Serving Walpole, New Hampshire since 2005
I am sure you have seen the blue and white signs asking for out support for the playground project. I was asked, ‘How does one do that?” and I had no answer. Thanks to Amy Ballou, I learned that there is one fun way coming right up. Get your calories and feel good about helping out! She also asked me to remind people that there is information on Facebook (Walpole Playground Project) and she sent me a wealth of information that I will be posting soon. – Lil
Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment
Minutes: April 20, 2016
Walpole Town Hall
7:30 pm.
Present: Board Members: Chair Myra Mansouri, Vice-Chair Jan Galloway Leclerc, Mary Therese Lester, Ernie Vose Clerk, Bob Anderson. Absent: Judy Trow.
Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the May 2016 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.
Roll Call: Ms. Mansouri called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. There was a full board present.
Minutes of March: Corrections were made to the initial spelling of Mr. Crouse’s name and Mr. Jacks, which was changed to Mr. Franks. On page 2, paragraph 7 “off of” large lots was added and on page 5 stricter was changed to less strict. On page 3, call should be changed to the past tense and facilitate is changed to necessitate, page 6 has added “to consider,” line 1. Ms. Vose made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected. Mr. Anderson seconded the motion and the motion was unanimously approved by the Board.
New Business: Mr. Eric Frink, 131 Merriam Rd. has applied for a Federal Firearms License. He was at the meeting at the request of Mr. Terry Soucy, an investigator for the Bureau of Firearms, Alcohol and Tobacco.
Mr. Frink has applied for a Federal Firearms License. He said he is required to have an address in order to get the license. He said he would sell only to friends and family, not have a storefront and not have an inventory.
Ms. Mansouri asked how does he get the firearms. He said he orders them through wholesalers. Then how do you receive the firearms? Ms. Mansouri asked. He answered UPS. She asked what would happen if he were not at his address when the UPS person delivered the firearms. He said he supposed that a UPS man would leave them at his home. Ms. Mansouri said then someone walking by could pick up the package. He said, “yes in theory.”
Ms. Lester asked why couldn’t he pick up the firearm package at the local post office. Mr. Frink said US mail will accept firearms, but many postmasters don’t want to deal with them.
Ms. Lester asked about the process of getting of license. Mr. Frink said Mr. Soucy came to his house and went over a lot of rules.
Ms. Mansouri asked if he worked outside of the home. Mr. Frink said yes. She said she didn’t feel comfortable about this. She would like to find out if Mr. Frink was required to sign for the packages he received and if the post office would accept the packages. “I don’t know the rules and regulations,” she said.
Mr. Anderson said he understands from reading about another person with a FFL license that you have to some regular business hours. Mr. Frink said that was correct.
Ms. Mansouri asked where would he store these guns. Mr. Frink said in a locked gun case with an alarm.
Mr. Anderson asked Mr. Frink if he would do repairs. Mr. Frink said no. Mr. Anderson said then this a retail business – you buy from a wholesaler and then sell to someone else. Mr. Frink agreed.
Mr. Anderson asked what district he was in and where he lived. It was rural/agricultural and the last hous at the end of Merriam Road.
Mr. Anderson asked if he was going to sell ammunition. He said yes. Mr. Anderson asked to whom he would sell the ammunition to. Mr. Frink said to the people who buy the guns. He has no intention of having 10, 15 people coming to his house on weekends for ammunition. “If I have to, I’ll bring it to work and get it to the buyers that way.”
Ms. Lester asked if he were going to advertise. Mr. Frink said no.
Mr. Vose asked him why he was doing this. He said it was worth doing it for the money he would save.
Mr. Anderson then asked Mr. Frink if he were granted a special exception would he feel comfortable if some limits were placed on the exception such as number of guns he sold over a course of a month or a year. Mr. Frink said he would be alright with those conditions.
Mr. Vose said he was debating where or not Mr. Frink should have a special exception, but considering the products he’s handling, he thought he should have a special exception.
“I can’t do this without calling it a business,” Mr. Frink said.
Ms. Mansouri said this was not like the typical at-home business that a dressmaker or lawyer might have in their homes. Mr. Anderson said the ordinances usually are relegated toward services, but this is a retail business in a home. Ms. Leclerc said there were similar situations for automobiles – one sale, one at a time.
Ms. Mansouri explained that a special exception would require a public hearing, notifying abutters, a fee for the application and $8 for each abutter. She asked Mr. Frink if he was willing to go forward. He said yes.
Mr. Vose said if we are going to have a public hearing, the board will need a copy of the rules that he has to abide by. Mr. Frink said there were plenty.
Mr. Anderson said he assumed he needed a permit from the Chief of Police. Mr. Frink said he had to have a special license. Mr. Anderson asked what kind of guns he was going to sell. He said rifles. He asked about machine guns. Mr. Frink said that needs a special license. His license must be renewed every three years. He had to have a background check from the FBI and state police. He has to keep files on the people to whom he sells a firearm and he has to do a background check on that person. He also has to keep a record of those who are denied purchasing a firearm. He has to keep the files for 20 years.
Mr. Anderson said he wanted to make it clear that if he asked for a special exception that there could be some restrictions such as hours of operation and the number of sales per month, no machine guns.
Selectman Steve Dalessio was in the audience and he interjected that there are a number of people in Walpole who already have a Federal Firearms License. He’s not sure if there has been a change in the law about how one gets a license today, but in the past this was a matter for the local police chief.
Mr. Vose said this is going to need a recommendation from the Planning Board. He read Zoning Ordinance Article VIII Part C 1 “ Industrial, manufacturing and commercial operation by Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment when fulfilling the following requirements:
ii) the proposed use is appropriate and consistent with the Town’s Master Plan.”
Ms. Leclerc said that he will have to go to the Planning Board and see if his project conforms with the town’s Master Plan. Ms. Leclerc made a motion to hold a Public Hearing for a Special Exception. Ms. Lester seconded the motion. The hearing will be held contingent on his getting approval or a recommendation from the Planning Board.
Mr. Ben Northcott, storage and repairs of large machinery off 15 Saw Mill Road. Mr. Ben Northcott was at the meeting to request a special exception to operate a storage and repair shop at property that he is buying at 15 Saw Mill Lane. Mr. Northcott said Charlie Welch used to operate a saw mill at the location and it was previously owned by Rita Simonds. He’s buying all of the 100 acres although it’s been subdivided into three lots. He said there were several structures on the entire 100 acres – a couple of barns, a house he intends to rent and rental property on one of the subdivided lots. He wants to use the barns for storage and repair of equipment and some of the equipment will be stored covered outside. He is one-half of the Fuzzy Brothers, which is an excavation business.
Mr. Northcott said there is a hay field and pasture separating the barn where he plans to store and repair equipment, from the road. The barn is about 180 to 200 feet from the road. He said if the board felt he needed visibility fencing in front of the area he was willing to do that.
The questions of the illegal apartment was discussed. Mr. Northcott said that since the property has been divided there was now one lot for a house and one lot for the apartment. Ms. Mansouri asked about road frontage. Mr. Northcott said the lot with the apartment has 200 to 250 feet road frontage. Mr. Dalessio asked about another structure on the property. Mr. Northcott said their was a little camp up on the hill.
Mr. Vose asked about the cabin where Charlie Welch lived. Mr. Northcott said that there was a log cabin that now belongs to Charlie Welch Jr. and that’s on a separate 5- or-6-acre lot and is not part of the property he was buying. There’s a right of way to the property.
He added that there would be four to five people working on repairs during the winter months and during the summer months probably no one. He suggested a chain link fence, with plastic strips and putting plants in front of the fence to make it look better.
Ms. Mansouri asked what the highest piece of equipment was. He didn’t exactly know but the intention was to use the larger barn, enter from the back of the barn and away from the road, take down the stalls and the second floor of the barn. The barn was once used for chickens.
There was some discussion about the process of where to go first but it was finally decided that Mr. Northcott was told he would go to the next Planning Board meeting for a Site Plan Review and request a Public Hearing in May and tell them he was going to have to get a special exception from the ZBA So Mr. Vose suggested he come back for a Public Hearing to be held in June. Mr. Vose made a motion to hold a Public Hearing in June. Mr. Anderson seconded the motion and the motion passed.
Mr. Northcott asked if he was allowed to move some lumber on the property into one of the barns before having the Public Hearing. The board said yes.
Signage for the Saving Bank of Walpole, 68 Ames Plaza Lane: Kathy Hanks was representing the bank. She said that the bank was requesting a special exception for a double-sided, free-standing sign at the bank in Ames Plaza. The bank has been there about 30 years. She said feedback from customers was that the bank was difficult to find. The sign would face Route 12 and be placed to the right of the generator enclosure and close to the parking lot. The State of NH highway department has approved the proposed location for right-of-way requirements.
The sign would be lit using 2 rows of small LED lights installed under a canopy so the light shines down on the sign and not towards Route 12 or neighbors. In addition, the lighting will be on a timer to shut the lights off at 9 pm every night to coincide with the rest of the Plaza lights. The metal tubing is 12 feet high, but Ms. Hanks did not have the actual size of the sign. Mr Vose said that a 32-square foot sign is the limit. Looking at the drawing it was estimated the sign would be six square feet, larger than the ordinance permits.
The sign ordinance says in Article VI Part D-6 states that in Commercial Districts “signs shall be permitted no larger than thirty-two (32) square feet. Signs shall be placed not less than sixty (60) feet from the traveled roadway and not less than one hundred (100) feet from another sign.”
Board members asked how far the new sign is from the large Plaza sign. Ms. Hanks was unsure. She was also unsure of the distance of the sign on the bank building to the new sign. Ms. Lester asked if there was any reason the bank was not on the Plaza sign. Ms. Hanks didn’t know.
Mr. Anderson was concerned about the height of the sign – that it would be blocking the Plaza sign. Ms. Mansouri said this is going to be facing Route 12. It would be perpendicular to the Plaza sign, It won’t block the Ames sign.
However, in a picture of a sign on Marlborough Street the sign was perpendicular to the road, so there was question of whether it would face Route 12 or be perpendicular to Route 12.
Ms. Hanks will be back next month for a Public Hearing for a variance, because the sign will be larger than allowed. She was asked to bring a copy of the letter from the state, find out the the distances from both the Plaza and bank sign and the direction the sign would be facing.
Ms. Leclerc made a motion to hold a Public Hearing for a variance next month if needed, Ms. Lester seconded the motion and the board approved the motion. If Ms. Hanks finds out the sign is not over-sized and is within the 100-foot threshold of distances from other signs, she does not need a Public Hearing but needs to come back with the sign size and the distances from other signs and the letter from the state.
Signage for Walpole Interiors: Walpole Interiors will replace the Fall Mountain Furniture Building sign, which was previously where the Whitcomb office building had their sign, said Clare Makibbin, who was requesting a replacement for the sign that is 11 feet wide and 3.3 feet high and 35 feet from Route 12. Walpole Interiors is located across from Aubuchons on the corner of Route 12 and Route 123.
Ms. Makibbin said the sign will be thinner but in the exact same space as the other sign. While the zoning ordinance for signage now states the maximum size of a sign be 32-square feet, because of the pre-existing condition, the board allowed her to put a new sign in the footprint of the old sign. Lights will be in the same place and timed, coming on at dusk and going off at 10 pm.
The board asked Ms. Makibbin to fill out the form and take a picture of the new sign and get it to the secretary of the board for the file.
Besides selling furniture, Walpole Interiors, Ms. Makibbin said, will eventually add an upholstery service, free interior design service and maybe have a cafe in September.
Zoning Board business: Ms. Mansouri reminded the board that on April 27, Southwest Regional Planning Commission will host an informational workshop on recent developments that may impact communities. The first is about Accessory Dwelling Units that Gov. Maggie Hassan signed this spring. The bill requires that all municipalities must allow, in all districts that permit single-family residences, one attached unit by right, special exception or conditional permit.
The second topic is about sign ordinances. Ms. Mansouri said this was a Supreme Court decision that says language on a sign cannot be regulated by municipalities. The meeting will be held at the Historical Society of Cheshire Count, 246 Main Street in Keene at 6:30 pm.
There were different interpretations of the accessory building bill.
Mr. Anderson said the bill outlined a whole lot of things that must be added to dwelling units that are attached. If you do nothing, the town can have an optional regulation for detached housing.
Ms. Mansouri said we already have an ordinance and it is optional to add to it.
The Walpole Zoning Ordinance about accessory buildings is Article XVII A. Accessory Building means a building subordinate to the main building on the lot and used for purposes customarily incidental to those of the main building. A dwelling means a building of common foundation. A one-or-two-family dwelling will share the same foundation per lot.
Mr. Dalessio said the bill uses the word “attached,” and it does not have the word foundation.
Ms. Mansouri said, we can’t be less strict than the state, but we can be more.
Ms. Leclerc said that the provision for a foundation was added because people were doing really odd things to have a structure attached to a barn or a garage. Mr. Vose added like having a 100-foot greenhouse attached. Ms. Mansouri said then there were subdivisions without the proper amount of frontage.
Ms. Lester asked what if someone questioned our regulation not being what the state says. Ms. Mansouri said they live in the town and this is the local ordinance..
Ordinances: Ms. Mansouri said she would like the board to rewrite the junkyard ordinance and the one about streets that have changed names such as Hitchcock Road being changed to Alstead Center Road. These would be voted on next March.
The secretary will send copies to the board of junkyard ordinances from several towns and one from the NH Municipal Association to see how ordinance are worded and how they would like the new ordinance to be worded.
Site Walk of Crouse and Enokido property: The board choose two dates for the site walk – Thursday, May 12 or Friday, May 13 at 3 pm. Everyone will meet at the property at 192 March Hill Road. It is after the French Road sign and on the right-hand side of the road. The secretary will check with Mr. Crouse to see which date suits him.
Matrix: The board tabled discussion of the Matrix until Ms. Trow was present.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
NOW LEASING! You’re Invited! The Residences at Abenaki Springs will hold its next OPEN HOUSE on Saturday April 30th – 9:30am to 12pm. Please feel free to stop by and view the facility (still under construction), see these 1 & 2 bedroom apartment homes in Walpole, NH and have questions answered. The Alliance Asset Management Team will be available to assist with applications, questions and viewings.
The Residence at Abenaki Springs 504 Main Street, Walpole, NH 03608
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!
A Sure Sign of Spring: The Annual Walpole Library Plant Sale
Saturday, May 7th
The Friends of the Walpole Town Library will hold its annual Plant Sale on Saturday, May 7 from 9 – 11am on the library lawn on Main Street – rain or shine.
A wide assortment of locally grown plants will be available. We welcome donations of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, houseplants, small shrubs and ground cover. Please label all plants by type and color. You can also donate garden-related items, such as decorative pots, ornaments, hand tools, seeds and bulbs. Donations are accepted until May 4. Please drop off donations at the Malnati Farm across from Agway.
This year the plant sale will take place in concert with a celebration commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Walpole Town Library! An Anniversary reception will be held in the library from 9am to 1pm. Please plan to join us on this special day!
All proceeds from the sale benefit both the Walpole and North Walpole libraries. Please call Carol Malnati at 756-9537 for more information.
Sarah Downing, the newly appointed adminsistrative Assistant in the Selectboard office also asked that I alert everyone to the change in date for the Selectboard meeting from Thursday the 28th to Wednesday the 27th. Thanks for the heads up, Sarah. – Lil
TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
APRIL 7, 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 four people in attendance.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
Jack Franks: Mr. Franks explained his original Intent to Excavate on the Abenaki Springs property where the housing units are being constructed but they moved more soil than they thought they were going to. It has now all been clarified with the State and he has the proper documentation. Mr. Franks left a copy of the PA39 form. He is now moving dirt but has not removed anything by the showroom. They are prepping the front lot but every bit of soil is going to private homes for gardens, etc.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $30,748.20 for checks dated April 8, 2016. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion but noted the exception of two checks that need to be forwarded to the Hooper Funds: 1) Mr. Howard Whitcomb needs to be transferred to the Hooper Maintenance Trust Fund; and 2) Rebecca Whippee’s transportation costs need to be transferred to the Hooper Educational Fund I. With all in favor, the motion and amendment were approved.
PAYROLL:
Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending April 2, 2016, in the amount of $25,499.90 for checks dated April 8, 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 $5,821.30 for the week ending April 2, 2016. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 31, 2016: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of March 31, 2016, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 31, 2016: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of March 31, 2016, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:
Mr. Dalessio noted that a note will be sent to Mrs. Barbara O’Brien to advise that the Selectboard hired True North Networking to handle their computers and if North Walpole has any interest they could be added to the Town’s contract.
BUILDING PERMIT
CARSON, Pinewood Circle, Map & Lot #008-055-000: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit No. 2016-07 for Bradley Carson to “Construct a 10’ x 6’ chicken coop near rear of property” at 22 Pinewood Circle, as presented. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
NH Department of Labor Audit and Inspection: The Department of Labor will be doing the audit and inspection on April 20th.
Appointments: Mrs. Downing has been contacting board / committee members who have not yet indicated if they wish to be appointed / re-appointed to the boards / committees. She will put a notice of vacancies in the Clarion.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to re-appoint Mr. Tom Goins to the Hooper Scholarship Committee. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved that Mr. Tom Goins will represent the Hooper Scholarship Committee on the Hooper Institute Board. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Mrs. Holly Gowdy as a member of the Hooper Institute Board for a term of three years. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to re-appoint Mrs. Kerry Pickering to the Recreation Committee for a term of three years. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to re-appoint Ms. Sarah Manning to the Recreation Committee for a period of three years. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Mr. Peter Palmiotto as an alternate member on the Conservation Commission for a term of three years. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Mr. Gary Speed as an alternate member on the Conservation Commission for a term of three years. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Mrs. Elaine Heleen as an alternate member on the Conservation Commission for a one year term. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Mrs. Alicia Flammia as a member on the Conservation Commission for a three year term. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Jack Neary Response: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to send the letter to Mr. Jack Neary in response to his letter concerning the sidewalk on Pleasant Street. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Notice to All Tax Collectors: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Notice to All Tax Collectors from the State of New Hampshire that was completed and signed by Mrs. Sandra Smith and returned to the State. It confirms that property tax bills were sent.
Brian Beckwith E-mail Re: Sanding and Plowing: Mr. Aldrich moved to sign and send the response letter about Monday’s snow storm and road care to Mr. Brian Beckwith. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
State Revolving Fund (SRF) Single Audit Act (SAA) Requirement: Mr. Dalessio questioned why this letter from the Department of Environmental Services was not on letterhead; is it legitimate. He will contact the DES about this.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved that if this letter is legitimate that Mr. Dalessio, Chair, be authorized to sign and return it to the DES. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
National Grid Herbicide Use Notification: Mr. Dalessio suggested that a notice be put in the Clarion and Walpolean to advise that National Grid will be doing vegetation management treatments on their rights-of-way.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard notify the Clarion and Walpolean that National Grid will be working to reduce weeds on their properties rights-of-way. The tentative start date is June 13, 2016. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Town Pool Filtration System Contract With Allen Pools and Spas: Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Mark Houghton will be doing the electrical work at the pool.
Mr. Aldrich moved to authorize Mr. Steve Dalessio, Chair, to sign the Town Pool Filtration System Contract with Allen Pools and Spas. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Eagle Times Article Re: Vilas Bridge: Reference was made to the Eagle Times article regarding the Vilas Bridge. Mr. Dalessio talked with Mr. Mark Houghton who confirmed that the purpose of the meeting with the Village of Bellows Falls was to sign another inter-local agreement for the village’s wastewater treatment plant. The article states that concern about the Vilas Bridge has prompted officials in Walpole to reach out to the Town Manager in Rockingham to set up a Tri-Board meeting to discuss the bridge. Mr. Dalessio tried to contact Nancy Cavanaugh, reporter, to state that the Walpole Selectboard never discussed this. Mr. Dalessio will place another phone call to her tomorrow. The Walpole Selectboard has no knowledge of this article nor did they talk to anyone or make any statements about the Vilas Bridge.
NH DOT Municipal Work Zone Agreement: Mr. Dalessio spoke with Police Chief Paquette about this agreement. Chief Paquette feels this is the most appropriate way to control traffic on the Westminster Bridge while the project is being done therefore he feels this agreement should be signed.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign this NH Department of Transportation Municipal Work Zone Agreement for Project 40070 in triplicate. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
22-26 School Street: The Selectboard discussed the request received to waive the penalties and interest on this property. Mrs. Pschirrer recommended that a letter be sent thanking them for their letter but there was a consensus of the Selectboard that all liens, property taxes, interest and penalties need to be paid in full. Mrs. Pschirrer will draft the letter.
Letter From Len-Tex Re: Commonwealth Construction and Millwork: Mr. Dalessio forwarded the e-mail he received from Len-Tex to Commonwealth Construction and Millwork. Commonwealth had a failure of their dust collection silo and it was spewing sawdust into the air. It becomes a problem for Len-Tex as it could destroy their air-handling system. Mr. Dalessio called Commonwealth and the owner said they saw the leak and fixed it. He then e-mailed Mr. Lennon to advise that the problem had been taken care of. Mr. Dalessio will notify the North Walpole Commissioners of this incident.
Town Office Phone System: There was discussion relative to the Town office phone system; there is no voice mail. Mrs. Downing explained all the problems. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they need a working phone system. Mrs. Downing was asked to do some research on small business phone systems and report back to the Selectboard.
True North Networking: Mr. Dalessio advised that True North is sending reports on the usage; it includes the internet. He wanted everyone to know that usage is being monitored; nothing is confidential.
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 (b) Hiring. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:40 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:03 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session be sealed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
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 motion was approved.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:27 PM.
OTHER BUSINESS:
2016 Town Budget: Mr. Dalessio mentioned that an Agenda item for the next Staff Meeting will be the $88,000 voted on and approved by the voters for repairs to the Town buildings; much of it will be for roof repairs. The list of projects will be reviewed; estimates will be needed. Mr. Dalessio will follow-up with Mr. Rich Kreissle on the transfer of appropriated funds to the Capital Reserve Funds.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:35 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
MARCH 31, 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 six people in attendance.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
Residents – North Road and Colonial Drive: Mr. Wayne Wallace, Mrs. Brenda Wallace, Mr. Roland Caskins and Mr. Kenneth Gunnerson were present to discuss the on-going drainage issues and property damage on North Road when there are heavy rain storms. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that about a month ago Mr. and Mrs. Wallace were in to talk about the water problems. Since that conversation Mr. Dalessio went to the area, walked the properties and took pictures. He agrees there is a water problem. The Selectboard has been in touch with the Road Agent and also have given him permission to contact Mr. Rhoades at M & W Soils, an engineer, for advice on what could be done there. Mr. Rau has been asked to submit a schematic of where the culverts are and their sizes. Mr. Dalessio is not sure of what can be done or what the State says the Town is allowed to do but they continue to work toward a solution. The residents provided some history on their water problems and how the water flows down the hill. Several options for diversion of that water were discussed. Mr. Wallace had previously hired a consultant to look at the area and he explained what the recommendation was. Mr. Dalessio summarized that the Selectboard will keep in touch with the residents as they work toward a solution on this drainage problem.
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 6:59 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:58 PM.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $43,258.27 for checks dated April 1, 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 March 26, 2016, in the amount of $22,799.48 for checks dated April 1, 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 $4,647.59 for the week ending March 26, 2016. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 24, 2016: Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 24, 2016, as submitted. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 24, 2016: Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of March 24, 2016, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:
Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Planning Board decided to pass on applying for this Planning Grant as it would be too much work for a short period of time. Ms. Lisa Murphy from the Southeast Regional Planning Commission explained that a lot of towns are passing on this Grant for the same reason.
BUILDING PERMITS:
LAWLOR, Meetinghouse Road, Map & Lot #008-047-000: Mr. Aldrich moved to grant Building Permit No. 2016-03 for Peter and Cathy Lawlor to “Construct a 32’ x 10’ lean-to onto garage”. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
RENEWAL OF 2015-06 / 2014-24 Permit, Avanru Development, 504 Main Street, Map & Lot #012-013-0002016-05: Renewal of 2015-08 Permit, Avanru Development, Abenaki Springs, 504 Main Street, Map & Lot #012-013-004: The Selectboard signed these renewal Building Permits that were approved at their March 24, 2016, meeting.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:
JOAN GALLOWAY, Rapids Road, Map & Lot #002-013-000: Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Joan Galloway as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
REFUNDS:
Overpayment Refunds: Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Credits Report for Unassigned Credits for ten property owners for the total amount of $193.24. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
TIMBER TAX LEVY / WARRANT AND CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:
RYAN PAUL, High Street, Map & Lot #010-045-000:
CUMMINGS CATHERWOOD, Maple Grove Road, Map & Lot #009-008-000:
CUMMINGS CATHERWOOD, Maple Grove Road, Map & Lot #009–006-000:
Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Timber Tax Levy / Warrant and Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the following:
for a total amount of $875.15. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Appointments: Mrs. Clough will re-check the list of Board / Committee vacancies and email the people who have not yet indicated whether or not they want to be re-appointed.
Mr. Jack Neary Response: Mrs. Clough mentioned that Mr. Neary sent an email requesting a response to his letter. Mr. Dalessio looked at the area. There is no sidewalk on the Neary property side of the street and, at this point in time, the Selectboard does not see a sidewalk being installed on that side. There is no money in the budget. They will address the deteriorating sidewalk on the other side of the street during the road re-construction. Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a response letter.
Employee Policy Handbook Update: Mrs. Pschirrer met with the Department Heads to review and make revisions to the Employee Policy Handbook. There was a disagreement on the period for probation. Ultimately it is a Selectboard decision. Mrs. Pschirrer will begin to re-write this policy. There will be another meeting with the Department Heads on April 12th. They will start to talk about employee reviews and job descriptions.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request from John Roberts: A request was received from Mr. John Roberts to use a metal detector on the Town Common.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved to reject Mr. John Roberts request to use a metal detector on the Town Common. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
NH DES Reservoir Dam Inspection: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a copy of the letter from the NH Department of Environmental Services to Mr. Mark Houghton, Assistant Fire Chief, regarding the Reservoir Dam inspection that will be coming up.
NH DES Wetland Utility Maintenance Notification: A notice was received from the NH Department of Environmental Services Wetland Utility Maintenance that National Grid will be doing some tree cutting and vegetation management along their power lines.
Town Safety Procedure Manual: Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Selectboard had already approved this Town Safety Procedure Manual; it was ready for signatures. There will be more changes from time-to-time.
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. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:34 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:05 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 31, 2016, be sealed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Personnel – Office: Mr. Dalessio recognized Mrs. Clough for her contributions to the Selectboard office and wished her luck on her transfer to the Police Department.
ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary
Thanks to Eloise, we have this information about an fun and informative day that is just around the corner. – Lil
Plans have firmed up for the May Day celebration at the Hooper Institute on Sunday, May 1st from 1 to 4 PM. The theme of this event is “all things Hooper.” Perhaps you are curious about the Institute and its role in the education of the youth of Walpole? Perhaps you have never been inside Hooper Hall? Maybe you would just like to come to a fun event? Please join us! The schedule is as follows.
At 1:00 PM the Marlboro Women’s Morris team will perform their energetic dances to celebrate spring. At about 1:30 PM, Kathy Torrey will lead participants in their own dances to weave the May Pole ribbons. At 3:00 the Morris men’s and women’s teams from Harrisville will bring us more spring cheer.
Ongoing events include the creation of May baskets to take home. The Farm & Forest Museum will be open with many activities for folks to do. Hooper Institute programs in the schools and community will be highlighted including summer camps and the high school work program. The Hooper Scholarship Committee will profile their educational grants to all Walpole residents. The Friends of the Hooper Institute will share their efforts to extend the mission of the Institute.
People are invited to ramble about the grounds and learn about our new loop trail along the pond. You can also visit the Community Garden and find out about its unique no-till practices. The Monadnock Conservancy will have information about the new conservation easement implemented for the golf course. The Walpole Conservation Commission will have a display of its land conservation efforts in town. Meeting House West LLC will be present and have information about golf club memberships. Come to learn about “all things Hooper” and the many programs the Hooper Institute offers to the community of Walpole.
The Hooper Institute is located at 165 Prospect Hill Road in Walpole (across from the golf course.) This event is free and open to people of all ages. Refreshments will be served. Questions, please call 756-4382.
Walpole Planning Board
Walpole Town Hall
April 12, 2016 Minutes
7 pm
Presiding Members: Jeffrey Miller (Chair), Robert Miller (Vice-Chair), James Aldrich (Secretary), Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron, Steve Dalessio (Selectboard Representative). Alternates: Edward Potter and Jeff White.
Recording: These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the May 2016, meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.
Meeting Opened: Mr. R. Miller called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.
Roll Call: The Board elected officers for the next year. Chair Jeffrey Miller, Vice-Chair Robert Miller, James Aldrich Secretary. Motions were made and seconded to re-elect these officers. Jeff White was voted to replace Kelley Hicks until the end of her term in 2017 and Jody Andros was appointed as an alternate.
Minutes: Mr. Marcom made a correction on the March 8 minutes, changing the word wet to west on the first page. A motion was made to accept the minutes that were amended and to accept the minutes for the two workshops and executive session.
Old Business:
Greg Gay wants to put a 9,000 square foot building on Lot 8-1, Map 27 in the Industrial District of North Walpole for storage and antique car restoration.
Mr. Dalessio said the Board had a drawing of the water and sewer hookup and an email from Mark Houghton stating that the access was approved for a connection after the application and payment is received. Mr. Dalessio said it had to be approved by the North Walpole commissioners.
Mr. J. Miller said he had a document stating that the Commissioners of the North Walpole Village District and the North Walpole Water operator have agreed to allow Mr. Gregory Gay to hook up to the Village water pipe line at 8 Len-Tex Lane.
Mr. Dalessio then said that condition had been waived.
Mr. J. Miller asked North Walpole Commissioner Ms. Barbara O’Brien if the use Mr. Gay was requesting had been approved by the North Walpole Commissioners. Ms. O’Brien said yes.
Mr. Gay said he guessed the Board wanted to know how his plan would affect the community. He said that there would be only 2 vehicles a day coming and going into the building so there wouldn’t be a traffic problem and the building would be enclosed by a fence. There would be no noise, no pollution. Most of the tools would be for automobiles – wrenches, screw drivers and a small welder. – the basics that might be in a two-car garage. He is planning on storing 25 antique vehicles.
Mr. Gay said he might wash cars occasionally outside but there was plenty of room for the water to drain. The drive is 21 percent impervious.
Mr. J. Miller asked about the building. Mr. Gay said it would be a steel frame and a metal building with a hot water boiler, radiant flooring, one large garage door and two smaller doors and no windows.
Mr. White asking if he would be painting cars. Mr. Gay said no, maybe some touch-ups but not spray painting.
Mr. Dalessio asked about the fire department report. It had to be clearer what he intended to do. Mr. Gay said he had not decided on where to put the Knox boxes and he was told he didn’t need to have the building sprinkled.
Mr. Dalessio said he thought if a building was 5,000 square feet it needed to be sprinkled. He suggested Mr. Gay check the building specs to see what the manufacturer of the building required.
A Board member asked about setbacks. The setbacks from the sides of the building are alright but what about the 65-foot setback from the center of the road. Mr. Michael Marquise, the engineer on the project, that the setback was well over a 100 feet.
Mr. Gay said there was lighting at the garage door and on two sides with no more than a 45 degree angle. There would be no spill of light to adjoining properties.
Mr. R. Miller asked about landscaping. Mr. Marquise said there would be drainage and rain gardens to collect water and certain plants that absorb water. There is a list of plant selection on the plans, he said. The selections lists native species such as Joe Pye Weed and certain ferns.
Mr. Aldrich asked about Len-Tex Lane. “Is it a deeded right of way.” Mr. Gay said yes and that it was on his deed.
The Public Hearing closed at 7:20 when Mr. Gary Kinyon asked if he could make a statement. He is a lawyer who represents the abutters Len-Tex Corporation. He said that the Planning Board had two jobs: one was to determine completeness of the application and the other was to approve or not approve the site plan. Before the Board can make that decision the application had to be complete.
In his opinion, the application was incomplete, Mr. Kinyon said. First, this site plan is not permitted in North Walpole under the zoning regulations for an Industrial District and he had no application for a special exception or a variance.
He read Article VI of the Zoning Ordinances, Ordinance adopted by Village District of North Walpole New Hampshire.
“A. PREAMBLE The purpose for establishing an Industrial District is to provide within the Village an area in which manufacturing operations may be carried on without infringing on the health, welfare and quiet of the residents of the Village. Manufacturing operations are those in which materials are changed physically in form, changed chemically or mixed to provide other compounds. The area provided for industry must be highly specific to the nature of the manufacturing operation. Chemical or physical research might well be conducted in close proximity to a residential district and yet manufacturing of glue or explosives could not. Hence, it is the intent of the ordinance to require each industry to present its case to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, after considering the facts in light of the welfare and benefit of the community, may allow such industry in the Commercial District an exception. “
“B. Use Permitted:
Industrial and manufacturing operation in the sense that the materials entering the operation are changed in form, size or composition before shipment.”
Mr. Kinyon said there is no permit, no application for a special exception or variance from the Zoning Board of Adjustment. He has to go to the ZBA and then go back to the Planning Board.
Mr. Kinyon continued that this site does not address an easement from Len-Tex right of way through the property for a 4-inch water line to a pond on a hill Southeast of the property. “Conveying also herewith the four-inch pipeline of water and the right to maintain a four-inch water line: all repairs required to preserve the pond as a reservoir for water shall e made by the Grantee.
“The foregoing is subject to the twenty foot right of way herein-before described as now used in common with E.P. Cray, etc.” This building will interfere with the terms of the easement, Mr. Kinyon said.
Regarding the easement, Mr. Gay said that the pond was called Cray’s Pond and it’s been drained for 20 years. Also, the pipes have been removed or are broken and there is no water going through any pipes now.
Based on a previous survey, there is no boundary survey. It was not recorded..
Also, when it come to item in the checklist that were not waived or are incorrect, Mr. Kinyon had problems with Numbers 6, 9, 10, 20, 24 and 27. He said if an item is waived it must be in writing.
Later in the meeting Mr. Marquise addressed Mr. Kinyon‘s list.
No 6. Four paper copies of the Site Plan platn as specified.
No. 9. Location of existing & proposed sidewalks and driveways, direction of travel both vehicular and pedestrian.
Mr. Marquise said this doesn’t apply because there are no sidewalks and the driveway is clearly marked.
No 10. Identification of accesses, sight distances at accesses, curb cuts & changes to existing streets, driveway permits.
Mr. Marquise also said this did not apply as the building was off a private lane.
Mr. Marquise said the site is well out of the flood zone and this did not apply. The area is not a wetlands. The soil data is on the plan.
In addition, Mr. Kinyon said the property could be possibly contaminated because of the previous owner. Mr. Kinyon thought the state might have ruled on this matter, but he was not sure.
He concluded by saying if the site plan is accepted, the abutter would like a delay on action until 90 days to give them a chance to review the plan.
Regarding contamination, Mr. Gay said he had a letter from the state that gave the property a clean bill of health. He was told he had to come before the Planning Board. Now he’s told to go back to the Zoning Board.
Mr. Dalessio said if Mr. Gay had gone to the Zoning Board, there must have been a Public Hearing for a special exception. As far as Mr. Dalessio knows there hasn’t been one.
The Board decided to table a decision until it received more information about the plan. He asked Mr. Gay to come to the next meeting with:
Permission from the North Walpole Zoning Board about the use of the property.
Some statement from the Zoning Board about use.
A clear letter from the NW Fire Department about what was going to happen regarding Knox Boxes and sprinkling.
A copy of the letter saying that the land was not contaminated.
Clarification of the easement.
A rendering on what the building looked like including heights, widths, roof, windows, doors etc.
Mr. Miller asked Mr. Gay if he had anything more to add. Mr. Gay said that the abutters wanted the land and nothing would stop them from putting obstacles in his way.
New Business: Don Northcott, 15 Sawmill Lane, came in to find out what he must do on property he was expecting to buy in May. The land is fronted on Old Cheshire Turnpike.
Mr. Northcott said this is the property that had a sawmill on it before. It had been the property of Rita Simonds before it was subdivided. He was buying Lot 2. There is a house on it, a couple of other structures, also a rental house that Mr. Dalessio said was illegal.
Mr. Northcott wanted to take the largest barn, remove the stalls to make a place for storing and repairing equipment. He is one half of Fuzzy Brothers, an excavation company. The company has large graders, backhoes etc. They work up to December and January, February and March are the months that machines that need it get repaired.
The barn is 200 feet from Old Cheshire Turnpike and while the access is through the barn doors closest to the road, he plans to change that to the opposite end of the barn. One of the other out buildings will be used for an office. 4.
Mr. J. Miller said it is in the Rural Agricultural District so it needs a special exception.
Mr. Northcott said it abuts family property, which is in current use. A sawmill and wood shop were previously on the property. Mr. Northcott wondered about storing the machinery on the property out in the open. The machinery would be covered.
Mr. Dalessio said it would depend on how much and how it looked and if the neighbor’s objected.
Mr. Northcott said he could put a fence up if needed.
Mr. Marcom mentioned that he could take out the second floor of the barn and the building would be 30 feet wide and 18 feet high.
Mr. Northcott went to talk to Ms. Myra Mansouri, who was in the audience and who is chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Allyson’s Orchard, map 5, Lots 2, 2-10 and 2-11, Rural Agricultural District. Lot Line Adjustment. Total acres after merger is 45.20 acres, Wentworth Road. The proposed land is in current use and its use is agricultural. Amount of frontage on Wentworth Road is 751.65 feet. There are three right-of-ways.
The map that Mr. Joe Dibernardo showed to the Planning Board had three lots that were to be made into one lot. Mr. Dibernardo said this is a made from the recorded property and the map in the Town Offices shows the property on thee map as differently. Mr. Dalessio asked Mr. Dibernardo to call the Town Offices and tell them of the discrepancy. He said he would.
Mr. Dibernardo was requesting a Public Hearing for May. Mr J. Miller made a motion to hold a Public Hearing, it was seconded and approved by the Board.
Mr. Aldrich made a motion to adjourn at 8:15 pm. The motion was seconded and approved by the Board. The Board also agreed to meet on the 4th Tuesday of the month for a workshop meeting.
Respectfully submitted
Marilou Blaine
The Walpolean 
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