Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 6/19/24
Roll Call: Board members present: Chair Tom Murray, Clerk Pauline Barnes, Shane O’Keefe, Tom Winmill. Alternates Don Sellarole and Myra Mansouri. Absent. Vice-Chair Dave Edkins.
Call to Order: Mr. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. He asked Mr. Sellarole to fill in for the absent board member and Mr. Sellarole agreed.
Minutes: Review minutes of May 2024. Page 1, paragraph 5 Mr. Murray changed May to April and on page 3, last paragraph May to June 19. In the paragraph about alternates Ms. Barnes removed the word “and.” Mr. Murray made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Mr. Sellarole seconded the motion and the board voted 4 yeas and Mr. Winmill abstained.
New Business:
Request for a Public Hearing in July for a Variance: Cathy Robinson, 105 North Road, Tax Map 22, Lot 14, Residential A district, is proposing to build a 12-foot-by-50-foot front porch. Article V, D-1 and 2 Yard Requirements. No building may be erected closer than sixty-five (65) feet to the center line of the abutting right-of-way nor closer than twenty feet (20) to any side or rear property line.
The board received a copy of Ms. Robinson’s application for a variance and had a chance to look it over. Mr. O’Keefe called it complete and made a motion to hold a public hearing in July. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and rest of the board voted in favor of holding a public hearing at the July meeting.
Signage at Tractor Supply, 8 Red Barn Lane, Tax Map 12, Lot 13-2 Commercial District. The company intends to keep same size as now but reface it with additional information about the Garden Center. It’s the sign out by the road. Ernie Vose, zoning coordinator, said Tractor Supply does not need to have a variance or special exception.
The secretary explained that the garden center would be on the north side of the building. There is a Tractor Supply sign on the building. Tractor Supply wanted to put another sign above the entrance to the garden center. It was 45 square feet. The maximum size for any signage in the commercial district is 32 square feet and signs must be 100 feet from another sign so a sign is not allowed at the entrance to the garden center unless the applicant gets a variance or special exception. The secretary said that Mr. Vose said that no one from the company needed to be present. It is located in North Carolina. The applicant decided to reface the sign on the road. Mr. Winmill objected to the secretary presenting any information on the signage saying her job was to take minutes of the meeting.
Board members received three pictures regarding Tractor Supply’s signage for its new Garden Center.
Picture No. 1 shows what the new sign will say. Picture number 2 gives the dimensions of the sign as 10 feet by 29 1/2 feet or 30.33 square feet and details its construction, support structure and illumination. The third picture shows the sign with the building in the background.
Mr. Winmill said it’s too large. It is 32 square feet on one side and 32 square feet on the other side. Ms. Mansouri said free-standing signs are double sided and advertising on both sides is permitted. Mr. Murray read Zoning Ordinance Article IV D-1 and 2. “Free Standing Sign – is defined as any sign not attached to a building. Structural dimension of a free-standing sign shall not be used in calculating the area of such sign. A free-standing sign may have two sides exhibiting advertising matter, and only one side shall be used in calculating the area of such sign.”
Mr. O’Keefe asked if there are any other signs (besides the two mentioned) that are on the property. Ms. Mansouri said that Tractor Supply came to the ZBA when it opened and received permission for the two signs that are there now. That’s all there are now, she said.
Mr. Murray made a motion to approve the sign at Tractor Supply. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion with four board members voting yea and Mr. Winmill voting nay.
The board also received copies of the sign form, signed by both a member of the sign company, Laurie Bisnko of the Sign Source in Denver, NC, and the owner of the property, Martin Wasserstein of New Preston, CT. All parties in the matter of signage at Tractor Supply will get letters of approval of the sign and a copy of the form.
Joint Meeting
There is a joint meeting of the Planning and Zoning Boards on the fourth Tuesday of July, July 23. The purpose is to go over the suggested organization of the Town of Walpole’s Zoning Ordinances with Todd Horner and Carol Ogilvie. Mr. Horner is the executive director of Southwest Region Planning Commission and Ms. Ogilvie is a planner with the organization. They have been working on the Walpole Ordinance since a joint meeting earlier this year. Ms. Barnes mentioned that the secretary’s email from the Planning Board chair indicated that everyone would get a copy of the Ordinance before the meeting. She wanted to be sure it happened. Chair Murray said he would contact Jeff Miller about this matter. The secretary will do the same.
Article IX
The secretary read Article IX from the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s Bylaws approved in March 2023. She read it in response to Mr. Windmill’s request that the secretary keep minutes for a year.
“RSA 91 Raw Materials: Tapes and notes used to compile meeting minutes are governmental records as long as they are retained: policy to discard/reuse after minutes are approved is acceptable.”
Other
Chair Murray reported he went to a meeting of the Select Board and discussed indemnity for board members. The issued was raised at the May meeting by Mr. Winmill. Mr. Murray reported that the Select Board said members of Walpole Board needn’t worry as they are covered by indemnity insurance. However, they should be vigilant as Mr. Murray said Mr. Dalessio warned that the legislature had been looking at the matter. Mr. Winmill said he had read the Select Board minutes on the matter.
Recording Minutes
Mr. Winmill again brought up the topic of requiring the secretary to record minutes and keep them for a year. Mr. Murray said we brought this topic up before at the last meeting and the vote was 3 nays to 2 nays for requiring the secretary to do this.
Mr. Winmill made a motion to require the secretary to record minutes. No one seconded the motion.
Ms. Barnes then read from a JUSTIA brief that related to a 2023 NH Revised Statutes regarding electronic records. Section RSA 33-A:-a.
II “Electronic municipal records listed on the disposition and retention schedule of RSA 33-A:3-a that are to be retained for 10 years of less may be retained solely electronically in their original format if so approved by the municipal committee responsible for the records.
“Electronic municipal records listed in an approved format, the records shall be transferred to paper, microfilmed, or stored in portable document format/archival (PDF/A) or another approved file format on a medium from which it is readily retrievable.” Mr. O’Keefe said having to transcribe minutes would be onerous on the secretary. He suggested looking into this matter and discussing it next month.
Adjournment
Mr. Murray asked for a motion. Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 pm. The motion was seconded by Mr. Winmill and agreed to by all board members.
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the ZBA’s July meeting for corrections.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
ZBA Recording Secretary
Great Decisions – 7/8/24
GREAT DECISIONS
“NATO at a Strategic Crossroads”
“NATO at a Strategic Crossroads” — our next “Great Decisions” public forum — will be moderated by Adrian Basora, former United States Ambassador to Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic. This discussion will be on Monday, July 8, 6:00 p.m., in the Walpole Town Library, and promises to be a fascinating look at NATO’s evolution over the past 75 years, the Alliance’s original purpose, its present challenges and its options for the future.
Adrian Basora is a trustee of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and chairs its Eurasia Program. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and is on the international advisory board of the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities. During his 33 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, Adrian served in former Soviet Bloc countries and helped develop America’s programs in support of their transition to democracy while serving at the National Security Council (1989–91).
The relevant article from the Foreign Policy Association’s 2024 publication is “NATO’s Future,” by Sarwar Kashmeri, and I highly recommend this informative examination of the Alliance’s history, its evolution and expansion, its present and future structure and purpose. A copy of the article can be emailed to you by Jane Malmberg, Library Director: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org
Join the discussion at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, July 8, in the Hubbard Meeting Room at the Walpole Town Library. If you are joining via Zoom, please log on at 6:20, after the Foreign Policy Association’s Master Class video, which we are not permitted to show on Zoom. For the Zoom link, contact Jane Malmberg in advance of the meeting: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org.
Sue Kibbe
Recreation Committee Meeting Minutes – 6/17/24
Meeting called to order at 6:00 pm.
This meeting is being recorded for accuracy of minutes.
Committee members present: Scott Rodenhauser, Diane Harty, Mike Hayes, Marilou Blaine. Selectboard liaison Carolyn Vose, Recreation Department Director Kraig Harlow.
Committee members absent: Annie Ewaskio, Katie Beam
Members of the public: Cindy Hayes
May meeting minutes: Mike motioned, Diane seconded to approve the minutes for May meeting. 3-0 vote in favor. Diane abstained, as she was not present at the May meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Pool shading: Carolyn stated that permanent shading structures are needed, and that local contractors should be utilized. Scott will contact Steve Varone.
Lifeguard Staffing and Pool Updates: Pool is fully staffed. Pay rate is $13.50/hour.
Popcorn machine and movie nights: Carolyn stated more publicity for the movie nights is needed- such as Facebook, fliers, signs, sandwich boards. Scott will check on sandwich boards.
Diane declined having popcorn machine at the North Walpole movie nights. NW park receives donations, and the donations are used to purchase drinks and snacks so they are free to the public. Scott will follow up with Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
Marilou talked about the need for swimming lessons at the pool. Susan Johnson, from the Women of Walpole, volunteered to sponsor lessons and pool memberships for families that are unable to pay. Kraig will check with the principal of the Walpole School for names of families in need.
Scott said the Twin Falls gym is looking for fundraising opportunities.
Halloween Movie Night Idea: This idea was tabled. Weather is a big factor.
Fall Mountain Career Fair: Annie not present to discuss, but Kraig said it went well.
PickleBall Association: This is off the table.
Parking Lot Fence: “It looks like crap” said Scott. The fence is owned by the school ,not the town of Walpole. Scott will attend a Selectboard meeting to discuss further.
Skateboard Park Idea: Annie not here to discuss. The Recreation Committee needs to see numbers, to establish is there if a need/want for the town of Walpole.
Keeping bicycles, skateboards, etc. off the pickle ball and tennis courts: Mike reported there are marks and dings on the pickle ball courts, that are not from sneakers/tennis shoes. The pickle ball courts have just been resurfaced, by volunteers. It was suggested that signs stating that “no roller blades, roller skates, bicycles, scooters” may be a deterrent, as the courts need to be protected from damage. Scott suggested possibility of security cameras, but the subject of enforcement was discussed.
Trash at the park: This has been picked up. Going forward, DeCamp Trucking will do trash removal every Wednesday.
Annie Ewaskio sent an email to Scott regarding skateboards on pickle ball courts. Wondering if this is a possibility. As previously discussed, skateboards and other wheeled type activities are not allowed on the pickle ball and tennis courts; or the basketball court. Carolyn also had an email from Annie, wondering if there is an alternative. Mike suggested closing off the road around the Walpole Common; or using the NW basketball court.
Marilou asked about possibility of a sand box at the pool , for the families with young children.
Rec Soccer: Will start after Labor Day. Games on Saturday mornings 8-12, practices on week nights.
North Walpole Park: Benches have been repaired. The sign needs to be repaired and Chris Kopij volunteered to fix it. The Christmas tree needs to be trimmed. Mike volunteered to do the trimming. Diane is ready for mulching; Kelly Lawn Service will deliver. Some of the NW residents are looking for a fun town activity to be held at the park. Tom Hasselman has volunteered to come with his horses. Diane will pursue with the residents.
Marilou went back to the possibility of using the NW basketball court for skateboard type activities. It was discussed, but it’s a complicated issue, not being sure of the ownership of the court. And it is used for phys.ed. classes at NW school, and many kids in North Walpole still play basketball on the court.
North Walpole Park: Discussion about possibility of a pickle ball court. Carolyn discussed using local contractors, if possible. Diane had a estimate of $22,000-24,000 to replace the volleyball court with a pickle ball court. Long discussion about previous promises for “ free” court to be installed, with donations from local contractors. Carolyn will follow up with Selectboard regarding possible donations of services.
AIM: Marilou said there are now two air conditioners in the town hall. AIM is going very well.
Long term Pickleball : Kraig talked with Gary Clark from Wilson and Lawrence. He is retiring and selling the company, so he is unable to provide an estimate. Gary and Kraig discussed the importance of finding reputable contractors at a time when many new companies are getting involved in pickleball. Kraig has two possible leads: Cape Cod tennis and a business out of Springfield, MA. He will pursue. Mike asked Carolyn if she thought a warrant article for refurbishing the pickleball/tennis courts would be approved by the Selectboard. She said she could not really answer that question. Marilou suggested getting a petition of the Walpole residents that are currently playing pickle ball- to be presented to the Selectboard for the warrant article; and to have a show of pickleball players at the budget hearing for the warrant article.
Park Restroom Facilities: It was suggested that money from revolving fund be used for porta potties. The cost of porta potties was reviewed. Kraig offered a key to the poolhouse, but Carolyn objected, saying “Rules and situations need to be applied to everyone”. Kraig withdrew his offer of a key. Diane moved to have Kraig ask the Selectboard for permission to use money for the porta potties, to be taken from the revolving fund. Marilou seconded. All in favor. Motion passed. He will attend Thursday night’s meeting.
Role of Recreation Committee: Diane brought up the topic of Katie Beam’s absenteeism. She has not attended a meeting. Marilou questioned as to whether the Rec Committee has by-laws, which would address the absenteeism. It is unclear if by-laws exist.
Kraig said she has been sworn in. The committee needs to find out her intentions. Scott will call her to discuss.
Recreation Committee Goals: Marilou brought up topic of sand box and swings at the park.
Next meeting is July 15th
Role of Rec Committee: long discussion regarding revolving fund: what it is, how it is to be used, budget constraints. Complicated issue. Carolyn will help Kraig work with Selectboard about this.
Opening pool earlier for 2025 season: this may come down to a budget issue; as finding lifeguards that are available while school is in session is sometimes difficult.
Pickleball round robin play: Mike and the pickleball players do not want money from the town- they just want to be able to have fun round robin play, clinics, etc. Long discussion as to using town ( Carolyn used the word “borrowing”) property for a non-town sponsored club, which involves non-residents. Carolyn stated Mike would have to go to Selectboard meeting to discuss. More discussion about charging to play pickle ball; or just charge the non-residents.
Mike moved to adjourn meeting. Marilou seconded. All in favor. Meeting adjourned at 7:50 pm.
Next meeting: Monday July 15th @ 6:00 pm at Walpole Town Hall.
This meeting did not adhere to the agenda in the order it was presented; thus the minutes are long and disjointed. The meeting was almost two hours long.
Respectfully submitted
Mike Hayes
Walpole Recreation Committee Minutes – 5/17/24
WALPOLE RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
MAY 17,2024
Members Present: Scott Rodenhauser, Mike Hayes, Marilou Blaine, Annie Ewaskio, Kraig Harlow(Recreation Department Director)
Members Absent: Katie Beam,Diane Harty; Carolyn Vose, Selectboard Liaison.
Guests: Jon McClaren
Meeting called to order at 6:10 pm
Approval of Minutes: Marilou abstained from voting on the minutes of the April meeting, as she did not attend. Minutes of April meeting approved by a vote of 3-0.
Old Business: Jon McClaren offered to run an adults only swim program. He presented his suggested swim work outs. The times and dates to be determined. Mike moved to accept his proposal, Marilou seconded the motions. All in favor.
Pool shading: Steve Varone had offered to contribute money towards permanent pool shading. Discussion as to use money from revolving fund; warrant article. Scott will talk with Steve for more information.
Pool update: Kraig said 4 lifeguards have been hired so far. Total lifeguards needed are 8-12. He believes this will not be a problem. Stephanie Green is working on pool opening, which is scheduled for June 15th.
Hike to Table Rock: Great sunset hike to Table Rock in North Walpole. 10 hikers. Next hike will be July 27th.
Chairs for Whitcomb Park: Marilou would like to purchase 4 chairs. $31.00 each. She will use the money from AIM. Scott moved to purchase the chairs. Mike seconded. Motion approved 4-0.
Summer Movies: Three different movies will be show. $400.00 each. Marilou will contact the Boy Scout organization in Walpole, to see if they would like to use their popcorn machine to sell popcorn at Movie Nights.
Flag Football, SportsEngine: Flag football is being done through another organization at FMRHS. The Selectboard turned down the proposal of using Sports Engine App.
Short Term Pickle Ball/Tennis courts proposal: The four courts have been painted and are ready to be played on. Discussion about possibility of a divider fence to separate the tennis court from the pickle ball courts. This is tabled for the time being.
North Walpole Plaque: not discussed
Long term Pickle Ball/Tennis courts proposal: Kraig is working on getting a total of 3 estimates to replace the 40 year old tennis/pickle ball courts.
Summer Basketball: Kraig anticipates having 75 players. He is trying to line up indoor courts in case of rain.
NEW BUSINESS: Career Fair May 29th at FMRHS. Annie volunteered to help.
Roller blade/skateboards in park: Annie questioned whether this is a possibility. Kraig said currently there is not an appropriate place for this at the park.
Trash: Trash can next to tennis courts has not been emptied in several months. Kraig will take care of this.
Dogs at park: Dog problems still exist at both parks. Kraig said we need to find out the owners of the dogs.
Rest Rooms: Rest rooms are only available when pool is open. There is no money for porta potties in the budget. Kraig had several ideas, and will work on a solution.
Grass: Grass had been mowed onto the tennis and pickle ball courts, resulting in time spent cleaning by the pickle ball players. Kraig will get this resolved.
Stairs at the park: Shur pac has been delivered to be used on the stairs.
Pickle ball organization: Discussion as to forming a pickle ball organization; funding, etc..
There are still many questions to be answered.
Meeting adjourned ago 7:30 pm. Next meeting date has not been determined.
Enjoy Walpole Trails
Thanks to Wendy Grossman and many other volunteers, you are now able to do this! – Lil
THIS SUMMER ON WALPOLE TRAILS
Summer is a great time to explore, enjoy, and appreciate Walpole’s trails. Trail users will find many improvements this summer, due to the efforts of the Walpole Trail Committee and many additional volunteers at Help Our Trails Day and other events.
Brush hogging has just been completed on the Walpole section of the Cheshire Rail Trail! Trail users on foot, bicycle or horseback can now more readily enjoy the scenery along 7+ miles of rail trail on the west side of town. Rail trail users this summer should find far fewer wet spots than in past years, thanks to last fall’s major drainage improvement project. The rail trail is accessible from several cross streets, and there is dedicated parking on River Rd.
At Mill Pond, bridges have been repaired, new signs put up, trees cleared away, and erosion controls installed. In mid-June, encroaching vegetation was cut back. The bridge on the Fanny Mason trail was replaced last fall.
Trail maps and photos of trail work events can be found on the Walpole Conservation Commission website, walpoleoutdoors.org.
Many thanks to everyone in the Walpole government and community for supporting Walpole trails.
Enjoy Walpole’s trails!
Wendy Grossman
Walpole Trail Committee
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 6/13/24
Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.
Payroll
Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,429.21 dated 6/14/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,686.61. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes
Selectboard Meeting – June 6, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 6, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – June 6, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of June 6, 2024. The minutes will remain sealed. 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,and Houghton Brook Bridge
Reservoir Dam: Mr. Dalessio explained that the letter from the State was just a reminder that 18% of the contract time has passed but only 1% of the money is spent. This is consistent with the plan. They are drilling at the dam as planned. The big bills will start coming in the next few months.
New Business
Recommittal Warrants: There are tax liens and gravel/timber yield bills outstanding. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the recommittal warrant for $4,408.76 for 2023 yield taxes. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the recommittal warrant for $149,266.90 for 2023 property tax liens. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the recommittal warrant for $63,072.55 for 2022 property tax liens. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed.
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the recommittal warrant for $18,674.50 for 2021 property tax liens. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion passed.
Property Tax Warrant: Ms. Vose moved the 2024 property tax levy for $6,479,674.00. Tax bills will be mailed June 14, 2024, and will be due July 15th. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
Late Tax Bill Notice: Ray Boas asked about a late tax bill notice in the Clarion. There will be a notice that tax bills will be mailed June 14th and payment is due July 15, 2024. There will be no interest or penalty if bills are paid by July 15th.
Joshua Druke Memorial 5K: The race committee would like to use Whitcomb Recreation Area. Last year damage was found after the race. The race committee said it wasn’t from the race. Going forward, on the day before the facility is rented, someone from the Town and someone from the non-profitorganization will do a walk through and existing damage can be photographed. Use of the Whitcomb Recreation Area was approved for the race on September 21st.
The Restaurant at Burdick’s – Open Container Request: The Restaurant is requesting permission to allow open containers for Bastille Day and for Octoberfest events. The waiver covers only the parking lot. Mr. Dalessio moved approval of the waiver for July 12, 2024, and September 27-28, 2024. Ms. Vose seconded the motion. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.
Employee Resignation: Kraig Harlow has resigned from the Recreation Department. His last day will be August 23, 2024. The position will be posted. Mr. Dalessio moved to accept Mr. Harlow’s resignationwith thanks for his service. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion carried.
Solar Building Permit Application: The Selectboard reviewed the draft application. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the application as presented. Ms. Vose Seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed. This is the first time the Town has had a special permit for solar installations.
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 6:58 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:55 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 7:55 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 6/3/24
Members Present: Alicia Flammia, Wendy Grossman, France Menk, Peter Palmiotto (presiding), John Peska, Lewis Shelley
Selectboard Representative: Steve Dalessio
Alternates Present: Nicole Adams
Members Absent: Tom Beaudry (Alternate)
Call to Order: Peter Palmiotto, Co-Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall. This meeting was audio recorded for the purpose of accurate minutes.
