Barry Bellows is in charge of construction.

Mr. Bellows said that Mr. Rudek changed the number of apartments from four to three, making two of the apartments much larger. The apartments are at the south end of the Potato Barn. There will be six designated parking spaces for cars for the tenants nearby. There are other parking spaces in the parking lot and the entire parking lot is paved. The driveway into the Potato Barn is not. Mr. Bellows enclosed a document with the application showing exactly where the designated parking space are. He said he will add a second egress for each apartment by adding windows. The space already is fully sprinkled, lighted, and a safety system is already in the building.

 Mr. Bellows had a letter from Walpole Fire Chief Mark Houghton. The letter said he had reviewed the request to add apartments at the southern end of the Potato Barn and “agrees that this can be accomplished to meet all applicable code requirements and approves of the new use change.” However, “the existing fire suppression system and fire alarm system must be re-engineered and reconfigured to the new use space and the Walpole Fire Department is requesting system approval before occupancy.”

There being no further questions from the board, Mr. Miller closed the public hearing. Mr. Harrington made a motion to approve the site plan as presented. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

Site Plan: 532 Main Street LLC, Walpole Creamery, 20-feet-by-40-foot addition. Tax Map 12, Lot 14, commercial district. Request for a public hearing.

Mechanical engineer, John Penney, represented Robert Kasper at the meeting. He said this concerns the property at 532 Main Street, the Walpole Creamery. Mr. Kasper owns the property. He is proposing to build a 20-foot-by-40-foot addition in the back of the building that will house what is now in that space and reconfigure the freezer containers. By doing this Mr. Kasper will have a conforming setback from his neighbor to the north. Mr. Kasper has also hired the firm of ULF as the architect for the project. Mr. Penney said the business is hooked up to Walpole town sewer but not town water. He was asked to have it inspected by Walpole’s Fire Chief, Mark Houghton. Mr. Penney said he has already been contacted to inspect the building plan and final construction. Mr. Dalessio made a motion to hold a public hearing on the site plan in September. Mr. MacLachlan seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Master Plan:

Mr. Miller said he had been in touch with Southwest Regional Planning Commission senior planner, Lisa Murphy, and she has finished the section on natural features. He also received the final invoice. He said that that probably means the Planning Board budget for the year has been spent. Board members should be receiving copies of the final copy of the update Master Plan sometime in the next couple of months.

Webinar:

Mr. Miller reminded the board members of the webinar on Wednesday at noon to discuss changes to planning and zoning laws that are coming on Aug. 23. The secretary mentioned creating forms to have a standard for all approvals. Some board members thought it would be a good idea, some thought the way we were doing it now was enough.

Other business:

Mr. Miller and Mr. Perron signed the Howard Lot Line Adjustment Mylar and several plats that had been approved at previous meetings.

Adjournment:

Mr. Perron made motion to adjourn. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

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

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

Yes a “baker’s week” away, it is time to get your inputs submitted for the September issue of the CLARION on Monday, August 22.Hopefully there will some activities you wish to share that will begin as the summer months wind down. I am aware of only a few things, so please help so together we can tell the community what is about to happen.

Again, closing date Monday, August 22, so you have until then to get busy and send your submissions along. If you have any questions or are interested in advertising, do get in touch with me. Thank you, RAY BOAS, Publisher

This is a reminder about the Friends of the Walpole Library book donation dates this coming week and the week after. Please bring your books to the Chicken Coop (behind the Hungry Diner) on the following dates/times:

• Wednesday, August 17 and 24 – 10 am to noon
• Thursday, August 18 and 25 – 4 to 6 pm

Remember, we can only sell books in excellent condition, so please no dirty, damaged or moldy books.  We also can’t accept textbooks, encyclopedias, or travel guides older than 5 years.

Thank you so much!  Please call 603-313-4076, if you have any questions.

Help needed for the September Clarion

Twenty Years Ago – Labor Day Weekend 2002 – Walpole celebrated its 250th Anniversary with a gala four day party concluding with a sensational sit-down dinner celebration for 800 people under a tent on the Common. Memories of that weekend abound.

In the September CLARION, for our 270th Anniversary, I wish to share that event with images and memories. Particularly I would like to have a program of all the events to scan and share, any other handouts you may have saved, and maybe a special photograph or two. If you would like to share a memory or two in a few sentences, please send that along to me as well. Any programs, ephemera or photos you wish to share will be returned once scanned.

If you can help with any of the above, please contact me by Thursday, August 18. Thank you.

RAY BOAS, Publisher
rayboas@comcast.net
603 756-4545

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and via Zoom. 

Mr. Dalessio called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present.  Peggy Pschirrer was present; Cheryl Mayberry was present; and Steven Dalessio, Chair, was present.  Also present was Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration.  There was one member of the public in attendance:  Peter Graves.

NEW BUSINESS:

PETER GRAVES: The first question Mr. Grave brought up was the need for police details for utility line tree trimming. Mr. Dalessio explained that the Town generates a 10% profit when billing for police details. The Town of Walpole billed approximately $25,000 of the total $177,000 billed to date. The Police Chief decides where a detail is required. Mr. Graves suggested that instead of police details that cones and flaggers be used. The cost for police details is very high for the utility on less traveled roads.

Mr. Graves asked if there would be a new police station? Mr. Dalessio stated that the study committee is still investigating. All agreed that a new police station is needed. The last question was related to the Common. Mr. Graves wondered why the Highway Department did not take care of the trees? Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio explained the need for an arborist who will create a tree plan for the Common. At 6:48 PM, Mr. Graves departed the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $217,683.42 for checks issued August 5, 2022.  This includes a payment in the amount of $60,907.08 to the Village of Bellows Falls for 2^nd quarter sewer usage and bond payment.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending July 30, 2022, in the amount of $32,877.86 dated August 5, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,661.87.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – JULY 28, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of July 28, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 28, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 28, 2022, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #028-024-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Sewer Refund in the amount of $73.88 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #028-024-000.  This is due to the overpayment of a delinquent sewer bill.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

BUILDING PERMIT:

Permit #2022-32, MAP and LOT #017-020-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit No. 2022-32 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #017-020-000 to install a “40’ x 70’ ground mount solar array”.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.     

OLD BUSINESS:

Treasurer Resignation Letter:  The Selectboard accepted the resignation letter received from Mr. Dave Adams as he is unable to continue as the Town Treasurer.  The Selectboard is in the process of putting together a list of possible replacements for consideration.    

5-Town Meeting:  The next Five-Town Meeting is scheduled for Friday, August 4, 022, at 4:30 p.m.  The host is the Town of Alstead with this meeting being held in the Alstead Town Hall.  An agenda is available.     

Pending Further Actions:

Generators, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Letter of Understanding for 2021 Audit with Vachon Clukay and Company PC.

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the application for funds has been submitted.  He will speak to Fuss & O’Neill to see if a cost analysis should be done.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:01 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:07 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 4, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:15 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any further discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore