Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 2/11/20

Uncategorized 02/14/2020 Leave a comment

Presiding Members: Jeffrey Miller (Chair), Dennis Marcom (Vice-Chair), James Aldrich (Clerk), Jeff White, Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Steve Dalessio (Selectboard Representative). Alternate Jeff Colley. Absent: Joanna Andros.

 

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the regular March 2020 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Roll Call: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. All board members were present so analternate was not needed to fill in.

Minutes: Mr. Aldrich made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular January meeting and the January Workshop as presented. The motion was seconded and passed by the Board.

Old Business:

Public Hearing No. 1.

Greg Gay, Site Plan for Office Building. Greg Gay proposes a 30-by-70-foot-office building at 8 Len-Tex Lane, North Walpole, Map 27, Lot 8-1, Industrial district. The building will have six offices, a bathroom and room for inventory. Postponed until March.

New Business:

Robin Sanctuary and Chad Thurston, Main Street, former American Legion building. Mixed Use. Request for a Public Hearing for a site plan. A real estate office is going in on the first floor of that building. Mr. Thurston recently attended a PB meeting because he was constructing two apartments on the second floor. Tax Map 20, Lot 52, Commercial District.

Mr. Thurston said the proposal was to extend the porch to the driveway. The design of the open porchwill be a simple farmer’s porch with four posts across the front with a single pitch roof. The stairs will be toward the driveway. Tenants will enter the building from the porch to go up to their second-floor apartments. Mr. Thurston said the previous owners of the building had a porch approved. The previous owners had a shop called Costume Ladies. The Zoning Board of Adjustment approved the extension to the porch. But that was in October of 2014 and the porch was never built. Approval of the porch has lapsed. Also, the porch is actually a ZBA issue since the setback of the porch from the road does not conform to the ordinance. The ZBA Board will decide to at its next meeting on February 19, 2020 whether the extension porch needs a variance or an expansion of a non-conforming use.

Mr. Dalessio said there are now two apartments above a commercial business so you’ll need a site plan. You’ll need a fire alarm system and you may need to add something to the ceiling because it’s now between commercial space and residential space. Mr. Thurston asked, “Even though it’s already a  commercial building?”  Ms. Sanctuary said didn’t you expect something to be going in on the first floor? Mr. Dalessio said at the last meeting Mr. Thurston presented the proposal for two apartments upstairs. Nothing was said about the downstairs of the building. It could have been another apartment.

Mr. Miller said the site plan is going to be for a commercial enterprise with two apartments exceeding $10,000. People are familiar with the building. A lot of the criteria on the checklist the Planning Board can waive because you’re on town sewer and water. You should touch base with the Zoning Board and the fire chief. You’re going to have to have Mark Houghton sign off on the project. He also suggested Ms. Sanctuary talk to the abutters. She said she had already spoken to them and that she had their approval.

Regarding the checklist, Mr. Miller said answer those that make sense. There are some not applicable such as landscaping. Parking is okay and it’s commercially zoned. Figure out the timing, Mr. Miller said. Touch base with Zoning because the Planning Board can’t do anything until the Zoning Board gives the okay.  

Ms. Sanctuary said the apartments are just about done but at this point there is no front entrance. The plan was to enter from the front and go upstairs. On the parking lot side, Mr. Thurston said two egress windows have been installed.  

Mr. Dalessio asked how they enter the building now. Ms. Sanctuary said through the back. Ms. Mansouri said she was in the building recently and she entered through the back and then went down the right side of the building to a staircase that goes upstairs. The entrance to Costume Ladies was always from the back. At one point there was a front entrance, but the stairs were removed.

Mr. Perron asked why not schedule a Public Hearing now. So he made a motion to hold a hearing for a site plan in March. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion. The motion carried.

Mr. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Clarion Deadline – 2/21/20

EVENTS 02/14/2020 Leave a comment
It is time – one week to go for the deadline for the next issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION – March 2020. I have already many submissions. Last evening I spent over two and a half hours at public hearings, and will be writing and have asked for articles leading into Town Meeting time on the Proposed Charlestown Withdrawal (NO), Broadband (YES), Warrant Articles (YES), Plastic Bag Ban (YES – may be enacted once the State passes regulations). I max out at twenty-four pages for postal regulations, so get your submissions (and advertisements) in to be included. This will be a well-read issue. Thank you, yours, RAY

 

It’s Official

Uncategorized 02/13/2020 Leave a comment

 

 

Information

This is what you will see when you vote. Without the word SAMPLE of course.

FMRSD Meeting Minutes

Uncategorized 02/13/2020 Leave a comment

The good news is that the School Board meeting minutes section of the Fall Mountain website has been brought up to date.  The bad news is that there are 7 new additions.  Rather than fill your Inbox with emails of separate new posts, I am sharing this link.  That way, you can make your own decision about reading them.

 

https://www.sau60.org/school_board/meeting_minutes

 

 

I will however, ontinue to work on fulfilling my New Year’s Resolution and posting them here in a timely manner.  – Lil

 

Revision

Uncategorized 02/13/2020 Leave a comment

In case you don’t check the Comments I wanted to be sure that everyone knows it is Dale Woodward, not Dale Hubbard, that is a candidate for Cemetery Trustee.  I hope the ballot will be printed correctly. – Lil

Candidates for Town Office

Uncategorized 02/13/2020 Comments: 4

Town Election Tuesday, March 10, 2020   ——-  Polls open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Moderator:   Jack Wozmak

Selectman:  Steven Dalessio

Treasurer:  Thomas Goins

Supervisor of Checklists:  Cynthia Westover

Trustee of Trust Funds:  Vote for One

No one filed so this will be a write in (I believe that Bob Kimball will stage a write-in)

Planning Board: Vote for Two

Jason Perron

Jeffrey White

Zoning Board of Adjustment: Vote for One

David Edkins

Ernie Vose

Library Trustees:   Vote for Three

Tim Lester

Katherine Nerrie

Kevin Switzer

Shirley Capron

Susan Hubbard Johnson

Cemetery Trustee:   Vote for One

Dale Hubbard

 

Principal Search Update

Uncategorized 02/12/2020 Leave a comment

In case you missed it like I almost did, I wanted to share this from the Fall Mountain School District website.  It is a message from the Superintendent. – Lil

 

Walpole Principal Search Updates February 9, 2020

On Wednesday, February 12th, interviews will be held for the Walpole Schools principal position. During the day, the candidates will each be interviewed by four committees: Faculty/Staff; Parent/Community; Students; and Central Office. Students will also be leading candidates on a tour of WES. At the end of the day, committees will submit extensive information about each candidate and two finalists will be selected to come back for a full day visit on Thursday, February 13th.

The schedule for February 13th includes a tour of each of the Walpole schools, leading a faculty/staff meeting, followed by an open forum with building level administrators and parents and community members. The open forum for parents and community members will be held for each candidate, at 5:00 and 5:30 at WES. You are encouraged to attend the meeting and to give your input on each candidate. Your opinion is important to the process.

I realize this process has been challenging due to the recent snow days, but I hope that the 12th and 13th will give us a full picture of the candidates in order to select the best leader for Walpole Schools.

Election Results in Walpole – 2/11/20

EVENTS 02/12/2020 Comments: 3
Total Number of Democratic Ballots Cast:

– By Election Day Voters.    1031

– By Absentee Voters.            80

– Total Democratic Ballots Cast.    1111

 

Total Number Republican Ballots Cast

– By Election Day Voters     294

– By Absntee Voters.                12

– Total Republican Ballots Cast.    306

 

Democrat Candidate Tallies:

Pete Buttigieg.    301

Bernie Sanders.    284

Amy Klobuchar.    244

Elizabetg Warren.    88

Joe Biden.    60

Tom Steyer.    36

Andrew Yang.    32

Tulsi Gabbard     20

Deval Patrick.    4

Michael Bennet.    3

 

Republican Candidate Totals:

Donald Trump.    247

Bill Weld.    29

Joe Walsh     3

Mary Maxwell.    2

 

*all others received 1 or less

 

 One observation I would add as a ballot clerk – it was great to see some many first time voters.  That is my favorite part of the job! – Lil

Important Dates and Times

Uncategorized 02/07/2020 Leave a comment

Sarah Downing sent these reminders for important happenings ahead. – Lil

 

It’s a very busy week, Feb. 10-14, coming up in the Town Hall. The schedule is:

 

  • Monday – Local Emergency Plan Update (LEOP) Meeting at Walpole Fire Station at 4 PM
  • Tuesday – Presidential Primary Election from 7 AM to 7 PM at Town Hall and St. Peter’s Parish Hall in North Walpole
  • Tuesday – Planning Board Meeting at 7PM on second floor
  • Wednesday – Broadband Public Benefits Public Meeting at 6:30 PM
  • Thursday in Town Hall:
  • 4 PM: Broadband Bond Hearing
  • 4:45 PM: 2020 Budget and Warrant Article Hearing
  • 5:45 PM: Charlestown Withdrawal Informational Meeting
  • 6:30 PM: Selectboard Meeting

 

Looking ahead – Mark your calendar for March 10th – Voting Day for local officials and Fall Mt. Regional School District (FMRSD) Warrant Articles.

Town Meeting starts at 1 PM on Saturday, March 14th.

As Ernie Vose has noted, there are 4 voting days in 2020. Reminders will be sent as future voting dates approach.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 1/30/20

SELECTBOARD 02/07/2020 Leave a comment

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were two visitors in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

FACT-TV:  Mr. Alex Stradling and Mr. Bill Staats from FACT-TV were present to record this meeting.  Mr. Stradling explained that they are here because FACT-TV is located in Bellows Falls, VT and they cover local government meetings.  A lot of Walpole residents have asked if they could film these meetings.  They are trying to connect Walpole, NH and Bellows Falls, VT asresidents have a great interest as to what is going on.  We are connected in a lot of ways not only with the Emergency Services and Mutual Aid but now other mutual issues like the Vilas Bridge.  This is an open public meeting therefore it is open tothe press.  The citizens have every right to know what is going on with their local government. They are not here to accost the Selectboard.  After many local governments have started this filming they realize this is a great service.  FACT-TV has recordings they keep to use as a back-up.  These recordings can be seen on FACT-TV, their web-site, Facebook page and recordings will be kept in their archives.  He hopes theSelectboard can see this as a benefit.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $52,390.33 for checks issued January 31, 2020.  This includes a payment in the amount of $42,329.50 to the HealthTrust.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 25, 2020, in the amount of $29,868.97, for checks issued January 31, 2020, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,940.43.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – January 23, 2020:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of January 23, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 23, 2020:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 23, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• Hooper Institute Board Minutes – January 8, 2020;
• Broadband Committee Minutes – January 8, 2020.

WARRANTS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the following three Warrants for the Collection of Fees:

• Walpole Water Fees – $40,813.02
• Walpole Sewer Fees – $62,857.52;
• North Walpole Sewer Fees – $56,589.99.

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERANS TAX CREDITS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the following three Veteran’s Tax Credits for:

• Map and Lot #012-055-016 – Veterans’ Tax Credit;
• Map and Lot #008-035-000 – Veterans’ Tax Credit;
• Map and Lot #012-044-009 – This Veteran also qualifies for a second tax credit:  Tax Credit for    Service-Connected Total Disability

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER INTENTS TO CUT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the following three Notices of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber:

• Map and Lot #009-006-000 – Located off of Maple Grove Road;
• Map and Lot #005-011-000 – Located off of County Road;
• Map and Lot #005-011-002 – Located off of Kingsbury Road

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Whipple Hill Road Signage:  Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent, has been discussing Whipple Hill Road signage with Mr. Bill Sudsbury and other property owners on the road.  Mrs. Pschirrer was unable to find anything in her research to indicate there was a cul-de-sac at the end of this road.    

Water and Sewer Receipts to Date:  Mr. Dalessioacknowledged receipt of the Water and Sewer Receipts to Date 01/29/2020, from Mrs. Jodi Daigle.  Total Owed for Quarter 3 – 2019 Billing was $178,447.39.  Total Receipts for Quarter 3 – 2019 Billing is $163,234.11 or 91.4%.  Total left to collect for Quarter 3 – 2019 Billing is $15,213.28.    

Letter to Property Owner of 73 Main Street – Map and Lot #020-052-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that 73 Main Street is a mixed-use building in a commercial district that requires a building permit, as well as a Site Plan Review.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the letter to the property owner of 73 Main Street to ask that they contact the Zoning Board of Adjustment to determine whether they would need a special exception and/or a variance.   Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Pending Further Actions:

Lights re: Walpole, NH – Rockingham, VT 42277 Bridge Renovation Project:  Mr. Dalessio has not yet had a response from the NH Department of Transportation regarding the lights.  Ms. Mayberry met with the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners last Tuesday.  Mr. Patrick Kiniry reminded her that some years ago they met at the base of the Arch Bridge and did a walk through with the NH Department of Transportation (DOT) representatives.  The Selectboard, at that time, indicated an interest in more signage and paying for the lighting.  She questioned if we were allowed to put additional official signage on State roads.  It would be advantageous to talk to the NH DOT about additional signage.   Examples would be to have “YIELD” painted on the bridge, a sign to “Please Use Your Turn Signal” because when people come over the bridge from VT they are not always signaling they intend to turn and go north.  A train going through can cause a congestion problem in this area.      

Joint Meeting Request from Bellows Falls Board of Trustees: The Walpole Selectboard is waiting for a Joint Meeting date and time from the Bellows Falls Board of Trustees.  

Town Deeded Properties:  Mrs. Downing is preparing the Town Deeded Properties Tax Sale packets for the two properties.

NEW BUSINESS:

2019 Town Report – Front Cover:  The Selectboard looked at four (4) samples using Hooper Institute themed photos.  A decision was made to use the fall scene at the Hooper as the front cover.  Because the Library was just renovated, the back cover will be an interior picture.  

2020 Initial Boundary Validation Program Form:  Mr. Dalessio requested that this be carried over to the next meeting to allow more time to look at the maps.  This is for the U.S. Census Bureau.

Concerts on the Common:  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged a request from the Savings Bank of Walpole to continue their Concerts on the Green series this summer.  The first concert will take place on Sunday, June 21, 2020 and then every Sunday thereafter through August 9, 2020.  The concert on June 28st will be  a Walpole Old Home Days event.  The Scouts will open and close the Town Hall for them every Sunday as they have in past years.  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to send a letter to the Savings Bank of Walpole to approve the use of the Town Common for their Concerts on the Green from June 21, 2020 to August 9, 2020.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SWRPC Winter Meeting Invitation:  Mr. Dalessio advised the Selectboard has been invited to attend the Southwest Region Planning Commission’s Winter Meeting to be held at the Cheshire Medical Center/ Dartmouth-Hitchcock, in Keene, NH on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, beginning at 5:30 p.m.  The Topic will be “Addressing Opioid Addiction in the Monadnock Region: Challenges for Communities”.  Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry plan to attend.  

Swipe Key List for Town Hall:  The Selectboard reviewed and approved the list of swipe card holders.  Mrs. Downing explained they are still in the transition period.  

OTHER BUSINESS:

Brownfields Cleanup Grant Program – Central Plating Site:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the first Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report for the Brownfields Cleanup Grant Program for the former Central Plating Site has been approved and filed by Ransom Consulting.  Mr. Kreissle and Mrs. Downing also worked on this report which includes reimbursement of their time and a computer that needed to be purchased for this grant.    

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to close this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mr. Dalessioasked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was closed at 7:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary