Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 11/14/23

Uncategorized 11/21/2023 Leave a comment

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

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 6:58 pm. He asked alternate Travis Adams to fill in for Ms. Andros.

Minutes: Minutes of the regular October 2023 meeting and the October workshop meeting. Mr. Marcom made a motion to accept the minutes of the regular and workshop October minutes as presented. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Agenda:  

Old Business: 

Public Hearing continues in December. Site Plan: NIP 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. Since Dunkin has no new information from NHDOT, it was decided to wait to return to a public hearing next month.

There were a few people at tonight’s meeting who had come to hear more on the Dunkin proposal. Mr. Miller explained that he had reached out to the NHDOT traffic engineer for this part of New Hampshire and the engineer said that the information presented by Dunkin needed to be updated and the engineer itemized a few concerns. Mr Jim Clifford of Dunkin said the NH Department of Transportation notified him that it is backed up with its work so there would be no new information to present at tonight’s meeting. He decided to not bring his team up to Walpole. He also asked if the board would sign off on the project as is and then revisit the traffic and road situation after the state has completed its look at the situation. Mr. Miller said no to the latter proposal. However, not knowing when the state will finish its work, Mr. Miller said the board and Dunkin could agree to waive the timeline for completion of the site plan.

All agendas for Planning Board and all meetings are posted in the hallway of the Town Offices, on a bulletin board outside the Post Office and on The Walpolean website. 

New Business:

Application for Boundary Lot Adjustment: 91 Prospect Hill Road, Tax Map 8, Lot  64-1, Residential A district. Owners are Tony Zulu and Andrew Dauphin. Request for a public hearing in December. 

Mr. Zulu and Mr. Dauphin would like to change the right-of-way to the lot in the back of their property from its current location next to their driveway to the south side property line. The total frontage of the property is 293.42 feet and the right of way would be 50 feet wide and abut the property at Tax Map 8, Lot 65. Mention of a 1989 variance to the property was noted in the presentation.

Mr. Zulu requested a public hearing in January 2024, not December. Mr. Harrington made a motion to have a public hearing in January 2024 for the boundary line adjustment. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Application for Site Plan: Alyson’s Orchard: Adam Naeck will be in with an application for an addition to the farm store and six glamping sites. Tax Map 4, Lot 33, 57 Alyson’s Lane, Rural/Ag district. Request for a public hearing in December.

Mr. Naeck brought in a new application. He had previously provided an abutter list, a drawing of where the glamping sites would be and a sketch of a post-and-beam building, 56 feet by 40 feet, that would be added onto the current farm store. The back half of the building has a second story loft. Mr. Naeck was unsure whether this lot on his property was in current use. He requested a public hearing in December 2023.  Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing in December. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

According to the tax card of this property, there is no mention of the property being in current use.

Build on a Class VI road. Diana Bordeaux, Whipple Hill Road. Wendy Impeller will present.

Here are the steps to getting permission to build on a Class VI road.

1. To build on a class VI road you must first get approval from the planning board. When you approach that board you must have detailed plans for your house.

2. You must record your waiver of liability in Cheshire County for that property.

3. When those steps are completed and positive, then the Select Board will review the building permit and you can get a driveway permit.

The property in question is on Whipple Hill Road. The initial portion of Whipple Hill Road is Class V but it turns into a Class VI about 200 feet from a RON pipe on the O’Keefe property. Diana Bordeaux was requesting a recommendation from the Planning Board to the Select Board to build a house on this part of the road. The proposed house is actually across from an already built house and would not be extending the building any further on a Class VI road, Mr. Miller said. The property also has the required road frontage of at least 200 feet.

The Planning Board recommended the Select Board grant a building permit for Bureau’s request to build on a class 6 road. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the recommendation. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the vote was 6 yeas with Mr. Perron abstaining.

Adjournment

Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried.

These minutes are unapproved and will reviewed next month for corrections, omissions and additions.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine, PB Recording Secretary

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

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

Workshop: No workshop this month. Next meeting is December 12, 2023.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 11/9/23

SELECTBOARD 11/17/2023 Leave a comment

Selectboard Present:  Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steve Dalessio

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration

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, and Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable totaling $283,087.56 for checks issued 11/10/2023.This includes a $63,870.70 payment to Eastern Minerals for road salt. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,768.69 dated 11/10/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,517.55. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 1, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Meeting Minutes of November 1, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – November 1, 2023:   Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of November 1, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes will remain sealed.

TIMBER INTENT:

Map and Lot# 008-102-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the timber intent for Map and Lot# 008-102-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

2023-40, Map and Lot# 013-003-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the building permit for Map and Lot# 013-003-000 to install a 36.5’ x 10/25’ ground mount solar array. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Sewer Bond Rate: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Robert Grenier wrote a letter asking why the sewer bond payments have not been changed and remain as they were from when he brought this matter to the Selectboard in June. Mr. Dalessio stated that he had spoken with Mrs. Daigle to ask her to find the previous notes on this matter. He stated that the Town could reduce the bond rate that is being paid, but at the same time some of the sewer rate will have to be raised. Ms. Mayberry raised a question on this matter. Mr. Dalessio responded that the Town is over-collecting money for the bond, but under-collecting for the sewer. Mr. Dalessio stated that the proposal is to bring the bond to a neutral position and adjust the sewer rate so that it builds a reserve for pump station repairs. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio spoke to the age of the Town water/sewer infrastructure.  

Water Shut Off Agreement: Mrs. Pschirrer presented a letter from the North Walpole Village Commissioners requesting a meeting to discuss how to develop a policy that would allow the Town to shut-off water service when a property owner does not pay their sewer bill. Ms. Mayberry stated that she will speak to the Commissioners about possible dates for this joint meeting. 

Dog Ordinance: Mrs. Pschirrer reflected on a dog fine that was paid. The Town Clerk sent an email to the Selectboard pointing out that the responsibility of collecting dog fines is her responsibility, and the Selectboard needs to correct its policy. Discussion of RSAs dealing with dogs took place, wherein Mr. Dalessio asked if the Town Clerk has the responsibility to collect all fines related to dogs. Mrs. Pschirrer stated she would continue to review the relevant canine RSAs and report back to the Selectboard. Ms. Mayberry commented that if the Town Clerk does have this responsibility, they should also coordinate its enforcement. 

Graves Road Water Issue: Mrs. Pschirrer reflected on a matter wherein a resident is diverting water onto the road. Mr. Dalessio stated he recently went out to the incorrect address and will plan on going to the correct address this weekend. 

NH Public Radio Letters: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke regarding a letter written by Mrs. Downing to NHPR regarding the A-12 Forms. Avitar is advising the Town to deny NHPR’s request that charitable exception not be granted for several reasons including: NHPR did not file their A-9 form until 10/24/2023, and the A-9 for 2022 is outstanding. Ms. Mayberry motioned that the Selectboard sign the letter back to NHPR regarding their tax-exempt filing status. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Mr. Dalessio commented that he hopes the Town does not incur excessive court fees to have the back taxes paid. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Public Hearing: Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that the Town would be receiving funds from the State, and that a public hearing is needed to receive one-time funds. Ms. Mayberry commented that these funds are additional highway block grant funds. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the funds are to be considered unanticipated revenue. There are also funds for bridges as well. Mrs. Pschirrer felt the two fund requests should be handled at one meeting. Ms. Mayberry commented in agreement. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that a public hearing would be set once more information is received.

Ransom Consulting Contract: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Ransom Consulting contacted the Town and advised them that their contract with Walpole has ended for the Brownfields Grant. Ransom asked if the Town would like to sign another contract. Mr. Dalessio stated that he would be open to another contract, though it would need to be specific to the work being done. The Selectboard discussed funding mechanisms for this contract. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that she would speak to them in the coming weeks to gather more information. 

Selectboard December meeting dates: Mrs. Pschirrer asked Ms. Mayberry if she knew her upcoming schedule. Ms. Mayberry responded that she would not have this information until the coming week. 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:  

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:03 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:12 PM. 

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 7:13 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:34 PM. 

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the Non-Public meeting minutes sealed. 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:34 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary

Save the Dates – 12/15&16/23

EVENTS 11/17/2023 Leave a comment

Have you ever been in a theater production and everything goes wrong on the night of Dress Rehearsal? That’s the premise of this year’s Holiday Show for the Walpole Players, “Scrooged Up!”

Save these Dates and join us for our annual Dinner Theater Fundraising Event;  Friday, December 15th and Saturday, December 16th at 7pm in the Helen Miller Theater at the Walpole Town Hall.

As per Players tradition, ALL proceeds from this event will be divided between The Fall Mountain Food Shelf and Our Place Drop-In Center. Look for more info including where to buy tickets in the next Clarion, on our Facebook page (The Walpole Players) and on our website! (thewalpoleplayers.org)  

The Walpole Players

Farmers Market – 11/17/23

Uncategorized 11/17/2023 Leave a comment

The Walpole Thanksgiving Farmers Market is happening on Saturday, November 18. It will be held on the Common from 10am to 2pm. Local vendors will be selling food and crafts, which make great ingredients and unique gifts for the holidays. With the church holiday fairs held at the same time, you can make a day of local holiday shopping!

If you’re on Facebook, you can join the Facebook event to learn more about what vendors will be selling: https://fb.me/e/15YljctGv

The Thanksgiving Farmers Market is hosted by the Great River Co-op and sponsored by the Greater Falls Farmers Market.

Rail Trail Hike – 11/19/23

Uncategorized 11/16/2023 Leave a comment

Reminder:  Rail Trail Hike

Sunday, Nov. 19, 12:30 pm 

There is still time to sign up for the public hike this Sunday, November 19 at 12:30 pm along the Cheshire Rail Trail in Walpole. The route will include all of the rail trail sections where drainage improvements have recently been made.  It will be a one-way 4 1/2 mile walk between the Route 123 crossing on the north and Blackjack Crossing Road on the south.  There will be shuttles available back to the starting point.

If you would like to join us on the hike, please email walpoletrailhelpers@gmail.com to sign up. That will help us to plan the hike logistics.  Shortly before the hike day, details about where to park and what to bring will be sent to those who’ve signed up.  We encourage all hikers to wear some orange clothing, as it is hunting season.

We hope to see many of you on Sunday.

Wendy and Will Grossman

Walpole Rail Trail RTP Project Managers

Walpole Trail Committee

Walpole Outdoors

Uncategorized 11/16/2023 Leave a comment

walpoleoutdoors.org

Hello, neighbours and friends everywhere!

Walpole now has a separate website devoted to all things outdoors. You will see descriptions of our Conservation Commission and Trail Committee roles, maps, trail information, current projects, and events we would like you to join.

The site is in its infancy. We hope for your participation in its development; in particular, seasonal photos of activities you’ve enjoyed. Please identify the content of your photos, and let us know if you would prefer NOT to have a photo credit with the caption.

We do welcome your ideas and suggestions.

Please email blissides@yahoo.com to send your photos and ideas. (Your email will not be shared or sold.)

France Menk

Walpole Conservation Commission

Walpole Trail Committee

Clarion Deadline Coming Up

Uncategorized 11/14/2023 Leave a comment

Yes, time again for your submissions, now for the December CLARION. Published deadline is 5PM (Walpole Time) Wednesday, November 22, the day before Thanksgiving Day — BUT it would be great if you could email your submissions sometime Tuesday the 21st (in a week) before you go into “holiday mode,” that will help. That way I hopefully can get the printer started as the holiday weekend starts so you will, as usual, have your next issue by the first of the month. Submission guidelines, and contact email are on the CLARION website.

Remember, this is “your community resource” to share information about your group – its activities and events residents will enjoy attending. And, having a nice mix of articles for readers, I welcome “feel good” news of past local events, stories and accomplishments to share. All subject to space, of course, space that is made possible by the CLARION’s supporting advertisers. We all owe them a big “thank you.”

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, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

PLEASE ON TUESDAY the 21st if Possible – Thank You

Correction for St. John’s Orders

Uncategorized 11/14/2023 Leave a comment

PLEASE USE THIS PHONE NUMBER TO ORDER (not the email on the poster).  Call 603-338-7791

Apparently their email is not working. Please use the number above to place your order. – Lil

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 11/15/23

SELECTBOARD 11/14/2023 Leave a comment

Mistletoe Mart – 11/18/23

Uncategorized 11/14/2023 Leave a comment