Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 1/9/24

PLANNING BOARD 01/12/2024 Leave a comment

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

Minutes: Ms. Andros made a couple of typo corrections and added a clarification describing the location of the glamping site on page 3, first paragraph, fourth line. The sentence should read “coming from Wentworth Road, drive to the top of the hill where the driveway flattens out. The glamping sites are to your right, just east of the pond.” Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the amended minutes, Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Call to order: The meeting was called to order at 7 pm

Unfinished Business:

Discussion of Site Plan Application: Adam Naeck, Alyson’s Orchard, Tax Map 4, Lot 44, 57 Alyson’s Lane, Commercial/Industrial Districts, addition of two-story, post-and-beam building to the farm store and 7 glamping sites around Lilly’s Pond. 

The board gathered to discuss the Alyson’s Orchard site plan application. They agreed they wanted more details and answers about the glamping sites. 

Adjournment: Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:40 pm.

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the February meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine, WPB Secretary 

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

Posted: Inside Town Hall, on bulletin board outside Post Office, http://www.walpolenh.us

Conservation Committee Meeting Minutes – 1/8/24

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 01/12/2024 Leave a comment

Members Present:  Peter Palmiotto, France Menk, Lewis Shelley, Wendy Grossman  

Members Absent:  John Peska, Steven Dumont, Alicia Flammia

Seating of Alternates: Nicole Adams

Visitors Present: Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Liaison), Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary)

Call to Order:  Peter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall.

Review and Approval of Minutes:  Wendy recommended the following corrections/clarifications be made to the December 4, 2023 minutes:

1. Ryan Owens stated that the Monadnock Conservancy would automatically send its monitoring reports to the Town rather than the Town needing to ask for them, as stated in the minutes.

2. On page 3 under Cranberry Meadow, it should be noted that no one from the Knapp family had claimed the land for 60 years; therefore the Town does own the land by adverse possession.

3. On page 4 under Rail Trail, the statement about the bond money being returned to Lew would best be placed at the end of the Rail Trail section of the minutes.

4. Phil Warren was planning to monitor Nelson Town Forest at 9:00 a.m. rather then 4 p.m. as written.

Peter noted that on p. 3 under Fanny Mason Clean-up, the steps on the east side are wooden, not stone, as written. Wendy moved to accept the minutes as amended.  Nicole seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried.

Public Business:  There are no correspondences or financial report this month.

Peggy announced that on Thursday, February 8, at 5:30 p.m. in Town Hall there will be a public discussion of the town budget.  Among topics to be discussed is the warrant article for solar panels at the recycling center.  She encouraged everyone to attend.

Old Business:  Peter announced that Aiden Sweeney, an eight grader at Walpole Middle School, will receive the Barry Conservation Camp Scholarship.

Dam Update:  John reported to Peter that the state is reviewing the Fuss and O’Neill plans for Reservoir Dam.  John spoke to Mark Houghton about the Cranberry Meadow clean-up.  Mark said equipment will definitely be needed for the job; therefore a DES permit will be needed.  Wendy asked if there is money in the budget for permitting and work, and Peter answered  money is available.

Fanny Mason Rest Area:  Lew stated that major roof repair is needed. He said the roofs are cedar shingles.  He measured the roofs and will get an estimate for materials.  Peter asked if cedar is needed and a discussion of possible alternatives ensued. Peggy asked if the work would be sent out for bids and was told it would.

Lew called the state about clearing brush and trees but received no response.  He said he would personally visit the offices to discuss this.  He made other suggestions to improve the area:

5. Remove the wooden steps.

6. Remove some trees for greater visibility.

7. Create signage to designate the trail. 

Peter led a brief discussion about mowing the area.  It was concluded that ownership of the property needs to be established first.

New Business:  There is no new business at this time.

Other Business

Walpole Trails Subcommittee: There was no meeting in December.

Rail Trail:  Wendy reported that they have received the $20,000 RTP grant money and a positive report on the Rail Trail work from a visiting team. 

The Town also received a refund of the $1,000 bond that had been provided to the State for the brush hogging Special Use Permit.

Wendy proposed that she and Will make a presentation at the March Commission meeting about the Rail Trail and discuss moving forward. It was agreed that this would be a good idea.

France reported that a friend of hers saw someone driving a truck on the Rail Trail.  Lew asked that she find out precisely where it was so that they can begin to address the issue.

Lew asked Wendy if she had any information on the progress of the Keene RTP Grant work.  Wendy said she and Will visited that area.  Trees had been cut down and ruts smoothed out.

Monadnock Conservancy Monitoring:  Wendy accompanied the Conservancy as they monitored the Nelson and March Town Forests.  She went with Phil Warren, who does not actually work for the Conservancy, but does monitoring for them. 

Ramsay Hill and Reservoir Roads:  Wendy reported that loggers have created large ruts and have dumped trees and brush in the Watershed Town Forest.  She checked with Alex at the Monadnock Conservancy on the easement. He came and walked it with her and said  this was in violation of the easement and recommended that it be discussed with the landowner and logger.  This was done, and the logger should be clearing the debris this week. Peggy said there was never any intent to damage property and the landowner has been very cooperative throughout the process. 

Property Monitoring:  Wendy completed monitoring Ballam Farm with Chris Gowdy and the Graves Easement and submitted the easement reports.  She said the Forest Society needs someone to do the Aldrich easement.

Pamphlet Distribution:  Peggy said she distributed pamphlets in December explaining how conservation commissions can approach the state about creating a bottle bill. Peter will check with John to see if he has the pamphlets.

With no further business to discuss, Lew moved to adjourn the meeting.  France seconded, and all voted in favor.  Peter adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m.

The next meeting will be on Monday, February 5, 2024.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the February 5, 2024 meeting.

SELECTBOARD 01/12/2024 Leave a comment

WALPOLE 

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 3, 2024

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

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary

Others Present: Jeff Miller

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in 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. She also commented that Jeff Miller was present as a member of the public.

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 6:30 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:03 PM. 

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the nonpublic minutes would be sealed. 

PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,852.89 dated 1/06/2024and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,726.42. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 28, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Meeting Minutes of December 28, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – December 28, 2023:   Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the corrected Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of December 28, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer, the motion was approved. The minutes will remain sealed.

WARRANTS: 

Water Tax Lien for Walpole: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept Walpole water tax lien for $576.57. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Sewer Tax Lien for Walpole: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept Walpole sewer tax lien for $899.08. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Sewer Tax for North Walpole: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept North Walpole sewer tax for $11,959.91. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS: 

Map and Lot# 023-008-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the refund in the amount of $7.00 for Map and Lot# 023-008-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 029-047-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the refund in the amount of $2,871.00 for Map and Lot# 029-047-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 029-048-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the refund in the amount of $11.18 for Map and Lot# 023-048-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

VETERANS’ CREDIT: 

Map and Lot# 005-051-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the All Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 005-051-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 016-005-MH01: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the Veterans’ Property Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 016-005-MH01. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION: 

Map and Lot# 005-051-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the Solar Energy Property Tax Exemption for Map and Lot# 005-051-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 011-056-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the Solar Energy Property Tax Exemption for Map and Lot# 011-056-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

TIMBER INTENT: 

Map and Lot# 010-034-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the Timber Intent for Map and Lot# 010-034-000 for a lot located off of Reservoir Road. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS: 

2024-01, Map and Lot# 003-058-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the building permit for Map and Lot# 003-058-000 to construct a 16’ x 10’ shed. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Topic/Training for 2/16/2024 Staff Meeting: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that there is a public hearing scheduled for 2/08/2024 which will require all department managers to be present to discuss the budget. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that this meeting could be considered their meeting for the month, and that the department managers should speak about their budgets at that meeting. Ms. Mayberry stated that the department managers should get a copy of the budget that is received by the Selectboard, so that they can prepare their narratives. Mr. Dalessio spoke to certain conditions of agreeing to this proposal. Mr. Dalessio commented that the meeting on 2/08/2024 would begin at 5:30 PM. 

North Walpole: Ms. Mayberry stated that a meeting with the North Walpole Commissioners could be scheduled after a water shut off proposal is drawn up. The Selectboard agreed to set this meeting sometime in February. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Additional Public Hearing: Mrs. Pschirrer about asked about holding a public hearing to present information about the progress of the proposed new police station. Mr. Dalessio stated that this meeting would be scheduled after the Town Meeting. 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:  

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:28 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:34 PM. 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary 

Historical Society Concert – 1/21/24

EVENTS 01/11/2024 Leave a comment

The Walpole Historical Society is presenting a concert at the Walpole Unitarian Church on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 3 pm featuring its 1790s Bellows-Alcott pianoforte. 

Sylvia Berry will play the pianoforte for the Musicians of the Old Post Road with Daniel Ryan (cello) and Suzanne Stumpf (flute), performing music from the era of the pianoforte’s construction in the 1790s. 

Tickets are $25 each for Walpole Historical Society members, $40 each for non-members. Your check should be mailed to the Walpole Historical Society, P.O. Box 292, Walpole, New Hampshire 03608. No concert tickets will be mailed, but you will receive confirmation of your purchase.  Tickets, if available, may also be purchased at the door for $40.

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 1/11/24

SELECTBOARD 01/11/2024 Leave a comment

Zoning Board Meeting Agenda – 1/17/24

ZONING BOARD 01/10/2024 Leave a comment

Walpole 2024 Town Election – 3/12/24

Uncategorized 01/10/2024 Leave a comment

Positions up for Election

1 Selectman. ​             Three year term​

1 Moderator​             Two year term

1 Town Clerk​             Three year term

1 Supervisor of Checklist​        Six year term

1 Trustee of Trust Funds​​​​​        Three year term

2 Planning Board.           Three year term

2 Zoning Board​            Three year term

1 Zoning Board.            ​One year term

1 Cemetery Trustee           ​​​​​​Three year term

3 Library Trustees​          Three year term

Filing Period for Office is 1/24/24 – 2/2/24  Please see the Town Clerk.

School Board & Budget Committee Elections

Uncategorized 01/08/2024 Leave a comment

Peanut Butter and Jelly Drop Off Drive – 1/20/ 24

EVENTS 01/07/2024 Leave a comment

 On Saturday, January 20th, The Congregational Church of Walpole will be having their annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drop Off Drive.  We will be at the church from 10-12:30 for drop offs.  We are also including school snacks in our drive.  
 All items collected will be delivered to the Fall Mountain Food Shelf.  

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/28/23

SELECTBOARD 01/05/2024 Leave a comment

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 in the Selectboard Office of the Town Hall. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary. She commented that there was no member of the public present. 

PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,521.04 dated 12/29/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,782.64. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 21, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Meeting Minutes of December 21, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – December 21, 2023:   Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of December 21, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer, the motion was approved. The minutes will remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

     • North Walpole Village District Meeting Minutes– November 21, 2023

     • North Walpole Village District Meeting Minutes– November 28, 2023

     • North Walpole Village District Meeting Minutes– December 5, 2023

     • North Walpole Village District Meeting Minutes– December 12, 2023

     • North Walpole Village District Meeting Minutes– December 19, 2023

     • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes– December 20, 2023

Mr. Dalessio commented on errors in the Zoning Board of Adjustment minutes. Mrs. Pschirrer also commented that she found errors in these minutes.  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes.

WARRANTS: 

Map and Lot# 012-013-004: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the Supplemental Tax Warrant in the amount of $15,839 for Map and Lot# 012-013-004. The adjustment is due to a Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) filing. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

VETERANS’ CREDIT: 

Map and Lot# 024-024-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the Veterans’ credit for Map and Lot# 024-024-000. The applicant was honorably discharged and served over 90 days of active duty during a time of conflict. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION: 

Map and Lot# 007-022-000: Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the solar energy exemption for Map and Lot# 007-022-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Agreement Form with M. Petrovick Architects, PLLC: Mr. Dalessio motioned to allow the chair to sign the AIA Agreement for the architect Michael Petrovick to perform concept work. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.

Police Building Committee January Meeting Date: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that 1/16/2024 at 6:30 pm would be the tentative new date for the police building committee meeting. Mrs. Pschirrer will confirm that Petrovick Architects and other committee members are available on this date.

Reservoir Road: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that the Town received an email from the Town forester which expressed concern with logging trucks creating deep ruts on the class VI portion of Reservoir Road. Mr. Dalessio advised Mrs. Downing to call and speak with the landowner regarding the road and the work that is being done.

Closed Landfill Garage: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that Mark Houghton, Fire Chief, had confirmed that the Walpole Fire Department (WFD) would like to use the closed landfill garage for storage. Consensus of the Selectboard was to allow this to be done. The sealed bill sale will be delayed until further notice.

Topic/Training for February 16, 2024 Staff Meeting: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that this topic would be tabled two weeks from today.

NEW BUSINESS:

Recording Secretary Resignation: Mrs. Pschirrer confirmed receipt of a letter of resignation from Jean Kobeski for the Conservation Commission.

Request to sell Map and Lot# 009-023-002: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that there has been an expression of interest in purchasing land that is presently owned by the Town. Mrs. Downing stated that this piece of land is landlocked. The Selectboard agreed to sell this property by sealed bid. Mrs. Downing stated she would respond to the interested party.

Liberty Utilities Letter: Mrs. Pschirrer stated she spoke to Liberty Utilities on repeated errors they have been making. Liberty Utilities requested a written confirmation from the Town of Mrs. Pschirrer’s home address. Ms. Mayberry motioned to sign the letter to Liberty Utilities to correct the error of Mrs. Pschirrer’s address in Walpole. 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):  

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 6:46 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:27 PM. 

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

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:27 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary