Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 4/21/16

SELECTBOARD 05/08/2016 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 21, 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.  Prior to this meeting the Selectboard had a monthly meeting with the Staff.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were two people in attendance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $102,624.18 for checks dated April 22, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending April 16, 2016, in the amount of $16,714.84 for checks dated April 22, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,734.02 for the week ending April 16, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 14, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 14, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – April 14, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session #1 of April 14, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – April 14, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session #2 of April 14, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

PUTNAM FAMILY REV. TRUST, 768 Valley Road, Map & Lot #011-043-004:  Mr. Aldrich moved to grant Building Permit No. 2016-10 for the Putnam Family Revocable Trust / Bruce A. & Tammie F. Putnam to “Demolish an existing 12’ x 8’ Sugarhouse and construct a new 24’ x 24’ 1 story Sugarhouse”.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PUTNAM FAMILY REV. TRUST, 768 Valley Road, Map & Lot #011-043-004:  Mr. Aldrich moved to grant Building Permit No. 2016-11 for the Putnam Family Revocable Trust / Bruce A. & Tammie F. Putnam to “Construct a 48’ x 32’ one story 3-sided Pole Barn”/  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WALPOLE MAIN HOLDINGS, LLC, 297 Main Street, Map & Lot #024-009-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to grant Building Permit No. 2016-12 for Walpole Main Holdings, LLC / Steve Rudek to “Construct a covered and screened deck”.  Seconded by Mrs.Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERANS CREDITS:

HURLBURT, 260 Old Cheshire Turnpike, Map & Lot #010-027-001:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Veterans Credit document for George Hurlburt.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to rescind the motion to provide a Veterans Credit to George Hurlburt for not meeting qualified conflicts as per RSA 72:28 pending further information by the Selectboard.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

EMONT, 33 Webster Lane, Map & Lot #007-017-001:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Veterans Credit document for Seth Emont.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS and REFUNDS:

ROOS, 82 Elm Street, Map & Lot #019-022-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $65.71 to Roos Revocable Trust of 2002 / Elizabeth Roos.  This is due to the overpayment of Fall 2015 property taxes.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

NH Department of Labor Audit and Inspection Update:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the Town passed the Labor Audit and Inspection with flying colors.  Our Department Managers did everything that was needed on time.  There are a few things that need to be done but the State will send a letter asking for a response.  The Selectboard will draft a response to that.  The three signs mentioned in the safety inspection report are already in-process of being repaired/replaced and Mr. Dalessio will enclose a photo with the response letter.

Appointments: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Brad Tetu to the Recreation Committee for a term of one year.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

It was noted that the following vacancies still need to be filled:  1 WRAP Committee and 2 Conservation Commission members.  

Employee Policy Handbook Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer had no up-dates on the handbook. 

National Grid Herbicide Notice for Powerline Abutters:  Mr. Dalessio talked to Mrs. Downing about putting an easel in the hallway providing all this information.

Southwestern Region Planning Commission: Mr. Dalessio spoke to Mr. Bob Anderson and he will come into the May 5th Selectboard meeting to make a report on the SWRPC meeting.

Grant Curbing Gift: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mr. Rau is still working on getting estimates for the installation of the granite curbing.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Stevens Lane Road Classification and Ownership:  Mrs. Downing understood that Dr. Wilking was to attend this meeting however he is not present.  Dr. Wilking was in the office asking for clarification on the status of Stevens Lane and who owns it.  Mr. Lew Shelley had done a great deal of research on Stevens Lane.  It is a private lane.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that the Selectboard formulate a letter to Dr. Wilking answering his questions.  It is a Class 6 dirt road.  All of the abutting landowners to the road can collectively agree to make changes.  Mrs. Pschirrer will email all the RSAs to Mrs. Downing so they can be included in the letter.

Revolving Funds for Police and Recreation:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign the bank forms to establish the Revolving Funds for the Police Department and Recreation Department.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

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 at 7:20 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:25 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 21, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

Avitar – re: Public Utilities Assessments Notice:  A letter was received from Avitar Associates regarding the Public Utilities Assessments.  The Selectboard will wait for further information as this is an on-going issue..

Constellation, Bulk Energy Agreement:  Mr. Dalessio left a message for Mrs. Jamie Teague at the Fall Mountain Regional School District office to inquire about their bulk energy agreement.  It is his understanding that the FMRSC and the Town of Alstead have already signed the agreement.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to allow the Selectboard Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the Constellation Energy Services agreement as presented to them.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Application for Renewal of Groundwater Management Permit – Walpole Landfill:  Mrs. Downing spoke with Mr. Steve Brackett about the application for renewal of the Groundwater Management Permit for the Walpole Landfill.

Mr. Aldrich moved to allow the Selectboard Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the application for the Renewal of Groundwater Management Permit.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Grammar School’s Casino Night Fundraiser:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of an email from Kimberly Corwin Gray, Director of Development at The Grammar School, requesting that the Selectboard let them know what they need to do to obtain a permit for a Casino Night that will take place at Ken and Julie Burns’ property.  Mr. Dalessio researched the RSAs, they are a not-for-profit organization.  The permit would expire the night of the raffle.  A raffle does not need a license from the state but does require obtaining a permit from the Selectboard of the Town of Walpole.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they have to draft a letter stating that in accordance with the RSAs 287-A-7 the Selectboard will grant their request for a Casino Night to be held on Friday, June 3rd, 2016.  This permit will expire at the conclusion of the raffle.

 

Metal Rectangular Tables in Town Hall Basement:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that there several old metal tables in the basement that can no longer be used.  They had approved Mrs. Clough’s request to take some.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to dispose of whatever tables are left.

Walpole Highway Dept. Update:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that Mr. Rau is still pushing Beaver Tracks to get the permits from the DES.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mr. Rau wants to start using calcium chloride on the dirt roads.  It keeps the dirt down but it requires a storage tank and spray unit.  He has prices for it and can fit it into the budget.  The contract would be with All States Asphalt.  Mr. Dalessio suggested that Mr. Rau touch base with Mr. Tom Beaudry of the Conservation Commission.  He has no objections but feels it would be appropriate to discuss this with Mr. Beaudry.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:40 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:10 PM.

Adjournment:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 4/14/16

SELECTBOARD 05/08/2016 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 14, 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:

Lt. Joe DiRusso, Troup C Barracks:  Lt. DiRusso was present to make the Selectboard aware of the fact that the State Police Troop C in Keene are looking at property near the intersection of Route 12 and Route 123 near the Westminster Bridge for a new building.  He is also looking at other pieces of land of about two-to-three acres on Route 12 or close to it.  This is in the early stages of a Capital Improvement Project.  It has not yet been approved but is heading in that direction.  This will not change their staffing or the way they work as they will continue to serve the other counties although the Town may see more personnel presence as they come-and-go.  There is a possibility of having Fish and Game in the same building.  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Walpole Selectboard would be happy to have them here.  They are here to help the State Police in any way they can.

Mr. Jack Franks:  Mr. Franks had submitted a Notice of Intent to Excavate on the front lot of Avanru Development Group and was present to answer any questions.

22-26 School Street – Re: Water and Sewer Tax Liens:  Mr. Jim Reagan, Sales Director of Better Homes and Gardens / Masiello Group, had submitted a proposal to take care of the water and sewer bill at 22-26 School Street property.  This property was purchased at auction in September. They are looking for some relief in terms of the delinquent property taxes, water and sewer, penalties, etc.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that arrangements had been previously made by the owner to pay the water and sewer bill but they were not paid and because the Selectboard knew there were children in the building they did not shut-off them off.  He advised that the Selectboard needed to verify the numbers on the water and sewer and then they were going to sign the letter they had written in response to their request.  At this time they are not willing to waive anything.  The property was purchased knowing the amounts that were due.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the letter to Newton Kershaw, III, denying the request to waive all the back penalties and interest on the property taxes, water and sewer.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel, (c) Reputations and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:46 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:15 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Selectboard Session #1 of April 14, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:   

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $596,493.18 for checks dated April 15, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

This amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $533,448.73 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending April 9, 2016, in the amount of  $21,850.74 for checks dated April 15, 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 $4,719.26 for the week ending April 9, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 7, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 7, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – April 7, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 7, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

REED, Main Street, Map & Lot #020-046-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit #2016-08 for William and Lynne Reed to “Add a bathroom” at 60 Main Street.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PALIOCHA, LLC, March Hill Road, Map & Lot #009-023-000:   Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit #2016-09 for Paliocha, LLC to “Construct a 1-1/2 story barn & seasonal camp”.  This is a renewal of a previously issued permit.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICES OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE: 

Cold River Materials/Lane Construction, Map & Lot #003-002-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Cold River Materials/Lane Construction, #16-461-01-E, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

This excavation was under the allowable volume.

Cold River Materials/Lane Construction, Map & Lot #015-011-000:   Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Cold River Materials/Lane Construction, #16-461-02-E, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The check in the amount of $100.00 to the State of New Hampshire was attached.

Cold River Materials/Lane Construction, Map & Lot #014-013-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Cold River Materials/Lane Construction, #16-461-03-E, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The check in the amount of $100.00 to the State of New Hampshire was attached. 

Avanru Development Group, Map & Lot #012-013-000: Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Avanru Development Group, #16-461-04-E, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The check in the amount of $100.00 to the State of New Hampshire was attached.

NOTICES OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

WISE, Prospect Hill Road, Map & Lot #008-106-000: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, #16-461-01-T, for Mr. Chuck Wise, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

KINGSBURY, Kingsbury Road, Map & Lot #008-120-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, #16-461-02-T, for Mr. Ron Kingsbury, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WILLETT, Ramsey Hill Road, Map & Lot #011-010-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, #16-461-03-T, for Kelly and Marcine Willett, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERANS CREDIT:

LEBAIL, Reservoir Road, Map & Lot #010-033-001:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Veteran’s Credit application for Mr. Lebail, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS AND REFUNDS:

FMRSD, Cray Road, Map & Lot #028-128-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Abatement for a Water and Sewer refund in the amount of $2,306.64 for the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  This is for the Fall 2015 billing period.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

NH Department of Labor Audit and Inspection:  Department Managers were reminded that the NH Department of Labor will be here on April 20th for the audit and inspection.

Appointments:

WRAP Committee:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Ms. Heather Collins to the WRAP Committee for a three year term.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WRAP Committee:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Ms. Donna Drouin to the WRAP Committee for a three year term.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Hooper Institute Committee:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Mrs. Carol Malnati as a member of the Hooper Institute Scholarship Committee.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Hooper Institute Committee:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to re-appoint Ms. Rebecca Sethi as a member of the Hooper Institute Committee for a second three year term on the Hooper Committee.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Employee Policy Handbook Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer met with the Department Managers last Tuesday.  Everybody was there.  They talked about the 2016 Floating Holiday.  The biggest issue was why all the departments have to have the same floating holiday.  The Hooper people wanted a day around the Thanksgiving Day holiday.  The Police Department wanted Easter Sunday.  Other departments wanted Tuesday, July 5th.  They also talked about Job Descriptions and Evaluations.  Mrs. Pschirrer handed out drafts and they got positive responses.  They will continue to talk about these forms.  The Department Managers liked participating in this discussion.

Letter Received from Walpole Police – Re: Lentex Lane, Map & Lot #027-008-001:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Police Department to advise that they looked at the site and agreed there were no issues with what Mr. Gregory Gay wants to do with the property.

NEW BUSINESS (Continued)

Vachon, Clukay and Company, New Financial Auditor:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize Mr. Dalessio, Chair of the Selectboard, to sign the form to release records from last year’s auditing company to the new auditing company.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Delegation of Deposit Authority:  When Mr. Tom Goins, Town Treasurer, is not available he would like to allow the Town Clerk/Tax Collector to make deposits on behalf of the Town.  This is in accordance with the RSAs.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign the document to allow Mr. Tom Goins to authorize the Town Clerk or her Deputy to have deposit authority.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Southwestern Region Planning Commission – Information Session Notice: Mr. Bob Miller and Mr. Bob Anderson are registered to attend the SWRPC meeting on April 27th, 2016.  Mr. Dalessio would like to have them attend the Selectboard meeting on May 5th to make a presentation.

Selectboard Meeting – Change of Date:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to change the date of their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, April 28th to Wednesday, April 27th at 6:30 PM due to a scheduling conflict.

Curbing Gift:  Mr. Ray Boas had offered the Town a gift of $5,000.00 with the intent of having granite curbing put in on a small section on Elm Street.  Mr. Dalessio just wanted everyone to be aware that they had trouble finding someone to bid on this small project back when Mr. Terrell was the Highway Superintendent.  Since the Town does not have the capability to do this job he suggested they go out for bid again to see what the prices will be.  Mrs. Pschirrer will ask Mr. Rau to take care of this.

Department of Environmental Services:  Mr. Dalessio reported on the letter from DES about a small revolving fund that was discussed at the last meeting.  He contacted Laura Martell who advised that it referenced the sewer loan that the Town had paid off in 2010.  She will take care of up-dating their records.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:

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 at 8:13 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:18 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of April 14, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  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 8:27 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:29 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Planning Board Meeting Agenda – 5/10/16

PLANNING BOARD 05/08/2016 Leave a comment

WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD AGENDA

TOWN HALL

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

                           7 pm                           

 

Roll Call – Appointment of alternates if needed

 

Minutes – Review minutes of the April meeting and workshop..

 

Old Business:

                Public Hearing continued: Greg Gay, Map 27, Lot 3, wants to construct a 9,000 square-foot building for storage and restoration of antique automobiles. New documents.

 

Public Hearing: Minor subdivision Allyson’s Orchard:  Map 5 Lot 2, New lot 2-12,   rural/agricultural, one lot into two lots. Lot sizes –  second lot will now be Lot 2-12 and will be 23. 09 acres. The original lot is 68 acres. Frontage for both lots is well within requirement.

New Business:

Mr. Frink of 131 Merriam Road is coming before the Board because he has applied for a federal firearms license. Mr. Terry Soucy, an investigator for the Bureau of Fire Arms, Alcohol and Tobacco, suggested Frink come to the Zoning Board and request a special exception from the Zoning Board. He is having a public hearing for a special exception this month and he needs a recommendation from the Planning Board.

 

Maybe Mr. Northcott for a request for a public hearing for a site plan review.

 

Next meeting Tuesday, June 7, 2016.

Zoning Board Meeting Agenda – 5/18/16

ZONING BOARD 05/08/2016 Leave a comment

I made an ‘editorial decision” to not publish the junkyard ordinances that are mentioned here in the Agenda.  if you wish to have me do so, leave a comment and I can do it. – Lil

Agenda for Zoning Board of Adjustment

Wednesday,  May 18, 2016

Walpole Town Hall – 7:30 pm.

 

Roll Call: Appointment of alternates if needed

Minutes: Review minutes of April.

Old Business: Public Hearing:

            Variance for an Accessory Building, Article  XVII A and P. Map 9, Lot 33,       rural/agricultural district. Ms. Kashiyo Enokido wishes to build a detached accessory dwelling on her property at 192 March Hill Road that is a two car garage with one of the garage bays to be finished for an art studio.  Above this space would be one bedroom, living space and a bathroom.

 

            Public Hearing  Special Exception: Mr. Eric Frink of 131 Merriam Road, Map 3, Lot 54,       rural/agricultural district is requesting a special exception for a federal firearm license to sell rifles, shotguns and hand guns in his home.  Ordinance VIII, Part C.

 

Savings Bank of Walpole has found that there is some blockage of view of Ames sign, so is          waiting to decide what to do. They may be back again next month.

 

Continued work on matrix.

 

Junkyards – You should have copies now of all the samples that Myra gave me.

 

Site walk Thursday, May 12 at 3 pm. Please remember that during a site walk, you allowed to ask question, but are not allowed to discuss the answers or anything pertaining to the public hearing with another board member.

 

Next meeting Wednesday,  June 15, 2016

 

Conservation Commission Agenda – 5/2/16

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 05/02/2016 Leave a comment

AGENDA

 

WALPOLE CONSERVATION COMMISSION

MEETING

MONDAY, MAY 2, 2016

7:30 P.M.

 

Location:  Walpole Town Hall, Downstairs Office

 

  1. CALL TO ORDER
  1. ELECTION OF OFFICERS 2016-2017
  1. SEATING OF ALTERNATES
  1. PUBLIC SESSION:

Report from Chair

  1. Treasury / Budget
  2. Correspondence
  1. NEW BUSINESS:
  2. Current Use Change Payment
  3. TransCanada Dam Relicensing
  1. OLD BUSINESS:
  2. Water Co. Timber Harvest
  3. Terms of Office
  4. Mason Forest – Clean-Up
  1. OTHER BUSINESS:
  2. Connecticut River Clean-Up – May 7th

Planning Board Workshop Meeting Minutes – 4/26/16

PLANNING BOARD 05/02/2016 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board

Town Hall

April 26, 2016

 Workshop Minutes

 

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

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

Meeting Opened: Mr. R. Miller  called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

Application process: The board will receive all pertinent information about an application before the meeting. Mr. R. Miller said he had been on the board for 21 years and this was the first time he had seen the application and checklist before the meeting. These are important documents, Mr. Miller said, and it gave him time to think about what was in the application prior to the meeting.

Mr. Aldrich, Mr. Marcom  and Mr. Perron said the same thing and they agreed that they wanted this practice to continue. It was thought that taking a closer look at the checklist may be a good topic for a workshop, as well as the procedure for waiving an item on the checklist. 

Southwest Regional Planning Workshop: Mr. R. Miller signed up to attend the meeting on April 27, that the Southwest Regional Planning Commission was hosting about 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 Walpole Zoning Ordinance regarding 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.

The second topic is about sign ordinances. This was a NH 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.

Mr. R.  Miller will report back to the board about what was discussed at the meeting.

Town Attorney: When can the Planning Board have the town attorney at a meeting? Must a motion be made at a meeting and voted on? Can the board make a list of questions to ask the attorney and have him answer them? If an applicant or an abutter opposing an applicant has an attorney at a public hearing and a board member wants an explanation about what the attorney means, what should a board member do? 

Solar panels and storage containers: The secretary recently has had inquiries about solar panels regulations. The town has no regulations regarding solar panels with the exception of boundary setbacks and getting a building permit? Should it? If so what should the regulations be. 

How many storage units on someone’s property is too many? Acworth had this question on their warrant this year. Could this happen in Walpole? Perhaps the board needs to look at this further. 

These are two items which may come up in the future. Board members asked Mr. R. Miller to check with Ms. Lisa Murphy of SWRPC and ask if there are any towns who have solar and storage unit regulations and what those regulations say.

How much time does the board have to review an application? According to “The Planning Board of New Hampshire: Handbook for Local Officials,” a complex applicant can take many meetings for the board to review. In addition, an applicant may have difficulty completing requirements set by the planning board. In either case, the 65-day period for the planning board to vote on an application may be extended in one of the following ways as provided in RSA 676:4,I (I).

The applicant and the board can agree to an extension for a set period of time. 

The applicant and board can agree to halt the running of the review for a set period of time i.e.     “stop the clock,” until necessary material is prepared and submitted.

The planning board can request an extension of time from the board of selectmen or town/city     council. Such an extension cannot exceed one additional 90-day period.

Any extension of time or delay in the process should be carefully documented in the records of the planning board and in writing to the applicant.

Lighting: One member asked about lighting ordinances. Then he asked about the new Hubbard Park sign and said the lighting was shining upward. Another complaint was that the Jiffy Mart has also one light shining upward.

New Handbook: Mr. R. Miller, at one point in the meeting, referred to a 2015 handbook about RSAs and regulations that planning board members could refer to. Mr. Aldrich asked about it and  Miller said there was a box of them in the selectman’s office. The secretary will get them and distribute them at the next meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

May Open Weekend at Distant Hill Gardens – 5/7&8/16

EVENTS 05/02/2016 Leave a comment

 

Header With No Shadow

May Open Garden Weekend

Purple Trillium Blooms at Last - Version 2

The native Red Trillium (Trillium erectum) are in bloom.

WHERE:
Distant Hill Gardens
507 March Hill Road
Walpole, NH

WHEN:
Saturday and Sunday, May 7 & 8
10am to 4pm

All of Distant Hill Gardens is open to the public the first Saturday and Sunday of each month, May through October, from 10am to 4pm. You are welcome to come and stroll the grounds at your own pace, or you can take advantage of the walk, tour, or talk taking place each ‘Open Garden Weekend’ day. Each month will be exploring whatever is of ecological or horticultural interest happening on Distant Hill at the time.

In May we are highlighting Vernal Pools on Saturday
and native Spring Wildflowers on Sunday
Wood Frog Rana sylvatica

Wood Frogs need vernal pools for breeding habitat.

Join us for either a morning or an afternoon exploration of the Vernal Pools of Distant Hill on Saturday May 7, 10am to 11:30am or 1pm to 2:30pm. Choose the time that best fits your schedule.

You will learn the importance of these temporary ponds as critical amphibian breeding habitat and how to identify the Indicator Species that are only found in vernal pools. You’ll see egg masses of wood frogs, spotted salamanders, and Jefferson salamanders. And with luck we’ll get to see a Fairy Shrimp or two found in some of the ten vernal pools of Distant Hill.

To access the pools we will be using the new half-mile long accessible nature trail that winds its way through ‘White Rock Woods’ at Distant Hill Gardens. All ages and abilities are welcome and it will be held rain or shine.
Round-lobed Hepatica

Round-lobed Hapitaca (Anemone americana) are in bloom now.

And on ‘Sunday from 1pm to 3pm join us for a moderate walk in search of some of the Native Wildflowers in bloom in the forest, fields, and wetlands of Distant Hill.

This will be the first in a series of monthly ‘Wildflower Walks’ to be held on each of the upcoming ‘Open Garden Weekend’ Sunday afternoons for the rest of the 2016 season. You are sure to see new plants in bloom each month.

Suggested Donation for Entry to the Gardens: $5

No extra charge for either walk, and no registration is required

Ice Cream Social – 4/30/16

EVENTS 04/26/2016 Comments: 3

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

 

image1

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 4/20/16

ZONING BOARD 04/25/2016 Leave a comment

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:

  1. a) Consideration of Planning Board recommendation on the project based on its determination following a public hearing, that:

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

 

Uncategorized 04/21/2016 Comments: 3

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