Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 6/12/18

Presiding Members: Jeffrey Miller (Chair), Robert Miller (Vice-Chair), James Aldrich, (Secretary),  Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron, JeffPresiding Members: Jeffrey Miller (Chair), Robert Miller (Vice-Chair), James Aldrich, (Secretary),  Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron, Jeff White, Steve Dalessio (Selectboard Representative). Absent: Alternates: Edward Potter, Joanna Andros.

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

Meeting Opened: Mr. J. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

Roll Call: All board members were present so an alternate was not needed to fill in.

Minutes: Mr. Marcom made two corrections to the May minutes. On page 4 “emphasize” was changed to “emphasis” and on page 5 “were” was “changed” to where. Mr. Aldrich made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and it was approved by the Board.

Old Business:

Business: Avanru, Jack Franks, Building C on the original plan, Lot 1, 504 Main St., Route 12, where the Co-op was going to go: Request for a Public Hearing for a commercial building for four store fronts. Public Hearing maybe be either in July or if a new use for the building is found, July will be an informational meeting and August will be the Public Hearing..

Mr. Franks was at the meeting. He wanted to make sure he had the complete package for the Board. He said the Alteration of Terrain was originally given in 2012 and renewed in 2017 and is good for five year. He asked if he needed to hire an engineer to come in and explain what was on the plans – landscape, parking, lighting, etc. or could he do it himself. All that’s in the plans that SVE did. “It’s all current,” he said.

Mr. Marcom said it was his understanding that an applicant didn’t need to bring in an expert unless there might be questions Mr. Franks couldn’t answer. Mr. J. Miller said he didn’t think he needed to bring in his engineer.

Mr. Franks said he wanted to be transparent and inform the Board that he has had a proposal on the table from a Boston firm that may mean he has to forego the store front plans and work with the Boston firm. If so, he’ll talk to the engineers to see whether that would constitute an amendment of the site plan and if the Alteration of Terrain has to be redone. If so, I’ll be back in July for an informational meeting.

If the proposal with the Boston firm doesn’t work out, he’s going ahead with the store front. He should know everything in 10 days.

So it was left that if the new proposal worked out, there would be a Public Hearing in August. If Mr. Franks stays with the store front project the Public Hearing will be in July.

Just to be safe, Mr. R. Miller made a motion to hold a Public Hearing in August. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the Board approved the motion.

Public Hearing: Add two changes to the site plan.

Section 8

J. Street Access / Traffic Pattern: Access to public streets will meet the requirements of the NH Department of Transportation and/or the Town of Walpole.

Any new road constructions shall conform to the road standards as specified in the Walpole

Subdivision Regulations.

The internal traffic pattern will accommodate the proposed use, as well as providing easy unimpeded access for emergency vehicles.

Add. “New road construction is consistent with the stated guidelines of Walpole’s Complete Streets Policy; that our streets be ‘safe, convenient, and accessible to a wide variety of users and modes of transportation’.”

Mr. Marcom explained that the Planning Board had several workshop meetings devoted to the Complete Streets program in Walpole in 2017 and the town adopted the Complete Streets policy. Complete Streets looked at the safety and diversification of traffic and transportation for drivers and pedestrians. This addition to the site plan was to address the guidelines and recommendations of Complete Streets. Section 8 seemed the most logical place to put the addition, Mr. Marcom said.

Mr. J. Miller asked if there were any questions. There being none he closed the Public Hearing.

The second change to the site plan is:

Section 12: Remove the words “recorded subdivision plat.”

Add: “An approved site plan application may be revoked”………

Mr. J. Miller said this was changed to clarify this section. He asked if there were any questions. There being no questions he asked for a motion. The motion was moved and seconded and approved by the entire Board.

New Business: Possible subdivision. Joe DiBernardo, surveyor.

Mr. DiBernardo was at the meeting for information about a possible subdivision. Mary McMahon lives on Whipple Hill Road. At a certain portion of Whipple Road as you head south, the road turns from a Class V road to a Class VI road.

Ms. McMahon wants to take 14.44 acres at the southern boundary of her property and classify it as a “NOT TO BE DEVELOPED” piece of property, leaving 143.13 acres. This will be called Lot No. 2. The property does not have frontage on the road. Usually to create a new building lot it needs 200 feet of road frontage.

Mr. J. Miller asked why she wanted to do that. Mr. DiBernardo said she wants to give it to her caretaker. He would use it solely for hunting and recreational purposes and the lot will be labeled “not to be developed.”

Mr. DiBernardo said the statute is murky. The state statute says you cannot build off a Class VI road without permission from the Selectboard and recording a notice of waiver.

There are two precedents in Walpole for this type of situation. One is the Spivey property, also on Whipple Hill, and the other one is Lot No. 3 at the Alyson property off of Wentworth Road in 2004.

2.

A motion was made, seconded and approved to have a Public Hearing on the McMahon request in August.

Mr. Dalessio said that “not to be developed” should be registered and noted on the deed. Mr. J. Miller said it will be stated on the plat.

.

Voluntary Merger

Mr. DiBernardo said he was filing for a voluntary merger for Ray Aumand, 3 Mountain View Rd., North Walpole. It would merge two plots, No. 143 and No. 144 into one. Mr. DiBernardo said on one lot is Mr. Aumand’s home and on the other lot is his garage. Mr. Aumand wants to merge the two. The total acreage of the property would add up to 1.08 acres in a Residential B district.

Mr. J. Miller said that there was a Voluntary Merger form. Mr. DiBernardo paid the application fee but didn’t know the cost of recording it at Cheshire County Registry of Deeds. The secretary will find out the cost and Mr. DiBernardo will get her a check and record the merger. The cost to register a Voluntary Merger is $12 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.

Mr. Dalessio said a copy of the form has to go to Avitar.

A motion was moved, seconded and approved to permit the voluntary merger for Ray Aumand, 3 Mountain View Rd., North Walpole.

Work on Solar Ordinance and Master Plan: Mr. J. Miller gave out a copy of the solar ordinance from the town of Hollis. It addresses solar on roof tops. This topic will be discussed at the July meeting.

Also, Mr. J. Miller said there is interest in updating the Master Plan. He has talked with Ms. Lisa Murphy, a planner at Southwest Regional Planning Commission, to assist the Board in this matter. She was instrumental in working on an update to the Master Plan in 2006.  Mr. J. Miller also discussed the update of the Master Plan with the Selectboard.

The process is to get a quote from the SWRPC,  who would assist the Board in updating the Master Plan.  He will ask the Commission for two quotes for their assistance. One would be to look solely at the Land Use Analysis section and the other would be to work on the Land Use Analysis Section plus the other sections. The former would cost $3,000 to $5,000 and the latter $5,000 to $10,000.

The Board would then submit the quotes to the Selectboard and they would hopefully incorporate it into the budget. Once it is approved in 2019, the Board can move forward with the update.

Ms. Murphy also volunteered to meet with the Planning Board to go over the process and discuss the update. It was decided that Mr. J. Miller would invite Ms. Murphy to attend the July meeting. Ms. Murphy also suggested that the Board should review the Master Plan annually.

Regarding the update, Mr. Dalessio mentioned looking at the document with an eye to looking at what the town should look like in 10 years. Doing a survey was mentioned to get other people’s input and Mr. J. Miller said that would be part of the process. The purpose was to get an idea of what the townspeople feel is wrong with the town’s Master Plan and ordinances and what the townspeople

3.

want. Mr. J. Miller said the zoning ordinances were well written in the ‘60s and have served the town well.

Mr. Jeff Colley and Mr. Eric Merklein were in the audience and they asked if other people could be involved in the update of the Master Plan. Mr. J. Miller said the Planning Board would be doing the work but all hearings will be open to the public and people will be encouraged to come and participate.  He said they will have equal standing with the Board.

Handout: One of the handouts the Board received was titled Transportation Alternative Program Funding Announcement. One eligible activity that Walpole might be of interest is the Safe Route to School infrastructure activity, which requires a 20 percent match from the town. Mr. J. Miller said he would discuss this grant with Ms. Murphy and see if it’s appropriate for the Complete Streets recommendation of some king of walkway from the school to the former RN Johnson property. This was one of the Complete Streets recommendations.

WebPage – What should go on the site? It was decided that the Planning Board WebPage should include the site plan, master plan, site plan application and checklist.

Alternate position:  Mr. J. Miller said that Alternate Ed Potter would like to resign from the Board but wouldn’t do so until someone else is found to replace him. Mr. Colley was asked and he agreed to take Mr. Potter’s place. Mr. Colley is new to Walpole having been here for a year but said he was interested in what the town does. He will start as a Planning Board alternate in July.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Next regular meeting Tuesday, July 12, 2018 Presiding Members: Jeffrey Miller (Chair), Robert Miller (Vice-Chair), James Aldrich, (Secretary),  Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron, Jeff White, Steve Dalessio (Selectboard Representative). Absent: Alternates: Edward Potter, Joanna Andros.

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

Meeting Opened: Mr. J. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

Roll Call: All board members were present so an alternate was not needed to fill in.

Minutes: Mr. Marcom made two corrections to the May minutes. On page 4 “emphasize” was changed to “emphasis” and on page 5 “were” was “changed” to where. Mr. Aldrich made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and it was approved by the Board.

Old Business:

Business: Avanru, Jack Franks, Building C on the original plan, Lot 1, 504 Main St., Route 12, where the Co-op was going to go: Request for a Public Hearing for a commercial building for four store fronts. Public Hearing maybe be either in July or if a new use for the building is found, July will be an informational meeting and August will be the Public Hearing..

Mr. Franks was at the meeting. He wanted to make sure he had the complete package for the Board. He said the Alteration of Terrain was originally given in 2012 and renewed in 2017 and is good for five year. He asked if he needed to hire an engineer to come in and explain what was on the plans – landscape, parking, lighting, etc. or could he do it himself. All that’s in the plans that SVE did. “It’s all current,” he said.

Mr. Marcom said it was his understanding that an applicant didn’t need to bring in an expert unless there might be questions Mr. Franks couldn’t answer. Mr. J. Miller said he didn’t think he needed to bring in his engineer.

Mr. Franks said he wanted to be transparent and inform the Board that he has had a proposal on the table from a Boston firm that may mean he has to forego the store front plans and work with the Boston firm. If so, he’ll talk to the engineers to see whether that would constitute an amendment of the site plan and if the Alteration of Terrain has to be redone. If so, I’ll be back in July for an informational meeting.

If the proposal with the Boston firm doesn’t work out, he’s going ahead with the store front. He should know everything in 10 days.

So it was left that if the new proposal worked out, there would be a Public Hearing in August. If Mr. Franks stays with the store front project the Public Hearing will be in July.

Just to be safe, Mr. R. Miller made a motion to hold a Public Hearing in August. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the Board approved the motion.

1.

Public Hearing: Add two changes to the site plan.

Section 8

J. Street Access / Traffic Pattern: Access to public streets will meet the requirements of the NH Department of Transportation and/or the Town of Walpole.

Any new road constructions shall conform to the road standards as specified in the Walpole

Subdivision Regulations.

The internal traffic pattern will accommodate the proposed use, as well as providing easy unimpeded access for emergency vehicles.

Add. “New road construction is consistent with the stated guidelines of Walpole’s Complete Streets Policy; that our streets be ‘safe, convenient, and accessible to a wide variety of users and modes of transportation’.”

Mr. Marcom explained that the Planning Board had several workshop meetings devoted to the Complete Streets program in Walpole in 2017 and the town adopted the Complete Streets policy. Complete Streets looked at the safety and diversification of traffic and transportation for drivers and pedestrians. This addition to the site plan was to address the guidelines and recommendations of Complete Streets. Section 8 seemed the most logical place to put the addition, Mr. Marcom said.

Mr. J. Miller asked if there were any questions. There being none he closed the Public Hearing.

The second change to the site plan is:

Section 12: Remove the words “recorded subdivision plat.”

Add: “An approved site plan application may be revoked”………

Mr. J. Miller said this was changed to clarify this section. He asked if there were any questions. There being no questions he asked for a motion. The motion was moved and seconded and approved by the entire Board.

New Business: Possible subdivision. Joe DiBernardo, surveyor.

Mr. DiBernardo was at the meeting for information about a possible subdivision. Mary McMahon lives on Whipple Hill Road. At a certain portion of Whipple Road as you head south, the road turns from a Class V road to a Class VI road.

Ms. McMahon wants to take 14.44 acres at the southern boundary of her property and classify it as a “NOT TO BE DEVELOPED” piece of property, leaving 143.13 acres. This will be called Lot No. 2. The property does not have frontage on the road. Usually to create a new building lot it needs 200 feet of road frontage.

Mr. J. Miller asked why she wanted to do that. Mr. DiBernardo said she wants to give it to her caretaker. He would use it solely for hunting and recreational purposes and the lot will be labeled “not to be developed.”

Mr. DiBernardo said the statute is murky. The state statute says you cannot build off a Class VI road without permission from the Selectboard and recording a notice of waiver.

There are two precedents in Walpole for this type of situation. One is the Spivey property, also on Whipple Hill, and the other one is Lot No. 3 at the Alyson property off of Wentworth Road in 2004.

2.

A motion was made, seconded and approved to have a Public Hearing on the McMahon request in August.

Mr. Dalessio said that “not to be developed” should be registered and noted on the deed. Mr. J. Miller said it will be stated on the plat.

.

Voluntary Merger

Mr. DiBernardo said he was filing for a voluntary merger for Ray Aumand, 3 Mountain View Rd., North Walpole. It would merge two plots, No. 143 and No. 144 into one. Mr. DiBernardo said on one lot is Mr. Aumand’s home and on the other lot is his garage. Mr. Aumand wants to merge the two. The total acreage of the property would add up to 1.08 acres in a Residential B district.

Mr. J. Miller said that there was a Voluntary Merger form. Mr. DiBernardo paid the application fee but didn’t know the cost of recording it at Cheshire County Registry of Deeds. The secretary will find out the cost and Mr. DiBernardo will get her a check and record the merger. The cost to register a Voluntary Merger is $12 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.

Mr. Dalessio said a copy of the form has to go to Avitar.

A motion was moved, seconded and approved to permit the voluntary merger for Ray Aumand, 3 Mountain View Rd., North Walpole.

Work on Solar Ordinance and Master Plan: Mr. J. Miller gave out a copy of the solar ordinance from the town of Hollis. It addresses solar on roof tops. This topic will be discussed at the July meeting.

Also, Mr. J. Miller said there is interest in updating the Master Plan. He has talked with Ms. Lisa Murphy, a planner at Southwest Regional Planning Commission, to assist the Board in this matter. She was instrumental in working on an update to the Master Plan in 2006.  Mr. J. Miller also discussed the update of the Master Plan with the Selectboard.

The process is to get a quote from the SWRPC,  who would assist the Board in updating the Master Plan.  He will ask the Commission for two quotes for their assistance. One would be to look solely at the Land Use Analysis section and the other would be to work on the Land Use Analysis Section plus the other sections. The former would cost $3,000 to $5,000 and the latter $5,000 to $10,000.

The Board would then submit the quotes to the Selectboard and they would hopefully incorporate it into the budget. Once it is approved in 2019, the Board can move forward with the update.

Ms. Murphy also volunteered to meet with the Planning Board to go over the process and discuss the update. It was decided that Mr. J. Miller would invite Ms. Murphy to attend the July meeting. Ms. Murphy also suggested that the Board should review the Master Plan annually.

Regarding the update, Mr. Dalessio mentioned looking at the document with an eye to looking at what the town should look like in 10 years. Doing a survey was mentioned to get other people’s input and Mr. J. Miller said that would be part of the process. The purpose was to get an idea of what the townspeople feel is wrong with the town’s Master Plan and ordinances and what the townspeople

3.

want. Mr. J. Miller said the zoning ordinances were well written in the ‘60s and have served the town well.

Mr. Jeff Colley and Mr. Eric Merklein were in the audience and they asked if other people could be involved in the update of the Master Plan. Mr. J. Miller said the Planning Board would be doing the work but all hearings will be open to the public and people will be encouraged to come and participate.  He said they will have equal standing with the Board.

Handout: One of the handouts the Board received was titled Transportation Alternative Program Funding Announcement. One eligible activity that Walpole might be of interest is the Safe Route to School infrastructure activity, which requires a 20 percent match from the town. Mr. J. Miller said he would discuss this grant with Ms. Murphy and see if it’s appropriate for the Complete Streets recommendation of some king of walkway from the school to the former RN Johnson property. This was one of the Complete Streets recommendations.

WebPage – What should go on the site? It was decided that the Planning Board WebPage should include the site plan, master plan, site plan application and checklist.

Alternate position:  Mr. J. Miller said that Alternate Ed Potter would like to resign from the Board but wouldn’t do so until someone else is found to replace him. Mr. Colley was asked and he agreed to take Mr. Potter’s place. Mr. Colley is new to Walpole having been here for a year but said he was interested in what the town does. He will start as a Planning Board alternate in July.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Next regular meeting Tuesday, July 12, 2018White, Steve Dalessio (Selectboard Representative). Absent: Alternates: Edward Potter, Joanna Andros.

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

Meeting Opened: Mr. J. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

Roll Call: All board members were present so an alternate was not needed to fill in.

Minutes: Mr. Marcom made two corrections to the May minutes. On page 4 “emphasize” was changed to “emphasis” and on page 5 “were” was “changed” to where. Mr. Aldrich made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and it was approved by the Board.

Old Business:

Business: Avanru, Jack Franks, Building C on the original plan, Lot 1, 504 Main St., Route 12, where the Co-op was going to go: Request for a Public Hearing for a commercial building for four store fronts. Public Hearing maybe be either in July or if a new use for the building is found, July will be an informational meeting and August will be the Public Hearing..

Mr. Franks was at the meeting. He wanted to make sure he had the complete package for the Board. He said the Alteration of Terrain was originally given in 2012 and renewed in 2017 and is good for five year. He asked if he needed to hire an engineer to come in and explain what was on the plans – landscape, parking, lighting, etc. or could he do it himself. All that’s in the plans that SVE did. “It’s all current,” he said.

Mr. Marcom said it was his understanding that an applicant didn’t need to bring in an expert unless there might be questions Mr. Franks couldn’t answer. Mr. J. Miller said he didn’t think he needed to bring in his engineer.

Mr. Franks said he wanted to be transparent and inform the Board that he has had a proposal on the table from a Boston firm that may mean he has to forego the store front plans and work with the Boston firm. If so, he’ll talk to the engineers to see whether that would constitute an amendment of the site plan and if the Alteration of Terrain has to be redone. If so, I’ll be back in July for an informational meeting.

If the proposal with the Boston firm doesn’t work out, he’s going ahead with the store front. He should know everything in 10 days.

So it was left that if the new proposal worked out, there would be a Public Hearing in August. If Mr. Franks stays with the store front project the Public Hearing will be in July.

Just to be safe, Mr. R. Miller made a motion to hold a Public Hearing in August. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the Board approved the motion.

1.

Public Hearing: Add two changes to the site plan.

Section 8

J. Street Access / Traffic Pattern: Access to public streets will meet the requirements of the NH Department of Transportation and/or the Town of Walpole.

Any new road constructions shall conform to the road standards as specified in the Walpole

Subdivision Regulations.

The internal traffic pattern will accommodate the proposed use, as well as providing easy unimpeded access for emergency vehicles.

Add. “New road construction is consistent with the stated guidelines of Walpole’s Complete Streets Policy; that our streets be ‘safe, convenient, and accessible to a wide variety of users and modes of transportation’.”

Mr. Marcom explained that the Planning Board had several workshop meetings devoted to the Complete Streets program in Walpole in 2017 and the town adopted the Complete Streets policy. Complete Streets looked at the safety and diversification of traffic and transportation for drivers and pedestrians. This addition to the site plan was to address the guidelines and recommendations of Complete Streets. Section 8 seemed the most logical place to put the addition, Mr. Marcom said.

Mr. J. Miller asked if there were any questions. There being none he closed the Public Hearing.

The second change to the site plan is:

Section 12: Remove the words “recorded subdivision plat.”

Add: “An approved site plan application may be revoked”………

Mr. J. Miller said this was changed to clarify this section. He asked if there were any questions. There being no questions he asked for a motion. The motion was moved and seconded and approved by the entire Board.

New Business: Possible subdivision. Joe DiBernardo, surveyor.

Mr. DiBernardo was at the meeting for information about a possible subdivision. Mary McMahon lives on Whipple Hill Road. At a certain portion of Whipple Road as you head south, the road turns from a Class V road to a Class VI road.

Ms. McMahon wants to take 14.44 acres at the southern boundary of her property and classify it as a “NOT TO BE DEVELOPED” piece of property, leaving 143.13 acres. This will be called Lot No. 2. The property does not have frontage on the road. Usually to create a new building lot it needs 200 feet of road frontage.

Mr. J. Miller asked why she wanted to do that. Mr. DiBernardo said she wants to give it to her caretaker. He would use it solely for hunting and recreational purposes and the lot will be labeled “not to be developed.”

Mr. DiBernardo said the statute is murky. The state statute says you cannot build off a Class VI road without permission from the Selectboard and recording a notice of waiver.

There are two precedents in Walpole for this type of situation. One is the Spivey property, also on Whipple Hill, and the other one is Lot No. 3 at the Alyson property off of Wentworth Road in 2004.

2.

A motion was made, seconded and approved to have a Public Hearing on the McMahon request in August.

Mr. Dalessio said that “not to be developed” should be registered and noted on the deed. Mr. J. Miller said it will be stated on the plat.

.

Voluntary Merger

Mr. DiBernardo said he was filing for a voluntary merger for Ray Aumand, 3 Mountain View Rd., North Walpole. It would merge two plots, No. 143 and No. 144 into one. Mr. DiBernardo said on one lot is Mr. Aumand’s home and on the other lot is his garage. Mr. Aumand wants to merge the two. The total acreage of the property would add up to 1.08 acres in a Residential B district.

Mr. J. Miller said that there was a Voluntary Merger form. Mr. DiBernardo paid the application fee but didn’t know the cost of recording it at Cheshire County Registry of Deeds. The secretary will find out the cost and Mr. DiBernardo will get her a check and record the merger. The cost to register a Voluntary Merger is $12 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.

Mr. Dalessio said a copy of the form has to go to Avitar.

A motion was moved, seconded and approved to permit the voluntary merger for Ray Aumand, 3 Mountain View Rd., North Walpole.

Work on Solar Ordinance and Master Plan: Mr. J. Miller gave out a copy of the solar ordinance from the town of Hollis. It addresses solar on roof tops. This topic will be discussed at the July meeting.

Also, Mr. J. Miller said there is interest in updating the Master Plan. He has talked with Ms. Lisa Murphy, a planner at Southwest Regional Planning Commission, to assist the Board in this matter. She was instrumental in working on an update to the Master Plan in 2006.  Mr. J. Miller also discussed the update of the Master Plan with the Selectboard.

The process is to get a quote from the SWRPC,  who would assist the Board in updating the Master Plan.  He will ask the Commission for two quotes for their assistance. One would be to look solely at the Land Use Analysis section and the other would be to work on the Land Use Analysis Section plus the other sections. The former would cost $3,000 to $5,000 and the latter $5,000 to $10,000.

The Board would then submit the quotes to the Selectboard and they would hopefully incorporate it into the budget. Once it is approved in 2019, the Board can move forward with the update.

Ms. Murphy also volunteered to meet with the Planning Board to go over the process and discuss the update. It was decided that Mr. J. Miller would invite Ms. Murphy to attend the July meeting. Ms. Murphy also suggested that the Board should review the Master Plan annually.

Regarding the update, Mr. Dalessio mentioned looking at the document with an eye to looking at what the town should look like in 10 years. Doing a survey was mentioned to get other people’s input and Mr. J. Miller said that would be part of the process. The purpose was to get an idea of what the townspeople feel is wrong with the town’s Master Plan and ordinances and what the townspeople

3.

want. Mr. J. Miller said the zoning ordinances were well written in the ‘60s and have served the town well.

Mr. Jeff Colley and Mr. Eric Merklein were in the audience and they asked if other people could be involved in the update of the Master Plan. Mr. J. Miller said the Planning Board would be doing the work but all hearings will be open to the public and people will be encouraged to come and participate.  He said they will have equal standing with the Board.

Handout: One of the handouts the Board received was titled Transportation Alternative Program Funding Announcement. One eligible activity that Walpole might be of interest is the Safe Route to School infrastructure activity, which requires a 20 percent match from the town. Mr. J. Miller said he would discuss this grant with Ms. Murphy and see if it’s appropriate for the Complete Streets recommendation of some king of walkway from the school to the former RN Johnson property. This was one of the Complete Streets recommendations.

WebPage – What should go on the site? It was decided that the Planning Board WebPage should include the site plan, master plan, site plan application and checklist.

Alternate position:  Mr. J. Miller said that Alternate Ed Potter would like to resign from the Board but wouldn’t do so until someone else is found to replace him. Mr. Colley was asked and he agreed to take Mr. Potter’s place. Mr. Colley is new to Walpole having been here for a year but said he was interested in what the town does. He will start as a Planning Board alternate in July.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Next regular meeting Tuesday, July 12, 20188 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Meeting Opened: Mr. J. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

Roll Call: All board members were present so an alternate was not needed to fill in.

Minutes: Mr. Marcom made two corrections to the May minutes. On page 4 “emphasize” was changed to “emphasis” and on page 5 “were” was “changed” to where. Mr. Aldrich made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and it was approved by the Board.

Old Business:

Business: Avanru, Jack Franks, Building C on the original plan, Lot 1, 504 Main St., Route 12, where the Co-op was going to go: Request for a Public Hearing for a commercial building for four store fronts. Public Hearing maybe be either in July or if a new use for the building is found, July will be an informational meeting and August will be the Public Hearing..

Mr. Franks was at the meeting. He wanted to make sure he had the complete package for the Board. He said the Alteration of Terrain was originally given in 2012 and renewed in 2017 and is good for five year. He asked if he needed to hire an engineer to come in and explain what was on the plans – landscape, parking, lighting, etc. or could he do it himself. All that’s in the plans that SVE did. “It’s all current,” he said.

Mr. Marcom said it was his understanding that an applicant didn’t need to bring in an expert unless there might be questions Mr. Franks couldn’t answer. Mr. J. Miller said he didn’t think he needed to bring in his engineer.

Mr. Franks said he wanted to be transparent and inform the Board that he has had a proposal on the table from a Boston firm that may mean he has to forego the store front plans and work with the Boston firm. If so, he’ll talk to the engineers to see whether that would constitute an amendment of the site plan and if the Alteration of Terrain has to be redone. If so, I’ll be back in July for an informational meeting.

If the proposal with the Boston firm doesn’t work out, he’s going ahead with the store front. He should know everything in 10 days.

So it was left that if the new proposal worked out, there would be a Public Hearing in August. If Mr. Franks stays with the store front project the Public Hearing will be in July.

Just to be safe, Mr. R. Miller made a motion to hold a Public Hearing in August. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the Board approved the motion.

1.

Public Hearing: Add two changes to the site plan.

Section 8

J. Street Access / Traffic Pattern: Access to public streets will meet the requirements of the NH Department of Transportation and/or the Town of Walpole.

Any new road constructions shall conform to the road standards as specified in the Walpole

Subdivision Regulations.

The internal traffic pattern will accommodate the proposed use, as well as providing easy unimpeded access for emergency vehicles.

Add. “New road construction is consistent with the stated guidelines of Walpole’s Complete Streets Policy; that our streets be ‘safe, convenient, and accessible to a wide variety of users and modes of transportation’.”

Mr. Marcom explained that the Planning Board had several workshop meetings devoted to the Complete Streets program in Walpole in 2017 and the town adopted the Complete Streets policy. Complete Streets looked at the safety and diversification of traffic and transportation for drivers and pedestrians. This addition to the site plan was to address the guidelines and recommendations of Complete Streets. Section 8 seemed the most logical place to put the addition, Mr. Marcom said.

Mr. J. Miller asked if there were any questions. There being none he closed the Public Hearing.

The second change to the site plan is:

Section 12: Remove the words “recorded subdivision plat.”

Add: “An approved site plan application may be revoked”………

Mr. J. Miller said this was changed to clarify this section. He asked if there were any questions. There being no questions he asked for a motion. The motion was moved and seconded and approved by the entire Board.

New Business: Possible subdivision. Joe DiBernardo, surveyor.

Mr. DiBernardo was at the meeting for information about a possible subdivision. Mary McMahon lives on Whipple Hill Road. At a certain portion of Whipple Road as you head south, the road turns from a Class V road to a Class VI road.

Ms. McMahon wants to take 14.44 acres at the southern boundary of her property and classify it as a “NOT TO BE DEVELOPED” piece of property, leaving 143.13 acres. This will be called Lot No. 2. The property does not have frontage on the road. Usually to create a new building lot it needs 200 feet of road frontage.

Mr. J. Miller asked why she wanted to do that. Mr. DiBernardo said she wants to give it to her caretaker. He would use it solely for hunting and recreational purposes and the lot will be labeled “not to be developed.”

Mr. DiBernardo said the statute is murky. The state statute says you cannot build off a Class VI road without permission from the Selectboard and recording a notice of waiver.

There are two precedents in Walpole for this type of situation. One is the Spivey property, also on Whipple Hill, and the other one is Lot No. 3 at the Alyson property off of Wentworth Road in 2004.

2.

A motion was made, seconded and approved to have a Public Hearing on the McMahon request in August.

Mr. Dalessio said that “not to be developed” should be registered and noted on the deed. Mr. J. Miller said it will be stated on the plat.

.

Voluntary Merger

Mr. DiBernardo said he was filing for a voluntary merger for Ray Aumand, 3 Mountain View Rd., North Walpole. It would merge two plots, No. 143 and No. 144 into one. Mr. DiBernardo said on one lot is Mr. Aumand’s home and on the other lot is his garage. Mr. Aumand wants to merge the two. The total acreage of the property would add up to 1.08 acres in a Residential B district.

Mr. J. Miller said that there was a Voluntary Merger form. Mr. DiBernardo paid the application fee but didn’t know the cost of recording it at Cheshire County Registry of Deeds. The secretary will find out the cost and Mr. DiBernardo will get her a check and record the merger. The cost to register a Voluntary Merger is $12 for the first page and $4 for each additional page.

Mr. Dalessio said a copy of the form has to go to Avitar.

A motion was moved, seconded and approved to permit the voluntary merger for Ray Aumand, 3 Mountain View Rd., North Walpole.

Work on Solar Ordinance and Master Plan: Mr. J. Miller gave out a copy of the solar ordinance from the town of Hollis. It addresses solar on roof tops. This topic will be discussed at the July meeting.

Also, Mr. J. Miller said there is interest in updating the Master Plan. He has talked with Ms. Lisa Murphy, a planner at Southwest Regional Planning Commission, to assist the Board in this matter. She was instrumental in working on an update to the Master Plan in 2006.  Mr. J. Miller also discussed the update of the Master Plan with the Selectboard.

The process is to get a quote from the SWRPC,  who would assist the Board in updating the Master Plan.  He will ask the Commission for two quotes for their assistance. One would be to look solely at the Land Use Analysis section and the other would be to work on the Land Use Analysis Section plus the other sections. The former would cost $3,000 to $5,000 and the latter $5,000 to $10,000.

The Board would then submit the quotes to the Selectboard and they would hopefully incorporate it into the budget. Once it is approved in 2019, the Board can move forward with the update.

Ms. Murphy also volunteered to meet with the Planning Board to go over the process and discuss the update. It was decided that Mr. J. Miller would invite Ms. Murphy to attend the July meeting. Ms. Murphy also suggested that the Board should review the Master Plan annually.

Regarding the update, Mr. Dalessio mentioned looking at the document with an eye to looking at what the town should look like in 10 years. Doing a survey was mentioned to get other people’s input and Mr. J. Miller said that would be part of the process. The purpose was to get an idea of what the townspeople feel is wrong with the town’s Master Plan and ordinances and what the townspeople

3.

want. Mr. J. Miller said the zoning ordinances were well written in the ‘60s and have served the town well.

Mr. Jeff Colley and Mr. Eric Merklein were in the audience and they asked if other people could be involved in the update of the Master Plan. Mr. J. Miller said the Planning Board would be doing the work but all hearings will be open to the public and people will be encouraged to come and participate.  He said they will have equal standing with the Board.

Handout: One of the handouts the Board received was titled Transportation Alternative Program Funding Announcement. One eligible activity that Walpole might be of interest is the Safe Route to School infrastructure activity, which requires a 20 percent match from the town. Mr. J. Miller said he would discuss this grant with Ms. Murphy and see if it’s appropriate for the Complete Streets recommendation of some king of walkway from the school to the former RN Johnson property. This was one of the Complete Streets recommendations.

WebPage – What should go on the site? It was decided that the Planning Board WebPage should include the site plan, master plan, site plan application and checklist.

Alternate position:  Mr. J. Miller said that Alternate Ed Potter would like to resign from the Board but wouldn’t do so until someone else is found to replace him. Mr. Colley was asked and he agreed to take Mr. Potter’s place. Mr. Colley is new to Walpole having been here for a year but said he was interested in what the town does. He will start as a Planning Board alternate in July.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Next regular meeting Tuesday, July 12, 2018

Distant Hill Gardens Tour This Weekend

The Ultimate Open Garden Weekend

More Gardens Than You Can Visit in Two Days!

This coming Saturday, from 10am to 4pm, is a typical ‘Open Garden’ day at Distant Hill Gardens. Sunday, however, is special. We are one of five local gardens you can visit as part of The Garden Conservancy’s Monadnock Region Open Garden Sunday.

Attracting Pollinators To Your Garden

A Sunday Afternoon Workshop at Distant Hill Gardens: 2-4pm

To end the weekend, join us at Distant Hill Gardens, on Sunday from 2-4pm for a workshop ‘Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden’. The event will begin with a short indoor presentation followed by a tour of the gardens, and a walk through the new pollinator meadow on Distant Hill Nature Trail.

Learn some of the best pollinator friendly trees, shrubs, and perennials to add to your gardens, and how you can plant a wildflower meadow of your own.

Click here to learn more about Sunday’s workshop ’ATTRACTING POLLINATORS TO YOUR GARDEN’

Five More Local Gardens You Can Visit on Saturday!

The beautiful hummingbird moths are back and visiting the gardens.

And if you would like to really fill your need for garden viewing, or if you can’t make it on Sunday, there are five additional local gardens open on Saturday: The Garden Conservancy’s Monadnock Region Open Garden Saturday.

All proceeds from both Saturday and Sunday Garden Conservancy events will go toward their efforts to save and share outstanding American gardens.

This is your chance to visit some of the best gardens in the Monadnock region. We hope to see you this weekend,

Michael and Kathy Nerrie

And remember you can visit Distant Hill Nature Trail anytime. It’s open seven days a week, dawn to dusk.

Public Hearing

**NOTICE**

On Thurs., June 14, 2018

The Walpole Selectboard will be holding a

Public Hearing Regarding the Acceptance of Meetinghouse Road – Class VI Portion

to Become an Emergency Access Lane

at 6:30 pm

at the Walpole Town Hall

Band Concert – 6/17/18

Great sign of summer begins this week! – Lil

The Boy and Cub Scouts of Walpole are sponsoring a Father’s Day concert on Sunday June 17 with the Walt Sayre Orchestra performing from 6:30 to 8:00 on the common.  A collection will be taken during intermission to support scouting activities in the coming year.  Refreshments including hot dogs and pies will be on sale by the Town Hall.

Clarion Deadline

AN EARLY REMINDER – Early by About Three Days for JULY CLARION

by Ray Boas

You know I send out a one week reminder for the closing date of the next issue of the CLARION. The July issue closes on Friday the 22nd, so my email will go out on the 15th, but since the CLARION’s designer will be taking a vacation shortly, your earlier submissions (this week if possible) would be appreciated. Much is in already for another informative 20 page issue, and with luck an official announcement for some “big news” will be provided in time for the first page.

Thank you for your help in our compressed schedule for the July issue, yours, RAY

PS – I have created a new page with reports on Walpole’s Water and Conservation. Click on this link to gain access.

Planning Board Agenda Correction

Marilou advised that the Public Hearing for the Avanru project has been postponed to the July meeting. – Lil

Reminders

In case you missed it – or forgot — Starting tomorrow the Historical Society is open every Saturday. Tuesday, 6/12 there is a Wine Tasting to support the Library Renovation project at The Barn, 28 Main Street (please contact Cynthia Reeves).

Note from the Recycling Department

Mr. Colburn is trying to get the word out. – Lil

The Recycling Center will be closed on Tuesday, July 3rd.

Since this Town Department does not work on Wednesdays, they shall be taking the prior day as their holiday.

Select Board Meeting Minutes – 5/31/18

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:35 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 was one member of the public in attendance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $46,932.13 for checks dated June 1, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a payment to the HealthTrust and several abatement refund checks for a total of $31,642.14.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending May 26, 2018, in the amount of $25,543.28 for checks dated June 1, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,112.76 for the week ending May 26, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 24, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 24, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – May 17, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of May 17, 2018, with a name correction.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – May 24, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 24, 2018, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners Meeting – May 8, 2018;

• North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners Meeting – May 15, 2018.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT:

MAP and LOT #014-015-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Warrant, Yield Tax Levy, and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed, Operation #17-461-009-T, in the amount of $1,414.90 for Map and Lot #014-015-000, Roman Catholic Bishop of Manchester.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS – PROPERTY TAX:

MAP and LOT #012-044-010: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #012-044-010. The Selectboard will support the recommendation of Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

MAP and LOT #004-040-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #004-040-000.  The Selectboard will support the recommendation of Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #021-023-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to deny this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #021-023-000.  The Selectboard will support the recommendation of Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #009-035-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #009-035-000.  The Selectboard will support the recommendation of Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #013-034-000 and Sub-lots 004 and 005:  Ms. Mayberry moved to deny this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #013-034-000 and Sub-lots #004 and #005.  The Selectboard will support the recommendation of Avitar Associates, Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #012-044-015:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #012-044-015 in the amount of $497.57.  This property did not have additional road frontage which lowered value of the land.  The Selectboard support the recommendation of Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #013-024-001:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #013-024-001 in the amount of $438.59.  The view description was slightly adjusted which lowered the property value.  The Selectboard support the recommendation of Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #003-012-004:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #003-012-004 in the amount of $366.76.  The area in the basement is not finished and land condition was changed to a lower quality percentage.  The Selectboard support the recommendation of Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #030-056-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #030-056-000 in the amount of $6,682.05.  Overall building quality and condition was lowered.  The Selectboard support the recommendation of Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #004-014-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to deny this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #004-014-000.  The Selectboard support the recommendation of Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #010-004-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to deny this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #010-004-000.  This is State owned land that is leased; taxes are to be paid by the tenant.  The Selectboard support the recommendation of Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #UTIL-FAIR-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to deny this Property Tax Abatement request for Map and Lot #UTIL-FAIR-000 until the court case is settled.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

Mr. Dalessio reported that shortly before the Selectboard meeting began Mr. Bruce LaBelle came in with concerns about the recent Abatement recommendation which was denied by Avitar Associates    He would like this to be revisited by the Selectboard.  Mr. Dalessio suggested putting this on the agenda for next week to review it in detail.  Mr. LaBelle could apply to the Bureau of Tax and Land Appeals. Ms. Mayberry feels it is important to follow the abatement appeal process.

BUILDING PERMIT:

MARK and SUSAN FILLION, 64 Bookseller Road, Map and Lot #004-035-002: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2018-11 for Mark and Susan Fillion to “Demolish Existing Deck, Build New 12’x14’ Deck & 12’x14’Screen Porch” at 64 Bookseller Road. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Water and Sewer Receipts to Date: Mrs. Jodi Daigle submitted the Water/Sewer Receipts to Date as of May 30, 2018.  The total receipts for Q1 2018 Billing are $122,517.98 = 80.39%.

Consolidated Communications Invoice:  An invoice was received from Consolidated Communications in the amount of $1,419.97.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the payment to Consolidated Communications in the amount of $1,419.97.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Letter to Peter Graves:  Mr. Dalessio noted this letter is to Peter Graves regarding the Class VI portion of Meetinghouse Road that runs through the Hooper property.  The Selectboard, after discussions with the Road Agent, has agreed to allow Mr. Graves to smooth out the road.  The Town may not be held liable for any damages which may occur.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letter to Peter Graves.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

NEW BUSINESS:

Savings Bank of Walpole Account Forms:  These forms from the Savings Bank of Walpole will be held until the next Selectboard meeting when Mrs. Pschirrer is present.

Fire Warden and Deputy Fire Warden Appointment Form:   Mr. Dalessio moved to reappoint the Fire Warden, William E. Houghton, and to sign the 2019 Reappointment document for Deputy Wardens as indicated.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Cemetery Deed for Lot D537.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry 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 and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:14 PM.  

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:16 PM.  

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Water Reports from Ray Boas

WALPOLE WATER REPORTS – FASCINATING READING

by Ray Boas

While researching for July CLARION articles about the Connecticut River and Walpole’s water resources (as well as the Walker Road Conservation project), I was exposed to two reports and strategies about the drinking water supplies in the Town of Walpole. Both are fascinating, interesting to read and absorb, and I feel important to share.

The PDFs are linked from the top of the page (click below) entitled:

WALPOLE, NH – MASTER PLAN and ZONING ORDINANCE

or here are direct links to the two reports:

2012 – Drinking Water Strategies – Town of Walpole

and

2015 – Walpole Drinking Water Protection Plan

Thank you for reading and sharing, and being concerned – yours, Ray Boas, Publisher, The Walpole Clarion