Keeping the community up to date on community topics
BOO — and at the post offices for delivery to you as your Halloween TREAT from the CLARION family. It is nice to see the holiday preparation activities returning to the Churches and on the Common, so make sure to join in on the fun. Our “cub reporters” have returned, and there is a smattering of everything for your reading enjoyment.
To see the November CLARION – Click this Link – or on the front page below. Stay safe and well — yours, RAY BOAS, Publish
Board present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-chair Dennis Marcom, board members Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Trevor MacLachlan and Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio.
Walpole Conservation Commission member Wendy Grossman.
Facilitator: Carol Ogilvie, planner for Southwest Community Planning Commission.
The meeting started at 7 pm. The purpose was to go over the changes made to last month’s presentation of the Natural Features section of Walpole’s Master Plan. Some changes were discussed at the meeting and some were suggested by Mr. Palmiotto. Ms. Ogilvie incorporated them into the Natural Features document. Besides these changes links to original documents were included.
Ms. Grossman updated the section on the 7-plus mile section of the Cheshire Recreational Rail Trail in Walpole including information on its origin and purchase in 1995 by the NH Department of Transportation to its current maintenance by the local snowmobile club, Hooper Hill Hoppers, and Walpole Conservation Commission members.
Ms. Ogilvie will add the additional information to the document and this will complete the updated Natural Features section of the Master Plan, with one exception. The last couple of pages regarding lands already protected in the Town of Walpole is being updated by the Conservation Committee and when complete, will be added to the Natural Features document.
Other sections of the Master Plan that have already been updated in the last couple of years include: Implementation Plan, Transportation and Population and Housing Analysis. Sections to be finalized are three chapters on Economic Development, Historic, Cultural and Recreational Resources and Community Facilities and Services.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
WPB Recording Secretary
Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc, Vice-Chair David Edkins, Clerk Tom Murray, Tom Winmill. Alternates: Myra Mansouri, Don Sellarole, Shane O’Keefe. Absent: Board member Pauline Barnes and alternate Carolyn Vose.
Minutes: Review of September minutes. Mr. Edkins made one correction. He said Tom Murray was also absent as he was preparing for the Horse Thieves annual dinner. He also asked if the secretary would put the end time of the meeting in the minutes. She said she would.
Call to Order: Ms. Galloway-Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7 pm. She asked alternate Don Sellarole to fill in for the absent board member. He said he would.
Old Business:
Gravel Pit assignments: Inspection forms to be returned – Cold River Materials on Brewery Road, Tim Graves on Wentworth Road and Hodgkins on Old Drewsville Road.
Mr. Sellarole and Mr. Murray returned their Gravel Pit Inspection form for Cold River Materials. Both said there was one small issue. They asked for a small correction where someone had cut into a mountain of shurpak. Mr. Patch said it would be corrected immediately. Otherwise, everything else was in order, both members said.
The Old Drewsville Road gravel pit, which was thought to be owned by John and Roger Hodgkins, has been sold to Jason Perry. Mr. O’Keefe knows who he is and will get in touch with him so Ms. Galloway-Leclerc and he can inspect the pit some time before the next meeting. The reports are due in October. Mr. Edkins and Ms. Mansouri will inspect the Graves pit on Wentworth Road.
Mark Stevens, Watkins Hill Road, removal of parents home
I checked back at the previous minutes of 2019 and 2020, which I will attach in a separate email.,They are the minutes of the meetings that Mr. Stevens came to in regard to the Watkins Hill property. It all began In May 2019 when Mr. Stevens came to the meeting and said he was building a house on his parents property and wondered what the requirements were. He wanted to live in the vacant house where his parents had lived while he was building a home on the property. There is actually no ordinance pertaining to this type of situation. However, since the buildings are in the rural/agricultural district there is an ordinance saying under Uses Permitted that says: “One single or one two-family dwelling per lot, with private garages and accessory buildings.” He was given a one-year time limit to build his home without demolishing the his parents’ building and living in the vacant home on the property. He was told he did not need a variance. If he were unable to complete the new home in one year, Mr. Stevens must come back to ZBA.
A quick review of previous minutes shows Mr. Stevens has been back to a ZBA meeting in September 2020, January 2021 and July 2021. Initially, during Covid, his contractor came down with Covid – more than once – and he had a supply chain issue with building materials. At another meeting he said he had tried getting several people to demolish the 200-year house down, but no one was interested.
Some members who were on the Board when this was taking place thought it was time to get the Select Board involved. The Chair will send a letter to the Select Board explaining the situation and hoping they can help the ZBA sort this out and tell the board what is the next step.
Revisiting Airbnbs
Mr. Sellarole said that a couple years ago the board talked about Airbnbs. Recently he heard of house that was sold solely for the purpose of renting it out for short terms. He was wondering if the board wanted to revisit the topic.
Reaction was mixed. Some board members said they didn’t think it was an issue at this time. There doesn’t seem to be any problem by renters making too much noise or bothering neighbors. Others, such as the Chair, remember Town Counsel advising the Board to do something before it becomes a problem. Mr. O’Keefe, who works for a town in Vermont said that town is having an issue with short-term rentals and it had affected housing availability. That’s already a problem in many towns. Mr. Murray remembered that at the time of the board’s last discussion of the topic, there were only eight (8) such places.
It was decided that the secretary would put together the information that was gathered at that time when it was last discussed in 2020 and would send the most pertinent information to the current board so that they can look it over and see if they want to pursue the possibility of an ordinance.
Adjournment
Mr. Edkins made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:37 pm.
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed next month for corrections, omissions and additions.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
ZBA Secretary
A comment was made about missing Zoning Board Meeting Minutes. I was able to get September and October and am posting them today. Not sure what happened but am glad to know that people miss them. – Lil
Present: Board Members: Vice-Chair Dave Edkins, Pauline Barnes. Alternates: Don Sellarole, Myra Mansouri, Shane O’Keefe. Absent: Board Members Chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc andTom Winmill. Alternate: Carolyn Vose.
Called to order: Mr. Edkins called the meeting to order a couple of minutes past 7 pm. He asked Mr Sellarole to sit in for Tom Murray, Mr. O’Keefe for Chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc and Ms. Mansouri for Mr. Winmill. They all agreed.
Minutes: Ms. Barnes made three typo corrections: page 1, paragraph 6: add an “s” to apartment.
Page 2, first paragraph, second to last sentence, change capital “T” to lower case “t”.
Page 3, paragraph second from the bottom, add the word “the” before gazebo.
Ms. Mansouri made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion and the motion carried.
Gravel Pit Inspection:
Once a year, according to RSA members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment must inspect all of the town’s gravel pits. Currently there are only three gravel pits in operation. The following assignments for inspection were given and their inspection reports are due at the October meeting: The gravel pits inspections and who will inspect them are:
Cold River Material on Brewery Road: Attached is a gravel pit inspection form.
Don Sellarole
Tom Murray
Carolyn Vose
Tim Graves on Wentworth Road
Dave Edkins
Myra Mansouri
Hodgkins on Old Drewsville Road
Shane O’Keefe
Jan Galloway-Leclerc
There was a brief discussion of Ms. Galloway—Leclerc and Mr. Edkins meeting with the Select Board, which was mentioned in the September minutes.
Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Sellarole seconded the motion and the motion carried.
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the October meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine, ZBA Recording Secretary.
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry; Steve Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration
Others Present: Ron Rosko, Tom Winmill, Cindy Westover, Mike Hayes
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that the meeting would be recorded, as no Recording Secretary was present.
NEW BUSINESS:
Speed Radar Trailer Findings: Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mr. Rosko what he wished to discuss at the meeting. Mr. Rosko stated he was from the Eagle Times. However, he was attending the meeting as a citizen. Mr. Rosko stated he would represent himself, but asked why he couldn’t represent both the Eagle Times and as a citizen. Ms. Mayberry commented that guests are usually taken first on the agenda. Mrs. Pschirrer commented on Mr. Rosko’s presence at previous meetings regarding speed items. Mr. Rosko asked for additional information regarding speeding. Mr. Rosko commented that he discussed the findings of the speeding with Chief Sanctuary. Mrs. Pschirrer clarified that the speed limit is 30 mph, and the majority of vehicles fell between 30-35 mph. There were some who were speeding 40-45 mph and were stopped. Mr. Rosko commented that he was advised that 14,000 cars a week go up and down Prospect Hill Road. Mr. Rosko added that he has observed 9 out of 10 cars going 40 mph down the hill. He does not necessarily agree with Chief Sanctuary but gave a description of his conversation. Mr. Rosko stated that speeders have a disregard for child safety, given the locations of speeding cars within Town. He spoke at length regarding his observations and thoughts on speeding. Mr. Rosko stated that there should be police officers at different places at different times to catch speeders. Mr. Rosko stated that he would be happy to pay his share in tax increase for two additional police officers upon questioning by Mr. Dalessio. Mrs. Pschirrer commented on the increase in calls for service for suicides, substance use, and domestic violence. Mr. Rosko spoke his respect of police officers, but also to his observations of practices of other municipalities concerning the policing of speeding. Ms. Mayberry commented that if an area is not safe to pull cars over, such as Prospect Hill Road, it may be a safety concern for the police. It would be safer to pull speeders over on connecting streets such as Main Street. Ms. Mayberry clarified the errors in Mr. Rosko’s formula for raising funds from the issuance of speeding tickets. Ms. Mayberry stated her advocacy for adding a police officer, and that she would speak to the police chief on the topic of police vehicle placement.
Recreation Committee: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that Tom Winmill had joined the meeting. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that she would divide the matter into topics: 1st, the Recreation Committee and 2nd, the issues related to pickleball. Mike Hayes introduced himself. Mrs. Pschirrer started discussing the topic of the Recreation Committee. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that RSAs do not typically talk about committees, but recreation commissions. There are 457 RSAs which mention recreation. She described the Town’s recreation committee and stated that there are methods by which to ask a volunteer to leave a voluntary position. Mrs. Pschirrer spoke about the availability of State resources to increase leadership skills. Cindy Westover introduced herself. Mrs. Westover spoke to questions about a Recreation Committee member’s residency. She had sold a home in Charlestown to a member who also registered to vote in that town. Discussion over the process of applying to be a Recreation Committee member occurred. Mrs. Westover expressed her disappointment about the resignation of Diane Hardy as a member. Mr. Hayes spoke about his confusion about who the voting and non-voting members of the committee were. Ms. Mayberry confirmed that the Recreation Director and the Selectboard liaison are not voting members. Ms. Mayberry listed the five voting members of the Recreation Committee. Mrs. Westover spoke about the lack of official methods in the administration of Recreation Committee meetings. She asked the Selectboard’s thoughts on how soon the minutes should be completed. Mr. Dalessio stated that per State law the draft minutes must be completed within five (5) days.
Tennis and Pickleball Courts: Mrs. Westover commented that she played pickleball in the past couple days and observed vandalism at the courts with the court tape and nets being removed. Mr. Hayes stated that the previous time he went to play pickleball, the tape had not been put down. There was a discussion about the pickleball court tape being removed after being re-applied. A discussion of the courts’ condition took place at length, with varying comments and inquiries. Mr. Dalessio stated that a trial with tape and portable nets demonstrated that pickleball and tennis can exist on the same court. Permanent pickleball lines could be considered in the following year as a potential option for co-occupation on the courts. Mr. Dalessio stated that these two sports can co-exist. He urged both sides to put aside differences and work together on a compromise.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable totaling $211,110.71 dated 10/20/23, to include a $77,576.54 third quarter sewer usage/bond payment to the Village of Bellows Falls. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. Dalessio noted issues with the pole barn invoice. The barn has not been finished. Ms. Mayberry believed that the invoice was for materials only. She will review the invoice.
PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,202.65 dated 10/20/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,725.10. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING– October 12, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Meeting Minutes of October 12, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – October 12, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of October 12, 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:
• Recreation Committee Meeting– September 13, 2023
• Planning Board Meeting – October 10, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes.
BUILDING PERMITS:
2023-36, Map and Lot# 012-004-004: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the building permit for Map and Lot# 012-004-004 to construct a 58’ x 27’ 6-inch modular home with a 24’ x 24’ 2-car garage. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Trustee of Trust Funds Request Letter: Ms. Mayberry motioned to approve the request from the Walpole Conservation Commission to receive $5,000 in Fanny Mason Funds per the committee chair to support the recreation trail program. The $5,000 represents a 20% match requirement for drainage work. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that this would be sent to the Trustee of Trust Funds. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Postage Machine Agreement: Mr. Dalessio motioned to allow the chair of the Selectboard to sign the Pitney-Bowes postage machine agreement. The expense will be shared between the Selectboard office, the Town Clerk, and the Tax Collector budgets. Ms. Mayberry questioned if this would be based on use or split equally. Mrs. Downing replied that it will be based upon use. Mrs. Downing commented on Mrs. Daigle’s helpful research work on this project. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
HealthTrust 2024: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that there is a 15.6% increase in the cost of medical care coverage for Town employees. Mrs. Downing said that the Selectboard could sign the transmittal if they agree to remaining with the same plan. Mr. Dalessio motioned to allow the chair of the Selectboard to sign the HealthTrust agreement for the calendar year 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Water Shut Off Agreement Letter: Ms. Mayberry commented that she went to the North Walpole Commissioners meeting yesterday. Patrick Kiniry is going to talk to Shirley Capron about the right of way/easement and selling it to the Village. She stated that 11 Merchant Street was discussed, and they vocalized their concern over the use of rat bait. Mrs. Downing noted that rat bait is also being used at a neighboring property. Ms. Mayberry requested that she be copied of correspondence between the Town and the commissioners. Ms. Mayberry stated that she spoke to the commissioners about sewer billing and having the leverage of shutting off water when residents do not pay their bills. Ms. Mayberry motion to approve the signing of a letter to the commissioners under PSC 703.03 that North Walpole Village can discontinue water service in lieu of sewer charges owed to the Town of Walpole. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Streetlight on Kilburn Street: Mrs. Pschirrer asked when a light shield would be installed. Mr. Dalessio stated that he was not certain. They are still working with Liberty Utilities on getting the shield they bought installed. Mr. Dalessio stated that one came in, but it has not been put in yet.
NEW BUSINESS:
Draft AFP for Assessing Services: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to a draft for General and Data Verification Assessing Services, a request for proposal. Mrs. Pschirrer advised Mrs. Downing to send this draft.
ABC Letter to the Selectboard: Mrs. Pschirrer stated the Town was in possession of a letter from a citizens’ group from Claremont asking for support in their efforts to deny a transfer station coming in and dumping potentially contaminated material. Mr. Dalessio commented that the existing area under discussion was already a potential contamination site. Mrs. Pschirrer stated she would draft something that could be looked at next week.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:05 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 8:07 PM.
Mr. Rosko departed the meeting.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 8:08 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 8:33 PM.
Ms. Mayberry moved to seal the non-public minutes. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
On Saturday, October 28th from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, Cub Scout Pack 299 and Boy Scout Troop 299 will be holding their Scouting for Food Drive. We will be handing out information sheets for the annual ‘Scouting for Food Drive’ at the following locations: Walpole Post Office, Walpole Recycling Center, Tractor Supply and Shaw’s.
Then, on November 4, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, we will be at the same locations collecting non-perishable food items (no glass please) and monetary donations. Pet food is also greatly appreciated. All food and monetary donations go directly to the Fall Mountain Food Shelf.
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry; Steve Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
Others Present: Ray Boas
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration,and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that Ms. Mayberry would be late for this meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Traffic Study for Dunkin Donuts: Mr. Boas reflected on a recent Walpole Planning Board meeting. He believed there is grave concern over vehicular problems on a section of Route 12 where the proposed Dunkin is to be built. Mr. Boas stated he visited the Town Hall yesterday and reviewed documentation concerning speed limits within the Town. He pointed to possible errors in a traffic study, as well as requested that the Town pursue doing their own traffic study for this section of Route 12. Mr. Dalessio advised Mr. Boas to speak to Jeff Miller, Chair of the Planning Board. Mrs. Pschirrer said that this matter is within the responsibility of the Planning Board. Mr. Dalessio added that the Town can administer the traffic study, but the payment of the study should be the applicant’s responsibility and not the Town’s. Mr. Dalessio commented that the Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) may have useful information regarding this matter.
Ms. Mayberry joined the meeting at 6:47 PM.
PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,503.56 dated 10/13/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,523.28. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING– October 4, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Meeting Minutes of October 4, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – October 4, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of October 4, 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:
• Recreation Committee Meeting – August 9, 2023
• Planning Board Workshop – September 26, 2023
• Conservation Commission Meeting – October 2, 2023
• North Walpole Village District Commissioner Meeting – October 3, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes.
Map and Lot# 003-082-CL8: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the property tax abatement for Map and Lot# 003-082-CL8. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Map and Lot# 003-082-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the property tax abatement for Map and Lot# 003-082-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Walpole Foundation Request: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept a letter from the Walpole Foundation. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
Rec. Revolving Fund Request: Ms. Mayberry motioned to approve an expense request from the Recreation Revolving Fund of $1,089.38 for the fall soccer jerseys. The sponsors should reimburse most of this amount. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Rec. Revolving Fund Request: Ms. Mayberry motioned to approve an expense request from the Recreation Revolving Fund of $340 to purchase fans for Age in Motion. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) (e):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 6:56 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The public meeting reconvened at 7:31 PM.
Ms. Mayberry moved to seal the non-public minutes. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
The Walpolean 
Recent Comments