The Walpole Police Committee meeting has been changed to August 14,2023 at 7:00 pm in the Selectboard office.
Update: Drawdown Initiated – 8/1/23
Thank you, Lucy for more information. – Lil
As previously indicated, Great River Hydro will be initiating the drawdown of the Bellows Falls Dam impoundment on the Connecticut River this afternoon.
GRH will slowly lower the impoundment, conduct the necessary post-flood restoration work, and then gradually refill the impoundment to normal operating levels. The entire process will take approximately 3 days. We will communicate with you again when the work is completed.
During the drawdown, visitors to Connecticut River will see exposed riparian areas upstream of Bellows Falls dam, most visible closest to the Bellows Falls dam. We are taking every measure to mitigate, to the extent possible, risks and impact to environmental resources in and adjacent to the Connecticut River.
All recreational use of the river is strongly discouraged during the drawdown period as reduced flows may expose previously submerged hazards and dangerous conditions could exist in exposed flats. Public safety devices at the dam will be restored as soon as possible. Boat ramps at the following locations remain temporarily closed until that work is completed: Herricks Cove (Rockingham, VT), Charlestown (Charlestown, NH), and Pine Street (North Walpole, NH).
Boating continues to be strongly discouraged upstream of Vernon Dam until public safety devices can be restored there as well.
Further updates will be provided as soon as possible. Please contact communications@greatriverhydro.com or (802) 291-8104 with any questions.
Brandon Kibbe
Director of Business Development and Legislative Affairs
Great River Hydro, LLC
69 Milk Street, Suite 306
Westborough, MA 01581
Mobile: (413) 834-1909
Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 7/20/23
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry; Steve Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary
Others Present: Jan Galloway-Leclerc, ZBA Chair; David Edkins, ZBA Vice-Chair
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, Jordan Cannon (Secretary) and Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration.
OLD BUSINESS:
Zoning Board of Adjustment: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that she has read the letters addressed to Mrs. Galloway-Leclerc from Atty. Hockensmith. Mrs. Galloway-Leclerc asked how to proceed if a Town resident goes to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) with the wrong application. She referenced Atty. Hockensmith’s letter regarding a resident’s application for an expansion for non-conforming use. Discussion was held on the role of present zoning coordinator. It includes reviewing zoning issues prior to the application being reviewed by the ZBA. Mr. Edkins stated that there needs to be a zoning administrator and put forth the argument that the Selectboard is meant to be the administrator of zoning ordinances. Mrs. Galloway-Leclerc recommended having a meeting with the Selectboard and Atty.Hockensmith to clarify the roles of the ZBA and the Selectboard. Mr. Edkins spoke about his experience serving as a zoning administrator. Mr. Dalessio commented on the steps needed for establishing a zoning administrator position in the Town.
Mrs. Galloway-Leclerc reviewed a previous meeting when discussions involved zoning ordinances. Mr. Dalessio about the need to consult with Southwest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC). Mrs. Galloway-Leclerc asked who the individual would be to whom updates on the Town website would be submitted. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that Mrs. Gohl is working on the new website. However, this individual would not be the website administrator after the website is launched.
Mr. Edkins and Mrs. Galloway-Leclerc departed the meeting.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $143,658.47 for checks issued 7/21/2023. This includes a $65,949.59 payment to Clearwater Pool and Spa of Keene for Town pool repairs. 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 $43,283.68 dated 7/21/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $10,985.42. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 13, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of July 13, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, andMrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – July 13, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of July 13, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
• Conservation Commission Meeting – June 5, 2023
• Conservation Commission Meeting – July 10, 2023
• Planning Board Meeting – July 11, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer so recognized these minutes.
OLD BUSINESS:
Wage Rate for Pool Employees: Ms. Mayberry reviewed the lifeguards’ concern in the previous year about wages. She stated that in order to make a proportionate adjustment with a new hire, the other returning lifeguards would receive a $3 an hour increase. Discussion was held over the present recreation budget as it relates to potential increases in lifeguard pay rates. This discussion was tabled and resumed during the Non-Public session.
Map and Lot# 008-008-001: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to a building permit notice that was sent out to a resident who was building a home without a building permit. The Selectboard confirmed that the $500 penalty remains in effect. The homeowner was told to obtain a permit at an earlier meeting. It was recorded in the Selectboard minutes.
Pending Further Action: Mr. Dalessio spoke to an update with Houghton Brook Bridge. Planning is in process for a single-lane wood plank bridge plan as an alteration to the original plan. Mr. Dalessio added that on School and Union Streets, there is a move forward to correct the drainage from the box to the edge of School Street. The Town is not going to go up the slope of Prospect Hill to fix the upstream portion.
Mr. Dalessio announced that there will be a pre-construction meeting with DES regarding Reservoir Dam. Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the paving is completed for the Brownfields site/new parking lot. Mr. Dalessio stated that nothing has been done for the sidewalks on Main Street. He hoped that work would be done in the coming year. The two priorities for the Highway Department are Middle Street and paving.
NEW BUSINESS:
FMRSD Superintendent: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that she and Mr. Dalessio met the new FMRSD Superintendent. She stated that there is a letter to notify the superintendent of community events. Ms. Mayberry stated she invited the new superintendent to attend a Selectboard meeting. Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mrs. Downing to forward the dates of the Walpole Concerts on the Common.
5-Town Meeting Cancellation: Mrs. Pschirrer discussed the previous 5-Town meeting, in which Lou Beam presented on the topic of bulk purchases of fuel. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the next meeting, scheduled to take place in Acworth, is canceled due to road closures and flood damage.
Complete Streets Grant and MAST Annual Meeting: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that a meeting occurred yesterday. Mr. Dalessio stated that Complete Streets has already been covered.
HOOPER TRUSTEES:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:34 p.m. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 7:44 PM.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 7:45 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 8:09 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary
Clarion Online Today
From Ray:
I was hoping to have your August CLARION in the mail this afternoon, but with vacation schedules my printer was running a few hours behind. So, tomorrow the hard-copy will be at the Post Offices for delivery to you, but tonight I can give you the link to read the August issue on-line.
To see the August CLARION – Click this Link – or on the front page below. Stay safe and well, and enjoy the remainder of your summer — yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher
Walpole Heritage Museum Programs
Announcing . . . a special program every Saturday from July 29 through October 14
at the Walpole Heritage Museum!
Written Here – July 29 at 12:30 pm – explore the fascinating stories revealed in the handwritten pages of diaries, letters, business ledgers, and government records – written in Walpole since the 1700s. Christie Winmill offers a glimpse into our collections.
A Mystery Unraveled – August 5 at 12:30 pm – the jumbled contents of a forgotten box yield insights into Walpole’s history. Rutherford Witthus discusses both the discoveries and the methods used.
Civil War Medicine – August 12 at 12:30 pm – Bill Sommers, in period appropriate garb, describes nineteenth-century medical practices and exhibits the instruments used.
Walking Tour of Walpole – August 19 at 10:15 am – meet at the museum’s sign at 32 Main Street to take an architectural tour of town with Walpole author Bill Ranauro.
The Understory – August 26 at 12:30 pm – explore the world of undergarments with Joanna Andros, who will share the many examples in our collection.
Clock-making in Walpole, 1784 – 1894 – September 2 at 12:30 pm – Lindy Larson shares his knowledge of clock-making with particular emphasis on Gurdon Huntington, whose recently restored tallcase clock in our collection will be a feature of the program, along with a discussion of the development of timekeeping.
Come visit the museum at 32 Main Street for a special presentation, a closer look at our surprisingly varied collections, and an opportunity for an engaging discussion every Saturday we are open. The Walpole Historical Society will be open on Saturdays from July 29 through October 14, from noon until 4 pm, as well as by appointment. Visit us at walpolehistory.com.
Zoning Board Meeting Minutes – 7/19/23
Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc, Vice-Chair Dave Edkins, Pauline Barnes. Alternates: Myra Mansouri, Shane O’Keefe and Carolyn Vose, who arrived a few minutes late. Absent: Board members Tom Murray and Tom Windmill and alternate Don Sellarole. Also at the meeting were application presenter Jessi Dussault and resident Dan McCollister. Ms. Galloway-Leclerc asked alternates Myra Mansouri and Shane O’Keefe to sit in for the absent board members.
Minutes: Dave Edkins made a motion to approve the May 2023 minutes as printed. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion and the motion carried.
New Business: Special Exception: Dussault Property Management LLC, Jessi Dussault, wants to put three apartments in former Head Start School. The building is the carriage house adjacent to the Drewsville Mansion, 4 Common Road, Drewsville. Requesting a public hearing in August.
Ms. Dussault introduced herself. She said said she and her husband recently purchased the Drewsville Mansion and the adjacent carriage house. They already own 19 multi-family homes in the Fall Mountain area. The Mansion has five rental units that are all occupied. The Carriage House was the former Head Start School for preschool-age children. She would like to put three one-bedroom apartments in that building – two on the first floor and one in the basement. Currently the first floor is one large room that is completely open, Ms. Dussault said. She would like to split that room down the middle and make it two apartments. There are already two entrances to that floor. The basement apartment has double doors and faces the pond. The bedroom on that floor would be immediately to the left as you enter and they would place a window in that room that would serve as a second egress. The first floor apartments would be about 650 square feet and the basement apartment would be about 850 square feet. Her husband owns Griffin Construction and he works with Matt Beam who does the plumbing and Tim Latham who does the electrical work, Ms. Dussault said.
At this point in the meeting Mr. Edkins said that Dussault Property Management purchased both buildings from Southwest Regional Planning Commission in Keene and he wanted the board to know that he is vice-chairman of the SWRPC board. He said he had known that the buildings were for sale but had had no knowledge or involvement in the purchase or sales of the buildings. If the board thought he should recuse himself from voting on the Special Exception for the Carriage House, he would do so. Several board members spoke up saying they did not think he needed to recuse himself.
Ms. Leclerc said Zoning Coordinator Ernie Vose said Ms. Dussault needed site plan approval from the Planning Board and a Special Exception from the ZBA. Since the property is in the Residential B district and multi-family homes are permitted in this district, Ms. Dessault could go forward with her Special Exception application, Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said. Ms. Dessault has a public hearing scheduled with the Planning Board for a site plan on Tuesday, August 8.
Mr. Edkins said the application was complete and made a motion to hold a public hearing for a Special Exception for the three apartments at the Carriage House in Drewsville in August. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously to hold a public hearing for a Special Exception for Dussault Property Management LLC at the August 2023 meeting.
Ms. Dussault gave the secretary three copies of the application and a check for the application fee and the abutter notices.
New Web site and what to include on the website site design. Applications, Bylaws, etc.
Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said that Assistant Town Clerk, Vicki Gohl, contacted her about the new website and said that each department would be responsible for its own content. She recommended looking at the Hanover website for ideas on how it is laid out and the content it contains. Basic ZBA info is already included on the town’s website now. That includes all applications, ZBA Bylaws, etc. Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said Ms. Gohl suggested pictures of the board but Ms. Galloway-Leclerc didn’t feel comfortable with that suggestion. She did however say that she wrote a blurb on “What the ZBA does.” Board members suggested that the entire Zoning Ordinance booklet should be on the website and Mr. O’Keefe suggested possibly including a link to the Office of Strategic Planning and the Zoning and Planning Manual. ZBA agendas and minutes are already listed in another section of the site. At the end of the meeting, Mr. McCollister suggested a section on “most frequently asked questions”. Board members thought that was a good idea. More discussion at future meetings will continue after board members have had a chance to look at the Hanover website.
Maps: Dates of zoning changes of Pinnacleview and Dearborn Circle on map in Town Offices.
A previous reply from the NH Municipal Association said that dates should be included in the Walpole Ordinances booklet about any zoning changes when new maps created for the Zoning Board are displayed. Last year, the ZBA board had printed, framed and hung a colorful zoning map of Walpole Zoning Districts in the Town Offices lobby. It should have included the dates of the Pinnacleview zoning change and the Dearborn Circle zoning changes on the map and in the Ordinance. The secretary will write up a possible blurb about the changes to be placed on the map and in the Ordinance under Article III and present it to the board at the next meeting.
Warrant amendment
Copies of a new cover for the Walpole Zoning Ordinance and the amended text on penalties that was approved at the March 2023 town vote were distributed. Jodi Daigel is working on typing out a copy of the entire Ordinance.
Discuss town counsel, Jeremy Hockensmith letter. Board members received a copy of the letter at the meeting.
Mr. Edkins made a motion to go into nonpublic session to discuss legal advice from town counsel, Jeremy Hockensmith. Mr. O’Keefe seconded the motion and the motion carried. The board went into nonpublic session at about 7:50 pm and came out of nonpublic session at 8:10 pm after a motion was made by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Edkins and approved by the rest of the boad.
Adjournment
Ms. Barnes made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion carried.
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed for corrections, omissions and additions at the August 2023 meeting.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
ZBA Recording Secretary
Posted: Inside the Town Offices, on the bulletin board outside the post office, The Walpolean, ww.walpolenh.us
cc: ZBA, WPB, Town Offices.
Important News From Lucy
Good morning, neighbors!
As the skies clear, please continue to be careful with water recreation.
Water levels and conditions can still change rapidly, and water quality can still be compromised, not to mention unseen debris in still-turbid water.
This post is taken from the Bellows Falls Fire Department post on Facebook on Friday, July 21. The advisory is from Great River Hydro, about the operation of the dam.
“IMPORTANT ADVISORY: As part of our successful flood control response during the historic rain event on July 10, 2023, Great River Hydro (GRH) raised the stanchion flashboards at our Bellows Falls dam on the Connecticut River in accordance with the dam’s design, its operating procedures, and its FERC license.
With the floodwaters receding, GRH is now preparing to reset the stanchions and restore the flashboards to their normal operating positions. The restoration project will involve drawing down the impoundment upstream of Bellows Falls dam for a brief period to accomplish the work.
As soon as early next week (dependent upon when optimal flow conditions can be reached), GRH will slowly lower the impoundment, conduct the necessary work, and then gradually refill the impoundment to normal operating levels. The entire process will take approximately 3 days. We will communicate with you again when the drawdown is set to begin.
During the drawdown, visitors to Connecticut River will see exposed riparian areas upstream of Bellows Falls dam, most visible closest to the Bellows Falls dam. We are taking every measure to mitigate, to the extent possible, risks and impact to environmental resources in and adjacent to the Connecticut River.
All recreational use of the river is strongly discouraged during the drawdown period as reduced flows may expose previously submerged hazards and dangerous quagmire conditions could exist in exposed flats. Recreational boating upstream of Bellows Falls Dam will continue to be discouraged after the impoundment is re-filled until GRH can fully restore all public safety measures. Boat ramps at the following locations remain temporarily closed for public safety purposes: Herricks Cove (Rockingham, VT), Charlestown (Charlestown, NH), and Pine Street (North Walpole, NH). Further updates will be provided as soon as possible.
The public may contact Great River Hydro at communications@greatriverhydro.com or (802) 291-8104”
I’m hoping it dries out enough so I can mow my lawn for the second time this summer.
Lucy
The Walpolean 
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