Walpole Community Grange wishes to remind everyone that lunch will be available for purchase in conjunction with Walpole Town Meeting tomorrow at the Town Hall. Hot dogs, Mac n’ Cheese and other goodies! Meeting starts at 1, lunch items available beginning 12:15-12:30ish.
Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 3/13/18
Walpole Planning Board
March 13, 2018
Town Hall
7 pm
Present:
Chair Jeff Miller, Co-chair Robert Miller, James Aldrich Secretary, Jason Perron, Dennis
Marcom, Jeff White, Cheryl Mayberry, Selectboard Representative. Alternate: Joanna Andros. Absent:
Ed Potter,
Recording:
Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the April 2018
meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.
Roll Call:
Mr. J. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. There were five board members present so
no one was needed to fill in.
Minutes:
Mr. Marcom made a correction to the last paragraph Rack It Up. The first sentence should
say received bike racks not bikes. Mr. R. Miller made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mr.
Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried.
New Business:
Request for a Recommendation for a Special Exception.:
Kim Mastrianni – president of Walpole Co-op – wants to covert a chicken coop, previously used by
Hubbard on Bensonwood property for a store for the Co-op. Map 12, Lot 4-2 rural/ag and 4-3 for
parking.
Mr. J. Miller explained the procedure. He asked Ms. Mastrianni if she had gone before the Zoning
Board for a Special Exception. Mrs. Mastrianni replied in the affirmative. Part of the criteria for getting a Special Exception is that the applicant needs a nonbinding recommendation from the Planning Board,
Mr. J. Miller said. However, the recommendation cannot be granted until there is a Public Hearing.
Ms. Mastrianni has a Public Hearing scheduled for next week with the Zoning Board, but she must
also have a Public Hearing for the recommendation from the Planning Board. Zoning Board vice-chair
Jan Leclerc said the Zoning Board can’t make a decision until it gets a recommendation from the
Planning Board. The Zoning Board doesn’t get to hear the Planning Board wisdom on the matter. Mr.
Miller said the Zoning Board could make it contingent up the decision of the Planning Board.
It’s not really that clear who holds the Public Hearing first and if there are time restraints there could be
a joint Public Hearing. But history of joint hearings, Mr. Miller said, has not been good. If it’s on a
Planning Board meeting date, not many Zoning Board members show up. If it’s a Zoning Board
meeting date, not many Planning Board members show up.
Mr. J. Miller said after Ms. Mastrianni has a recommendation, she also needs a site plan review
hearing. Ms. Mastrianni asked what kinds of things does she need for a site plan.
Mr. J. Miller listed elevation of the building, a lighting plan, a storm drainage plan, a landscaping plan,
state highway department traffic permission because there will be increased traffic, time of operation,
etc. She also needs recommendations from the fire chief about the building being sprinkled, police
chief and Mark Houghton, who is in charge of water and sewer. She must also include information
about the parking lot – how many cars, etc.
Ms. Mastrianni said the Co-op intends to use the same building because it the right size and the right
location.
Mr. J. Miller asked when would she start construction. Ms. Mastrianni said she needs to get approval
to use the building first, then get approval from the Zoning Board so we can ask our members and
have a campaign to get funding for building. Monadnock Development Corp. is going to help.
Ms. Mastrianni requested a Public Hearing for a recommendation in April and a Public Hearing for a
site plan in May. A motion was made to hold a hearing next month for the recommendation. It was
seconded and the motion carried. Next week, on Wednesday there is a Public Hearing with the ZBA
for the Special Exception.
Request for a Public Hearing for a 2-lot subdivision on Kingsbury Road.
Mr. Dave Edkins is the agent representing James and Margaret Charbonneau, who own land live at 170 Kingsbury Road, Map 8, Lot 120-1. They wish to divide the property into two parcels. One parcel, lot Map 8, 120-1, would be 5.92 acres with a road frontage of 359 feet. Lot two, Map 8, 120-3, will be 5.06 acres with road frontage of 202 feet.
Both lots are now in current use. Lot 120-1 will remain in current use. Lot 120-3 will be taken out of
current use and used for a single family home.
Mr. Aldrich said that at 5.92 acres, Lot 120-1 is not large enough for current use. Mr. Edkins responded that there was adjacent property. There are no buildings on either property.
Mr. R.Miller asked about a foundation on the map. Mr. Charbonneau said it was previously a barn that burned down several years ago.
Mr. Edkins requested a Public Hearing for next month. Mr. Aldrich made a motion to have the Public
Hearing in April. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Donation of Land:
Mr. Donald Rounds Jr. owns a piece of land that borders the Cold River, Map and Lot# 026-033-000. It is a long and thin lot with a high amount of river and road frontage. He wondered if he could donate this piece to the Town. The 1.2- acre parcel is in the flood plain and is unbuildable.
Lane Construction owns the lots above and below this property, running along the river bank.
There was some discussion about where exactly this piece of land was. Then Mr. Miller asked
Selectboard Representative Cheryl Mayberry if the Selectboard had discussed this donation. Ms.
Mayberry said that it hadn’t come up yet. The Board decided to wait to see what the Selectboard does.
Mr. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Handouts
Master Plan: Population, Natural Features, Land Analysis.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
Secretary
From Billy Stahl, New School Board Representative
I would like to thank all of the voters in the Fall Mountain Regional School District, and particularly my fellow Walpoleans, who voted for me during the March 13 snow storm. Serving on the school board, I will do my very best to reward your faith in me.
The Fall Mountain Regional School District is currently going through some rough times. I feel it is my duty as an elected representative to listen objectively to the concerns of all citizens regarding matters pertaining to our schools. I would naturally work in the best interests of our Walpole schools in particular, though in a regional school district what affects one town can have major implications for all towns. In spite of the controversies facing our district, I remain optimistic that we can still find ways to work together for the good of all our communities.
My district email account should be up and running sometime next week (March 19-23), and should be listed on the district website. I am due to be sworn in as a school board representative on Friday, March 16. I look forward to serving our town as its representative to the Fall Mountain Regional School District. Please feel free to contact me with concerns you may have regarding our schools.
Billy Stahl
Election Results – 2018
No surprises in our town elections since everyone ran unopposed. However, I do want to list them here as a small thank you for all they do to make Walpole the wonderful community that it is. – Lil
Selectboard – Peggy Pschirrer
Moderator – Ernie Vose
Town Clerk/Tax Collector – Sandy Smith
Trustee of the Trust Funds – Tom Winmill
Supervisor of the Checklist – Gary McCormick
Planning Board – James Aldrich & Jeff Miller
Zoning Board – Pauline Barnes & Tom Murray
Library Trustees – Jeanne Ramey, Carole Cramer, Amy Howard
Cemetery Trustee – Linda Edkins
Both of the Zoning Board questions were passed easily.
DON’T FORGET TOWN MEETING 3/17/18, 1:00 PM at the TOWN HALL
Fall Mountain School District warrant articles all passed as well.
Elected to the School Board – Michael Herrington & William Stahl
Moderator – Leroy Watson
Thanks again to the voters who made the trek through the snow, everyone who worked the polls and those who ran for office!
Rescheduled
The Library has announced that the Social Security workshop scheduled for tomorrow night has been postponed until April 17th. Stay safe everyone.
Cabin Fever Radio Follies of 2018
This Saturday March 17 – Cabin Fever Radio Follies of 2018 – A few tables left – Make your reservations at Joanie Joan’s Baked Goods Company.
The Walpole Players will go “on air” at 7:00 pm, Saturday, March 17, in the Helen Miller Theater at the Walpole Town Hall, presenting Cabin Fever Radio Follies of 2018. It will be the sixth annual presentation of this popular event. The cast, many who have appeared in the Radio Follies year to year, have currently assembled this year’s scripts to provide you with laughs and great memories for an hour and twenty minutes (more or less).
The doors will open at 6:00 pm, when audience members may arrive bringing their own dinners, snacks and beverages of choice. Round tables for eight will be provided so all may dine in comfort, then sit back and listen as the Players commence the live broadcast from the radio studio on stage.
The last five years have been sellouts, and this year the Players anticipate all tickets will be pre-sold. To purchase tickets and reserve a table for your party, or for more information, call Joan Ireland at 499-1027 (please leave a message with your name and phone number). Ticket prices remain only $10 per person for a grand evening out. Tickets are available for purchase at Joanie Joan’s Baked Goods Company, along with table reservations.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 3/1/18
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 was one member of the public in attendance.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $64.550.24 for checks dated March 2, 2018. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
PAYROLL:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending February 24, 2018, in the amount of $25,805.20 for checks dated March 2, 2018. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer 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 $5,344.76 for the week ending February 24, 2018. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 22, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 22, 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 – February 22, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 22, 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:
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – February 20, 2018;
• Zoning Board of Adjustment – February 21, 2018.
DEMOLITION PERMIT:
WILLIAM CALLAHAN, Map and Lot #004-040-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Demolition Permit No. 2018-01 for William Callahan for “A pigpen that has already been removed” at 122 Bookseller Road. Seconded by Mr.Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
TOWN WARRANT: The Selectboard signed an original copy of the Town Warrant as requested by Mrs. Sandy Smith, Town Clerk/Tax Collector.
SUMMARY OF BENEFIT HOURS BALANCES: Mr. Rich Kreissle had submitted a progress report on the Benefit Hours Balances for the period ending February 24, 2018. All numbers were reconciled with the departments except the Recycling Center. Mr. Kreissle has not looked at personal time; this gets reset at the beginning of each year. The Selectboard reviewed the summary but had questions on vacation and sick time for a few employees. In September 2017, a revised Personnel Policy Handbook was given to each employee. Mrs. Pschirrer will rewrite the section on vacations to clarify any misinterpretations that exist. She will then review the revisions with an attorney and discuss this with Mr. Kreissle.
MAP AND LOT #012-055-021: This lot is owned by Twin Birch Realty. Mrs. Downing had checked the deeds. Following a discussion, Mr. Dalessio summarized that based on the history of these lots. The Selectboard up-holds the interpretation of the Warrant Article passed in 2007 on the entire sub-division; the lots should be treated as Residential B. Residential B still stands. In order to make a change to Commercial on these lots, the official zoning change will need to go before the voters as a warrant article at the 2019 Annual Town Meeting.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
Village of Bellows Falls: Municipal Manager, Mr. Shane O’Keefe, was present. He submitted a letter dated March 1, 2018 and a detailed summary of the Town’s wastewater payments to the BFVC. They discovered that the BFVC actually owes the Town of Walpole approximately $11,000. Information on bonds and payment calculations were included. There are two existing bonds. The Selectboard had approved and signed the Joint Agreement. It has not yet been returned with a signature by Town Counsel Attorney Hockensmith. A copy of the final agreement will be sent to Mr. Mark Houghton.
NEW BUSINESS:
CEMETERY LOTS D538 AND D539:
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Cemetery Deed for Lot #D538. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Cemetery Deed for Lot #D539. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
POLE LICENSE PETITION: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Pole License Petition for the Northern New England Telephone Operations LLC D/B/A FairPoint NNE and Liberty Utilities (Granite State Electric) to replace poles on the Old Drewsville Road and Alstead Center Road. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
VEHICLE REFUND REQUEST: This request was received from Mrs. Sandy Smith, Town Clerk/Tax Collector. There were a series of errors started when the car dealer filled out the back of the Certificate of Origin to a leasing company instead of the owner. The owner had actually signed a lease agreement instead of a purchase agreement. Mrs. Smith had collected money based on a lease agreement. She is asking the Selectboard to refund $76.00.
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept Mrs. Sandy Smith’s recommendation for a vehicle refund in the amount of $76.00. Seconded by Mr. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
FAIRPOINT OUTSTANDING INVOICE: Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Town received a spreadsheet listing outstanding invoices from FairPoint who has been purchased by Consolidated Communications. They have presented the Town with a claim of unpaid telephone bills in the amount of $1,400+ that goes back to 2009 and 2010. Back then, all telephones were on one bill. Their e-mail states if unpaid, they will hand over the bills to collection and then possibly a lien. The Selectboard is researching statutes of limitations and document retention. Mr. Dalessio recommended sending a letter to the NH Municipal Association for advice and then make a decision. Mrs. Pschirrer stated none of their bills show there is an outstanding balance.
HEALTH TRUST ADMINISTRATOR WORKSHOP: Mrs. Downing has requested permission to attend the Health Trust Benefits Administrator Workshop on Wednesday, April 4th in Concord. The Selectboard approved this request.
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 7:24 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:16 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Saxtons River Art Guild Exhibit Changes
Janet Moore, of West Chesterfield NH will exhibit of her water color and oil paintings at the People’s United Bank in Chester, VT. The exhibit is free of charge and may be seen during regular business hours until the beginning of June.
VT. artist, Carolyn Allbee will have an exhibit of her paintings at the River Valley Credit Union in Townsend, Vermont. The show, which is free of charge, may be seen through the end of May.
Members of the Saxtons River Art Guild will change their ongoing group exhibit at Rockingham Medical Group in Bellows Falls Vt. and Ramuntos in Brattleboro, VT. to welcome the coming of Spring! The new exhibits may be viewed free of charge until June. The Saxtons River Art Guild is a non-profit devoted to the advancement and encouragement of the fine arts. The group includes members throughout the Conn. River Valley.
Stage 33 Live
BELLOWS FALLS, VT — It’s been described as the love child of The Little Rascals, TED Talks, and NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts. One part songs, one part stories, one part science, one part humanities. Words and music. Arts and smarts.
It’s Stage 33 Live, a homegrown radio and television variety program showcasing performers and presenters from the region that’s being brought to life by group of volunteers in Bellows Falls, Vermont. The program will be recorded during public listening events at 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, the former factory building that is also home to community radio station WOOL-FM, Sherwin Art Glass, Charlie Hunter Fine Art, and other artist studios.
“We’ve got tons of talented and studied people around here,” states Mark Piepkorn, one of Stage 33’s founders. “By shining a light on them, we can encourage more local participation in spoken word arts, humanities, sciences, and music. And by opening the program for syndication to public and commercial radio and television, and making it available on the internet, we can show the world that it’s worth a trip to the area to catch a show, take in an event, grab a meal, stay a night or two and check things out.”
Local people have helped cultivate the performance space, donated key components, volunteered time and expertise, and provided other assistance. The Stage 33 Live team brings experience in audio recording, video production, event promotion, media experience, artist relations, and other talents to the table.
“We’re close to a proper launch,” Piepkorn says. We’re doing a test run on Sundays in April with three open stage nights for original, family-friendly spoken word and music; a concert with River HALO and The Break Maids; and the premier of the newest episode of The Secret Life of Death.”
The listening events are free to attend; donations are welcome. Audience seating capacity is limited to 50, plus standing room. For more information on the series and the project, see www.stage33live.com. Stage time and slots are limited; first come, first served; participant reservations are highly recommended. Contact stage33@stage33live.com or phone/text (802) 289-0148.
Stage 33 Live is a volunteer-run, independent 501(c)3 nonprofit initiative.
The Walpolean 
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