Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 1/12/16

EVENTS 02/19/2016 Leave a comment

Walpole Town Hall
January 12, 2016 Minutes

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

Recording: Marilou Blaine.

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

Roll Call: One board members was absent so Mr. Miller asked Alternate Jeff White to sit in her place.

Minutes: Mr. Marcom made a revision to the December minutes. The revision was insserted after the paragraph that begins with “Mr. Ed Potter agreed.” the paragraph before that was eliminated.

Mr. Marcom said “that approvals of the site plans are based on the assumption that the applicant will adhere to the terms of that approval. That assumption of trust is critical. In this case, Mr. Ruggiero was granted a special exception by the Zoning Board in 2011. Conditions, as stated in a letter from that Board, included that the operation could not be changed or expanded without returning to the ZBA for approval. When Mr. Ruggiero added a 2,000 square-foot building, he not only violated the town’s rules on building permits, but also broke at least one of the conditions of the Special Exception.

“Beyond that, this company, as was made evident in a letter sent to them by DES, operated for approximately 2 ½ years without the knowledge of DES, among other violations of state regulations.” For these reasons, Mr. Marcom felt that this company could not be ensured to keep their agreements and therefore approval should not be granted to them.

Another correction was the date of the Silverstein subdivision. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that it could not be 2019.

Mr. R. Miller corrected the spelling of the name of the man he contacted at the New Hampshire Municipal Offices. It should be Cordell Johnston. He also said said Ms. Pauline Barnes statement that the vote to seek counsel was 6 to 0 because the Chair was absent. Actually, the vote was 7 to 0 as an alternate had replaced the chair as a voting member.

Mr. Perron made a motion to accept the minutes as amended. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.

Old Business:
Public Hearing for Subdivision of one lot into two lots. William and Elisabeth Silverstein, 70 Reservoir Road, Map 10, Lot 33, Rural/Agricultural District. Lot 33 will be 1.43 acres, Lot 33-3 will be 1.53 acres and road frontage is 320 feet and 277.57 feet on Reservoir Road respectively.

Mr. Silverstein said that he and his wife were here a month ago and submitted an application for a subdivision and the Board voted unanimously to hold a Public Hearing. He said the subdivision was pretty straightforward. The lots were divided before and there is plenty of road frontage.
Mr. J. Miller asked the audience and Board if there were any questions. There being none, Mr. J. Miller closed the Public Hearing.

Old Dominion Lighting – The previous problem of light from Old Dominion shining into a bedroom of the Tabitha and Frank Anderson home abutting Old Dominion, seem tp be solved. Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Anderson if she was happy with the response from Old Dominion. Mrs. Anderson said she was. “They were very good about it,” she said.

However, those were the old lights. Mrs. Anderson said that it looks like from the paper work that there are 11 more lights to be installed. These lights are to be installed in late January. Mrs. Anderson will notify the secretary if there are any problems after the new lighting is installed. Mr. Marc Mercier, project manager for Old Dominion, is keeping in touch with the Board.

Mr. Perron asked about the other condition from the Walpole Fire Department. Mark Houghton of the Walpole Fire Department said that the Knox boxes had been installed and tested and that Old Dominion had fulfilled that condition of the Site Plan.

Bensonwood – Mr. Tom Hancock of Bensonwood submitted a copy of a letter from the Department of Environmental Services granting an Alteration of Terrain Permit. The permit was needed to fulfill the condition placed on Bensonwood for final approval of the Site Plan.

Potato Barn – Matt Blanc received a letter from Herb Hurlburt, Captain Fire Inspector of the Walpole Fire/Ems Department, stating that the fire department will not sign off on any usage of the Potato Barn at this time. Mr. Hurlburt said that at the original meeting he”was assured the complete building would be sprinkled and alarmed before ANY usage” Mr. J. Miller asked that the letter be part of the Potato Barn file.

New Business:
Mr. Ed Potter and Mr. Bruce Potter are seeking a Lot Line Adjustment of their property on Old Keene Road, Map 7, Lots 21 and 22-1 and Lot in the Rural/agricultural Zone. Take .23 acres from Lot 21 and add it to Lot 22-1, thus changing the western boundary line. Mr. Ed Potter requested a Public Hearing.

Mr. Potter said about a year ago he bought a lot from Steve Brode that was 1.17 acres and the lot had enough road frontage to be developed. There is a line between the two properties that has a kind of “jag” in it, he said. Because he owns the field next to it he said he wanted to have better access to that property and also wanted to straighten the line. The adjustment would take .23 acres from Lot 21 and add it to 22-1. Mr. Potter also planted some arborvitae bushes on the new property line.

Mr. Dalessio asked who owned the property – where the property was coming from. Mr. Potter said it was his sister’s property and it is now owned by his brother and himself.

Mr. J. Miller made a motion to have a Public Hearing next month. The motion was seconded and it passed unanimously.

Explanation of a petition to be placed on the March 2016 warrant and a request for a Public Hearing. This petition will amend the current Zoning Ordinance as follows :

Mr. J. Miller said this is basically a brief for that article and set a hearing for February 26 at 7:00 pm.
The petition is:
.
To see if the Town of Walpole will vote in favor of amending the current Zoning Ordinance as follows:

Add under Article IV General Provisions Section N Recycling and Transfer Stations:

a. In addition to the current Town recycling center at 207 Whitcomb Road, Route 123, Walpole, New Hampshire, recycling centers and/or transfer stations shall be permitted uses in the Industrial Zone subject to meeting the Town’s site plan review regulations and shall be submitted to the Planning Board for site plan review provided such facilities are owned or operated by the Town for the transfer and/or recycling of solid waste generated in the Town and provided further that the recycling center or transfer station is owned and operated by the Town or by a Regional Solid Waste District whose ownership or operation thereof is governed by and agreement entered into pursuant to RSA 149-M124.

Ms. Pauline Barnes is the person who wrote and circulated the petition. She asked to correct one typo, the RSA No. to RSA 129-M24. Mr. J. Miller said she could change the typo but not the intent of the petition. He asked her to explain the petition.

Barnes said that Walpole already had an award-winning recycling center run by an award-winning director and the facility is fully capable to handle the solid waste of our town. Because of the nature of solid waste it is important that the facility be operated only under town ownership and town control.

Mr. Aldrich asked Ms. Barnes to clarify the typo and asked if we should strike the 1 from the RSA number. Ms. Barnes agreed.

Mr. R. Miller made a motion to have a Public Hearing on January 26, 2016, Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and the motion unanimously passed.

Mr. Dalessio encouraged everyone to come out not only for the petition hearing but the budget hearing and all the other meetings that will be going on in the next couple of weeks.

Mr. J. Miller asked Ms. Barnes if she understood the process. Mr. Miller said the vote on the petition will be on the second Tuesday in March, when citizens vote on selectmen, school board, etc. The function of the Board is not to vote to accept or reject the petition, but vote to recommend or not recommend the petition to the townspeople. The Board decision would appear at the bottom of the article. In all cases, the petition will be placed on the ballot.

At the Public Hearing, it will be up to the petitioner to explain the petition, just like you did tonight, Mr. J. Miller said. And answer questions from the public, Mr. Perron added.

Mr. Dick O’Brien asked if the Board voted on the article. Mr. Miller answered it is just a recommendation.

Mr. Adrian Basora asked if the petitioner needed a lawyer and if there were going to be lawyers on the other side. Mr. Miller said there will be no vote. The public will vote on the petition in March.

Mr. J. Miller repeated his explanation saying this has nothing to do with a Board vote. And you don’t have to have a show of hands from the public.

A motion was made, seconded and passed by the Board to adjourn the meeting and then realized it had not made a decision on the Silverstein subdivision. Mr. Marcom made a motion to reopen the meeting, it was seconded and it passed unanimously.

Mr. Aldrich made a motion to accept the Silverstein subdivision as presented. Mr. R. Miller seconded the motion and the Board vote unanimously to do so.

The meeting was adorned at 7: 25 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine

Minutes posted inside the Town Hall, on the outside bulletin board at Walpole Grocery.
Cc: WPB, The Walpolean, Town Web site http://www.walpolenh.us

Next meeting January 26, 2016 to hear the Public Hearing on the petition.
Next regular meeting February 9, 2016.

Winter Tree and Shrub Identification Workshop – 2/28/16

EVENTS 02/19/2016 1 Comment
Header With No Shadow

Winter Tree and Shrub Identification Workshop
Speckled Alder in Winter

Speckled Alder male catkins and female cones. (Alnus incana)

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

WHEN:
Sunday, February 28
1pm to 3pm

Learn how to identify some of the common trees and shrubs of the forests, fields, and wetlands of Distant Hill Gardens in winter. It’s a great way to find out more about the native plants that grow here and their importance to the winter survival of many of our wildlife species.
DSC 5525

Withe-rod viburnum winter bud. (Viburnum nudum)

Steve Roberge, Forest Resource Specialist with Cheshire County Extension, will lead the workshop and will be discussing the key things to look for when attempting to identify woody plants in winter – things such as overall form, bark, twig features, leaf scars, and fruit remnants.

It will begin with a short indoor presentation, then the workshop will move outdoors. Please bring footwear suitable for varying snow and/or ice conditions.
Register Now►

Registration if Required

Suggested Donation: $10 per adult
Directions to Distant Hill Gardens

This Sunday

EVENTS 02/12/2016 Leave a comment

The Walpole Unitarian Church welcomes our Minister Emerita, the  Rev. Sandra J. Whippie this Sunday, Valentine’s Day!  Her topic is, What’s Love Got to Do With It?

Refreshments and fellowship after the service.

Planning Board Meeting Minutes

PLANNING BOARD 02/12/2016 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board

Town Hall

February 9, 2016 Minutes

Presiding: Jeffrey Miller (Chair), Robert Miller (Vice-Chair), James Aldrich, (Secretary), Steve Dalessio (Selectboard Representative), Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron.

Alternates: Ed Potter and Jeff White.

Absent: Kelley Hicks

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

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

Roll Call: One board members was absent so Mr. Miller asked Alternate Jeff White to sit in her place.

Minutes: Mr. Marcom made a motion to accept both the January 2016 minutes and the Public Hearing minutes for a petition to be placed on the warrant as written. The motion was seconded by Mr. Aldrich and the Board unanimously agreed.

Old Business:

            Mr. Ed Potter had a Public Hearing on a Lot Line Adjustment on his property on Old Keene Road, Map 7, Lots 21 and 22-1 in the Rural/Agricultural District.

Mr. Ed. Potter purchased 1.17 acres of land on Map 7, Lot 22-1 from Mr. Steven Brode about a year ago. The western line on that parcel of land was jagged. He wanted to move the property line 77.52 feet westward toward property owned by him and his brother, Bruce Potter. The property originally belonged to the Potters’ sister. The Lot Line Adjustment will make Lot 22-1 1.4 acres and take .23 acres from Lot 21.

 Mr. J. Miller asked if there were any questions. There being none, he closed the hearing.

New Business:

            Mr. Matt Blanc of Blanc & Bailey was before the Board to update the plans for the Potato Barn regarding the letter from the Walpole Fire Department and access from Route 12.

Mr. R. Miller recused himself from voting on the matter because he works for Blanc & Bailey.

Mr. Blanc explained that he was at the meeting to let the Board know what was happening at the Potato Barn. He said he had been before the Board in November and the Board requested that the Fire Department sign off on what was being done. The Department did not and said the entire building should be sprinkled.

The Board also requested revisiting the access to the property by a road from Route 12. Shortly after the November meeting. Blanc met with SWDOT and Brickstone, the designer of the site plan and learned that Route 12, which runs to the west of the Potato Barn was the first bypass granted to the Town of Walpole. He learned that a condition of the bypass was that there would be no access road from South Street to where Main Street meets Route 12 by what is now Agway. The reasoning, he said, was that there had been federal funding with the balance paid by state funds. Apparently, someone found an article that stated that Walpole agreed to the terms.

So, Blanc said, “we were told basically that we needed to go to Congress.”  Blanc & Bailey went back to the drawing board, and while the group will continue to  pursue the Route 12 access, the decision was to widen the already existing driveway.

The plan is to widen the current driveway from 15 feet to 24 feet. This can be done completely on the Potato Barn property and would not encroach on anyone else’s property line, Blanc said. He had an updated drawing.  All of the maples and all of the shrubs will stay on the entrance portion of the road. Four large maple down towards the building will be taken down in order to extend the road all the way around the entire barn. Land in back of the barn, at the south end, will be reserved for parking.

Mr. Kevin Dunn of Sacramento, CA., was hired by the owner, Mr. Steve Rudek, to consult on the project. Mr. Dunn conveyed his frustration at the turn of events by the state not granting access and the fire department and of all the delays.

Mr. Marcom said it was his recollection that when Cynthia Reeves owned the Potato Barn, she had permission to put a road off of Route 12, not a driveway. Mr. Aldrich interjected that it was a Town Road for 100 and some odd feet.

Mr. J. Miller said, addressing Mr. Dunn, that it had gotten state approval before when Ms. Cynthia Reeves owned the building. It would be in the files. It was going to be a town road and it was approved by the town.

If he wanted to go back into the files, it could be done.

Mr. Dunn said that the farm will fall down before we get through all the paper work for the road. Widening the road is a great way to get something done before we get access, if the project ever gets access.

The intended use of the building has been changed to possibly four apartments on the upper level, also with parking and access at the upper level. The lower level would be light commercial, possibly a distillery or a commercial bakery. The building will not be split, as previously proposed, because of the reaction by the fire department and it did not get their blessing

Mr. Houghton said the Department thought there would be a risk to come to this building having to cross under a wooden bridge. Mr. Houghton said that the fire department wanted 360 degree access around the building and that the entire building be sprinkled.

The Route 12 traffic would be on the west side of the building. Access to the building would be coming in from Main Street. Mr. Dunn said it’s only two turns and with the proper signage it will be easily accessible.

Mr. J. Miller said that there may be some concern about traffic off Main Street and being the main access to the building. Route 12 was advantageous and had town support.

The number of parking spaces will be decreased with the change of use. Mr. Blanc said parking spaces are dependent on type of occupancy. If there are five people working in a commercial space, that’s less than a retail operation would need.

Mr. Dalessio asked Mr. Blanc if apartments were allowed in that area. Mr. Blanc said he thought it was commercial so he thought apartments were allowed but he would check the ordinances. Mr. Dunn said if there couldn’t be apartments, there could be offices.

Mr. J. Miller said that the new road means that the site plan will have been amended and that there should be a Public Hearing. A motion was made to hold a Public Hearing next month. It was seconded and approved by the Board.

Mr. Houghton said the opposition the Fire Department had no longer applies and that this plan meets all the department’s requests.

 

Mr. Greg Gay of North Walpole had been to the Planning Board about six months ago and the Board asked him to get permission or talk to the North Walpole commissioners about what he was planning to do.

He wants to build a 60-foot-by-100-foot building on the former Cray Oil Land in North Walpole in the Industrial Zone. He has already obtained a building permit from the North Walpole commissioners.

He was told he would have to have a Site Plan Review, which meant a form, instructions, Public Hearing and abutters would be notified.

Mr. Gay asked that since abutters were at the meeting, couldn’t they ask questions now. Mr. J. Miller said that a Public Hearing is the forum for questions.

Mr. Dalessio asked if he had a building permit from North Walpole and drawings, complete with a set of drawings, electrical, lighting, etc. Mr. Gay asked if he could do it himself. Mr. J. Miller said it usually depends on the size and scope of the building.

The building would be used to fabricate race cars, a simple chaissis shop, Mr. Gay said. There would be one employee who did welding. It would be self-contained inside, and basic hand tools would also be used. There will be a little bit of body work, but no painting.

Mr. Perron asked if it was commercial. Mr. Gay responded yes.

Mr. Donald Lennon, an abutter and officer of Len-Tex Corp., said that previously Mr. Gay had spoken of a residence there. I’m a little confused that the residence plan is no longer an issue and there is also an issue of cutting a water line in North Walpole. “That concerns us greatly as it does Tony Elliott at Woodstone, another abutter.” Mr. Lennon also brought up the issue of nonindustrial uses in an Industrial District.  Mr. Gay said that he would not be asking for residence at this time.

Mr. Lennon said he questions whether or not this is truly and honestly an industrial facility. And will it or will it not have an attached residence? “There is a lot more information that we need. But it’s very critical to us because Len-Tex wishes to expand in North Walpole.”  Business is very good for Len-Tex and the company would like to expand its real estate and move to one side of the railroad tracks. Right now the company has buildings on both sides of the tracks, which , Mr. Lennon called “grossly inefficient.”

He said there is a lot of information that the company will require for this building to be built. He said he was speaking for Tony Elliott of Woodstone as well.

Mr. Lennon said he is requesting an extremely in-depth presentation to  protect his investment. Again, he said, he was speaking for Woodstone. “If we could be assured of that, that would be great.” He hoped that his real estate would not be diminished by the Board granting this request.

Mr. Gay said his business belongs in the Industrial District. “When you start with a piece of metal and build a car from it, that’s industrial.”

Mr. Gay was given an application, a couple of sheets of paper with questions and a site plan regulation booklet. Mr. Gay said he couldn’t say he wasn’t interested in the residential part of this but he not applying for that right now.

Mr. Lennon said that he hoped the Board would take into consideration what is best for the taxpayers of Walpole. Len-Tex pays the highest taxes in the village and will continue to. He also said that the Board has to look at what’s best for the abutters and make sure it doesn’t diminish their property.

Mr. R. Miller made a motion to request a Public Hearing for Mr. Gay at next month’s meeting. The motion was seconded by Mr. Aldrich and approved by the rest of the Board.

 

Jack Franks and the Bee Hive: Mr. Franks came to the meeting to talk about an idea he had for the Bee Hive on School Street. He said in his estimation the buildings were in such disarray that it would take and enormous amount of money to rehab them – maybe $1.3 million. Structurally it’s in very tough shape. It’s also a place the police department visit on a regular basis.

This is very preliminary. It would need a survey and engineering design. The setbacks seem okay.

His plan, which is just a rough draft of what he might do, is to make it into 16 condominiums, about a 1,000 square feet, with two bedrooms with 2 baths. The building would be modular with two stories with parking in a downtown setting. There would be 30 percent green space. It would abut a housing development. There are 10 units now and it’s a bit of an increase but it’s better than putting a band-aid on the building. I think that there’s a market for it. It would be good for the tax base of Walpole. It would be all sprinkled so the fire department wouldn’t have an issue.

Mr. Potter asked if he would be selling these. Mr. Franks said yes but that he may hold on to one or two for himself.

Mr. Potter said he thought that the town voted a couple of years ago not to have condominiums in the village district. It was down by Woodward Florist. It may have been 10 years ago. Mr. J. Miller said it was a different layout. Those were cluster houses.

Mr. Franks said that the land is in the Commercial District and he had a Letter of Intent with the landowner.

Ms. Myra Mansouri said that she thought the landowner had declared bankruptcy and that the bank owned the property. Mr. Franks said that was true but it was eventually sold to Elm Grove Properties in Manchester.

She said she was also concerned about the narrow street and it’s already crowded with Applewood.

Mr. Franks said it’s a two-lane road. He also invited the Planning and Zoning Boards to come down and look at the units being built behind Tractor Supply.

 

Decision on Potter Public Hearing: Mr. Aldrich made a motion to approve the Lot Line Adjustment on the Potter property as presented. The motion was seconded by Mr. R. Miller and the Board voted in the affirmative.

The Board voted to go into executive session to discuss a legal affair.

Mr. Aldrich voted to adjourn at 8:10 pm after the Board came out of executive session. The motion was seconded and approved by the rest of the Board. The minutes of the executive session will be sent only to the Chair and Vice-Chair and shared only with the rest of the Board at the next meeting.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

The Candidates

EVENTS 02/12/2016 Leave a comment

Here is the list of the generous people who are willing to offer their time in community service.  Win or lose, we should be grateful for them all. – Lil

RUNNING FOR TOWN OFFICE

SELECTMAN – Three Year Term – Vote for One

Joseph Aldrich

John Pratt

Jamie Teague

MODERATOR – Two Year Term – Vote for One

Ernest D. Vose

TREASURER – One Year Term – Vote for One

Thomas Goins

TRUSTEE OF THE TRUST FUNDS – Three Year Term – Vote for One

Karen Galloway

PLANNING BOARD – Three Year Term – Vote for Two

Joanna Andros

Dennis Marcom

Robert Miller

Jeffrey White

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT – Three Year Term – Vote for Two

Jan Galloway-LeClerc

Myra Mansouri

CEMETERY TRUSTEE – Three Year Term – Vote for One

John L. Sheldon

SUPERVISOR OF CHECKLISTS – Six Year Term – Vote for One

Joanne H. Hurlburt

SUPERVISOR OF CHECKLISTS – Two Year Term – Vote for One

Gary T. McCormick

LIBRARY TRUSTEE – Three Year Term – Vote for Three

Jean Kobeski

Frederick V. Ernst

Gail LaHaise

Christie Winmill

New Date for Candidate Night

EVENTS 02/10/2016 Leave a comment

Just got an email from Ray Boas, who had heard from Gwen Yardley, that Candidate Night has been changed to March 2 at 7:00 at the Town Hall.  Thanks Ray. – Lil

 

Candidate Night – 2/17/16

EVENTS 02/10/2016 Comments: 2

Thank you, Lyn Cooke for finding out that the Candidate Night sponsored by the Walpole Grange will be held this year on February 17th at 7:00 PM at the Town Hall.  All candidates for town offices are invited to attend and tell voters a little about themselves and why they are running for office.  Voters who attend are able to hear from candidates before they cast their ballots.  All this and you don’t have to complete a survey or answer the phone!  By they way, I can’t say for sure but I have never known the Grange to be involved in something where there wasn’t some darn good refreshments. – Lil

Exhibit Change at Greater Falls Health in Bellows Falls

EVENTS 02/09/2016 Leave a comment

Several members of the Saxtons River Art Guild recently changed their fall and winter paintings to spring at the Greater Falls Health Center in Bellows Falls VT.

The next change for the on going group exhibit will be on May 5th. Donna Bascom Lund of Alstead NH is exhibiting watercolors on the opposite wall at the Health Center until the end of February followed by oil landscapes by Shane Harris of Bellows Falls VT until the end of April.

There have also been recent exhibit changes at other local exhibit venues. Molly Martin of Brattleboro VT is the featured artist at the Mascoma Bank in Walpole NH. and Ray McClary of Keene NH is the featured artist at People United Bank in Chester Vt.

The Art Guild also has an on going group exhibit at Ramuntos in Brattleboro, VT. That exhibit is scheduled to be changed on Febuary 9th. The Saxtons River Art Guild is a non-profit group dedicated to the advancement and encouragement of the fine art membership throughout the Conn. River Valley.

For information about membership please call Nancy DiMauro at 802-257-4489.

 

Deadline for March Issue of The Clarion – 2/19/16

EVENTS 02/06/2016 Leave a comment

Yes, time goes too fast, and once one issue goes “to bed” work begins on the next. The closing date for the March issue of the CLARION is Friday, February 19th. A short month, but also we have been on a good schedule to have the CLARION in the mail by, or on the first of each month.

The March issue will be a packed “election issue.” There are 11 candidates running for 3 town positions, and we offer them the opportunity to tell our readers why they should get the vote. Also, information will be provided about the town budget, and warrant articles that will be voted upon on Town Meeting Day, Saturday, March 12.

And, many articles of interest are already in, or in the works. The Conservation Easement on the Hooper property closed, Meeting Waters YMCA is announcing their summer programs, update on the Vilas Bridge (never to happen); and hopefully an update on some businesses in town.

So, remember, get your input to me now, or very soon, thank you, RAY
( rayboas@comcast.net )

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 1/28/16

SELECTBOARD 02/05/2016 Comments: 3

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 28, 2016

 

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:05 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were three people in attendance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $77,871.64 for checks dated January 29, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending January 23, 2016, in the amount of $19,634.77 for checks dated January 29, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,219.78 for the week ending January 23, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 21, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 21, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD STAFF MEETING – January 21, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Staff meeting of January 21, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 14, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of January 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 – January 21, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 21, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 22, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 22, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

  • Zoning Board of Adjustment – January 20, 2016;
  • Library Trustees Meeting – January 12, 2016;
  • Conservation Commission – January 4, 2016. 

BUILDING PERMIT:

UNITY BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #017-053–000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2016-01 for Unity Building Technologies, Inc. to “Construct a 24’ x 32’ 1 Story Garage” at 6 Blackjack Crossing Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

NEAL, Aldrich Lane, Map & Lot #008-053-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, Operation #15-461-16-T, for Christine Neal, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Transfer of Hubbard Property to the Town of Walpole: The Selectboard received the paperwork on the gift of the BBQ Pit area from Hubbard, LLC. The fees for Attorney Kinyon will be charged to the Town’s legal expenses.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the documents received from Hubbard, LLC for transfer of the BBQ property to the Town of Walpole.  (PA-34 Property Transfer and CD-57P Transfer Tax Form). Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NH Department of Labor Audit and Inspection Report: Mr. Dalessio reviewed his responses on the violations found by Inspector Perry during his administrative audit on December 11, 2015.   The Selectboard will sign the letter and document next week.  Mr. Dalessio thanked everyone for getting their responses in on this Labor Audit and Inspection Report.

2016 Warrant Articles:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the 2016 Warrant Articles are almost ready.  The wording in the Recreation Department’s Article for the pool will be changed and they are waiting for a few more figures from Mr. Kreissle.

Department Reports for the 2015 Town Report:  Mrs. Clough continues to work on the 2015 Town Report.

Server Update:  Mr. Dalessio signed the up-dated contract for the server with True North Networks to change the date from February 1st to March 1st, 2016 subject to appropriations.

Library Building:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Steven Dalessio, to sign the contract with ABS Consulting who removed the asbestos from the Town Library for the amount of $5,800.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Town Ordinance, Procedure and Policy Manual:  This is an on-going project for the Selectboard.

NH Dept. of Revenue Administration; Community Action Report:  Mrs. Clough is waiting for more information from the Department of Revenue Administration.  They will let her know exactly what they need.  For Current Use they will pick out 30 of the approximately 200 that the Town has; it will require all up-dated information on the maps, etc.

PUBLIC BUSINESS: 

Mr. Jack Franks:  Mr. Franks advised that construction will begin on the 26 housing units next Tuesday.  It will continue for about 8 days.  After that sub-contractors will be working on the project.  He invited the Selectboard members to visit the site and see the process.  There will be a ribbon cutting sometime in May.  Mr. Franks has been in contact with Mr. Mark Houghton at the Fire Department.  He will be meeting with the Management Company soon to start advertising.  The Selectboard office has had some inquiries.  When Mr. Franks has some more information on the rentals he will drop that off in the Selectboard’s office.

NEW BUSINESS:

SWRPC, Winter Meeting Invitation:  An invitation was received from the Southwest Region Planning Commission to attend their Winter Meeting on Tuesday, February 16th, at Papagallos Restaurant in Swanzey, NH.  The topic of discussion will be NH’s 2016 Legislative Session.  Contact Mrs. Clough to make a reservation if anyone plans to attend.

Savings Bank of Walpole – 2016 Concerts on the Green Request:  A request was received from the Savings Bank of Walpole to announce that they are again sponsoring their Concerts on the Green series this summer.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the request of the Savings Bank of Walpole to use the town green on consecutive Sunday evenings beginning at 6:30 pm and concluding at 8:00 pm.  The first concert will take place on Sunday, June 26th and then every Sunday thereafter through August 14, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Letter from Pamela Howard:  A request was received from Pamela Howard and David Howard to extend the sewer line up Colonial Drive.  The letter states that Mr. Tom Murray and John and Linda Burroughs have also expressed an interest in connecting.  This has been forwarded to Mr. Mark Houghton who will figure the cost of the project and handle the negotiations.  All costs will be paid for by the property owners being connected.  The Selectboard supports their connections to the sewer line.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD BUSINESS:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:55 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:08 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of January 28, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Elderly Exemption:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant an Elderly Property Tax Exemption for a person in the Town of Walpole.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:28 PM.

NH Municipal Association:  Mrs. Pschirrer read the NH Municipal Association web-site and there is legislation coming up that she would like to do some research on.  One will increase the fees for cars that get high mileage because they are not using enough gas; the State is losing income.  There was another one about towns, by Town vote, having the ability to attach a fee that would go into their Highway and Bridge Funds. The State keeps cutting back on what they send the towns.

Accessory Dwelling Units:  Mrs. Pschirrer has been reading about Accessory Dwelling Units.  Mr. Dalessio noted that it is pending legislation.  It would not go into effect until 2017.  The Selectboard discussed some property owners who wanted to put an apartment/room above their unattached garage but they were voted down by the Zoning Board because the garage and house were not on a common foundation.  They feel there has to be a way to make this work as many families need extra room when their children/friends come back to visit or for a caretaker.  The Zoning Board feels the big concern is the fact that people will rent them.  Mr. Dalessio felt that the Zoning Board could make it contingent upon not renting the unit.  The State feels this is important enough to spend time on it. At one time it may have been an unreasonable request but it is no longer unreasonable.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:48 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary