The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
APRIL 17, 2014

Selectboard Present: Chas Street (Chair), Whitney Aldrich, Steven Dalessio
CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Street called this meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people in attendance.
These are unapproved Minutes.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:
CHERYL MAYBERRY: Ms. Mayberry, as a member of the Southwestern Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) Transportation Committee, was present to provide an up-date. She distributed copies of “The Roads to New Hampshire’s Future”. This document was handed out by the NH Department of Transportation at a meeting she attended in Keene about two weeks ago with Commissioner Clement and Senator Molly Kelly. The meeting was attended by many people who have an interest in the highways. There are limited revenues in the State. A lot of the roads in the Town of Walpole are rated in fair or poor condition; not many are good. The document has several graphs that show the road conditions. One graph shows that you can drive from Concord, NH to Anchorage, Alaska, a distance of 4,559 miles, and only about 20% of the roads are in good condition; the rest are poor or fair. They are talking about the gas tax and how NH compares to other parts of the country. There was also discussion about tolls. The State is using their toll credits as revenue against the highway match funding that is needed to match federal funds. The gas tax would be a short term fix. The Legislature has mandated that Interstate 93 be completed. The Commissioner feels that over time if they continue to fund and complete Interstate 93 there will be more money for other regions. They also talked about a tier road system where they evaluate and decide what rating the roads fall into. She does not see any significant improvements in this area but there are other projects in Cheshire County. There is the one project on Route 12 between Charlestown and North Walpole. It is expected to start next year but the railroad has to move portions of the tracks first. In regards to the Vilas Bridge, she was told that Commissioner Clement is supposed to meet with the Commissioner in Vermont soon to start talking about what can be worked out between the two states. It is a unique bridge. The bridge was on the NH Ten Year Plan but then it got pushed down the list. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that if something should happen to the former ”Arch Bridge” and it was closed that would end truck traffic through there because trucks cannot go under the railroad bridge in Westminster Station. The SWRPC is still looking into the Upper Valley Road that goes in back of Shaw’s that they previously talked about. Ms. Mayberry will try to get the Planner at SWRPC to meet with Chief Paquette to work on the accident data to support doing a further survey. The final thing she planned to talk about is that SWRPC wanted to do some surveys / studies about transportation (walking, biking, etc.) but they need another Village as a test area so they want to look at North Walpole. The SWRPC Planner, J B Mack, is going to attend the North Walpole Commissioners meeting next Tuesday at 7:00 PM. She talked to him about looking at the intersection at the Arch Bridge, the underpass that was blocked off on Route 12, and a sidewalk on Main Street because of the kids walking to school. Ms. Mayberry encouraged the Selectboard to look through the document she handed out. They have some real challenges and it looks as though there will not be a lot of funding for quite a while.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Aldrich moved to recess the Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all members in favor, the motion was approved at 6:25 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:47 PM.

PUBLIC BUSINESS (Continued):
MR. JIM TERRELL: Mr. Terrell reported that the backhoe that was voted for at Town Meeting is out of the factory and is on its way for the attachments. He hopes it will be here by the end of the month. The truck body for the one ton will be in this week or next week. They will go over to pick it up as Mr. Bill Damaziak will put it on. He had Rice Tree Service pruning trees on Main Street; cutting off the dead limbs. They will also work on trees around the Common. Mr. Rice will recommend a fertilizer that the Highway Department will use for the trees. He is starting to get quotes for paving; three people looked at the roads and he received one quote. It looks like it will be at least the end of the month or longer before he removes the road postings; this is dependent on the weather. The state recommends six weeks but some towns do it for two months. Mr. Terrell has some money left to buy more salt. He could fit another shipment in the shed which he will order next week.
Mr. Terrell put in a request for a pay raise for Baptist Martyr. He started working last year because of the floods but ended up staying on part-time until he started working full-time on December 1, 2013.
Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the pay increase for Baptist Martyr as recommended by Mr. Terrell. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Terrell advised that they are starting their summer work that includes catch basins and culverts. Mr. Street pointed out that it was not an easy winter therefore, on behalf of the Selectboard, he expressed their appreciation and thanked Mr. Terrell and the Highway Crew for their hard work and putting in so many long hours.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated April 18, 2014, in the amount of $483,478.31. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
The above amount includes a monthly payment of $460,493.39 to the Fall Mountain Region School District.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending April 12, 2014, for checks dated April 18, 2014, in the amount of $19,194.18. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,230.09. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 10, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 10, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – April 10, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 10, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
 Conservation Commission – April 7, 2014;
Selectboard Meeting –April 17, 2014- Page 3
 Hooper Institute Committee – April 15, 2015; and
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – April 8, 2014 and April 15, 2014.

BUILDING / DEMOLITION PERMITS:
FISH, Old Keene Road, Map & Lot #004-017-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit No. 2014-05 for Mark and Sandra Fish to “Construct a 12’ x 10’ 1 story Storage Shed” at 459 Old Keene Road, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BURROWS, Colonial Drive, Map & Lot #021-042-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit No. 2014-06 for the Burrows Revocable Trust of 2011 / John P. and Linda G. Burrows, Trustees “To Construct a 12’ x 10’ 1 Story Storage Shed” at 37 Colonial Drive, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

FLETCHER, March Hill, Map & Lot #009-010-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit No. 2014-07 for Henry Fletcher to “Demolish a Burnt Home” at 49 March Hill Road, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER

FRANKIEWICZ, Old Drewsville Road, Map & Lot #015-005-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, #14-461-02-T, access to be off Route 123, for Ron and Marcia Frankiewicz, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT & CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:
TROW, County Road, Map & Lot #005-031-003: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Tax Warrant and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed, #14-461-11-T, in the amount of $93.98 for Rick Trow and Judy Trow, at 582 County Road. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE:
GRAVES REVOCABLE TRUST, Map & Lot #001-016-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate, #13-461-01-E, for the George R. Graves Revocable Trust, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

GRAVEL TAX WARRANT:
GRAVES REVOCABLE TRUST, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #001-016-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Warrant for the Gravel Tax Levy and the Excavation Tax Assessment Per RSA 72-B, #13-461-04-E, in the amount of $210.12 for the George R. Graves Revocable Trust. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
NH DRA MS-2 FORM: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the Report of Appropriations Actually Voted – MS-2 form – to be submitted to the Department of Revenue Administration. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD DAMAGE:
ROAD DAMAGE FOLLOW-UP LETTER: The Selectboard signed the letter to Mr. Alabaddi that was previously approved.

2014 COMMITTEE VACANCIES:  Mrs. Clough distributed copies of the 2014 Committee Vacancies list. Mr. Dalessio recommended that the Hooper Scholarship be reviewed as it is accruing monies and the requirements have not been reviewed in many years. Due to the fact that there are still many vacancies, there was a consensus of the Selectboard to have Mrs. Clough put out one more notice and email.

Mr. Dalessio moved to re-appoint the following committee members:
 WRAP Committee – Paul Colburn to a three-year term seat;
 Hooper Scholarship Committee – Kim Lewis to a three-year term seat;
 Hooper Institute Committee – Marcia Galloway and Lewis Shelley to three-year term seats;
 Conservation Committee – Lewis Shelley and Tom Beaudry to three-year term seats; and
Seth Andrews as an Alternate for a three-year term seat.
Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Recreation Director: Mrs. Clough reported that one application was received for this position. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to ask this applicant to attend the next meeting.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:32 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:05 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
APRIL 3, 2014

Selectboard Present: Whitney Aldrich, Steven Dalessio, (Absent: Chas Street, Chair)

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Aldrich called this meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with two people in attendance.
These are unapproved Minutes.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated April 4, 2014, in the amount of $138,591.94. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
The above amount includes a payment in the amount of $110,000 to the Walpole Fire District.
Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the quote from Wilson and Lawrence, Inc. for repairs of the tennis courts, dated March 27, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending March 29, 2014, for checks dated March 4, 2014, in the amount of $24,563.17. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $6,032.36. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD PUBLIC HEARING MEETING – March 27, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 27, 2014, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – March 27, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of March 27, 2014, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.
NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – March 27, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of March 27, 2014, as submitted. The 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 meeting:
 Conservation Commission Subcommittee – March 26, 2014.
Mrs. Clough brought up the fact that the Selectboard did not budget for sub-committee meetings therefore at the end of the year there will be issues with the additional salary for the secretary. Mr. Dalessio recommended that Mrs. Clough bring this to the attention of the Chair of the Conservation Commission. Mr. Aldrich pointed out that Class 6 roads are the purview of the Selectboard. The State passed a regulation 5-to-6 years ago that they can be maintained for emergency access but they do not become Class 5 roads. If there is a fire or other emergency there needs to be access. Mrs. Heleen noted that the CC members are trying to work on a Warrant Article for next year because they hope to repair some of those roads. Mr. Aldrich will attend the next meeting. The three questions he would like answers to are: 1) Why are they doing it; 2) Who appointed this Sub-committee; and 3) Money for the secretary. Mrs. Clough said if this ties into the Selectboard and they want to be a part of the sub-committee there is part-time money in that budget.

CURRENT USE:
SMITH, Kidder Farm, Ramsay Hill, Map & Lot #011-007-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Current Use application for Gary Smith, Kidder Farm, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

MORGAN, Merriam Road, Map & Lot #003-052-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Current Use application for Donald Morgan and Andrea Morgan, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
BANKING RESOLUTION: Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the Savings Bank of Walpole – Government / Municipal / Public Funds Banking Resolution, as presented. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PERSONNEL FORM: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the hiring of a part-time Highway Department employee, Ken Silva, upon the recommendation of Jim Terrell. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Following a discussion, there was a consensus of Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio that NH Background Checks should be done for new employees. The “New Hire Report” form will be used.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:36 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:49 PM.

OLD BUSINESS:
WHIPPLE HILL ROAD: Mr. Dalessio had drafted a response letter to Mr. Alabbadi regarding the road conditions on Whipple Hill Road. A copy was forwarded to Mr. Terrell for his comments. The Selectboard agreed to hold the letter until the next meeting when a full board will be present.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:54 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
MARCH 27, 2014

Selectboard Present: Chas Street (Chair); Whitney Aldrich, Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Street called this meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with five people in attendance.
These are unapproved Minutes

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:15 PM.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending March 22, 2014, for checks dated March 28, 2014, in the amount of $19,152.90. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,417.45 for the week ending March 22, 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated March 28, 2014, in the amount of $37,598.41. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 20, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 20, 2014, as submitted. Mr. Aldrich clarified that on page 3, following the Committee Assignments, it was not the Selectboard’s intent to “delete the Tri-Village Energy Committee” but rather it was to “not assign a liaison to that committee at this time”. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion with the above edit. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.
Mr. Dalessio noted that he followed up on Tri- Village Energy Committee, and they no longer exist.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 20, 2014: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 20, 2014, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
 Zoning Board of Adjustment – March 19, 2014;
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 25, 2014; and
 Planning Board Minutes – March 11, 2014.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:
POLICE CHIEF MICHAEL PAQUETTE AND OFFICER RAY GOSETTI: Police Chief Paquette introduced Officer Raymond Gosetti who has been a part-time officer in Walpole since 2007. He went to
the full-time Police Academy in 2010 from Charlestown. Chief Paquette requested that the Selectboard approve hiring Officer Gosetti full-time as there have been no disciplinary issues. He knows the
operating system, the people in the Town and has a good working relationship with the youth. Officer Gosetti is aware of the fact that his shifts would have to be flexible for now. Officer Gosetti advised that he has worked in all the surrounding towns part-time. He will still work part-time in Langdon but will stop working in Charlestown.
Mr. Aldrich moved that the Selectboard approve the hiring of Raymond Gosetti full time at $18.75/hour or $39,000 annually. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Officer Gosetti thanked the Selectboard and noted that he will give a two week notice to Charlestown on Monday.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations and (a) Personnel. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:34 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:52 PM. No announcements were made.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Dalessio moved to recess the Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a Non-Public Session as the Hooper Trustees. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular meeting resumed at 7:10 PM.

ELDERLY EXEMPTIONS:
DAVIS, Kilburn Street, Map & Lot #008-131-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Elderly Exemption for Property Tax Credit for Joan Davis at 8 Kilburn Street. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE:
COLD RIVER MATERIALS, Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #015-011-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Cold River Materials, # 14-461-01-E, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
COLD RIVER MATERIALS, Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #014-013-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Cold River Materials, # 14-461-02-E, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS – PROPERTY TAX:
DAHER, 15 Pete Stand Lane, Map # Lot #012-012-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Abatement for Property Tax for the William H. Daher 1993 Trust. The property assessment decreased from $152,400 to $141,000 resulting in an Abatement of the $11,400 difference. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BOSCO IRREVOCABLE TRUST, Blackjack Crossing, Map & Lot #001-011-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Abatement for Property Tax for the Bosco Irrevocable Trust, Anthony and Karen Bosco. The property assessment decreased from $324,600 to $317,900 resulting in an Abatement of the $6,700 value difference. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS – WATER AND SEWER:
OLSEN, Westminster Street, Map & Lot #020-013-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Abatement for Brenda Olsen for the following amounts: Water $379.30 and Sewer $330.82. This is the result of an incorrect meter reading. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

FABIS, Elm Street, Map & Lot #020-018-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Abatement for Jennifer Fabis for the following amounts: Water $375.90 and Sewer $326.88. This is the result of an incorrect meter reading. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENT REFUNDS:
DAHER, 15 Pete Stand Lane, Map & Lot #012-012-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement Refund for William H. Daher 1993 Trust, c/o Foster, Dykema & Cabot, in the amount of $262.70. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BOSCO IRREVOCABLE TRUST, Blackjack Crossing, Map & Lot #001-011-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement Refund for the Bosco Irrevocable Trust, Anthony & Karen Bosco, in the amount of $154.17. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
PERSONNEL FORMS: Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Employees raises that were approved in the 2014 budget. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WIRE TRANSFER AGREEMENT RENEWAL: Mr. Aldrich moved to authorize the Chair to sign the annual Wire Transfer of Funds Authorization Agreement with the Savings Bank of Walpole. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ROAD COMPLAINT: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from Mr. Alabbadi regarding road conditions on Whipple Hill Road. Mr. Dalessio talked to Jim Terrell who went to the site. Mr. Terrell said as soon as the ground thaws he will take care of it. Mr. Dalessio will draft a letter responding to Mr. Alabbadi’s concerns and bring it back to the next meeting; a copy will go to Mr. Terrell.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:40 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:19 PM. No announcements were made.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
MARCH 20, 2014

Selectboard Present: Chas Street, Whitney Aldrich, Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Borden, Recording Secretary, called this meeting to order at 6:05 PM in the Walpole Town Hall with four people in attendance.
These are unapproved Minutes.

ELECTION OF CHAIR FOR 2014:
Mr. Dalessio nominated Chas Street as the Chair for 2014. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. There were no other nominations. With Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the nomination was approved. Mr. Street abstained from the vote.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:
MR. STEVEN RUDEK: Mr. Rudek explained that he needs approval from the Selectboard for the application to the State of New Hampshire Department of Transportation for the Driveway Permit off Route 12 previously approved by the Selectboard. The Street Plat was approved by the Planning Board during their March 11, 2014, meeting.
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the application to the State of NH Department of Transportation for the Driveway Permit for Mr. Steven Rudek and that the Chair be authorized to sign this application, on behalf of the Selectboard, Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.
The regular meeting resumed at 6:36 PM. No announcements were made.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest for checks dated March 21, 2014, in the amount of $489,864.26. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
The above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $460,493.39 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending March 15, 2014, for checks dated March 21, 2014, in the amount of $20,561.57. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,455.69. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 13, 2014: Mr. Dalessio requested that on page 1, under Recycling Facility, third paragraph, first line, that “ Selectboard decided not to charge for fluorescent bulbs” be corrected to “Selectboard decided not to charge for compact / Pig Tail” bulbs. Mr. Aldrich
moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 13, 2014, with the above correction. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 13, 2014: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of March 13, 2014, as submitted. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Street. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:
 Recreation Committee – March 16, 2014;
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 11, 2014; and
 North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 18, 2014.
Mr. Street reported that he met with the Water Resource Protection Committee, Jennifer Palmiotto and the three North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners. They are going to be working with a grant agency to try to get some funding to fix the water problem they have in North Walpole. Mrs. Palmiotto will continue to work with them.

