Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 12/4/23
Members Present: John Peska, Alicia Flammia, Lewis Shelley, Wendy Grossman, Steven Dumont , Steve Dalessio (Selectboard Liaison)
Members Absent: Peter Palmiotto, France Menk
Seating of Alternates: Nicole Adams
Alternates Present: Nicole Adams, Kara Dexter
Visitors Present: Ryan Owens ( Monadnock Conservancy), Kate Buckman (CT River Conservancy), Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary)
Call to Order: John Peska called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. This meeting was recorded.
Review and Approval of Minutes: In the November 6 minutes Kara asked that, under Old Business, Gateway Update, the first sentence be changed to read: Kara proposed that the gate be locked on November 15, not closed, as written. With that correction, Lew moved to accept the November 6 minutes. Wendy seconded, and all voted in favor. Motion carried.
Public Business
Financial Report:Conservation:$218,447.22
Forestry: 24,616.93
Walker Road: 709.49
Correspondences: DES Forest Statuary Permit by Notification, dated October 27, 2023 Monadnock Conservancy Newsletter
New Business
Ryan Owens, Monadnock Conservancy: Ryan attended the meeting at WCC request to discuss the Nerrie easement and the money the Commission pledged for the project in 2017. He explained that the money could be used for surveying, lawyers, site research, the Monadnock Conservancy staff, recording fees, and future monitoring. Because the easement is not complete, no money is due at this time from the Commission. Though estimated costs have increased significantly, the Commission will not be asked for any more money than was approved in 2017. In order for the town to receive something tangible for the money they give, and to meet state statutes, they will be named in the deed. Wendy asked if that means the town will have an executory interest and Ryan answered, “Yes.” She then asked if the Conservancy will be responsible for the monitoring and Ryan said they would be and stated the town should ask to see the Conservancy’s monitoring reports.
Steve Dalessio asked if all the Nerrie land in the easement would be in Walpole. Ryan explained that, of the (current) 147.5 acres, 106.2 acres are in Walpole.
Lew asked if this easement would be different because Distant Hill is a non-profit. Ryan answered no, that every landowner is treated equally.
Wendy asked what steps should be done and when. Ryan recommended the following steps:
1. Consider and understand what Executory Interest means and involves.
2. Ensure that the Selectboard is willing to sign it.
3. Consult the NHACC guidelines for how to take money out of conservation funds for the easement.
4. When the Nerries have completed the easement, schedule a required public hearing about the property easement: money involved and Executory Interest.
Alicia offered to put these steps on the Commisssion’s drive for reference.
Kate Buckman, Connecticut River Conservancy: Kate reviewed the relicensing process currently underway for dams in Bellows Falls, Vernon, Wilder, Turners Falls, and the Northfield Mountain Pumped Storage. She stated the process normally takes 3-5 years, but this relicensing started in 2012 and still has two years to go. She said shutting down Vermont Yankee and two government shut-downs have caused the delay, and Great River Hydro was conducting a variety of studies from 2013 – 2019.
In 2020 Great River Hydro submitted an amended final license application. They not only had to address power generation, but they also had to give equal consideration to endangered species, water quality, recreation, and historical and cultural resources. In other words, they need to address how they will enhance the communities and provide protection, mitigation, and enhancement.
Kate stated she came to the Commission now because FERC has the Ready for the Environmental Assessment and this will be the last time for public comments. She said this would be the time for our community to comment on erosion along the river, recreation, and poor maintenance or lack of public access. She asked if the Commission has a conservation plan and if the plans in the license are in line with it. Do the the proposals in the application address where this community wants to be in 40 years (the length of this license)?
Kate stated that the CRC strongly believes that the application should require monitoring within the first 10-20 years, not wait till the end of the 40, to determine if the provisions are adequate.
Kate said FERC’s Ready for Environmental Assessment will begin somewhere between February and March and will be open for 60 days.
Steve Dalessio feels that loss of land is the primary concern in Walpole.
Alicia asked if the application can be reviewed before the public comment period begins. Kate said it is available now on the FERC docket. She will also send a hard copy to John. She said it is quite lengthy and overwhelming and recommends looking at Exhibit E – Environmental Review, which has a good Table of Contents. She also referred to Exhibit G, maps of project boundaries. Kate offered to come back and evaluate comments before they are submitted to FERC.
Alicia stated the Commission should try to link the relicensing to their updated conservation plan.
Old Business
Topics for Annual Report: Kara asked Commissioners what they would like to include in the annual report, due in mid-January. They would like Kara to highlight accomplishments for the year (trail work, forester, Rail Trail, Gateway work, property stewardship). Focus areas for next year include property stewardship, trail plans, and dam relicensing.
Barry Scholarship: John reported that Justin Cassarino and Amy Treat will identify a scholarship recipient by January 15.
Fanny Mason Clean-up: John said the individual who has been cleaning the area will continue to do so. She reports that it is in the worst condition it has ever been. There is evidence of undesirable activity. It it generally cleaned once a week.
It was reported that the stone steps on the east side and the structures need to be repaired. Lew gave a brief history of the construction of the structures. He also said there had been plans to remove the steps but it hasn’t been done yet. He said that since they aren’t functional, they should be torn out and also suggested cutting down or pruning trees on both sides for greater visibility. Lew reminded the group that there is a trail head here, and the more activity the trail gets, the less undesirable activity that occurs. He said that making the area more pleasant and inviting will boost use. John stated plans for repair etc. should be made in the spring. Kara said she spoke with David Konesko of DOT about the state-owned property. She reminded the Commissioners that any mowing or upkeep of the area would be of state-owned property but Kara seemed to think this would not be an issue.
Kara asked if trees can be taken down on state-owned property. Lew said they will need to talk to the state before any tree removal is done.
NHACC Dues: Lew stated that annual dues are $250, due in October. Lew moved to pay the $250 NHACC dues. Alicia seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried.
Cranberry Meadow Update: John said he spoke with Mike Hubbard about the clean-up. Mike is not interested in cleaning the area for the state inspection. John spoke to Mark Houghton about it and will follow up with Mark next week about the state requirements. He has a DES contact who would issue the permit if work is to be done with machinery.
Wendy reported that, while looking at the files on Cranberry Meadow, she discovered a 1994 letter from Harold Putnam to Leslie Hubbard. They had a legal search done of the land. Since the search showed that since no taxes were paid on the land and no member of the Knapp family claimed the land, the land belongs to the Town of Walpole by adverse possession.
Gateway Update: Kara asked if anyone had locked the gate on November 15; no one had. Lew said he would lock it.
Other Business
Walpole Trails Subcommittee: Wendy reported that the Fanny Mason Bridge is fixed. Steven Dumont talked about the repair.
Kara planned a trash clean-up near Dexpart on November 12 and collected 210 pounds of litter.
5 trees are down on the Fanny Mason Trail.
Commission Website: Steven stated there have been some changes to the website that have not been approved by the commissioners. Wendy stated there is some incorrect information on the website. Alicia said she would talk to France about the website.
Rail Trail: Wendy reported that the RTP Grant work officially ended November 7. A trail walk took place on the 19th; 15 people participated. The walk was from Route 123 to Black Jack Crossing with shuttles returning the walkers. Wendy said they had a number of positive comments from participants.
Wendy also stated:
1. They paid the contractor.
2. Rich found the $5,000 Fanny Mason money.
3. The final report was sent to the RTP people.
4. The bond money was returned to Lew.
5. The $20,000 grant money should be on the way.
6. A visit will take place but has not yet been scheduled.
Property Monitoring: Alicia gets reminders about property monitoring. Wendy will do the Graves Easement and Ballam Farm. Someone needs to fill out the forms for Wendy and Will’s property.
John had a call from Phil Warren, who said he will be walking the Nelson Town Forest on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.
Adjournment: Wendy made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Steven seconded and all voted in favor. John adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m.
The next meeting will be on Monday, January 8, 2024.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary
** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the January 8, 2024 meeting.
Zoning Board of Adjustment Agenda
December 20, 2023
7 pm
Town Hall
Roll Call: Appointment of alternatives if needed.
Minutes: Approve minutes of October and November 2023 minutes.
Old Business:
Public Hearing for a Variance: Walpole Foundation, 75 Westminster St., is proposing a new building for the Walpole Village School and single-story homes for senior citizens on Map 20, Lot 11. Article 9, section 1, a provision to utilize the property for a purpose that doesn’t meet minimum lot size.
Election of Vice-Chair and one Board member
Short-term Rentals
More discussion?
Attached is Latest decision of the NH Supreme Court.
https://alfanolawoffice.com/a-landmark-decision-on-short-term-rentals-and-zoning/
Planning Board Meeting Agenda – 12/12/23
Walpole Planning Board Agenda
December 12, 2023
7 pm
Town Hall
Roll Call: Appointment of alternatives if needed.
Minutes: Review November minutes.
Call to order:
Old Business:
Public Hearing continues from October meeting. Site Plan: NGP Management LLC/Walpole Properties, LLC. Tax Map 12, Lot 56. Commercial District, proposes 1815 Square-foot Dunkin coffee shop with drive-thru at intersection of Route 12 and Upper Walpole Road.
Public Hearing for Site Plan: Alyson’s Orchard: Adam Naeck proposed an addition to the farm store and seven clamping sites. Tax Map 4, Lot 44, 57 Alyson’s Lane, Commercial/Industrial district.
Workshop: No workshop this month.
Next meeting is January 9, 2023.
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 11/30/23
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steve Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary.
PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,863.68 dated 12/01/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,556.37. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 22, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Meeting Minutes of November 22, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – November 22, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of November 22, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes will remain sealed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
• Hooper Board Meeting Minutes– September 6, 2023
• Hooper Board Meeting Minutes – October 4, 2023
• Hooper Board Meeting Minutes – November 1, 2023
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes – October 18, 2023
• Safety Committee Meeting Minutes – November 16, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes.
Letter to Jan Galloway-Leclerc: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the letter of appreciation to Jan Galloway-Leclerc for her services as a ZBA member. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Public Hearing: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that the funds to be discussed in a forthcoming hearing were expected because they were FEMA funds. Mrs. Downing stated that unanticipated is a procedural term because the funds were not listed in the MS-434 form. Ms. Mayberry suggested the wording “for the purpose of reimbursing expenses associated with FEMA”. Mr. Dalessio commented on taking out the word “expenditure” in the hearing notice. Ms. Mayberry asked when the expenses were incurred. Mrs. Pschirrer stated they were incurred in 2021 and early 2022. Mrs. Pschirrer then commented that the auditor suggested holding a public hearing. Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer suggested breaking the hearings into two: one for the FEMA, the other for the highway block grant. The Selectboard reached agreement to hold the public hearing at 6:00 PM.
Selectboard December Meeting: There was a consensus that the Selectboard Meeting dates will be Dec. 5th, 14th, 21st and 28th.
General and Utility Assessing Quotes: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that there is an Avitar bid to be either a 1-year contract at $26,268 or a 4-year contract at $188,928. Mr. Dalessio suggested doing a 1-year contract and creating a Capital Reserve Fund to save for a longer contract. Mr. Dalessio motion to accept the 1-year assessing contract with Avitar at $26,268. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The Selectboard reached a consensus to not accept the offer of assessing services for utilities by SansoucyAssociates.
Website Update: Mr. Dalessio stated he looked at the draft website. There is more information needed. The Selectboard agreed to ask for a timeline to have the website finished.
Pending Further Action: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that even though the Brownfields project is finished, the fence is still going to be put in because the ground is still soft. The cost of the fence is under $5,000 and it will be installed within the next two weeks.
NEW BUSINESS:
Resident Complaint: Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mrs. Downing to discuss recent discussions with a resident who lives at the end of Whipple Hill Road. Mrs. Downing stated that the residents were unhappy with hunters parking near their property. Mrs. Downing commented that parking is occurring on Rapids Road, and this road borders the residents’ property. Mr. Dalessio stated that if hunters are parking on personal property, it is trespassing. The Selectboard discussed the email and attached images sent by the resident. They deliberated on the locations that hunters may be parking on Rapids Road.
Abatement Appeal Mediation Settlement: Mrs. Pschirrer presented the mediation settlement to the Selectboard for map and lot# 019-040-000. Ms. Mayberry motioned to accept the abatement appeal mediation settlement. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Terra Map Mapping Services Agreement: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the cost for the Terra Map Mapping Services Agreement for 1-year limited $2,860. Mr. Dalessio asked that this item be confirmed in next year’s budget. Ms. Mayberry motioned to allow Mrs. Pschirrer to sign to accept the Terra Map Mapping Services Agreement with Avitar for 1-year limited at $2,860. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
DRA Portal Access: Ms. Mayberry motioned to allow town Treasurer Steve Varone read-only access to the DRA Portal. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:06 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:18 PM.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (c):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 7:19 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:45 PM.
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the Non-Public meeting minutes sealed.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:46 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Remember – Food Sale
WALPOLE UNITARIAN CHURCH
HOLIDAY FOOD SALE
December 9th between 9 and 11:30 a.m.
In Front of Walpole Post Office
We will have our popular boxed holiday cookies ready for gift giving. There will also be holiday breads and desserts, along with savory items such as quiches, casseroles, lasagnas, etc. These items will be ready to take home and serve, or kept in the freezer until later. All of our offerings are homemade and there are always unexpected surprises that arrive at our table the day of the sale! Come early to get the best choices!
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 11/22/23
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry; Steve Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jodi Daigle, Administrative Assistant; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary; Chief Justin Sanctuary
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 8:30 AM. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, Jodi Daigle, Administrative Assistant, 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 8:32 AM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 8:57 AM.
PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,324.74 dated 11/24/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,725.67. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 15, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Meeting Minutes of November 15, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – November 15, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of November 15, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes will remain sealed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
• Cemetery Trustees Meeting Minutes– September 19, 2023
• Conservation Commission Meeting – November 6, 2023
• North Walpole Village Commissioners Meeting – November 7, 2023
• North Walpole Village Commissioners Meeting – November 14, 2023
• Planning Board Meeting – November 14, 2023
• Library Trustees Meeting – November 14, 2023
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – November 15, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes.
LAND USE CHANGE TAX:
Map and Lot# 017-005-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the land use change tax for Map and Lot# 017-005-001 for $12,500. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 017-005-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the land use change tax for Map and Lot# 017-005-002 for $15,500. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 017-005-003: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the land use change tax for Map and Lot# 017-005-003 for $13,500. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 017-005-004: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the land use change tax for Map and Lot# 017-005-004 for $23,800. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
BUILDING PERMITS:
2023-42, Map and Lot# 014-011-002: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the building permit for Map and Lot# 014-011-002 to construct a 28’ x 24’ two story home. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Highway Garage Door Claim Quote: Mrs. Pschirrer reviewed the damaged door at the Highway Department. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Selectboard needed to approve the Primex repair quote of $21,445.45, not the quote that was approved last week. Ms. Mayberry motioned to approve the acceptance of the highway door claim quote for $21,445.45. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
Water Shut-off Agreement: Ms. Mayberry stated she met with the North Walpole Commissioners last night. They are open to having an agreement, but wanted to ensure that all of the requirements were reviewed. Mrs. Daigle stated that it is approximately $50 to shut the water off. Ms. Mayberry reviewed the need to discuss how far in advance a notice would be sent out. The Commissioners did ask for a detailed list of individuals who would potentially be having their water shut off. Mrs. Daigle stated that in Walpole, there is typically a fourteen (14) day notice of shut off prior to it being completed. Ms. Mayberry stated that the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) would also need to be notified once an agreement is reached.
North Walpole Plowing: Ms. Mayberry discussed Pearl Street in North Walpole and the challenges related to plowing this easement/street. Ms. Mayberry mentioned to Mike Symonds that he should meet with the North Walpole Commissioners to discuss the needs of the Highway Department when plowing. Mr. Dalessio agreed. Ms. Mayberry commented on plow trucks and stated her opinion that the size of the truck should be considered when deciding which road to plow.
Selectboard December Meeting Dates: Mrs. Pschirrer stated she would not be in town on 12/6/2023 for a Selectboard Meeting. The Selectboard agreed to meet on 12/5/2023 at 6:30 PM, 12/14/2023 at 6:30 PM, and 12/28/2023 at 6:30 PM.
Reservoir Dam Project Update: Mr. Dalessio stated the application has gone through the first review with DES. Fuss & O’Neill have already answered some of the questions that have arisen. Mr. Dalessio added there is a proposed change to the regulations that will take place in April 2024. If DES insists these changes be part of compliance, the Town may have to redesign to this new standard.
NEW BUSINESS:
2023 Municipal Assessment Data Certificate: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the MS-535. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
General and Utility Assessing Quotes: Mrs. Pschirrer stated she would like a week to review these quotes before putting it to a decision. The Selectboard agreed to postpone this decision. Mrs. Downing stated she would send these documents to the Selectboard for review.
Public Hearing for FEMA Funds: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the auditor has advised the Town to have a hearing to accept the $379,060.70 in FEMA funds before the end of the year. Mr. Dalessio commented that this was reimbursement revenue, and historically this did not require a public hearing.
ZBA Chair Resignation: Ms. Mayberry motioned to accept Jan Galloway – Leclerc’s resignation from the ZBA with regret. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved. Mrs. Pschirrer stated she would write Mrs. Galloway-Leclerc a letter.
CPCNH 2024 Rate Setting Schedule: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Town received a letter from CPCNH stating they would be updating their rates, and that this information would be sent to the Town.
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the Non-Public meeting minutes sealed.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 9:43 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Give Back Where it Counts
This is nice news in so many ways. Thank you Shaw’s for your support of Distant Hill. – Lil
The Walpolean 
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