The Walpolean

Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Robert Miller, Secretary James Aldrich, Selectboard Representative Steve Dalessio, Board Member Joanna Aldrich.

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the regular December 2018 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Topics: Conditional Use Permit. Solar Ordinance Draft 2.

The meeting opened at 7:05 pm. The group briefly discussed last month’s workshop. Carol Olgilvie was a guest at the workshop. Mr. R. Miller said he had expected her to talk about the Land Analysis section of the Master Plan. Instead practically almost the entire hour was about conditional use permits, which would replace Special Exceptions needing recommendations from the Planning Board.

Mr. J. Miller said that Special Exceptions were working in Walpole and while CUP is used in Vermont, Vermont has different guidelines and regulations than New Hampshire. He said the Special Exception are a good check and balance between the two Boards – Planning and Zoning.

Mr. Dalessio said the town would never have had the same outcome on the Walker Road property if the town had a CUP instead of a Special Exception. There would have been some kind of compromise.

Solar Ordinance: Both the Planning and Zoning Boards decided they wanted to work on an ordinance for solar installations because of their increasing popularity. Both Board members received copies of a sample solar ordinance from Hollis, NH and a “Model Solar Zoning Ordinance and Guidance “ from the NH Municipal Association. 

At the first meeting a lot of ideas were thrown out and different kinds of installations were discussed. After realizing there was so much information out there and so many varieties of installations that it was decided a couple of members should cull together the information and put together a sample draft of an ordinance. The result was a draft solar ordinance put together by Jeff Colley and Joanna Andros.

A couple of people at the first meeting mentioned things that they wanted in the ordinance. That included definitions regarding solar jargon and a graph from the “Model Solar Zoning ordinance and Guidance” that showed the different zoning districts and types of installations and what would be permitted or not permitted in each district.

Currently if homeowners wants to put an installation on their roofs or on their property, they go to the Town Offices for a permit. This permit allows the homeowners to install the panels. It also allows them to get an abatement on their property taxes.

Comments about the draft: 

The draft is too long and too restrictive. It should be reduced to one and ½ pages. It should be simple and easily understandable. The townspeople don’t want regulations that are too restrictive. This was evidenced when a historic district was suggested and voted down.

Home-based installations should be allowed without restrictions. 

That comment brought out a prolonged discussion of having an approach centering on an installation that would not offend a neighbor.

 Shouldn’t there be some type of screening if it’s in the face of a neighbor’s view? 

But then someone argued that if you neighbor painted his/her home pink, there was nothing you, as a neighbor, could do about it. So how was this different?

There are design guidelines in the site plan, so why shouldn’t they be in the a solar ordinance?

Perhaps the Board should write some basic guidelines for considering a neighbor’s view and include those guidelines on the permit.

There could be examples of screening ideas – either fencing or with shrubbery – `that the installers could use so neighbors are not staring at solar panels.

The panels should be anti-glare.

For a couple of people at the meeting, the most important concern was with very large residential installations, and non-residential installations that would be solely for a commercial operation and the party would sell the electricity.

Should there be a maximum size?

In what districts should they be permitted?

Should there be a section in the Site Plan Review about large solar installations? If so the owner of an installation would need permission from the Planning Board and need to submit a site plan.

What about owners of non-conforming lots, such as the ones occurring in the Village? Should they be required to have roof-mounted panels? These lots are usually well under an acre, and there’s not much space after a house, garage and maybe a shed are on the property.

When the installation is no longer operational, it should be removed.

To be continued at the January 2019 workshop. The Public is welcome to attend.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary

Giving Tuesday, is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving Day in the United States. The movement was created as an international day of charitable giving at the beginning of the Christmas and holiday season.

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboardmeeting to order at 6:00 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 person from the public in attendance.  

PUBLIC HEARING – Walker Road:  

Mrs. Pschirrer called this Public Hearing to order at 6:02 PM.  This Public Hearing is regarding the Donation of Map and Lot #10-02-00 located on Walker Road.  Currently it is held by a Purchase and Sale Agreement of Charles Shaw and Ray Boas to the Town of Walpole with a clause which will enable them to transfer this property at some point.  The purpose of this Public Hearing is to hear from the public as to whether or not we should accept this property for the Town. It will be monitored and stewarded by the Conservation Commission.  This is the first of two required Public Hearings. The second one will be on November 29th.  It might be scheduled a little later at 6:15 PM rather than 6:00 PM.  A decision will be made a week later.  We do have on hand, as required, a letter from the Walpole Planning Board, dated November 13, 2018, which supports this transfer of property.  After attending the Walpole Conservation Commission meeting, Mrs. Pschirrer knows they also support it but have not as yet given the Selectboard their letter in writing.  They will be reminded to submit that letter.  Their meeting minutes will include that they support this transaction.  It was mentioned that the article in the Clarion provided quite a bit of information and was well done.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked how much money they have raised.  Mr. Boas replied they are in the $60,000 range right now.  This does not include the up to $100,000 from the Walpole Conservation Commission.  They have a promise of a $5,000 and a $3,000 donation.  There could be another large donation besides what he mentioned tonight. Things are looking good. The LCHIP Grant would increase this amount substantially.   Mrs. Pschirrer said there will be legal expenses because somebody has to write the deed.  She would recommend using the Town attorney.  There being no other persons in the audience tonight, Mrs. Pschirrer declared this Public Hearing closed at 6:10 PM.  The Walker Road purchase will be heard again at the second Public Hearing on November 29th at 6:15 PM.            

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession #1 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:16 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:35 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 15, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $16,762.56 for checks issued November 16, 2018.  It should be noted they are holding checks; the largest being the check in the amount of $560.064.00 to the Fall Mountain Regional High School.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending November 10, 2018, in the amount of $26,803.39 for checks issued November 16, 2018 and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,213.14.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 8, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of November 8, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.   

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 8, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 8, 2018, 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: 

WARRANTS:

Walpole Water Fees:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Warrant for the Collection of Walpole Water Fees in the amount of $48,560.67.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Warrant for the Collection of Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $70,326.18.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

North Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Warrant for the Collection of North Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $59,560.73.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

392 Watkins Hill Road:  Mr. Barcome and/or Attorney Bradley have not responded to the previous correspondence. Therefore,Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a letter to be approved at the next meeting.   

Walker Road Conservation Thank You Letter:  The Selectboard approved the Walker Road Conservation Thank You letter that will be sent to all donors.

NNETC (Fairpoint) Offer to Settle: Mrs. Pschirrer asked what guarantee do they have that Fairpoint will not appeal future assessments.  There are options.  Option Three is if the Town accepts full settlement ending all appeals they will receive $5,047.00.  It was noted that Fairpoint no longer owns the company.    

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the settlement agreement with Fairpoint Communication for Option Three which is to accept a full settlement and appeals for $5,047.00 as presented in the letter from Avitar Associates dated November 6, 2018.   Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

Police Details Policy:  The Selectboard reviewed the Police Details Policy as presented by Police Chief Paquette.  Following a discussion with Mr. Dalessio, Chief Paquette agreed to re-write it.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned the Police Department has a lot of special detail work that is coming up.             

Q3 Water/Sewer Receipts to Date:  The Selectboard received the Q3 Water/Sewer Receipts to Date from Mrs. Daigle.  As of November 14, 2018 – 31.4% of the total billed amount has been paid.  These bills are due by the end of the month.

NEW BUSINESS:

602 Cold River Road – Land Erosion:  Ms. Jeanette Clark spoke to Mrs. Sandy Smith about this issue to ask for help.  Her house was washed away during the Alstead flooding. She re-built on the same property.  She continues to lose land through erosion.  She can apply for an abatement. The Selectboard will request that Avitar Associates check to see exactly how much land she is losing.  Ms. Mayberry feels she needs to reach out to some State agencies.   Mrs. Pschirrer recommended Ms. Clark be contacted to advise that after she receives this next tax bill, she could apply for an abatement.   