VETERANS CREDIT:
SMITH, Hogan Lane, Map & Lot #016-005-MH05: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Veterans Property Tax Credit for Weldon Smith, on 16 Hogan Lane, Map #016, Lot #005-MH05, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ELDERLY EXEMPTION:
SMITH, Hogan Lane, Map & Lot #016-005-MH05: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant the Elderly Property Tax Credit for Weldon Smith, on 16 Hogan Lane, Map #016, Lot #005-MH05, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE:
MASSICOTTE, Alstead Center Road, Map & Lot #015-028-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Application for Current Use for Paul Massicotte, Map #015, Lot #028-000, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

EXCAVATION / GRAVEL WARRANT:
Cold River Materials, Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #014-013-000; Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #003-002-000; and Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #015-011-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Warrant for Gravel Tax Levy for Cold River Materials as follows:
 Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #003-002-000, Operation #13-461-02-E in the amount of $0.00;
 Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #015-011-000, Operation #13-461-03-E in the amount of $2,265.86
 Whitcomb Road, Map & Lot #014-013-000, Operation #13-461-01-E in the amount of $106.82.
The total of the Warrant is $2,372.68. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:
COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS: The Selectboard chose the following 2014 Committee Assignments:
 Highway Department – Mr. Dalessio;
 Planning Board – Mr. Street (Alternates will be either Mr. Aldrich or Mr. Dalessio);
 Recreation Department – Mr. Aldrich;
 Police Department – Mr. Aldrich;
 Hooper Committee – Mr. Dalessio;
 Library Board – Mr. Dalessio;
 Recycling Department – Mr. Street;
 Conservation Commission – Mr. Aldrich;
 Source Water Protection Committee – Mr. Dalessio
There was a consensus to delete the Tri-Village Energy Committee as they are no longer meeting.
Mr. Street felt they should address the Hooper Institute as the Selectboard no longer has any insight on the Scholarship Committee. There was a consensus to invite Eloise Clark to the next Selectboard meeting.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:
Mr. Aldrich moved to recess the Selectboard meeting. The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:01 PM.
The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:08 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:
Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:09 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

The staff at the Bellows Walpole Inn wanted to express their thanks to all their Walpole friends and neighbors that came out on such short notice last Saturday night.  They were pleased and overwhelmed at your response.  

Thursday is the scheduled opening that was promised and is described as having a complete menu and bar.  The small plates are al a carte and can be mixed and matched to suit individual tastes.  If Saturday was typical fare, I think all would agree that Chef Justin Derby prepares good food and Bartender Bobby Hall we know is a great “mixologist”.

The Inn Pub will be open Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00 to 9:00 as well as Friday 4:00 to 10:00 and Saturday 3:00 to 10:00.

Aren’t we fortunate to have this addition to our options for avoiding the kitchen and spending time with friends?  Not many towns this size can boast the likes of Burdick’s, Murray’s, The Inn Pub and The Tavern.  As a person who loves to eat out, I say, “Thank you all!  There’s room for everyone.” – Lil

Not much time to get your registration in.  Better hurry. – Lil

St. John’s Episcopal Church in Walpole is now accepting Crafter applications for its annual Spring Craft Fair, to be held at the Walpole Town Hall on Saturday, May 31st, 2014 from 9 AM to 2 PM.

To apply for a booth, visit http://stjohnswalpole.org/Craft_Fair.aspx to download the Artist’s Information Letter and the Application form.

Email your application to CraftFair@StJohnsWalpole.org by May 1st. We use email to communicate with applicants, so be sure to check your email regularly for updates!

St. John’s welcomes everyone, no exceptions. Sunday School begins at 9:45 each week; services begin at 10 AM, followed by coffee hour. Find us on the corner of Westminster and Elm Streets in Walpole, NH.

For more information about the Spring Craft Fair or about our Art After School program, our outreach efforts, or about St. John’s Church, please call the church office at 603-756-4533.

 Another sign that spring is here!  I did a copy and paste but I have to confess that my alignment doesn’t look as good as Michael’s does on the website.  If you wish to see the best version, go to the website listed at the bottom of the page. – Lil

Vernal Pool Walk at Distant Hill Distant Hill Gardens will be hosting a Vernal Pool walk Saturday, May 3rd, from 10 am to noon, led by Jeff Littleton, of Moosewood Ecological and an adjunct professor at Antioch New England. On this easy to moderate walk, we will be exploring a number of these unique wetlands. You will get to examine the eggs of two species of Mole Salamander, (the Spotted Salamander and the Jefferson Salamander), eggs of the Wood Frog, and with any luck the hard to find Fairy Shrimp. ‘Daffodil Hill’ overlooking the pond at Distant Hill Gardens. The walk is the first event of the 2014 ‘Open Garden Saturdays’ Season at Distant Hill Gardens. The 58-acre property will be open to the public on the first Saturday of each month in 2014, May thru October, from 9 am to 4 pm. Come and explore the Cultivated Gardens this coming Saturday. It is still a bit early in the season for many of the flowering plants, but ‘Daffodil Hill’ should be in full bloom by then, along with a number of other spring Flowering Shrubs and Bulbs. Yellow Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’) Lucile’s Glory-of-the-Snow (Chionodoxa luciliae ‘Pink Giant’) Cornelian Cherry (Cornus Mas) And some of the early spring Native Wildflowers in the woods of Distant Hill Gardens should be starting to show themselves by the weekend. Plants like the beautiful Painted Trillium, Red Trillium and Dwarf Ginseng, and the earliest native spring flowering shrub at Distant Hill, the American Fly Honeysuckle. Visit www.distanthillgardens.org for more information and Directions