Introductions: Everyone introduced themselves for the benefit of the new Recording Secretary.
Meeting Agreements: Peter reviewed the Meeting Agreements which the Commission developed last October.
Seating of Alternates: Six members were present, so there was no need to seat Alternates.
Review and Approval of Minutes
Sue noticed that the date in the footer should be May 6th, not the 5th. The property monitoring walks will be June 6th. Wendy clarified the next to last sentence under Rail Trails – there will be an opportunity in the fall to consider applying for grants. John moved to accept the May 6, 2024 minutes as amended. Alicia seconded and all voted in favor. The motion carried.
Public Business
Report from co-Chair: no report
Financial Report: Conservation$ 225,407.75
Forestry: $25,401.33
Correspondence: The Purpose magazine was received from NH Charitable Foundation. The US Department of Interior sent a thick document regarding relicensing that was received by the Selectboard. There were also three declarations, and they were sent at the end of the comment period. Notification was received from DES – see Harvesting Concerns under New Business.
New Business
Harvesting Concerns – DES Notification: The notification from the Department of Environmental Services concerns a logging project on a property located on Merriam Rd. that was connected to another property on County Rd. There are possible violations related to wetlands, stream crossings that resulted in erosion and sedimentation. Lew lived on the property in question and was a caretaker there for 23 years before moving to an adjacent property to the one being investigated. He did not file the complaint or know who did and feels this is best left to DES to finish their investigation. There is nothing else for the Conservation Commission to do at this time. If an official statement is requested, the Town Forester will be asked to provide his professional opinion of the condition of the property. This is similar to a complaint last year at the end of Reservoir Road, so the public seems more willing to file complaints.
These types of problems can occur if landowners do not hire a professional forester to supervise logging projects using best management practices. A discussion followed about how the Town might help landowners avoid such issues and complaints, which can be expensive. It was pointed out that if the land is in current use and the owner hires a forester to write a management plan there is a tax break. The Commission decided to ask Sarah Downing to attend a meeting to discuss current use.
Rest Area Cleanup and Shelter Update: Lew rewrote the RFQ for shelter roof repairs which is ready and will go out to three vendors on Thursday. The goal is to respond to the vendors by July 3rd (the Commission meets July 1st).
John said we need to find someone to clean the rest areas since the prior employee has stepped away from doing it. For now, Kara Dexter is volunteering to stop to pick up on the way to work and on the way home. Kara can be hired as an individual contractor, and she has the appropriate insurance. John will work with Kara to understand the amount of time required, define the scope of work, and recommend a reasonable pay rate.
Endorsing Commission Member Renewal: John Peska’s term has ended, and he would like to continue for another three-year term. Peter moved the Commission endorse John for another term. France seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Old Business
Town Lands – Forest Management: Fanny Mason timber harvest has been marked. Peter will follow up with Alex Barrett for an update as Alex did not make the meeting.
Master Plan – Conservation Lands Map/Table: Map continues to be updated.
Property Monitoring: Wendy will go with Monadnock Conservancy to monitor three properties Thursday morning at 8:00. Wendy requested a Property Monitoring Committee meeting to develop guidelines and feedback. Wendy will get the Gateway into the database as soon as possible. Peter offered maps as needed. Alicia suggested a discussion of property at the August meeting for fall monitoring.
The Tree Committee: The committee was formed about a year ago. Now it is time to identify the species to be planted on the Common so we can plant three this fall. Peter, as liaison, will reach out to contact.
Other Business
Reservoir Dam: Steve reported the project is moving forward. They are working on the borings. Houghton Brook bridge is stalled because of price. School Street will be the next big project – working on the brook and all new drainage, but there is no funding available now. Mill Pond has been identified as a high hazard, which means the dam needs to be raised, and therefore, also the road. The concern is that if the dam lets go the water could damage Route 12.
Hooper Institute Board Update: Nicole reported that the Board will meet Wednesday. They are focusing on facility repairs. There hasn’t been an update on the trails.
Walpole Gateway: The Gateway has been hayed.
Trail Committee: Wendy reported the Trail Committee had its first meeting with her as Chair on May 8th. The Trail Committee members brainstormed ideas for activities, both maintenance and other events. She is also still working on the special use permit language to brush hog the Rail Trail.
Website: France suggested two changes to the website:
1. Change the heading “Trail News” to “News” so more information can be included – this was acceptable to the members.
2. Add a Farming section to the website. Members discussed the idea as farming is integral to the conservation of the character of the town. It was suggested that Tom Beaudry, as a fellow farmer, be asked to assist to ensure the project is a collaborative and inclusive effort with the farmers in Town before any additions to the web page are done.
France is also putting some news on the front page and adding places for people to comment. She gets the comments.
Hooper Map: Lew found a new, and better, map of Hooper that may shed light on the Cranberry Meadow exchange with Walpole. The map helps, but the deed was not recorded with the County, so the mystery is on-going.
Adjournment: John moved the meeting adjourn. Seconded by France. Peter declared the meeting adjourned at 8:37 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary
(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the July 1, 2024Conservation Commission meeting.)
Pre-K – 8 School Withdrawal Study Committee Notes – 6/12/24
Present: Jo Cowgill, Jean Kobeski, Chas Street, Steve Varone, Tom Ronning, Carolyn Vose
(Selectboard Liaison)
Absent: Diana Petrie (Chair), Stan Hutchings
Visitors: Cheryl Mayberry (Director of Finance, Winchester School District; Walpole
Selectboard), Katy Haas (Civic Documentor, Keene Sentinel)
The meeting commenced at 6:34 p.m. in Town Hall.
Cheryl Mayberry was invited to speak about the Winchester School District, which is its own school district and SAU 94. She described their self-management model. Their SAU administrative office consists of a part-time superintendent, full-time business administrator, part-time payroll person, superintendent assistant (split – halftime supports the superintendent and handles HR and halftime works with the Special Ed director), Full-time Special Education and Facilities Directors. Administrators meet weekly with the principal to discuss what they need to administratively manage.
Winchester’s budget is roughly $12,764,000, down $300,000 from last year. They have 32 teachers, 6 SPED teachers, and 15 paras. Their budget is “upside down” – the majority of the budget is earmarked for SPED. The Special Ed director is working to lower special ed costs. They are redoing IEPs, according to what SPED law states should and shouldn’t be in those IEPs.They want to focus on what needs to be in the IEP versus what should be a 504 plan. They want to make sure student educational needs are met but they are looking at their high number of out-of-district placements to determine if they are really needed. They are following SEL initiatives and may add a part-time autism specialist.
Winchester has its own Pre-K – 8 program and tuitions the high school students to Keene High. They have a budget committee that works with administrators to keep costs down. Winchester outsources transportation and partners with Hinsdale to share a social worker and adjustment counselor. Each town hires one of those teachers full time then reimburses the other for the days they are shared. They outsource a school psychologist and IT. They have three Title I interventionists, one of which is split between Title I and regular ed. 504 management was discussed.
The group asked about cost/student. Further discussion focused on high school, but the group was reminded that our committee will only report on Pre-K – 8.
It was suggested that it might be time to revisit and change the Fall Mountain Articles of Agreement. Cheryl stated that was tried but got nowhere. The FM Board and representatives from all towns are required to participate, which was done. It was noted that if Walpole leaves the district, it would create a hardship in the other towns. That might provide the incentive needed to revisit and renegotiate the Articles.
Once again, we were reminded that our charge is to consider Walpole students and how we move forward. How would our students benefit from our withdrawal? This charge is our town and our students.
It was also suggested that we could take SAU 60 down to a cooperative high school with each town being its own district.
Committee members presented their research/action item for the week.
Benefits and Disadvantages for Walpole Staying/or Leaving SAU 60: Tom distributed copies of his preliminary list of the pros and cons of each scenario and briefly discussed them.
Tax Information: Jo reports that Avitar has incorrect tax information and she reported it to Sarah Downing.
Greater Potential for Civic Involvement: Chas distributed copies of his report on how the community can become even more involved in our school. Presently we are hindered by the “sameness” policy of the SAU administration.
Jean has started interviewing teachers and staff but will consolidate their comments and make one report when meetings have concluded.
Cheryl and Carolyn clarified that this committee is to make a recommendation to the selectboard based on the pros and cons they have gathered.
The meeting concluded at 8:10 p.m. The next meeting will be June 19, 6:30 p.m., in Town Hall.
The Walpolean 
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