Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 6/13/23

PLANNING BOARD 06/19/2023 Leave a comment

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

Also at the meeting were Adam Naeck, new owner of Alyson’s Orchard, and recording secretary Marilou Blaine.

Minutes: Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the May 2023 minutes as written. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order a couple of minutes before 7pm.

New Business: Visit with Adam Naeck.

Mr. Miller explained that he invited Mr. Naeck because there were some changes being made at Alyson’s Orchard and he wanted to make sure that all the I’s are dotted and all the T’s crossed when it comes to a site plan. The orchard is in the rural/agricultural district.

Mr. Naeck said the first change he was working on was upgrading the business side of the operation – new computer and telephone systems are being installed. One goal is to accommodate more weddings. The deck outside the back of the function room has been completely rebuilt, he said, and the bridal suite upgraded. Future plans include offering a catering service for the weddings. The cost of the function room may be $800 but wedding parties pay as much as $12,000 for a catering service, he said.

Mr. Naeck has purchased seven (7) fire-resistant tents and is planning to currently use five for campsites around the pond. Each campsite will have a concrete foundation and a deck. There will be a port-a-potty and individual tents will have beds, lights, a wash station, a microwave and a refrigerator. The largest tent is 384 square feet and can accommodate six people. There will be three two-to-four person tents and two of the larger tents around the pond. There is already a bathroom with a shower in the farm store for use by campers. The maximum length of stay is 21 days, which is determined by the state.  

The petting zoo and playground have been enlarged and remain in the same location.

On Fridays and Saturdays he has opened a tavern-style eating place that, according to Naeck has grown in popularity. Some nights he has served 200 to 300 patrons. So he has plans to open from Wednesday to Saturday during the summer. He already has a chef and wait staff. Because it’s not officially a restaurant according to state regulations, he has to apply for a liquor license every week. Eventually, he plans to build a restaurant on the property.

Mr. Naeck is also planning to sell more vegetables from the farm store and had planned an addition to the store. He had already purchased a two-story timber-frame building but since the loss of all his fruit because of a frost in May, it has been put in storage in one of the barns and will be reassembled and attached to the current farm store next year. He will, however, plant some sweet corn this year and plans to log an adjacent lot.

Because of the changes Mr. Naeck is making by adding the camp site and the addition to the farm store next year, Mr. Naeck will need to to file a new site plan. He received an application for a site plan that he will present to the Board the second week in July for a public hearing in August. Mr. Miller offered to help if he need it in filling out the checklist.

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

Workshop

There will be a workshop this month on the fourth Tuesday with Henry Underwood of Southwest Regional Planning Commission.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the July meeting for corrections, omissions and additions.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 6/8/23

SELECTBOARD 06/18/2023 Leave a comment

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

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Others Present: Kara and Peter Dexter; Peter Graves

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced the Selectboard to those in attendance.

NEW BUSINESS:

Tree Cutting on Reservoir Road:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Mr. Shelton, who has purchased land off the Class VI portion of Ramsay Hill Road, has hired a logger and wants to remove two trees in the Town’s right-of-way. She stated that access will be through Reservoir Road. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Mr. Shelton is seeking approval from the Selectboard for the removal of these two trees. Ms. Mayberry motioned to approve the request to take down the two trees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Type IV Permit Notice for Ruggiero Processing Facility: Mr. Dalessio stated that Selectboard received a letter noting a pending change in ownership of the Ruggerio facility. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the current operators will continue the operation of the facility. Mrs. Downing stated that a certified letter will be sent in addition to this letter. Mrs. Downing stated she did confirm the receipt of the letter by email.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,696.84 dated 6/09/2023 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,952.57.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 31, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 31, 2023.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – May 31, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the amended Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of May 31, 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.

ABATEMENTS:

Map and Lot# 005-036-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the gravel tax abatement for Map and Lot# 005-036-000 for $107.55. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 009-046-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the abatement for Map and Lot# 009-046-000 for $3,539 due to a lot that was subdivided in 7/22. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 007-026-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the abatement for Map and Lot# 007-026-000 for $923.52. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 019-071-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the abatement for Map and Lot# 019-071-000 for $1,120.32.  Adjustments were made due to the condition of the property. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 003-015-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to decline the abatement for Map and Lot# 003-015-000 as the applicants applied beyond the due date. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Citizen Comment: Mr. Graves asked the Selectboard if they could get the road agent to smooth up Meeting House Road. Mr. Dalessio stated that he would speak to Mr. Rau on Monday. Mr. Graves then mentioned a recent newspaper article about a drone purchased by the Police Department. Mr. Graves said there was a quote in the article from the chief stating that no money for this purchase came from tax dollars, but from fines. Mr. Graves felt this was still taxpayer money. Mr. Dalessio explained that the revolving fund exists for the Police Department, and that money from fines is deposited into this fund. Mr. Dalessio then stated that the Police Department must have Selectboard approval for all purchases.

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:

Map and Lot# 009-046-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the supplemental tax warrant for Map and Lot# 009-046-000 for $3,780. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 009-046-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the supplemental tax warrant for Map and Lot# 009-046-001 for $1,608. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER INTENT:

Map and Lot #004-033-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the timber intent for Map and Lot# 004-033-000 for wooded lot that is part of Alyson’s Orchard. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER CERTIFICATE OF YIELD AND TAX WARRANT:

Op# 22-461-02, Map and Lot # 027-005-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the timber certificate of yield and tax warrant for Map and Lot# 027-005-000 for $9,560.30. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Op# 22-461-18, Map and Lot #004-033-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the timber certificate of yield and tax warrant for Map and Lot# 004-033-000 for $196.83. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

2023-20, Map and Lot# 013-041-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the building permit for Map and Lot# 013-041-000 to construct a 17’ x 14’ covered deck. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Open Container Request:  Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the 6/10/2023 open container request from Alyson’s Orchard. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed:  Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the cemetery deed for lots D586 and D588. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Liberty Utilities Billing Problem: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Liberty Utilities was supposed to change their billing on 4/26/2023. It was supposed to be reflected in the May bill. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that May bills were sent out with the old 22 cents per kilowatt hour because Liberty Utilities did not change their rates as previously agreed. Mrs. Pschirrer stated this matter will be resolved.

Trees on the Common: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Selectboard was in receipt of an email note asking when the Town would replant trees on the Common. Mr. Dalessio stated that an arborist gave the town a quote. Mrs. Downing stated that there is nothing in the municipal budget for the planting of new trees this year.  Mrs. Pschirrer read a 11/2022 quote listing the Tupelo trees at $780 and American Jefferson at $750, with a total planting cost of $4,705. Ms. Mayberry asked if Liberty was going to replace the trees they removed. Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mrs. Downing to follow-up with the arborist regarding Liberty replacing trees on the Common. Mrs. Pschirrer will respond to the person who wrote the letter. Ms. Mayberry stated that the Town would be willing to accept donations for replacing trees, as there is no present money in the budget for trees.

NEW BUSINESS:

Sewer Bond:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that a letter was received by Robert Grenier concerning sewer bond payments in Bellows Falls. Mr. Dalessio stated that there are multiple bonds. Mr. Dalessio will follow up on this matter. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the response letter should include the clarifying information dealing with sewer bonds. Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mrs. Downing to respond to Mr. Grenier with an explanation that the Selectboard will be responding soon.

Police Revolving Fund Purchase Request:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Police Department submitted a request of $5,033.70 for an incident management subscription and setup for the schools. Ms. Mayberry stated that when she met with the Police Department on Monday, she discussed the impact of doing this pilot program in Walpole. Ms. Mayberry voiced her concern that this matter was not brought to the Selectboard first. Mrs. Pschirrer stated her opinion that the school should pay for this program. Mr. Dalessio voiced his concern that the timing is off, given the arrival of a new superintendent and new business administrator in the school district. He stated that the Walpole Police Department is short-staffed, and that there is not enough human capacity to do this project. He stated he was not in favor of doing the pilot program at this time. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that there is more to consider before giving approval. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Town is going to pass on this request.

Two Invitations to North Walpole School:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that on 6/12/2023 there are two separate academic events at the North Walpole School. She stated she would be attending one of the events on this date.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 7:35 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:00 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING: 

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Hooper Trustees Meeting at 8:01 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:08 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio motioned to adjourn at 8:09 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Selectboard meeting adjourned. 

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Zoning Board Agenda – 6/19/23

ZONING BOARD 06/15/2023 Leave a comment

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 6/15/23

SELECTBOARD 06/15/2023 Leave a comment

High Blue Hike – 6/25/23

EVENTS 06/14/2023 Leave a comment

June 25 – 9:00 -11:00 AM

Join Lew Shelley (Walpole Conservation Commission and SPNHF steward of High Blue) for a tour of the High Blue trails. This will be a casual walk covering the trails on both sides of Scovill Rd. for a total distance of about two miles over mixed terrain. Learn some of the history and secrets of this property owned by the Society for the Protection of NH Forests. See views across VT on the west side of the ridge and then from Monadnock to Sunapee on the east side while passing by the highest point in Walpole (oxygen masks not provided 😊).

This hike is limited to ten people and pre-registration is required. Email lewshelley@gmail.com to register and for hike details.

Clarion Deadline – 6/21/23

EVENTS 06/14/2023 Leave a comment
It snuck up on us again, and it is time for your submissions for the July CLARION. Deadline is a week away, 5PM (Walpole Time) Wednesday June 21. 

Early submissions are always better to aid us in preparing a pleasing publication for your enjoyment (particularly this month). The sooner you get me your articles, announcements or advertisements, the proverbial better for proper placement and design work. 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, PublisherTip icon image

Liberty Utility Bills

Uncategorized 06/13/2023 1 Comment

This was posted on the Walpole Community Power website and I was asked to post it here. – Lil

A number of Walpole Community Power customers may have noticed an error on their May electric bill whereby it appeared they were charged for the Liberty Utilities energy supply rate, and not the discounted Walpole Community Power rate.

Rest assured, Walpole customers participating in Community Power were enrolled in early May. Liberty Utilities is in the process of canceling the incorrect bills, and will be reissuing May bills with the correct discounted Community Power rate. If you already paid the bill you will get a credit. 

Thank you for participating in Walpole Community Power! And thank you Liberty for correcting this problem!

Pollinator Palooza – 6/22/23

Uncategorized 06/13/2023 Leave a comment

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 5/13/23

Uncategorized 06/09/2023 Leave a comment

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

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration

Others Present: Wendy Grossman; Will Grossman

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced the Selectboard to those in attendance. 

OLD BUSINESS: 

Rail Trail Special Use Permit: Mrs. Pschirrer invited Mrs. Grossman to speak. Mrs. Grossman stated her request for an approval of the Special Use Permit from the State of New Hampshire which gives permission to brush hog the rail trail in Walpole. She stated the Bureau of Trails approved the application that was submitted and has given her a copy that needs to be signed by the Town. Ms. Mayberry moved to have chair, Mrs. Pschirrer, sign the Rail Trail Special Use Permit. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. Dalessio asked if contractors had been chosen. Mrs. Grossman stated that she has received a quote from Mike Hubbard, and she hopes to have the funds authorized at the Conservation Commission meeting the following Monday. Mrs. Grossman stated that walkers and cyclists use the trails. Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer expressed their appreciation to Mrs. Grossman.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $65,196.39 dated 6/02/23. this includes a $38,891.30 payment to HealthTrust for employee health insurance.  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 $31,263.61 dated 6/02/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,432.22.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 25, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 25, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – May 25, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the amended Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of May 25, 2023. Mr. Dalessio noted the revision with the included word “would” in Ms. Mayberry’s statement that the Town “would be responsible”. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed. 

TIMBER CERTIFICATION OF YIELD AND TAX WARRANT:

Map and Lot# 005-036-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Certification of Yield and Tax Warrant for Map and Lot# 005-036-000 for $107.55. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

2023-19, Map and Lot# 017-005-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve building permit# 2023-19 for Map and Lot# 017-005-001 to construct a 76’ x 46’ residential home with attached garage. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS: 

Pending Further Action: Mr. Dalessio stated nothing more has developed regarding Houghton Brook Bridge. He is trying to find a meeting time to discuss the Union and School street drainage project. The Reservoir Dam is in design. Mrs. Pschirrer stated she returned the signed lease to Mascoma Bank. The Town has the lot for another five years.

NEW BUSINESS:

Trustee of Trust Funds Reimbursement Request:  Mr. Dalessio moved to issue a check in the amount of $1,867.45 from the American Legion Fund to reimburse the Town for the purchase of Legion emblems for gravesites. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. Dalessio stated that the Town should consider having authorized requisitioners of funds. 

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) and (c) at 6:47 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:03 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio motioned to adjourn at 7:05 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Selectboard meeting adjourned.  

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary 

Musician Needed

Uncategorized 06/09/2023 Leave a comment

The First Congregational Church of Walpole is seeking a musician to provide music for our Sunday Services on June 25, and July 16.  Piano, organ or guitar are all acceptable and the position will be compensated.  Please reply by calling the church office at 603-756-4075.  Thank you for your consideration.