Remember that I announced that Bellows Walpole Inn was opening its Pub on May 1? I just had a call from Bobby, to say that they are doing a “practice run” tonight from 4:00 to 8:00.  They have a limited menu, but a full bar, ready to go and they can’t wait to try it out.  I’m willing to be a guinea pig.  How about you?

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

APRIL 8, 2014

Presiding:        Jeffrey Miller (Chair), Robert Miller (Vice-Chair), James Aldrich, Kelley Hicks, Dennis Marcom, (Jason Perron – late), Chas Street (Selectboard Representative)

Alternates:      Ed Potter, Jeff White

Recording:      Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

These Minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the May 13, 2014, meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.  There were nine people in attendance.

Meeting Opened:  Mr. J. Miller, Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that meetings are tape recorded therefore asked anyone that wishes to speak to identify themselves.

Roll Call:  Mr. J. Miller noted that regular member, Mr. Jason Perron, was not present, therefore, he called upon alternate member, Mr. Ed Potter, to assume Perron’s seat on the Planning Board.

Mr. J. Miller welcomed Kelley Hicks and Jason Perron as the newly elected Planning Board members.

ANNUAL RE-ORGANIZATION:

CHAIR:  Mr. R. Miller nominated Mr. J. Miller as the Chair for 2014.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  There were no other nominations.  With six members in favor, the motion was approved.  Mr. J. Miller abstained from the vote but accepted the position as Chair.

VICE-CHAIR:  Mr. J. Miller nominated Mr. R. Miller as the Vice-Chair for 2014.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  There were no other nominations.  With six members in favor, the motion was approved.  Mr. R. Miller abstained from the vote but accepted the position as Vice-Chair.

SECRETARY:  Mr. R. Miller moved to nominate Mr. Aldrich as the Secretary for 2014.  Seconded by Mr. J. Miller.  There were no other nominations.  With six members in favor, the motion was approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained from the vote but accepted the position as Secretary.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING on March 11, 2014, and the WORKSHOP SESSION on March 25, 2014:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Planning Board (PB) meeting on March 11, 2014, and the Workshop Session on March 25, 2014, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Potter.  With all members in favor, the Minutes were approved.

Mr. Perron came into the meeting; Mr. Potter assumed his Alternate Member seat.

PUBLIC HEARINGS:

There were no Public Hearings scheduled for this meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

HODGKINS & SONS, INC.:  Mr. John Hodgkins advised that they would like to do a Lot Line Adjustment on land they own in the Industrial Park, off Route 12.  The existing parcel is 13.88 acres; they would like to subdivide this into a 7.00 acre and a 6.88 acre lots.  Both lots will have the required road frontage.  SVE Associates did the design.  Mr. Hodgkins explained that they have taken all the gravel off this parcel, there is some loam, the granite curbing will be removed.  There is some crushed gravel left; they are in the process of hauling material away.  It is now flat land.

Mr. Aldrich moved to schedule a Public Hearing at the May 13, 2014, meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Marcom.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

532 MAIN STREET, LLC:  Attorney Robert Kasper advised that the property at 532 Main Street has the Creamery, the Wash ‘N Dry and the Walpole Valley Tire businesses.  They want to make some improvements to the building.  A change they are proposing is to take the existing 3-bay wooden structure out front and build a new structure on the back of the building so Walpole Valley Tire will be doing the tire changing on the back side.  They will also put a new door in on the back of the building for the Tire service.  Even though this is a Zoning Board matter he wanted everybody to know that they are proposing to replace the 19’ x 3’ signs with 8’ x 3’ signs for each company with a matching background.  This will reduce their signage quite a bit.

Mr. R. Miller moved to schedule a Public Hearing at the May 13, 2014, meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved.

JOHN SHELDON:  Mr. Joe DiBernardo, DiBernardo and Associates, LLC, was representing John Sheldon.  The application is for a Lot Line Adjustment but there are multiple parts to it.  Mr. Sheldon is one of the owners involved in this proposal.  This property is located at Cheshire Turnpike and Common Road in Drewsville.  Mr. Sheldon is buying 5.46 acres from Southwestern Community Services that will become a part of the Sheldon existing parcel.  In addition they would like to straighten out some of the other boundaries.  Mr. DiBernardo explained the proposed changes on the plan.  Mr. J. Miller explained that this would all be fine if they wanted to do it in a Phase I and Phase II process but the PB cannot create a non-conforming lot.  They are creating another lot because they are moving the line.  He suggested they clean it up by going to the Zoning Board for a Variance then in the future if they want to sell or move the line it is all corrected and there will be no non-conforming issues.  Mr. DiBernardo and Mr. Sheldon felt it best to go to the Zoning Board first for a Variance and then come back to the Planning Board.

HAL WILKINS: Mr. Wilkins was present for a preliminary consultation about a possible business expansion.  There are three lots on the R.N. Johnson, Inc. parcel.  He has a client who is interested in purchasing the southern parcel.  Because there would be no access on Main Street they worked out a way to create access that will benefit all the parcels.  It is a 50-foot wide by about a 350-foot-long right-of-way which allows everyone access in and out.  The problem is that his client is interested in moving a line over to some point because it might involve demolishing the building.  His question has to deal with Variances.  The shed is right on the property line.  If his client purchases this parcel he would have an existing building in a pre-existing situation.  If the line moves they shift the Variance into the Johnson parcel.  Do they really have to tear the sheds down to create a 20-foot green space for a set-back or would the PB consider allowing the shed to remain until such time as they know what will happen to the middle parcel.  Mr. J. Miller felt they could have a conditional Variance if that were the case but there might be a time frame.  It is the Zoning Board that has the say for Variances.  Mr. Wilkins said they want to move forward with this.  He noted that this is now 3.7 acres but they will make it 4 acres.  Mr. J. Miller pointed out that after they figure out where the boundary line will be that will be the appropriate time to come back to the PB.  Mr. Wilkins asked if the right-of-way is an acceptable way to solve the problem of access.  He discussed this with Jim Terrell, Road Agent.  Mr. J. Miller said it sounds logical but the curb cut off the road is going to have to be adequate for what will be developed there.

OLD BUSINESS:

Excavation Tax and RSA 72-B – Proposed Draft For The Site Plan Review:  Mr. J. Miller recommended that this be an Agenda item for the Workshop Session.

PLANNING BOARD:

Workshop Session – Reminder:  There will be a Workshop Session on Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at 7:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall Downstairs Office.

ADJOURN MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Marcom.  With all members in favor, the motion was approved at 7:39 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, will be found in the Minutes of the May 13, 2014, Planning Board meeting.)

Sounds like this question will be answered during Old Home Days.  Virginia Carter asked me to put out an alert so you can be ready when the Clarion publishes the Entry Form. – Lil

For some old-fashioned fun, enter “The Great Walpole Old Home Days Cookie Bake-off” for cash prizes given to the 3 most popular cookies and also category ribbons (i.e. bragging rights) for:

“Best old family recipe” – “Best Gluten-free” – “Best Vegan” – “Best Youth” – “Best Native Walpolean” – “Oldest Recipe” – “Best Recipe from a Magazine/Newspaper” – “Best Recipe from the Internet” – “Best Original Creation” – “Best Recipe from a Friend/Co-worker”

Entry date and community judging date are both Saturday, June 28th, during Walpole Old Home Days weekend. You’ll need an entry form, $5 fee per cookie entered, and 6 dozen cookies per entry for judging.

Watch for the entry form with all the details in your next Walpole Clarion. An entry form will also be in the Walpole Old Home Days Program, and you can call or e-mail to have one e-mailed to you to print out as many as you want on your own computer. A stash of them will also be located at Galloway Real Estate on Main St., next to Walpole (Burdick’s) Grocery.

Contact Virginia Carter or Mariah Kranowski (leave a message at 756-3948 or e-mail: cartervirginia@msn.com) for entry forms, info, or questions.