Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/17/15

SELECTBOARD 09/30/2015 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

September 17, 2015

 

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

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:22pm 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.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio 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.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:40 PM. There were two people in attendance.

Myra Mansouri, ZBA Chair, brings several issues to the Selectboard’s attention.

  1. Several complaints of Richard Lafayette of County Road/Graves Road dumping washers, dryers, and other machinery on land across from his home lot. A letter will go from the Selectboard to Mr. Lafayette notifying him of the violations of the Junkyard Zoning Ordinance, Article 4 G.
  2. The Unitarian Church Board complained of a statue put on their property by the Art Gallery even though the Board has told Ms. Reeves that they did not want the statue installed. They went to the Zoning Board hoping that there would be some type of ordinance that could force her to remove it.  Neither the Zoning Board nor the Town has any such ordinance that would apply. It is the Board’s opinion that this is a civil matter between the Art Gallery and the Unitarian Church.  Another statue in front of the Art Gallery may be too close to the sidewalk.  Dalessio will check to see if there is proper clearance in order to avoid damage by sidewalk snow clearing machines. The Art Gallery had come to the ZBA for a variance for signs that were going to be less than 100 feet apart. When the signs went up, one was only 3 feet from the property line with the Unitarian Church instead of the proper 10 foot setback. The Selectboard will send a letter to Ms. Reeves and Mr. Carruthers (property owner) to either move the sign or return to Zoning Board for another variance.

Accounts Payable

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $560,859.31 for checks dated September 18, 2015. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor. This includes a check to Fall Mountain Regional School District for $488,319.18.

Payroll

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Payroll Register in the Amount of $21,910.67 for payments dated 9/18/15 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Payroll Tax Electronic Funds Transfer 15-38 for W/E 9/12/15 in the amount of $4,966.86 be approved as submitted.  Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard Minutes of September 10, 2015 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Committee Reports

The Selectboard acknowledges receipt of the minutes of the Planning Board and Hooper Institute, both dated September 8, 2015; and the North Walpole Village Commissioners report of September 15, 2015. A note on the NW Village minutes questions a missing guardrail on Main Street.  This has already been discussed with the Highway Department.

Building Permit

  1. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit 2015-38 Map & Lot 016-005-MH01, 1 Hogan Lane for upgrading an existing trailer site, demolishing an old one and putting a new concrete slab in. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
  2. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit 2015-38 Map & Lot 001-003-001, 19 Industrial Park Drive for Old Dominion Trucking to expand their building. They went to the Planning Board and the Site Plan was approved with conditions on September 8, 2015. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Old Business

  1. Hubbard Farms Barbeque Pit and Right of Way: Mr. Dalessio still has not been able to contact Mrs. Diane Miller. He will continue to attempt to contact her especially in regards to the Right of Way.
  2. Town Ordinance, procedure and policy manual – Nothing new to report
  3. Primex Insurance application should be ready for the Selectboard next Thursday.
  4. NH Retirement System Auditors emailed Janet and she is answering their questions.
  5. The Kitchen Committee met and will replace the stoves with a Garland which will be gas with 2 ovens, the fire suppression system that is needed and a hood over it. It will be installed by Melanson. A dishwasher is being donated and will be checked out by Houghton’s before installation. A new refrigerator is still in debate and depends on how much it impacts the cabinets. It is expected that the work will be complete by the end of the year.

New Business

  1. Pschirrer moved to accept a Return of Ownership of Cemetery Lot 224 in Section C of the Walpole Cemetery and reimburse the original purchase price of $175 to be divided between the Cemetery Trust Fund and the Town of Walpole. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
  2. Aldrich moved to approve the Draft copy of the 2014 Financial Audit. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
  3. Personnel Requests: Paul Clark request to rollover one week of vacation time to 2016. Mr. Dalessio would like to hold this request until it is known when the rolled week will be used.
  4. A letter of complaint was received from Jeffrey & Cathy White that power equipment was being used at North Meadow Plaza at 3:15 am. The Selectboard will send a letter to the owner of the parking lot reminding them of the rules regarding hours of maintenance. The State noise ordinance does not have a time limit but Walpole Police Department tends to use midnight as a limit.
  5. A Right to Know workshop will be held in Chesterfield on December 3rd at 7 pm. Dalessio recommends that Mrs. Clough attend and others as needed.

Recess Selectboard Meeting: Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor at 7:30pm.

The Regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:45PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer will be out of town from September 25 – 30 but will be back for the October 1st meeting.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor at 7:46PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/10/15

SELECTBOARD 09/30/2015 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

September 10, 2015

 

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

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00pm 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 two people in attendance.

Accounts Payable

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $20,956.36 for checks dated September 11, 2015. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor. Mrs. Pschirrer requests that the check to the Auditors be held until the final report is received.

Payroll

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Payroll Register in the Amount of $20,696.93 for payments dated 9/11/15 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Payroll Tax Electronic Funds Transfer 15-37 for W/E 9/5/15 in the amount of $4,755.75 be approved as submitted.  Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard Minutes of September 3, 2015 be approved as submitted. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard Non-Public Minutes of September 3, 2015 be approved as submitted and remain sealed. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Committee Reports

The Selectboard acknowledges receipt of the North Walpole Village Commissioners report of September 8, 2015. The NH DOT 10yr Plan meeting will be held in Charlestown in September.

Intent to Excavate

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate Permit #15-461-07 for Avenru Development from 504 Main Street, Map & Lot 012-013-004.  Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Old Business

  1. Hubbard Farms Barbeque Pit and Right of Way: Mr. Dalessio still has not been able to contact Mrs. Diane Miller. He will continue to attempt to contact her.
  2. Town Ordinance, procedure and policy manual
    1. Pschirrer moved that the Board rescind the following policies: the Cash Receipts policy, the Payroll policy dated 1996, the Accounts Payable policy dated 4/8/04, the Notice to Dog Owners, and the Purchasing and Procedures policy dated 10/4/01. These are to be rewritten into clear and comprehensive policies. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
    2. Pschirrer moved to accept the policies that have been rewritten: False Alarm Policy, Memorial Acknowledgement, Snow Removal and Ice Control Policy, Solid Waste Fee Schedule, and Emergency Roads or Lanes Policy. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
  3. Primex Insurance application is almost ready for submission for quote. Department heads are compiling an inventory of vehicles.6+sss
  4. NH Retirement System Audit went back 3 years and found very few issues or questions. The Auditors will be emailing some questions and the Board will respond.
  5. NH DOT will be meeting on 9/17 with J. Terrell, M. Houghton, M. Paquette, and some engineers to discuss the washed out bridge on March Hill Road.
  6. The Kitchen Committee will be meeting Sept. 17th at 10:30am

New Business

  1. A check was received from Ruggerio to pay the fine for not filing a Building Permit.
  2. A compressor for the dry system for the sprinkler has failed. Houghton will be installing a new one and the cost will be around $1,500.
  3. Mike Symonds was offered the position of Interim Road Agent until a replacement for retiring Road Agent J. Terrell is hired. It is hoped that Mr. Symonds will apply for the permanent position.

Recess Selectboard Meeting: Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor at 6:39PM.

The Regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:01PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer met with the members of the Highway Department. With Mr. Terrell’s upcoming retirement, they voiced concerns about the changes. More training will be needed.  All employees have at least CDL-B licenses but only one has a CDL-A.  Mrs. Pschirrer will continue to meet with them as needed.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor at 7:20PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

Family First Breakfast – 10/4/15

EVENTS 09/30/2015 Leave a comment
Family First Breakfast at the Walpole Unitarian Church, Sunday October 4 at 10 AM. We will meet in Hastings House, the WUC parish house on Union Street in back of the church.
Our Harvest theme is “Stone Salad”, a variation on the classic story Stone Soup. There will be other breakfast goodies of course, as well as story telling and games.
All are welcome.
For more information call Dorothy Read at 802-463-9333, Virginia Carter at 603-756-3948 or Antonia Andreoli at 603-756-9036.

