The Walpolean

Roll Call – Appointment of alternates if needed.

 

Minutes – Review minutes of the December 2018 meeting.

 

Old Business: 

Public Hearing: Joe DiBernardo: Lot Line Adjustment, Map 11, Lots 45, 51 and 59. Add two lots to the land of Michael and Katherine Nerrie, 507 March Hill Road. Taking 25.05 from Lot 45 and 12.79 from Lot 51 so that Lot 59 will be 74.54 acres. Road frontage is 226.95 on March Hill Road. Rural/Ag,Other lot owners are Alan and Linda Smith and Joseph and Barbara Jackson.

 

Public Hearing: Joe DiBernardo: Application for Tim Graves and Gretchen Fowler on Wentworth Road. Three Lot subdivision. Lot #1 = 5.95 acres with 203.36 feet of frontage (Existing home & Shop); Lot #2 = 22.95 acres with 456.84 feet of frontage (Vacant Farm Land); Lot #3 = 54.32 acres with 200.95 feet of frontage (Gravel Pit and Farm Land) All frontage is off Wentworth Road. This is the old George Graves Property. Tax Map No. 1 Lot #16. Physical Address is 831 Wentworth Road.

 

Subdivision – Ronnie Kingsbury on Kingsbury Road. Postponed indefinitely.

 

New Business

Community Solar Project at 310 Main Street – Chris Welcome and Chad Whitaker of Solar Clean Generation in Londonderry will be here to talk about the project at 310 Main Street and answer questions.

 

 

 

 

Workshop – Solar Ordinance – March 26, 7 pm

 

Next meeting April 9, 2019

 

Hello Team Walpole: Printed copies of the Town Report arrived late yesterday afternoon.  Copies are available at the Town Hall, Galloway Real Estate, Jakes Market and the Library.

Copies will be dropped off at the Drewsville General Store in a few minutes and at the North Walpole Village Commissioners Office as-soon-as-possible.

There will be a few handouts available at Town Meeting with a corrected MS-9 sent by Cambridge Trust and the MS 626 Budget overview report if approved by that date.

 

Happy reading to all!

Sarah

Selectboard Office

 

Location and Time:  Walpole Town Hall, Downstairs Office at 7:30 PM.

 

 

 

 

Report from Chair:

 

 

 

 

Members Present:

John Peska (Vice Chair), Lewis Shelley, Alicia Flammia (Chair), Steven Dumont, Jackie Kensen, Laura Hayes

 

Alternates Present:

Elaine Heleen, Myra Mansouri, Peter Palmiotto, Duncan Watson

 

Members Absent:

Gary Speed, Kelli Wilson

 

Others Present:

Cheryl Mayberry, Alex Barrett (Long View Forest Management), Michael Neerie, Eloise Clark 

 

Call to Order: Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM. 

 

Seating of Alternates: No seating of alternates required.

 

Review and approve minutes – January 7, 2019. John Peska was in attendance at the January meeting. John would like to add that a public hearing for the Walker Road Property would be held after the town meeting in March. Lew voted to approve as amended. John seconded. All in favor. Minutes approved as amended.

 

Public Business:

 

New Business: 

 

Old Business:

 

Other Business:

 

Adjournment: At 9:10 Duncan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alicia seconded. Meeting adjourned.

Next Meeting: Monday, March 4, 2019 at 7:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted; Steven Dumont, Recording Secretary

Note: These are unapproved minutes. Corrections, if any, will be found in the minutes of March 4, 2019.

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

 

Staff Present:Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Police Chief Michael Paquette and Lt. Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Michael Rau (Highway Department Manager/Road Agent); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk-Tax Collector); Ben Hoy (Manager of Recycling Center and Transfer Station)

 

Excused:Justine Fafara (Librarian); Justin Cassarino (Recreation Department Director); Eloise Clark (Hooper Institute Director)

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and welcomed everyone.  She was happy to see so many staff members present because many employees have been sick especially in the Highway Department.  This meeting is being recorded.

 

Mrs. Pschirrer noted when they cancelled the Staff Meeting in January, they asked each department manager to consider one or two 2019 goals.  What would they like to talk about in January2020; what have they accomplished.  

 

Police Department:  Police Chief Paquette advised they probably have about a dozen goals they would like to achieve but he will talk about three at this meeting.

Mr. Dalessio asked if there are panic buttons in the schools.  Ms. Mayberry said the schools have integrated their inter-com systems. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if the Active Shooter programs have been solely for teachers.  Lt. Sanctuary explained it is for teachers and then it is up to them to incorporate this training with their students based on age groups and physical limitations.  They want to make sure they are growing collectively with the schools and everybody else who is responding.  Chief Paquette said they are looking at blue prints of the schools that could be 50-60 years old; updates are needed as changes have been made over the years.  Do doors open in-or-out?  They continue to work with the teachers and Fire Departments.  This will be extended to the businesses in Town.  They want to know how to get into the buildings in emergencies so it is not a trap for them.    

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that if the town does not have an ordinance they cannot fine for a violation.  Chief Paquette mentioned the ordinances need a procedure on how and where to appeal a ticket.  Parking on the streets in winter makes it extremely difficult to plow.  He would like to increase the account line in the budget for part-time officers.    

They would like to get these numbers down to about half.  Putting the new machine out again will hopefully help reduce speed and crashes.  Unfortunately they got a huge cut in the State grants.  The Feds cut the State which in turn affects the towns.  Walpole did get some funds, but about two-thirds of their funding got dropped.   It is difficult this time of the year to put the speed monitoring sign out because of snow banks and plowing. It will be out again in the spring.

 

Mr. Dalessio asked about the D.A.R.E program.  Chief Paquette replied they have been talking about this.  There is a similar program to D.A.R.E.  Two part-time certified officers do these classes but he would like to send one of the other officers to be trained.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like to have another D.A.R.E. program in the Middle School; especially the 8th grade.       

 

Town Clerk – Tax Collector:  Mrs. Sandra Smith advised her first goal is to do the office renovations.  This year she will start to make a design.  The second goal is their web page.  They need somebody to work on that.  Emails are not going through.  

 

Following is the written report Mrs. Smith had submitted:  “Tax Collector has collected $168,974.93 since the last staff meeting.  They have an uncollected amount of $534,188.85.

 

She has been preparing to send Intent to Deed letters to property owners that have 2016 liens.  These will be mailed the 27th or 28thand property deeded April 24th if not paid in full.  Intent to Lien letters will also be mailed before March 1st.  Liens will be executed on April 2ndand this will increase the interest to 18 percent.  

 

They have received their ballots from LHS (their printer). Absentee ballots are available from their office to those that qualify.  She has not heard from the school regarding their ballots.  As soon as LHS prints the school ballots, then they can prepare their Memory Cards, mail them to us so they can test their ballot counting machines and they will be ready for the election!

 

They have received numerous calls regarding past due taxes. Also, people want to put their vehicles into trusts. This is a very busy time of year.

 

Finance Office:  Mr. Rich Kreissle reported the upcoming audit will begin on April 8th.  The auditors have been good in pointing out areas of improvement.  He will be working with them to find efficiencies but still maintain integrity.  Last year he attended a class on AccuFund.  They were training on Version 10; the Town is using Version 6.  He would like to revisit this after the audit.  There is another class he would like to take.  He would like to help out more with the office; for example, the new phone system.  He will be working on catching-up.  We should be ready for the auditors.  We have received good clean financial reports from the auditors.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned these auditors have been very helpful.      

