delayed Opening at the Library – 1/29/24
Due to the weather, the Main Library will be opening at noon on Monday, 1/29. The North Walpole branch will open at its regular time (1 pm).
There will be no Wiggle Time. Stay safe!
Clarion Now On-line
| And will be at the Post Offices on Monday 29 January (weather depending) to be delivered to you at home. I hope you do take a look at my Publisher’s Corner writings on the second to the last page each month. This month you will see my apology for an issue of just 12 pages, and the reasons why – lack of activities past and present to report upon, and limited advertisers that make your CLARION possible. But still a packed and varied and balanced edition, so please do enjoy. To see the February CLARION – Click this Link. Catch you again soon, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher |
Selectboard Meeting Minutes. 1/18/24
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry; Steve Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Others Present: Janet Clough
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Selectboard Office of the Walpole Town Hall. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 6:31 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:22 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the nonpublic minutes would be sealed.
PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,981.62 dated 1/19/2024and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,395.98. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
REFUND:
Map and Lot# 029-005-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 029-005-000 for $99.00. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 018-001-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 018-001-000 for $2,224.00. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 029-005-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 012-068-000 for $25.00. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Meeting with SAU29: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that SAU 29 has scheduled their visit for 2/1/2024 at 8:00 AM.
School Warrant Article: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that she received a response from Attorney Hockensmith stating that the schoolboard or the Town can establish a committee to leave a school district.
2024 Draft Warrant Articles: Mrs. Pschirrer reviewed RSA 195.25 as it relates to a town forming anadvisory committee to explore the possibility of leaving a school district. Discussion of the articles of agreement took place. The wording of the proposed warrant article was worked upon by those present.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:40 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:53 PM.
NEW BUSINESS:
The Selectboard discussed revisions to the Town’s welfare guidelines, to be updated by 6/2024. A consensus was reached that the welfare officer should present quarterly reports to the Selectboard.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 1/11/24
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steven Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration
Others Present: Steve Varone, Peter Graves and Joanna Andros
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Selectboard Office of the Town Hall. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio, and Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration. She introduced those in attendance, Steve Varone, Peter Graves, and Joey Andros.
NEW BUSINESS:
Meeting with SAU 29: Mr. Varone stated that an invitation has been sent from Keene. He advised the Selectboard de-politicize the matter, with just the three of the Selectboard going. The Selectboard stated they would prefer Mr. Varone attend the meeting with them. An agreement was reached to request 1/25/2024 in the morning for a meeting with SAU 29 with, 2/1/2024 being the backup date. Discussion of the Town’s assigned school district took place, in which an analysis of the geographic proximity compared to Fall Mountain and Keene High Schools. Mrs. Pschirrer commented on the increasing education costs and declining enrollments across the state. Mr. Graves discussed his personal experience with SAU 60.
Public Comment: Mr. Graves asked if Mrs. Pschirrer would be running for Selectboard. She stated that she would not be. Mr. Graves asked about the severance pay of a previous Town employee. Mr. Graves asked the date of the Budget Hearing. Mrs. Pschirrer responded that this was scheduled for 2/8/2024 at 5:30 PM. Mr. Graves asked about the police station. Mr. Dalessio stated that the town is considering purchasing property to build the new police station. Mr. Graves stated that he would prefer less of a surplus in the Town budget. Mr. Graves asked why the Highway Department should have a surplus; to which Mr. Dalessio responded that the budget must allow for an unknown amount of overtime during winter months.
Ms. Andros spoke to ongoing projects on the list from the Selectboard agenda. Mr. Dalessio stated that the bridge and school projects are presently in engineering. Ms. Andros stated her concern about trees along the banks of the Mad Brook. Mr. Dalessio explained that DES has stated the natural flow of the stream/river must be upheld, in spite of the effects of high water-flow. Ms. Andros sees collapsed culverts and other places caving in, and asked if a private owner could do anything about erosion on their property. Ms. Andros spoke to her concerns over “global warming” affecting the Town’s budget, and how it should be included within the Master Plan.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable totaling $1,110,830.33 dated 1/12/24. This includes a $700,531.17 payment to Fall Mt. Regional School District for November billing. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Ms. Mayberry motioned to release the December payment to Fall Mt. Regional School District in the amount of $700,531.17. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $30,835.02 dated 1/12/24 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,535.68. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES, January 3, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve of the Selectboard Meeting minutes of January 3, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC MEETING MINUTES, January 3, 2024: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve of the Selectboard Non-Public Meeting minutes as amended of January 3, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes will remain sealed.
ABATEMENT AND REFUND:
Map and Lot# 028-161-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the abatement and refund for Map and Lot# 028-161-000 for $1,004. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:
Map and Lot# 028-161-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the supplemental tax warrant for Map and Lot# 028-161-000 for $1,004. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
REFUND:
Map and Lot# 027-001-006: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 027-001-006 for $13.10. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 008-088-001: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the refund for Map and Lot# 008-088001 for $8,913.00. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION:
Map and Lot# 008-009-011: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the solar energy exemption for Map and Lot# 008-009-011. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 010-020-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the solar energy exemption for Map and Lot# 010-020-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 030-008-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the solar energy exemption for Map and Lot# 030-008-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
CURRENT USE:
Map and Lot# 011-043-002: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the current use assessment for Map and Lot# 011-043-002. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
TIMBER INTENT:
Map and Lot# 003-074-001: Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the timber intent for Map and Lot# 003-074-001. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Selectboard Meeting date: Mrs. Pschirrer confirmed that 1/18/2024 would be the date of the next Selectboard meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Request to Trustees of Trust Funds: Mr. Dalessio motioned to issue a check for $1,025 from the Fanny Mason Fund to reimburse the Town for expenditures for cleaning Route 12 rest areas. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Closed Landfill Report: Mrs. Downing commented in the report there are certain elements, like iron and manganese, which are higher. The water table at the landfill was higher than normal for this round of testing.
Request to Use the Town Hall: Mrs. Pschirrer stated there was a request from Monadnock United Way to use the Town Hall for no fee. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that this organization would be added to the list of organizations which can use the Town Hall without a fee.
SWRPC WINTER MEETING: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that 2/13/2024 will be the next SWRPC meeting.
Mrs. Pschirrer commented that the Selectboard received a thank you letter from the Town librarian.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Non-Public meeting at 7:26 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 8:32 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the nonpublic minutes would be sealed.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:32 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Radio Follies
Will be back on the air! Rehearsals begin on January 31 in the Helen Miller Theater at 6:30. Reaherasals will be on Wednesdays and the Follies on March 16th.
Primary Day
Unless you live in a cave, you know that today is Primary Day in New Hampshire. Polls are open until 7:00 PM! – Lil
Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 1/17/24
Roll Call: Present Board Members Chair Dave Edkins, Clerk Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes and alternates Don Sellarole, Carolyn Vose and Shane O’Keefe. Absent were board members Tom Winmill and alternate Myra Mansouri.
Call to Order: Mr. Edkins called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. Since the Board was two people shy of a full board, Mr. O’Keefe was asked to sit in for Mr. Winmill and Mr. Sellarole was asked to sit for the empty position on the board.
Minutes of December 2023: There were three corrections. In an email Peggy Pschirrer attributed the statement in the first paragraph of page 3 saying that “the preschool took in younger children than the local education system” to Carolyn Vose. Ms. Vose said she asked presenter Mark Houghton if the application for a variance was necessary to making changes to the preschool and Ms. Vose said Mr. Houghton said yes. On page 5, Mr. Murray noted that his name was listed as voting on the motion to grant a variance to The Foundation and the name should have been Ms. Mansouri. Mr. Murray had recused himself from sitting in and voting on the matter because he is a board member of The Foundation. He was actually sitting in the audience. Mr. Murray made a motion to accept the December 2023 minutes as corrected. Ms. Barnes seconded his motion and the motion carried unanimously.
Voting on Variances
Regarding the vote last month that the Zoning Board made on a public hearing for a variance, Ms. Barnes reminded the Board of how voting should go when determining its decision on a variance. She read from the Zoning Board of Adjustment’s Bylaws.
Section 4. h. “Voting on Variances: The Board will discuss each of the five criteria separately but have one vote on the decision for the application for a Variance.”
Old Business: Short-term rentals and/or definitions.
Ms. Barnes said while she thinks the board should eventually look at the topic of short-term rentals, as town counsel Jeremy Hockensmith suggested, the more pressing issue is definitions. For example, she said Walpole’s Zoning Ordinances document Article XVII defines a “dwelling’’ as “means a building of common foundation.” Mr. Edkins recalled that was written in reaction to a particular situation in town. Ms. Barnes said recently the Supreme Court ruled against the city of Conway, NH regarding short-term rentals on its basis of their zoning ordinance definition. Ms. Barnes didn’t think Walpole’s definition could stand a court challenge and called it “meaningless.” The court said it might rule differently based on another town’s ordinance. Mr. Sellarole asked what her thinking was. Ms. Barnes thought our board should take note of this decision and work on our definitions.
Ms. Barnes read a definition of “dwelling” from an example in a 2021 New Hampshire Revised Statutes. III. “Dwelling” shall mean any building, structure, trailer, mobile-home or camp or part thereof, used and occupied for human habitation or intended to be so used and includes any appurtenances belonging thereto or usually enjoyed therewith.”
Ms. Barnes added that there are groups of definitions in several different places within the 43-page Walpole Zoning Ordinances and the definitions should be grouped in one place and they should be alphabetized. She suggested selecting some definitions and honing the language saying it is probably more important right now than trying to come up with a new ordinance on short-term rentals. Also, she mentioned, there are two types of owners of short-term rentals: owner-occupied and investor-owned. The latter was of more concern than the former. Mr. O’Keefe said Walpole doesn’t seem to have that problem as yet.
Shane O’Keefe works as Town Administrator for the town of Londonderry. Vt. The town is not far from Okemo, Magic and Bromley ski resorts and there’s also a state park with a lake in the town. Its population is smaller than Walpole’s population – about 1900 compared to Walpole’s 3700. But short-term rentals can be a problem there. He said a resident recently brought in a video showing a neighbor’s home, a short-term rental being used as a “party house.” A man on a balcony is holding a machine gun. “A machine gun!” Mr. O’Keefe repeated. Londonderry, he said, has recently hired a person to oversee the short-term rental industry in the town. That person will oversee regulations such as the town’s noise ordinance, compliance with the fire marshal’s regulations, sanitation, etc. Mr. O’Keefe gave another instance on how short-term rentals could affect a town. He said someone purchased a former farm and has put up houses on stilts all over the property. It has completely changed the “aesthetics” of that neighborhood, he said. He estimated that their were about 150 short-term rentals in Londonderry.
Getting back to definitions Mr. Edkins said that the zoning ordinances were originally written in 1968. In the intervening years there have been additions within the last ten to 20 years – sections called DADU or Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (2019) and Wellhead Protection Overlay District (2014). But right now it’s all “hobbled together” and, in his opinion, it needs to be recodified so it makes sense. He wondered and talked about getting some help from Southwest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC).
Mr. O’Keefe thought that the town’s Walpole Zoning Ordinances document could be quite intimidating to the public as to what all the ordinances mean and suggested looking for some grant money so the board could have some professional help. There was no way the board could tackle this task on its own. He threw out a figure of it costing maybe about $20,000.
The secretary explained that a planner from SWRPC usually works with the Planning Board in updating its Master Plan. Recently, over the summer, a planner was supposed to help the Planning Board finish up its Natural Features section of the Master Plan. For three months in a row, a planner was supposed to come to a workshop meeting, but for three months in a row, they canceled because the Commission was short-handed. Eventually, Carol Ogilvie, an independent planner who assisted with the update a decade ago, was contacted. It was arranged that she would help the Planning Board finish the project while working under the auspices of SWRPC. Mr. Edkins, who knows Ms. Ogilvie, said maybe the zoning board could make a similar arrangement. He said he would talk with Planning Board chair, Jeff Miller, and look into getting help for the ZBA. Members of the board agreed that was a good idea.
Voting in March
Mr. Edkins said that two people on the board had three-year terms that were ending this year and there was a one-year term to fill in for a board member who resigned last year. Ms. Vose said she might be interested in the one-year term vacated by Jan Galloway-Leclerc. All must file their intentions at the Town Clerk’s office, which is open Monday through Thursday: 7-12 and 1-6 on Mondays; 9-12 and 1-7:30 on Tuesdays; 9-12 and 1-5 on Wednesdays; and 8-12 and 1-4:30 on Thursdays. They were reminded that the Town Clerk’s office is closed for lunch from noon to 1 pm on all those days. Filing starts the day after the primary election, on January 24. It lasts about a week. However, the Town Clerk will also be open on Friday, Feb. 2 from 3 to 5 pm for the sole purpose of candidates wanting to file for an open seat on any board or position.
Adjournment
Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Sellarole seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 8:05 pm.
These are unapproved minutes and will be reviewed at the February meeting for corrections and omissions.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
ZBA Recording Secretary
cc: ZBA, WPB, Town Offices, The Walpolean.
Posted: Inside Town Offices, on bulletin board outside Post Offices, www.walpolenh.us
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