Walker Road Video re: Town Website – Conservation Commission requested that Walker Road YouTube be posted on their webpage; which does not yet exist.  This was posted to the Town News blog.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that somebody went to Mr. Ryan Harrison who posted Mr. Boas’ video on the Town’s website.  Mrs. Downing took the video off the website.  The Conservation Commission does not have a separate webpage.  Ms. Mayberry said Mrs. Downing should contact Mrs. Phillips at the IT office of FMRSD to let her know the intern who was to assist with the Town’s website never responded Mr. Ryan Harrison.  Mr. Dalessio said it is important to have control over what is placed on the webpage.  The plan is to eventually post agendas and minutes on this website.

North Walpole Park:  Ms. Mayberry reported that Mr. Justin Cassarino was approached by the North Walpole Park Committee about some trees.  He asked her what the process was for removing trees on Town property.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that the Highway Department usually uses Rice Tree Service and they have been giving us a good price.  We usually save up trees that need to come down so when Rice comes in, we get a full day for $900.00. They are very busy so we have only had them once in the last three months.  Mr. Cassarino could send his request to Mr. Rau at the Highway Department.    

Recycling Center:  Ms. Mayberry advised they do not have a light at the entrance any more.  Mr. Colburn is insisting there be a light at the road because they need to be able to see when they were plowing, etc. There is a need to have some visibility at the gate.  There used to be a light there before this upgrade.  Mr. Dalessio recommended Mr. Colburn talk with Mr. Mark Houghton.  There should be a light at the gate.   

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 at 7:12 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:25 PM,

OTHER BUSINESS:

NH Municipal Association:  The Selectboard discussed what sessions they had attended at the NH Municipal AssociationConference this past week.  There was discussion relative to making Walpole more attractive to the younger generation and seniors and opening up a more commercial zone downtown on Main Street. With the current structure has no place for small businesses such as a drug store, a book store and other small businesses.  There is a need to start working on development.  There are 30+ available commercial acres between Walgreens and the former Jiffy Mart.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public SelectboardSession #2 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:34 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:38 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of November 15, 2018, be sealed.  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 meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 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 7:12 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – November 8, 2018:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of November 8, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Education Trust Fund:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the transfer of funds from the Hooper Education Trust Fund to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $4,653.40 for expenses incurred in October 2018.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Maintenance Fund:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the transfer of funds from the Hooper Maintenance Fund to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $588.11 for expenses incurred in October 2018.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Fundraiser:  Mrs. Pschirrer saw Mrs. Eloise Clark in the office on Tuesday and asked her how the fundraising event went last Friday evening.  She did not know exactly how much they had made but it might be about $600.00.  Ms. Mayberry feels this was after they paid the presenter $300.00.  There was a raffle.  Mrs. Pschirrer thought the speaker was superb. Ms. Mayberry was unable to make their last meeting on Tuesday. There was discussion relative to fundraising and the benefits of having a sponsor for future speakers.  There needs to be a fundraisinggoal.

Summer Program:  Mr. Dalessio suggested the Hooper Institute ask the new Hubbard Farms company if they will support the intern program next summer.  They should ask Mrs. Diane Miller who to contact about this.    

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 motion was approved at 7:25 PM.  

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

**NOTICE**

Selectboard Meeting of Nov. 22, 2018 moving to Weds., Nov. 21

Starting time: 8:00am in the Selectboard Office.

Change due to Thanksgiving Holiday

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting 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 were no people from the public in attendance.  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged that Mr. Richard Kreissle, Manager of Finance, is present at this meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $46,559.29 for checks issued November 9, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a payment in the amount of $19,947.67 to the NH Retirement System and $12,376.00 is a payment to FairPoint. It will be held until Mr. Kreissle speaks with Mrs. Smith, Town Clerk.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending November 3, 2018 in the amount of $24,976.81 for checks issued November 9, 2018 and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,016.93.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 1, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of November 1, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 1, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 1, 2018, 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:

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT #009-061-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Veterans’ Tax Credit for the current owner of Map and Lot #009-061-000.  This credit in the amount of $500 will be applied to the 2018 tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Revised MS-1:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that when they signed the revised MS-1, the property value of the dam and other Great River Hydro properties will be added back into the total assessment for the Town and for the North Walpole Village District.  They will be printing a tax bill based on the old evaluation.  

Once completed, they will see how it differs from the PILOT agreement. Great River Hydro paid the full amount for the spring tax bill. The tax bill the Town prints will be promptly abated so these will be paper transactions. The Selectboard will then prepare a supplemental warrant for the correct amount. The total of the combined 2018 tax bills must equal the agreed PILOT payment.  Attorney Hockensmith was to call Mrs. Pschirrer this afternoon if there was any discussion or distress on the part of Great River Hydro.  This arrangement does not affect what Great River Hydro’s tax amount; it remains unchanged. The Selecboard will need to renegotiate the PILOT after the tax season. This will involve the Village of North Walpole.  The revised PILOT will not change the agreed amount. What will change is the allocation between the Village and Walpole because the amount will remain the same for five years.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the revised MS-1 dated November 8, 2018.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) had changed several small amounts on this document.  She talked with Attorney Hockensmith and then came into the office to set up a conference call with Attorney Hockensmith and Avitar Associates. However, Mrs. Loren Martin was out of the office.  Mr. Kreissle will talk to the NHDRA, who will provide the tax rate.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned if they end up with a tax rate that is still too low for the Town, then they will have to raise the overlay on it.  Mr. Kreissle believes this is a high priority for the DRA.  Monday is a holiday but they hope to have all the figures on Tuesday.  Mr. Dalessio asked if they get the tax bills out on November 19th or 20th they usually get 60% of the taxes in within the first week or two.  Mr. Goins has all the paperwork from the Savings Bank of Walpole for a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) if necessary.  Mr. Dalessio suggested in the future they could look into a revolving line of credit.  Mr. Kreissle had budgeted for the November payment to the Fall Mountain Regional School District (FMRSD).  The auditors do not like the December payment check not being cashed by the end of the year. Therefore, he was going to issue that check on January 2nd, 2019.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned the FMRSD is willing to wait two additional weeks for their December payment.  The Cheshire County bill will have to be paid on time.  

NEW BUSINESS:

Heating Oil Quotes:  Mr. Kreissle has been talking with heating oil vendors.  Three quotes were received.  The Selectboarddiscussed reliability and service.  The lowest price was from Discount Oil.  They will come out and inspect the tanks.  Mr. Kreissle will ask about services and to provide Town references.  

Mr. Dalessio moved to go with Discount Oil providing Mr. Kreissle confirms that they do service calls.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

392 Watkins Hill Road:  Mrs. Downing had reported that Attorney Bradley, on behalf of his client Mr. Barcome, was going to let the Selectboard know when the last tenant moved out.  A reminder note was sent to them.  This was discussed during the Selectboard meeting of October 4, 2018.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended giving them another week and if they have not responded then send them another letter.

Draft Department Budget Meeting Schedule.  Mrs. Downing had provided a schedule for the Selectboard when meeting with the Department Heads on December 10th to go over their budgets.  There was a consensus to include Mrs. Eloise Clark of the Hooper Institute in the afternoon.   Mr. Mark Houghton will come in at noon to talk about the water and sewer budget.  Mrs. Smith will be scheduled. Mr. Mr. Kreissle and Mrs. Downing are flexible and will fill in the gaps.  

NEW BUSINESS (Continued):

Q3 Water/Sewer Receipts to Date:  A report was received from Mrs. Daigle regarding the receipts to date November 7, 2018.  Steady payments are coming in.  Total receipts for Q3 – 2018 Billing are $13,268.58 or 7.4%.

CRLAC Appointment:  A request was received to nominate Mr. Gary Speed for reappointment to the Cold River LocalAdvisory Committee.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the reappointment of Mr. Gary Speed to the Cold River Local Advisory Committee.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Forest Fire Warden Appointment:  Mr. Mark Houghton came into the meeting to request the Selectboard recommend that Mr. Richard Hurlburt be appointed as the Forest Fire Warden.

Mr. Dalessio moved to appoint Mr. Richard Hurlburt as the Forest Fire Warden to be effective January 1, 2019.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Joint Meeting of the Selectboards/School Board on November 26th:  The Selectboard acknowledged a memo from Lori Landry, Superintendent of Schools, and Linda Christie, School Board Chair, that as previously agreed they would meet again on Monday, November 26th at 6:30 pm in the FMRHS Library.  They ask that any specific agenda items they wish to discuss be sent in no later than November 9th.  Mrs. Downing was asked to respond that the three Selectboard members plan to attend.  Mr. Dalessio would like to recommend the following agenda items:  1) Budget; 2) Science Olympiad; and 3) Middle School Study Committee.  

Town Hall Stage Area:  Mrs. Downing was notified by Lisa Bryan, President of the Players, that they would like to put locks on the two doors leading backstage. These locks would be keyed for the same key and could be keyed to match the closet keys.  They also plan to secure the curtain. But, there is no sense in doing that until they have locks on the doors.  Mrs. Downing wrote back to her noting safety concerns regarding door and curtain changes.  The Players also plan to cover the fiber board that runs 8 feet high around the back stage area with bead board, and paint a mural on 8’x4’ panels of luan which they are going to cover the cracked plaster with up to the ceiling.  These panels will be cut to fit around the windows and should be easy to remove when it is time to do the windows.  Their plan is to attach furring strips over the plaster and screw the luan panels into the furring strips.  Mrs. Downing talked to Mr. Brad Nash who felt someone could be trapped inside the locked doors.  The closet doors are locked.  There are other safety concerns such as steps that are not permanent, no handrails, and other violations.  A common complaint is the players quite often leave the lights on after they leave.  Mrs. Pschirrer is not in favor of them putting bead board around the windows as they will be replaced.  Ms. Mayberry feels they should put their suggested renovation plans in writing and ask if the Selectboard approves them.   Mr. Dalessio said for safety reasons the doors cannot be locked.  Mrs. Pschirrer added that any other changes have to come before the Selectboard for prior approval.  The Fire Department will be asked to do an internal audit of this second floor stage area.  

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.  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 7:20 PM

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:50 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of November 8, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer 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 Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:51 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:57 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Co-chair Robert Miller, Secretary James Aldrich, Jeff White, Steve Dalessio, Selectboard Representative. Alternates: Joanna Andros, Jeff Colley. Absent: Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron.

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the regular December 2018 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Roll Call: Mr. J. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Since two Board members were absent, Mr. J. Miller asked Ms. Andros and Mr. Colley to fill in.

Minutes: Regular minutes and workshop minutes. Mr. R. Miller made one correction. On page 6 second to last paragraph of the regular minutes, the name should be Ms. Sue Domanico, 64 Bookseller Road. A motion was made to accept the amended minutes and workshop minutes. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

Warrant articles: The Planning Board is responsible for putting changes to zoning ordinances on the warrant and having public hearings for those warrant articles This year the Board is recommending two articles.

No. 1 would correct the zoning district of two lots on the road Ames Plaza Lanes owned by William Carmody. It reads:

“Are you in favor of the adoption of the following zoning ordinance amendment as proposed by the Walpole Planning Board to be added to the Town of Walpole’s Zoning Ordinance? To amend Article VI Commercial District and Article V Residential District by changing and restoring zoning classification of Lots 55-5 and 55-21 from Residential B to Commercial.”

Mr. Dalessio asked if the article should also include the a reason behind the warrant article and include the suggestion by town attorney Jeremy Hockensmith. Mr. Hockensmith says, “This amendment is necessary to correct an error in Warrant Article 2, adopted and approved at the March 13, 2007 annual meeting mistakenly changing these lots zoning classification.” Mr. R. Miller asked if it would help to clarify the article for the voter. And Ms. Andros asked if reasons are given as to why a warrant article is adopted.

Mr. Miller said he didn’t know if it should be part of the language of the actual warrant article. You can give the rationale for voting for the article but should it be part of the wording of the article? he asked.

Mr. Colley asked if the first article should include the tax map number. The secretary said that there could very well be the same number lot mentioned on any one of the other 29 tax maps. So it was decided that the tax map number should be included in the warrant article.

The second warrant article was about an article that was adopted at the 2018 annual meeting, amending the Zoning Ordinance to permit the Planning Board to make minor changes to the Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Hockensmith thought it was unenforceable. So to revoke this amendment, he suggested the following warrant article.

“Are you in favor of revoking and rescinding the amendment to the Town of Walpole’s Zoning Ordinance, adopted and approved as Article 3 at the annual Town Meeting held on March 17, 2017?”

Mr. Hockensmith suggested adding “This approved amendment granted the Walpole Planning Board authority to make minor changes to the Zoning Ordinance in certain circumstances. Subsequent to its passage, Town legal counsel advised it was not enforceable under New Hampshire law.”

Mr. J. Miller will check with Mr. Hockensmith to see if these explanations should be included in the actual warrant article or be an explanation of why the article is on the warrant.

Mr. Aldrich made a motion to hold Public Hearings next month (December) for both warrant articles. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 

Walker Road property: A few days after the D&C Transportation Public Hearing with the Planning Board concluded on October 9, 2018, Mr. Ray Boas and Dr. Chuck Shaw purchased the property and are raising funds to pay for it and turn it over to the town. The process for the Town to accept ownership of the property is that the Selectboard must have approval from the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission. The land is then put under the stewardship of the Conservation Commission. At the Planning Board meeting Mr R. Miller made a motion to recommend that the town accept the property. The motion was seconded by Mr. Aldrich and the Board voted unanimously to do so.

Mr. Colley noted that there is a deed restriction on the property stating the land will not be developed in perpetuity. Also, future selectmen may not sell the property.

Cost of a Public Hearing when the Planning Board has to make a Recommendation for Special Exception in a rural/ag district:

When an applicant needs a Special Exception in a rural/ag district, he/she needs approval from the ZBA. But before the ZBA makes a final decision, it needs a non-binding recommendation from the WPB.

Both of these Boards must hold Public Hearings and up to now when an applicant fills out an application he pays the fees for ZBA Public Hearing and certified letters to abutters for the ZBA. The applicant also pays abutters fees for certified letters to be sent on behalf of the WPB. But the applicant has not been paying for the notice in the newspaper for a Public Hearing. The Town has.

After a short discussion, it was decided that since the Special Exception is required by the Zoning Board, the Zoning Board should collect all the fees attached. That includes the cost of advertising the two Public Hearings in a local newspaper, one by each Board, and the certified letters send to abutters for each Public Hearing.

The Zoning Board will discuss this matter of how much to charge at its next meeting in December.

November Workshop: There will be a Planning Board workshop on Tuesday, November 27 at 7pm in the basement conference room to discuss the sample solar ordinance prepared by Board Members Jeff Colley and Joanna Andros. Also, there may be discussion of Carol Olgivie’s visit and the Conditional Use permit. 

At 7:30 pm Mr. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn. Mr. J. Miller seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine, Recording Secretary

Thank you Ray Boas and everyone involved in the creation of this informative video. It’s well worth your time and interest. – Lil

Still wondering why the efforts to conserve the 1,000 feet of Connecticut River frontage at the entrance to the Village of Walpole, New Hampshire? This video will answer your questions, show you this special property, and its importance.

At the end of the video are details for sending your tax-deductible contribution either by check, or on-line with GoFundMe. Those details are also at the bottom of this page.

CLICK THIS LINK BELOW
to make your contribution on-line
https://www.gofundme.com/WalkerRoadConservation

or,
MAIL YOUR CHECK to:
Walker Road Conservation
Town of Walpole
PO Box 729
Walpole NH 03608-0729

On behalf of future generations who will have the same enjoyment we have, I thank you for your donation – yours, Ray Boas, Publisher, THE WALPOLE CLARION

The Walpole Firefighter’s Auxiliary are holding their first annual Fireman’s Ball this coming Saturday, November 17th at Alyson’s Orchard from 6:30 – midnight.

There will be a live band for dancing, a 50/50 raffle, hors d’oeuvres & a cash bar.

Tickets are $35 each or $60/couple. ($40 each at the door)

Contact Anthony Fry at 603-313-2132 for tickets.

The response by Walpole residents to support the conservation of the Walker Road Property, with 1,000 feet of Connecticut River frontage, has been overwhelming. In just a short period of time over 50% of the needed funds have been donated or committed.