Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 8/18/16

SELECTBOARD 08/27/2016 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

AUGUST 18, 2016

 

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Whitney Aldrich

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record. There were four people in attendance.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

PARK IN NORTH WALPOLE: Mr. Bill Gallagher and Mr. Don Provencher are residents of the Village of North Walpole and also volunteers for the Village. There is a piece of property off Main Street and Center Street that the Town owns but has authorized the Village to build a park. They put in a volley ball game many years ago but there was vandalism and nothing else happened. It was, once again, overgrown with shrubs and grass so they cleaned it out again. There are other things they want to do but need authorization from the Selectboard and maybe get a little help from the Highway Department. They would like to level off a bumpy part, put grass seed down plus fill in an old cistern. They are looking for guidance before moving ahead. They displayed pictures of the park area. Mr. Gallagher mentioned there is an old stone foundation closer to Center Street; they thought about reusing the stones by putting them around the trees; it would hold the bark mulch in place. There are two kiosks by the tunnel that the Town was supposed to maintain as per a 2003 agreement on the tunnel with the railroad. They should be able to maintain this area. There was discussion relative to asking the Road Agent about the culvert and cistern and to look over the area. See if he has any suggestions about clearing around the kiosk. The Selectboard had no objections to Mr. Gallagher and Ms. Provencher contacting Mr. Rau and moving forward but would like them to keep the communication open.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $28,411.40 for checks dated August 19, 2016. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending August 13, 2016, in the amount of $24,152.31 for checks dated August 19, 2016. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,979.33 for the week ending August 13, 2016. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 11, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of August 11, 2016, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

  • Trustees of Trust Funds – February 17, 2016;
  • Trustees of Trust Funds – April 22, 2016;
  • North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – August 9, 2016;
  • Walpole Planning Board – August 9, 2016;
  • Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment – August 17, 2016.

BUILDING PERMIT:

ROBERT and MARY JANE NARDONE, 104 Barnett Hill Road, Map & Lot #009-053-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit #2016-32 for Robert and Mary Jane Nardone to “Construct a 32’ x 50’ new home and 28’ x 36’ garage” at 104 Barnett Hill Road. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE LAND USE CHANGE TAX (LUCT) WARRANTS:

KENNETH L. BURNS, 388 North Road, Map & Lot #008-076-003: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Land Use Change Tax for Kenneth L. Burns for the amount of $6,500.00. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Tax Collector’s Land Use Change Tax Warrant to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for Walpole, NH in said county for Kenneth L. Burns. Map & Lot #008-076-003, in the amount of $6,500.00. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE APPLICATIONS:

LANE CONSTRUCTION, CORP., Whipple Hill Road, Map & Lot #003-002-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for Lane Construction Corp to put 121.3 acres into Current Use. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

EUGENE and GAIL CRAY, Cray Road, Map & Lots #027-010-001 and #027-010-002: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for Eugene and Gail Cray to put 36.15 acres into Current Use. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ELDERLY and BLIND TAX EXEMPTIONS:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to deny the following Elderly and/or Blind Exemptions from the property tax credit:

  • Map & Lot # 029-045-000;
  • Map & Lot # 028-119-000;
  • Map & Lot # 016-005-000;
  • Map & Lot # 020-037-000;
  • Map & Lot # 010-043-000;
  • Map & Lot # 029-010-000;
  • Map & Lot # 028-131-000;
  • Map & Lot # 012-050-000;
  • Map & Lot # 025-031-000;
  • Map & Lot # 028-103-000.

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the following Elderly and/or Blind Tax Exemptions for the property tax credit as follows:

  • Map & Lot # 028-132-000;
  • Map & Lot # 008-002-000;
  • Map & Lot # 025-006-000;
  • Map & Lot # 028-094-000;
  • Map & Lot # 013-028-000.

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The Selectboard will review and compare income guidelines with other comparable towns to see if the Town of Walpole limits are too low as they have not been changed in quite a few years.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Caskin Letter: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the letter to Mr. Roland Caskin on Colonial Drive concerning the water drainage issue. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

2016 Revised Estimated Revenues – 2016 MS-434: Mr. Kreissle had left a packet of various Financial Documents for Review that included the MS-434. These are his best estimates and are based on a 5% decrease. The Selectboard will consider a 7% decrease. Mr. Kreissle checked with both Mrs. Smith and Mr. Colburn about their Revenues. The Selectboard will look at the other numbers. This will be kept on the Agenda and finalized at the next meeting.

Leases and Contracts: One contract came in recently. All the Department Heads have been asked to forward copies of any leases and/or contracts they have so there is a file in the Selectboard Office.

Boston Post Cane: This will remain on the Agenda until the cane is presented to the oldest Walpole resident.

Revised Town Hall Rental Information and Rental Agreements: Mr. Dalessio reported that some towns have created exemptions to the Primex rules. They are giving the authority to the Selectboard to make decisions on rentals. Mr. Dalessio will continue to research and have more information soon.

Town of Walpole DOT Drug Testing Policy: Mrs. Pschirrer will send a new revised version of this policy for the other Selectboard members to review.

708 Main Street: There have been no new developments on this property.

Volunteer Service Statement and Agreement: Mr. Dalessio recommended that they refer to the RSAs on Volunteer Service.

Employee and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic – September 25, 2016: Mrs. Downing reported that the Pit Stop Smoke House is doing the catering. She is looking for games they can use; a croquet set, bocci balls, corn hole game with bean bags, etc.    

Building and Demolition Permit and Water and Sewer Application Forms: Mrs. Downing has been doing research on the Fire Marshall and fire codes. Mr. Dalessio will send this link to the RSAs and other information to her.

Employee Policy Handbook Update: Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the committee is meeting again in September to go over other sections in the handbook. They will have to make decisions on over-time and comp time.

Town Seal: Mrs. Downing displayed a piece of art work of the north end of the Town Hall. It appears to have been used as a part of a Town Seal at one time. They will continue to do research.

Wage Review: This item will be kept on the Agenda for the next meeting.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Sub-delegation of Deposit Authority Policy: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Sub-delegation of Deposit Authority Policy. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mary McMahon Abatement Appeal: The Board of Tax and Land Appeals have mandated that the Town meet with Mrs. McMahon to mediate this Appeal. The Selectboard agreed that in the past they have gone with Avitar’s property assessments.

Water and Sewer Bill Collection: Mrs. Pschirrer looked at the RSAs and found that they have three options to handle Water and Sewer Bill Collections. The Selectboard have been discussing the collections of sewer bills in the Village of North Walpole. Mr. Dalessio suggested that they obtain a list of the property owners that have liens on them now and a list of the ones who have made special arrangements. A meeting should be scheduled with Mrs. Linda Edkins and Mr. Mark Houghton for his opinion.

Sexual Harassment Training Certificate: Mr. Justin Cassarino will be excused from attending the Town’s training as he has been certified through the school system.

Town Hall Handyman Application: This was tabled until the next meeting.

Town Construction and Building Repair Contracts: Mr. Dalessio advised that a Certificate of Insurance will be required.

Drug Testing Vendor Proposal: This will remain on the Agenda for future discussion.

Dog Waste in Trash Barrels on Common: At the Safety Committee meeting an employee brought up the fact that when they are emptying the trash barrels on the Common they are now finding dog waste in them. Mr. Dalessio stated that if someone gets it on their hands they need to report it to the office. Plastic bags are not used in these barrels because they fill up with water. Mr. Dalessio told Mr. Rau that the employees should wear gloves when doing this job. The barrels will be removed soon as they are not on the Common during the winter.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mfr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:07 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:17 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Assessing: Mrs. Downing would like to attend the Assessing 101 Training Session on Wednesday, August 24th. She will be gone a half day. Mrs. Edkins will be on out of the office; Mr. Kreissle and Mr. Fafara will be in the office. The Selectboard urged her to attend this class.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

4th Annual Amateur BBQ Pulled Pork Competition – 8/28/16

EVENTS 08/27/2016 Leave a comment

On Sunday, August 28, the 4th annual Amateur BBQ Pulled Pork Competition will be held at Alyson’s Orchard from 11AM – 3 PM. This fun summer event, sponsored by Alyson’s Orchard and The Pit Stop Smokehouse, is a benefit for the Fall Mtn. Food Shelf.

The public is welcome to sample the pulled pork and vote for the People’s Choice Award between 12 noon and 2PM. There is no admission charge for this event, but anyone who wants to sample must bring either one non-perishable food item to donate, or make a small, cash contribution to benefit the Fall Mountain Food Shelf.   There will also be BBQ food for sale to the public from the Pit Stop Smokehouse, a Beer & Soft Drink Tent to compliment the BBQ, and unique ice cream, mixed and frozen on the spot using liquid nitrogen, from Sub Zero Ice Cream & Yogurt!

Alyson’s farm stand store will be open with new, local products as well as fresh seasonal fruits and berries.   You can also Pick-Your-Own Paula Red and Ginger Gold apples. Other activities that day will include: face painting; free wagon rides through the orchard; children’s playground, and lawn games for kids of all ages! Be sure to visit their new baby goats and ‘Buddy’ the big bunny!   This is perfect summer event for the whole family!   The BBQ event will run from 11AM-3PM (tasting from 12-2PM) and their farm store is open from 9AM – 5PM Mon.-Thurs and 9-6 Fri-Sun. for the season. Don’t forget to bring home one of their delicious fruit pies or chicken pot pies for dinner!

Scout Sign-ups 9/6&7/16

Uncategorized 08/26/2016 Leave a comment

Girl Scout and Cubscout Sign Ups are happening on September 6th and 7th at the Walpole Elementary School from 6:00- 7:30.  If for some reason you want to sign your child up for either one of these and and can’t come one these nights.  You can contact Deb Pawelczyk at 445-5475 or mdjpawel@comcast.net.

Planning Board Workshop Meeting Minutes – 8/23/16

PLANNING BOARD 08/26/2016 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Workshop Meeting

Town Hall

August 23, 2016 Minutes

7 pm

 

Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Robert Miller, Jason Perron, Dennis Marcom, Jeff White. Alternates: Ed Potter, Joanna Andros. Absent: James Aldrich, Steve Dalessio. Zoning Board: Myra Mansouri, Jan Leclerc and Bob Anderson.

 

In September 2015, the NH General Court amended a subdivision regulation dealing with Accessory Dwelling Units. Walpole’s zoning ordinance already complies with the new regulations, but the issue has stirred a large concern among some residents. Maybe it’s due to a recent decision from the Zoning Board regarding a detached dwelling unit. Maybe there’s more of an interest in older people wishing to stay in their homes for a longer period of time. Maybe the people of Walpole want something different.

In anticipation of the meeting, Selectman Steve Dalessio prepared a draft of what a new ordinance might look like. The draft was simply a jumping off place to start the discussion.

The discussion at the workshop covered everything from density to definitions of a dwelling and building. Nothing was decided and it should be remembered that this a work in progress and the wording of every part of the ordinance is extremely important.

Here are some things that were discussed:

Density: An example of this problem was brought up when one person spoke about one residence in the village that started out as a single-family residence and over a period of time now has three apartments with a potential for a barn being converted into two more apartments. What was once a home to one family is now a home to several families or individuals, each with their own cars. Besides all the people, there are lots of cars and not enough parking. So now there are cars spilling over onto the street. That’s a density problem.

The density in the village also impacts water and sewer compared to the country where certain size septic systems are required by law depending on the number of bedrooms.

So, should there be a minimum amount of acreage where detached accessory buildings are allowed? The draft said 3 acres, but some argued it should be five or more. But would it be unfair to limit these building in a particular district, asked another?

What’s the difference between a building that’s attached or detached? What’s to prevent a detached accessory unit that was intended for a caregiver or visitation space for extended family from becoming rental income?

What should the regulations be for a detached accessory unit? Should a detached accessory unit limit it to a bedroom and bath and not a kitchen? Can the accessory unit be rented? Suppose I just want a place for my extended family and friends to visit once in a while? What do I call that space? What can be allowed in that space? What about a caregiver? Who controls who lives there? How do you enforce it?

If someone has 5 acres or more, should the person subdivide rather than keeping two buildings on one lot? How many accessory units could you put one five-acre lot?

What is a dwelling? Is it a place where a person or people live? If there were two buildings on one lot what kind of relationship should there be between the people sleeping in both places?

Should there be a family tie or can it be, or does it have to be a commercial relationship?

Suppose there were no kitchen facilities – no refrigerator etc. – just a bedroom and bathroom. Is this a dwelling? But who is going to check to see that it doesn’t have a microwave or a college-size refrigerator. Would that now make it a dwelling?

Another person thought the solution to density would be limiting it to two unrelated people living in a detached accessory building.

But, some warned, the town has to be careful and figure out the reason for a detached accessory building. Is it to create more space to be rented?

And when it comes to apartment dwellers, do they have a stake in the community? Do they have an interest on what affects the town, how it grows? Just filling property with people isn’t the answer, another said.

Some people want to age in place, want space for friends and family to visit. Some things you can do right now. Some you can’t. That person thought there was a need for detached accessory units.

There is “in town” and “out of town.” In town there is no space to build except maybe over a garage.

Someone else said that a dwelling is not a guest house or another bedroom in another building. It’s a place that is supportive of the family in the main house. It supports the main dwelling.

Another had a concern that there is no way to control who is living there. It may start out as a place for grandparents or grown children but it may change down the road.

It depends on size of lot and what you can put on it, another said. In town it is much more obvious when it is getting crowded, for example, too many cars in a yard. Out in the country, you may not even see the accessory building because of the size of the lot. No one’s going to see that. It won’t even be noticed.

It may be how you define it. It could be part of the family function. A space to have family for an extended period of time. It’s family support.

How large should ADUs be. You can require an ADU to be have one bedroom., but, by law, it cannot be less than 759 square feet.

You can’t limit it to family only but you can limit it by putting a number of how many people can live there.

A lot of the regulations are already in place, such as septic and building requirements that take into consideration terrain, said one board member. We don’t need to over regulate this.

You can see this is a complicated issue. This is only the beginning. Part of the charm of Walpole is its size. Over the last 60 years the population has increased by only 800 to 900.

There will be further discussion on this topic. The draft was a starting place. Here it is.

One Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) shall be allowed in all zoning districts that permit single-family dwellings and on any parcel where only one existing, legally conforming single family dwelling already exists. The following requirements apply:

  1. The minimum lot size shall be 3.0 Acres and no change in frontage, or setbacks shall be required beyond what would be required for a single-family dwelling without ADU.
  2. The minimum area for an Accessory Dwelling Unit may not be less than 400 square feet nor more than the greater of 750 square feet or 30% of the gross living area of the principal unit, not including unfinished spaces such as but not limited to unfinished attics or unfinished basements.
  3. No more than Three (3) bedrooms may be permitted in an Accessory Dwelling Unit.
  4. Properties that are grandfathered to current zoning requirements and are considered non- conforming shall be exempt from the lot requirements set forth (A) and minimum building size   shall be 200 square feet.
  5. The Accessory Dwelling Unit may be within or attached to the principal dwelling unit or may be within separate detached building on the property (such as a garage or barn).
  6. Unless otherwise provided for herein, all existing regulations applicable to single-family dwellings shall also apply to the combination of a principal dwelling unit and an accessory dwelling unit, including standards for maximum occupancy per bedroom consistent with policy adopted by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
  7. For an ADU that is located in the same building as the primary dwelling unit, an interior door shall be provided between the principal dwelling unit and the accessory dwelling unit, but there is no requirement that the interior door shall remain unlocked.
  8. Adequate provisions for water supply and sewage disposal for the accessory dwelling unit in accordance with RSA 485-A:38 shall be demonstrated by the applicant, but separate systems, including but not limited to plumbing, heating, electrical and sanitary disposal systems, are not required for the principal and accessory dwelling units provided that occupants of both units have access to the electrical panel and circuit breakers serving their respective units.
  9. When converting an existing structure or a portion of an existing structure to an ADU or constructing a new addition or detached structure to create an ADU, compliance with applicable sections of the state fire code and state building code shall be required.
  10. All applications to create an accessory dwelling unit shall demonstrate to the Zoning Board of Adjustment that the property has ample parking for both the principal unit and ADU.
  11. When the creation of an ADU requires an addition to or modification of the exterior of the existing single family home or existing detached structure, or the creation of a new detached structure, the architectural design and details to be used shall be aesthetically compatible with and maintain an aesthetic continuity with the principal dwelling unit as a single-family dwelling.
  12. An addition to or exterior modification of an existing single family home or detached structure shall be designed to match the architectural style, detail, and materials of the existing structure.
  13. When constructing a new detached structure to accommodate an ADU, the exterior design may either reflect the architectural style, detail, and materials of the existing single family structure, or it may reflect the architectural style, details and materials that are commonly found in detached accessory structures associated with a single family dwelling, such as a barn, or a garage with apartment over.
  14. The Planning Board under Minor Site Plan review shall be responsible for reviewing and evaluating architectural designs for compatibility prior to issuance of a building permit by the Select Board.
  15. The owner of the property shall occupy either the principal dwelling unit or the accessory dwelling unit as their “Principal Place of Residence.” Whichever dwelling unit is not the property owner’s principal place of residence may be rented to a person(s) unrelated to the property owner .
  16. The owner shall demonstrate to the Select Board that one of the units is his or her “Principal Place of Residence” prior to issuance of a Building Permit by the Select Board for the             accessory dwelling unit.
  17. The term “Principal Place of Residence” for purposes of determining owner occupancy shall mean the location where the property owner is domiciled and has a place of abode, and the location where the property owner has, through all of his or her actions, demonstrated a current intent to designate said residence as his or her principal place of physical presence.  Such an intent on the part of the property owner is evidenced by, among other things, his or her voter’s registration, vehicle registration, driver’s license, or the placement of his or her children in local public schools. Any temporary lapse of owner occupancy in the primary residence caused by the death of a property owner shall be permitted for a reasonable period of administration.
  18. The property owner shall submit to the Select Board a signed and notarized “memorandum of adequate notice”, to be recorded at the registry of deeds at the applicant’s expense. The notice shall identify the property on which the accessory dwelling unit is located by source deed, and serve as a notice to successor owners that the accessory dwelling unit is subject to the provisions of this section of the zoning ordinance, and that owner occupancy of one of the two units is required by this subsection. This notice shall be recorded upon issuance of a Building Permit. If the owner of the property is a trust, the term “property owner” shall mean the creator or beneficiary of the trust. If the owner of the property is a corporation, the term “property owner” shall mean the principal stockholder.

 

To be continued….

 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

 

Uncategorized 08/25/2016 Leave a comment

Wish I had a picture of Donna Drouin dressed as Uncle Sam.  This would make a neat poster! – Lil

W R A P
Committee
Wants You

Walpole’s recycling programs were brought into existence by a group of Walpole citizens nearly thirty years ago; and, although officially run by the Town of Walpole, citizen volunteers essentially keep those programs alive today.

The Committee of “Walpole Recycling Activities Program” (WRAP, get it?) has two positions available on its board and is seeking citizens who are interested in participating as Committee members.

Please call Walpole Recycling Manager, Paul Colburn, during regular business hours at the Center, 445-5197 for further details.

Consider joining one of Walpole’s most active services to the community.

Thank you, on behalf of WRAP,

Donna Drouin

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 8/17/16

ZONING BOARD 08/19/2016 Leave a comment

Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment

Minutes: August 17, 2016

Walpole, Town Hall

7:30 pm 

 

Present: Board Members: Chair Myra Mansouri, Vice-Chair Jan Galloway Leclerc, Bob Anderson.. Alternate:Tom Murray. Absent: Judy Trow, Mary Therese Lester, 

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the September 21, 2016 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Roll Call: Ms. Mansouri called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. There was a quorum of three board members and an alternate.

 

Minutes:  One typo was corrected – wood to word and Ms. Mansouri said she thought Manning and Carr was a real estate office, not a law office. Mr. Anderson made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and it was passed by the Board.

 

New Business:

Signage No. 1: Ms. Samantha Wilheim was representing Unity Homes, a subsidary of Bensonwood. Ms. Wilheim asked if the company could display a 2-by-3-foot sign, on 4-by-4-foot posts and 5 feet high on the right side of the driveway on Wentworth Road. It would be one-sided and would not be lit.

Unity Homes has a model home on the property, which is used as a showroom for potential customers. It is not occupied. Ms. Leclerc made a motion to accept the request as presented. Mr. Anderson seconded the motion and it was approved by the entire board.

Signage No. 2: Mr. Joel Stoddard requested a 3-foot-by-10-foot sign to be placed above one of the bays at his garage on Route 12, next to Walpole Ice Cream. It will be place four feet off center of the bay because the sign is 96 feet from another sign in the front by the road. The ordinance requires that it be 100 feet or a special exception is needed.

It was approved by the board as presented with two conditions:

That Mr. Stoddard get the signature of the owner of the building.

That the sign be placed four feet off center to the right of the bay.

Mr. Stoddard will leave the sign form at the selectboard”s office to be put in a file.

Gravel Pit Inspection Assignments:

Graves and Joe Sawyer – Jan Leclerc and Judy Trow

Hodgkins – Drewsville and Industrial park – Bob Anderson and Tom Murray

Cold River and Whipple Hill – Myra Mansouri and Mary Therese Lester.

At 8:05 the board went into executive session and came out of executive session five minutes later. It was moved and seconded that the minutes of the executive session be approved and sealed.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

 

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 6/6/16

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 08/19/2016 Leave a comment

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

June 6, 2016

 

Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); John Peska, Lew Shelley, Joseph Aldrich (Selectboard Representative)

Alternates:  Elaine Heleen, Myra Mansouri

Not Present:  Regular Members:  Duncan Watson, Kelli Wilson, Alicia Flammia

Alternate Members:  Peter Palmiotto, Gary Speed

 

Call To Order:  Mr. Beaudry, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

Seating of Alternates:  Mr. Beaudry requested that alternate members Elaine Heleen and Myra Mansouri sit on the Board for this meeting.

Review and Approve Minutes:  Mr. Shelley moved to accept the Minutes of the May 2, 2016, meeting as presented.  Mrs. Heleen seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

Mr. Peter Rhoades – Water Company Timber Harvest and Town Forests:  Mr. Rhoades did not attend this meeting.  Hopefully he will be able to attend the July meeting.

 

PUBLIC SESSION:

Report From Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  Mr. Beaudry reported that as of May 31, 2016, the balance of the Walpole Conservation Commission Savings Account is $88,421.90 and the Forestry Conservation Account is $12,354.07.

Correspondence:

Mr. Beaudry received the following correspondence:

  • Monitor – Conservation Easement Stewardship Newsletter – Spring 2016;
  • NH Town and City – May/June 2016;
  • Society for the Protection of NH Forests publication.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

NH DES Route 12 Repairs:  A letter was received from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) advising that there will be a Public Hearing on the re-design of the Route 12 Project on Wednesday, June 8th at the Elementary School in North Walpole.  Doors will open at 6:30 PM for folks to look at the revised design and the Public Hearing is at 7:00 PM.  Now the State is not moving the railroad tracks.  Mr. Peska plans to attend and will report next month.

Fanny Mason Forest:  Mr. Beaudry received a letter from Mr. Palmiotto.  There is a graduate student at Antioch College who is working on her Environmental Studies Master’s Degree.  Her thesis will focus on the effects of road salts on terrestrial and stream salamanders.  In order to conduct her study, she will be searching for salamanders under cover objects, such as logs and rocks, in forested areas near roads.  She asked if the Conservation Commission would allow her to use a portion of the Fanny Mason Forest to conduct a portion of her research.  Mr. Beaudry had given her verbal permission to do so.

Mr. Peska moved to allow the Antioch College student to use a portion of the Fanny Mason Forest for her study.  Seconded by Mrs. Mansouri.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  

Garland Lumber Company:  Mr. Beaudry advised that they now have an extended Timber Sale Agreement between the Town of Walpole and Garland Lumber Company.  The Selectboard made and approved a motion to sign the extended agreement for twelve (12) months; it will expire on March 31, 2017.

Mr. Peska moved to recommend to the Selectboard that the Garland Lumber Company extend the Timber Agreement for twelve months.  Seconded by Mrs. Mansouri.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Terms of Office:  Mr. Beaudry reported that they now have a full Board as Mrs. Jackie Kensen of Drewsville has expressed an interest in being a WCC member.  A lot of her interest is in agriculture.  She was on the Hooper Commission for many years but this was another opportunity to serve the Town.

Mr. Duncan Watson was also re-appointed by the Selectboard as a regular WCC member.

Current Use Change Payment:  There was no new information on this.  Mr. Aldrich will check into it.

TransCanada Dam Relicensing:  Mr. Beaudry attended a meeting with the head of the re-licensing for TransCanada.  The meeting was at Wilder Dam. Mr. Beaudry’s concern is erosion along the river bank.  TransCanada is looking at environmental issues.  They are required to have a minimum flow in the river at all times.  Everything is set in parameters.  The meeting was very interesting.  TransCanada is trying to balance the flow all the way through.  They did the dredge project in the North Walpole harbor last summer.  One study was done on the erosion and a second one is due in July.  They are complicated and costly. This is a 40-year re-licensing by FERC. There is a lot of information on the TransCanada web-site.

Mr. Shelley reported that there are camp sites all along the River.  Now there is a new camp site in Westminster a little below Allen Bros.  TransCanada has something to do with it.

Mason Forest – Clean-Up: Mr. Shelley proposed two dates for the Mason Forest clean-up; June 18th or June 25th.  He would like to work toward June 18th.  They could meet at 10:00 AM; it will probably take about two hours.  Mr. Beaudry suggested getting the Boy Scouts involved.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Boy Scouts:  Mr. Shelley advised that two Boy Scouts will be doing projects in Town.  Adam Terrell is asking for a letter of support from the WCC to allow him to ask for donations of material for his work at Mill Pond.   Mr. Beaudry asked Mr. Shelley to follow-up on this by writing the letter and then emailing it to him.  Benjamin Haefner will also be doing work in Mill Pond but on a different project than Adam Terrell.

Mr. Peska moved to approve and sign the letter of support for Adam Terrell.  Seconded by Mrs. Heleen.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Gary Speed came into the meeting.

Sludge:  Mr. Beaudry acknowledged receipt of a letter from the DES to Charlie Hansen, Resource Management.  The DES did an inspection and found that the property owner did comply with the concern of sludge in Langdon and Walpole.  Mr. Speed noted that nothing was going into the Cold River. The DES also did an inspection on the bio-solids for the odor.  

Vilas Bridge:  Mrs. Mansouri heard on the news that Bellows Falls was bringing a court case against the State over the Vilas Bridge.  Mr. Beaudry pointed out that the bridge was supposed to be done about ten years ago but the State kept moving it down their Ten-Year Plan and now it is off that list.  Mr. Aldrich reported that the Selectboard members attending a recent joint meeting with the Town of Rockingham and Village of Bellows Falls on the Wastewater Agreement and the issue of the Vilas Bridge was brought up.  It is a State issue between New Hampshire and Vermont.

ATVs:  Mr. Shelley advised that the Governor signed the bill that private land owners can now file claims for damages caused by ATVs.  Mr. Beaudry noted that 4-wheelers also cause property damage.  This might make people think twice because now they are financially responsible for property damage.

Private Driveway Culvert: At the last meeting the question came up about a driveway culvert.  Mr. Shelley called Mrs. Marsha Galloway about that and she said all the work that was done by the Snowmobile Club was run through the Monadnock Conservancy.  He also asked her if they pursued any Grant money.  They felt the State should take care of it.  Mr. Shelley offered to write a letter to the State and bring it back to the next WCC meeting when they can vote on it.

Alyson’s Orchard:  At the last meeting there was a question about Alyson’s Orchard and a subdivision.  Mrs. Mansouri feels that was a Boundary Line Adjustment.  She will check with Marilou Blaine the Planning Board Secretary.

Gravel:  At the last meeting Mr. Shelley mentioned there was a pile of gravel in Christian Hollow.  He discovered that it was for re-doing the roads.

Next Meeting:  Because of the Monday, July 4th holiday, the next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2016, at 7:30 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Mansouri moved to adjourn this meeting.  Mr. Peska seconded.  With all members in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Any corrections will be found in the July 11, 2016, Conservation Commission meeting.)

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 7/11/16

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 08/19/2016 Leave a comment

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

July 11, 2016

 

Present:  Tom Beaudry (Chair); John Peska, Lew Shelley, Kelli Wilson, Alicia Flammia, Jackie Kensen,

Joseph Aldrich (Selectboard Representative)

Alternates:     Elaine Heleen, Myra Mansouri, Gary Speed

Call To Order:  Mr. Beaudry, Chair, called this meeting to order at 7:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Seating of Alternates:  Since a full Board was present there was no need to seat alternate members.

 

Review and Approve Minutes:  Mr. Peska moved to accept the Minutes of the June 6, 2016, meeting with the following correction:  Mr. Palmiotto had requested that on page 1, under Fanny Mason Forest, “Antioch College” be changed to “Antioch University New England”.  Seconded by Mrs. Flammia.  With all in favor, the motion and amendment were approved.

  1. PETER RHOADES – Water Company Timber Harvest and Town Forests: Mr. Rhoades was unable to attend this meeting.

PUBLIC SESSION – Report From Chair:

Treasury / Budget:  Mr. Beaudry did not have the bank statements for the end of June.

Correspondence:

Mr. Beaudry received the following correspondence:

  • Town and City magazine – July/August issue.

NEW BUSINESS:

NH Route 12 Repairs:  Mr. Peska attended this NH Department of Transportation meeting and reported that the time line is they are looking at soliciting bids in October and awarding a contract this November.  The start date will be in the spring of 2018.  There was lots of discussion relative to the revised plan.  They went with the low option as it is about half what the cost would be for the plan to move the railroad.  They opted for an armored retaining wall and steel enforced embankment with natural vegetation.  The Hydrologic Study has not been done so they do not know what the impact will be further downstream.  They looked at how the flow of the River will be impacted.  Almost 7,000 vehicles travel in both directions on that road daily.  The last major flooding was in 1996.  Some folks who live along the River clearly had concerns about the quality of their wells and erosion along those banks.  Mrs. Lucy Weber, State Representative, was there.  The DOT will have another Public Hearing prior to awarding the contract.  At that time Mr. Peska hopes they will have an opportunity to look at the Hydrologic Study.

Fanny Mason Forest:  There was nothing new on the Fanny Mason Forest.

Garland Lumber Company:  Mr. Beaudry reported that the contract has been signed with Garland Lumber Company and the Town of Walpole.  He asked Mr. Aldrich if one of the signed contracts was returned to Garland.  He will check on it.  Mr. Beaudry has a signed copy.  Mr. Shelley had a question from the Monadnock Conservancy on where the Management Plan was; it is needed for the Easement.  Mr. Beaudry said Mr. Rhoades did a Management Plan.  Mr. Shelley told the Conservancy that nothing is happening now.  They would like to have a copy when the cut begins.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

Current Use Change Payment:  Mr. Aldrich did not have an answer but he contacted the Department of Revenue Administration to verify if the transaction was done in the right manner.  As soon as he has a response from the DRA he will report to the Conservation Commission.

Up-date – TransCanada Dam Relicensing: Mr. Peska noted that on the sign-in roster at the DOT meeting on the Route 12 project that two TransCanada representatives were there.  He asked how far down the Hydrologic Study would go but they did not have an answer.  They did admit to doing the dredging in North Walpole last year.  Mr. Beaudry mentioned that TransCanada is coming out with their second survey on erosion on Friday.  TransCanada has a re-licensing web-site where they release information; it is involved.

Mason Forest – Clean-Up: Mr. Shelley suggested Saturday, July 30th.  They will meet at 10:00 AM and do the clean-up until about Noon.  He will send out two reminders to the members.  (Mr. Watson came into the meeting but he has not yet taken the Oath of Office). 

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

NH Association of Conservation Commissions:  Mr. Beaudry received a booklet from the NH Association of Conservation Commissions that he passed around.  There is an article on invasive plant species.  It looks at projects done in all sections of the State.  We do pay dues to them.

Antioch University New England:  Mr. Beaudry has not heard from the student who did the study in the Fanny Mason Forest.

Natural Resources Advisory Committee:  Mrs. Flammia attended the most recent meeting as she took over Mr. Palmiotto’s seat.  There was a presentation from a member of the US Fish and Game out of Amherst, Mass.  They have a program called “Connect the Connecticut”; she passed around the booklet entitled “Connect The Connecticut – A Roadmap for Conserving the Connecticut River Watershed for Future Generations”.  This is a landscape co-op group with a shared vision.  Twenty organizations are a part of this group.  They want to restore aquatic productivity and look at areas that are right for conservation and stewardship. Their first report came out in June; “connecttheconnecticut.org” has all the documents and information. Mr. Beaudry expressed his concern with the Wildlife Refuge; the land will no longer be used for agriculture as they take out that use.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Peska and Mr. Mark Houghton have not heard from the Department of Environmental Services (DES).  Mr. Peska will be happy to attend the inspection with Mr. Houghton when they receive notification of the date from the DES.

Merriam Farm Property:  Mr. Shelley had a visit with the new owner of the Merriam Farm property.  They discussed putting an Easement on some of the property.

Hooper Golf Course:  Mr. Speed discussed the CC pond by the Hooper Golf Course as it appears the golf course side of the pond is not going down as fast as the CC part.  In the past members of the golf course asked for permission to use some of that CC pond water but recently they have not done so.  Mr. Peska does not want the Fire Department to run low as they use the CC pond to pump water.  The Community Garden is no longer taking water from the pond.  Mr. Beaudry explained that Cranberry Meadow is on the other side of the CC pond.  The new folks running the golf course might just be turning on the water and not realize where it is coming from.  The lower water level will have an impact on the pond vegetation.  Mr. Beaudry will talk to Mr. Joe Goodhue about this.

 

Next Meeting:  The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 1st, 2016, at 7:30 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Peska moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Flammia.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Any corrections will be found in the Minutes of the August 01, 2016, Conservation Commission meeting.)

CLARION SEPTEMBER 2016 Issue — DEADLINE – Wednesday, August 24

Uncategorized 08/17/2016 Leave a comment

I know, I know, and I have been reminded, where has the month gone. But as you get ready for school, or back from vacation, life returns to “normal” and deadlines “loom up.”

And, the deadline for the September CLARION is a week from tomorrow, August 24th. So, please do not forget. I have been working on some articles, and others I know are in the works, but for the nice reading and news mix we offer, I would like to have your “routine announcements” to include, and any other items of interest.

Thank you, RAY

Zoning Board Agenda – 8/17/16

Uncategorized 08/17/2016 Leave a comment

Agenda for Zoning Board of Adjustment

Wednesday,  August 17, 2016

Walpole Town Hall – 7:30 pm.

 

Roll Call: Appointment of alternates if needed

Minutes: Review minutes of June, Executive Session.

 

New Business: Signage

Samantha Wilheim – signage Unity

JC Automotive, Joel Stoddard, Route 12 Sign on building. 2-feet-by-10 1/2-feet.

 

Continued work on matrix or Flow Chart..

Junkyard digital copy.

 

Gravel Inspections

 

 

Next meeting Wednesday,  September 21, 2016