Memorial Day Parade – 5/30/16

Thank you to Sarah Downing for sending the following information.  It seems like every year someone asks me if I know what time the parade begins and I am never sure.  Now we will all know! – Lil

 

Memorial Day Parade starts at 11:30am at the corner of Union and Main streets with the ceremony on the Common starting at approximately 11:40am.  Whit Aldrich said the ceremonies should be end around noon.

I noticed in the Selectboard meeting minutes that Peggy Pschirrer has been asked to be the speaker. – Lil

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 5/12/16

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MAY 12, 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 three people in attendance.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

The regular meeting resumed at 6:50 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of May 12, 2016, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $45,538.74 for checks dated May 13, 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 07, 2016, in the amount of $24,317.91 for checks dated May 13, 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 $5,330.23 for the week ending May 07, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 5, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of May 5, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – May 5, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 5, 2016, as submitted.  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:

  • North Walpole Village District, Board of Commissioners – May 3, 2016;
  • Walpole Planning Board – April 12, 2016;
  • Walpole Planning Board Workshop – April 26, 2016;
  • Walpole Planning Board – May 10, 2016;
  • Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment – March 16, 2016;
  • Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment – April 20, 2016.

 

 

ABATEMENTS and REFUNDS – Property:

GLEN and LAURA MADDEN, 74 Hayes Road, Map & Lot #013-003-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Notice of Property Tax Refund for the Tax Year 2015 in the amount of $169.39 for Glenn and Laura Madden.  The cause for the Refund is an overpayment on property tax billing.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Appointments – Conservation Commission:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Duncan Watson to the Conservation Commission for a three year term.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Jackie Kensen to the Conservation Commission for a three year term.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Town Hall Rental Income ReportsMr. Dalessio had asked to take a look at the Town Hall rental reports.  Mr. Kreissle created the rental figures; it was a great effort on everyone’s part to provide this information.  In 2015 the Town generated $8,635.00 from rentals.  The question is how much time Mr. Jerry Brady spent cleaning-up.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended that when they re-consider the rental agreement it will include the new tables and chairs.  They will also start to use the new chairs for regular meetings.

Safety Inspection of December 11, 2016 – Closure LetterMr. Dalessio reported that after the first visit by the Safety Inspector they worked to correct the violations.  The staff did a great job.  On his second visit the inspector found a few additional issues.  They have all been taken care of.  The inspector will be so notified of this; he is welcome back at any time to check on them.

Forest Fire Reports/BillsMr. Dalessio talked to Mr. Mark Houghton about the Forest Fire Reports/Bills.  In the past the Town used to pay the Fire District but now they wait until the Town gets reimbursed by the State before it goes to the Fire District.  The new State forms will be obtained and used.

Barbeque Pit Reservation Form: A copy of the new BBQ Reservation form that was drafted by Mrs. Edkins was reviewed.  It follows the same format as the one used by Hubbard, LLC.  A decision needs to be made for fees.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the BBQ form with rules and regulations and the following fees:

  • $25.00 for a lost key or lock;
  • $100.00 for a rack that needs to be replaced;
  • $75.00 for a clean-up.

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

Mr. Dalessio mentioned that they had talked about roping off the BBQ area from the Hubbard property.  The Highway Department will be asked to do this when they have time in their schedule.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that even though we have a legal right-of-way to the pool Hubbard, LLC would still be using the building therefore they would like the same agreement for a shared driveway as it was for many years.

Employee Policy Handbook UpdateMrs. Pschirrer will continue to work on this update.

 

Grant Curbing GiftMrs. Pschirrer advised that they expected a quote today but it did not come in.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Thank You Letter from YMCA Camp Takodah:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a Thank You letter from the Meeting Waters YMCA for the appropriation of $700.00 for Camp Takodah.

Southwest Region Planning Commission Highlights:  A letter was received from the SWRPC on their Commission Highlights.

Southwest Region Planning Commission – Annual Meeting Invitation – June 14, 2016:  An invitation was received from the SWRPC to attend their annual meeting on June 14, 2016.  If interested contact Mrs. Downing who will make the reservations. 

Complete Streets Event – May 20, 2016: The Monadnock Alliance for Sustainable Transportation, the Bike-Walk Alliance of New Hampshire and Transport NH sent an invitation to attend a Complete Streets Information Session and tour to learn about how Complete Streets can benefit New Hampshire communities.  It focuses on the streets in Keene.  If interested in attending contact Mrs. Downing who will make the reservations.

Whitewater Boating Flow Assessment for the Bellows Falls Hydroelectric Dam: Information was received on comments made to FERC by the American Whitewater, Appalachian Mountain Club and New England FLOW in response to the Relicensing Study 31: Whitewater Boating Flow Assessment – Bellows Falls and Sumner Falls.  No response is needed from the Town.

Disability Tax Exemption: Mrs. Downing reported that the Town does not have a Disability Tax Exemption.  There is a Tax Exemption for Blindness in the amount of $15,000.00 as voted in 1986.

Maintenance PersonMr. Dalessio advised that the Maintenance employee is resigning due to personal reasons.  The Selectboard is interested in hiring another individual who will come in on an as-needed basis to do projects.

Zoning Board of Adjustment Mr. Ernie Vose has resigned from the ZBA.  The Selectboard wishes him the best for his future activities and thanks him for many years as a member of the ZBA.  Mr. Vose will continue as the Town’s Moderator.

Mrs. Mansouri, Chair of the ZBA, advised that Mrs. Judy Trow who had been ZBA Secretary back in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, then took a break for family reasons, is now back as a ZBA Alternate member.  Mrs. Mansouri talked to her and she is interested in being appointed as a regular ZBA member.  Mrs. Trow will see Mrs. Sandra Smith to get sworn-in.  She will fill the balance of Mr. Vose’s term.  Mrs. Mansouri is working on two alternate members.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. 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 meeting was recessed at 7:25 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:36 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

 

Revolving Funds:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign the Savings Bank of Walpole Government / Municipal / Public Funds Bonding Resolution for the two Revolving Funds for the Police Department and Recreation Department.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:38 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 5/18/16

Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment

Minutes: May 18, 2016

Walpole Town Hall

7:30 pm.

 

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

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the June 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 four board members.

Minutes of April:  Mr. Anderson made one correction – the letter “w” to “s” in the sixth paragraph on the first page changing the word “well” to “sell.” Ms. Leclerc made a motion to accept the April minutes as corrected and Ms. Lester seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Ms. Mansouri said that Ms. Judy Trow has accepted the position as a board member and has been sworn in. Mr. Tom Murray, the newly appointed alternate, was in the audience as he hadn’t been sworn in yet.

Old Business:

            Enokido Public Hearing for a variance for an accessory building: Ms. Mansouri said the hearing would be held next month. Ms. Enokido and Mr. Crouse decided that since there would be a quorum of four, which could result in a tie, they preferred to wait until next month when there is a full board. Also, they would be unable to attend this meeting.

 

Old Business:

            Public Hearing for Special Exception for Mr. Eric Frink, 131 Merriam Road, Map 3, Lot 54.  Rural /Agricultural District, Ordinance VIII, Part C. Mr. Frink has applied for a Federal   Firearms License. He was at the meeting at the request of Mr. Thiery Soucy, an investigator for the Bureau of Firearms, Alcohol and Tobacco.

Ms. Mansouri said Mr. Frink went before the Planning Board last Tuesday and they said the Planning Board would have a Public Hearing next month.

Mr. Frink brought along the tome of rules and regulations he must follow if he gets a license. Mr. Vose asked that he do so at the last meeting.

Ms. Mansouri asked why Mr. Frink felt he should get a special exception and read why he felt he met the criteria.

Mr. Frink said because there would be 20 or fewer customers per month. There will not be any hazard to health, safety or property value. Everyone in the neighborhood is familiar with firearms. There would be no noise, odor or excessive traffic. He repeated that he was only selling to friends and family. There would be no advertising, signs and no need to worry about parking. “One or two cars in the neighborhood won’t even be noticed,” he said. “I’m doing it for profit.”

One abutter was at the meeting, Mr. Roger Bienvenu. He said he just wanted to see what was going on.

Later he asked if anyone had been up on Merriam Road. Mr. Anderson said he had driven up there and Ms. Mansouri said she had been there before.                                                                       1.

On the special exception form Mr. Frink said that his house is 1,500 feet from the road and 50 feet or more from side boundaries.

Mr. Murray asked if the was going to have a gun range for people who buy guns to test their new weapon. Mr. Frink said “no.”

He said he sometimes shoots in his yard sometimes at his home. Ms. Mansouri asked if needed to be a certain distance from someone’s house. Mr. Frink said he’s well within that distance. The next property from the back of the house is over half a mile away. There are five houses on the road where he lives.

Ms. Lester asked if he was doing it during the day. Mr. Frink said it would be more like “by appointment.”

Mr. Frink said he didn’t consider it retail because he’s not going to have lots of guns to sell at his house. Ms. Lester said is it like mail order? Mr. Frink said “yes.” He would order a firearm from a wholesaler and someone would pick it up on the weekend. “That’s basically how Amazon started,” Ms. Lester said.

Ms. Mansouri asked who delivers. Mr. Frink said UPS. He has to sign for the delivery. If he isn’t there, the UPS person leaves a printed note and he can pick up the item at the UPS warehouse in Keene.

Ms. Lester asked if he had thought about US mail. Mr. Frink said he would rather not use that service.

Ms. Mansouri said the Planning Board said that the Zoning Board could grant the special exception and with their recommendation, he would be approved. But the board could put limits on the approval such as hours of operation, no firing range. Mr. Anderson added limits on 20 customers a month. His concern was that he would be operating out of his house and he didn’t want the business to get too big.

Mr. Anderson made a motion that the Board approve the special exception subject to a Planning Board recommendation to allow firearms be sold by Eric Frink from his home at 131 Merriam Road in Walpole in the rural/agricultural district with the following conditions:

  1. Operating hours would be Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
  2. Federal and state permits must be obtained. Approval of the Walpole police chief is required.
  3. If any of these permits are amended, suspended or renewed, the change must be filed with the Zoning Board of Adjustment in Walpole.
  4. No more than 20 customer sales per month.
  5. No unsold inventory will be held on the property.
  6. No advertising of firearms or ammunition will be performed.
  7. No firing range for customers can exist on the property.
  8. Operations cannot be changed or expanded without returning to the Zoning Board of Adjustment for its permission. If any of those conditions are changed, you would have to come back to the Zoning Board for a review.

Ms. Lester seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.

Mr. Frink asked if the Board could notify Mr. Soucy. Ms. Mansouri asked the secretary to notify Mr. Soucy of the US  Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of the outcome of this Public Hearing.  She also asked Mr. Frink if when he gets his licenses to make a copy and give them to the secretary. Mr. Frink said he would do so. He said it may take four months or so.                                                                                 

Signage for the Savings Bank of Walpole: Ms. Martha Curtis said that the sign did not block the Ames Plaza sign until a car gets about 30 feet away. They will either correct the problem or forget about the sign. Ms. Mansouri  asked about pictures. The secretary did not receive any.

Site Walk Minutes:  Ms. Mansouri said these were comments by Barry Bellows. Corrections were the word “proposed” before accessory building should be added in paragraph three.  In the same paragraph, last sentence insert the word “is: after the word It.  In paragraph five, add an  “e” to the word your. The minutes were approved as corrected by Ms. Lester, seconded by Ms. Leclerc. The motion passed.

Matrix: Ms. Mansouri said that  the Board will discuss the Matrix, which is a flow chart that describes the steps of a variance and special exception, when Ms. Trow returns.

Junkyards: Ms Mansouri asked the Board what they wanted to do about junkyards. Ms. Lester said she was busy with work until the school year ended. So, it was decided to revisit junkyards in July.

RSA books: Ms. Mansouri distributed copies of the new RSA book.

Northcott Public Hearing: the secretary reminded the Board that they voted to hold a Public Hearing in June for Ben Northcott to use the property he was buying for winter storage and repair of equipment.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 5/5/16

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MAY 5, 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 eight people in attendance.

BUILDING PERMITS:

PAMELA S. HOWARD LIVING TRUST, 21 Colonial Drive, Map & Lot #021-041-001Mr. and Mrs. David Howard were present.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept Building Permit No. 2016-15 for Pamela S. Howard Living Trust / David and Pamela Howard to construct a “Single family residence with attached garage”, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CHRIS RICCI, 88 March Hill, Map & Lot #009-012-002-001:  Mr. Aldrich moved to accept Building Permit No. 2016-16 for Chris Ricci to add a “24’ x 32’ Great Room Addition”, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DEMOLITION PERMIT:

BRUCE R. CARRUTHERS and GEORGE D. CHENEY, 22-26 School Street, Map & Lot #019-057-000:  Mr. Carruthers and Mr. Cheney were present.

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that a concern is if there is asbestos that it be handled properly.  Mr. Cheney has an appointment scheduled for May 17th with Mr. David Mack from the Southwest Region Planning Commission.  It appears there is none but they have made arrangements with Catamont for removal of any asbestos and Bazin Brothers for the demolition of the building.  Mrs. Pschirrer requested that if there is any asbestos or any high risk material that they submit a report to the office for the Town records.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Demolition Permit Mo. 2016-17 for Bruce R. Carruthers and George D. Cheney to “Demolish Old School House Apartment Building and second apartment house at rear of property” , as submitted and that a final report be filed with the Town which includes if any asbestos or other high risk material was found on the site and, if so, how it was handled by Catamont Removal Company and Bazin Brothers.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $260,167.45 for a tax lien check issued on May 4, 2016 and $15,015.22 for checks dated May 6, 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 April 30, 2016, in the amount of $16,868.51 for checks dated May 6, 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 $4,988.35 for the week ending April 30, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 27, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 27, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – April 27, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 27, 2016, as submitted.  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:

  • Walpole Conservation Commission – April 4, 2016;
  • Cold River Local Advisory Committee – March 31, 2016;
  • North Walpole Village District, Board of Commissioners – April 19, 2016;
  • Walpole Cemetery Trustees – Resumed May 2, 2016.

Walpole Conservation Commission:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the WCC did receive $25,000.00 for the Current Use change from the Avanru Development Group.  They questioned if they would be receiving another check but there are no additional Current Use Funds going to them at this time.  It has to be paid in the year that it is charged.  If the payment comes in late it does not go to the Conservation Commission but stays with the Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that the money received from the Hooper property timber cut goes to the Hooper Fund.

North Walpole Village District:  The Board of Commissioners referenced the article in the Eagle-Times but no information was provided to the Eagle-Times by the Selectboard and the Selectboard has no stance on the Vilas Bridge.  Mr. Dalessio contacted Commissioner O’Brien on the Commonwealth Construction alleged saw dust emission and he apologized for not informing the North Walpole Commissioners first.

Walpole Cemetery Trustees:  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that there are several references to the Cemetery Trusts in their meeting Minutes. They get copies of the Trust every month therefore she asked that they pay close attention to the budget and how much money they have to spend.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

  1. ROBERT MILLER: Mr. Dalessio thanked Mr. Bob Miller for coming in to make a report on the Southwest Region Planning Commission meeting he recently attended. Both Mr. Bob Miller from the Planning Board and Mr. Bob Anderson from the Zoning Board attended the SWRPC meeting.  Mr. Miller distributed copies of “NHMA (New Hampshire Municipal Association) – Municipal Sign Ordinances – U.S. Supreme Court Decision – Reed v. Town of Gilbert, AZ.  Because the Town of Gilbert sign code placed stricter limits on temporary events signs but more freely allowed ideological and political signs – despite the fact that all three sign types have the same effect on traffic safety and community aesthetics – the code failed the narrow tailoring requirement of strict scrutiny.  Municipalities should review their sign codes carefully.  The handout suggests possible Sign Code changes. The Supreme Court became involved with the signage issue. Mr. Miller does not feel that the Town’s Zoning regulations have any bias in them.  Mr. Dalessio noted that the Site Plan document does not cover signs but it does cover lighting; somewhere that needs to be corrected.   The Sign Ordinance wants the lights to come up and the Site Plan wants the lighting to point down; they should not contradict each other.
  2. Mr. Miller also distributed “2016 SB 146 – Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)”.   The Legislature has passed SB 146 and the Governor signed the bill which goes into  effective July 2017.  It  gives municipalities extra time to amend their zoning ordinances.  The Obligations and Options Under SB 146 were listed.  They were reviewed and discussed at this meeting.  There is a need to pay attention to ways that the existing facility has the capacity to take on additional ADUs.  The creation of ADUs will help people to age in place, and it will create a greater supply of housing for the young professionals we want to live here.  The Selectboard feels they need to address this as a community; they should stay with a common foundation.

