The Walpolean

Feels like it was just yesterday when I asked you for CLARION submissions, and now it is time again to ask you to send along your submissions – now for SEPTEMBER 2024 – Please have your inputs to me by 5 pm Walpole time, Thursday, August 22.  Submission guidelines, and contact email are on the CLARION website.

Your early submissions are always welcome and appreciated as I start developing the layout. Already I have several items placed on the September layout. If you also have some “news” send it along. In addition, I like to have on-hand material of interest that is not time-sensitive to fill that space and also round out a pleasing issue. So, if you would “like to be in print” and have something to write and share (images as well), send along for possible inclusion space permitting. Please do remember, it is the advertisers in each issue that make this community publication possible, so please support and thank them.

If you have any questions, or interest in placing an advertisement, reaching over 1900 Walpole, North Walpole and Drewsville addresses, I welcome your inquiries, so please do get in touch with me. Advertising information and contact information is on the CLARION website.

Thank you, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Role Call Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Trevor MacLachlan, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Alternates Travis Adams and Bill Carmody. 

Guests Present: Pauline Barnes, Ernie Vose, Carolyn Vose, Becky Pearson, Surveyor Joe Bernardo.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order a couple of minutes after 7 pm. 

Minutes: Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve both the minutes of the regular July 2024 meeting and the Joint Meeting minutes, held on July 23, as written. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Public Hearing: Master Plan Chapters Natural Features, Historic, Cultural and Recreation Features and Economic Development.

Mr. Miller opened the public hearing on these three chapters of the updated Master Plan. He explained that they are all an inventory describing the town. However, the Natural Features chapter also includes some implementation plans to be carried out by the Zoning and Planning Boards as well as the Select Board. He asked if there were any questions.

Mr. Marcom directed the board to page 8 in the Natural Features document and the discussion of flood plains and asked about the updated analyses to which it refers. Mr. Dalessio said the Select Board gets these updates regularly and would be glad to share them with the Planning Board. Mr. Marcom also pointed to page 23, Section E. Connecticut River Scenic Byway. Marcom said he tried to get on the site to which it refers to look at the Final Connecticut River Management Plan but wasn’t able to access the link.

Ms. Barnes wanted more information about the Byway and wondered if it was for tourists. Mr. Miller said there was a commission that regularly looks as the water quality, for example monitoring the impact of farming on the river. It’s an ongoing process.

Msr. Marcom pointed out that Walpole has two designated scenic roads – Farnum Road and Old Drewsville Road. Mr. Miller said these roads are regulated so that the power company must get permission from the Planning Board to prune vegetation and do electrical work on these two roads. Abutters are notified when that happens. Scenic roads must be approved at town meeting and are presented to be put on the warrant by citizen petition.

Mr. Miller closed the hearing at 7:15 pm. Mr. Perron made a motion to approve these chapters as written. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion. Then Mr. Marcom noticed a sentence below the picture of the Historical Society in the Historic, Cultural and Recreational Resources document that needed to be changed. The sentence was corrected to say “Walpole has large number of older homes that have helped preserve the historic character and maintain the charm of the town.” The motion was amended and seconded to include this correction. It passed unanimously. 

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Workshop meeting

There will be a workshop meeting on the fourth Tuesday  (August 27) of this month to discuss the wording of an article to appear on the warrant about formula businesses in the commercial section of the village. Mr. Miller created a draft of a possible article based on one in the town of Jaffrey’s zoning ordinances. 

Application presented

Surveyor Joe DiBernardo presented an application and plat for a subdivision on North Road. Sam McNeil Madge and Eloise Carrier are proposing to divide that property to create two lots, The new lot to the north would be 6.39 acres leaving a remaining 13.40 acres. The lots would now be Tax Map 24 Lot 2-2 and Tax Map 24 Lot 2 respectively. Frontage on the new lot being created would be 250.96 feet and 513.03 feet on the remaining portion. Mr. DiBernardo requested a public hearing for September.

Mr. Perron made a motion of hold a public hearing for the subdivision in September. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Adjournment

There being no further business, Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:25 pm.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Secretary

cc: WPB, ZBA, Town Offices, The Walpolean.

Posted: Inside the Town Offices, on the bulletin board outside the Post Office, www.walpolenh.us

Members Present: Wendy Grossman, France Menk, John Peska (Presiding), Lewis Shelley

Alternates Present:  Nicole Adams

Selectboard Present:  Steve Dalessio

Members Absent:  Alicia Flammia, Peter Palmiotto, Tom Beaudry (Alternate)

Visitors Present:  Sarah Downing, Paul Happ

Call to Order: John Peska called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall. 

Seating of Alternatives:  Nicole was seated and there was a quorum.

Review and Approval of Minutes

Lew moved to accept the July 1, 2024 minutes as written. Wendy seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried.

Current Use

Sarah Downing lead a discussion on Current Use.  Current Use puts a lien on 10 or more acres of property with a promise not to develop it in order to lower the tax burden.  When a property is developed there is a tax equivalent to 10% of the value of the property.  Current Use property cannot be maintained/manicured(i.e. mowed like a lawn), but it can be hayed or brush hogged to keep it open. There is an additional tax savings if property is designated for recreational use, but recreational property cannot be posted. Current Use forests can be managed, and if forests are professionally managed the owner can save an extra 10% on taxes.  If forests are designated for recreation the owner can prevent vehicle use on the property.  

The regulations that govern Current Use start with RSA 79-A and Current Use Board rules100-300.  Current Use is governed by the State but implemented by the Town.  The Conservation Commission gets 25% of the tax when Current Use property is developed to further conservation in the Town.  The rules for posting Current Use property are found in RSA 635:4.  A special case when less than 10 acres of property can be designated Current Use is if there is a plant product, often corn.  More than 75% of Walpole is in Current Use.   There was discussion of what conditions are necessary for NH law to protect landowners from liability associated with recreational use of their property.  For landowner liability regulations, see RSA 212:34 and 508:34.

Public Business

Report from co-Chair:  no report

Financial Report: Rich Kreissle is on vacation this week, so the information is not available.

Correspondence:   Presentation on the project “Restoring the Fish Habitat of Great Brook in Walpole, NH” August 14, 2024 at 4:00 pm at Distant Hill Gardens at 507 March Hill Road, Walpole, NH.

New Business

No New Business.

Old Business

Fanny Mason Harvesting – Update:  Alex Barrett, the Town Forester, will be at the meeting September 9^th with an update on the red pine and planned harvests near Route 12, and invasives treatments.

Rest Area Mowing and Shelter Update:  The Town is not available to mow.  We need to get the rest areas mowed.  France will ask landscape companies in Town to mow one month each year.  Each company could put up a sign for their month.  Lew will be sending the shelter roofing RFP again in September – no one was able to do the work before.  Since we are working on the shelters, we probably need to paint the tables and stain exposed wood structure of the shelters.

Property Monitoring – Follow-up:  John and Wendy will both follow up on concerns as discussed at the last meeting.

Other Business

Dam Updates: Nothing to report – we are awaiting test results from the boring.

Hooper Institute Board Update:  Nicole reported that the board needs a secretary and a couple of members. They are working with the architect on building upgrades to make it year-round.  The Hooper Board does not meet in August.

Trail Committee:  Wendy reported they had a Fanny Mason workday and blazed the trail both ways from the parking area to the pole barn.   Lew has removed several big trees from trails recently.   The Rail Trail will be brush hogged August 13^th.  The gate on the north side of the boat launch was severed due to a bike accident rescue and it will be repaired.  The Committee is planning more work at the Mill Pond.  Steve reminded the Trail Committee that they are a public committee, so meetings need to be publicized with the Zoom link.  Minutes need to be published in 5 days with the disclaimer that they are unapproved, and corrections will be found in the minutes of the next meeting.

Trees for the Common:   Lew reported that Maple Hill Nursery would be glad to supply and plant sugar maples on the Common.  Sugar maples are available in two sizes:  about 8’ tall with about 1¾ inch trunks in pots or 20’ with roots in burlap.  The larger size needs equipment to dig the holes and will cost about $4-5,000 including the planting.   A decision will be made at the next meeting.  Timber taxes are supposed to go to the Forestry account, but the account doesn’t seem to be changing and that is probably the account that will be used for the Common Trees.  John will check with Rich when he is back from vacation.

Adjournment:   France moved the meeting adjourn and Lew seconded. John declared the meeting adjourned at 8:19 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the September 9, 2024Conservation Commission meeting.)

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

Staff Present: Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Guests Present:  David Edkins

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

Although not on the agenda, Ms. Mayberry invited David Edkins to go first.   Mr. Edkins thanked the Board for paving the section of Main just north of the Village.  Mr. Edkins asked if the Police could patrol this area and maybe move the speed sign to the newly paved area.

Mr. Edkins left the meeting.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Vose moved to approve Accounts Payable totaling $117,522.90 dated 8/2/2024.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  This included a $46,597.83 payment to EE Houghton for water and sewer maintenance.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $38,400.01 dated 8/2/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $8,053.62.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – July 25, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of July 25, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – July 25, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of July 25, 2024.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.

Water and Sewer Warrants

Walpole Water:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Walpole Water fees and warrant for $50,914.81.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Walpole Water fee warrant was approved.

Walpole Sewer:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Walpole Sewer fees and warrant for $80,723.01.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Walpole Sewer warrant was approved.

North Walpole Sewer:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the North Walpole Sewer fees and warrant for $61,779.19.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the North Walpole Sewer warrant was approved.

Old Business

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

Abatement Appeal for Map and Lot # 019-039-000:  An abatement was requested on Map and Lot #019-039-000, and now the abatement calculated by Avitar Associates is being appealed by the owner. This item was tabled to next week because the owner was not at the meeting.

Drainage Ditch/Stream off Main Street on Map and Lot # 019-039-000:  The drainage ditch/stream through Map and Lot# 019-039-000 has been overflowing.  This item was tabled to next week because the owner was not at the meeting.

New Business

Bridge at Elm and Main Streets:  Mr. Dalessio explained there is an area under the road that is collapsing.  The engineer recommended Daniels Construction, who looked at it immediately. They are preparing a plan to address the issue and an estimate.  The Town will need an emergency DES permit, but that is usually a quick process.  They will need to make a road to get equipment down to brook level. Fortunately, the Town owns all the land just north of the bridge.

Withdrawal Study Committee:  It appears they will have a report for the Board soon.  They are on track since the request was for early September.  The report will be submitted to Sarah Downing in the Selectboard Office.  Once the report is received, a meeting will be scheduled so the Committee can present their findings and discuss the recommendations with the Board.

Hooper Trustees

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:53 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms.  Vose and Ms. Mayberry voting in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 6:54 PM.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b) (c) at 6:55 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:31 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 7:31 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Steve Dalessio called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm in the office of the Selectboard.  Present were Rod Bouchard, Trevor MacLachlan, Jay Punt, Andrew Dey, Dave Adams, Chief Justin Sanctuary, Peggy Pschirrer.  Present on Zoom were Cheri Watson and Architect Michael Petrovick.

Mr.  MacLachlan reviewed a revised cost estimate for the new police building.  He removed the foundation for the carport; reduced the lawn value, anticipating less mowing; reduced the foundation value for concrete; upgraded the cost in finish carpentry; added costs for more secure doors everywhere; increased budget for detention doors and overhead ballistic doors; increased cost of windows to accommodate ballistic windows; added ballistic paneling in wallboard; increased cost for metal ceilings in holding areas (suggested masonry?); increased toilet partitions to be floor to ceiling; added fiber glass ballistic panels around entryways and lobby; added stainless HEPA fume hood filters for holding areas and areas where drugs are processed; added a rooftop communication tower and a generator.  The total cost increase is $1,04445.465 dollars.  

The Committee discussed potential funders such as CDFA, Northern Borders, USDA.  We need to find a grant writer.  Ms. Pschirrer suggested Sara Barrett and Rod Bouchard suggested Suzanne Bansley. 

Mr. Petrovick then shared his screen with drawings of the proposed police station.  The Sally Port is drive through with doors that open on each end. The roof is optimized for solar panels. The building will face Upper Walpole Road. The roof will not be flat but gabled, so it harmonizes with New England architecture. Mr. Petrovick suggested we look at other police stations built recently.

Mr. Dey commented that this building is on the scale of a large house at 8,000 square feet. Our current police station is about 1,500 square feet. The fittings for this structure will cost more.  We will not have cells in this building.

Our next meeting is scheduled for August 19, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Selectboard office.

Steve Dalessio called the meeting to order at approximately 6:30 pm in the office of the Selectboard.  Present were Jay Punt, Andrew Dey, Rod Bouchard, Chief Justin Sanctuary, Trevor MacLachlan and Peggy Pschirrer.  Present by Zoom were Cheri Watson and Architect Michael Petrovick.  David Adams was absent.

Ms. Pschirrer reported that Jim Clifford had given two other potential buyers of part of the Dunkin Property a deadline of the next week so that he could move forward with subdividing the property.  We are still in line to buy 2.6 acres of the property for which Dunkin must get approval to subdivide.  Mr. Dey asked what the downside of our being held up on our purchase was.  Mr. Petrovick replied he would be moving forward with our building design. Mr. Bouchard asked when we would get a curb cut from DOT.  We do not have that answer.

Mr. Petrovick asked that Trevor MacLachlan review his estimates of cost for the new police station. He and Mr. MacLachlan talked earlier about his estimates.  Mr. Petrovick said the building and impound areas will be about 10,000 square feet.

 Mr. MacLachlan began by describing the site: it is flat, clean, with decent soil.  Water will come in from the Upper Walpole Road while sewer may come from Route 12.  There is a pump station on Route 12 near the Dollar Store. Landscaping of the site will be trees and shrubs, all low maintenance. Mr. Petrovick described the building as a category 4 building.

The Impound area will have a high fence around it.  Tarps will be used to cover vehicles.  The two Sallyports will be for impounded vehicles waiting for search warrants.

Changes will be made to reflect the increased costs for windows, which must be ballistic as well as outside doors which will be armed. Plans must also include costs for the interior: benches, lockers, conference tables, security systems etc.  Most of the current computers will need to be upgraded. Interior doors will all require key codes to move from one area to the next. 

The estimated cost for the building with the changes to be made will be approximately 6 million dollars.  The Committee needs to search for available grant money as well as consider fundraising.  Part of the cost will be covered by a bond approved by the voters. 

 The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for July 29, 2024, at 6:30 in the Selectboard office.

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $35,597.70 dated 8/09/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,124.77.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Meeting – August 1, 2024
• Selectboard Non-Public Session – August 1, 2024

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Police Station Committee – July8, 2024
• Police Station Committee – July 29, 2024

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions:  Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Steets Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge

• Drinking Water Sustainability Grant Reimbursement
• Elm and Main Street Bridge Repair Contract
• Abatement Appeal for Map and Lot# 019-039-000
• Drainage Ditch/Stream off of Main Street
• Notice of Intent for Ruggiero Processing Facility
• Public Hearing Date for School Withdrawal Study Committee’s Report

NEW BUSINESS

• FY 2025 NH DOT Highway Block Grant
• Recreation Revolving Fund Request

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (b) (c)