Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 9/27/24

PLANNING BOARD 08/29/2024 Leave a comment

Present: Planning board members Jeff Miller, Dennis Marcom, Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio, Travis Adams and ZBA board member Tom Winmill.

Mr. Marcom called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

Topic of Discussion: Draft a zoning amendment expected to go on the 2025 warrant regarding formula restaurant and retail businesses in the commercial district of the Village.

A productive conversation resulted in the following decisions:

Include Mr. Winmill’s wording “to preserve the unique and distinctive appeal of the Walpole Village character and commercial development” in the final draft.

Mr. Harrington will rewrite the draft based on the discussion at the meeting and present it to the Planning Board members at its September 10th regular meeting. The board should have a final draft to present at the next joint hearing and will plan for a public hearing on the document in October.

Mr. Miller will describe the location and boundaries of section 6 of the commercial district in the Village. 

Present the draft to the group at the next joint meeting. 

The next joint meeting with the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Southwest Region Planning Commission is the 4th Tuesday in September or September 24th , at 7 pm the Town Hall.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary

Auditions for Children – 9/8/24

Uncategorized 08/29/2024 Leave a comment

Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 8/21/24

ZONING BOARD 08/27/2024 Leave a comment

Roll Call – Board Present: Chair Tom Murray, Vice-Chair Dave Edkins, Clerk Pauline Barnes, Tom Winmill. Alternates: Don Sellarole, Myra Mansouri. Absent: Board member Shane O’Keefe.

Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. The Chair asked Alternate Sellarole to fill in for the absent board member. Mr. Sellarole agreed to do so.

Minutes: The date of the year of the meeting was corrected to 2024. Mr. Murray made two corrections. On page 1 the word “is” is repeated in the last sentence of paragraph 4 and on page 2 he corrected the spelling of the word “would” in criteria No. 3. Mr. Sellarole made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion passed 4 to 0, with one member not voting.

Discussion of an email about Airbnbs:

This discussion came about because of an email about two potential properties in the Walpole village becoming Airbnbs and both are owned by people who would not live in Walpole. Both locations have limited parking. The email was sent to the chairs of both the Planning Board and the Zoning Board, the Manager of Administration and a Select Board member. The chair of the Zoning Board asked the chair of the Planning Board if he would be adverse if he brought it up at the meeting tonight. He said he would not.

Mr. Edkins immediately said that the board should not discuss this topic. If any board member gives an opinion or makes a statement about Airbnbs it would compromise their being impartial if some time in the future the issue comes before the Zoning Board, he said. He repeated what he has said may times that “the Zoning Board is an Appeals Board.”

Ms. Barnes said she disagreed. She read from the NH Supreme Court decision of May 2, 2023. Town of Conway v. Scott Kudrick. 

“Currently, many municipal ordinances do not clearly address STRs, and, as the trial court recognized, until they do we ‘will make decisions based on the language of the ordinances in effect, even if results vary from one municipality to the next.’ “

She continued by saying Town counsel Jeremy Hockensmith suggested a couple of years ago that Walpole should have an article in its zoning ordinances about Airbnbs. And Ms. Barnes reminded the board that that was also suggested at the joint meeting of both boards with the Southwest Region Planning Commission in July. She suggested that the topic be brought up at the next joint meeting with the Planning Commission and someone could ask them for suggestions regarding our ordinance.

Mr. Edkins said he didn’t have a lot of confidence in Mr. Hockensmith and that we did not have to take the advice of a former Select Board member. He said he wanted to preserve his integrity and would not take part in a discussion of Airbnbs and would leave. Mr. Edkins departed at 7:15 pm.

Mr. Winmill made a motion that the email be attached to the minutes. His written motion says

“Resolved, that to comply with the spirit of RSA 91-A-2, Right to Know law and to be open and transparent to citizens of Walpole the full and complete wording of the emailed references in the agenda of tonight’s meeting and the subsequent chain of responses be recorded in the minutes in an appendix as follows:

Mr. Sellarole said he agreed with some of what Mr Edkins said but also the Zoning Board has discussed the idea of needing an ordinance on long-term rentals on and off for the last couple of years. 

Ms. Mansouri said it is the role of the Planning Board to write articles for the Zoning Ordinances, but they haven’t been doing it. Past experience has been that when the Zoning Board has written a new zoning article to be put on the warrant, the next step was to present it to the Planning Board and they would tinker with it by adding, moving or changing the wording. The required public hearing is then held and when approved it would go on the warrant. She also thought the topic should come up at the next joint meeting with SWRPC.

At this point in the meeting Mr. Windmill’s motion was seconded by Mr. Murray. The vote was 3 yeas and 1 nay.

Discussion of the New Hampshire Municipal Association article, titled “N.H. Supreme Court Throws a Curveball on Short-term Rental Zoning Regulations,” was postponed to next month so that everyone would have a chance to read it.

Adjournment:

Mr. Murray made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:40 pm.

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the September meeting for corrections.

Respectfully yours,

Marilou Blaine

ZBA Secretary

This is the email referenced in the minutes to be posted with the minutes – Lil

Email from Peggy Pschirrer to Tom Murray, Jeff Miller, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing

Sunday two residents of Elm Street came to ask me about the legality of Airbnbs in Walpole.

A small house on Elm which shares a driveway is about to become an Airbnb as is the house under renovation on Main St. and Roger St.

We have no ordinances which speak to Airbnbs although Hockensmith has in the past told us it would be wise to write such an ordinance.

We have a zoning ordinance for B and Bs. Article IV L which requires a site plan approval by planning etc and RSA definitions/requirements. Our ordinance is a permissive ordinance. If it doesn’t specifically allow airbnbs, then they are illegal.

There are several airbnbs in Walpole which, to my knowledge, have not caused problems but parking could be an issue on both these new places. Also, I doubt that any existing Airbnb had a site plan review. Both houses are owned by out of town owners.

The NH Supreme Court issued a decision in 2023, Town of Conway v. Scott Kudrick, which ruled against the Town in an airbnb case. It had an interesting dissent. Obviously language is important in any ordinance.

I call this to your attention because while the current airbnbs seem not to bother anybody, these two new places are in tight neighborhoods with limited parking which may provoke objections. 

Best

Peggy

Cub Scout Pack 209 Mum Sale

Uncategorized 08/26/2024 Leave a comment

Just wanted to let everyone know that we are sold out of mums for this year. Our goal was 360 and we sold 426. Thank you to everyone that helped us reach and exceed our goal.

Debbie Pawelczyk, Cub Scout Committee Chair Pack 299

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 8/15/24

SELECTBOARD 08/23/2024 Leave a comment

Selectboard Present:  Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Guests Present:  Patrick Kiniry, North Walpole Commissioner

Call to Order:  Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The Chair moved the following items to the top of the agenda since a guest wished to speak to them.

North Walpole Library Lease:  Pat Kiniry delivered the lease agreement that has been signed by the Commissioners.  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the North Walpole Library lease for two years at the same price as the past two years.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was accepted, and the lease was signed.

North Walpole Road Signage and Speeding Issues:  Pat Kiniry discussed the problem areas:

  • Church Street, especially during peak traffic at 6:00 – 8:00 AM, regularly moves at 50 – 60 miles per hour.  There are a lot of complaints, and an accident seems likely.  Mr. Kiniry will talk to Chief Justin Sanctuary and report back.  
  • There are complaints and problems with the Police Department and visitors pulling in and out of Russell Street.  The street is too narrow, some vines have been cut back but visibility is very limited, and people are entering and exiting too fast or cutting into the Fire Department parking lot. 
  • Winter parking signs are not visible.  The one at Main and Killeen is twenty feet off the road and under a tree.  At Main and Church, the sign faces the wrong way so it cannot be read by drivers on the road.  The Board recommended asking Mike Symonds to move signs if needed.
  • The yield sign near the former Arch Bridge is not visible until you are right on it.  Mr. Kiniry will call NH DOT District 4 and report back.
  • Mike Symonds, the Road Agent, was great to work with. The walks were striped by the Fire Station, and the underpass height signs were done quickly.  Mark Houghton did great job with manhole covers. It is now much easier to drive through North Walpole.

Mr. Kiniry left the meeting.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Vose moved to approve Accounts Payable totaling $889,088.85 dated 8/16/2024.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  This included a $561,631.87 monthly payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,716.96 dated 8/16/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,729.70.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – August 8, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 8, 2024, Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Ms. Mayberry abstained since she was absent from this meeting.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – August 8, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of August 8, 2024.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.  Ms. Mayberry abstained.

Committee Reports

Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

  • Walpole Fire District Meeting – June 2, 2024
  • Walpole Fire District Meeting – July 10, 2024
  • Conservation Commission Meeting – August 5, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

Building Permit

2024-29, Map and Lot# 016-014-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-29 for Map and Lot # 016-014-000 to construct a 14’ x 14’ addition with an attached carport. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Pending Further Action:  Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, and Reservoir Dam

Funding for the Bridge at Elm and Main:  Mr. Dalessio explained that the purchase order for Daniels Construction was approved last week but it wasn’t decided upon where the funds would come from.  With Rich Kreissle back from vacation, it was determined that $50,000 will come from Emergency Management, $50,000 from the Trans Canada account, and $50,000 from the bridge block grant.  The contract with Daniels Construction has been signed. The Town is in their scheduling queue, but we do not know when construction will start.  They will invoice as the project progresses.

Public Hearing Date for School Withdrawal Study Committee’s Report (tabled last week):  The Selectboard will meet with the Withdrawal Study Committee next Thursday, August 22, at 6:00 PM.   There will be a public hearing Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 5:00 PM.  The public hearing will also cover the new Police building and other projects.

2022 DRA Assessment Review Report:  This was a review of current use, property exemptions and credits from the 2022 Revaluation project.   About half the current use files are not currently compliant.  Sarah Downing will correct current use records, but it is very time-consuming.  Older files need to be updated because they are missing form A-10 forms and/or maps or requirements have changed and there is not enough detail.

New Business

Ecumenical Service on the Common September 8th (rain date September 15th):  The service is sponsored by the First Congregational Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church.  Everyone is invited.  By consensus, the service can take place on the Common with use of the gazebo.

Hooper Trustees

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:31 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms.  Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:33 PM.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b)

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) at 7:33 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:23 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Adjournment:  Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:23 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Recreation Meeting Minutes – 8/19/24

Uncategorized 08/22/2024 Leave a comment

Present: Chairman Scott Rodenhauser; Rec committee members Mike Hayes, Marilou Blaine and Annie Ewaskio; Selectboard Liaison Carolyn Vose, Recreation Department Director Kaian Wilkes. Absent Rec Committee member Diane Harty. Kraig Harlow joined the meeting about halfway through.

Minutes  of July meeting reviewed. Carolyn stated that anyone with questions in between meetings email Scott or Kai. Marilou motioned, Mike seconded to approve minutes. All in favor. Motion passed.

Old Business: 

Women of Walpole donation. Marilou was approached by a member of the WOW organization, in relation to a donation. Marilou was a given a check for $820.00 to purchase 2 tables, with chairs and umbrellas. Discussion as to how to proceed with this donation.  Scott moved to table the acceptance of this donation. Annie second it. Vote: Marilou is opposed; 3 in favor. Motion passed. This was tabled until more research can be done. 

Scott and Kai will do more research on this, and the option of construction of permanent pool shading.

Water Fountain: Mike started the discussion with the cost of the two  fountain options presented via emails between Kraig, Mark Houghton, Carolyn Vose, and the Recreation Committee members.  One option was a water bottle filler/fountain for the cost of over $10,000.00. Mike had two other less expensive options to present, but was not allowed to present them. Carolyn said “ It has been chosen”. Marilou stated this should be decided by a vote of the Recreation Committee, and that 3 quotes should be presented. Discussion as to who is allowed to get quotes, and what is up for debate, and who is allowed to participate . Mike was told “this is not your background” by Carolyn. This discussion was  tabled until next month. Kai will contact Mark Houghton, to ask him to attend September meeting so more options and questions can be reviewed and voted upon.

New Business:

New Recreation Department Director: Kaian Wilkes was introduced.

Pickleball supplies: Mike discussed how much money he and other pickleball players have spent on supplies, including balls, white board, sandbags, numbers, etc. He also informed the Committee how much volunteer time had been spent to refurbish the courts. Discussion as to whether the Rec Department should purchase balls. Kai mentioned that basketball players bring their own balls when they play pick up ball. Discussion as to how the sports differ. There was no motion to table. Discussion ended.

Budget for next year: Mike mentioned that he would like to be included in the discussion about next year’s budget, and that maybe it could be a meeting that all members could attend.

 Carolyn stated that Kai is in charge of the budget. Kai said there would not be many changes made.

Next meeting of the Recreation Department : Wednesday September 11th @ 6:00 pm. 

Scott moved, Annie seconded to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 pm.

This meeting was recorded for accuracy. Minutes to be reviewed at September meeting.

Scott moved, Annie seconded to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 pm.

This meeting was recorded for accuracy. Minutes will be reviewed at September meeting.

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 8/22/24

Uncategorized 08/22/2024 Leave a comment

Rail Trail News

Uncategorized 08/19/2024 Leave a comment

RAIL TRAIL BRUSH HOGGED AGAIN

Last week, the grass was cut again all along the 7+ miles of Cheshire Rail Trail in Walpole!  This second brush hogging of the summer should make trips on the trail more enjoyable for pedestrians, bicyclists and equestrians alike. 

In Walpole, the usable rail trail extends from the Westmoreland border in the south to a spot behind the CITGO/JiffyMart in the north.  It is accessible from Blackjack Crossing Rd., Halls Crossing Rd., River Rd., the Walpole Gateway, Route 123, and the Boat Launch WMA.  Maps of the Rail Trail are available on the Conservation Commission website (walpoleoutdoors.org) and in Town Hall. 

Last fall’s drainage project greatly improved the rail trail surface in selected areas.  Nonetheless, trail users should stay alert at uneven or wet spots, fallen trees, snowmobile bridges and road crossings.

Special thanks goes to Mike Hubbard of Connecticut Valley Yard Works, who has brush hogged the trail for the last three years.  Also thanks to Trail Committee members France Menk and Lew Shelley who helped us to clear fallen trees, branches, and vegetation from the trail in preparation for the recent brush hogging.

If you have comments about the Rail Trail, please feel free to contact Wendy Grossman, Chair of the Walpole Trail Committee, at walpoletrailhelpers@gmail.com or leave a comment on the Conservation Commission website.

Enjoy the Rail Trail!

Wendy and Will Grossman

Walpole Trail Committee

From Walpole Players

Uncategorized 08/19/2024 Leave a comment

Calling all Seniors

EVENTS 08/17/2024 Leave a comment

Look what I found on the bulletin board at the library. If my calculations are correct, the next Potluck Luncheon is this next Monday, August 19th! – Lil