Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 7/23/15

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TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 23, 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.

These are unapproved Minutes.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $170,739.88 for checks dated July 24, 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 July 18, 2015, in the amount of $28,484.58 for checks dated July 24, 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 $6,547.09 for the week ending July 18, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD /STAFF MEETING – July 16, 2015: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Selectboard/  Staff Meeting of July 16, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Edkins to distribute these Minutes to the Staff.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 16, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 16, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – July 9, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 dated July 9, 2015.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – July 16, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of July 16, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – July 16, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of July 16, 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 the Minutes of the following meetings:

  • Zoning Board of Adjustment – July 15, 2015;
  • Hooper Institute Committee – July 14, 2015;
  • North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 21, 2015.

OLD BUSINESS:

TERRA MAP’S:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Terra Maps have not yet been received but should arrive soon.

TOWN ORDINANCE, PROCEDURE AND POLICY MANUAL: Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on the ordinances, procedures and policies.  The Selectboard reviewed the list of ordinances Mrs. Pschirrer has researched to-date.  Mr. Dalessio would like to start with the policies and then do the ordinances and procedures.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended that after they are re-formatted and re-adopted they be put into categories and be posted in a designated area so citizens will have access to them.

SELECTBOARD OPERATION GUIDELINES:  Mr. Dalessio distributed a draft of the Selectboard Operation Guidelines for review.  He incorporated the recommended comments that Mrs. Pschirrer brought up last week.  This will be an agenda item for the next meeting.

PIANO:  Mrs. Edkins advised that both Mr. Paul Colburn and Mr. Jim Terrell are working together on removal of this piano.

RECREATION CENTER HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY: Mr. Dalessio left a message at Hubbard Farms but did not yet receive a reply.  He looked through the standards for handicapped parking; none of them talked about parking on dirt or grass.  He talked to Mr. Jim Terrell about putting up signs for handicapped parking between the two signs both in the parking lot and by the pool.  Hopefully, this will not be an issue with Hubbard Farms.

PROSPECT HILL INTERSECTION FOLLOW-UP – Ruth Venzia and Bruce Blanchette:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the temporary sign was put up.  Mr. Terrell ordered the sign for “No Right Turn”.  The open issue is if the Town will pay the bill for towing but they are waiting for the Police report.

LETTER FROM THE KEENE SENTINEL – Re: Distribution of Weekly Advertising Flyers:  It was noted that the Keene Sentinel is still distributing flyers.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Keene Sentinel recommended that people with complaints call the Keene Sentinel Circulation Department.  There was a consensus to put the whole letter received from the Keene Sentinel in the Walpole Clarion.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard send the Keene Sentinel letter to Mr. Paul McGuirk who called their attention to the fact that advertising from the Keene Sentinel was being thrown in people’s driveways.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Edkins was asked to get the Keene Sentinel letter to Mr. Ray Boas tomorrow and to attach a copy of the Selectboard’s letter to the Keene Sentinel.

LETTER – Re: Batting Cage on Wentworth Road:  Mrs. Pschirrer drafted a letter, based on the minutes of the Zoning Board meeting of July 15th, to respond to Mr. Steve Markiewicz and his wife regarding the batting cage.  She noted in the letter that Mr. Markiewicz was at the ZBA meeting so he heard and participated in the discussion.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to send this letter in response to Mr. Markiewicz contacting the Selectboard about the batting cage on Wentworth Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

VACATION SCHEDULE FOR SUPERVISORS: Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Clough to put together a vacation schedule of the Department Heads so the Selectboard can set a meeting with them to talk about the traffic data that was collected.  Mrs. Edkins provided a schedule of vacation time to-date.

NEW BUSINESS:

MEETING WITH TRUE NORTH NETWORKING: Mr. Dalessio advised that there will be a meeting with True North Networking on August 7th at 11:00 AM to focus on the scope of work to have the Town Clerk’s office ready for conversion onto the State’s new computer software by September 1st.  True North is recommended by the Motor Vehicle Department to do this work.  They will try to have the work done before August 31st, well before the NH DMV date of 09/20/15.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:36 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:48 PM.

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 7:07 PM.

OLD BUSINESS (Continued):

Internet Signs:  Mr. Dalessio tracked down the “800” number that was on the Internet signs all over Town.  The company, Hugh’s Net, advised that a local representative was putting up the signs and they will take care of stopping it.

NEW BUSINESS (Continued):

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard have an extra handicapped space marked in front of the Walpole Library so that they will have two handicapped spaces rather than just one.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

This will be forwarded to Mr. Jim Terrell.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:  Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:16 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:28 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:29 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Zoning Board Agenda – 8/19/15

ZONING BOARD 08/12/2015 Comments: 2

Agenda for Zoning Board of Adjustment

Wednesday,  August 19, 2015

Walpole Town Hall – 7:30 p.m.

 

 

 

Roll Call: Appointment of alternates if needed

 

Minutes: Review minutes of July

Corrections: Selectman Steve Dalessio‘s name was spelled incorrectly in paragraph about training series and incorrect spelling of Mr. Michaud’s name in second to last paragraph on page 1

Thank you, thank you, thank you Judy for going through zoning ordinances. Great editing job. Marilou

New Business:

 

Updated copies of Zoning Ordinances

No other business planned yet.

Next meeting Wednesday, September 16, 2015

 

Please let Marilou know if you will attend this meeting and if you want an electronic copy of the new Zoning Ordinances.

 

Planning Board Agenda – 8/11/15

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PLANNING BOARD AGENDA

WALPOLE TOWN HALL

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

                        7 p.m.                         

 

Roll Call – Appointment of alternates if needed

Minutes – Review minutes of the July meeting

Old Business:

Public Hearing for a Site Plan Review – Commonwealth Construction LLC. At 121 Church Street, North Walpole – Map 27, Lot 3, Zoning District Industrial – would like to enclose a building on the site that was formerly LaValley’s lumber yard and is currently used for millwork manufacturing and storage, and construct another new steel building, approximately 7,000 square feet, for production of USDA certified organic personal care products.  Yobhel Brosseau Manager.

Public Hearing for a Site Plan Review – Ruggiero Processing Facility, LLC, 32          Industrial Park Road, Map 1, Lot 10-1, Zoning district Industrial – would like to have recognized a previously built pole barn and wishes to add another 2,500 square-foot pole barn, new access and a scale.

New Business:

            Request for a Site Plan Review for Old Dominion Trucking  Map 1, Lot 3-1,  Zoning            District Industrial – wants to add a loading dock, maybe lighting.

            Maybe – Request for a Public Hearing _ Subdivision – George Wiezbowski, 43 Taggard Road – Map  5,  Lot  41  Zoning District Rural Agricultural –  one lot into two lots. The property is currently 17 acres with 500 feet of road frontage.

Next meeting  Sept.8, 2015

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 8/3/15

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Minutes

For the regular meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

Monday, August 3, 2015

Present:  Tom Beaudry, John Peska, Myra Mansouri (alt.), Kelli Wilson, Sharyn Tullar (alt.), Alicia Flammia, Lewis Shelley, Gary Speed, Whit Aldrich (SelectBoard representative)

Not Present:  Peter Palmiotto (alt.), Duncan Watson

Mr. Beaudry, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:36 PM.

Non-Public session: 

No Alternates needed seating

Minutes

Mr. Peska moved to accept the minutes for the July 6, 2015 meeting as presented. Ms. Wilson seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Treasury/Budget Report

As of 6/30/15, the total amount in the Forestry account was $10,343.39, and in Conservation account was $53,161.67. The budget has a credit for the Youth Conservation Camp on 5/6/15 as well as payment on 4/30/15.  Mr. Beaudry will look into this.

Correspondence

  1. Town & City Magazine
  2. NH Assoc. of Conservation Commissions 45th Annual Meeting: 11/7/15, Pembroke Academy, Pembroke, NH. Shelley will be presenting.
  3. Monadnock Conservancy update on projects in the Monadnock region.

New Business

  1. CT River Joint Commission Invasive Species program River Runners was held 6/16/15 and attended by Ms. Flammia. She reports that it was a program was to train volunteers to look for certain numbers of invasive species and place markers so that State personnel can take care of them.
  2. Northeast Energy Direct natural gas pipeline project—a letter was sent to all NH conservation commissions requesting signatures of opposition that will then be sent to the Governor, federal & state Representatives and Senators, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Concerns about the use of eminent domain, displacements of conservation easements and the impact of wetlands were discussed.  Speed moved that members of the Conservation Commission be encouraged to sign the letter.  Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
  3. Merriam Farm- Mr. Shelley reports that there is an interest in the purchase of the Walpole part of the Farm. The Planning Board is tentatively in favor of the ideas presented. The Class 6 road is still an issue since most of it is down to bedrock.
  4. NH Timberland Owners Association request for dues. Flammia moved to not renew membership in NHTOA.  Mr. Speed seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
  5. NH DES Emergency Authorization/Verification. A dive inspection has discovered a 6’ deep scour hole underneath the spillway of Bridge Pier 4 of the Dam.  Emergency work is going to be done to figure out what is wrong and try to stabilize the site starting August 17.

Old Business

  1. DES work has begun replacing 24”galvanized culvert with a 24” plastic pipe next to Pole 21 on Route 12.
  2. Shelley was contacted by 3 Scouts looking for Eagle Projects; Adam Terrell confirmed that he is interested in work at Mill Pond. Benjamin Hefner will be meeting with Mr. Shelley soon and Paul Melville expressed interest in Mill Pond as well.
  3. Water Co Timber Harvest-Garland Lumber sent a letter to the SelectBoard indicating the upgrades that are to be done to the Class 6 road in preparation for the harvest. However, the Intent to Cut has not yet been received by the SelectBoard.  Garland Lumber and Mr. Rhoades were notified of this deficiency.
  4. NH DES has sent a letter requesting additional information on the TransCanada Hydro dredging project.

Other

  1. Brian Fletcher will no longer be available to mow at the Reservoir Dam and Knapp Cranberry Meadow since he sold off some equipment. The optimal option would be to find someone who has a brush head on an excavator. The budget for Dam maintenance is $1,500/year.
  2. Holly Green’s intern requests another copy of last year’s report on the Ballam Farm Monitoring. Speed will forward that report to her.
  3. Speed is concerned that the Reservoir water level is dropping more quickly than expected. He admits that it has been dry lately but it shouldn’t be dropping so much.  He will check to see if the Golf Club is using that water to irrigate the course.
  4. Aldrich reports that it is his belief that the Hooper Sale will be complete by the end of August.
  5. Shelley will contact Mike Reyns to arrange for brush hogging in the Fanny Mason Forest.
  6. Shelley accompanied Al Stoops on a search for Champion trees. They were unable to find the Black Ash behind Boggy Meadows Farm but agreed to try again in the winter when the leaves are down.  They did find the State Champion Black Cherry north of Derry Hill Road.

Mr. Peska moved that the next meeting should be Monday, September 14, 2015 due to the Labor Day holiday. Ms. Flammia seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Mr. Speed moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:35pm.  Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Recording Secretary

NOTE:  These are unapproved minutes with corrections to be found in the minutes of the next meeting.

 

Meeting Waters YMCA Celebrates 120 Years – 8/13/15

EVENTS 07/27/2015 Leave a comment

Public Event Will Bring Guests Back to the 1890s

Beautifully-preserved, hand-written notes tell the story of the founding of Meeting Waters YMCA back in 1895. Several organizational meetings were held throughout 1894 and 1895 leading up to a vote among more than 100 founding members on September 2, 1895. That night, the Bellows Falls YMCA was born.

 

september 2 notes

 

Photo: The minutes from the September 2, 1895 meeting.

On Thursday, August 13th, hundreds of current Y leaders, volunteers, participants, and staff, along with others from the past, will gather at the regional Y’s Lewis Day Camp facility to celebrate the early years of the organization’s rich history. The event is free and open to the public. It begins at 7:00 pm.

“An organizing task force of volunteers and staff has planned a fun evening,” said Meeting Waters YMCA’s Executive Director, Steve Fortier.  “Participants will get to learn about our first couple of decades of impacts through interactive activities. We’re excited to celebrate this important milestone with volunteers, donors, staff members and program participants—all of whom have played important roles in sustaining and growing our organization over the years.”

Meeting Waters YMCA’s 52-acre Lewis Day Camp facility is located on Missing Link Road (Route 5) in Springfield, VT. It is just one-half mile off of Route 91 at Exit 7. For more information, contact the Y at your local phone number (Brattleboro area: 246-1036; Bellows Falls/Fall Mountain area: 802-463-4769; or Springfield area: 885-8131) or by emailing info@meetingwatersymca.org.

Meeting Waters YMCA is a charitable, social service organization serving the Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Springfield and Fall Mountain regions. It strengthens the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 7/16/15

SELECTBOARD 07/27/2015 1 Comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 16, 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 seven people in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

PAULA GALLAGHER – Handicapped Parking:  Mrs. Paula Gallagher and her daughter, Ms. Erin Gallagher, were present.  Mrs. P. Gallagher recently had an incident when she parked near the pool as she is unable to walk from the parking lot.  Mr. Cassarino spoke to her granddaughter and advised that parking was not allowed by the pool; a few days later a lifeguard told her the same thing.  Mrs. Gallagher then called Mrs. Pickering who said it was only used for emergencies.  When she contacted Fire Chief Hurlburt he stated that there is enough room for a vehicle that has a handicapped plaque.  Mr. Dalessio advised that this was previously discussed with Mr. Cassarino.  The Selectboard is not opposed to having her park there but they have to research the road situation as the Town does not own that road.  He is not sure what the terms of the agreement are that were made many years ago with the Hubbard family.  Emergency access has never been an issue.  If they opened up that space it would have to be restricted and kept under control.  The Selectboard will get back to Mrs. Gallagher after the research has been done.  Ms. E. Gallagher explained that her mother’s car is parked close to the fence.  She displayed pictures of other employee’s cars parked in that area; they would be blocking the emergency access.  Mrs. Gallagher also feels that the ramp is not ADA compliant.  Mr. Dalessio said they would also check on the ramp.  In the meantime the Selectboard felt she could park in that area.

BRUCE BLANCHETTE– Re: Main Street and Prospect Hill Junction:  Mr. Blanchette had submitted an email regarding an accident his friend, Ruth Venezia, had at the intersection of Main Street and Prospect Hill; it is a cut-through that was recently paved.  It is very hard to see the ditch when you are in a vehicle and there is no indication that it is there. He displayed some pictures.  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged that the Selectboard did receive an email and also his letter.  Mr. Blanchette is aware of at four other vehicles that have gone into that ditch.  Ms. Venezia was parked on the south side of the connector road from about 5:00 to 8:00 PM.  Mrs. Pschirrer explained that they discussed this with Mr. Terrell of the Highway Department.  He had signs there before but they disappeared.  A decision was made that he will put more signs up to mark the culvert plus a distinct new sign that says “No Right Turn”.  That cut-off was designed so people could avoid the intersection by coming down Wentworth Road or the Old Keene Road and turning right to go up Prospect Hill or for the people to come down Prospect Hill and cut over to Wentworth Road or Old Keene Road.  It was never meant for anybody to come around to the Main Street intersection.  Mr. Blanchette feels this is a fine solution.  Mr. Dalessio advised that they are waiting for a copy of the Police report, after that they will have another discussion about it and will let Ms. Venezia know what their decision is relative to payment of her damages.

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:  Mrs. Myra Mansouri reported that there is no zoning violation with reference to the batting cage matter.  It is in a Residential A Zone and it is not a permanent structure.  It was placed there as it is a level section on the property.  Both property owners were present at the ZBA meeting.  Mrs. Pschirrer requested that Mrs. Mansouri write a response letter to the Selectboard to acknowledge that this matter was brought up at a ZBA meeting and to state what their decision was so the Selectboard can write a letter to the neighbor who brought this to their attention.

Mrs. Mansouri advised that another issue is the painter signs and the internet signs that are around Town but do not conform to the zoning regulations.  They are occasionally picked up on Route 12 but a few days later the signs are back again.  It was suggested that the Town pick up a few on the Town roads and contact the advertiser to request that they pick up their signs.  There are phone numbers on the signs.

Mrs. Mansouri will be on the Agenda for the next meeting to discuss an issue in a Non-Public Session.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:28 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:56 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $567,139.01 for checks dated July 17, 2015.  This includes a payment in the amount of $488,319.18 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  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 July 11, 2015, in the amount of $23,771.99 for checks dated July 17, 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 $5,305.73 for the week ending July 11, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 9, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 9, 2015, as submitted.  This includes the attachment for the NH Department of Transportation meeting on the Westminster Bridge.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2– July 9, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of July 9, 2015, as submitted.  The Minutes will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:

  • North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 7 and July 14, 2015;
  • Walpole Planning Board – July 14, 2015.

BUILDING PERMIT:

McGILL, 530 Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #004-047-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-29 for Kenneth McGill and Hope McGill to “Construct a 34’ x 20’  1 Story Bedroom, Bathroom and Playroom Addition”, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

TERRA MAP’S – The Terra maps are expected to arrive soon.

TOWN ORDINANCE, PROCEDURE AND POLICY MANUAL:  Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on this manual.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN OPERATION GUIDELINES:  Mr. Dalessio will have a draft ready for review at the next meeting.

PIANO – Town Hall: Mr. Dalessio reported that they need to have both the Highway Department and Recycling Center get the piano down from the second floor.  It will cost $.30 a pound to dispose of it.  They will ask Mr. Terrell and Mr. Colburn to work together on this project.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they need to move the other piano away from the light switches.

NEW BUSINESS:

“CHICKENS ON THE LOOSE” 5K REQUEST: A request was received from Ms. Emily Frithsen and Ms. Sarah Manning of the Walpole Parent Teacher Group, requesting that they be allowed to hold their 2nd annual “Chickens on the Loose” 5K run on Saturday, October 17th, 2015 at 10:00 AM.  This is the main fundraiser for the group and it was very successful last year.  They provided their course directions and will contact Police Chief Paquette and the Walpole EMS for their assistance that day.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the request from the Walpole Parent Teacher Group to hold their “Chickens on the Loose” 5K run on Saturday, October 17th, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NORTH WALPOLE REQUEST FOR FUNDS:  A request was received from the North Walpole Village District for $150,000.00 from the Town’s General Fund.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the North Walpole Village District’s request for $150,000.00 for deposit into the General Fund account to cover their operating expenses.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

GRANT WRITING SEMINAR:  Mr. Kreissle expressed an interest in attending a Grant Writing seminar.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard that they appreciate his interest in attending this seminar however they would prefer to put this on his list for next year as he still has not gone through a full financial cycle for the Town.

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 7:13 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:35 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:

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.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:55 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 7/6/15

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 07/27/2015 Leave a comment

Minutes

For the regular meeting of the

Walpole Conservation Commission

Monday, July 6, 2015

 

Present:  Tom Beaudry, John Peska, Duncan Watson, Myra Mansouri (alt.), Kelli Wilson, Sharyn Tullar (alt.)

Not Present:  Alicia Flammia, Lewis Shelley, Gary Speed, Peter Palmiotto (alt.), Whit Aldrich (SelectBoard representative)

Guests: Peter Bergstrom

Mr. Beaudry, chair, called the meeting to order at 7:34 PM.

Non-Public session: 

Ms. Mansouri was seated for Ms. Flammia.

Minutes

Mr. Watson moved to accept the minutes for the June 1, 2015 meeting as presented. Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Treasury/Budget Report

As of 5/31/15, the total amount in the Forestry account was $10,342.54, and in Conservation account was $53,157.30.

Correspondence

  1. Farm Service Agency notification re crop insurance for Stonehome Farm, LLC.
  2. DES Wetland Routine Roadway and Railway Notification; replacing 24”culvert with plastic pipe next to Pole 21.
  3. Public Informational Meeting to be held Thursday, July 9, 2015 5pm in the Town Hall to discuss the Westminster Bridge Repair, up to 16 weeks of one lane alternating traffic.

New Business

  1. Peter Bergstrom, Rockingham Conservation Commission, was present to give more information regarding the waterfall next to Village of Bellows Falls. The Abenaki name “Kitchee Pontegu” means Great Falls. The VT State Library Board must approve any name as well as the US Board of Geographic Names. Mr. Peska will check with the Walpole Historical Society to be sure that they approve “Great Falls” as well.

Old Business

  1. Adam Terrell met with Mr. Beaudry and was told to contact Mr. Shelley to confirm the Eagle Project work at Mill Pond.
  2. Welcome to new members: Kelli Wilson and Sharyn Tullar.
  3. Water Co Timber Harvest – Mr. Beaudry met with Peter Rhoades, Roger Garland, and Jack Pratt. The Class 6 road goes past Mr. Pratt’s barn & apartment and it was pointed out the trees that needed trimming. The road will need some upgrading and Garland will get a letter to the SelectBoard regarding this. Work is anticipated to begin August 1st (depending on weather) and is expected to take 30-45 days.

Other

Minimum Expedited Permits for Wetlands

  1. Ken Burns wants to put up a Solar Array past the orchard behind his house. A conduit is needed that will go through 60’ stretch of Wetlands. The conduit will be buried and the wetlands restored.  Watson moved to approve the Expedited Wetlands application.  Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.
  2. Ken Burns wishes to put in a culvert 12” x 30’ across the swale to allow better access to the field. Peska moved to approve the Expedited Wetlands permit. Mr. Watson seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Mr. Watson moved that the meeting be adjourned at 8:09pm.  Mr. Peska seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor. 

The next meeting will be Monday, August 3, 2015.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Recording Secretary

NOTE:  These are unapproved minutes with corrections to be found in the minutes of the next meeting.

 

Letter to You from Real to Reel

EVENTS 07/27/2015 1 Comment

real to reel

July 27th, 2015

To all our friends & customers:

On July 27th, 2015, after 30 years in business, Real to Reel, Inc. will be ending its video rental business, as well as closing Churchill’s Fine Cigars.

Starting on Thursday, July 30th, at 10am and throughout the month of August and into early September, we will be selling off our huge inventory of over 20,000 DVD movies as well as our inventory fine handmade cigars.

US Cellular has indicated to us their desire to continue to maintain a location here in Walpole.  We expect that a US Cellular agency will remain open in Walpole to serve our many US Cellular customers, but this will be done under new management.  Throughout August and into early September, Real to Reel’s US Cellular department will remain  open for business as usual.

Real to Reel leased it’s first storefront back in 1984 and opened for business in March of 1985.  At the time, we shared a building with a shoe store and Montgomery Wards.  Growth came so quickly that by 1987 we had to build our own 5000 sq/ft building just up the road, at what is now North Meadow Plaza.  At it’s peak, Real to Reel, Inc. had its main store in Walpole and six satellite video rental departments in general stores in various surrounding towns.

It has been an exciting and enjoyable thirty years bringing the best of Hollywood, the BBC, foreign cinema and documentaries to our friends and neighbors.  For many year we were also one of the regions largest exclusive Panasonic/Technics dealers.  We shared in the excitement of introducing VHS players, video cameras, CD Players and DVD players to the area and had the pleasure of representing Onkyo, Boston Acoustics, and Polk audio equipment. Real to Reel was also the first to bring cell phones to the area over 15 years ago.

Like so many businesses today, the digital age finally caught up with Real to Reel.  Real to Reel, Inc. is now the last standing video rental store in Cheshire County, our friends at Video Headquarters in Keene, having closed this July.

We’d like to thank the many people who supported our business over the years and also our current wonderful loyal staff and alumni. Gale and I are now looking forward to a relaxing retirement.

Thanks so much for your help in our success. We couldn’t have done it without you.

Our Best Regards to All,

Phil & Gale Davis,

Real to Reel, Inc.

Phil and Gale – know that, even with “the digital age”, you will be missed.  I’m sure I am not alone in wishing you well in your retirement! – Lil

Re: Petition to the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority Board on the matter of the state subsidy for Residences at Abenaki Springs

OPINIONS 07/22/2015 Comments: 3

Marina Coneeny asked that the following reminder be brought to your attention.  If you wish to have input, remember that the deadline is this Friday. – Lil

Following the public hearing held in the Walpole Town Hall on July 13, 2015, at the request of the public, the entire Market Survey, commissioned by the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) was made available for review online.

The petition highlights the serious flaws in the project as noted in the survey, and will be submitted to the board for the NHHFA but the Friday deadline..

The project flaws, as well as the unsafe location on Route 12 for families with children, bring into question whether this allocation is the best use of NH taxpayer resources.

If you would like to read the entire market survey document, go to:

http://www.nhhfa.org/news/notices/AbenakiSpringsMarketStudy.pdf

The NHHFA is mandated to receive public comments only until Friday, July 24, 2015.

Please express your views on this matter URGENTLY by email to:

multifaminfo@nhhfa.org

Meeting Minutes Up-date

OPINIONS 07/22/2015 1 Comment

For those who, like me, are awaiting the minutes from NHHFA, I wanted to let you know that I did check in again so that I could be assured that I was looking for them in the right section of the website.  The following response was received from Julian Morgan so we’d best not “hold our breath”.  – Lil

“The transcript of the hearing will be publicly available after the public comment period closes and when we’ve compiled all public comments and made them available to members of our Board.”