Invasive Plant Workshop – 10/11/15

EVENTS 09/25/2015 1 Comment

 

Header With No Shadow

JUST ADDED! A Hands-on Invasive Plant Workshop
Beautiful but Invasive

Flowers of the beautiful but invasive Mulitflora Rose.

Join us for a special ‘Hands-on Invasive Plant Workshop’ at Distant Hill Gardens in Walpole, NH, on Sunday, October 11, 1pm to 4 pm.

Come and learn how to identify the many invasive species of plants in the region, why we should all be concerned with their spread, the various removal methods available to control them, and the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
Common Buckthorn Removal with a Tractor Winch 1

Removal of a large common buckthorn using a tractor winch.

You will get to try your hand at pulling large invasive plants with a tractor winch, removal of smaller seedlings with tools called ‘Weed Wrenches’, use an excellent non-spray chemical applicator called the ‘Buckthorn Blaster’ which will be available to purchase, and hand pulling of some of the smaller seedlings. We will be working on the removal of a number of the most common invasive plant in the area, including glossy buckthorn, common buckthorn, burning bush, Japanese barberry, oriental bittersweet, multiflora rose, autumn olive, and black locust. Control of some other common invasives not found at Distant Hill, like Japanese Knotweed, will also be covered.

Consider wearing long pants, boots, and bring some gloves and water.

There is no better way to learn to identify an invasive plant than to look it square in the eye, grab hold of it, and pull!
***

Space is limited. Registration is required. To save a spot:
Email Michael at distanthillgardens@gmail.com
or call 603-756-4179

There is a suggested donation of $10 for this special workshop

Planning Board Workshop Minutes – 9/22/15

PLANNING BOARD 09/25/2015 Leave a comment

WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD WORKSHOP

September 22, 2015

Present: Vice-Chair Robert Miller, Secretary James Aldrich, Jason Perron, Steve Dalessio, Dennis Marcom. Alternates, Ed Potter, Jeff White.

Absent: Jeff Miller, Kelley Hicks.

The meeting opened at 7:15 p.m. Two topics of discussion were: Special Exceptions and Changes to the Site Review Plan document.

Special Exceptions

Mr. R. Miller read the Zoning Ordinances for the Industrial District, Article VII.  His focus was on two things:

“Manufacturing operations are those in which materials are changed physically in form; changed chemically or mixed to provide other compounds…. On recommendation of the Planning board, the Board of Adjustment after considering the facts in light of the welfare and benefit of the community, may allow such industry…”  It was noted many of the businesses currently in the Industrial Park don’t follow the criteria of an Industrial District.

“The purpose for establishing an Industrial District is to provide within the Town area is which manufacturing operations may be carried on without infringing on the health, welfare and quiet of the residents of Town.” And in the same vein the ordinance later says,  “No commercial venture or use shall be permitted which would 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 odors, smoke or similar reason.”

The feeling of some of the board members was that:

The Zoning Board is not enforcing its own rules on Special Exceptions.

The Townspeople agreed to the Zoning Ordinances, but a board of five can change that                          meaning and grant permission to people or businesses outside of the manufacturing                              scope.

Site Plan Review

In July 2014, the Planning Board approved an update to Section VII on page 6 that added an item to require timber/earth plans for each site plan IAW RSA 79 and RSA 155-E. Planning Board members had copies of that amendment.

The following items were discussed because the language was not clear and was could be open to a couple of different meanings..

  1. On page 3 under Activities Not Subject To Site Plan Review. Point 4, Suggest changing the word “Value” with “Value or Replacement Cost” of which does not exceed $10,000.

The purpose of the change is that if someone builds a structure out of used, donated, found materials, using their own labor, the person could say the structure costs “$0” amount. The purpose is to close the ability for a commercial building that is build from “scrap” to be constructed  without site plan approval. Some suggestions for changing the word “value” were  “commercial value” and “assessed value.”

  1.   On page 5 under Submission Requirements add sentence after the first paragraph that reads        “Applicants are urged to submit site plans in electronic PDF formats when practical or possible      on CD or USB key.

It was suggested that there be an effort to start urging people to do that so the maps can be sized so board members can look at them.  Having the site plans in PDF format would allow for board members to have site plan copies that are more manageable and would aid in application storage.

  1.   On page 18 Section XlI in the first sentence change the wording: “An approved and recorded subdivision plot” to “approved site plan where a building permit has not been issued.”  The time frame for this is a year.

The intent when this section was updated in April 2012 was to shorten the length of time an approved site plan would remain approved if no work was being done on the site.

These are all language problems. Before anything can change, there will be more discussions and there has to be a Public Hearing and input from the public before anything can actually be finally changed.

It was the feeling of the Board that Town Officials must be vigilant when making decisions to preserve the rural nature and the character of the Town.  Some National chains have no interest in Walpole as a Town, but do have an interest in making a profit for their businesses.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Secretary

Busy Weekend

Uncategorized 09/25/2015 Leave a comment

Just some reminders about this weekend.  9/25 is the first Friendly Friday at the church.  Saturday is the Pastel Workshop and the Apple Festival is this Sunday at Alyson’s.  Given the great weather forecast, it should be a good one.  Enjoy! – Lil  

PS, the details on these events can be easily found through the Links on the Events page.

Solar Open House Weekend – 10/3 & 10/4/15

EVENTS 09/23/2015 Leave a comment

 
Header With No Shadow

‘Solar Open House’ Weekend & the Last ‘Open Gardens’ of 2015

Home-Sweet-Home

Michael standing in front of the solar home at Distant Hill Gardens.

Distant Hill Gardens in Walpole NH, will be having the final ‘Open Gardens’ of the season, and a
‘Solar Open House’ Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd and 4th,
from 10am to 4pm.
The Passive Solar Home at Distant Hill Gardens will be the main focus of the the weekend, with its Trombe Wall and Sunspace, a 3.15 kW roof-mounted Photovoltaic (PV) solar electric array, a ground mounted Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water Heater and a Mini-split Heat Pump ductless heating and cooling system.
***

Michael and Kathy Nerrie, the builders of the Distant Hill Gardens, will be available both days to discuss the energy saving features of their home.

As a special treat, ‘Solar Dave’ (aka David Wirth), a local PV installer, will be on hand Saturday from 10am to 2pm to answer your questions. Learn the finer points of installing and producing your own energy from the sun; the advantages and disadvantages of ground, roof, or pole mounted systems; and get updates on the ever-changing State rebates and Federal tax credits that are available for installation of alternative energy systems.

More Interested in Exploring the Woods and Gardens?

If you are more interested in exploring the forest, fields, wetlands, and gardens of Distant Hill than the house, the entire 58 acre property is open both days from 10 am to 4 pm. Stroll the many paths through the Beautiful Cultivated Shrub Gardens; search for the dozens of Whimsical Metal sculptures hidden throughout; experience the Quaking Cranberry Bog boardwalk; walk the new half-mile long Accessible Loop Trail; or let the kids explore ‘White-Rock Woods’, a nature play area at Distant Hill Gardens. Also of interest is the unique Stone Circle aligned to the setting sun on the winter solstice, and the geologically unique outcroppings of Stretched Pebbles.
***

There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per adult

All proceeds will be go toward the Accessible Trail Fund.
***

Please visit www.distanthill.org for more information and directions.

or call Michael at 603-756-417910/3 & 4

Friendly Friday Events – 10/6, 11/20 and 12/11

EVENTS 09/22/2015 Leave a comment
Jennifer McCauley’s invitation to the Friendly Friday events may look familiar.  The difference is that the next three events now have been scheduled and originally it was only the September date. – Lil

Looking for a new way to have fun with your family? Ever wondered how to introduce your kids to the Christian faith? Are you interested in creating community with other families who are looking to do church in a new way? Then Friendly Fridays at First Congo are for you!

 
Rev. Craig Breismeister and his family invite Walpole area families of all kinds to join us monthly for an evening of games, food and fellowship in our newly-renovated social hall. 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 the drinks and dessert. Our next three Friendly Friday dates are October 6, November 20 and December 11.
 
The First Congregational Church of Walpole is part of the United Church of Christ, which emphasizes extravagant welcome: “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey you are welcome here.” Worship is at 10:00 a.m. every Sunday with nursery care available and fellowship in coffee hour after the service. Church school runs during service through the school year.
 
For more information about Friendly Friday, please call or email the church: 756-4075, walpolechurch@yahoo.com

Open House at the Walpole Library – 10/10/15

EVENTS 09/19/2015 Leave a comment

Read on to also learn about the new fine policy at the library.  Jennifer Kelly, library trustee, has explained it very clearly so you can “stay out of trouble”. – Lil

Changes are in progress at the Walpole Library! A year and a half ago the library had a number of consultants come in and assess the use of space, which was paid for with a grant. Now, with our new Library Director, Justine Rogers, the library staff are beginning to implement some of those recommended changes.

DVD’s and audio books have been reorganized and moved onto shelves in the front room, the new book display has been changed to feature items published within the last four months (down from fifteen), and a new display of staff picks is featured on a book shelf next to the front desk.

Over the next several months, Ms. Rogers plans to continue implementing suggested changes. The library staff will order 20 to 40 books a week, move non-fiction out of the stacks, create a reading space in the stacks, reorganize the children’s room, create a space for tweens and teens, and highlight books by local authors.

On October 10th from 12 to 2 p.m., the library will be hosting an open house where you can meet the new librarian, find out about the library’s plans for reorganization and let us know about your hopes and concerns about the library.  The event is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served.

New fine policy at Walpole library

Got an overdue book or DVD?  The Walpole Library has reviewed its fine policy for overdue books and other items and established these new guidelines.

  • $0.05/day for books, magazines & audio books
  • $0.10/day for new books, ILL Materials & reserve items
  • $0.50/day for DVD’s
  • Once a card has occurred $5 in fines, some payment must be made in order to continue using the card.
  • No one with a lost book on their card may use their card until the book is paid for in full or replaced.
  • As long as a card is marked “Shut In”, no fines will be charged.
  • Any patron who wishes to dispute a fine must submit something in writing to the director.
  • Children under the age of 18 may volunteer their time rather than pay money to reduce fines on their cards. Each half hour of time worked will wave $4. Children can work no less than 15 minutes and no more than 1 hour at any given time.
  • Volunteers, staff and trustees are not required to pay for overdue fines. They must pay or replace any lost items.
  • Overdue fines for items that were marked lost but have been returned will not exceed $5.
  • Any fines for damaged items will be based on extremity of damages and determined by the director.

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 9/16/15

ZONING BOARD 09/19/2015 Leave a comment

Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustments

Minutes: September 16, 2015

 

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

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

Call to Order: Chairman Myra Mansouri opened the meeting at 7:40 pm. Since there was a full board, no one was needed to fill in.

Minutes: There were three corrections. Mr. Vose corrected size monitor to seismograph. In the first paragraph under new business,  Ms. Lester said the word build should be building. And in the Ruggerio section, first paragraph, the word should be done, not down. Mr. Vose made a motion to accept the minutes with those corrections. Mr. Anderson seconded the motion and the Board vote in the affirmative..

New Business: Mr. Doug Palmer said he would be in to discuss what his father-in-law wants to do with the Teragram Property, the section on the southern side of the old RN Johnson property. Mr. Palmer did not come to the meeting so the Board postponed any discussion on the project.

Certified Mail – It now cost $6.97 to mail a certified letter. The cost has increased three times in just one year. Ms. Lester suggested we raise the fee to $8.00. A motion was made by Ms. Trow and seconded by Mr. Anderson to raise the fee to $8.00 and the Board agreed.

Walpolean – The Board was asked if anyone wanted to get The Walpolean regularly. Some Board members said they already received it. Two people wanted it sent to them.

The Unitarian Church – A sculpture was placed on the lot owned by the church on Main Street. The sculpture belongs to the Reeves Gallery, which is located in the carriage house on the abutting property. The church officers want the sculpture removed. Ms. Mansouri was told the gallery owner, Cynthia Reeves, has refused to moved it.

Also, the sign in front of the building was placed three (3) feet from the boundary line of the church property and the church would like it moved to its proper setback place. Zoning Board ordinance Article IV, Section G requires 10-foot setbacks from side boundaries.

A discussion about the sculpture ensued. Ms. Lester said if it were a greenhouse owner, you would expect planters out in front of the place. The Board doesn’t have an ordinance for planters.  Mr. Anderson asked, “would you consider this a lawn ornament?”  The sculpture doesn’t say anything, Mr. Vose said. He continued that a sign usually gives you a direction or tells you what’s behind it. Ms. Trow asked if the Zoning Board had any ordinances about art on lawns.

Ms. Lester said this was not under the purview of the Zoning Board.

Mr. Vose said his opinion is the sculpture on the Unitarian Church’s lawn is a civil matter not a matter for the Zoning Board. We have no jurisdiction, he said. He suggested the Board let the selectmen know and they can do what they like. They are the enforcers.

The Board granted a variance to Cynthia Reeves, the owner of Reeves Gallery at 28 Main Street, for the placement of a sign when it came before the Board in June of this year. The variance was for the distance the sign should be placed from the middle of the road. Ms. Mansouri asked about the side boundary? Mr. Vose answered, “I never even considered the side boundary.”

Ms. Lester said that when they came to ask about placement, we approved it. The variance was actually about the distance of the sign placement from the center of the road not the side boundary. If you looked at this you wouldn’t have thought that you didn’t had to worry about the side boundary.

Ms. Mansouri said when they asked for a variance for a sign it was about distance from the center of the street, so they had to meet all other ordinance requirements. Ms. Stoughton asked if the letter permitting the variance also mentions that all the requirements are met.

Mr. Vose asked if there were any dimensions noted in the variance paperwork. He suggested the solution may come through Mr. Bruce Carruthers who is the owner of the property.

The Board decided to send a letter to Mr. Carruthers with copies to Ms. Reeves and the Selectboard regarding placement of the sign.

Washers and Dryers: Mr. Richard Lafayette has dumped a number of washers and dryers on his property at the corner of Graves and County Roads. Ms. Mansouri has received some complaints. Mr. Vose said it falls into junkyard status with the selectmen. The secretary will write a letter to the Selectboard about the matter.

Gravel Pits:  Ms. LeClerc inspected Mr. Tim Graves‘ gravel pit and said it was fine and there were no issues. Other pit inspections are due next month. The secretary will send each gravel pit owner a copy of the inspection report and a cover letter.

Mr. Vose said he visited Whipple Hill and that that gravel pit hasn’t taken any sand or gravel out of it in years. There is a statute that gravel pits must sell a certain amount of gravel every year in order to keep operating.

Mr. Vose asked if the Board should take away their grandfather permit. It was decided that Mr. Vose should talk to the owner and tell him he had to start taking some gravel out of the pit or he would be closed down.

Mr. Joe Sawyer is the same, Mr. Vose said. Ms. LeClerc pointed out that Mr. Sawyer is bonded, which makes a difference.

A visitor: Mr. Philip Carroll of Taggard Road said he was at the meeting just to learn what was going on. I came because I live here and I’m a “land-use guy and planning and zoning was in his blood”.  After that remark, Mr. Carroll was invited to take the vacant seat on the Board.

Mr. Carroll explained he was a retired doctor of family medicine and has a PhD. in early modern European history.  He is currently active in real estate in Maryland and lives Florida.

The meeting was recessed to go into executive session at 8:17 p.m. After coming out of executive session, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine