Serving Walpole, New Hampshire since 2005
Walpole Planning BoardWalpole Town Hall
Just a reminder that there’s a Planning Board workshop meeting in the basement conference room on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at 7 pm to continue discussion on the Complete Streets project. Mari Brunner and Liz Kelly from Southwest Regional Planning Commissionwill be there. The public is invited to participate.
I assume you are already a Follower of The Clarion but – just in case – wanted to let you know. – Lil
Yes, the closing date for the June 2017 CLARION is Monday, 22 May. This 20 to 24 page issue will be packed with information on Walpole’s 2017 OLD HOME DAYS. The complete schedule for that weekend (and days leading up to the weekend) will be published on a full page for you to clip out if you wish, and other articles on Old Home Days’ events have already started to come in for an additional OHD page.
Even though I have a “closing date” the sooner your article submissions (and advertisements) arrive, the easier our job is in working out an amazing layout, and judging the number of pages that will need to go to the printer.
If you have any questions about your article or possible advertisement, do not hesitate to contact me at 756-4545 or rayboas@comcast.net — thank you, RAY
The Library Plant Sale Continues – May 13, 2017
The Friends of the Walpole Library wish to thank the many people who made our plant sale today possible, including gardeners who generously donated a wide variety of beautiful plants to the sale, and to our many customers who purchased plants.
If you missed this morning’s sale, don’t worry! There are still many great plants left. They have been placed on the wall in front of the library, as well as by the side of the library at the bottom of the ramp. Be sure to stop by and have a look. All plants are now available for a half price donation. The original plant sale prices are posted on the door of the library.
Thank you so much for your continued support! Your generosity makes our great library even better.
Ernie and Susan Vose worked with the Monadnock Conservancy this spring to help protect their farmland. They love this land and have been caring for it for nearly half their lives. 
“I don’t want to see our field messed up with houses,” Ernie Vose said.
The 22-acre farm property on Wentworth Road in Walpole, N.H., is nestled between the woods and rolling fields. Most of the land is open. Abutting the property is the bubbling Houghton Brook. In the winter, when the land is not in use, a locally maintained snowmobile trail crosses through the fields providing access for public recreation.
Vose grew up milking cows on the family farm in Peterborough, but decided to switch to chickens since “they are cheaper and easier than cows.” The family transitioned to organic eggs in the ’90s. A few years ago, they decided to retire from farming and pursue their dream of conserving their land.
“We’ve maintained the farm and it is still operating. It probably won’t continue as a poultry farm forever, but these flat fields are excellent and they should be used as fields,” Ernie Vose said.
To the Voses, conserving the land was a promise to future generations that the rich soil would be saved. “So the farmland will stay that way,” Vose reflected.
“We’re also directly on top of an excellent aquifer here,” he said, “and that should be preserved.” The water from the aquifer and the brook has provided them with more than enough water to keep their operations up and running all these years.
Another Walpole, N.H., farmer currently leases the fields. The Sawyer family grows nearly 18 acres of hay to feed their cows at their nearby dairy farm. The Voses also have about an acre in pasture on which they graze a former 4-H cow that is living out her golden years on the property.
While the Voses are unsure of what will happen to the farm in the long-term future, they are sure of one thing: it will continue to be farmland. For now, the Sawyer family will continue haying the fields.
It is at the core of the Conservancy’s mission and work to enter into these kinds of voluntary land agreements with local farmers. Like them, the Conservancy is dedicated to preserving the rich farmland in the Monadnock region. Once land is developed, the soil can never be the same. Protecting farmland ensures that the soil quality will be maintained for farming vegetables and raising livestock to feed this generation’s children and their children.
The Conservancy would like to thank the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), the USDA Agriculture Land Easement Program, C&S Wholesale Grocers and private anonymous donors for making this conservation easement possible.
The Monadnock Conservancy, founded in 1989, is the only land trust dedicated exclusively to the 35 towns in the Monadnock region of southwestern New Hampshire. Its mission is to work with communities and landowners to conserve the natural resources, wild and working lands, rural character and scenic beauty of the region. Based in Keene, N.H., the Conservancy is an accredited organization that has protected nearly 20,000 acres of forest, farmland, shoreline, wetlands, wildlife habitat and recreation trails in the region. For more information, visit http://www.MonadnockConservancy.org or call 603-357-0600.
Town of Walpole
Planning Board Minutes
May 9, 2017
7 pm
Presiding: Robert Miller, Vice-Chair, James Aldrich, Secretary, Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron, Jeff White, Cheryl Mayberry, Selectboard Representative. Alternates: Ed Potter, Joanna Andros. Absent: Jeff Miller, Chair.
Recording: Marilou Blaine, Recording Secretary. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the June Meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions
Meeting Opened: Mr. R. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.
Roll Call: Mr. J. Miller was absent so Alternate Ed Potter was asked to fill his place.
Minutes: Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the minutes of the regular Planning Board’s April meeting, as well as the workshop meeting on April 25, as written. The motion was seconded and approved by the entire Board.
Old Business:
Public Hearing: Mascoma Savings Bank, Map 20, Lot 47. Lot Line Adjustment and Site Plan Review. Annex a 28-by-40 foot parcel of land in back of the bank formerly owned by the Walpole Foundation. Construct a drive-up facility with two lanes with roof structure for an ATM and tube-teller access. It will also extend the street porch so it is 6 feet wide and 45 feet long, make interior renovations, change the exterior siding and windows.
Mr. David Laurin was the architect on the project. Mr. Glen Valentine represented Mascoma Savings Bank.
Mr. Laurin said the land for the lot line adjustment is 28 feet by 40 feet and acquired from the Walpole Foundation. A letter from the lawyer for the Walpole Foundation said the Foundation supported the project.
The entrance to the drive-thru is one way from Main Street. There’s a lane for the drive-thru, a bypass lane and the current head-in parking spaces are being changed to parallel parking spaces. The bypass lane is for anyone who wants to go to the rear of the property. The drive-thru is 22 by 20 feet.
There will be two lanes at the corner of the building: one for a tube-teller and one for an ATM. The canopy over the lanes is 14 feet high, high enough for emergency vehicles. Drivers can exit to Westminster Street or go right to exit further down on Main Street. There will be a landscaped island from the drive-thru to Jake’s Variety Store. There will also be space between the drive-ups and Jake’s for snow removal.
Mr. R. Miller asked Mr. Laurin how he envisioned the flow of traffic. Mr. Laurin said it’s one way from Main Street and you can go through the drive-thru lane and you can either continue on and exit on Westminster Street or exit to the right.
Mr. Valentine said they had a traffic study done, saying the Foundation was very interested in improving traffic flow. Mr. R. Miller said that is a very busy area. After Mr. Laurin’s and Mr. Valentine’s statement, Mr. Miller asked the Board if they were satisfied. There were nods of heads that they were.
Mr. Aldrich asked if the current island behind Jake’s will be removed. Mr. Laurin said yes. The plan is to add a larger island but leave a pathway for snow removal.
Mr. Marcom asked if there was enough room for all this. Mr. Laurin said yes, “we made sure there was space for the drive-thru lanes. The reason for the lot line adjustment was so we could maintain setbacks for the bank in the back.”
Mr. Perron wanted to know what the distance was from the old drive-thru to the property line and the new one. The old drive-thru had 21 feet and the new one is 20 feet.
The landscape plan is to create some green space. So the maple tree that exists on Westminster Street will be replanted in the island as well as as some flowering plants so there will be color pretty much from spring through fall. Thee will be a new sidewalk up to the building.
The canopy over both drive-thru lanes will be lighted with recessed LED lighting. Recessed LED lighting will also be under the porch. It will have a photo sensor that turns the lights on at dusk. Mr. R. Miller asked about lamp posts and Mr. Laurin said that there will not be any.
The porch will be extended to the width of the building with some columns. Mr. Valentine said that many homes in Walpole had that feature and this would be in keeping with that style in the village. There is an emergency exit in the back of the building.
There would also be inside alterations. Would you like to elaborate? Mr. R. Miller asked. Mr. Laurin said the usual, a change in teller lanes. Mr. Perron said he was asking because of the fire code and Mr. Laurin said it would be followed. He also said the bank would be using the entire building.
Mr. R. Miller asked if there were any comments from the audience. Ms. Myra Mansouri said was she opposed to the expansion. That area is extraordinarily congested, Ms. Mansouri said. The school buses drop kids off there at about 4 in the afternoon.
Mr. R. Miller asked where the buses dropped off students. Ms. Mansouri said school buses drive in from Main Street and drop the students off in the back.
Ms. Mansouri continued that on Old Main Street there is snow and the people who park usually park 2 to 3 feet from the snow bank. In addition drivers come around that corner going very fast. There are a lot of old people that walk in town and having a drive-thru and adding more cars was not a good idea.
Mr. Laurin said he’d like to think the plan was improving traffic flow because it was getting the back-up off of Main Street.
She said the only time there is back-up is on Saturday mornings when the bank is closed. If the bank were open on Saturdays 8 until noon, there wouldn’t be the back-up into Main Street that is happening now. She said she thought the project was a big mistake.
Mr. R. Miller asked if there were any other comments. There being none he closed the Public Hearing.
Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the plans as presented. The motion was seconded and the Board voted unanimously in favor of the plan.
Public Hearing: Complete Streets policy addresses Walpole’s transportation system taking into account safe access and mobility for all users, in that bicyclists, motorists, public transportation users, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and cross a street. The mission at the Public Hearing was to recommend or not to recommend this policy to the Selectboard.
Ms. Mari Brunner and Ms. Liz Kelly, technicians with Southwest Regional Planning Commission, have been working with the Planning Board for several months. Basically Complete Streets are designs of streets that are safe for everyone, Ms. Kelly said. It’s a relatively simple concept.
It has been found that certain configurations and scenarios of streets can provide ideal access for bicyclists as well as cars and trucks and agricultural vehicles. It can also be a concept for constructing, designing and maintaining roads so that they accommodate all modes of transportation effectively.
Complete Streets also varies in how streets look. One photo shows a painted shoulder line, another photo showed a bike lane and the third showed a sidewalk and a crosswalk. These samples would be more applicable for certain streets than others, Ms. Kelly said. For example, you wouldn’t see example number three on a rural road, but you might see a shoulder line that would provide a safe place for a pedestrian. The approach is tactical and affordable that can be implemented incrementally. The partnership with the town is both short-term and long-term.
Some of the benefits of Complete Streets is to provide safety for all users. Another benefit is increased mobility and a more friendly environment.
After a few minutes of presentation, Mr. Bob Kimball asked what was it going to do for Walpole. Are you changing the streets in Walpole? It’s impractical in our village to add something like a bicycle path. You can hardly get two cars down Main Streets. Where are you going to put a bike path?
Ms. Brunner said some of the streets in Walpole are already okay. You have crosswalks and sidewalks, so it’s safe to walk.
Mr. Perron said that SWRPC was coming to the Board with some guidance as we go forward and transportation projects come up. The Board incorporates these goals and ideals where it’s practical and makes sense. We have some of it here already.
Mr. Perron said that there is an area already marked that might serve as a bicycle lane that goes from Elm Street to the school. There already is a white line a little distance from the sidewalk that acts as a buffer. One of the things we hear is that it doesn’t go down to the Mill Pond or where RN Johnson’s was and where there are a lot of kids. Complete Streets gives us some guidance as we go forward. It’s nonbinding.
Ms. Andros said another area discussed was from the school down to the Mill Pond. There is no designated area where children can walk home from school or walk safely. One of the things that has been discussed is having a painted line designated for walkers. It would enhance the safety of pedestrians, Mr. R. Miller said.
Mr. Marcom said it is not like a plan that we change downtown Walpole, but putting bike signage on the line from Elm Street to the school would designate that as a bike lane. Another idea would be to have a crosswalk from the florist across Main Street. The Board isn’t talking about tearing up streets.
Mr. Kimball said he was talking about his tax dollars. There is no way you are going to get a bike lane from the school and go north. Even if you put a bike lane there, the width of the road is narrow there and you can barely get one truck passing in one lane and one in another. There’s just no room.
Mr. Marcom said there are plenty of things we won’t do. We’re just keeping an eye out for something might work and make progress.
Mr. R. Miller said, “If it’s not practical or counterproductive, I would say it would not be done.”
Ms. Brunner said this is very flexible. It’s a change to enhance the transportation options for everyone. The policy is nonbinding. It formalizes the town’s intent. It is not a mandate. It’s a guide to implementation.
Mr. R. Miller asked if there were any further questions? There being none, Mr. Perron made a motion to recommend the Complete Streets program to the Selectboard. The motion was seconded and the Board passed the motion unanimously.
New business:
Informational meeting from Revision Energy, which is installing solar panels for Chamberlain Machine on Route 12.
Mr. Steve Dzubak explained that he was from Revision Energy in Brentwood, NH. Revision Energy is a solar installation company that works mainly in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Mr. Dzubak said he was not there to ask for a variance or setback requirements. He was there to explain what was happening at Chamberlain Machine off of Route 12. Mr. Dzubak repeated all setback requirements were within zoning ordinance requirements.
The solar panel installation is in back of building between the Chamberlain Machine building and the Connecticut River. It is a ground solar system driven into the earth. It faces south and the immediate property owner is Bensonwood to the north and west corners of the Chamberlain property.
There will be four panels mounted on posts that are driven 71/2 feet into the ground. The total of the four solar panels are 167 long feet by 103 feet wide. The DC output of the system is 130.
Mr. R. Miller asked if there was anyone abutting the property. Mr. Dzubak mentioned Bensonwood as the immediate abutter to the two back corners which would be north and west.
Mr. Aldrich asked if the shaded area on the map that the Board had was where the panels would be located. Mr. Dzubak said yes and the area was 37 feet from the north side of the property and 28 feet on the west side. Mr. Perron ask about the number of racks and also about the poles in the earth. Mr. Dzubak said four racks would be on cement poles driven down 71/2 feet into the ground. Racks go on top of that.
How high off the ground? Mr. R. Miller asked. Mr. Dzubak said from the bottom edge 36 inches. He said that the company has found this to be the ideal height. It far enough off the ground so the snow doesn’t impact the racks and low enough so the wind doesn’t get underneath and affect the structure. The back side is about 11 feet. The length of the four racks totals 167 feet.
How long is the back of the Chamberlain building? Mr. R. Miller asked. Mr Dzubak said the solar installation is going to be very close to matching the building’s foundation.
Mr. Marcom asked about the Malnati’s being abutters. The concern is with the northwest corner, Mr. Dzubak said.
After a question from the Board, Mr. Dzubak said the life expectancy is 30 to 40 years. There is zero maintenance on the structure. He added that the company was in the process of getting a building permit.
Do you manufacture the parts? Mr. R. Miller asked. There are three parties that make up the major components to the solar panels. The racking is made in Cincinnati. The modules are from a German-owned company that has them manufactured in Indonesia and the converters, the main electrical component, are from an Israeli-owned company.
Mr. Miller and the Board thanked Mr. Dzubak for coming to explain the large solar project that was happening at Chamberlain Machine. It is always good to know what is happening in the community.
Request for a Public Hearing: Glenn and Laura Madden, 74 Hayes Road, Subdivision, Map 13, Lot 3-1. Subdivide 59 acres.
No one showed up for the subdivision.
Mr. R. Miller reminded the Board of the workshop meeting on May 23 at 7 pm.
Mr. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Marcom seconded and the motion was approved by the Board.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
If you were there, you know who won last year so I need not remind you. I most remember it as a fun time and am sure you do as well! – Lil
Thanks Rebecca Sethi for revising from pdf to jpeg. Every “editor” needs an assistant! -Darned if I can figure it out. – Lil
YMCA DAY CAMPS TO BUILD SKILLS, FRIENDSHIPS AND MEMORIES FOR 53rd SUMMER
Since 1965, over 12,250 area youth have developed skills, friendships and memories at Meeting Waters YMCA summer camps. This summer marks the 53rd consecutive year that hundreds of area youth will keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer at the regional Ys three day camp programs.
Y Day Camp for 6-13 year-olds offers eight one-week sessions between June 26th and August 18th. The Y’s Leader-in-Training program provides a week of leadership development (June 26-30) followed by three weeks working alongside camp staff. KinderCamp provides children entering kindergarten in the fall with a confidence-building experience from August 14th through 18th.
Family Camp takes place on Saturday July 22nd.
All camps are based at the regional Y’s 52-acre Lewis Day Camp facility, located on Route 5 in Springfield, just off I-91. Bus service is provided to and from camp each day from Walpole, North Walpole and Charlestown, as well as six towns in VT.
The regional Y’s camps participate in the federal Summer Food Program. All campers—regardless of town of residence or family income—qualify for a free healthy lunch each day.
Registration for the upcoming camp season has begun. To ensure that all youth have the chance to experience camp, the regional Y offers financial assistance from donations to its Reach Out to Youth fundraising campaign and accepts state child care financial assistance from both NH and VT.
A Camp Open House will be held on Saturday, May 20th from 1-3pm at the Y’s Lewis Day Camp facility on Missing Link Road/Route 5 in Springfield. For more information or to enroll, visit www.meetingwatersymca.org or call the Y office at 802-463-4769.
TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
APRIL 27, 2017
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 that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record. There were six people in attendance.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations. 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.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:40 PM.
Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 27, 2017, be sealed. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $112,662.50 for checks issued April 28, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
It was noted the above amount includes the first quarterly sewer payment for this year in the amount of $39,677.00 to the Village of Bellows Falls and a payment for the health insurance in the amount of $32,016.70.
PAYROLL:
Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending on April 22, 2017, in the amount of $20,769.62, and checks issued April 28, 2017. 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 $4,599.94 for the week ending April 22, 2017. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 20, 2017: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 20, 2017, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – April 20, 2017: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 20, 2017. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.
STAFF MEETING – April 20, 2017: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of April 20, 2017, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
NH Senator Jay Kahn: The Selectboard welcomed Senator Jay Kahn. Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the Selectboard has many things to talk about:
Infrastructure: Mrs. Pschirrer advised sometimes on this side of the State we feel neglected by the State. Prospect Hill, March Hill Road, County Road, and South Street are all State roads. They are now on the State’s agenda to be paved this summer. If the State has them paved the way they did just a portion of County Road last summer the contractor did a very poor job. These three roads are heavily traveled. South Street is the entrance to Walpole Village. People are always asking why the Town is not paving it; she tells them it is a State of NH road. Senator Kahn was not aware of the Selectboard’s concern with the quality. Mr. Dalessio said the State had received letters from them in the past. Mrs. Pschirrer was appalled with what they did last summer. Senator Kahn recommended the Selectboard talk to Mr. John Kallfetz at the NH DOT District 4. .
Red Listed Bridges: Mrs. Pschirrer noted the Town has three Red Listed Bridges. Houghton Brook –TheTown needs help expediting the permit from the Department of Environmental Services for repairs. Mill Pond – This is a major concern. March Hill Road Bridge – a portion of March Hill Road was repaired. Culverts need to be replaced. Mr. Dalessio advised the issue is the length of time it takes to get permits from the DES. They work with Mr. Randy Rhoades and Beaver Tracks. It has been about three years for Houghton Brook.
Senator Kahn is working with other towns on culverts. There is some additional funding coming through the legislature that will at least move things along. It is a supplemental from FY2017 money. It will be for paving roads. Walpole will receive their share of the annual appropriation based on the miles of roads and population. Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that Walpole has 70 miles of roads. It will be nice to get something extra. Senator Kahn mentioned motor vehicle registration fees; does the Town have any local fees? Mr. Dalessio explained they have not put that on the ballot. It was turned down by a number of towns around Walpole. Reference was made to HB339. There will be a study committee; he expects a bill this next year to clarify this.
There was discussion pertaining to the voting in March because of bad weather. Senator Kahn said it needs to be settled.
Vilas Bridge: Mr. Dalessio said another issue is the Vilas Bridge that is closed. Walpole has their wastewater lines running under this bridge. The Selectboard would like to see it moved from underneath the Vilas bridge to make a new connection under the Arch Bridge. The wastewater will then flow under the Arch Bridge into the Village of Bellows Falls, VT and the Wastewater Facility. Many feel the State should be helping us with this as the bridge is the State’s responsibility. The Vilas Bridge in its current environmental condition has the potential of pieces of concrete falling into our wastewater line, breaking it, and causing it to go into the Connecticut River. The Town has done preliminary studies. The State should be helping the Town to move the line to a safer location. It will require up-grading the pumping station near the Arch Bridge in North Walpole where it connects and then goes into the sewer facility on the Vermont side. Mrs. Pschirrer explained the Town of Walpole had an agreement with the Village of Bellows Falls but they decided not to sign a renewal agreement until the Town of Walpole repairs the Vilas Bridge. (However this is a State bridge – Walpole has no control). In the meantime we pay our bills and do the right thing as good neighbors. Mr. Dalessio stated if the Vilas Bridge concrete takes out our wastewater pipes it will be a disaster as the cement and sewage will go into the Connecticut River.
Senator Kahn feels they need some people to come over and talk to the Selectboard. Mrs. Pschirrer noted this discussion should include Mr. Mark Houghton who manages the Town’s Water and Wastewater systems.
Arch Bridge Lights: Mr. Dalessio mentioned a current problem is in 2011-12 the State did a study to determine which street lights are unnecessary. Senator Kahn is on the Transportation Committee now. With the amount of metallic material they are putting into the paint for it to stripe, the illumination is not needed as much. If the light concerns need more attention let him know. Mr. Dalessio pointed out with the Vilas Bridge closed it has increased the traffic and there are more pedestrians crossing on the bridge; folks from Vermont use the walkway across the bridge to the Warning Shelter in North Walpole. A section of Route 12 in Walpole has developed increasing the traffic since 2012. There are a number of reasons why this should be reconsidered. It is also nice to have the bridge illuminated so the Police can see what is going on especially in terms of drug trafficking. They did send an appeal letter to the DOT. Senator Kahn asked for a copy of that letter.
Mrs. Pschirrer asked what other committees he sits on. Senator Kahn replied the Education and Publicand Municipal Affairs. She mentioned the Town has programs like “Coffee With A Cop”. Senator Kahn would be willing to come to Walpole for “Coffee With A Senator”. He could do it on a Monday through Friday but Saturday would be best. Mrs. Downing will arrange to have this program on June 10th from 9:00-to-11:00 AM with Senator Kahn’s office. It will be publicized in the Clarion, Walpolean, put on the web-site and posters will be put up.
Senator Kahn is spending time with Ms. Lori Landry to tour the FMRSD schools. She is doing an Open House on May 10th and another Open House on May 23rd. Senator Kahn does a lot of short Resolutions that are quickly turned around. He would be happy to submit one for the Town.
Senator Kahn wants to meet with the Selectboard in each NH town. Mrs. Pschirrer, on behalf of the Selectboard, thanked him for spending this time with them.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a Personnel, (b) Hiring and (c) Reputations. 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 7:26 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:48 PM.
Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of this Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of April 27, 2017, be sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS AND REFUNDS:
Map and Lot #019-057-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement and Refund in the amount of $5,006.96 for Map and Lot #019-057-000. These buildings were demolished. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Map and Lot #011-036-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement and Refund in the amount of $1,909.16 for Map and Lot #011-036-000. This home was demolished. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Map and Lot #020-068-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement and Refund in the amount of $862.96 for Map and Lot #020-068-000. The condition was lowered. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Old Home Days: Mrs. Cindy Westover had noticed in the April 13, 2017 meeting minutes there should be a correction on page 1. Open Container Policy – delete “sponsored by the Savings Bank of Walpole” and change “on their property” to “stay between the barriers from the fountain area (Sunoco Station) to the end of Tom Murray’s building”. Chief Paquette wants signs put up to state if someone goes outside these boundaries they will be ticketed.
Avanru Commercial Building Permit: Mr. Dalessio had talked to Mr. Jeff Miller, Chair of the Planning Board. The Avanru plans for the commercial building are over five years old. It no longer meets the requirements. The plans on file are conceptual for the entire complex.
Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. Jack Franks, President, Avanru Development Group. to rescind Building Permit No. 2011-48. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Appointment Notice: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the appointment of Elaine Heleen to the Hooper Institute Board for a term of three years. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Thomas Cashel Letter: Mr. Tom Cashel, a former Walpole Selectboard member, is curious to know what happened to some of the issues he worked on. Mrs. Pschirrer volunteered to write a response letter because she knows the results.
Thank You Note: A very nice Thank You note was received from a resident thanking the Selectboard for helping senior citizens continue to stay in their homes through the Elderly Property Tax Exemption. She is grateful for their help.
Note of Apology: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a note of apology for not finishing the clean-up of the Town Hall after an event. Mrs. Downing mentioned there were three events last week-end; in the Town Hall: the “Saving The Songbirds”, “Earth Day” and a “Horse Group”.
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 meeting was recessed at 8:10 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:19 PM.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Complete Streets Policy: Ms. Mayberry had emailed copies of the Complete Streets Policy with some changes to the wording. The Planning Board addressed some concerns that were discussed. She was asked to have the Selectboard look at it, see if they have specific questions and invite them to the Complete Streets workshop in Jaffrey on May 19th. Any additional concerns will be brought back to the meeting next week and she will convey them to the SWRPC.
Water and Sewer: Mr. Dalessio reported that Mrs. Downing is working on the system and will do the up-load early next week. Mr. Mark Houghton requested the list of users be broken down by street and that was done. Mr. Dalessio would like to have the users broken down into North Walpole Sewer, Walpole Water and Walpole Water and Sewer which was also done. Mr. Goins and Mr. Kreissle are working on the special assessment charge.
Agendas: The Selectboard will request that Ms. Marilou Blaine add them to the email lists to receive copies of Agendas for the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board.
Planning Board Workshop: Ms. Mayberry mentioned a conversation at the Planning Board Workshop was about the Complete Streets Policy. There are some tentative places where they would like to do “mock” displays on how they would be implemented. They will talk to the Police Department about crosswalks and highway concerns. They want to make sure the Selectboard is aware of this. They will come back with more information.
Administrative Assistant Position: Mrs. Downing reported there will be someone coming in to work in the office on a temporary basis on Monday. She cannot do interviews until next week. Mrs. Downing is still receiving applications.
Next Selectboard Meeting: The next Selectboard meeting will be moved back from Thursday, May 4th to Tuesday, May 2nd, 2017, at 6:00 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
FREE to the public!
Thinking of buying your first home?
Thoughts of putting your home for sale?
Needing more room for the family?
Or have you toyed with the idea of downsizing?
Scared of not knowing the process and where to start?
Then you need to be at the Walpole Town Library this Saturday, 9 a.m.
We will have a Home Inspector, Scott Wade from S&K Services; Mortgage Loan Officer, Martha Zabielski from Savings Bank of Walpole; Septic Inspector, Eric Eichner from Inspections by Eric; and Realtor Robin Sanctuary from Galloway Real Estate to share what they have to offer in a Real Estate transaction.
Each will give a brief lesson on what to expect and then be available for your questions.
Come and learn! Be sure to bring your questions!
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Walk ins will be welcome but handouts may be scarce!
See you Saturday!
Robin Sanctuary
Realtor
Galloway Real Estate
The Walpolean 
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