 

  1. MARK HOUGHTON: Mr. Houghton and the Selectboard will be attending the Special Meeting of the Village of Bellows Falls on Tuesday, May 31st, 2016, at the Rockingham Town Hall when the renewal Wastewater Agreement will be signed between the Village of Bellows Falls and the Town of Walpole. The Vilas Bridge is also an Agenda item.
  2. Mr. Houghton and Mr. Rau need to schedule a meeting with the residents on Pleasant Street to talk about the water main replacement project.  Some residents asked about having the meeting right on the street rather than the Town Hall.  Mr. Houghton would like the Selectboard to attend.  A possible date will be Wednesday, May 25th at 6:00 PM.  The rain date will be Friday, May 27th at 6:00 PM.  They would like to begin the project a little before school starts.  There will be disruption on the street.
  3. Mr. Houghton has had email trouble with Mr. Dalessio and the Town Hall.  He wanted to talk about the gas stove in the kitchen.  He feels they have been running out of gas because of the usage.  Options to save on gas, having a larger gas tank, etc. were discussed.  Safety is an issue. Mr. Houghton suggested that they could do a propane alarm with Countryside Alarms; it would be tied into the alarm system.  The Selectboard approved having him take care of this.  Mr. Dalessio summarized that we continue to leave the pilot lights on but have Mr. Houghton put in a lock out valve.  There is a microwave in the kitchen.
  4. Mr. Houghton pointed out that the next time there is a water and/or sewer rate increase it should be published in the Clarion and put on the web-site.

ABATEMENTS AND REFUNDS – Property:

HARRY A. BERNARD, 69 High Street, Map & Lot #021-024-001:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $10.04 for Harry A. Bernard.  The cause of the refund is an overpayment on property tax billing.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

JAMES F. MORT, 105 Brewery Road, Map & Lot #014-011-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $8.68 for James F. Mort.  The cause of refund is overpayment on property tax billing.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PETER and ELIZABETH ROOS, 82 Elm Street, Map & Lot #019-022-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $65.71 for Peter and Elizabeth Roos.  The cause of refund is overpayment on property tax billing.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

DELIA M. BLANCHARD, 258 Valley Road, Map & Lot #013-011-000: Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $10.18 for Delia M. Blanchard.  The cause of refund is overpayment on property tax billing.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS and REFUNDS – Water / Sewer:

WILLIAM REED, JR., 60 Main Street, Map & Lot #020-046-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Notice of Water/Sewer Abatement in the amounts of $191.52 for Water and $159.35 for Sewer for William Reed, Jr.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DUSSAULT PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, 47 Church St., Map & Lot #028-076-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Notice of Water/Sewer Abatement in the amounts of $6.08 for Interest and $101.30 for Sewer for Dussault Property Management.  Cause of Abatement is double billing at time house was sold.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ELDERLY TAX EXEMPTION:

JOHN LAZZARO, 376 Old Keene Road, Map & Lot #007-026-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the application for a Property Tax Elderly Exemption for John Lazzaro.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

APPOINTMENTS – Duncan Watson for Conservation Commission:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to put this appointment on-hold until the next meeting.

Revolving Account for Police and Recreation Departments:  The Selectboard signed the bank forms that Mr. Goins brought in for the Revolving Accounts for the Police and Recreation Departments.

Application for Renewal of Groundwater Management Permit:  The Selectboard signed in the area where the signature was missing from the application for Renewal of Groundwater Management Permit.

Employee Policy Handbook Update:  This is a work in-progress.

Grant Curbing Gift: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Blanc and Bailey will be giving an estimate.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Forest Fire Reports/Bills:  Mr. Aldrich moved to authorize the Chair, Mr. Steven Dalessio, to sign the following Forest Fire Reports/Bills:

  • May 3, 2016 – Alstead – Route 12A – $1,579.99
  • April 30, 2016 – Alstead Route 12A – $1,934.80
  • April 29, 2016 – Langdon – Meany Road – $256.38
  • April 25, 2016 – Alstead – Alstead Center Road – $58.65
  • April 21, 2016 – Stoddard – $803.23
  • April 22, 2016 – Stoddard – $490.87
  • April 17, 2016 – Stoddard – $935.32
  • April 29, 2016 – Alstead – South Woods Road – $990.40
  • April 20, 2016 – Charlestown – Old Cheshire Turnpike – $93.58

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

WDDC Support Letter: Last week the Selectboard received a letter from the Southwest Region Planning Commission requesting that the Town of Walpole support a clean-up of the Central Plating Company at 12 Westminster Street.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the letter of support to the Southwest Region Planning Commission for the clean-up on the Central Plating Company property at 12 Westminster Street.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Renewal of ERZ Certification:  A letter was received from the NH Department of Resources and Economic Development advising that they are reviewing the current status of previously designated ERZs subject to 5 year reviews and is asking the Town if the designated ERZ(s) should remain in the current ERZ tax credit program.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to renew the ERZ(s) for the following areas and to authorize Mrs. Sarah Downing to sign the document as the contact person.

  • Industrial Park Road Zone (approved 12/09)
  • Meadows Along Main Commercial/Industrial Zone (approved 12/09)
  • Whitcomb-Lane Construction Zone (approved 12/09)
  • Walpole Downtown Commercial Zone (approved (12/09)

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

National Grid – Re: Utility Maintenance and Repair Project:  A letter was received from National Grid advising that they will be doing routine maintenance and repair projects along their rights-of-ways in Walpole.

NH Department of Transportation: Red List Bridges Report and ListsMr. Dalessio mentioned that the Town received a letter from the NH Department of Transportation on the 2015 Red Listed Bridges.  A copy will be sent to Mr. Michael Rau, Road Agent.  Mrs. Pschirrer said the Town might be able to do the repairs ourselves to the bridge on March Hill Road by using a State form “Permit By Notification”.  This does not need a permit from the Department of Environmental Services.  Mr. Dalessio is receiving comments about the culvert on the Old Drewsville Road.  The road is now posted so farmers have to go way around to get to their fields.  They are asking that it be fixed soon.

Barbeque Pit Reservation Form: Mrs. Downing advised that the office is beginning to get requests to use the Barbeque Pit.  Mr. Dalessio suggested that they use the same forms that Hubbard, LLC used and that Mr. Sam Jacobs, the Walpole School and the Congregational Church be notified of the fact that the Town of Walpole is now the owner.   Mr. Ray Boas will be asked to put an article in the Clarion that anybody wanting to use it has to come into this office to fill out the form.  This was a generous gift to the Town from Hubbard, LLC.

Walpole Solid Waste Invoice for Walpole Players:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a bill to the Town of Walpole from the Walpole Solid Waste for the Walpole Players.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that this bill be voided and another one issued and forwarded to the Walpole Players as they are a separate incorporated group.

Selectboard Committee and Board Appointments: Mr. Dalessio had drafted a form and asked Mrs. Downing to change the format to a tri-fold form with the Selectboard Committee and Board Appointments.  The Staff Meetings should be included.

 

Delinquent Property Taxes:  The Selectboard recognized Mrs. Sandra Smith’s efforts in collecting the delinquent property taxes.  At this time no properties will need to be Deeded to the Town.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess the 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 8:40 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:00 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS: 

Memorial Day ServiceMr. Whitney Aldrich asked Mrs. Pschirrer to be the speaker at the Memorial Day service.

Monthly Financial StatementsMr. Dalessio reported that all the departments are now receiving monthly financial statements from Mr. Kreissle.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:09 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the May 5, 2016, Non-Public Selectboard meeting be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Last Minute Addendum regarding the baseball game

The FUN Starts at 4:30PM …… Music, Concessions, Raffle!

Bring your Lawn Chair and your appetite!

5PM Game Time! Hope you can join in this FUN Community Event!

Activities at MEETING HOUSE WEST LLC

Janet Wilson has shared a number of things that are happening at Meeting West, LLC.  Gives us courage that the weather really is taking a turn for the better! – Lil

 

Formerly called the Hooper Golf Club, the newly formed Meeting House West has begun activities for the 2016 season!  

Men’s Thursday League: Play starts at 5:15 PM. They have already started and still need players to sign up for the sub list.

Wednesday Morning men’s group:  Play starts at 8:00 AM. All men welcome.

Ladies Twilight League: Begins Wednesday, June 1st, at 5:15, shotgun start.

Tuesday Morning ladies’ group: Begins May 31st, 9:00 AM. Please sign up by Monday prior to day of play.

The Tournament Committee is being formed to have a full schedule of events for the season. If you have not joined, please do so ASAP.

 

MEMORIAL WEEKEND SPECIAL!!

May 27th to May 31st

18 holes with a cart     $30.00

9 holes with a cart       $15.00

18 holes walking         $20.00

9 holes walking           $10.00

YARD SALE
SATURDAY, MAY 21
238 March Hill Road
Walpole
8 am to 1 pm
Household items, lg. dog crate,
ping-pong table, many more

 

An Exciting New Way to Support the Walpole Town Library

Do you shop online @Amazon?

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support the Friends of the Walpole Town Library every time you shop at Amazon, and at no cost to you!  When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the same shopping experience as you do on Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate 0.5% of the value of your purchase to the Walpole Library.

Whether you currently have an Amazon.com account or not, just go to:

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/45-3910850 to select the Friends of the Walpole Town Library.  Then every time you want to shop on Amazon, you just go to smile.amazon.com (instead of Amazon.com), and your purchases will support the library.  Many purchases by many people over time add up to a big benefit for our library.  Please spread the word to friends and family.

Thank you for supporting the Friends of the Walpole Town Library!

From the Friends of the Library

Huge Thank You from The Friends Of The Walpole Library

Thank you to the Walpole community for your generous support of our recent Plant Sale on May 7.  Whether you donated plants or came to the sale to purchase plants or helped us in any other way . . . we sincerely appreciate your help in making this a very successful fundraiser!  We made about $1,500 to benefit our wonderful local library!  Thank you so much!

 

The Library Book Sale:  October 28, 29, 30

 

The Friends of the Walpole Library have two major fundraisers each year.  In addition to our plant sale in the spring, we also have a book sale in the fall.  This year the sale will run from Friday, Oct 28 to Sunday, Oct 30 in the Walpole School gym.  Between now and then we need your help with two things:

  • We need your donations of clean, gently used books. Beginning June 8, we will be accepting book donations at the former RN Johnson’s (in bays 14 and 15 to the left of the main building) on Wednesday mornings from 9 – 10, and on Thursday afternoons from 3 – 4.  Please no cassette tapes, VHS tapes or encyclopedias.
  • We also need you help sorting all of these book donations. The book sorting takes place at RN Johnson’s each week during the same hours that we accept donations.  Please see above.  Each year there are many books to sort into categories.  It is an interesting task and one that is more fun with more people participating.

Thank you so much!  Please call Cheryl at 756-4066 with any questions.

 

 

 

First Congregational Church of Walpole is focusing on fun and families in June with a couple of events that might be of interest to kids and their grown ups. You can “like” our church FaceBook page: www.facebook.com/FirstCongregationalWalpoleNH, call us at 756-4075 or email walpolechurch@yahoo.com to learn more about us.
 
Growing a Life of Faith Takes a Hike on Saturday, June 18, 9:30 a.m.
The youth of 1st Congregational invite any area youth age 12-15 and their grown ups to enjoy one of the highlights of outdoor life in New Hampshire: a hike up Mount Monadnock! Rev. Craig and church staffer Karen Kitchen will lead kids and adult helpers up the White Cross trail. Participants should bring a backpack with a bag lunch, snacks and a plenty of water. Sneakers or hiking boots are also a must. The hike itself will take about four hours total and will be challenging at some points, but together we’ll do it and have a great time!
 
We will meet at 9:30 a.m. in front of the church to caravan down to the Mt. Monadnock Visitor Center and the White Cross trail. If people are traveling from Keene or points beyond, you can meet us at the state park’s Visitor Center at 10:30 a.m. Go to www.nhstateparks.org for directions to the Visitor Center and more information about safe hiking on the mountain. We aim to return to Walpole between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. In case of rain or other inclement weather, we will choose an alternate date.
 
Friendly Friday on June 17, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
We hope to take full advantage of a beautiful summer evening to play crazy outdoor games and enjoy some good food and stories of our faith. Wear comfortable clothes (maybe some bug spray too!), bring a side or main dish to share and get ready to have some fun! Families of all kinds are invited to join us. Haven’t been to Friendly Friday in awhile? Come back and bring some friends with you! We’ll fill the Common with some joyful noise on June 17! “Like” the Friendly Fridays FaceBook page: www.facebook.com/FriendlyFridaysWalpole or contact the church for more information.