 

Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau received one out of three permits from the State.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Town has red-listed bridges in accordance with the State for many years.  “Red” meaning they need to be repaired but are not in danger of collapse.  Mr. Rau explained the State wants the fish to be able to swim through everything.  If water is flowing under a bridge or through a culvert, the State feels there are fish there and the fish need fish-ladders.  The Houghton Brook Bridge has minimal traffic on it because there are 2-or-3 farms on the other side with a dead-end. However, a Wetlands Permit is required. Mr. Rau said one side of the March Hill Bridge was done.  Some work is being done on the other bridges.  Mr. Rau would like to do some ditching on the paved roads.  Some spots are done but it would be nice to do several miles.  A dry summer is needed to get that done.  Mrs. Pschirrer was asked what roads would be paved this year.  Someone asked about North River Road.  Mr. Rau advised that is not on the list. They have to do North Walpole from the bottom of Mountain View to the top; that development will be difficult to do.  They have to finish what was not done last year – River Road South, Black Jack Crossing, Wentworth Road and Old Keene Road.  Mr. Dalessio asked about the School Street box.  Mr. Rau has the design for the pipe; Mr. Mark Houghton is going to design the box.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned they have to put out an RFP for asphalt.  Mrs. Pschirrer said School Street was discussed when she met with Mr. Mark Houghton, an engineer and Mr. John Peska.  The Town was going to set aside the State Special Grant for $119,999 for School Street project and Alstead Center Road project.  Due to delays the Alstead Center Road project, that project will take most of that money.  Mr. Rau said equipment will be moved in tomorrow.  Ms. Mayberry wanted to be sure the North Walpole project would be coordinated with the North Walpole Village Commissioners’ Office and Water Dept.  Mr. Rau said the plans are being worked on.                   

 

Mr. Rau submitted the following written report from January 24, 2019 to February 21, 2019:

 

Recycling Center: Mr. Ben Hoy advised his main goal is going to be training.  He is working on other projects.  He just got his Operator’s Certificate.  There are other courses he would like to take; an example is with the NRRA.  He would like to improve their web presence.  Up–to–date information and news at the Recycling Center needs to be added. He would like to incorporate links to recycling discussion throughout the year. This would make it run smoother for everyone.  It would show upcoming events like Hazard Waste Days, etc.  Mr. Ryan Harrison and Megan Hughes will assist with the web page.  They are organizing a “Trash Talk” column to be in the Clarion.  It will keep the public informed of their activities.  He feels they have a good group of people working there.  Chief Paquette suggested a Facebook page as they have a lot of followers.  Ms. Mayberry noted the Recreation Department also has a Facebook page.  Mr. Hoy wants to improve what he can.  Copies of the “Daily Weight Report and 3 Year to Date Comparison” were distributed.

 

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing advised the internet is a big topic; it is also on her list.  Mrs. Beth Culley is interested in updating minutes of Town meetings and could keep the online website calendar updated.  They are behind in the posting minutes. One item on Mrs. Downing’s wish-list is having a notice system for water and sewer.  People have been giving Mrs. Daigle their email addresses.  She will maintain the list.  Users can be notified if there is a break in the water service, the dates for flushing, etc. Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to the Senior Group and she wants everybody to know that not everybody is online.  They need to be old fashioned in some respects.  Mrs. Downing added that paper notices will also go out

 

Mrs. Downing submitted the following written report dated February 21, 2019:

Town Meeting:

Assessing Update:

Water and Sewer:

Town Hall Facilities:

 

Walpole Recreation Department:  Mr. Justin Cassarino was unable to attend but submitted the following written report dated February 21, 2019:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised Mr. Cassarino’s goal includes implementing more community events for adults and children.  

Daddy & Me Dance

Mommy & Me Movie Night:

Basketball:

Spring Clinic:

 

Selectboard:  Mrs. Pschirrer asked the other Selectboardmembers if they wanted to add goals.  

Mr. Dalessio is working with the Planning Board on several issues including solar arrays.  Water and Sewer surplus funds should be transferred over to PDIP so users know how much money they have.  The last thing is to look at the physical structure of the Police Department building to decide whether to make improvements or do something else.   

Mrs. Pschirrer is being optimistic and trusts the Town will have a Brownfields Grant award in October.  When the announcement comes, she wants to have a committee to work on that.  She will be responsible for sending out RFPs to all the people involved with the clean-up of the old plating company site.  The Town will have three years.  If we do not get the $500,000 Grant, it means the Town would have to apply again in 2020. A goal is to see another garage built at the Highway Department for storage of equipment rather than have it at various locations.  She wants to evaluate the Town’s employee needs and where will we be in ten years.  We need something that brings in tax money.  She would like the tax rate not to continue to climb.

Ms. Mayberry would like to see recycling continue to grow with the transition of staff and to help support the goals of the other Selectboard members.  To continue to see the Selectboard as a resource and to give help and support in any way they are able to do that.  Also, to see if she can help keep the website up-dated and user friendly.

 

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that during the Selectboard meeting they will discuss a Resolution for the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  The Selectboard met last Monday evening with the Charlestown Selectboard, Mr. Lou Beam from Langdon, and some other folks who have been involved with school issues.  They all agreed to support Article 8 to fund a study on how a town could leave the FMRSD.  It is for all five towns.  The Selectboard wrote an article for the Clarion. Most people do not understand this Article. They feel it is time to have an independent study on how a town could leave the FMRSD.  Ms. Mayberry said the study does not mean anyone is leaving the FMRSD.

 

SWRPC Survey:  Mrs. Downing reported that the SWRPC is doing an Age –Focused Planning Initiative Study. Everyone in Cheshire County is encouraged to fill out the survey.  Mrs. Pschirrer talked to the Walpole Seniors about it; Mr. Cassarino and the Recreation Department have asked about sending a survey home with each student, Mr. Dalessio talked to the Community Grange. SWRPC needs data to complete their study.  They need a mix of age groups.  Mr. Dalessio said age is becoming a planning tool for communities.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that Walpole has the oldest population in the county.

 

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer declared this Staff meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboardmeeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There was one member of the public in attendance.

 

NEW BUSINESS:  

Mrs. Phyllis Daley:  Mrs. Phyllis Daley of North Walpole is concerned because the assessed value of her property does not agree with the letter she received or with the tax card. For 2017,the tax card states $206,100. She is questioning the 2018 tax bill as it has a value of $213,200.  Nothing has been done to her property to increase the value. An Avitar representative had asked her if the roof was going to be repaired. Mrs. Daley replied that it was not going to be yet. The tax card states the roof will be done in 2018. Mr. Dalessio pointed out the difference in value of $7,100 is within the realm of error.  Mrs. Daley had previously discussed this with Mrs. Downing in the Selectboard office. Mrs. Pschirrer explained the Town has a contract with Avitar Associates.  They were hired in 2018 to do a certain portion of the Town each year. Five years from now, they will not have to do a reappraisal of the whole Town all at once.  She recommended Mrs. Daley fill out an abatement application and get it into the Selectboard Office by the March 1st deadline. The Selectboard cannot make any adjustments. The abatement application will make Avitar Associates look at the property and their report again.   

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $27,917.97 for checks issued February 22, 2019.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a $5,000 transfer of NH EFT Funds – Moose Plate Grant to the Library for the Library Stack Room Restoration Project.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending February 16, 2019, in the amount of $29,101.07 for checks issued February 22, 2019 and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,980.37.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – February 14, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of February 14, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – February 14, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 14, 2019, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

 

BUILDING PERMITS:

RICHARD and KRISTEN HILL, 549 Wentworth Road, Map and Lot #005-002-010:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019-02 for Richard and Kristen Hill to erect a “705 Sq. Ft Ground Mount Solar Array” at 549 Wentworth Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

DUNCAN WATSON, 594 Cold River Road, Map and Lot #025-012-000   Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019-03 for Duncan Watson to erect a “39’ by 14’Roof Mount Solar Array” at 594 Cold River Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Revised Recreation Revolving Fund Request:  Mr. Justin Cassarino and the Recreation Committee had previously submitted a request for $600.00 to pay for decorations for the Daddy and Me Dance.  They are now requesting that the amount be increased from $600.00 to $627.70.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve this revised request from the Recreation Committee to change their original request for $600.00 to $627.70 for decorations for the Daddy and Mr. Dance.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Water/Sewer Receipts to Date:  The Selectboardacknowledged receipt of this Water/Sewer Receipts to Date from Mrs. Jodi Daigle.  Currently 43.8% is paid of the total billing. The bills are due March 2nd.  

 

Water/Sewer Quarterly Receipt Comparison:  Mrs. Daigle had submitted the Water/Sewer Quarterly Receipt Comparison. 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Selectboard Resolution – Re: FMRSD Warrant Article #8: Mr. Dalessio moved to adopt the Selectboard Resolution indicating the Town of Walpole Selectboard unanimously supports Fall Mountain Regional School District Article 8 as amended at the SB2 meeting held on February 6, 2019.  They urge voters to vote “yes” on the article to appoint a neutral consultant to lead a study of how any town can withdraw from the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

There was a consensus of the Selectboard to forward a copy of these Minutes to the other four towns in the FMRSD. 

 

Cemetery Deed D473:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for the sale of lot D473 to Mark Kingwell and Molly Montgomery.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

E.W. Salvage:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a copy of the Walpole Planning Board letter to Dennis Labby advising that since there will be no change of use in the E and W Salvage Company property that he plans to buy on Valley Road, he may continue to run a salvage business at that address as long as he keeps his permit up-to-date.    

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the transfer of the E.W. Salvage Yard Permit to Mr. Dennis Labby.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:58 PM.  

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:05 PM.

 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 21, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:10 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing will be out of the office on Friday, February 22nd and Monday, February 25th, 2019.

 

Grange:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Walpole Community Grange will be sponsoring a “Meet the Candidates Night” on Monday, March 4th, 2019 at 7:00 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Hooper Trustees Present:   Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Cheryl Mayberry

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – February 14, 2019: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of February 14, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.  

 

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – February 14, 2019:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of February 14, 2019, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Executive Director Job Description:  Mrs. Downing had re-written a job description for the Executive Director’s position.  It was agreed to have Mrs. Pschirrer write two different job descriptions. She will bring them back to the Hooper Trustees at their next meeting.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

English Country Dance in Walpole NH on Sunday March 17

The Monadnock Folklore Society presents the third in its series of English Country Dances with the theme “Dance Around Monadnock.”

On March 17 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, the dance will be held at Hastings Parish House in Walpole, NH, with David Millstone teaching dances that will appeal to all, from novice to experienced dancers.

Lovely music will be provided by performers Carol Compton, piano and Thal Aylward, violin.

English Country Dance is a form of social dance that harkens back to the days of Jane Austen and “Pride and Prejudice”, but its roots extend further back in time. Its traditions and innovations continue right up to the present.

Hauntingly beautiful tunes, elegant yet simple steps, friendly people and beautiful surroundings combine to make an English Country Dance a pleasant and energizing experience. No special clothing is required, but comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended.

Beginners and singles are welcome and all dances are taught throughout the session. Admission is $10. For more information call (603) 876-4211 or visit http://www.monadnockfolk.org. The Monadnock Folklore Society has presented dances and concerts of traditional music since 1982.

Considering a solar installation? These minutes should be of particular interest to you. – Lil

 

Present: Planning Board members Vice-Chair Robert Miller, Secretary James Aldrich, Jason Perron, Dennis Marcom, Jeff White, Jeff Colley, Joanna Andros, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Zoning Board of Adjustment members Chair Myra Mansouri, Jan Galloway Leclerc, Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes.

 

Topic of discussion: The Planning Board has been working on temporary solar guidelines for the Residential, Commercial and Industrial districts. The solar guidelines for the Residential district will be distributed when people come in to get a building permit for a solar installation. Mr. Dalessio was responsible for putting together these guidelines.

 

Solar guidelines for the Commercial and Industrial Districts will be attached to the current Site Plan Review. Anyone building a solar installation in these districts must have a Public Hearing before the Planning Board and present a site plan. Mr. Colley and Ms. Andros were responsible for putting together these guidelines.

 

Both Boards have looked at solar ordinances from Hollis, Winchester and received a copy of the Peterborough ordinance at the meeting. The Board also looked at the model ordinance from the NH Municipal Association, which is titled NHSEA Model Solar Zoning Ordinance. 

 

These guidelines are temporary and will eventually be replaced by a solar ordinance that will be written over the next year. Then the ordinance will be placed on the warrant and approved by the public when it votes in March 2020 or in March of 2021.

 

Discussion of Solar Guidelines for properties in the Residential District

 

Mr. Dalessio went through his guidelines and said they applied to properties located in Walpole and Drewsville but does not apply to properties in North Walpole because anyone building in North Walpole should get a building permit from the North Walpole Commissioners.

 

Definitions

 

The document began with definitions of: Solar Photovoltaic System (SES), Solar Arrays, Roof Mounted Solar Photovoltaic System (RMSES) Free-Standing Solar Photovoltaic Systems (PSSES). Mr. Perron noted if people wanted to they could compare these definitions with the model definitions in the document from the NH Municipal Association on page 12.

 

General Standards

SESs are permitted on all residential properties located in Walpole and Drewsville under the following conditions:

 

All setbacks as defined in the Walpole Zoning Ordinance must be adhered to.

 

Roof Mounted Solar Photovoltaic Systems are encouraged whenever possible or practical.

All electrical work must be performed by a licensed master electrician.

 

Mr. Dalessio said that this is in the ordinance because some people had submitted building permits and put down the license numbers of a licensed electrician but it had been discovered that the hired electrician was not licensed. Those persons had probably gotten the license number off a licensed electrician’s truck, Dalessio surmised. You can depend on licensed electricians to followed the state codes because if they didn’t, they could loose their license, he said. 

 

Non-Conforming lots must obtain a Variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment prior to submitting a building permit application.

 

Whenever possible or practical Free-standing Solar Photovoltaic System should be positioned with a high consideration to neighboring properties.

 

Use of natural materials (shrubs, bushes) for screening from view is encouraged.

 

Use of anti-glare panels is required.

 

Ms. Barnes read from the model ordinance that says “Mitigation through anti-reflective coating shall have an index of refraction equal to or less than 1.30.”

 

SESs should be properly mounted on concrete pads to withstand weather conditions.

 

The maximum size of the SES is limited to an average of 12 months of energy for the structure.

 

Lighting must conform to guidelines in the Walpole Zoning Ordinance. 

 

Documentation

 

The following documents are to be submitted with a building permit application.

 

Layout of property showing the position of the SES and all related equipment.

 

Layout of property showing the position of the SES as it relates to neighboring properties, including screening of SES as required. 

Copy of contracts with the installer and licensed master electrician. This information may be verified by the Select Board office.

 

Copy of Variance approval by Zoning Board of Adjustment.

 

Evidence that panels are anti-glare.

 

Manufacturer’s specifications sheet for lighting if applicable.

 

Fees/Approval Time

 

Fees will be in accordance with current building permit fee schedule.

 

Allow two (2) weeks from time of application for approval of permit.

 

Ms. Mansouri asked about bond money for eventual decommissioning of the installation. She said gravel pit owners have to have bond money to decommission their pits. Mr. Colley asked about whether Planning Boards can require site plan reviews of ground-mounted residential solar

Mr. Dalessio said he would look into adding this suggestions.

Discussion of Solar Installation in the Commercial and Industrial Districts: 

 

Definitions:

 

Large Solar energy Facility, Rated Nameplate Capacity, Small Solar Energy Facility.

 

Site Plan Review:

 

All solar energy facilities shall undergo site plan review by the Planning Board prior to construction, installation, or modification as provided by this section. 

 

Required Documents

 

Some of the items in this category were redundant with requirements in the site plan or the Walpole Zoning Ordinance. The operation and maintenance plans were eliminated because the town has no one who does inspections. The ones that were kept are:

 

In addition to the submission requirements in the Planning Board’s Site Plan Review Regulations, the applicant shall provide the following documents:

 

Plans and drawings of the solar installation showing the proposed layout of the system must be signed and stamped by a licensed engineer.

 

Proof of liability insurance

 

Financial surety that satisfies decommissioning and abandonment.

 

Operation & Maintenance Plan

 The applicant shall submit a plan for the operation and maintenance of the solar installation, which shall include measures for maintaining safe access, storm water controls and general procedures for operating and maintaining the installation. 

 

Design Standards

 

Fencing: any site containing a utility-scale solar energy system shall contain elevated fencing or other devices acceptable to the Town enclosing all solar energy system components, which prevent safety hazards.

 

Monitoring and Maintenance

 

Maintenance: The operator shall maintain the facility in good condition. Maintenance shall include, but not be limited to, painting, structural repairs, and integrity of security measure. The operator shall be responsible for maintaining adequate access for emergency vehicles and maintenance equipment.

 

Modifications: All material modification to the facility proposed after issuance of the building permit require approval of the Planning Board.

 

Abandonment or Decommissioning

 

Removal Requirements:

 

 Any solar installation that has reached the end of its useful life or has been abandoned shall be removed. The owner or operator shall physically remove the installation within one hundred fifty (150) days after the date of discontinues operations. The owner or operator shall notify the Planning Board by certified mail of the proposed date of discontinued operations and plans for removal.

Decommissioning: Decommissioning shall consist of:

Physical removal of the solar arrays, structures, equipment, security barriers, and electrical transmission line from the site.

 

Stabilization or re-vegetation of the site as necessary to minimize erosion. The Planning Board may allow the owner or operator to leave landscaping or below-grade foundations in order to minimize erosion and disruption of vegetation.

 

Abandonment:

 

 Absent notice of a proposed date of decommissioning or written notice of extenuating circumstances, the solar facility shall be considered abandoned when it fails to operate for more than one year without the written consent of the Planning Board. If the owner or operator fails to remove the installation in accordance with the requirements of this section within one hundred fifty (150) days of abandonment or the proposed date of decommissioning, the Town may enter the property and remove the facility.

 

Application:

 

Utility-scale solar energy system. An applicant shall pay an initial application fee, as set by the Town, upon filing its special use permit and site plan application to cover the cost of processing and reviewing the application.

 

Other comments:

 

Mr. White referenced the possible installation at 310 Main Street. He was in favor of the project and visualized that in the future maybe a similar installation were to power all of the village. It would be better than having many owners in the village from putting installations in their yards.

 

Ms. Leclerc said that when her family had a solar installation for their farms it was for four buildings – three residences and a barn. The utility company would only let them install enough panels to power these buildings dependent on their previous yearly use of power.

 

Mr. Colley sent a link to an article about solar installations on farmland in Illinois. He said that farmers in Illinois had some of the best farmland in the country. The farmers were having a hard time making enough money off of farming and some were turning to leasing their land for large scale solar installations. One farm was 65,000 acres.

 

There was discussion of the warrant article that passed last year granting owners of properties with a tax exemptions on solar installations. One person said that it added up to about a million dollars of taxable property, which would bring in about $26,000 more in tax revenue for the town. He and some others said they didn’t like subsidizing other people’s property taxes. The warrant article does says the tax exemption is for property owners who consume the power on site. 

Mr. Perron noted the definition in the model ordinance documents say a Large Commercial Solar Installation on page 11, such as the one planned for 310 Main Street, says: “A use of land that consists of one or more free-standing ground mounted solar collection systems with a rated nameplate capacity of between 1 MW and 5 MW that is between 5 and 25 acres in solar land coverage.”

 

The workshop adjourned about 8:30 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Secretary

 

Hooper Trustees Present:   Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Cheryl Mayberry

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 6:55 PM.

 

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:55 PM.

 

The regular Hooper Trustees Meeting resumed at 7:40 PM.

 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of February 14, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – February 7, 2019:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of February 7, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – February 7, 2019:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of February 7, 2019, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Hooper Forest Memo to Conservation Commission and Hooper Institute: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letter to the Walpole Conservation Commission and Hooper Institute regarding the Hooper Forest Management.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:54 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary