Have you checked out the new intersection where Old Drewsville Road angles off from Old North Main and North Road comes in from the east?  The two little islands have now been combined, and speed signs and stop signs are coming to slow traffic in the area.  It's an experimental solution to see how it works before  making it--or some other--approach permanent.  Those living at the intersection have been concerned with speeding in the area and, although there apparently has not yet been an accient in the intersection, there have been near misses and some speeders have driven out of the road and over some lawns recently.  The Selectmen would be interested in Walpole citizens' responses to the new approach after we have some experience with it. CCB

Ed. Note: Here are the approved Selectmen's Minutes for August 17.  Through a computer glitch and waiting for them to be approved, they are a little late and some events have moved ahead of decisions noted in these minutes.  Still, I thought you would be interested in seeing them.  CCB

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

AUGUST 17, 2006

 

Selectmen Present:            Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

 

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M. with nineteen people present in the audience.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

JIM RICE:  Jim Rice advised that about six weeks ago he wrote a letter to the Board of Selectmen on the statistical up-date that he hopes to complete by the end of September.   At that time he also requested that he be allowed to have a remote connection that would enable him to save almost three hours of travel time by being able to access the files from his home but, if the Board of Selectmen make a decision not to do this, he would at least request having a port put in the office so he does not have to displace the employees on their computers when he is working in the office.  Mr. Rice analyzes every thing and when changes on the cards need to be made, he puts notes in the post-it portion and makes changes when needed.  He makes out all the cards, the Town only has to file them.  The old and new factors are available.  He explained the process being undertaken at this time.  When properties are sold he makes revisions.  The Board of Selectmen expressed concern regarding security on the internet.  Mr. Rice talked with the Town’s computer programmer and they felt there are safeguards.  He would be willing to take the cost of a remote access off his bill and only wants it for a temporary period of time or until he finishes this job.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve setting-up a port for Jim Rice and that they will check on the remote access.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

 

STUART BAILEY:  Stuart Bailey noted that last week the Board of Selectmen held a Public Hearing on the Bandstand proposal but no motion was made.  Mr. Sawyer explained that following the Public Hearing the Board of Selectmen felt that a coordinator was needed to work out the details on the War Memorial and the Bandstand.  The Board of Selectmen has the authority to accept gifts.  Mr. Aldrich could not find a marker by the spruce tree so assumes it could be moved, if necessary.  Mr. Martin and Mr. Bailey will present a site plan to Mr. Aldrich.  Mr. Aldrich also would like to see the plan include the planting of flowers by Jay Chamberlin who is working toward his Eagle Scout badge.    

Mr. Sawyer moved that Whitney Aldrich be the contact person.  Bruce Martin and Stuart Bailey will coordinate the project and work with Mr. Aldrich.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

 

ERIC FRINK:  Eric Frink’s grandfather owns a piece of property on the Merriam Road.  He would like to fix this Class VI road enough to make the property a buildable lot.  Mr. Sawyer advised that he would have to apply for a Building Permit and the procedure includes having a hearing with the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen.  He could up-grade the road to get to his property with the Board of Selectmen’s knowledge but it will remain a Class VI road.  Mr. Miller noted that he would have to sign the Town’s liability waiver. 

 

ERIC MERKLEIN:  Eric Merklein presented a sketch of the Old Drewsville Road, Old North Main Street and North Road intersection indicating a change in the location of the barriers.  After a discussion, the Board of Selectmen made a decision to try the first agreement that was made with the State of New Hampshire Department of Transportation and if it doesn’t work then they will look at different alternatives.

 

JOSHUA MAKINEN:  Joshua Makinen attended this meeting as he is working toward his Citizenship In The Community Boy Scout badge and this is one of the requirements.

   

RICHARD HURLBURT:  Richard Hurlburt discussed the budget and the funding available to begin setting up the Emergency Management Operations Center in the Fire Station.

Mr. Sawyer moved to allow our Emergency Management Team to spend up to $5,000 out of the Emergency Management Funds.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $56,906.03.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

 

Mr. Miller moved to approve the voided check register.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

 

PAYROLL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending August 12, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $17,596.83 or net wages in the amount of $10,364.98.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

 

Mr. Miller moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,135.16.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

 

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- AUGUST 10, 2006:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of August 10, 2006, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

 

MINUTES -PUBLIC HEARING- AUGUST 10, 2006:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the Board of Selectmen’s Public Hearing of August 10, 2006, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

 

MINUTES –NON-PUBLIC MEETING- AUGUST 10, 2006:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of August 10, 2006.  The Minutes will remain sealed as they contain information on personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

 

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed the minutes of the following meetings:  1) North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners – August 15, 2006; and 2) Planning Board – July 11, 2006 and August 08, 2006.

 

BUILDING PERMIT:

ALICIA AND PAUL KELLER –MAP 015-024-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-045 for Alicia and Paul Keller to construct an addition to the existing kitchen on the Alstead Center Road.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

 

OLD BUSINESS: 

DIESEL FUEL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to draw-up the contract with Allen Bros. for No. 2 heating oil at $2.479 for the Walpole Town Hall, Library, Police Department, Recycling Facility, and Hooper Building but not the Highway Department.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

DANCE PROPERTY:  Mr. Sawyer acknowledged receipt of a letter from Donald and Elsie Tretler dated August 15, 2006, advising that if there is no decision on the Dance property within the next 30 days they intend to take legal action through the Cheshire County Courts against the Town of Walpole, et al.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen write a letter to Mr. & Mrs. Dance and Mr. & Mrs. Tretler to advise that the Board of Selectmen is seeking legal advice and their decision will be based on the legal advice that they obtain.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

There was a consensus that Mr. Aldrich will ask Elaine Moore to make the initial call to the Local Government Center.

 

LAFAYETTE PROPERTY:  Mr. Sawyer reported that Mr. Lafayette and Mr. Poisson were at the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting last night to request being placed on the next Agenda for consideration of a Variance. 

NEW BUSINESS:

MS-1 EXTENSION REQUEST:  Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen approve and sign the request for the MS-1 Extension until October 31^st, 2006.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.   

    LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

GARY KINYON, ESQ.:  This letter was put on-hold by the Board of Selectmen.

Mr. Sawyer moved that Mr. Miller make a phone call to their attorney on the Merriam Road issue, Gary Kinyon, Esq., to discuss the status.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted. 

E-911:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to E-911 requesting the free maps that are available.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

A copy of the letter will be sent to Buck Taylor.

JILL ROBINSON:  Mr. Miller moved to approve and sign the letter to Jill Robinson acknowledging receipt of her letter.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:50 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

THESE ARE UNAPPROVED MINUTES.  CORRECTIONS, IF NECESSARY, MAY BE FOUND IN THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 24, 2006, SELECTMEN’S MEETING.

                                                  

Ed. Note: Here is my story on Thursday's Selectmen's meeting that considered, among other things, the proposed new bandstand on the Common.  CCB

8-25-06

Commemoration and Conservation Agendas Tangle in Contentious Walpole Selectmen’s Meeting

By Charles C. Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            Walpole Selectmen decided to appeal for advice from the New Hampshire Local Government Association after three citizens’ agendas collided at Thursday evening’s Walpole Selectmen’s meeting.

In the meeting, Stu Bailey sought to give the town a bandstand on the Common, the American Legion sought assurance that its new memorial project was still supported by the board, and an emerging group, including abutters to the Common and others, sought to minimize or block new building on the village’s central green space.

            Mr. Bailey, who three weeks ago announced to the board that he wanted to donate a 32’ by 22’ bandstand to be built on the Common in honor of his wife Judy who died in the spring, appeared for the third consecutive meeting to pursue and defend his proposal.  At Thursday’s meeting he was supported by a large number of neighbors and friends from Wentworth Road.  While indicating a very positive inclination toward accepting the bandstand gift at each of the previous two meetings, the Selectmen have not, as previously reported, explicitly accepted the gift on behalf of the town.

            The American Legion, represented by Bruce Martin, has been been raising funds for a new $125,000 memorial on the Common honoring all Walpole citizens who have served in active U.S. military service to replace and expand the current memorial that is limited to those who served from Walpole in World War I.  At the conclusion of the August 10 Selectmen’s meeting, it was agreed that Bailey, Martin, and those working with them would jointly prepare a plan showing how the bandstand and veterans’ memorial might be situated on the Common in a harmonious way.  And earlier this week, they spent an afternoon measuring the north end of the Common and laying out their plan.

            While the Bailey gift and the Legion project have been developing and interconnecting, abutters on the Common and others in the town have been watching, gathering their concerns and concluding that they are not pleased with the developments.

    At Thursday’s meeting, Krystyna Markom presented a petition with 85 names she had gathered that day in front of the Post Office arguing for the Common to “remain green” as it is with little or no permanent construction.  Long time resident and former Selectman Bob Graves spoke for another segment of the audience when he endorsed the new veterans’ memorial project but not the construction of the bandstand unless it was approved by a town vote. 

Jan Martin, Mr. Martin’s wife, argued for going forward with the new veterans’ memorial. “It’s an embarrassment,” she said, “to see monuments in many other towns that are not nearly as well off as Walpole memorializing all their veterans and to see Walpole having nothing.”  And, Mr. Martin, who earlier in the week had sought a harmonious plan with the proposed bandstand, made it clear that the veterans’ memorial and the bandstand were, in his and the Legion’s view, separate projects. 

            In fact, Mr. Martin, in light of the timetable he and the Legion are facing for competing their project in time for Memorial Day, 2007 demanded and got the Board of Selectmen’s confirmation of their continuing support for the new memorial. 

            Construction of a bandstand, however, raised a cluster of thornier concerns, including Walpole’s history of a town vote in the 1990s turning down a permanent bandstand on the Common, possible disturbances of neighbors if it were to encourage additional events on the Common, costs of maintaining it, and whether proper notices had been sent to abutters about the proposed gift’s public hearing held before the August 10 Selectmen’s meeting.

Amid the raising of those practical and other potential problems, several opponents of the bandstand noted that their objections were made notwithstanding their genuine respect for the generosity of Mr. Bailey’s offer.

Walpole resident Cindy Westover, an advocate of limiting construction on the Common, argued that, even if the Selectmen have the authority to accept the gift of the bandstand, they should put it to a vote of the town to settle the matter openly and to avoid the likelihood of a petitioned warrant article in the future demanding reversal of the decision and demolition of the bandstand as happened a few years ago with some controversial construction in the Town Hall.

            At one point, Mr. Bailey said that he would dedicate proceeds of a life insurance policy on himself to the perpetual maintenance of the bandstand.

Movement in AlpacaDance Matter

            In other Board business, Creg and Jill Dance, whose raising of a herd of 30-35 alpacas in the Walpole Residential Zone has disturbed several neighbors, appeared and offered to reduce their herd from the current 26 to 10 or fewer by June 1, 2007.  That number, they argued, would conform with the town’s limitation of farm activities to those that are “incidental to primary residential use” and “in no way injurious, obnoxious or offensive to the neighborhood.”  While thanking the Dances for their offer, the Board took no action as abutting neighbor Donald Tretler, one of the primary objectors to the Dances’ operation, was out of town on business and could not be present at the meeting.

Reconfiguration of Old Drewsville Road Intersection

            The Board approved a trial reconfiguration of the complex intersection of Old North Main, North Road and Old Drewsville road to slow traffic and promote safety.  The changes will close the southern east-west portion of North Road and the diagonal connector of Old North Main and Old Drewsville Road so that traffic must go around the consolidated island in the intersection.  Speed limit signs posted at 25 MPH will be installed on the island facing south on Old North Main and on North Street facing westbound traffic.  The changes will be installed as soon as New Hampshire DOT supplies Jersey wall for blocking the closed streets, and they will be evaluated for effectiveness over the next few months.  The Selectmen invite citizen comment after observing how the restructured intersection works.

                                    --30--

The Walpole Historical Society has announced the release of its 2007 calendar. Previous years' calendars have displayed houses built between 1750 through 1850.  This year's calendar contains pictures of the Walpole Historical Society Academy Museum that is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2:00-4:00 p.m. through September.  the calendars are available at local shops and restaurants including Murray's, Village Square Booksellers (in Bellows Falls) and The Walpole Salon. The funds raised by the project are be applied to pay down the mortgage that financed the recent renovations to the Walpole Academy building. The cost of one calendar is $10.00, or $8.00 each when three or more are purchased. 

Thanks to Secretary Lucy Weber, here are the minutes of the August 16 Zoning Board meeting.  CCB

Minutes—16 August 2006.

Present:  M. Mansouri, J. Galloway-Leclerc, L. Carignan (alt) B. Webb (alt), L. LaClair (alt), L.Weber

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING MINUTES WILL BE REVIEWED ON 20 SEPTEMBER, 2006.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.  Mr. LaClair and Mr. Webb were appointed as voting members.

New Business:  Resignation of Mr. Vose.  Ms. Mansouri, Acting Chair, read a letter of resignation from Mr. Vose.  A letter will be written to Mr. Vose expressing the Boards deep appreciation for Mr. Vose’s years of service.  Mr. Britton arrived at this point in the discussion.  Ms. Mansouri raised the issue of whether we want to appoint a new member to fill out the Board until the next election.  Ms. Weber read RSA 673:12 regarding vacancies. Mr. Webb said that we have three active alternates at this time, and he does not think we need to appoint a regular member.  Ms. Galloway-Leclerc moved that we continue until the next town meeting with the members we have, and that a new member be elected at Town Meeting to fill out the remainder of Mr. Vose’s term.  Mr. Britton seconded the motion.  Ms. Weber said that by the language of the statute, only the four remaining elected members should participate in the vote.  All voted in favor.

Walpole Village School Temporary Banner Sign. No action taken, as no one was present to represent the school.

Mr. Fitzpatrick, Annexation of land-locked Walpole parcel to existing parcel located in the Town of Alstead.  Virginia Fitzpatrick of Lawrence Associates called regarding the creation of a lot in Walpole with no road frontage to be annexed to a parcel in Alstead.  In a subsequent phone call she advised the Secretary that her client was not yet ready to proceed.

Richard and Tammy Lafayette, Map 5, Lot 20, County Road—Variance Application.  Mr. Webb is to continue as a voting member.  The Lafayettes have submitted an application for the installation of a 28 foot by 56 foot three-bedroom mobile home on the site of the existing mobile home.  The new home will result in an incursion into the setback requirement, either from the back line of the property or from the front line.  Fred Poisson presented the proposal for the Lafayettes.  Two different mobile homes occupied the site before the Lafayettes purchased it in 1996.  The existing home was installed in 1995.  In May of 2004, Mr. Lafayette obtained a building permit for the installation of the currently proposed 28 x 56 home.  At the time it was thought that the setback requirements were not an issue.  In 2005, it became apparent that there was a dispute with Mr. and Mrs. Mack, abutters, over the location of the back boundary of the property and the ownership of a well used by the Lafayettes.  The Macks notified the Selectmen of the dispute, and the selectmen issued a stop work order for the installation of the new home.  Instead of waiting for the courts to resolve the boundary issue, the Lafayettes want to get a variance from the setback requirements based on a new survey that Mr. Lawrence did for the Macks.  A new artesian well is in place, but is not yet in use.  Two options were presented:  the option the Lafayettes prefer is to locate the home on the partially finished foundation already installed, which would mean the building is 17.5 feet of the back boundary.  The second alternative is to locate the building 20 feet from the back line, but a diatance of 62.5 feet of the center line of the highway.  This site is less attractive to the Lafayettes because it would require redoing foundation work already put in place while Mr. Lafayette thought he had a valid building permit.

In response to a question by Mr. LaClair, Mr. Poisson said the new home would be a single story, and the distance from the old well, now outside the boundary line, to the new boundary line is less than 10 feet. The old boundary passed right through the old well.  Mr. Britton asked the size of

the existing mobile home.  It is 14 feet by 70 feet, and is shown by a dotted line on one of the maps.  Mr. Webb asked about the leach field.  It is a state approved field installed in 1996-1997.  Mr.

Lafayette is not yet using the new drilled well next to County Road.  It was moved and seconded that we accept the application and set the matter for public hearing on September 20.

Mr. Poisson asked that the Board give Mr. Lafayette permission to continue with the work at his own risk in the time between now and the hearing.  Mr. Webb said this was not a practical approach.  It would be foolhardy to continue until the Board has made a determination, which it cannot do until we have heard all the information at a public hearing.  Ms. Weber said that the Board has no authority to relieve Mr. Lafayette from his obligations under an order issued by the Selectmen. Mr. Poisson asked if the proposal had met all the rules to obtain a variance. Ms. Weber stated that the rules are contained in the Zoning Ordinance.  This proposal does not comply with the rules contained in the Zoning Ordinance, and the purpose of having a hearing is to show why the rules should be set aside in this case.

Scott Surles, Wentworth Road Catalogue Sales Business.  Mr. Surles reported that financing to move his catalogue sales business to a different location had fallen through.  He is proposing to run the catalogue sales out of his home and barn.  Because of the lack of financing, he has scaled back his plans for the business.  He is proposing to sell on-line through a web site and by catalogue and telephone.  He will have no retail sales from the property and no customers will come to his home.  He will run the business with himself and one other employee initially and will not rule out adding a second employee if necessary.  He will not, in the future, repair snow machines on the property.  Mr. Webb asked what the Zoning District was, and was told it is Residential A.  Mr. Surles said the Ordinance specifically allows him to have a barbershop in his home, with two employees, and he argued that the catalogue business would be far less intrusion in terms of traffic.

 Ms. Weber asked how often inventory would be delivered.  Mr. Surles said that the majority of their business will be drop shipped from other locations and will never be physically present at the Wentworth Road location.  Some items were purchased as good deals at trade shows and will be stored in the barn and shipped UPS.  Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said it sounded like the proposed operation conformed to the zoning requirements.  Mr. Webb said it seemed reasonable to him, and that the use conformed to the regulations.  Mr. Britton made a motion, that the business as presented was acceptable under Article V, Section B. (3) of the Zoning Ordinance.  Mr. LaClair asked if the motion should state that the approval was conditional on the representations made this evening.  Mr. Webb said we always rely on the representations made to the Board, and that if we find that the representations fall within the ordinance, we are duty bound to allow the proposed use.  Mr. Surles said that the failure to obtain the full financing has caused a drastic reduction in the scale of his operation.  Ms. Weber said that the Selectmen can always bring an enforcement action if they find the use exceeds what we have approved.  Mr. Britton renewed his motion to approve a home based catalogue and web sales operation with no more than two employees under Article V, Section B. (3).  Ms. Galloway-Leclerc seconded and all voted in favor.  Mr. Surles was thanked for presenting the information and Ms. Mansouri added that if there were any changes, the Board should be informed.

Freedom of Information Act Request.  Ms. Weber reported that the attorney for Merriam Farms. Inc. had made a request for information on the Merriam Farms Inc. property under the Freedom of Information Act.  The request was for information back to 1974, which required a six hour record search.  Ms, Weber was unable to locate the Minute Book for the period 1973-1977.  The search produced only two pages that may possibly be relevant.  Sheldon Sawyer stated that Merriam Road is currently a Class VI road, impassable, and lying mainly in the timberland district.  The exact

boundary of the timberland district is difficult to locate, as it is 1320 feet from County Road, and by definition follows the curves of County Road.  Merriam Farms wanted to bring the road up to Class V and have the Selectmen take it over.  The Selectmen denied the request without a public hearing.  Now Merriam Farms is in court to compel the Selectmen to hold a public hearing.  Mr. Sawyer says Merriam Farms has violated environmental rules for unpermitted alterations to culverts, and has been fined by DES.  Merriam Farms was unsuccessful in an attempt to buy a right-of-way through UNH land.  Mr. Britton asked if this kind of development might be more appropriate in another area of town.  Mr. Sawyer responded that the Selectmen will not allow development in the timberland district without a vote of the Town.  Mr. Britton pointed out that the property in question has steep slopes, a brook and other wet spots.  Ms. Mansouri said the ordinance requires a finding of an occasion to put a road in.  Mr. Britton said that if a lot has 200 feet of road frontage, it is possible to build back into the Timberland zone.

Old Business:

Minutes.  Mr. LaClair moved the acceptance of the July 19 minutes and the minutes of the July 26 Special Meeting.  Mr. Webb seconded, and all voted in favor.

Gravel Pits.  Ms. Mansouri reminded the Board that we had spoken about a second inspection for the Hodgkins pits and perhaps all the gravel pits in the fall.  A question was whether we should continue to inspect as two person teams or whether we should inspect as a group. Ms. Weber said she was just concerned about maintaining consistency between inspections.  The issue of berms was discussed.  Mr. Britton said for the record he thinks this task should be handed back to the Planning Board.  Mr. LaClair said that the south Hodgkins pit has some areas that appear to be ready for reclamation, as it looks like more than five acres have been worked out.  Mr. Britton said eventually more businesses should go into that industrial area.  It was decided that we would give notice of the reinspections, and if concerns still exist, the teams will report back to the full Board, which will schedule a further visit.  Teams were assigned as follows:

            Mr. Carignan and Ms. Galloway-Leclerc—Sawyer and Woods

            Mr. Britton and Ms. Mansouri—Cold Rover (2)

            Mr. LaClair and Ms. Weber—Hodgkins (2) and Graves

Meeting adjourned at 8:40.  The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 20th, 2006.

Respectfully submitted,

Lucy McVitty Weber

Ed. Note: I have a personal interest here because I am on the Board of the Windham World Affairs Council.  But I want you to be aware of these excellent programs and consider attending.  Each presents real people who have experienced their subjects firsthand and will provide real insights that you cannot get elsewhere.  And, this year, we are adding some additional approaches to enable our participants to meet the speakers on a personal level. If you have any questions, please give me a call at 756-9268.  CCB

            

                                                                                                                                   

 

THE 2006 HILDEGARD DURFEE LECTURE SERIES

Friday, October 6, 2006

7:30 PM, SIT/World Learning, Roach Center

Peter Galbraith, former U.S. Ambassador to Croatia; Senior Diplomatic Fellow at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation.

Thursday, October 19, 2006

7:30 PM, Brooks Memorial Library Meeting Room

Partners for Peace:

Jerusalem Women Speak: Three Women, Three Faiths, One Shared Vision

Three women, a Christian, a Jew, and a Muslim, who are living the realities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have come to the United States to call for an end to war and suffering in the Middle East and share their experiences and hopes for a just peace with American audiences. The October tour is the Twelfth National Jerusalem Women Speak tour organized by PARTNERS FOR PEACE, which is an NGO based in Washington, DC whose mission is to help bring about a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This is the eleventh tour since 1998.

Tuesday, October 31, 2006

7:30 PM, Brooks Memorial Library, Meeting Room

Louis Uchitelle

The Disposable American Layoffs and Their Consequences.

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

7:00 PM, Brooks Memorial Library, Main Room

Mansour Farhang, former Iranian ambassador to the United Nations

America and the Middle East.

Many Middle Eastern governments and people view U.S. actions, policies, and priorities in the region as being very different from Washington's stated intentions and purposes.  What are the causes and consequences of this incongruity? How have the wars in Iraq and Lebanon affected American power in the Middle East? MANSOUR FARHANG was Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations from 1979-1980. He resigned when efforts to negotiate release of American hostages in Tehran failed. Since 1983 he has taught international relations and Middle Eastern politics at Bennington College. He has written for academic publications, popular periodicals, and newspapers. He serves on Human Rights Watch/Middle East and has appeared as commentator on television and radio.

Lecture is part of the First Wednesdays Lecture Series  sponsored by the Library and the Vermont Humanities Council.

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NH  03608

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

WORK SESSION

August 22, 2006    7:00PM   Town Hall

(please note the time is 7:00PM not the usual 7:30PM)

AGENDA

I.          Open Meeting

            A.  Roll Call/Designate Alternates

II.        New Business

A.  Welcome Carolyn Russell, Environmental Quality Impact Planner from NH State Office of Energy and Planning.  Ms. Russell will be giving a lecture on the subject of Conservation by Design through local zoning and subdivision ordinances.  [Ed. Note: I understand that Ms. Russell will be touring around Walpole Tuesday afternoon so she can relate some of her remarks to our particular situation. Should be quite interesting.]

III.       Other

            A.  Communications and Miscellaneous

            B.  Discuss agenda items for Sept. 12, 2006 meeting

IV.            Adjourn Meeting

Jill Robinson of Alyson's Orchards sends the following:

*Alyson’s Orchard and The Hannah Grimes Localvore Project are sponsoring
two exciting local food workshops around Labor Day, featuring nationally
prominent authors. The first workshop, “Fermentation Fervor,” will be
held on Wednesday August 30, 2006 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Alyson’s Orchard
in Walpole, NH. Sandor Ellix Katz, who wrote the encyclopedic book,
“Wild Fermentation,” will conduct the workshop. The second, “Local,
Light Lunch” will be held on Monday, September 4, 2006, from 10 am to 1
pm, also at Alyson’s Orchard. Jessica Prentice, who wrote the recently
released “Full Moon Feast,” will conduct this workshop. Jessica Prentice
will also be doing a book talk/reading/signing from 2-4 pm at Toadstool
Books in The Colony Mill Marketplace in Keene after the workshop.

Fermentation of a wide variety of foods is as old as humanity. From the
familiar bread, yogurt, vinegar, sauerkraut, pickles, cheese, wine, and
beer, to the less familiar miso, tempeh, kimchi, kombucha, and mead, to
the utterly essential chocolate and tea, fermented products have played
a major role in the diets of peoples of all cultures. Fermentation is an
artisanal process, connecting the home fermenter to the land and the
food crops produced on the land. In partnership with microscopic
bacteria and fungi, the fermenter preserves foods while making them more
digestible, more nutritious, and more health-promoting.

Sandor Ellix Katz began his love of fermentation a decade ago when he
stumbled on an old crock in his barn around the same time the cabbage
was ripening in his garden. With a little water, a little salt, some
chopping, and the passage of time, he had that first batch of sauerkraut
that got him hooked. He began fomenting fermentation fervor on the
national scene with his encyclopedic book, Wild Fermentation: The
Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of Live-Culture Foods, published in 2003 by
Chelsea Green Publishing Company. During the “Fermenation Fervor!”
workshop, he will demonstrate how easy it is to ferment fresh foods at
home, and he’ll offer tastings of a variety of fermented products.

During the “Light Local Lunch” workshop, Jessica Prentice will create a
light lunch, using whatever fresh foods are available locally at the
time. The workshop will demonstrate how easy and enjoyable it is to
create a simple “localvore” meal.

Ms. Prentice is a passionate advocate for returning to local, seasonal,
sustainably grown, humanely raised, nutrient-rich foods prepared with
traditional cooking methods. She coined the term “locavore” (one who
eats foods grown near home). The word became a movement, the movement is
sweeping the country, and inspired the Hannah Grimes Localvore Project.

In her new book, “Full Moon Feast: Food and the Hunger for Connection,”
also published by Chelsea Green, she seeks to restore balance and renew
community by inspiring a deep appreciation for nourishing food. Inspired
by thirteen lunar cycles of an agrarian year, she focuses attention on
thirteen topics (such as sap, eggs, milk, mead, and medicinal herbs).
For each topic, she provides a wealth of information and recipes that
showcase the richly satisfying flavors of foods tied to the land and the
ancient rhythm of the seasons.

Several local food growers or producers have generously agreed to
provide samples for these events. They include: Abenaki Springs Farm,
Boggy Meadow Farm, and Burdick’s Chocolates of Walpole, Orchard Hill
Breadworks of East Alstead; and Brewbakers of Keene.

Pre-registration is required for both workshops. Registration closes for
“Fermentation Fervor!” on Wednesday, August 23, 2006, and the cost is
$10. Registration for “Local, Light Lunch” closes on Monday, August 28,
2006, and the cost is $15. To register, call Tiffany at 603-352-5063 or
send a check to The Hannah Grimes Localvore Project, 25 Roxbury St,
Keene, NH 03431, with your name, phone number, email address, and the
workshop(s) for which you’d like to register. Alyson’s Orchard is
located off Rt 12, north of Walpole.

For more information about the book signing at Toadstool, call Janet
Clymer at 603-352-8815.

The Hannah Grimes Localvore Project encourages everyone in our community
to take small or big steps all growing-season long (May – September) to
eat more local food bought from local farmers or grown in kitchen
gardens. The project is dedicated to getting more people to eat locally
raised foods more often and to help build a network that makes it easy
to do so year round.

Editor's Note: I regret to say that I mistakenly overstated the action of the selectmen with regard to accepting the offer of a bandstand as a gift to the town at their meeting last Thursday.  While they said they were "fully behind it" and "want it to be coordinated with the design of the veterans' memorial", they took it under advisement pending consultations with others in town and have not made a final decision. I will report when a final decision is made.  Chuck Bingaman

Ed. Note: This is a story that appeared in today's Eagle Times. In addition to the bandstand part, it reports on actions of the Selectmen last Thursday.  CCB

8-11-06

New Bandstand Given to Walpole

By Charles C. Bingaman, Contributing Writer

Actions at August 10 Selectmen’s Meeting

            At Thursday evening’s Board of Selectmen in Walpole, town resident Stu Bailey proposed to fund, and town selectmen approved, construction of a new bandstand on the Common in honor of his wife Judy who passed away in late April.

            While exact design details remain to be settled, the bandstand as proposed will be a traditional design, approximately 32 by 20 feet with lighting, an elevated stage and pitched roof.  “I want it large enough that any of the bands that visit us in the summer can fit inside it,” said Bailey.  “And Judy always liked that fact that the concerts on the Common really bring people together from Walpole and many surrounding towns as well.  So this is a perfect memorial to her.”

            The new bandstand will be placed, according to the current plan just south of the flag pole at the north end of the Common, about where the current tents are placed for concerts.

            Bailey’s hope is that the bandstand can be in place and ready for use by next Memorial Day and that flowers and other plantings can also be in by that time.  “We’ve got a lot of work to do, and we can’t be dragging our feet if we are going to meet that schedule,” he said on Saturday.

Bailey agreed with the selectmen that the bandstand should be available for multiple uses they approve such as weddings, graduations, etc.  Bailey and town leaders working on a new veterans’ memorial also began discussions at the meeting to insure that the designs and siting of both projects will harmonize.

Support for Walpole Leadership Academy

In other business, the Board agreed to a proposal to participate in the new Walpole Leadership Academy program being organized by the Walpole Grange and to make the Town Hall available for the program’s use on dates to be negotiated.  The Academy is scheduled to begin twice per month programs in mid-October for adults interested in leadership roles in the town. 

Plan for Possible Town Purchase of St. Joseph’s Church

In anticipation of a possible future sale of St. Joseph’s Church just south of the Town Hall, the Selectmen agreed to make an offer to purchase a right of first refusal on the property. 

Refusal to Close Cold River Road

In response to a petition from a number of residents of Cold River Road asking that the road be closed to all by non-residents, the Board declined to act on the understanding that New Hampshire statutes forbid such limits.  Cold River Road runs from Walpole into Langdon and has experienced increased traffic since the destruction of the Rt. 123 bridge over the Cold River in the October 2005 flooding.

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Thanks to Regina Borden, here are the August 3 Selectmen's minutes.  CCB

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

AUGUST 3, 2006

Selectmen Present:            Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. with nine people present in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

TARA SADD – TRAFFIC SIGNS:  Doug Graham, Department of Transportation from the Swanzey District #4 Office, met with Mr. Miller and Mr. Sawyer at the intersection site of the Old Drewsville Road, Old North Main Street and North Road back in 2001 and explored different schemes.  There is a hydrant and utility pole to deal with.  One possibility they brought up was if the Town might be interested in taking the road over year-round with the premise that the State would fix it up; they could incorporate some work on the intersection at the same time.  The Old Drewsville Road is a Class II State Summer Maintenance road.  This area is a low priority for the State because of the nature of the road and comparing it to the other roads they maintain.  There are betterment funds that can be used for projects such as this if the Town was interested.  There was discussion pertaining to the previous Warrant Article and the amendment to not change the character of the intersection.  Mr. Sawyer noted that there are some drainage problems so that should be corrected also.  Eric Merklein provided a brief history of the project and stressed that this is a safety issue; they are concerned with the speed of vehicles.  Mr. Graham noted that the lowest speed he can go down to is 30 MPH.  They discussed placement of the signs.  Mr. Graham suggested setting up a meeting on the site with someone from the Bureau of Traffic.  Merv Stevens reviewed the Warrant Article that was presented in 2002 and stated that little was done until a few weeks ago when Jack Pratt brought it up again at a Board of Selectmen meeting.  He made the amendment at Town Meeting because he understood that the Board of Selectmen wanted to put in a round-about.  Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Miller stated that a round-about was never considered for that intersection.  Mr. Sawyer advised that the Road Agent has plans on placement of signs but it is not available at this meeting.  Mr. Graham felt that if an agreement can be worked out between the State and the Town it is possible to do the work before winter.  The on-site visit was scheduled for either August 14th, 15th or 16th depending on the schedule for the Bureau of Traffic.  It was agreed that notices of the meeting and copies of Jim Terrell’s plans will be sent to the following residents who were present at this meeting:  Tara Sad, Eric Merklein, Colleen Hubbard, Jennifer Burr, Pauline Barnes, Adrian Basora, Barbara Bragg, and Mervin Stevens.   

Barbara Bragg expressed concern with the Hodgkins & Sons trucks using the road and felt there should be consequences if they continue to do so.  Mr. Miller had talked to Hodgkins and Sons about stopping the truck traffic. 

  Carol Hubbard strongly recommended that some equestrian signs be erected as well because at least people will be looking for the horses on the road.  Mr. Basora asked that the residents receive a copy of the Road Agent’s plan before the next site visit.

HOOPER SCHOLARSHIP:  Merv Stevens is on the Hooper Scholarship Committee.  Although he doesn’t have an accurate count, he feels they have assisted 25-to-30 students from the Town of Walpole that are top notch and well-qualified.  Continuing education is provided for Forestry, Conservation, Horticulture, Agriculture, Biology, etc. 

ACCOUNTS  PAYABLE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $704,131.18.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

It was noted that the above amount includes two installments to the Fall Mountain Region School District as follows:  July $328,427.85 and August $328,427.85.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable supplemental check register and manifest in the amount of $2,100.00.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Hooper Mansion:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve payment of the bill to the Everett.E. Houghton Company, Inc. in the amount of $813.93 for the Hooper Mansion.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted. 

PAYROLL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending July 29, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $18,684.42 or net wages in the amount of $11,236.96.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,398.21.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- JULY 27, 2006:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of July 27, 2006, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Mr. Sawyer abstained as he was not present.  With Mr. Miller and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed the minutes of the following meetings:  1) Zoning Board of Adjustment – July 26, 2006; 2) Planning Board – July 11, 2006; and 3) North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners – August 1, 2006.

BUILDING PERMITS:

REBECCA BROWN AND CYNTHIA STEWART – MAP 019-015-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-042 for Rebecca Brown and Cynthia Stewart to construct an addition to their existing deck on South Street.  A Non-Confirming Variance was approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

FUEL – ALLEN BROTHERS QUOTE, CHESHIRE OIL CO., QUOTE, and DISCOUNT OIL QUOTE:  The Board of Selectmen reviewed the three bids received for fuel oil.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen sign the agreement with Allen Brothers for the fixed rate of $2.479 for No. 2 fuel oil for the Town Hall, Library, Recycling Facility, Police Station and Hooper Building.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

COLD RIVER LOCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to appoint Laura Malinoski-Adams to the Cold River Local Advisory Committee and to sign the nomination document.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

LIMITED ACCESS ON COLD RIVER ROAD:  Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen compose a letter citing the RSAs that Jim Terrell pointed out regarding limited access on the Cold River Road.  The Board of Selectmen, at this time, feel that the Town would not be in compliance

to close this road to all through traffic.  The letter, copies of Jim Terrell’s comments and the RSAs will be sent to the Walpole residents that signed the Petition.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

COMMON BANDSTAND:  The Board of Selectmen scheduled a Public Hearing on the Bandstand for the Common for Thursday, August 10th, 2006, at 7:00 P.M.

VERIZON – UTILITY POLE:  Mr. Aldrich advised that a Verizon utility pole was struck by a snow plow and there is a question of who is responsible for it.  The investigation is continuing. 

OLD KEENE ROAD:  Mr. Sawyer moved that Mr. Aldrich, Chair, be authorized to sign the easement letters to the abutters for the Old Keene Road Bridge.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller suggested that Sandi Smith, Town Clerk, include a statement that Helen Miller is now deceased.

PAVING:  Mr. Aldrich reported on the Highway Paving schedule:  Main Street will be done by Tuesday; the Cold River Road and Old Drewsville Road were already paved in the flood area; and Black Jack Crossing will be started on August 14th.    

NEW BUSINESS:

WORKSHOP:  Mr. Miller moved to approve having Teresa Kissell attend the Local Government Center Annual Budget and Finance Workshop on Tuesday, September 26th, 2006.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

TOWN WEBSITE:  Mr. Miller moved that the Minutes of the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment and Conservation Commission meetings be included on the Town’s website but not the agendas.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.        

Mr. Miller moved that requests for special events or other important information to be put on the Town’s website be referred to the Board of Selectmen who will make a decision on whether or not to include them.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

RECYCLING FACILITY:  Rick Cooper advised that a “Notice of Intent to Prosecute for Trespass” was issued at the Recycling Center.

ERNIE VOSE – RESIGNATION:  The Board of Selectmen received a copy of the letter to the Zoning Board of Adjustment from Ernie Vose announcing his resignation.

VALUATION OF HYDRO FACILITY IN BELLOWS FALLS:  Mr. Miller noted the recent Town of Rockingham/Village of Bellows Falls evaluation on the Hydro Facility in Bellows Falls.  The Chairman will check with the Town of Walpole assessor on the subject.

STANLEY PHELPS DAUGHTER – INQUIRING ABOUT PROCEDURE FOR DISTRIBUTION OF THE BOSTON POST CANE:  Mr. Sawyer advised that the Boston Post Cane goes to the oldest citizen in the Town.  The Board of Selectmen will check with Sandi Smith, Town Clerk, to see if this information is available through that office.  Any one with information is encouraged to contact the Board of Selectmen’s Office to notify them of residents they feel might quality as the oldest citizen in the Town.

MR. PAUL SHAUGHNESSY – REQUEST TO CHANGE NAME OF STREETS:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged a request from Paul Shaughnessy to change the name of streets.  The Town has to comply with the E-911 rules and regulations.  The Board of Selectmen will contact Buck Taylor and send him a copy of the request.

VACATION REQUEST – RICK COOPER:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged a request for vacation time on August 12th, 2006, from Rick Cooper.

PURCHASE ORDER:  Mr. Sawyer signed a purchase order for recycling bags for the Town of Walpole.

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

Catholic Church:  Mr. Sawyer moved that Mr. Miller be authorized to write a letter to the Roman Catholic Diocese to be presented at the next meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.     

Eagle Scout – Tyler Chamberlin:  The Board of Selectmen signed the letter to Tyler Chamberlin relative to his achievement as Eagle Scout.  Mr. Miller was given the letter that he will hand-deliver.

Kristen Tyson:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Kristen Tyson regarding property taxes.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Dana Hemenway:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Dana Hemenway regarding property taxes.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Billiejo Sweeney:  There was a consensus of the Board of Selectmen to pass over the letter to Billiejo Sweeney.

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 10:48 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Friends of the Walpole Town Library President Lyn Cooke reports that volunteers are working weekly now to gather and sort donated books for the October 28 and 29 Library Book sale at Town Hall.  But even MORE books are needed for the effort that annually raises several thousand dollars for library acquisitions for both the Walpole and North Walpole facilities.

So, if you can gather a box of books in good condition in your home and donate it to the sale, you'll feel good about it for several reasons!  If you're interested, call Carol Christian for deatils at 756-3879  CCB

Ed. Note: Thanks to Pam Aslinger, here are the minutes of the Auust 8 Planning Board meeting.

Town of Walpole

Walpole, NH  03608

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

August 8, 2006  7:30PM Town Hall

MINUTES

Members Present:  Jeff Miller, Ch., Bob Miller, V-Ch., Eric Merklein, Dave DeCoste, Ben Daviss, Henry Fletcher

Absent:  Sheldon Sawyer, Ray Boas, alt., Fred Dill, alt., Dave Edkins, alt.

Recording:  Pamela Aslinger, Alt., Secretary

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the Sept. 12, 2006 meeting for errors, omissions and corrections.

I.          Meeting opened at 7:35pm.  The Board passed over approval of the July 11, 2006 minutes because copies were not distributed for review.  The minutes will be reviewed at the Sept. 12, 2006 meeting.

II.        Public Hearing for Adoption of the Capital Improvements Program

- Ch. Miller asked if the Board felt more comfortable requesting a Rep. from SW

Reg. Planning Commission come in to go over the Capital Improvements Program in more specific detail before continuing with the Public Hearing and adoption. 

- Ms. Aslinger stated she thought further delay or discussion was not necessary, the document was self-explanatory based on facts gathered by Town departments and prepared with the expertise of the Planning Commission.  She said it had been ready for adoption since 9/2005 and it was time to move forward on it. She said once it was adopted the Board could begin to impose impact fees on developers based on the information contained in the document, without the adoption the Board is restricted on types of fees it can impose.

- It was noted that the document contains a provision by which the Planning Board must review the CIP annually and update the information.

Ch. Miller closed the regular meeting and opened the Public Hearing.  (Note:  one citizen was present in the audience)

- Ch. Miller called for questions and comments.

­- Mr. Merklein said he understood from a conference he attended, imposing impact fees on developers based on the CIP was very precise and contained very specific criteria.  He asked if the Town of Walpole, like several other Towns in NH, were to float a bond in order to purchase prime land areas in Town, could the CIP be used to impose fees to help the Town pay off the bond? 

- Ch. Miller and others agreed, the CIP identifies Town services only.  Fees would be related to services that are impacted by a larger scale development.

Hearing no further comments Ch. Miller closed the Public Hearing and reopened the regular meeting.

- Ch. Miller called for a vote to adopt the Capital Improvements Program as prepared by the South West Regional Planning Commission.

- Mr. DeCoste so moved, seconded by Mr. Merklein, motion passed unanimously in favor.

III.  New Business - Preliminary Discusssion

            A.  Virginia Foote of Wm. Lawrence Associates representing George Fitzpatrick and Meadowsend Timberlands regarding a Lot Line Adjustment located on the Walpole, Surry and Alstead Town lines, involving a 2 acre parcel to be annexed to Mr. Fitzpatrick’s parcel in Alstead.  The purpose is for Mr. Fitzpatrick to own the 2 acre ledgetop for recreational uses and views.  The 2 acre piece would be taken from a 137 acre track of land owned by Meadowsend Timberlands located near Barnett Hill Map 6 Lot 21 in Walpole.  The 2 acres would then be added to Mr. Fitzpatrick’s lot located at Map 67 Lot 10A in Alstead by removal of the Alstead Town Line, actually taking the land from Walpole and adding it to Alstead.

- The Board concurred that a simple lot line adjustment would not be appropriate since the line being moved is a Town Boundary.  The Board agreed that a separate lot of record for the 2 acre parcel would need to be created thereby maintaining the Town Boundary. 

- Mr. Fletcher noted that in order to create the lot, a subdivision would be required however the new lot would not meet the 200 feet road frontage requirement for subdivision in the Timberland District.  He said he would support a change to the ordinance allowing subdivisions on back lands to be allowed without road frontage and thought it was needed in the Town.

­- Mr. Bob Miller asked if the transaction could be handled through a deed conveyance.

- Members determined the proposal would require a minor subdivision with wording added to the 2 acre lot stating it is “unbuildable or non-buildable”.  The Board agreed that a variance would be needed to waive the 200 ft. road frontage requirement before a subdivision could be applied for and directed Ms. Foote to contact Myra Mansouri, Vice Chairman of the Zoning Board for scheduling.  Sec. Aslinger will forward a copy of these minutes to Ms. Mansouri.

VI.       Other Business

Miscellaneous - Ch. Miller stated he was concerned over the situation on Rte. 12 next to the Veterinarian Clinic.  He said it appeared to be a commercial operation in an agricultural zone.  He said he thought a recommendation was in order, to have the owner seek a special exception to operate.  At one point there were 12 vehicles and equipment being marketed for sale, he thought it was inappropriate to allow it to continue. 

- Mr. Fletcher said Neil Levesque was the owner of the property and was simply selling off personal vehicles and personal equipment, that he was moving out of the area.

- Mr. Merklein said the issue had been raised at the last Zoning Board meeting, the ZBA was giving the owner an unspecified time allowance to sell the personal items, the ZBA and Board of Selectmen were waiting to see what resulted.

- Mr. Miller said a time limit should be set and did not see a difference from selling personal goods versus Pinnacle View who owns their inventory and markets it for sale.  He said he realized it was not a Planning Board decision but thought the Board should be able to comment, was it a storage area or a junkyard?

­- Mr. Daviss asked if the Town had any firm line on storage, junkyard designations.  The answer was no, the Selectmen have jurisdiction over complaints.

A.  Review of August 22, 2006 work session item.  Mr. Merklein said Ms. Carolyn Russell of the Office of Energy and Planning will be attending the meeting beginning at 7:00 PM (not the usual 7:30PM).  Mr. Merklein had previously attended a seminar she prepared discussing conservation housing.  She will be driving throughout the Town prior to the meeting and has the Ordinances to refer to, to get a feel for the Town.  Her presentation will be approximately 2 hours and will address creative alternatives to standard housing development design.  Mr. Merklein noted the increase in building permits and the growing availability of larger tracts of land due to Hubbard’s downsizing.  The Town should consider preservation of open space by way of creating “conservation corridors” within future developments.

- Ch. Miller stated he has not been a big supporter of cluster type housing design that it leads to higher density, he prefers to see higher value single lot development with a possibility of increasing lot sizes to discourage density, although an attempt to increase lot sizes in the past failed to gain the support of the voters.

- Mr. Fletcher said he would like to see fewer restrictions on the back lands, to encourage people to build well off the roads, thereby reducing the appearance of high density development.  He said he would not like to see large landowners restricted.

- Mr. Aslinger said she thought the timeliness of the presentation was important, it would give the Board some good ideas to incorporate with the update of the Master Plan and regulations.

­- Mr. Merklein said he had asked Ms. Russell at the conference, on behalf of Ch. Miller’s concern, whether these new concepts would stimulate unwanted growth.  She  said it could, but to start planning ahead of future growth rather than wait until it actually happens without alternatives in place.

Other - The Board discussed some areas in Town such as the Potato Barn, former Whitcomb property along Rte. 12, Hubbard holdings, and North Meadow Plaza, regarding future development.  It was noted that the Potato Barn has a new owner interested in repairing the building.  The Whitcomb/Hodgkin’s property on Rte. 12 appears to have an access on Rte. 12 but it is thought that it is only a logging access.  Some members had heard it was being subdivided into 3 lots with a potential access off River Rd.  A mention made of Berkshire returning to the Board in October or November with new plans and the likelihood of a new Shaw’s supermarket.

- Mr. Merklein asked if any of the Town maps had been located, Sec. Aslinger said she had been through the material in the basement and did not locate the maps.  Ch. Miller asked Mr. Merklein to contact the Planning Commission to provide maps for us.

- Mr. Merklein asked about a provision regarding attendance by members.  He said he wondered if it would be appropriate to remove members that miss more than four meetings.  Ch. Miller said since the Board was elected members could not be removed, as for alternates, since they were alternates and the Board has four it doesn’t seem to be necessary to require them to be present at every meeting.  Ms. Aslinger said the Board in Warner had added a policy to their internal rules to provide for attendance.  It stated that any member missing more than four meetings consecutively would be removed.  She said it became necessary when attendance had become an issue, it was designed to provide continuity, and a way to encourage participation.  Ch. Miller suggested the Board review the membership annually and discuss if alternates are still interested in serving. 

            C.  Discuss Revisions

- Mr. Daviss asked Ch. Miller if there is any set procedure on how to update the Master Plan.  Ch. Miller  He said when his Dad, (Chick Miller) had become Selectmen, his Dad re-initiated the project with an ad-hoc group of citizens, and they are the ones who are responsible for the original document.  Ch. Miller said as far as updating the Plan it is very simply done, involving some marginal costs of updating data, provided by SW Reg. Planning Commission.  He said the Board should decide what sections to update, submit a request to SW Reg. Planning Commission and budget for it in 2007. said when the Master Plan was first proposed the Board held work sessions that were poorly attended, to the point Ch. Miller dropped the project.

- Sec. Aslinger asked if the lawsuits pending had been finalized, Ch. Miller said to contact Selectman Miller for input.  She said a check for the MW Soils engineering study had been received from Berkshire, she will see if MW’s bill has been paid.

- Mr. DeCoste moved to adjourn.  Seconded, meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.

  

 

 

 

 

Ed. Note: Thanks to Acting Secretary Regina Borden and Pam Aslinger, here are the minutes of the July 11 Planning Board meeting. Are these complete or what?

Town of Walpole, NH  03608

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

July 11, 2006 – 7:30 P.M. – Town Hall

Members Present:         Bob Miller, V-Chair; Dave DeCoste, Henry Fletcher, Ben Daviss, Eric Merklein

Absent:                         Regular Members:  Jeff Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

Alternate Members: Fred Boas, Fred Dill, Dave Edkins.

These minutes will be reviewed at the August 8, 2006 meeting in the Town Hall at 7:30 pm.

Notices of the meeting were properly posted.

Roll Call/Designate Alternates:

Bob Miller called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.  He noted that regular members Jeff Miller and Sheldon Sawyer were absent; there were no Alternates present to sit on the Board.

Approve Minutes of May 9, 2006, May 23, 2006, and June 13, 2006 Meetings:

Dave DeCoste moved to approve the Minutes of the May 9, 2006, May 23, 2006, and June 13, 2006, meetings as printed.  Ben Daviss seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion carried.

REVIEW APPLICATION SUBMITTED:

Cellco d/b/a Verizon Wireless – Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit – to construct a Personal Wireless Services Facility ie; a 134 foot guyed telecommunications tower located at 32 Mountain View Rd. in North Walpole, Map 27, Lot 11, owned by Frank S. Brown, Jr. and Mark Brown in the Industrial District.  The purpose of the tower and facility is to create a new site to service Verizon and other carriers as needed.  The existing tower at the same location is at capacity. 

It was noted that all application materials, fees, etc. had been received, and that all abutters were properly notified.  There were no abutters present at this meeting.

Close Meeting / Open Public Hearing:

An application for a Site Plan Review for a proposed new 134-foot telecommunications tower was brought forth during the June 13, 2006, Planning Board meeting.  Kermit Zerr, from McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, as the Agent to Verizon and Ken Kelley, Site Acquisition Consultant to Verizon, were present at this meeting.  Mr. Kerr distributed copies of information on the existing power and capacity and the inventory of existing 150’ guyed communications tower.  The existing tower is almost up to capacity.  They have now presented a plan to use that same site and put another guyed tower there that would provide access for Verizon Wireless and their equipment as well as capacity for other carriers to be able to co-locate on that tower.  The new tower will be slightly shorter than the existing tower of 150-feet.  Additional copies of coverage maps were distributed and reviewed.  It will provide good coverage in Walpole but because of topography this signal will not cover every area and corner; there are some areas that are not well covered   At the last meeting Mr. Kelley stated that Walpole may need a smaller third tower in the south part of the town.  There is still a gap that they might want to fill eventually.  Mr. Zerr displayed a map of what the coverage area would look like without the tower.  It is an existing facility, the tower will sit on a large tract of land.  The existing chain link fence will be expanded to include an additional equipment shelter, an ice bridge will be constructed on the new tower connecting to the equipment shelter and existing access; the same roadway to the site will 

be used.  They do not intent to expand any more than they have to.  Mr. DeCoste asked what the distance is between the two towers.  Mr. Zerr said about 50-feet; they tried to put it on a flat area, the terrain there dictated the location of the tower.  From an elevation prospective, the new tower sitting along the existing tower is a little shorter.  Coming from the south part of town you might not even notice that there are two; one is sitting in back of the other.  There will be no lights and there aren’t any on the existing tower.  Mr. Daviss asked what the time line for construction is for the tower.  Mr. Kelley responded that they would like to build the tower before winter and, after other sites are lined up, hope to have the full system running by next year. 

Robert Jasse asked about the horizontal arms.  Mr. Kelley said they do not want to go any higher than what is there, then the others will line-up.  He explained how the antennas work together; there are arms that support the antennas.  It will be similar to what is there now.  Mr. Jasse questioned the competitors.  Mr. Kelley said Nextel is up there now and there are other carriers.  Each carrier transmits on their own frequency.  There are coverage issues and capacity issues but right now they are dealing with area coverage and trying to fill in the gaps.  They have to comply with federal mandates. 

Henry Fletcher noted that Sheldon Sawyer had a concern with taxation.  Mr. Kelley noted that there was a question of who owns what on the present site.  They are doing whatever they can to assist.  Mr. Brown, property owner, wants to resolve these questions.

Close Public Hearing / Reopen Meeting: 

Mr. Miller closed the Public Hearing and reopened the regular meeting at 7:58 pm.

Mr. Miller advised that the application appears to be complete.  An email received from Buck Taylor to Jeff Miller was read by Mr. Miller for the record.  Mr. Miller noted that there seem to be more positives than negatives.  Mr. Fletcher noted the presence of Bob McCormack of North Walpole and asked if he had any comments.  Mr. McCormack reported that after this Planning Board takes action on the application Verizon representatives have to contact him.  He wants to make sure that they comply with the FCC regulations, proof of enclosure and insurance. Mr. McCormack left a North Walpole book with the Verizon representatives to give them an opportunity to review the regulations as he cannot issue a permit without completion of an application for a Village of North Walpole Permit.  

Action on application submitted:

Mr. DeCoste moved to accept this application from Cellco d/b/a Verizon Wireless as complete.  Mr. Merklein seconded the motion.  Mr. Fletcher amended the motion to include that this approval be subject to their compliance with the North Walpole regulations.  With all in favor, the motion and amendment were carried.    

Request for Waivers:

Mr. Daviss made reference to the request for Waivers that seem reasonable. 

Balloon Test:  Mr. Daviss does not feel that we need to require this.

Driveway Permits:  The site and access road have been in existence for a number of years.

Height:  Mr. Daviss would approve a waiver of the 100-foot high requirement because they are putting up a 134-foot tower that is next to an existing 150-foot tower.  If it was standing alone he would have some reservations.  It is basically the same view.  Mr. Merklein does not have a 

problem with the height, there is no noise or light from the existing tower.  Most people do not even know it is up there. 

Mr. Daviss moved to grant the Waivers.  Mr. Merklein seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

Mr. Daviss moved to grant final approval to the application.  This is subject to the approval from the Village of North Walpole.  Mr. Merklein seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion was approved. 

Close Meeting / Open Public Hearing:

Capital Improvements Program – Final Draft 9/2005 prepared by the SW Region Planning Commission and authorized by Town Vote 2005.  The CIP is a planning tool, an analysis of past spending and future spending by municipal department heads from 1999-2011.

Action on Capital Improvements Plan:

 There was a consensus of the Planning Board to wait until there are more members present.  It was tabled until the next meeting.

New Business:  Preliminary Conceptual Consultations:

Jim Mort – 3 lot subdivision, Brewery Road.  Mr. DiBernardo representing: 

It was noted that neither Jim Mort or Mr. DiBernardo were present at this meeting.

Other:

Review Agenda Items for August 8, 2006, meeting:

Housing Study:  Office of Energy and Planning:  Mr. Merklein attended a symposium that dealt with population and housing.  He talked with Jeff Miller about it last week.  Mr. Merklein feels this Board needs more education to learn how to plan and deal with housing.  He proposed that the Planning Board have a working session on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2006, and invite members of the ZBA and Conservation Commission to work with the Planning Board so we are all prepared.  Someone from the Office of Energy and Planning will come to work with us at no charge; they will bring the material.

Mr. Merklein moved to contact Carolyn Russell of the Office of Energy and Planning to meet with us on Tuesday, August 22nd, for a working session.  Mr. Miller seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Master Plan:   Mr. Daviss suggested including a review of the Master Plan for the August 8th meeting agenda.

Ordinance/ Regulation Updates:  There was a consensus to work on Ordinance regulation up-dates during the August 8, 2006, meeting.

Levesque Property:  Mr. Jasse brought up the subject of the vehicles and equipment for sale on the Levesque property.  Mr. Merklein said he is selling off personal items.  Mr. DeCoste advised that this is an issue for the Board of Selectmen.

Correspondence:

The Planning Board acknowledged receipt of the following correspondence:

1)      A copy of a letter from Martin & Ann Hill to the North Walpole Village District Commissioners Office regarding the Reservoir & Filtration Building – Mountain View Road, North Walpole, NH.

2)      A letter from the State of New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services – Subject: Private Well Testing – Upcoming Seminar on July 25, 2006, beginning at 9:00 am in Concord.  If anyone would like to attend, the registration form will need to be completed.

3)      A copy of a letter and brochure from Jeffrey H. Taylor & Associates outlining the planning services available through them.

4)      A memo from the Office of Energy and Planning regarding a Land Use Regulation Database Survey. 

Adjourn Meeting: 

Mr. Merklein made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  Mr. Miller seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:40 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Acting Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, may be found in the minutes of the August 8th, 2006, Planning Board meeting.)

 

        

 

 

 

 

                                

 

Thanks to Pam Aslinger, here it is...

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

August 8, 2006  7:30PM Town Hall

Revised Agenda

I.          Open Meeting

            A.  Roll Call/Designate Alternates

            B.  Approve minutes 7/11/06 meeting

            C.  Other

II.        Close Meeting/Open Public Hearing

            A.  Capital Improvements Program - Rescheduled Hearing of Final Draft 9/2005 as prepared by the Southwest Reg. Planning Commission on behalf of the Planning Board and by Town Vote in 2005. 

III.       Close Public Hearing/Re-open Meeting

IV.       Action on CIP - Adopt/Ammend/Delay

V.        New Business - Preliminary Conceptual Consultations

            A.  Virginia Foote of Wm. Lawrence Assoc. representing George Fitzpatrick aka

            Meadowsend Timberlands regarding a Lot Line Adjustment located on Walpole,

            Surry and Alstead Town lines, involving 2 acres.

            B.  Other

VI.       Other Business

            A.  Review items for August 22, 2006 work session to be held at 7:00 pm in the

            Town Hall re:  Housing Study and NH Office of Energy and Planning

            B.  Review items for September 12, 2006 meeting.

            C.  Discuss revisions to Master Plan, Zoning Ordinances, Subdivision and Site

VII.            Communications and Miscellaneous

            A.  OEP Planning and Zoning Conference

            B.  Other

VIII.            Adjourn Meeting

Posted:  Town Hall, Lobby, Burdick’s Market, thewalpolean.com

Cc:  All PB members, ZBA ch., Select’s Office, Town Clerk

 

 

                       

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JULY 27, 2006

Selectmen Present:            Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, (Absent: Sheldon Sawyer)

Mr. Aldrich opened the meeting at 7:30 P.M. with three people present in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

DUNCAN WATSON – PETITION FOR LIMITED ACCESS ON COLD RIVER ROAD:  Duncan Watson explained that they have an intolerable situation with traffic as the result of the bridge being out on Route 123.  He talked with his neighbors and presented two Petitions – one Petition signed by thirteen residents of the Walpole/Drewsville part of the road and the second Petition signed by six residents of the Langdon part of the road.   Copies are attached for the record.  Mr. Watson distributed copies of the Town of Hanover “Traffic Calming Program” for the Board of Selectmen and Jim Terrell to review.  He counted 50 vehicles going by his property one morning and many were going 50-60 miles per hour.  It is a safety hazard.  Samantha Watson said she does not even like to ride her bike on the road any more as she is afraid.  Her sister almost got hit.  Some options might be a one-half road closure, a sign for “Local Traffic Only” or maybe a “Children At Play” sign and enforcement.  Mr. Watson is asking for temporary measures only because when the bridge is erected the traffic flow will once again change.  Mr. Aldrich would like to have some input from Jim Terrell and a full Board present before any decisions are made.  Mr. Watson said if they do not do something about this there will be a tragedy.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $24,434.49.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved to approve the supplemental Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $170.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

HOOPER MANSION:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the bill from the Royal Glass & Security Company in the amount of $157.00 for three months security monitoring of the Hooper Mansion.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending July 22, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $20,027.57 or gross wages in the amount of $12,377.57.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,691.43.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the transfer of funds in the amount of $500,000 from the Savings Bank of Walpole to the MBIA.  The Chairman is authorized to sign the transfer documents.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- JULY 20, 2006:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of July 20, 2006, with the following correction:  page 1-under Lafayette Mobile Home- change Mr. Johnson “is” to “was” a member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the Board of Selectmen’s Public Hearing of July 20, 2006, with the following correction:  change “Southwest Regional Planning Commission” to “Southwestern Community Services”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the Executive Session of the Board of Selectmen meeting of July 20, 2006, as printed.  The Minutes will be sealed as they contain information on personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed the minutes of the following meetings:  1) North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners – July 18, 2006 and July 25, 2006; and 2) Zoning Board of Adjustment – July 19, 2006.

BUILDING PERMITS:

WELDON SMITH – MAP 016-006-MH5:  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-039 for Weldon Smith to construct a 10’x 12’ shed on Hogan Lane.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

TIM AND KARIN WILLIAMS – MAP 003-012-009:  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-41 for Tim and Karin Williams to construct a 14’ x 20’ deck on Whipple Hill Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

GEORGE AND SHEILA TSITSONIS – MAP 015-005-003:  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-41 for George and Sheila Tsitsonis to construct a second floor and garage on Old Drewsville Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

COLD RIVER ADVISORY COMMITTEE:  Mr. Miller moved to pass over the appointment to the Cold River Advisory Committee until a full Board is present.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

ELAINE MOORE – VACATION TIME – FAIR:  Elaine Moore was previously given permission to take next week off as vacation time but she will now only take Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off. 

LAND BETWEEN THE TOWN HALL AND CATHOLIC CHURCH:  When the new steps and ramp were constructed on the south end of the Town Hall there was an agreement between the Town and the Diocese.  Mr. Miller recommended that the Board of Selectmen do research on the Deed to make sure that the Title is clear. 

NEW BUSINESS:

HIGHWAY SAFETY GRANT APPLICATION:  Mr. Miller moved to have the Chairman sign the “Walpole Regional DWI Saturation Patrols” grant document in the amount of $360.00 for the Police Department.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted. 

CHIEF HEWES VACATION TIME:  Police Chief Hewes request for vacation time was passed over because he no longer will take it at this time.

MUNICIPAL LAW LECTURES:  A brochure was received on the 31st NH Municipal Law Lecture Series to be given by the Local Government Center.  A copy will be forwarded to both the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

ATTORNEY JEREMY HOCKENSMITH:  Mr. Miller moved to approve and sign the letter to Attorney Jeremy Hockensmith confirming that the Boston and Maine Railroad has not completed the work in the North Walpole tunnels.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

SAM JACOBS:  Mr. Miller moved to approve and sign the letter to Sam Jacobs thanking him for making arrangements for the Board of Selectmen to hold their July 20th meeting in the North Walpole Elementary School.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

The Board of Selectmen recessed their regular meeting at 8:55 P.M. to meet as the Trustees of the Hooper Fund.

TRUSTEES OF THE HOOPER FUND:

HOOPER MANSION:  Richard High was present to advise that the Hooper Institute is now painted and looks beautiful.  He questioned when the Hooper Mansion will be done.  Mr. Miller explained that a letter will be written to the Brattleboro Painting and Carpentry Service to authorize them to do some carpentry work in addition to the painting on the Hooper Mansion.  Hopefully, they will be able to begin the job soon.

The Board of Selectmen resumed their regular meeting at 9:00 P.M.

Mr. Miller moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:04 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Regina Borden

Opinion: The following news story that appeard in yesterday's Eagle Times reports, in my opinion, a disaster for our local high school.  Unless the contract situation for the teachers AND the support staff is resolved soon and on a reasonable basis, it may be the first of additional critical losses for the school and the towns that support it.  Losing highly qualified teachers of any kind, especially science teachers, is a serious blow to our students.  And replacing them with less qualified, or even unqualified, permanent substitues, as seems likely to happen, strikes me as a sad comentary on the low priority we put on our educating our children for life in the 21st century.  CCB

8-6-06 

Departing Fall Mountain Science Teachers Speak Out

By Charles C. Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            Highly experienced Fall Mountain Regional High School science teachers Susan Smith and Mike Sanborn, frustrated with no contract and no raises for more than three years, have signed contracts to teach at other schools beginning later this month and leaving Fall Mountain to scramble for science teachers just weeks before school starts.

            “I left,” said Susan Smith this week, “because I felt for the last couple of years that the School Board has not respected the teachers at Fall Mountain nor have they encouraged the community to respect the teachers. I just got tired of fighting for the respect we deserve rather then focusing on teaching the children.”

            Smith, 54, has taught at Fall Mountain for six years, mostly working with freshmen in earth science and environmental studies.  Prior to coming to Fall Mountain, she earned a Masters degree and was a research scientist on global science change at Colorado State University.  Beginning later in the month, Smith will teach earth science at Daisy Bronson Middle School in Littleton, NH.

            “I was reluctant to leave because I loved my job.  It was really, really difficult to leave Fall Mountain.  I love the teachers, I love the students and I love the parents.  But,” Smith concluded, “it is too much to ask teachers to do what we do without fair compensation or respect.”

            Smith will be paid a new salary of $44,250 in Littleton (compared to her Fall Mountain salary of $33,500) and will be expected to pay 17% of the cost of its HMO medical program, the same percentage that the state fact finder recommended but Fall Mountain district voters rejected last March.  And, because Littleton has an existing contract, she will be eligible for salary increases in the future.

            “I was really hoping I could stay at Fall Mountain,” she said, “but…”

            Mike Sanborn had even deeper roots in Fall Mountain, having been in the first class to attend the high school for four full years.  The Claremont resident had taught biology, anatomy and physical sciences at Fall Mountain since 1997.  Before entering teaching, he had served in the U.S. Army, as a Claremont police officer, and as the Claremont water/sewer superintendent.  He has a Masters degree in business management and a second Masters in environmental science with a teaching certificate from Antioch New England in Keene.

            “I was getting a clear message [at Fall Mountain] that if I thought I could get a better offer, I should look somewhere else,” said Sanborn.  “There was increasing hostility to the teachers at Fall Mountain, and I’m not someone who enjoys continuing conflict.”

            Sanborn is moving to Newport (NH) Middle High School where he will teach physical sciences and earn a salary of $41,750, compared with $37,500 at Fall Mountain. He notes that he has also received a $3,000 payment for not being in Fall Mountain’s health care plan, “but the way they were going after the health care plan [at Fall Mountain], I doubted that I would have the compensating payment for very long.”  Sanborn will also be eligible for salary increases at Newport unlike teachers’ staying in Fall Mountain schools without a contract.

            What does the Fall Mountain principal think about these faculty losses?  Principal Tom Ferenc told the Eagle Times Thursday that “Susan and Mike were integral parts of our team and respected educators.  Losing such people is not uncommon in our field.  You can’t really prepare for it.  You hope for the best.”

            Ferenc said that the district is advertising the two openings and seeking applicants in several ways including word of mouth among school administrators, teachers, etc.  “Generally, we look for educators in the science field who can step in. Qualification is the issue now.  With just a few weeks before school starts, the most likely candidates will be kids just out of school.”

“We will seek to fill the positions with people who have some science background such as in physical science.  If that doesn’t work out, we will have to begin the year with permanent substitutes.”  Ferenc noted that, if he has to begin the year with substitutes in the science classrooms, the search would be ongoing for qualified full-time teachers.

            With respect to the contract impasse that motivated Smith and Sanborn to leave, Ferenc said, “it is the elephant in the room.  It’s a statewide, even national, problem in our industry.  The way we’re funded in New Hampshire is the crazy thing.  It’s larger than our school board, and it needs to be remedied on many levels.”

                                    --30--

 

           

Ed. Note:  Here's a GREAT idea from Jackie Caserta, innkeeper at Inn at Valley Farms!

2nd Annual Inn at Valley Farms “Movie Night Under the Stars”

Join us for an evening of old-fashioned fun! Sit on hay bales (or bring your
own blanket or chair) and watch great cinema projected on the side of our
century-old barn surrounded by neighbors and friends under the stars!

Sunday, August 13th (Rain date: Sunday, August 20th)

7:30 pm - Join us for desserts and conversation. We’ll start the projector
rolling at dusk with classic cartoons and the movie will begin at 9:00 pm.
Freshly popped popcorn, drinks, and our nearly famous homemade cookies
provided.

This year’s movie: The Princess Bride - Robin Wright and Cary Elwes star in
this fairytale adventure about a beautiful princess and the gallant hero who
rescues her from an evil villain. The film also stars Fred Savage, Peter
Falk, Billy Crystal and Andre the Giant. Rob Reiner's 1987 film is a simple
story about the search for true love that will touch your heart and tickle
your funny bone. Said to be a gem to behold and a classic for all ages.

Open to the public. Bring a dessert (finger type) to share if you can.

DON’T MISS THIS GREAT FAMILY EVENT!

The Inn at Valley Farms is located at 633 Wentworth Road just 3 1/2 miles
from the center of town and just past the back entrance to Alyson's Orchard.

Inn at Valley Farms Bed & Breakfast and Cottages
633 Wentworth Road
Walpole, NH 03608
603/756-2855
603/756-2865 (fax)
877/327-2855 (for reservations, toll free)
mailto:info@innatvalleyfarms.com
http://www.innatvalleyfarms.com
"Editor's Pick" - Yankee Magazine's 2001 Travel Guide to New England
Walpole - featured in "The Most Beautiful Villages of New England" by Tom
Shachtman

Ed. Note: See below story on Gibby Gay and Dave Durling, shown below, as they prepare for Saturday's 8th Annual Truck Show in Bellows Falls.

8-1-06

North Walpole Men Organize Weekend Truck Show

By Charles C. Bingaman. Contributing Writer

            North Walpole’s Dave Durling and Gilbert Gay expect over 100 trucks at the 8^th annual truck show sponsored by the Green Mountain Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Bellows Falls Union High School.  And it’s free!

            Durling, 77, the original president of the chapter, said Monday “I’ve been involved with trucks for over 40 years, and my dad was involved before that.  In high school I started loading and unloading trucks and did the ‘grease monkey’ stuff on the weekends.”  Durling later spent many years in trucking, primarily on a regional level based out of Bellows Falls.

            Durling, who noted that “we don’t charge our vendors to come and we don’t offer prizes”, stressed that the trucks, some very old, some very rare, are quite interesting, and, “you meet all these great people…and everyone’s got a story!”

            Durling himself is busily polishing his three showpieces this week: a 1953 Mack single axel tractor, a 1966 Brockway tractor (manufactured in Cortland, New York), and a 1971 Brockway.  While Durling expects trucks and truck enthusiasts from all New England states to be present, he noted that Chapter president Roger Martin of Bradford, VT will be there with his ’52 Mack and likely his ’34 International and that Chapter secretary Jan Phelan of Perkinsville, VT will likely have her ’66 Chevy pickup on display.

            A number of vendors selling truck t-shirts, truck toys and truck parts are expected, and refreshments will be available.  Information on the American Truck Historical Society is available at www.aths.org. 

                                                --30--

        

Ed. Note: For some technical reason beyond me, the poem that Walpolean subscriber Pam Bernard posted this a.m. lost its formatting in her Comment. We thought you might like to see it as it was intended...

Facing It
    —Yusef Komunyakaa

My black face fades,
 hiding inside the black granite.
 I said I wouldn’t,
 dammit: No tears.
 I’m stone. I’m flesh.
 My clouded reflection eyes me
 like a bird of prey, the profile of night
 slanted against morning. I turn
 this way–the stone lets me go.
 I turn that way–I’m inside
 the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
 again, depending on the light
 to make a difference.
 I go down the 58,022 names,
 half-expecting to find
 my own in letters like smoke.
 I touch the name Andrew Johnson;
 I see the booby trap’s white flash.
 Names shimmer on a woman’s blouse
 but when she walks away
 the names stay on the wall.
 Brushstrokes flash, a red bird’s
 wings cutting across my stare.
 The sky. A plane in the sky.
 A white vet’s image floats
 closer to me, then his pale eyes
 look through mine. I’m a window.
 He’s lost his right arm
 inside the stone. In the black mirror
 a woman’s trying to erase names:
 No, she’s brushing a boy’s hair.

Here is the text of the article that appeared yesterday in the Eagle Times on Walpole's plans for an expanded war memorial to be dedicated on the Common next Memorial Day.  CCB

7-27-06

Walpole Veterans Creating New War Memorial

By Charles C. Bingaman, contributing Writer

            Walpole veteran Bruce Martin has been chosen by members of American Legion Post #77 to spearhead fund raising, research, design, and construction of a new war memorial to be dedicated on Memorial Day, 2007 on the Common.  He is being assisted by fellow veterans Clarence Houghton and Randall Daniels, and by project researchers Jan Martin, Shirley Swain, Betty Prentiss and Kay Long.

            “We want to have some of the World War II veterans that are still living know that we appreciate what they did,” Martin said this week.  “That’s why we’re pushing to have it completed by next Memorial Day.”

            Mr. Martin originally proposed a new memorial to all veterans since 1940 to the town Selectmen.  The Selectmen liked the idea, but they wanted to include all veterans from the Revolutionary War through to the present day.  They also said that they wanted to “dress up the Common” by refurbishing the two cannons that now flank the World War I Memorial.  With their suggestions and support, the committee is enthusiastically moving ahead with the project.

The monument itself will be a curving set of seven solemn slabs of Barre granite with names of veterans listed randomly based on dates of service.  It will replace the monument to World War I veterans that is currently on the Common and incorporate those names in the new monument.  The cannons currently flanking the WWI monument will be refurbished by Stu Bailey of Walpole and reset at the ends of the new monument.  The new monument will be roughly five feet tall with names high enough and large enough for easy reading.  Bill Sudsbury has volunteered his expertise in site preparation for the monument.

            Initial research revealed a list of veterans in the 1963 History of Walpole that forms the core of the research effort.  Martin has also obtained additional names from the State Adjutant General’s Office for the Korea and Vietnam conflicts.  The NH State Division of Archives also provided resource documents for the War of 1812.  The major gap to be filled is the period from 1975 to the present time.  “We need the townspeople to help us identify the names of veterans since the Vietnam War”, said Martin.  Eligibility for inclusion is based on two criteria; first, the individual joined the military from Walpole or, second, the person grew up in Walpole, North Walpole or Drewsville and attended Walpole schools (or Bellows Falls in the case of North Walpole students) and subsequently joined the military service.

The researchers have compiled over 800 names of Walpole men and women who served from the Revolution through the Viet Nam war.  Last week the list was posted on the town web site at www.walpolenh.us. While design of the monument is going forward at Rock of Ages in Barre, Vermont, Martin figures he has until Thanksgiving to get the list as complete and accurate as possible when the names will begin to be carved in the granite slabs.

Martin said that the total cost of the project will be approximately $100,000.  Fund raising is underway with nearly 20% of the goal reached to date.  He, Mr. Houghton and Randy Daniels will be concentrating on major gift pledges in the next month.  Meanwhile, contributions from the community are encouraged and will be needed to make the project a reality.  Walpoleans who wish to contribute information on veterans or funds should contact Mr. Martin at 756-3439, or e-mail him at jpmbam@verizon.net.             

Mr. Martin retired as a Colonel in 1985 after a 28-year Army career that included two tours in Viet Nam, two tours in Europe, and other stops in Kansas, Kentucky, the Pentagon and the Army War College.  Mr. Houghton served for more than three years in the Air Force in England and Wales, while Mr. Daniels served at sea on a radar destroyer with the US Navy from 1954-1957.

                                    --30--

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

PUBLIC HEARING

JULY 20, 2006

Selectmen Present:            Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

Whitney Aldrich called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 P.M. in the North Walpole Elementary School.  Barbara O’Brien and Patrick Kiniry, North Walpole Board of Commissioners, were present.  

The North Walpole Board of Commissioners made a proposal to the Board of Selectmen to change Center Street to a one-way street.  The purpose of this Public Hearing is to discuss the proposed change in traffic on Center Street in North Walpole.  Jim Terrell distributed and explained copies of a sketch on how the traffic would flow if this proposal is approved (a copy is attached for the record).  At the intersection of Vine and Center Streets it is blind in both directions; this change would eliminate that.  Locations for “Stop Signs” are also indicated.  Funding for the signs will come out of the Highway budget.  A resident questioned if parking is going to be maintained like it is now on Center Street.  Mr. Terrell responded that he was not going to change the parking just the direction of the traffic.  Mrs. O’Brien explained that each apartment is supposed to have two parking spaces per apartment on their property but there is one building on the end that doesn’t have that many so it is a problem.  There was discussion relative to the Southwestern Community Services apartment building; the driveway is tarred but the question came up as to whether it is a driveway or a fire lane.  When originally renovated it was called a fire lane.  North Walpole Fire Chief Ed Hasselman stated that it is a fire lane but is used for other purposes.  The North Walpole Commissioners agreed to follow-up on this. 

Mrs. O’Brien asked Jim Terrell that when this new road is done that arrows be put along Main Street so cars will not park there; from Bernie Karnacewicz’s fence up.  People wanted that to be an open area because of the traffic and the kids crossing over.  Mr. Sawyer noted that at the present time Mr. Terrell was thinking of putting stones there but, in the future, maybe a fence or some trees would be aesthetically nice but they would have to be budgeted.      

Mrs. Knowles questioned the time table.  Mr. Terrell hopes to have it done before winter; maybe early September. 

There being no other public comment, Mr. Aldrich closed the Public Hearing at 7:22 P.M.  There were approximately eighteen people in attendance.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary