The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JUNE 2, 2016

Selectboard Present:  Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer, Joseph 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 seven people in attendance.

BUILDING PERMIT:

HUGH and STEPHANIE MONTGOMERY, 153 Ramsey Hill Road, Map & Lot #010-038-001:  Mrs. Montgomery was present to respond to any concerns the Selectboard might have as this was put on-hold during their last meeting.  There was a question as to the location of the shed and their Current Use land.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign Building Permit #2016-23 for Hugh and Stephanie Montgomery to “Construct a 18’ x 14’ garden shed”, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

OLD KEENE ROAD INTERNET SERVICE:  Mr. Paul Looney was present to advise that where he lives he does not get any wireless service and very little internet and cable service.  He distributed copies of a “Realtor Mag, Study: Speedy Internet Boosts Home Values” and provided explanations for the various sections he had tagged.  It states that Broadband has become a home shopper’s must have.  In fact, the speed of internet service is even having an influence on American’s biggest purchase – Their Homes. President Obama has a Federal Communications Commission to give more subsidies to the same big companies that have largely failed to invest in the networks we need.  Unfortunately a lot of this funding is not going to rural areas but rather things like increasing DSL service.  Affordable, reliable access to high speed broadband is critical for U.S. economic growth and competitiveness.  Mr. Looney has to use a dish for TV; a lot of people are now using their internet for TV service.  Some communities in this area have taken advantage of super-fast fiber-optic internet.  New Hampshire Fast Roads’ mission is to extend powerful broadband to the rural communities of western New Hampshire.  It is all around us but does not go through us.  It is expensive; about $40,000.00/mile.

Mr. Dalessio suggested that he might want to contact the County Commissioners.  Quite a while ago Mr. Jack Pratt (former Commissioner) came into a Selectboard meeting to advise that they were working to bring it through the Route 12 corridor; looping it around Walpole and going back toward Surry, etc.  Mr. Peter Graves is now Walpole’s representative to the County Commissioners.  The handout included a copy of a letter from Carol Miller, Director of Broadband Technology in Concord, NH, who provided Mr. Looney with a copy of a one-page Walpole Cable Franchise Agreement (Comcast) that the Town of Walpole Selectboard signed with Blodgett Appliance Co., Inc. of Alstead, NH, to bring a television signal to the inhabitants of the North Walpole Village Corporation, dated September 8, 1953.  At that time the only service provided was TV.  Mr. Looney asked the Selectboard to research this agreement to see if the citizens of Walpole are being serviced by this.  Mr. Dalessio noted that it was the North Walpole Village Corporation.  Mr. Looney feels that if Walpole is going to keep up with changes they need to study some of this.  He would be willing to reach out to businesses and other people in the community to do a study to look at their options.  He will reach out to Carol Miller to ask if she would come to a future meeting.  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard would welcome and support his assistance to chair a committee or group to look at it as they are interested in exploring options.  He suggested that Mr. Looney contact the Southwest Regional Planning Commission.

PLEASANT STREET ROAD AND SIDEWALK:  Mr. and Mrs. Jack Neary were present.  Mr. Neary explained that they were unable to attend the neighborhood meeting last week due to a family medical emergency.  He thought he had the Selectboard ready to agree on the necessity of a sidewalk for safety reasons but it appears that has now changed.  He feels there is room for a two-foot black-top sidewalk on the north side of the street.  His proposal is to put it on the opposite side of the street where people rarely park.  He is proposing it start where the cement sidewalk stops right now; give them a safety zone.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that his neighbors were quite unanimous in that they wanted the sidewalk removed; they wanted parking and they did not want or need a sidewalk.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that one of the problems with putting in the sidewalk is that they could not put in a two-foot sidewalk as they have to be done according to current DOT standards.  Mr. Neary requested that this situation be re-opened.  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that in addition to the workmen who answered numerous questions there were 13 residents in attendance at that meeting; only two families were not present (one of which was Mr. and Mrs. Neary).  She quizzed people thoroughly about the sidewalk and they were unanimous about not wanting one.  Mr. Neary noted that it is his right to have services on the street.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied that majority rules; one person cannot make a decision for the neighborhood.  Mr. Neary referenced the Warrant Article of 2008.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the decision to not put the sidewalk in was made after the meeting with the neighborhood folks.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that there is no money in the budget for a sidewalk and she suggested that he put together a Petition for a sidewalk and have it signed by the property owners on the street.  Mr. Dalessio suggested he coordinate a meeting with all his neighbors and if there is a new consensus that goes beyond the previous official meeting the Selectboard will entertain it.  Mr. Neary asked for another meeting rather than the Selectboard stating this matter is closed.  The Selectboard agreed that another meeting will have the same results.  Mr. Dalessio said these neighbors want the sidewalk taken out to give them more space to park their vehicles.  Mr. Neary pointed out that they just came in to ask for another meeting but that was denied.  He will now consult with an attorney.

NORTH STREET RUN-OFF WATER PLAN:  Mr. Wayne Wallace asked if the Selectboard had received any options to resolve the run-off water problems on North Street.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied that they had received a report with three options from Mr. Fellows.  She outlined these options.  The most expensive one would probably require a Warrant Article in 2017 that would be voted on by the Town.  It would require an engineer’s study, more detail and estimates to do the project.  Mr. Wallace’s main concern is that the water coming off his property is damaging the property below him.  The Town should handle their own water.  Mr. Dalessio explained that they are looking at ways to handle the Town’s water problem on North Road.  The Selectboard advised that the Town is not allowed to do work on private property.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned they are looking at solutions and have more homework to do.  Mr. Wallace was given a copy of Mr. Fellows’ report. Mr. Dalessio feels there are a few things they could look at to try to reduce the water pressure situation a little.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $24,570.92 for checks dated June 3, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending May 28, 2016, in the amount of $21,854.89 for checks dated June 3, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,634.15 for the week ending May 28, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 5, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that the Selectboard had previously approved the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 5, 2016, but then it was pointed out to them that there was an error pertaining to their conversation about ADUs.  On page 3, the last sentence should read:  “The Selectboard feels that the Zoning Board and Planning Board needs to address this as a community; they should not stay with a common foundation” instead of “they should stay with a common foundation”.  The Minutes will reflect this change.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that Mr. Dalessio post a notice in the Walpolean as follows:  “The Selectboard fully endorses the concept of detached auxiliary dwelling units and encourages the implementation of Section X of Senate Bill 146 which allows a town to set their own standards for detached dwelling units by both Zoning and Planning”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 26, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 26, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – May 26, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 26, 2016.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Cold River Advisory Committee Meeting – April 28, 2016;
• Walpole Conservation Commission Meeting – May 2, 2016.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

WOOD, Rick and Beverly, 5 Woodland Road, Map & Lot #011-031-000: Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Ricky and Beryl Wood off Walpole Valley Road, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Primex Schedule of Exposures Summary:  Mrs. Downing reported that this is coming together.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that they give the Department Heads until Tuesday and then they will send the summary back to Primex as is.  They can make changes during the course of the year.  An up-date will be done every year.  On July 1^st the Walpole Fire Department will no longer be covered under the Town’s insurance policy for Workers Compensation.  The North Walpole Village District will no longer be covered under the Town’s policy for Property Liability and Workers Compensation insurance coverage.  Primex has submitted insurance packages to both the Walpole Fire Department and the North Walpole Village District.  This change is because they both have different EIN numbers; they are different entities.   At the end of June 2016 Mrs. Downing will request that PLT run a report on what claims are still open for their files.

Hazard Waste and Drinking Water Informational Mailing:  Mrs. Downing will contact Five (5) Maples about a cost to do the bulk mailing.

Employee Policy Handbook Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on this update.

Grant Curbing Gift: Mr. Dalessio left a message for Mr. Boas to return his call to talk about this but he has not yet done so.

NEW BUSINESS:

Thank You Letter from The Community Kitchen, Inc.:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Thank You letter from The Community Kitchen, Inc. for their gift of $1,000.00.  In their letter they advised that 1,007 residents from Walpole were provided meals and food boxes during the past year.

Thank You Letter from The American Red Cross of NH and VT Region:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Thank You letter from the American Red Cross of NH and VT Region for the Town’s gift of $2,300.00.

Complete Streets Policy Development Workshop:  A notice was received from the Southwest Regional Planning Commission that there will be a Complete Streets Policy Development Workshop.  Most of this will apply to City of Keene streets.  The Selectboard do not plan to attend.

Native American Clean-up Debriefing Meeting:  Mr. Dalessio cannot attend the clean-up debriefing meeting but Mr. Aldrich will attend.

APC Unit Quote for Tax Collector and Town Clerk’s Office:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the computer battery died in the TC/TX’s office.  He called True North to get it straightened out.  They sent a quote for back-up batteries for all the PCs; it is about $400.00.  The biggest piece is that the back-up on the server is not adequate for the new server so he is looking at options; the cost is about $480.00.  By the next meeting he will have all the details worked out.  The total package should be less than $1,000.00.

Non-DOT Drug Policy:  Mrs. Downing explained that this was a part of the Youth check-list.  Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio wanted more time to review it.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:45 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:20 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 2, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer 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.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:38 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Gazebo:  Mr. Phelps will be asked if he could do the repairs to the Gazebo.

Highway Department:  Mrs. Pschirrer met with the Road Agent today to discuss lights.  He is calling the utility company today.  She asked Mr. Rau to specifically mention the Russell Street lights.  Mrs. Pschirrer also talked to him about a crosswalk by the Drewsville Store but it is on a State road.  The process is that the Selectboard would have to approve it and Petition the State.  Brenda Damaziak at the store would like a crosswalk from the Village Common to the store; the school bus stops on the Common side so she would like the youth to have a safe passage across the road.  It is a dangerous intersection.  Mr. Dalessio noted that Mrs. Damaziak is also having a problem now that the gas pumps have been removed.  Vehicles coming around the corner are cutting the corner short and going across her property.  She is thinking about putting whiskey barrels with flowers out to slow down the traffic.  Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Rau also talked about equipment.  He is going to buy a sprayer when he can; it is less than $4,000.00.  They are also looking for a new mower; right now they are using a homeowner mower.  It was noted that each year for two weeks we rent a roadside mower at a cost of $20,000.00/year.

Selectboard Office:  Mr. Dalessio asked Mr. Kreissle to add a monthly report for Income.  He will look at adding that.  They will then have a good financial report each month.

Walpole Leadership Academy:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that the Walpole Leadership Academy students will be attending the Selectboard meeting next week on Wednesday, June 8^th at 6:00 PM.  The Selectboard will talk about their jobs and what they do.

DARE Program:  Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer will be attending the DARE Program on June 7^th at 11:30 AM.  .

Safety Committee Meeting:  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they need to schedule a Safety Committee meeting.

Staff Meeting:  The next Staff meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 16^th at 5:00 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Sarah Downing forwarded these additional minutes that were no longer being considered sealed minutes. – Lil

TOWN OF WALPOLE

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2

JUNE 8, 2016

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

Call To Order:  Mr. Dalessio called this Non-Public Selectboard Session to order at 8:10 PM.

Reputations:  The Selectboard had received copies of the Engineer’s report on the Vilas Bridge that was done in March 2016.  Mrs. Downing was asked to send a copy to Ms. Cheryl Mayberry.  After Mr. Dalessio read the report he talked to Mr. Mark Houghton about it as he had concerns.  He asked Mr. Houghton if he felt the Town of Rockingham Selectboard and Village of Bellows Falls Trustees would panic after they read the report and Mr. Houghton said he did too.  The bridge is deteriorating a lot faster than they anticipated.  Mr. Houghton is reviewing the emergency plan.  If something would happen they would immediately shut down the sewer flow and transport with trucks to Bellows Falls and/or the second plan is to trench to Green Street where there is a manhole they could connect to and it would go across the Arch Bridge.  He will contact the DES and keep the Selectboard informed.  FairPoint also has cables underneath the bridge.  Mr. Dalessio does not feel they will see much activity on their agreement in the near future.  They do not plan on attending the Rockingham/Bellows Falls Joint Meeting on June 14, 2016.

The Zoning Board of Adjustment will be meeting on Wednesday, June 15^th.  The Walpole Leadership Academy students will be attending this meeting.  Mr. Dalessio will email the Fink letter to Mrs. Pschirrer for delivery to Mrs. Mansouri.

Adjournment:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Non-Public Selectboard Session. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JUNE 8, 2016

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Joseph 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 sixteen people in attendance.

Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard will provide explanations of the various Agenda items, as they are presented, for the Walpole Leadership Academy students.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $305,915.16 for checks dated June 10, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aldrich advised that this includes two distributions to the Walpole Fire District in the amounts of $100,000.00 and $175,000.00.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending June 4, 2016, in the amount of $22,138.11 for checks dated June 10, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,932.99 for the week ending June 4, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 2, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of June 2, 2016, as presented.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – June 2, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 2, 2016, as presented.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

JAMES and KATHLEEN WHITON, 100 March Hill Road, Map & Lot #009-012-002-3:  Mr. Aldrich moved to grant Building Permit No. 2016-24 for James and Kathleen Whiton to “Construct a 24’ x 24’ Garage”, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS and REFUNDS – Property:

SICHLING, 30 Cray Road, North Walpole, Map & Lot #028-124-001:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Notice of Property Tax Abatement Refund in the amount of $1,504.00 for Laura Sichling.  This was billed in error.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT: 

JOANNE L. GAY, 2011 Living Trust, North Walpole, Map & Lot #028-124-001:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Supplemental Tax Warrant, Tax Year 2016 1^st Issue, Town of Walpole, State of New Hampshire, for Gay 2011 Trustee, Joanne L. Gay, Trustee in the amount of $1,504.00.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Hooper Institute Youth Employee Job Descriptions:  Mr. Dalessio noted that the State is watching towns carefully.  Last year we did not have job descriptions for all the youth.  They do a lot of different jobs and are Town employees but their salaries are reimbursed from the Hooper Trust.  Mrs. Eloise Clark provided the job descriptions; copies went to the mentors so they know what the youth can and cannot do.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the job descriptions for the Hooper Institute Youth. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Hazard Waste and Drinking Water – Informational Mailing:  Mrs. Downing is waiting for a quote for doing the mailing.  Mr. Dalessio advised that the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services requires that the Town send out a notice to all of the people on the water system about the Hazard Waste and Drinking Water.  It gives helpful tips on protecting the water.

Employee Policy Handbook Update: Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that they have a meeting coming up on June 14^th at 8:30 AM.  Mr. Dalessio said this is a large project as the Employee Policy Handbook had not been up-dated in a number of years.  When it was written the last time not all the Department Directors were invited to participate.

Grant Curbing Gift:  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they are still looking into this.  The gift was for materials to extend the granite from the church to the Boas driveway but the job itself is expensive for the installation.  The person knows we may give the gift back.  The Selectboard will take one more look at the project to see if they can find someone to do it.  Restoring the landscaping is expensive.

Town of Walpole Non-DOT Drug Testing Policy: The Selectboard has not yet looked thoroughly at this.  This policy turned up but they had not seen it before.

Gazebo Repairs: Mrs. Downing reported that Mr. Phelps will create a quote this week.  A donation for a maintenance fund had been given to the Town to make repairs.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that the flags are getting torn up so they should be replaced.

NEW BUSINESS:

Oath of Office – Dean Wright, Full-time Police Officer:  Mr. Dalessio announced that it is a pleasure to let people know that we have hired Dean Wright as a full-time Police Officer.  He had been working part-time for the department for some time and is certified.  Officer Noah Sanctuary who had been with the department for about three years has resigned and is working for the State Police.  We are not increasing the staff.   It costs about $9,000.00 to get an officer certified therefore it is a benefit to the Town if the officer is certified.

Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Oath Of Office for Dean Wright.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Garland Lumber Co. – Contract Extension:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Timber Sale Agreement Extension between the Town of Walpole and Garland Lumber Co., Inc. pertaining to the sale of stumpage from the Walpole Watershed Town Forest; it was entered into on November 2014 and is extended to expire on March 31, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Responding to a question Mr. Aldrich advised that they started this harvest last year but could not complete it because the ground thawed sooner than anticipated.  This extends the agreement by one year.

Town of Walpole Facebook Page:  Mr. Aldrich talked about creating a Facebook page.  He feels there are three levels:  1) Have it operate as a bulletin board; 2) Have it for private messages; and 3) Comments are allowed.  He asked for opinions on how they would like to see it.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked how it would be an advantage because we have a web-site.  Mr. Aldrich feels a Facebook page would be easier to maintain; it is a place to communicate.  He wanted to have the discussion.  A student felt it is okay to post controversial items but not offensive ones. Mrs. Pschirrer has reservations about doing it at all.  She would rather focus on our web-site.  Mr. Dalessio is the operator of the web-site but it is a great opportunity for somebody to volunteer to take it over.  It is easy to maintain.  Following the discussion Mr. Dalessio suggested that they hold-off on the Facebook page for now.  The concern is that there will be too many places where there is information and it all has to be maintained.  It might be a good place for the Leadership Academy to test it and see what they can do with it.

Citizen’s Report Form – Town Clerk/Tax Collector Hour Information: Mr. Dalessio noted that another thing the Selectboard instituted about a year ago was a Citizen’s Report Form.  If someone calls in or comes to the window and is not happy about something their report will go on one of these forms.  It allows the Selectboard to track the issue through its process.  Each month they look through the binder to see what the status is until it is resolved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer 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 7:15 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:23 PM.

OLD BUSINSS (Continued):

JACK and NANCY NEARY:  Mr. and Mrs. Jack Neary submitted a proposal to the Selectboard for their consideration as a safer alternative on Pleasant Street.  Mr. Dalessio explained that the Town is working on Pleasant Street to replace the old water main; it will then be re-paved.  The sidewalks on the south side of the street were in deplorable condition.  The question came up as to what to do with the sidewalks.  A meeting was held on the street with all the neighbors, unfortunately Mr. and Mrs. Neary could not be there due to a medical emergency, and a decision was made to take out the sidewalks and widen the street.  Mr. and Mrs. Neary would like to see the sidewalks restored but it is not in the picture at the moment therefore Mr. Neary is proposing that they put a “No Parking” sign on the north side so vehicles do not park on both sides of the street.  There should be some striping of lines marking a walking area adjacent to the lawn on the north side.  Mr. Dalessio feels they should discuss this proposal with Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent, and Police Chief Paquette.  They will get back to Mr. and Mrs. Neary as it appears to be a good idea.

Mr. Dalessio advised that this concludes the Public meeting.  The time was 7:39 PM.  He looks forward to seeing the Walpole Leadership Academy students at the Planning Board meeting on June 14, 2016.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:42 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:62 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 8, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will return to their meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:08 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING #2:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:21 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of June 8, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Walpole Planning Board

Town Hall

June 12, 2016 Minutes

7 pm

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

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

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

Roll Call: There was a quorum of members so no one was needed to fill in.

Minutes: Mr. R. Miller made one correction to the May minutes. On page 3 the word “question” should be changed to “motion.” A motion was made to accept the May 2016 minutes as amended. The motion was seconded and the board unanimously agreed.

Old Business: Public Hearing for Eric Frink, 131 Merriam Road, Town Map 3, Lot 54, Rural/Agricultural District. Mr. Frink is in the process of getting a Federal Firearms License to sell     firearms from his home. He received a Special Exception from the Zoning Board with certain         conditions and was before the Planning Board to get a recommendation from the Board. 

Mr. Frink explained to the Board that he wanted to sell firearms to his family and friends from his home. He did not plan to advertise, would not have a shooting range, would limit his customers to 20 customers a month and would not advertise. He received a conditional special exception from the Zoning Board last month and was looking from a recommendation from the Planning Board. 

Mr. Miller said the motion would be for a recommendation of not a recommendation for Frink to sell firearms from his home.

Mr. Aldrich said that there are eight conditions that the Zoning Board put in their approval. Most of these things are not enforceable. Number 1, operating from his house from 9-5 on Saturday and Sunday. “That’s fine,” Mr. Aldrich said. Conditions:

2. Federal and state permits must be obtained and approval of the Walpole police chief is required. Mr. Aldrich said, “I just renewed my FFL and I have a form and take it to the police and check yes or no. I checked yes and a copy is made. The police chief doesn’t sign anything.”
3. If any of these permits are amended, suspended or renewed, the change must be filed with ZBA. ”I renewed my license and I didn’t let the ZBA know. I don’t think the ZBA has any jurisdiction of my FFL license. That’s controlled by the federal government and the state of New Hampshire.”
4. No more than 20 customers sales per month. “I had 40 sales this month. Mr. Frink might have one sale on a Saturday and sell 18 more the next day on the Internet and ship them out.” Mr. Aldrich asked how can you keep track of that? “Who’s going to go up and count the vehicles in his yard.”
5. No unsold inventory. Mr. Aldrich said, “The inventory is what he’s purchased, it was sold to him. The Alstead Gun shop had unsold inventory and when someone comes into buy a gun, it becomes sold.
6. No advertising of firearms or ammunition. Mr. Aldrich said, “It’s been covered all up and down the Connecticut River Valley and probably to the Seacoast by now.  It’s been in the Clarion, The Walpolean, minutes have been posted.”
7. No firing range for customers can exist on the property. Mr. Aldrich said, “I have a firing range behind my house. Any one can shoot on my firing range. My neighbors.  Mr. Frink has some 77 acres and if he decides go out and shoot a gun, he’s entitled to so do if he does it safely. I don’t think that can be enforced.”

8. Operations cannot be changed or expanded without returning to the ZBA for permission.” That’s OK by me.”

Mr. Aldrich said all these things are covered by federal and state laws and he didn’t see how any of them could be enforced by the ZBA.

Mr. J. Miller said he agreed with Mr. Aldrich‘s comments but the matter is out of the Planning Board hands. The Zoning Board agreed to these conditions. If Mr. Frink has the same concerns as Mr. Aldrich, he has the right to appeal the decision and to a rehearing. The Planning Board recommends or not recommends.

Mr. Dalessio asked if the special exception was in rural/agriculture district and wondered why he needed a site plan. He said Frink didn’t need a site plan. It wasn’t required.

Mr. Miller said the ZBA asked Mr. Frink to come here to vote on a recommendation or not a recommendation.  It’s part of the criteria to have a nonbinding recommendation from the Planning Board.

Mr. Marcom made  motion to recommend.  Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Lot Line Adjustment – Aquilla Gorton request for Public Hearing for a Lot Line Adjustment, Town Map 8, Lot 118-1 and annex one-tenth acre from Lot 119 to make a total acreage of 11 acres.

Mr. Gorton said he wants this Lot Line Adjustment for his heirs so there can one be building lot and the possibility of the rest in current use.

One lot belongs to Mr. Gorton and the other to a sister-in-law of Mrs. Gorton. Mr. Gorton said he was waiting for the surveyor and the surveyor may not get back to him until August.  He needs the surveyor map and Mylar for the Public Hearing. The secretary will keep in touch with Mr. Gorton. The Board made a motion to hold a Public Hearing in August and if the maps are not ready then to extend the hearing to the following month.  The motion was seconded and approved by the entire Board. 

New Business:

            Lot Line Adjustment Map 20, Lot 76    .

Ms. Cindy Westover and Dr. Chuck Shaw were representing the Congregational Church. The abutting property to the east is owned by Walpole Chocolate LLC and there is a row of pine trees. The land is in back of Walpole Chocolate and in back of the Congregational Church. The church has been taking care of the property and the church council is now asking the owners of Walpole Chocolate to donate ownership of that 60-foot-by-123-foot space to the Congregational Church and annex the property up to the row of pine trees. Ms. Westover said she is getting an appraisal of the property, which the church will acknowledge as a donation. The owners of Walpole Chocolate are willing to donate this piece of property. Dr. Shaw is organizing the survey.

Ms. Westover asked what was needed.  Mr. J. Miller said three copies of the map and a Mylar. An application has to be filled out and a fee for a Lot Line Adjustment plus $8.00 for each abutter.

Ms. Westover requested a Public Hearing for a Lot Line Adjustment for the second Tuesday in July.  A motion was made to hold such a hearing, it was seconded and unanimously approved by the Board.

Northcott brothers, Dan and Ben, known as the Fuzzy Brothers, were before the Planning Board to discuss the change of use in the property they recently purchased at 15 Saw Mill Lane. The entire lot is 105 acres.                                                                     

            Mr. Ben Northcott said that he had a letter showing a new driveway permit and a letter from the Walpole Fire Department recommending that the apartment be removed from the shop area for safety reasons. The apartment dwellers will move to a house on the property. They will also use a shed as storage. In its place, the former apartment will be an office. The barns on the property will now be used to repair and store large equipment. He also talked to the Road Agent and since the house and the shop will now have their own driveways, he recommended that the addresses now be Old Cheshire Turnpike.

This lot Northcott was talking about had been subdivided before. The current driveway will not be used and the entrances into the barns will be from the back. That’s where the shop work and storage of large equipment  will be. The barns are abutted by field and pasture on one side that is sometimes used by Fall Mountain students for their cows. It will stay as farmland and the field is hayed by Chris Gowdy. Parking will be in an area between the buildings. Much of the property is wooded.

Regarding a fence – it would start from the back side and go across beyond the small shed. There would be a fence up to the driveway. He said he would prefer not to put a gate unless it’s required. It would be a 15-foot-opening. Some areas are already wooded but one area where trees are sick and dying may need to be fenced as well.

He said the only area where people can see is in up the driveways. They are not looking at changing any of the buildings. The cost would be the fence and painting the buildings.

The company is called Cheney Hill Realty. The company that would be storing equipment is Fuzzy Brothers LLC.

Ms. Myra Mansouri said her concern was people getting onto the property. Kids get curious, she said.

Mr. B. Northcott said it is a long way into the property and to fence it off entirely would be difficult because of the terrain. He said he could post signs. The location of the house is 50 feet higher and on an old gravel bank . The barns are about 150 feet off the road. Currently if you go by you’ll see a lot of junk left from the saw mill. The person renting now is a logger so he has his skidder.

Mr. Dalessio said, anything you do will be an improvement. Painting is a good idea for a start. He also said he was not opposed to trees as a fence. Mr. B. Northcott said they could put in some Christmas trees and that would block it year round and be more pleasant to look at.

There have been a few neighbors who use the property for four wheelers, which has been bothersome. The current tenant has been good at keeping them off. “Our thought is the same as his and we don’t want four wheelers,” Mr. B. Northcott said. A ski mobile trail would be alright.

Mr. B. Northcott asked if would be appropriate to post. He doesn’t want to post the entire property but just where they are working could be posted. Board members suggested signs such as Private Property would be sufficient.

The calculated cost would be $500 – $600. There was a question whether or not a Site Plan was applicable. Mr. Miller suggested he be put on the agenda for a continued preliminary discussion about the checklist and whether or not some items could be waived. Mr. B. Northcott said he would be there.

Mr. Dalessio asked about lighting. Mr. B. Northcott said just the opposite. He taking out lighting and there would be no signage.

Workshop meeting

Mr J. Miller asked the Board if it wanted to meet the 4^th Tuesday. The Board agreed and voted to have a general workshop.

Mr. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn at 8:45 pm. The motion was seconded and passed by the Board.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine