Serving Walpole, New Hampshire since 2005
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
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.
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.
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
Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair, Cheryl Mayberry and Steven Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Elissa Brady, Lifeguard
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:33 PM. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Cheryl Mayberry, Steve Dalessio, and Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration.
PAYROLL:
Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $36,988.76 dated 7/14/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,799.51. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 6, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of July 6, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, andMrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – July 6, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of July 6, 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:
• Police Committee Meeting – June 12, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes.
LAND USE CHANGE TAX:
Map and Lot# 005-044-003: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Land Use Change Tax for Map and Lot# 005-044-003 for $9,890. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Letter to Dr. Shaw: Mrs. Pschirrer reviewed the letter prepared for Dr. Shaw, thanking him for his service as the Town’s Health Officer. Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the letter of appreciation to Dr. Shaw. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. Mrs. Pschirrer had called Dr. Simon Gascoyne and left him a message. Additionally, she sent him a letter asking that he please call the Selectboard Office.
Irving Diesel Contract: Mrs. Pschirrer presented a tax-exempt certificate from Irving. Ms. Mayberry moved that the chair sign the tax-exempt certificate for Irving. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. Dalessio asked if an inspection had been scheduled for the diesel tank. Mrs. Downing stated that she was working on this and hoped to have this done tomorrow.
New Website and Photos: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that individual pictures have been requested for the new Town website. Mrs. Pschirrer then stated that the Zoning Board of Adjustment has objected to this request. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio stated that individual pictures were not necessary. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that she would communicate this decision to Mrs. Gohl.
Lifeguard: Ms. Brady stated she has been at the pool for eight years. She felt there has been a lack of communication between the pool staff, the recreation director, and the pool manager. Ms. Brady reported that the lifeguards had not been given their pay rate sheets. Ms. Mayberry responded that adjusting the pay for lifeguards had been discussed. The intention is to adjust lifeguard pay rates. However, the Town is limited by the budget. The pay rate information will be available next week. Ms. Brady stated that the lifeguards are short-staffed, and that taking breaks is difficult given the limitation in staffing. Discussion commenced regarding the typical number of lifeguards present during the open pool hours. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that the pool should open at 11:00 AM instead of 10:00 AM because of limitations in staffing. Ms. Mayberry commented that new lifeguards are to be hired in the coming weeks. The Selectboard discussed the pay rates of neighboring municipal pools.
DRA 2022 Cyclical Revaluation Letter: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to a recap of process with the DRA 2022 Cyclical Revaluation Letter and raised the question whether the Town wishes to do a Request for Proposal (RFP) for property assessing services. Mrs. Downing stated that other RFPs could be done.
NEW BUSINESS:
Ransom Consulting Scope of Work: Mrs. Pschirrer stated the Board had received a Scope of Workproposal for the Middle Street drainage site plan. Mr. Dalessio said that he had no problem with the estimate but clarified that this was half of the project. The remaining funds would come from the water/sewer budgets. Mr. Dalessio commented that the quote had a 6/27/2023 date with the Selectboard receiving the estimate today. The plan request was initiated on 5/03/2023. The scope of work would not start for another 3 weeks. Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the Purchase Order to do the engineering work for Middle Street at a cost not to exceed $9,500 by Ransom Consulting and should be charged to the warrant article. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Houghton Brook Bridge: Mr. Dalessio spoke of a Houghton Brook Bridge option that could get the cost down to something palatable. Instead of putting in a temporary two-lane bridge, a one-lane bridge could be installed. Additionally, instead of using concrete, wood planking could be used which would reduce the temporary bridge cost. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that this road gets little traffic. Ms. Mayberry stated that it was a good idea. Mr. Dalessio will let Fuss and O’Neil know that this is acceptable.
NEW BUSINESS:
Building Permit Use: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that a house has been built on Old Keene Road near Hooper Road without a building permit. Mr. Dalessio stated that because there is no building permit that a Cease-and-Desist order should be delivered. Mrs. Pschirrer reviewed past meeting minutes reflecting on Selectboard statements which spoke of the need for a building permit. Mrs. Downing commented that the fine for building without a building permit was $500. Mr. Dalessio said that a letter needed to be sent to the property owner regarding this matter.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (e):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (e) at 7:16 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:39 PM.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary
Friday, August 11 at 7 pm at the First Congregational Church on the Common in Walpole.
The concert is free with donations accepted to benefit the church.
The chorus includes singers from a number of northeast states. The performance will include a wide variety of music which includes musical theater, pop, patriotic, glee club and spiritual selections.
WALPOLE CUB SCOUT PACK 299
MUM FALL FUNDRAISER
The Walpole Cub Scout Pack 299 will be starting to take orders for their Mum Fall Fundraiser. This is started the week of July 17th and goes through August 23rd. This is a very popular fundraiser and we have a limited amount of mums available.
Mums are between 15 – 18″ across and are planted in 9.5” pots. Colors available are yellow,red,orange bronze, purple, pink, and white. They are $22.00 each. Mums will be available for pick up/delivery on Sunday September 17th, on the Walpole Town Common between 9:00 and 10:00am.
You can place an order by finding a Cub Scout from Pack 299 or you can call Debbie Pawelczyk at 603-445-5475.
The Walpolean 
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