Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 11/12/15

SELECTBOARD 11/20/2015 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

NOVEMBER 12, 2015

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 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 the attendance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $61,190.35 for checks dated November 13, 2015.  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 November 7, 2015, in the amount of $19,270.02 for checks dated November 13, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,131.64 for the week ending November 7, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 5, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of November 5, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 5, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 5, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

  • North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – October 27, 2015;

There was discussion about the water issue in North Walpole.

  • Walpole Cemetery Trustees – November 5, 2015.

Mrs. Pschirrer spoke with Mr. Dale Woodward as the Cemetery Trustees are opening up another section.  They will have a small bill soon for mapping in the amount of $200.00+/-.  He asked permission to use approximately $2,000.00 for items that will be needed.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the expenditure for the new section of the cemetery to be taken from the Cemetery Trust Funds.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

STILLMAN, Watkins Hill Road, Map & Lot #008-105-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-47 for Stillman Family Revocable Trust / Robert D. & Margaret C. Stillman to “Construct a 13’ x 18’ Solarium/Sunroom addition and a 16’ x 12’ Indoor lap pool addition to the existing home”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

 

MEH ELM ST., LLC / Mark Houghton, Main Street, Map & Lot #023-003-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-48 for MEH Elm Street, LLC, to “Construct a bathroom, office and install heat in existing building” at 279 Main Street.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

GALLOWAY, County Road, Map & Lot #002-013-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Joan Galloway, Operation #15-461-11-T, on County Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WARRANTS:

Tax Collectors Warrant, Property Tax Levy, Fall Billing 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Tax Collector’s Warrant, Property Tax Levy, for the Fall Billing 2015 in the amount of $5,366,629.00 and with interest at twelve (12%) per annum from December 22, 2015 thereafter, on all sums not paid on or before that day”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Police Request from the Town of Alstead:  Mr. Dalessio referred this request to Police Chief Paquette who will contact the Selectboard in the Town of Alstead to find out what they will be looking for and then he will come back to the Selectboard with a recommendation. 

Walpole’s Oldest Citizen: A decision on Walpole’s Oldest Citizen will be made on December 3, 2015.

Letter to the Cheshire County Commissioners: Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on this letter.  She is waiting for additional information from Police Chief Paquette.

Public Hearing – Designating Emergency Lanes: The Public Hearing on Designating Emergency Lanes scheduled for December 3, 2015, has been in the Keene Sentinel and posted.

Hubbard Farms:  Mr. Dalessio reported that at the next Planning Board meeting Hubbard Farms will submit a Subdivision application that will include the barbeque pit area and permanent right-of-way to the Town pool.  They are asking if the Town wants to subdivide the barbeque pit area as a separate lot or annex it to the Recreation property.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to annex it over to the Recreation property.  It will need to be accepted as a gift.  Mr. Dalessio felt this should be done before the next Planning Board meeting but a Public Hearing will need to be scheduled.  It was agreed to schedule this Public Hearing on December 3, 2015.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cold River Management Advisory Committee Nominee Form:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the appointment of Mr. Fred Ernst to the Cold River Local Advisory Committee.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Whitney R. Aldrich and heirs, Lot C224.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NH Department of Transportation:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from the NH DOT regarding the Town’s “Interim Inspection of Municipally Owned Bridges”. There are two bridges that need “Bridge Closed” signs on both sides of the bridges:  1) #217/062 – Houghton Brook; and 2) #222/063 – Aldrich Brook.  After this has been done a letter needs to be sent to the NH DOT to confirm that it has been done.

Zoning Board of Adjustment: Mrs. Myra Mansouri pointed out that the ZBA meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month.  She comes early to set-up the tables and chairs.  It is a heavy job bringing them up from the downstairs therefore she is requesting that three tables and a rack of chairs be left in the meeting room.  Mrs. Clough will see that this is taken care of.

Legal Opinion:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the bill in the amount of $400.00 from Boutin and Altieri, PLLC.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (b) Hiring, (c) Reputations and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:31 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:19 PM.

Mr. Aldrich moved to seal the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of November 12, 2015.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Budget Meeting:  The Selectboard will be meeting all day on Tuesday, November 17th starting at 8:00 AM with the Department Heads, Library Director and Hooper Institute Director and work on the proposed 2016 budget. 

Red Cross:  Mrs. Pschirrer received information that the Red Cross is discontinuing their Rural Rides program.  They have turned their driving services over to a company in Peterborough who has not yet decided if they will cover this area.  They will restrict all of their driving to strictly medically related appointments.  The Selectboard needs to have more information to determine whether or not to keep their funding in the budget.

Mr. Dalessio mentioned to Mr. Kreissle that when they budget the charitable funding no checks will be issued unless they come in to talk to the Selectboard about their mission and what they provide to the residents of the Town of Walpole.

Parks Place:  Parks Place has requested funding for 2016.  They serve 57 people from the Town.  Mr. Dalessio advised that when the Selectboard work on the budget they will look at all the Special Appropriation requests.

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 at 7:26 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:56 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:57 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 11/18/15

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Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment

Minutes: November 18, 2015

 

Present: Board Members: Chair Myra Mansouri, Vice-Chair Jan Galloway Le Clerc, Clerk Ernie Vose, Mary Therese Lester, Bob Anderson. Alternates: Judy Trow. Absent: Alternate Stephanie Stoughton..

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the December 2015 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Roll Call: Ms. Mansouri called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Since there was a full board present, an alternate was not needed to fill.

Alternates: Ms. Mansousi said the Zoning Board could use another alternate and if the Board knew of anyone who was interested to make sure they let her know.

Minutes: There were a few corrections: Bellows is spelled Bellow in a couple of instances, one verb needed to be put in the past tense, there was a repetition of two words and the word “a” was left out in one instance.  Mr. Vose made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Lester seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously.

Procedure: Ms. Mansouri started the meeting by explaining that the Board did not follow the correct procedure for making a motion in its executive session at the last meeting. She explained that a vote to seal the minutes must be taken at the meeting following the session. So Ms. Le Clerc made a motion to seal the minutes of the October executive session. The motion was seconded by Ms. Lester and approved by the full board.

New business: 

Signage for Mr. Jack Franks of Avanru – Mr. Franks was at the meeting to have approved two temporary signs to be put up at his property at Abenaki Springs on Route 12. He said the signs would be temporary – for about nine months. The first one is a two-sided 8-foot-by-4-foot sign that advertises topsoil for sale and then lists a telephone number. Ms. Mansouri reminded him that he is on Route 12, a state road, so he must follow the state setbacks from the middle of the road. He said he knew the regulations and “it’s already all staked out. “ Also, the height limit is 20 feet for a free-standing sign. He said he may come back in the summer if the topsoil isn’t sold.

The second sign was also a 4-by-8-foot sign but would be one-sided. It would be 100 feet from the other sign. It informs the public of the construction of a New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority project for Developer Avanru Development Group, LTD. The information on the sign are state requirements for signage for a state project. Every one who is involved in the project has to be on the sign. This sign will be done professionally, Mr. Franks said.

Ms. Trow asked if the sign would be up for the duration of the project. Mr. Franks said yes. I expect it to be completed by May 1, placed in service by June 1, so everything should be done within that time frame.

Mr. Franks also talked about the full-service traffic light that will go in at Red Barn Lane, the entrance to Tractor Supply. This traffic light and the proper lanes and striping of lanes has already been approved by the NH Department of Transportation.

Mr. Franks gave an overview of what’s coming. He is in negotiations for a restaurant, a possible brewery, professional office space, most likely a bank with a drive-through, a mobile phone company and grocery store, so he may be back for more signage. There may be a sign on the corner of the lot that lists a lot of businesses and “I’ll probably need your guidance at some point,” he said.

There are already water, sewer, fiber optics underground now but there will be more engineering going on.

Mr. Vose asked if all the driveways and lights are going to be coordinated with the businesses surrounding them. Mr. Franks said the configuration was all engineered prior to when Family Dollar went in. He said his engineer coordinated with Jiffy Mart and their engineer and DOT. He said there are almost 11,000 cars going past their daily and that’s a lot of traffic.

Both signs conform to the zoning regulations. A motion was made by Mr. Vose to approve the temporary signs for one year. Ms. Lester seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved by the Board.

Special Exception Form  – There has been discussion about the Zoning Board application form for a Special Exception. Ms. Mansouri said the plan is to make the process clear for someone who needs a Special Exceptions. Mr. Anderson pointed out one sentence that seemed unclear (The necessary conditions for each Special Exception are given in the ordinance.) Mr. Anderson said that there are very few conditions. There is also no specific delineation on the process of getting a Special Exception. We can’t change the ordinance but we can change the form, Ms. Mansouri said.

Ms. Lester suggested bullets and a border – the bullets to point out a direction. It will also get people to pay attention, she said.

It was decided to hold a workshop meeting on Dec. 10, 2015, at 7 pm., in the Conference Room in the basement of the Town Hall to work on revising the form and making it more clear to the public.

Old business: Reeves and Unitarian Church. Ms. Cynthia Reeves submitted a letter sent to her from Wendy Harty, Chair of the WUC Board of Trustees. In it the church board said it is “glad  to close the door on this, to put it behind us.” Mr. Vose said, “I don’t see any point in pursuing this.” The Board agreed.

Executive Session: At this point Mr. Vose voted to go into Executive Session, Ms. LeClerc seconded the motion. The Board came out of executive session after about 15 minutes.

The procedural vote on the executive session will take place at the next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 pm after a motion was made by Mr. Vose and seconded by Ms. Lester. The Board voted unanimously to adjourn.

Everyone wished everyone else a Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine, secretary

 

cc: Town Offices, ZBA Board, The Walpolean

Posted inside the Town Offices, outside bulletin board at Walpole Grocery

 

EVENTS 11/20/2015 Leave a comment

Chuck Shaw sent this helpful outline of events that will be going on at the First Congregational Church in December.  Lots to add to your busy December calendar. – Lil

 

Welcome! What a great month to celebrate! We offer something for everyone! We are an Open and Affirming church that has spiritual food for your soul and real food for your appetite.

First Congregational will be hosting Breakfast with Santa in the church fellowship hall on Saturday, December 5 from 8 – 10 AM. Pancakes, eggs, sausage, juice and coffee will be served. Santa will be here to listen to the children’s wishes for Christmas. Come with your children, grandchildren or special children. Enjoy the food, fellowship and holiday spirit that fills the air and join in the celebration of life, love and joy. Free will contributions will be received at the door.

We have a new Music Director, Karen Kitchen, starting December 6. Karen is an organ tuner by profession but her talents cover all the musical aspects of our church. December 6 is the second Sunday in Advent. Communion will be served as part of our regular service that starts at 10 AM. Then on Friday evening, December 11, from 5:30 – 7:30 is our monthly Friendly Friday event for children and families, young and old.

On Wednesday, December 9, at 7 PM the Women’s Fellowship will be hosting “Christmas by Candlelight”, an evening of music, fellowship and sharing Christmas memories. Dessert and beverages will be provided. There is a sign up list in the fellowship hall.

Sunday, December 13, at 10 AM is the regular service with the Annual Children’s Christmas Pageant and our Missions Committee Mitten Tree celebration during the service. Winter hats, gloves, mittens and scarves are collected to be packaged and sent to places as far away as Montana and as close as the Walpole School. If you wish to contribute winter items bring them by the church any Sunday morning before December 14. After the service buy some cookies during the Cookie Walk in fellowship hall. We have cookie tins for you to fill with a wonderful array of cookies made by our congregation. You pay by the pound.

Sunday, December 20, at 10 AM is the Annual Choir Cantata in the sanctuary. Come rest your soul and enjoy our music and our choir.

We offer two Christmas Eve services. At 4 PM, families of all kinds are welcome to join us for a child-friendly service. It will feature the Christmas story in scripture lessons, familiar Christmas hymns and a pageant featuring the children from our Sunday school. Then at 7 PM is our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight service with hymns, readings and musical performances by our bell choir, adult choir and organist. Following the service is the live nativity on the common.

 

Farmers Market – 11/21/15

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Don’t forget that there will be a Walpole Farmers Market ….. Saturday

Along with all of your shopping stops don’t forget to stop in on the Common from 9am – 2pm, some of our regulars, some vendors that we see at this time of the year. All of them bringing crafts, foods, or products that they made or grew themselves….

Sawyers Cheese, McGills Maple, Cannoli from the Farmers Table, Brookfield Farm Grassfed Beef and Lamb, Orchard Hill Breadworks, Babbling Brook Pottery, Cold River Farm, Kinson’s Christmas Greens, Hawksmeadow Farm (Penni’s Pantry) and Iris X Lotions and Potions to name just a few. Walpole will be busy and filled with so many wonderful places to shop for locally made products, come spend the day and enjoy the start of this totally busy holiday season….

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 11/5/15

SELECTBOARD 11/19/2015 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

 

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 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.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

JUSTIN CASSARINO, Recreation Department:  The Selectboard reviewed the proposed 2016 Recreation Department Budget presented by Mr. Cassarino.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that when Mr. Cassarino started his salary was based on 500 hours/year but now is at 740 hours/year.  Most of his time is spent from mid-May to August, during the winter it is about ten hours a week for basketball and in the spring he gets the pool ready.  At times the pool has needed three lifeguards on due to heavy attendance.  He receives and makes many phone calls; parents, general public, vendors, etc.  Mr. Cassarino explained the new Basketball League is taking a lot of time as he has also been refereeing.  He asked if there could be a separate line item for referees.  Referees are usually paid $20.00-to-$30.00 a game; there could be two games a week plus two referees per game.  The committee would like to get some volunteers but they would have to do it correctly.  There are not as many volunteers as there used to be.  They now have four teams but can see it growing to six.  He runs basketball leagues both summer and winter, a swim team, soccer during the fall.  Mr. Cassarino asked the committee about hockey as the youngsters have to go to Vermont to play however it was noted that not many participate.  Committee members talked about the property behind St. John’s Church being flooded and used as an ice skating rink.  It did not operate last year but there is interest in doing it this winter.

The Selectboard agreed to the following changes:  1) Increase Mr. Cassarino’s hours from 740 to 800/ year; 2) Increase the salary line accordingly; and 3) Increase the part time salaries line by $3,000.00.

There was discussion relative to purchasing a new pump at the pool as the current one is not running properly.  Mr. Mark Houghton feels they need a new pump.  Mr. Cassarino is in the process of obtaining quotes.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that he provide a breakdown of the $25,000.00 being requested.  The committee feels it is time to replace the roof on the pool house.  Mr. Dalessio advised that several Town buildings need to have new roofs.  It is something the Selectboard needs to discuss; perhaps the building roofs will be grouped together.  Mr. Dalessio thanked Mr. Cassarino for having a really good year.

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 at 6:30 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:15 PM.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $35,783.49 for checks dated November 6, 2015.  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 October 31, 2015, in the amount of $20,379.94 for checks dated November 6, 2015.  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 $4,591.87 for the week ending October 31, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – October 29, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of October 29, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – October 29, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 29, 2015.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

There were no new Committee Reports.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

GALLOWAY, County Road, Map & Lot # 002-012-000:   Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve this Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Joan Galloway, Operation #15-461-10-T, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Letter From Cynthia Reeves:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from Ms. Cynthia Reeves, dated November 3, 2015.

Walpole’s Oldest Citizen:  The Selectboard will announce the Walpole’s Oldest Citizen during their December 3rd, 2015 meeting.  The Clarion is publishing one more article.

Letter to the Cheshire County Commissioners:  Mrs. Pschirrer is waiting for Police Chief Paquette to provide her with additional information needed for completeness of the letter.

Public Hearing: Designating Emergency Lanes:  The Public Hearing for Designating Emergency Lanes has been scheduled for December 3rd, 2015, at 5:30 PM.  The three emergency lanes are: Ethan Lane, Derry Road and the end of Reservoir Road.

Town Ordinance, Procedure and Policy Manual: The Selectboard continues to work on the Town Ordinances, Procedures and Policy Manual.

Citizens Complaint Form:  The Selectboard approved Mrs. Clough’s recommendation to change this form from “Citizens Complaint Form” to “Citizens Report Form”.

Mrs. Pschirrer was made aware of a complaint from a resident who originally contacted Mrs. Mansouri about a property owner who apparently moved gravel on his own property.  Mrs. Clough clarified that Excavation requires an Intent to Excavate form that goes to the State.  Mr. Dalessio will contact the claimant to explain that the Town has a new policy and ask him to come in to fill out the new form.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed – Byczkowski, Lot D409:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Cemetery Deed which conveys Lot D409 to Stanley and Shirley Byczhowski.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Tax Rate:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the Town received the Tax Rate for 2015-2016 from the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA).  They reviewed the 2015 Tax Rate Calculation / Appropriations and Revenue plus other detailed documentation.  Following a lengthy discussion relative to options and whether or not to use a portion of the Surplus Fund Balance to reduce the Tax Rate a decision was made not to take any funding out of the Surplus Fund Balance. Mr. Dalessio felt it would be beneficial to have a chart in the Town Report showing a comparison of tax rates between Walpole and the other local towns.  A hand-out for residents would also be helpful.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to set the Walpole Tax Rate for the year 2015-2016 at $23.97 and to set the North Walpole Tax Rate for the year 2015-2016 at $27.49.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Police Department:  A request was received from the Town of Alstead inquiring as to whether or not the Walpole Selectboard would consider renting their Police Department officers.  Mr. Dalessio emailed a Selectman in Alstead advising that this will be discussed with Police Chief Paquette and get back to them.

Kitchen Committee:  Mrs. Clough tentatively scheduled a Kitchen Committee meeting for Thursday, November 12th in the morning.  Mr. Mark Houghton has been helping them on this project.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:54 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:27 PM.

Mr. Aldrich moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 5, 2015, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:28 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Friendly Friday – 12/11/15

EVENTS 11/19/2015 Leave a comment
Rev. Craig and his family invite Walpole area families of all kinds to join us monthly for an evening of games, food and fellowship. Take a night off from cooking a full dinner and kick back with your kids and other families. Bring a favorite side dish or main dish to share. We’ll provide drinks and dessert.
 
On December 11, Rev. Craig will teach about Christmas and families will give the gift of service to our neighbors in need by making toiletry kits for the Fall Mountain Food Shelf. According to Mary Lou Huffling of the Food Shelf, her clients frequently request shampoo, soap and dental care items. In addition to the travel-size toiletries the church will provide, families coming to Friendly Friday are invited to bring regular-sized shampoo, soap and toothpaste to donate.
Additional Friendly Fridays will be on January 22 and February 26. For more information about Friendly Friday, please call or email the church: 756-4075, walpolechurch@yahoo.com. Or connect with us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/friendly-fridays.

13th Annual Walpole Artisans Tour -11/27-29/15

EVENTS 11/19/2015 Leave a comment

Come experience art in all its diversity during the 13th Annual Walpole Artisans Tour the weekend immediately following Thanksgiving: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. There will be five convenient locations this year; four in Walpole, NH, and one in Bellows Falls, VT. The days and times will vary slightly by location this year, so be sure to get a map at the Walpole Artisans Cooperative Gallery located on 52 Main Street in downtown Walpole, across from Burdick’s Restaurant. The Artisans Cooperative is a gallery founded by local artists who view art as a joy to make and a gift to be shared.  Here you will find art that catches your eye, feathers your nest, adorns your body, and warms your heart.  Discover unique gifts, innovative wearables, beautiful home furnishings, pottery, handcrafted greetings, and much more.

The first location, The Walpole Town Hall, will include many of the Artisans (open Friday and Saturday only). The town hall is a beautiful, historic building with large open rooms, perfect for displaying the art and fine craft of the Walpole Artisans.  Some of the Artisans will be demonstrating and all will be happy to discuss their work and share their process with you. You will find the fine wood craftsmanship of John Burrows, Wayne Cotton, and Jeff Lessels; hand-woven scarves, table runners, and more by Deb Dupell; paintings and greeting cards by David Howell; beautifully crafted jewelry by Jim and Andrea Lorette; fine photography as well as knitted and crocheted wearables by Judy Stalus; and fun and memorable metal sculptures by Bob Taylor.  Additionally, found object artist Janette Schuster and mixed media artist Loribeth Robare will each display their art and jewelry, and they invite you to join them in making paper ornaments using vintage maps, book pages, and other ephemera. They will provide instructions and materials free of charge on Friday and Saturday at the Walpole Town Hall. Janette is also offering a free gift with every purchase of her found object art and jewelry during the art tour.

We are proud to announce the addition of two other tour locations, Maggie Suttles’ Antiques & Folk Art, and the Walpole Mountain View Winery. Maggie Suttles specializes in folk art and antiques, and her shop is conveniently located on the corner of North River Road and South Main Street in Walpole.  The Walpole Mountain View Winery on Barnett Hill Road in Walpole, run by Virginia Carter, features stunning views of the surrounding area and products for sale, and will have wine tastings from 12 pm-5 pm throughout the weekend.

At the final location are Donna Lund and Chris Sherwin, exhibiting their work at 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, VT—the location of the Sherwin Art Glass Studio/Gallery. Donna will have her original pastels and watercolor paintings on display, as well as prints and cards available.  Chris will be serving refreshments and giving glassmaking demonstrations throughout the weekend, as well as having a selection of glass featuring seasonal themes for sale at his gallery.

For additional information, please visit the Walpole Artisans website (www.walpoleartisans.org) and Facebook page. Feel free to stop by the Walpole Artisans Cooperative, now open from Wednesday – Saturday, 10am-5pm, and Sunday, 11am-4pm, located at 52 Main Street, Walpole, NH, or call (603) 756-3020. Tour maps are available at the Cooperative and around the Greater Falls area. The Cooperative is looking for new Members and applications are being accepted.

Planning Board Workshop – 10/27/15

PLANNING BOARD 11/17/2015 Leave a comment

Walpole Planning Board Workshop

October 27, 2015

Present: Planning Board: Jeff Miller (Chair), Robert Miller (Vice-Chair), James Aldrich (Secretary), Steve Dalessio (Selectboard Representative), Jason Perron, Dennis Marcom. Alternates: Jeff White and Ed Potter.

Zoning Board Members: Myra Mansouri ( Chair), Jan Le Clerc (Vice-Chair), Ernie Vose (Clerk).

Recording: These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the November 10, 2015, meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

The meeting was called to order around 7 p.m. The topic again was Special Exceptions. Four of the Districts in the Zoning Ordinances have requirements for Special Exceptions: Residential, Commercial, Rural/Agricultural and Industrial. Each differs slightly depending on which District the Exception is in.

For example, in the Rural/Agricultural District a couple exceptions are:

Article VIII Section C – 1. Industrial, manufacturing and commercial operations by Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment when fulfilling the following requirements;

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

  1. Property currently zoned for industrial, manufacturing and commercial operations is ether unavailable or inadequate for the proposed use
  2. and the proposed use is appropriate and consistent with Town’s Master Plan.

b. Each proposed use must show that it will not infringe on the primary established use of the district.

c. No industrial manufacturing or commercial venture or use shall be permitted which could cause any undue hazard to health, safety or property values or which could be offensive to the public because of noise, vibration, excessive traffic, unsanitary conditions, noxious odor, smoke or other similar reason.

And so forth. There are four more conditions in the Rural/Agricultural District. It is important for the applicant to check the Zoning Ordinances in each District to determine which Ordinance is applicable to the applicant’s case.

By contrast the Industrial Zone in Section VIII concerns were more about off-street parking, loading facilities for freight etc. However, the Special Exception still requires the Zoning Board to consider the Planning Board recommendation on the project.

There was some discussion of when the Zoning Board of Adjustment should hear the Special Exception application – before or after the Walpole Planning Board has made a recommendation. According to Mr. J. Miller, the applicant goes to the Zoning Board first. The confusion is because the Zoning Board’s decision depends on the recommendation of the Planning Board – not the approval of the Site Plan, but the recommendation of the Planning Board. Mr. Miller says it has nothing to do with a Site Plan, it’s the process. So does the Zoning Board hear a Special Exceptions question before the Planning Board has even heard the case. As one board member said, it’s a little like the chicken and egg question.

Ms. Mansouri differed in her opinion stating that the Planning Board must make a decision on a recommendation before the Zoning Board can rule. There will be further discussion of the matter. Currently, when an applicant goes to the Zoning Board first, and an affirmative decision is made, it must state that it is pending the Planning Board’s recommendation.

Also, it was suggested that the application form should be more informative and state the process or steps to getting a Special Exception.

Also discussed was the Checklist. The Checklist is a list of questions about whether or not the applicant has submitted certain items with an application. Some of the questions don’t apply to every applicant so answering them may be waived. Mr. Dalessio said that the Site Plan Review Checklist/Waiver Form must be included with a Site Plan Review Application and that this has been a long-standing requirement.

The meeting broke up about 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted, Marilou Blaine, secretary

Ruggiero – Are they being totally transparent?

OPINIONS 11/17/2015 Comments: 2

The following letter came to me from DES via Tabatha Anderson.  Therefore, you might refer to it as gossip but please know that neither she nor I have altered the content so you can come to your own conclusion about the transparency on this issue. – Lil

 

CERTIFIED MAIL #7002 3150 0004 7244 4380

RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

February 4, 2015

Joseph Ruggiero, Owner Letter of Deficiency

Ruggiero Processing Facility LLC WMD 15-004

P.O. Box 434

Saxtons River, VT 05154

Dear Mr. Ruggiero,

On February 22, 2012, the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Waste Management Division (“DES”) granted Standard Permit #DES-SW-SP-12-001 to Ruggiero Processing Facility LLC (“Ruggiero”) for a collection, storage and transfer facility in Walpole, New Hampshire.

The permit Terms and Conditions specified that “The permittee shall file a ‘Notice of Intent to Operate’ pursuant to Env-Sw 1105.02, and receive written confirmation of receipt from the Department prior to beginning operation” (item 9) and that “prior to obtaining authorization to operate this facility the permittee shall comply with the financial assurance requirements for closure identified in Env-Sw 1403” (item 14).

Because Ruggiero did not file a Notice of Intent to Operate or comply with financial assurance requirements prior to operating as specified under Terms and Conditions (items 9 and 14) of the permit, DES had not been made aware the facility was, in fact, operating until DES staff visited the facility on August 28, 2014. The results of the subsequent inspection to determine Ruggiero’s compliance with other requirements under RSA 149-M and NH Administrative Rules Env-Sw 100 et seq. (Solid Waste Rules) are attached.

Despite having initiated operations a number of months prior, Ruggiero had not received approval to operate the facility, or any phase or portion thereof because Ruggiero had not filed a “Notice of Intent to Operate” with DES or assured financial responsibility for facility closure prior to commencing operation of the facility.

  1. RSA 149-M and Env-Sw 1105.01(a)(2) require the permittee of facilities with a standard permit to assure financial responsibility for facility closure prior to commencing operation.
  1. RSA 149-M and Env-Sw 1105.01(a) (5) require the permittee of a solid waste facility to file a “Notice of Intent to Operate” with the department and receive approval prior to commencing operation of a facility, or any phase or portion thereof.

In addition, the inspection revealed five violations pertaining to Signs and Postings, and requirements for recordkeeping and reporting.

  1. Env-Sw 1105.05(a) and (b) require the facility entrance sign to include: facility name and hours, permittee name and number, waste types accepted and the unlawful dumping statement.
  1. Env-Sw 1105.05(c) requires that there be a copy of the Operating Plan and the Closure Plan on site.
  1. Env-Sw 1105.05(d) requires the posting of the permit’s cover page.
  1. Env-Sw 1105.05(e) requires the posting of operator certificates.
  1. Env-Sw 1105.07(b) requires the submittal of an annual facility report by March 31 for operations during the previous year.
  1. Env-Sw 1105.06(a) requires the permittee to maintain records on the quantity, type, source and destination of all wastes accepted, with out-of-state waste listed separately.

On October 16, 2014 DES received a submittal that included a Notice of Intent to Operate, a Letter of Credit, and a Standby Trust Agreement from Ruggiero. After an additional submittal, which included a revised Standby Trust Agreement, DES approved the Notice of Intent to Operate on December 10, 2014. DES’s Notice of Intent to Operate constitutes approval for Ruggiero to commence operation of the facility and corrects violations 1 and 2 listed above.

DES requests that Ruggiero address violations 4 – 8 by March 6, 2015. If compliance is not achieved within this period, DES may take further action against including issuing an order requiring that the deficiencies be corrected and/or referring the matter to the New Hampshire Department of Justice for injunctive relief. DES personnel may re-inspect your facility at a later date to determine whether the facility has come into, and is maintaining, full compliance with the applicable rules. DES reserves the right to pursue monetary penalties for the deficiencies noted in this letter as well as any deficiencies noted in subsequent inspections of your facility.

If you believe that DES has cited these violations in error, or have questions regarding this matter, please contact Sharon Yergeau, Solid Waste Compliance Assurance Supervisor, at NHDES, P.O. Box 95, Concord, NH 03302.

The Solid Waste Rules are available from the DES Public Information Center ((603) 271-2975) or at http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/legal/rules/index.htm.

 

Sincerely,

Michael E. Guilfoy, Administrator, Solid Waste Management Bureau

cc: DES Legal Unit

ec: Melanie Doiron, Inspector, Solid Waste Compliance Assurance Section

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 10/29/15

SELECTBOARD 11/15/2015 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

OCTOBER 29, 2015

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 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 present in the audience.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $43,675.84 for checks dated October 30, 2015.  One of the checks is for the Health Insurance for November 2015 in the amount of $24,130.58.  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 October 24, 2015, in the amount of $19,038.02 for checks dated October 30, 2015.  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 $4,124.24 for the week ending October 24, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – October 22, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of October 22, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – October 22, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of October 22, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

  • North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – October 20, 2015;
  • Walpole Conservation Commission – October 5, 2015;
  • Cold River Local Advisory Commission – October 1, 2015;
  • Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment – October 21, 2015.

BUILDING PERMITS:

TAYLOR, LaClair Road, Map & Lot #013-043-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-45 for Teresa Taylor to “Construct a 16’ x 12’ 1 Story Storage Shed” at 18 LaClair Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

UNITY BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES, INC., Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #017-008-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-46 for Unity Building Technologists, Inc. to “Construct a 64’ 10” x 26’ 6” 1 Story Panelized, energy efficient home” at 101 Wentworth Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

2014 Financial Audit:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the 2014 Financial Audit report.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole’s Oldest Citizen: Mr. Ray Boas will run one more article in the Clarion for the Walpole’s Oldest Citizen.  The Selectboard will make their decision during the December 3, 2015, Selectboard meeting.

New Hampshire Retirement Audit:  Mrs. Clough advised that this report was finalized and has been sent in to the State.

True North Invoice: Mr. Dalessio looked through the True North invoice.  The over-run is in the labor; it was because of the all the ancillary equipment that needed to be linked in.  He pointed out that employees should not use True North for casual questions due to their hourly fee.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the invoice from True North in the amount of $5,262.47.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio mentioned that Mr. Kreissle is keeping a watchful eye on the spending.  He is doing an excellent job in keeping the Selectboard informed of odd expenditures as they get closer to the end of the year.

Letter to the Cheshire County Commissioners: Mrs. Pschirrer is waiting to receive additional information from Police Chief Paquette to finish this letter.

Public Hearing: Designating Emergency Lanes:  The Selectboard had set the Public Hearing date as December 3rd for designating the three Emergency Lanes.  Mrs. Clough received an email from Mr. Lew Shelly, on the Conservation Commission, who advised that Mr. Dick Hurlburt and Mr. Tom Beaudry are not available for this meeting due to other commitments however Mr. Shelly and Mr. John Peska are available.  Mr. Dalessio advised that these are the emergency lanes that were designated by them therefore it is not necessary for any of them to be present at the Public Hearing but they are all welcome to attend.  Mrs. Pschirrer wrote the notice for the Public Hearing and will email it to Mrs. Clough.

Citizens Complaint Form:  Mr. Dalessio said Mrs. Pschirrer developed a Citizen Complaint form.  Mrs. Pschirrer will write a policy to go along with it and Mrs. Clough will write the procedure.  Mrs. Clough asked how the office staff is to handle phone calls with complaints.  Mr. Dalessio advised that all complaints should be logged in with a number whether someone comes to the window, calls or if an email is received. The Selectboard will do a follow-up if necessary.

Town Ordinance, Procedure and Policy Manual:  This agenda item is a work in-progress.  The Selectboard continues to work on these.

NEW BUSINESS:

NH DES Meetings:  Mrs. Clough emailed this notice to both Mr. Tom Beaudry of the Conservation Commission and Mr. Mark Houghton, Water and Sewer Department.  Mr. Dalessio would like to attend to see how they will merge all the departments together however the Selectboard members have conflicts.  It will be called “Land Resource Management Bureau”.

Letter from Health Trust; Health Insurance Rates:  Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Clough to let the Selectboard know what the employee’s contributions have been over the past few years.  This will be discussed during the budget workshops.  Mr. Kreissle will be asked to reduce the percentage in the proposed budget from 15% to 5%.

YMCA:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a Thank You letter from the YMCA for the Town’s contribution of $700.00 for their summer camp.

AccuFund:  Mr. Dalessio advised that they need to have their accounting system deal with the Affordable Care Act.  He proposed having AccuFund take care of this to keep the system up to the latest standards.  It will cost about $1,200.00/year.  Mr. Dalessio will tell Mr. Kreissle that a decision was made to do this.  Mr. Kreissle asked about adding the rest of the HR module which will allow them to track vacation, sick time, etc.  The cost will be $2,829.00. Mrs. Clough does this manually now and it takes a lot of work and time.  Mr. Dalessio noted that AccuFund had promised the Town all of these modules.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (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 6:35 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:08 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to seal the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 29, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:35 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

2016 Proposed Budget:  The Selectboard is in the process of starting to work on the 2016 proposed budget.  The first meeting will be an all day session.  Mr. Kreissle will also sit in on these budget sessions.  Mr. Justin Cassarino will come in next Thursday, November 5th, to talk about his Recreation Department budget because after that he will be coaching again so it will be difficult for him to come in.  There was general discussion on the 2015 budget and 2016 proposed budget.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary