9-27-06

Walpole Grange Launches Leadership Academy

By Charles C. Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            The Walpole Leadership Academy, created by the Walpole Grange and co-sponsored by the Walpole Foundation, the Bridge-Wilson American Legion Post #77, and Women of Walpole, opens October 14 with a seven-month curriculum led by town officials and a full class of 15 participants.

            “Our purpose in creating the Academy,” said Kathy Yardley, president of the Walpole Grange, “is too identify, interest and prepare the next generation of leaders in the town.  We’ve been thrilled with the enthusiastic reception the idea has gotten from young leaders—men and women—in Walpole and from current office holders and others who will be our primary instructors.”

            The Academy opens October 14 with a panel discussion of the business and agricultural economies in Walpole led featuring Vickie Gohl, the entrepreneur behind several Walpole businesses including Ruggles & Hunt, Dave Westover, former president of Clark-Mortenson Insurance and co-founder of the new Walpole Creamery, and Alan Johnson, President of R.N. Johnson Equipment Co.  After that, the Academy schedule includes one Saturday morning and one weekday evening per month. Each session will look at operation of a town office, service or other function that depends on local leadership.  Current town leaders from selectmen to school administrators and board members to the chief of the volunteer fire department will share their experiences and challenges with the group of 15 participants.   Along the way, participants will learn about the rewards and stresses of town offices, the ins and outs of campaigning for office, and the problems current leaders face on a daily basis.

            “One of the purposes of the Grange from the beginning after the Civil War,” notes Ms. Yardley, “has been the strengthening of rural communities, and this program fits right into that purpose.”

            The Walpole Foundation has funded a number of town improvement projects, principally by rehabbing older buildings in the center of the village.  But, according to Foundation administrator Raynie Laware, “We saw this as a great opportunity to serve the community and expect it to make a real contribution over time to Walpole.”

            Bill Hladky, Commander of the Bridge-Wilson American Legion Post #77, said the Post has been watching for opportunities to become more involved in community projects and sees the Leadership Academy as a prime opportunity to serve the town and to foster a deeper knowledge and understanding of local government."

            Civic leadership programs are, of course, common among larger communities and even states in the region and nationally, but, according to Grange officials, they know of none being established in such a small community as Walpole.

                                                --30--

Walpole Historical Society Celebrates Smithsonian Museum Days This Saturday!

     Walpole Historical Society President Susan Vose has announced that, in conjunction with the nationwide Smithsonian Museum Days event, the Walpole Academy Museum and Gift Shop will celebrate this Saturday, September 30, with extended hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

     In 2005, 474 museums and cultural institutions in all 50 states participated in the event.  

    In addition to our recenty renovated building that all Walpoleans should see, our displays include examples from 3 centuries of wedding gowns, paintings of Walpole artists, and Civil War items.  This is the last day of our regular season.  

Minutes—SPECIAL MEETING--25 September 2006.

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

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING MINUTES WILL BE REVIEWED ON 18 October 2006.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.  The first public hearing was deferred as the applicants had not yet arrived.

Continued Public Hearing—LaFayette Variance Request—454 County Road   This hearing was continued from 20 September 2006.  Mr. Webb continues as a voting member. Ms. Mansouri noted that the Board made a site visit to the LaFayette property on Saturday, 23 September at 1:00 PM.  Ms. Weber read measurements taken at that visit into the record.  The septic tank is 5’4” from the edge of the existing mobile home, which is 14’ wide.  From the far side of the mobile home to the Mack’s well is 70’7” so the approximate distance from the Macks well to the septic tank is about 90 feet.  From Peter Graves’ well to the leach field is approximately 79 feet.  Ms. Weber also verified with Mr. Poisson, speaking for Mr. LaFayette, that the width of the proposed modular home is 28 feet, and the 23 feet in the application is a typographical error.  Ms Mansouri read for the benefit of the public Mrs. Mack’s letter to the Board dated 17 September 2006, and Attorney Kenyon’s letter to the LaFayettes dated 29 June 2006.

  Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said her husband is a licensed septic installer, and he says that federal and state regulations require a septic tank to be 5’ from the edge of a foundation, and 10’ if a footer drain is installed.  The Department of Environmental Services Subsurface Bureau was contacted, and they confirmed these requirements.  Mr. Poisson clarified for the benefit of Ms. Weber that the string line seen at the site visit represented the setback requirement, not the location of the new dwelling.  If the back line variance is allowed, the edge of the new dwelling would be where the edge of the current mobile home is.  If the front variance is allowed, the new dwelling will be less than 5’ from the septic tank.  Mr. Britton said there is a hardship with respect to this lot.  Ms. Mansouri and Mr. Laclair asked about the possibility of moving the house site 20 feet or so north so the septic tank is not a problem.  It was noted that the property drops off in that direction so that the foundation would have to be raised. 

  Mr. Britton said that if the house was moved back to 12’ from the Macks’ line, then the septic tank would not be an issue.  Mr. Poisson said they were not considering that as an option, as it would cause even more problems with the neighbors.  He suggested asking DES to waive the 5 foot requirement, and reiterated the 5’ requirement would be preserved if the rear variance were granted, allowing him to use the existing portion of foundation, about 17 feet from the Macks’ line.  Mr. LaClair said that 4’ over a 60’ run is not that much to build up a foundation if the building were shifted.  Mr. Britton noted that it would still need significant fill to get an adequate drop for the septic.  Peter Graves spoke for the Macks and said they were still not in agreement to anything closer to 20 feet from their line, and they would like that setback preserved.  Mr. Britton pointed out the hardship with respect to the slope of the lot, something we consider regularly in granting variances.  Mr. Graves said it was for the Board to determine, but there is no need to be closer than 20 feet to the Macks’ property.  Ms. Weber asked if we could grant the variance from 65 foot  requirement to the center line of the center line of the highway, preserving the 20 foot setback in back, and leave the LaFayettes to see if DES will allow the installation.  Mr. Poisson said that that the front variance would still leave one foot between the building and the septic tank, and he thought that the Department could be dealt with.

  Ms. Mansouri asked when the LaFayettes would cease using the Macks’ well.  Mr. Poisson said that the new well will be hooked up when the excavation is done for the foundation.  He expects completion within 60 days.  Mr. Westover asked if this lot has had previous variances granted, and each required a finding of hardship, how many hardships are the Board going to consider?  Ms. Weber said we have to consider each application on its own merits.  Mr. LaClair asked if there is now an agreement about the location of the back line, and Mr. Poisson said there is.  Mr. Webb asked if the well is the water source for the Macks’ house.  Mrs. Mack said it is her backup water source.  The LaFayettes’ use of the well restricts her ability to use it to water her garden.  Mr. Mack said the well is 10’ from the property line.  Mr. Webb asked about the septic tank. Mr. Poisson said they will have to deal with DES if the front variance is used.  Mr. Webb said the Macks are the best judge of problems with their use of their property if the building is less than 20 feet from their line.  The front variance has the problem with the septic tank.  The third option, moving the site 20 feet north,  will require fill.  He doesn’t think the state will allow the foundation so close to the septic tank.  Mr. Poisson suggested we grant the front variance, and they will check with the state, and if they won’t allow it, they will move the house 20 feet north.  Ms. Mansouri suggested we recess the hearing, have the LaFayettes call DES and get permission, and then we can decide the matter.  Mr. Poisson said that Mr. LaFayette would agree to move the house 20’ to the north.  Mr. Graves asked if there would be new drawings so we could ensure the house wasn’t being moved in several different directions, and is there some way of verifying that the 20 foot rear setback could be preserved.  Ms. Weber said we can make preservation of  the 20’ setback a requirement, so if there were any question, the selectmen, who have enforcement authority, could be asked to verify the measurements.

  Mr.Webb said that the sketches of the land within the setbacks indicated there was a bit more wiggle room if the house were moved north, and in that location it might not even need a variance.  The point is that they should have measured the space within the setbacks so they knew what they were dealing with.  Mr. Poisson said that in April, they thought they complied with all the setbacks and got a valid building permit.  It was not til they got Mrs. Mack’s communication that they knew they had a problem with the setbacks.  Mr. Webb said he still thinks that if the site is moved 20’ north, they might not need a variance.  Mr. Britton said getting closer to the road is not good, as it is getting more and more traffic.  Ms. Mansouri said the situation is so contentious, she believes the Macks’ feelings must be taken into consideration.  Ms. Weber said she was not comfortable dealing with a new location without a specific map.  Mr. Carignan asked if the septic tank could be moved, could we approve the front variance as set out specifically in Plan B.  Ms. Weber said she would agree with that.  Mr. Webb said he still thinks moving the house north would require less of a variance.  He agrees with Ms. Weber that if we had a new plan, people with concerns could see what was proposed. He said we need some more time.  Mr. Graves asked if we were going to vote on the two proposals that were already before the Board.  Mr. Poisson asked that we act on the front variance  subject to DES approval or table the matter so they can produce a new drawing, rather than dismissing or voting down the proposal, to avoid having to re-notice a new application.  Ms. Mansouri said she would like either a letter from DES approving the front variance site, or a new plan showing the house site if it is moved 20 feet.  Mr. LaClair said we need to be sure we can find distances we can all agree on.  Mr. Britton said the lines were all clear when we did the site visit.  If we do the 20 foot move north, then we need some remeasuring.  Mr. Poisson suggested we table the matter til next Monday night.  Ms. Weber said the Board will need either a letter of approval from DES for the plan already submitted or a plan of the new site.  It was moved and seconded and unanimously voted that the matter be recessed until Monday, 2 October at 7:30 PM in the Town Hall.  Ms. Weber and Mr. LaClair will be unable to attend that meeting.  Ms. Weber noted that Mr. Carignan has participated in all the meetings pertaining to this matter, so he could be appointed a voting member, and that a secretary will be needed for the meeting.  The hearing was recessed and will be continued until a Special Meeting on Monday, October 2, at 7:30 PM at the Town Hall for any further testimony and deliberations.

Respectfully submitted,

Lucy McVitty Weber

Minutes—20 September 2006.

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

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING MINUTES WILL BE REVIEWED ON 18 October 2006.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.  The first public hearing was deferred as the applicants had not yet arrived.

  Public Hearing #2—Meadowsend Timberland Variance  Ms. Mansouri recused herself, as she had been involved in the sale of land to Mr. Fitzpatrick.  Ms. Galloway-Leclerc assumed the role of Chair.  Mr. Carignan and Mr. Webb were appointed as voting members.  Virginia Foote, of Lawrence and Associates represented Meadowsend Timberland, Inc. and presented the proposal as follows:  Meadowsend owns 137 +/- acres in the Walpole Timberland District.  The Walpole Town line is a boundary of this property.  Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick own an abutting parcel of land of 20 +/- acres on the Alstead side of the town line. Their property has road frontage on Proctor Road in Alstead and a home already in existence.  Meadowsend is proposing to subdivide a 2.8 +/- acre parcel abutting the Fitzpatrick property to be purchased by the Fitzpatricks.  The Fitzpatricks want this particular property for recreational purposes and views. The subdivision requires a variance because the lot created will have no road frontage in the Town of Walpole.  The Planning Board will not issue a subdivision permit without the variance.  It is agreed by all that the lot will be a non-buildable lot.

  Mr. Sawyer stated there was some disagreement on the Planning Board as to whether a variance was needed, but the parties had all agreed to go ahead with the variance request.  Ms. Mansouri stated her reading of RSA 674:53 that both the Walpole and Alstead Planning Boards will have to consider any annexation of the property.  Mr. Webb expressed his concern that we can say this lot is non-buildable, but what if a future owner wants to build there.  Ms. Weber asked if he would be satisfied if we specify as an express condition of the variance that the lot will not be buildable.  Mr. Webb said he would withdraw that objection and asked where the application before the Planning Board was in the approval process.  Ms. Foote replied that there had been an informal presentation to the Planning Board, but no action could be taken without the variance.  Ms. Galloway-Leclerc noted that the Planning Board minutes also confirmed this will be a non-buildable lot.  Mr. Sawyer noted that the lot will be taxed as an independent Walpole lot.

  Ms. Weber moved that we grant the variance to create a lot with no road frontage to be conveyed to the Fitzpatricks, with the express condition that the lot is a non-buildable lot.  Mr. Carignan seconded the motion.  Ms. Galloway-Leclerc presented the five variance criteria.

  No diminution in value of surrounding properties.  Mr. Webb stated that this resulted only in a change in ownership of the property, therefore there would be no effect on the value of surrounding properties.  All agreed this criterion had been met.

  Benefit to Public Interest.  Ms. Weber reiterated there would be no change in use.  Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said it would be in the public interest to ensure the property would not be developed. Mr. Webb agreed.  All agreed this criterion had been met.

  Denial would result in unnecessary hardship to the owner.   Ms Weber said that if these two properties were entirely within the Town of Walpole, all that would be needed was a simple boundary line adjustment between abutting landowners, which could be handled by the Planning Board as a minor application, and no variance would be required.  The location of the property on the town line is a special circumstance which creates the hardship.  All agreed this criterion had been met.

  Granting the variance would ensure substantial justice.  Ms. Weber said the same argument that applied to the last criterion applied to this criterion as well.  All agreed this criterion had been met.

  Not contrary to the spirit of the ordinance.  Mr. Britton said he agreed this was not contrary to the spirit of the ordinance as long as nothing was built on the lot.  All agreed this criterion had been met.  All voted in favor of granting the variance.  Ms. Galloway-Leclerc informed Ms. Foote that a letter would be sent.

  Public Hearing #1—LaFayette Variance Request—454 County Road   Ms. Mansouri resumed the Chair, Mr. Webb was appointed as a voting member, and Mr. Carignan resumed his role as an alternate member.  The Board members have received two packets of information on this project—three maps from Mr. LaFayettte, and a letter from Mrs. Mack, whose property abuts the LaFayettes’ rear boundary, a letter from Attorney Kenyon to the LaFayettes dated 29 June 2006 on behalf of Mrs. Mack, and a photocopy of a survey prepared for Mrs. Mack.  Mr. Fred Poisson from Charlestown presented the case for Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette.  The LaFayettes are requesting a variance of approximately 3 feet from the setback requirements either in the front or the rear of the property so they can replace the existing 14 x 70 foot mobile home with a manufactured 28 x 56 foot three bedroom house.  Mr. Poisson said the LaFayettes had received a building permit in April, and started foundation work.  In June, they received a cease and desist order from the Selectmen, as a neighbor had complained about violation of the setbacks.  Mr. Poisson explained that on the site plan drawn for the LaFayettes, the foundation is 17.2 feet from the rear boundary .  If the foundation is moved forward, the corner will be within 62.9 feet of the center line of the highway.  In either case, there will be a violation of the setback requirement of about three feet.  The LaFayettes would prefer a variance for the rear boundary as that is where the foundation is currently sited.  There is an existing, state-approved septic system.  Water is currently obtained from an existing well on Mrs. Mack’s property.  Use of this well will be discontinued and a new drilled well, already in existence, will be hooked up as part of the installation of the new structure.  The LaFayettes will not dispute the location of the back boundary at this time.

  Mr. Webb asked if the leach field is already functional.  Mr. Poisson said it was put in 6-8 years ago. Mr. Webb asked about the new well.  It is not in use, but was put in approximately the same time as the septic system.  Mr. Britton asked if there was any mention in the LaFayettes’ deed of rights to the old well.  There is none.  Mr. Britton asked how long the LaFayettes had owned the property.  Mr. LaFayette said since 1996, and the new well and septic system were installed in 1997.  A copy of the septic approval #CA1997000931 was shown to the board, along with a copy of the map recorded at the county office when the property was subdivided in 1977.  Smith and Allen construction of Charlestown installed the septic system.  Mr. Poisson said the old trailer will be removed and transported to his property in Charlestown.  About 20 percent of the foundation is in place.  Ms. Weber asked about the shed on the property.  Mr. LaFayette says it will be moved to a spot within the setbacks.  He said he was willing to give up the ten feet of disputed land.  Mr. Britton asked if all property belonging to the LaFayettes would be removed from the disputed land.  Mr. LaFayette said all he still needed to do is pull the water pump from the well.  Mr. Britton asked if the LaFayettes would give up all rights to the old well.  Mr. Lafayette said he would, and would hook up the new well.  Mr. Jerry Galloway asked the distance from the new artesian well from the septic tank.  Mr. Lafayette said it was more than 75 feet.

  Mr. Peter Graves, an abutting landowner, spoke for Mrs. Mack, whose property abuts the rear line.   He said that Mrs. Mack had been there since 1967.  Her husband, John Graves, built her house on the hill.  They set up the original trailer on the LaFayette’s property for his mother, and gave her one third of an acre of land where the trailer was sited and two thirds of an acre on the other side of the road.  The informal agreement was that the land would come back to John Graves when his mother died.  John Graves died before his mother, and when she died, the property went to her son Ned Graves and then from him to the LaFayettes.  The original trailer was 10 x 40 feet and a line was drawn around it to mark the property line.  Mr. LaFayette has been notified many times to stop using the Macks’ well.  He has cut trees on their property.  Matters came to a head when the Macks got an attorney because they were thrown off their own land by Mr. LaFayette.  They are requesting that the LaFayettes not be allowed to build within the 20 foot setback from the Macks’ land.

  Ms. Cindy Westover, also an abutter, said she did not see how, on such a small lot, there could be adequate distance between the drilled well, the septic tank, the leach field, and Mrs. Mack’s well.  All these distances need to be marked out on an application for a building permit.  She would recommend the Board make a site visit.  Mr. Britton asked if Mr. LaFayette would entertain a site visit.  Mr LaFayette said he has state approval for the siting of the well and septic system and there is 75 feet from each well to the septic.  Dan McPhearson of Charlestown designed the system.  Mr. Britton asked if that was a no on the site visit.  Mr. Poisson said he does not see the need for a site visit, and time was passing for the building season.  Mr. Britton asked if a site visit soon would be a solution.  Mr. Webb said he was not sure how the various elements were relevant.  Was Ms. Westover saying that the state did not adequately consider the distances when it gave its approval?  Mr. Webb asked asked if the drilled well was in place when the leach field was placed.  Mr. LaFayette said it was.  Mr. Webb asked the distance from the old well to the septic.  Mr. Poisson said you could see at least 64 feet from the drawing.  Mr. Sawyer went to find the septic design plan submitted to the town.

  Ms. Mansouri asked if there were further comments from the floor.  Mr. Jerry Galloway said the credibility issue has arisen time and again, and the Board needs to look at this lot and the one across the road.  Peter Graves has a well across the road which cannot be used because of the debris on the LaFayette lot.  Mr. Webb said that a site visit might be of general interest to the Board, but the requirements are pretty cut and dried.  Mr. Galloway said the Board has the power to turn down the variance request and needs to verify the measurements.  Ms. Westover asked if the septic tank would be located under the new installation.  Mr. Poisson said no, it would be near the edge.

  Mr. Sawyer returned and presented the septic design plan on file with the town.  The plan, which has the location of all three wells, was reviewed by the Board. Concern was expressed that as the new installation is 28 feet wide instead of 14 feet, this may bring the home over the edge of the septic tank.  Ms. Mansouri said that looking at the plans and proposals, the new width of the home requires a site visit.  Ms. Galloway-Leclerc moved that the Board make a site visit, Mr. Webb seconded, and all voted in favor.  The site visit will be held on Saturday, 23 September, at 1:00PM on the LaFayettes’ property, 454 County Road.  Mr. LaFayette asked the Board to consider that Mr. Lawrence staked all this out and he is sure there is no problem.  The hearing was recessed until Saturday for the site visit, and then will be continued until a Special Meeting on Monday, September 25, at 7:30 PM at the Town Hall for any further testimony and deliberations.

  New Business:  Walpole Village School Sign, Westminster Street.  Jane Maclachlan and Jody Caskin-Bruzgis presented a proposal to replace the letters on the existing sign on the side of the building with new wooden letters.  They presented photographs to show that very little of the sign would be visible from Route 12 or from neighbors’ houses.  The existing sign is approximately 18 feet long and 2 feet high.  There is concern about taking the sign down because of the bolt holes through the metal siding.  There is also a smaller, existing Long River Gardens sign which they will not be changing.  Mr. Britton said there must have already been a variance proceeding for the original installation.  Ms. Weber said that if the sign was not being changed, there should be no need for a variance proceeding just to change the lettering.  Mr. Webb said he thought this is a grandfathered situation, and asked if the building was now owned by Walpole Village School.  It is.  Mr. Webb moved that we approve the use of the existing sign with new letters or, if needed, a new sign of the same dimensions in the same manner as the existing sign.  Mr. Britton seconded, and all voted in favor.

  Old Business:

  Minutes.  The minutes of the August meeting were approved with the correction of “Cold Rover” to “Cold River.”.

  Gravel Pits.  New evaluation forms were distributed as follows;

            Mr. Carignan and Ms. Galloway-Leclerc—Sawyer

            Mr. Britton and Ms. Mansouri—Cold River (2) and Woods

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

  Tretzler Letter  Ms. Mansouri read a letter sent by Donald and Elsie L. Tretzler dated August 15th, which was received after the last Board meeting.  The letter urged the Selectboard to take action on the AlpacaDance matter.  It was determined that no action could be taken by this Board at this time.  Ms. Mansouri noted that the Planning Board may be proposing new language to define “incidental use.”  Mr. Webb said it was too bad that we no longer have a member who sits also on the Planning Board so we can be kept better informed of their work.

Meeting adjourned at 9:10.  The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 18th, 2006.

Respectfully submitted,

Lucy McVitty Weber

Walpole, NH—September 23, 2006 — The Walpole Village School will host its first annual Benefit Golf Tournament on Saturday September 30th  at 1:00 pm at the Hooper Golf Club in Walpole, NH.  Player registration begins at 12:00.  The school will also host a barbeque following the tournament which will be open to both tournament participants and the general public.  The tournament registration fee is $75 per player which includes 9 holes of golf, dinner and prizes.  Highlighting the event is a hole in one contest sponsored by Durand Toyota-Ford of Bellows Falls.  Non-golfers can purchase barbeque tickets only.  The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 3 – 12.   

This is the school’s first major fundraiser since its July purchase of the former Long River Gardens property on Westminster Street in Walpole for $350,000.  After successfully completing many necessary renovations with the assistance of a large number of volunteers, local businesses, and community members, the school opened for the fall term on September 13th.  “The new building has provided a lot of opportunities for growth,” says Ann Chamberlin, the school’s fundraising chairperson.  “We have had an excellent response from the community for our new after school care and enrichment programs.  Still, we will need to have many excellent fundraising events this year to ensure our long-term success in the new building,” she continues.  The school has set a fundraising goal of $75,000 for its current fiscal year.

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

SEPTEMBER 14, 2006

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

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

CANNONS:  Bruce Martin reported that when he started work on the Memorial the Board of Selectmen directed him to refurbish the cannons as a part of the project.  He has found someone that will do the work free of charge but the cannons will need to be moved to Stu Bailey’s machine shop.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen allow the Highway Department to move the cannons to Stu Bailey’s machine shop for refurbishing and, after the work has been done, to return them to the memorial site.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted. 

JOSH KELLY, GARY SPEED, TERESA KISSELL – TRUST FOR PUBLIC LANDS: 

Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) real estate.  Seconded by Mr. Miller and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion carried.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:42 P.M. 

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement to purchase a Conservation Easement plus six acres and fee simple on the Ballam Farm contingent on Town Meeting approval in 2007.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to apply for a Department of Environmental Services Land Grant.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Vice-Chairman be authorized to sign the Department of Environmental Services Land Grant application.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the formal bidding process whereby Boggy Meadow would have the First Right of Refusal on the restricted farm land.  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 $83,513.74.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending September 9, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $14,891.28 or net wages in the amount of $7,958.84. 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 $3,599.42.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the voided payroll check register for cancelled check No. 28232.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- SEPTEMBER 7, 2006:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of September 7, 2006, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed the minutes of the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners meeting of September 12, 2006.

BUILDING PERMIT:

ROGER AND STACY WILBUR –MAP 003-036-001:  Mr. Sawyer moved to sign Building Permit No. 2006-049 that was approved last week.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

NORTH WALPOLE METERS:  The Board of Selectmen would like to meet with the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners regarding the new meters soon.  They felt that as many Selectmen as possible should attend this meeting.  Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Miller have other commitments for next Tuesday when the Board of Commissioners meet again.  Mr. Sawyer suggested that the Board of Selectmen invite the Board of Commissioners to their next meeting on Thursday, September 21st, at 7:30 pm.

MERRIAM FARMS:  Relative to a request to look at past records from Wiggins and Nourie, attorneys for Merriam Farm, Mr. Miller said they can come to the Town of Walpole to look at the records whenever the office is open.  They will have to check with the Town of Surry to see when they are open. 

DES – APPROVAL FOR REDUCTION IN GAS MONITORING AT LAND:   The Board of Selectmen announced that a letter was received from the Department of Environmental Services to advise that the Town of Walpole can reduce their testing from four times a year to once a year at the landfill.

CELL TOWER ARMS:  Jim Rice prepared the necessary tax bills for each owner of antenna on the University of NH tower and Frank Brown’s tower in North Walpole. 

NEW BUSINESS:

OFFICE CLOSING – TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 20, AND 21ST, 2006:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the request to close the office on September 19, 20, and 21, 2006, for intense training on the new water and sewer meter.  They will be open on Friday that week.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

REQUEST TO ATTEND WELFARE MEETING – OCTOBER 12, 2006:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve having Elaine Moore attend the 2006 Informational Welfare Meeting on Thursday, October 12th, 2006, from 8:00 am to 11:30 am.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted. 

VACATION REQUEST – NO PAY:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the request from Elaine Moore to take October 4, 5, and 6 and October 13 and 16, 2006, off as vacation time with no pay.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

USDA NATIONAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION FUNDING:  Mr. Sawyer reported that there are four locations in the Town of Walpole that were looked at for erosion problems because of the additional funds that are available from the USDA.  This will include taking trees out of streams due to the storms.  The Town’s Road Agent is looking for other areas.  The USDA is holding a meeting on September 30th  This program is three-quarter federal and one-quarter landowner.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MEETING – SEPTEMBER 27, 2006:  The Board of Selectmen received a letter from the Emergency Management Deputy Directors, Larry DeVault and Scott Taylor, that there will be a meeting on September 27th at the Fire Station at 12:00 Noon to up-date the plan.

TOWN HALL DOORS – PRE-PAYMENT:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve a pre-payment in the amount of $1,330.00 to the Old Ways Building Company to repair the east doors in the Town Hall.  The balance of $520.00 will be paid upon completion.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.     

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

NEW ENGLAND POWER ABATEMENT REQUEST:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to the attorneys for the New England Power Company and their Abatement request which confirms a refund of $20,807.00.  This is due to billing for the wrong acreage.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

MR. BICKFORD:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. Bickford.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

RICK COOPER:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Rick Cooper provided that all the documentation is in place.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

ADELPHIA/COMCAST:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Adelphia/Comcast addressing the Adelphia Franchise Agreement with the Town of Walpole.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

HODGKINS & SONS:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Hodgkins and Sons.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

ROBERT L. O’CONNOR:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. O’Connor addressing his complaint.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

JIM RICE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Jim Rice, Granite State Municipal Assessing Services, regarding the Walpole Statistical Update.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn the Board of Selectmen’s meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 10:12 pm.

TRUSTEES OF HOOPER TRUST

E.E. HOUGHTON BILL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve payment of the bill in the amount of $135.00 from the E.E. Houghton Company for repairs at the Hooper Mansion.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR BILL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve payment of the bill in the amount of $50.00 to the Department of Labor for the boiler inspection fee at the Hooper Mansion.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting of the Trustees of the Hooper Trust.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 10:18 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Town of Walpole

Ed. Note: Here are draft minutes of the September 12 Walpole Planning Board meeting courtesy of secretary Pam Aslinger.  Important issues and information here. These minutes will be considered at the next meeting October 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall. CCB

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

September 12, 2006  7:30 Town Hall Basement

MINUTES

Members Present:  Bob Miller, V-Ch., Eric Merklein, Sheldon Sawyer, Ben Daviss,

Ray Boas, alt., Fred Dill, alt., Dave Edkins, alt.

Absent:  Jeff Miller, Ch., Dave DeCoste, Henry Fletcher

Recording:  Pamela Aslinger, Secretary

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the October 10, 2006 meeting for errors, omissions and corrections.

I.            Meeting opened at 7:30. 

A.  Vice-Chairman Bob Miller presiding, designated the alternates as follows:  Fred Dill for Jeff Miller, Ray Boas for Dave DeCoste, and Dave Edkins at 7:45 for Henry Fletcher.

B.  Minutes of July 11, August 8, and August 22 were reviewed for errors, omissions and corrections.  Corrections were made regarding Fred Dill’s attendance and Ray Boas’ name on the July 11, 2006 minutes.  Sec. Aslinger reminded the Board to formally accept applications prior to opening the Public Hearing as wasn’t the case at the July 11 meeting on the Cellco application.  She said she thought it was simply an oversight and wouldn’t result in any challenge.  A motion was made to approve the three sets of minutes with the corrections notated, motion was seconded, motion carried unanimously.

II.        New Business

            A.  Secretary Aslinger provided information she discussed with Ms. Foote on 9/12/06 of Lawrence Associates on behalf of the Fitzgerald/Meadowsend subdivision/annexation located on the Walpole/Alstead Town boundary.  Ms. Aslinger distributed a letter received by the Planning Board dated 8/16/06 from the Fitzpatrick’s lawyer (on file).  The letter was delayed at the Post Office.  The Board officially received the letter on August 31, 2006.  The letter conflicted with the Planning Board’s decision of 8/8/06 requiring the applicants to seek a variance from the ZBA to waive the required road frontage.  The letter referred to RSA 674:53 - Land Affected by Municipal Boundaries, stating a variance would not be required.

Ms. Foote and Mr. Lawrence did not agree with the lawyer’s interpretation.  They felt that the RSA pertains only to someone who already owns both pieces of the property ie;  “an owner of contiguous land…”.  This is not true in the case of the Fitzpatrick’s who are purchasing a separate piece from Meadowsend Timberlands.  The Fitspatrick’s lawyer, the Fitzpatrick’s and Meadowsend all agree with Ms. Foote’s and Mr. Lawrence’s interpretation and agree with the following procedure:

1.  A variance/hearing has been applied for with the ZBA at the 9/20/06 meeting. 

2.  Upon the outcome of the hearing, if granted the applicants will return to the Planning Board with the 2 lot subdivision on behalf of Meadowsend Timberlands preferably at the Oct. 10, 2006 meeting, along with the Public Hearing.  If the subdivision is granted, the Fitzpatrick’s will purchase the lot from Meadowsend Timberlands.

3.  Upon completing the purchase, the Fitzpatrick’s will return to the Alstead and Walpole Planning Boards for annexation of the purchased lot to the Fitzpatrick’s property in Alstead

Sec. Aslinger said the Town boundary would remain in place.  The Fitzpatrick’s would pay the Town of Walpole’s land portion on a separate tax bill.  The annexation does not “give” the Walpole portion to the Town of Alstead, instead the Fitzpatrick’s would own one contiguous parcel bisected by the Town boundary.

A motion was made and seconded to schedule the Fitzpatrick/Meadowsend 2 lot subdivision for formal acceptance, review and a Public Hearing at the October 10, 2006 meeting pending the outcome of the ZBA variance hearing.  The motion allows for Secretary Aslinger to receive the application materials on or before 9/25/06 rather than receiving the materials at tonight’s regular meeting, which is the preference of the Planning Board.

Further discussion:  Mr. Dill reminded the Board about adding a statement to the subdivision plans that states the new lot to be annexed is “non-buildable”.

A vote was called, the motion carried unanimously.

Sec. Aslinger said she would forward a copy of the minutes to Lawrence Associates.

            B.  Peter LeHayes presented the Board with a 3 lot subdivision located on Rte. 12 and North River Road, the Claire Whitcomb Trust, Lot 19, Map 7.  The entire parcel consists of 55.35 acres.  The proposal divides it into 3 lots consisting of 19.7, 17.9 and 17.8 acres with a shared private driveway creating access for each lot beginning at the end of North River Rd.  The frontage requirements are met for each lot on Rte. 12, the parcel is in the Residential A district.

Bob Miller asked if the Town subdivision requirement of dead end streets not being longer than 600 feet applied to this proposal.  Mr. Sawyer said the requirement meant public streets and that the BOS are not accepting new roads at this time.  As long as the access remained private they could issue building permits on it and it can be as long as they want.  Mr. Boas asked about fire protection, whether the applicant would sign a waiver of liability.  Mr. Sawyer said it would not be required since it was not a Class VI road.  Mr. Edkins stated he had worked for Mr. Whitcomb in the past, that he had no interest in the project but noticed that part of the ROW appeared to be on the Horton property.  Sec. Aslinger asked if the total frontage for each lot could be shown.   Mr. LeHayes, so noted, said the maps were preliminary and they would be corrected on the  copies he planned to submit  by  9/25/06.  Sec. Aslinger asked if the Board would consider allowing Mr. LeHayes to submit the application materials on or before 9/25/06 rather than receiving the materials at tonight’s regular meeting, which is the preference of the Board.

A motion was made and seconded to schedule formal acceptance, board review and hold a Public Hearing at the October 10, 2006 meeting pending receipt of the application materials on or before 9/25/06 for the Whitcomb Trust proposal.  Motion carried.

            C.  Joseph DiBernardo of DiBernardo Associates presented a plan on behalf of Marvic Management, LLC, owned by the Castellano’s.  The property is formerly the Cray Trust located in North Walpole on the West side of Rte. 12.  The property includes the former Texaco station, is next to Mr. G’s, consists of 3.5 acres +/- and is bordered by the CT. River.  Four lots are being proposed of .9, .7, .9, .8 acres.  Joe presented two possible configurations for the Board to consider.  Both options create a total of four lots.  He noted North Walpole does not have frontage or lot size requirements in the Industrial Zone but does haveset back requirements. They felt the configurations were reasonable for the zone.  Mr. Edkins reviewed RSA 674:41 relating to “frontage” and it’s meaning.  Configuration #1 allows access to back Lot 4 off of Marshall St./Rte. 12 by a 24 ft. wide driveway, which they have State approval for.  Lots 1, 2 and 3 would also share the same access.  Lot 3 abuts the opening to Union St. as well.  Configuration #2 shows the same basic lot sizes and shapes but eliminates the shared driveway for lot 3, creating a long strip of property connecting it to Marshall St./Rte. 12 for access.  Joe noted the Castellano’s also own the former Baldasero property that abuts lot 3.   The Board agreed Configuration 1 was a better design.  Members raised questions they felt could be better understood in person, such as frontage, drainage and flood zones.  The Board agreed to make a site visit to the parcel prior to the Public Hearing, noting the date of the visit would be posted to notify the public of the meeting.  Mr. Edkin’s said RSA 674:41 states the lots would need frontage in order to get a building permit. Mr. Boas agreed, reminding the Board of a recent situation where the BOS would not issue a building permit to the owner of a back lot that had no frontage or access other than a potential ROW.  Mr. Sawyer said the N. Walpole Commissioners would issue the building permits.  The Castellano’s said the buried fuel tanks had been removed. 

A motion was made and seconded to hold a site visit on Saturday 9/16/06 at 9 am with the Secretary in attendance, the meeting to be posted 48 hours in advance, members to meet at the Texaco/Kaotic Graphics.  Motion carried unanimously.  Joe and the Castellanos will be in attendance.

Secretary Aslinger asked the Board to consider accepting the application materials on or before 9/25/06 rather than at tonight’s regular meeting, which is the preference of the Board.

A motion was made and seconded to schedule the Marvic Management proposal for formal acceptance, board review and a Public Hearing at the October 10, 2006 meeting pending receipt of the application materials on or before 9/25/06.  Motion carried unanimously.

C.  Fred Dill aka Walpole D & D, LLC presented a proposal for a 2 lot subdivision located on Wentworth and Hooper Roads, Map 8 Lot 15.  The property consists of an existing farmhouse with 5 acres and a new lot of 4.66 acres.  The farmhouse is directly across the street from the Alpaca Farm.  The lots are in the Residential A district.  Mr. Dill said the remaining parcels along Hooper Road, which they own, would be subdivided at a later date but before the end of the year.  He said the test holes for septic had been done, and although the new lot is showing wetlands, they are only seasonal and it is not effecting  the location of septic/well and a house.  He noted one incorrect abutter on the map and asked if he could be scheduled for the Oct. 10, 2006 meeting.  Members discussed Hooper Road, recently upgraded with reclaimed asphalt.  Sec. Aslinger asked if the Board would consider accepting the application materials on or before 9/25/06 rather than at tonight’s regular meeting, which is the preference of the Board.

A motion was made and seconded to schedule the Dill proposal for formal acceptance, board review and a Public Hearing at the October 10, 2006 meeting pending receipt of the application materials on or before 9/25/06.  Motion carried unanimously.

III.  Other Business
A., B.   The Board discussed the presentation at the 8/22/06 work session, noting the fresh ideas it generated, the applicability to areas within Walpole and tying in the concepts with the Master Plan, Zoning Ordiance and Regulations.  They discussed including the Conservation Commission in future meetings to incorporate the ideas within the Towns ordinances.  Mr.

Merklein said he especially liked the potential benefits for the developer/land owner and potential buyers, saying it addresses the need for workforce housing.  He thought the use management on the conservation corridors would be critical.  He said he wasn’t sure the concept should be applied to all areas of the Town, but rather target specific areas.  Mr. Daviss agreed suggesting the Board review the Master Plan and ordinances first.  To definitely include the Conservation Commission, that they have expressed an interest and would be helpful in targeting specific areas.  Mr. Dill said the concept of Conservation subdivision has been used in Connecticut where he lived and he was impressed with the result.  He agreed it would be hard to get the support of the Town for a “referendrum” but rather target some areas.  He referred to the pending Whitcomb proposal saying it would have been a good location for clustered housing.  He said he thought the mood of the Town was to limit everything, like the failure of the senior housing project.  Members felt the Town would approve of the concept. Perhaps the Board could come up with an overlay concept like in the Retirement Overlay District approved by the Town.  The Longmeadow project failed due to financial concerns, not because the Townspeople didn’t want the concept.  Mr. Edkins said when he was working on behalf of Mr. Whitcomb, they actually wrote and proposed a cluster development ordinance to the Town but it was voted down.  He noted that Ch. Miller did not approve of a cluster housing ordinance because it would stimulate unwanted growth.  Members agreed it would be important to educate the public, ahead of any vote. 

Mr. Dill said he had the chance to fly over Walpole last weekend in a tiny airplane, that he was just amazed at how much undeveloped land is in Walpole, that setting aside a few areas for higher village like density would be more desirable for people coming into Town.  He said cluster housing has many more advantages, that most people don’t want to take care of 5 acres of “brush”, that one acre or less is sufficient if planned properly.  Mr. Sawyer noted that the Timberland District contained 3 areas of 8 square miles each. 

Mr. Daviss suggested the Board wait for OEP’s handbook to come out after Oct. 28th, use it to determine where it would work in Walpole, reviewing it as a group with the Conservation Commission, he felt review of the Master Plan and ordinances could be coordinated along with the review.

Mr. Edkins said he was more concerned with proposing Zoning changes for the March 2007 meeting, that deadlines were approaching.  The board agreed to review the Master Plan and Zoning change proposals at the next meeting.  Ch. Miller was to contact SWRPC to see about an update of the Master Plan, not a complete revision, but just updating the data.  Sec. Aslinger said she had contacted SWRPC about models for subdivision regulations, but was answered with a contract proposal for SWRPC to revise them for us.  The Board felt they could do their own revisions as they have done in the past.  Mr. Sawyer agreed the Board should consider zoning changes such as defining “incidental”.  Mr. Merklein said he would like to see “green/open space” addressed for the commercial district, similar to the way the multifamily housing open space was designated last year.  He thought a percentage would be the best, not as much as the Master Plan states at 50% but at a reasonable level.  Sec. Aslinger reminded the Board of the petition given to the Board from the residents of the Dearborn Circle area.  The Board agreed to make the zoning change itself, that it would have a better chance of passing if the Board is the one to propose it.  The Board agreed it would be helpful to contact some of the original committee that worked on the Master Plan to get a better perspective on what they had in mind when making the recommendations on open space etc.  The Board agreed an informational meeting might be warranted to gain public input.

D.  Other - Mention of Rte. 12 personal used equipment sales was discussed, whether the owner could sell on behalf of someone else, without triggering a business use on the land.  The Board discussed junkyard designations, the number of unregistered/non-roadworthy vehicles

allowed on personal property.  Mr. Sawyer said the BOS was confident the owner understood the laws.

IV.            Communications and Miscellaneous

A.  OEP handout distributed.

B.  Letter from Barkley Bull regarding the bandstand on the Common, distributed.

C.  Other - Discussion on a proposed “gazebo” building permit issued by the Board of Selectmen to be placed between the Verizon building and the Bank parking lot.

Mr. Boas asked Mr. Sawyer if the Town had a noise ordinance, noting the Walpole Tavern held an extraordinarily loud music session Saturday night that went on until quite late.  Mr. Sawyer said the Town did not have a noise ordinance, that the Tavern is in the Commercial Zone but the Selectmen would more than welcome suggestions to what is reasonable for functions on the Common and around it, specifically, how long, when and how loud functions should be.

V.            Adjourn Meeting

Walpole Business News Round-Up

Burdick’s Chocolate OctoberFest, JMDesigns New Hours; First Day Opens in Seattle and More!

by Chuck Bingaman

8-29-06

Walpole Launches Full-Day Kindergarten

By Charles C. Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            Tuesday marked the first day of full-day kindergarten approved last spring by Walpole voters with three classes averaging 16 students apiece and learning activities in high gear, both for students and for their teachers.

High Academic Expectations

            “What we want them to master by the time they leave kindergarten has trickled down from higher grades in the past 5-6 years,” observed veteran teacher Patti Abbott.  “They want them reading now.  It used to be that you wanted them to learn the letters and the sounds and then you threw in the vowels.  When I first came here 21 years ago we didn’t even talk about vowels in kindergarten.”

            Meeting after school with the school’s three kindergarten teachers, Mrs. Abbott, Amanda Kinson and Kim Tomlinson, one found not three exhausted teachers but rather three women who were excited and energized by their day of controlled chaos and focused caring that had flown by faster than any of them had expected.

            “Mentally it is very draining during the day,” conceded Mrs. Abbott.  “You can get nothing done during the day because you are 110% with them, for them, on them, at them. You know, they need you all the time.”  But all three were brimming with positive experiences of the first day, observations of students they are just getting to know, and learning they themselves had picked up.

            Mrs. Kinson, a first year teacher with her own classroom, was interested in the range of abilities shown when she asked her class to write their names.  A few did so in quite standard styles, others wrote upside down, backwards, and even with letters scattered around the page randomly. 

Social Learning Expectations as Well

While explaining that the school has “GLEs”—highly detailed “grade level learning expectations”, Mrs. Kinson also detailed the social behaviors that are a large part of learning in kindergarten:  how to listen to others, how to share, and how to take turns in games and other activities, and how to carry on a conversation.  Even how to perform elementary acts of personal hygiene such as washing hands before snacks and after going to the bathroom, how to flush the toilet, how to cover one’s mouth when sneezing, and how to use the towel dispenser—all of which children are doing on their own out in the world for the first time.  “The day went so fast,” said Kinson, “that I didn’t have time to do nearly all the things I had planned!”

            On top of the classroom learning curves, students and teachers were learning how to manage the intricacies of riding the school buses and eating lunch. 

Finding and boarding the correct bus, managed calmly and efficiently by para-professional Ann Corey, went smoothly and quickly after school with no one’s boarding the wrong bus and no one left behind.  It was observed that kindergarten students choose to sit in the front of the bus unlike older students who invariably gravitate to the rear.

Lunchtime was complex for kindergarten students…and their teachers.  Because they must bring a form on the first day of each week saying whether they are going to eat “cold lunch”—what they bring from home—or “hot lunch”—what is served the cafeteria—getting everyone to eat what is expected was not easy.  Mrs. Abbott checked every student’s lunch box in her classroom to see that what they had in them matched what they had ordered.  But then she had to stop several students from starting to eat their lunch at 9:15 a.m.!  And when lunchtime finally came, a few students were disappointed that they couldn’t have “hot lunch” in addition to what their parents had packed in their “cold lunch” lunch boxes.  And others were not sure what they had ordered or what they should eat. 

When post-lunch rest time arrived—not before a few kindergartners asked if it was yet time for it—mats were pulled out and recently donated pillow cases were found not to fit quite right.  Still the half-hour rest period proceeded smoothly.  “While no one fell asleep today,” noted Mrs. Abbott, “several were on the verge of sleep and only stayed awake because of their level of excitement with the new scene.” 

“At the end of the day,” she said, “They all went home tired!”

                                    --30--

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

AUGUST 31, 2006

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

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

FRANKLIN SIBLEY:  Franklin Sibley has lived on Hillside Acres Road for about two years and has made a lot of improvements to their property.  There is a triangular piece of land, owned by the Town, next to their property that they would like permission to do some work on such as cleaning it, taking out shrubs, etc.; either make improvements or purchase it as it would enhance the value of their property and the look of the area.  Mr. Aldrich advised that the Board of Selectmen will research the property and take a look at it.  This will be an agenda item for the next meeting.

DON & ELSIE TRETLER:  At the last meeting Creg Dance presented a proposal but the Board of Selectmen did not vote on it so that Mr. Tretler would have an opportunity to look at it.  Mr. Tretler noted that Mr. Sawyer made a statement that their property would not decrease in value because of the alpacas as Mr. Dance made improvements to his property.  Mr. Tretler handed in a copy of an appraisal letter he received from Powers, Smith & Associates, Inc. dated October 17, 2005, regarding the value of his property for the records; also attached were some photos that were taken from the Tretler property toward the Dance’s property.  Mr. Tretler noted that it would be preferably to him if the alpacas were moved away from the property line because of the screeching but acknowledged that there has been an improvement in the last few months.  He feels the Board of Selectmen and Zoning Board of Adjustment need to be more decisive on things such as this in the future.  We should all have to abide by the same rules.  There was discussion relative to the word “incidental”.  Mr. Dance said it would be expensive to move the fences but they have made efforts to separate and reduce the number of alpacas and propose being down to ten by June 1st, 2007.  Mr. Tretler noted that they have all been through a lot and they would like to work together to resolve this issue.  Mr. Tretler accepted the proposal. Mr. Tretler and Mr. Dance accepted the mutual agreement.

Mr. Aldrich moved that a resolution would be that the terms suggested by Mr. Dance are reasonable as incidental to residential uses.  On June 1st, 2007, the alpacas on the Dance property will be down to ten.  This is by a mutual agreement between Mr. & Mrs. Tretler and Mr. & Mrs. Dance.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.              

STEVE DONOVAN:  Steve Donovan was representing his brother who owns approximately 30 acres on March Hill.  Beyond them there is about an acre of land that has two campers with decks on it plus the main house.  There is also a problem with trash ending up on his brother’s property.  Mr. Aldrich felt that because there appears to be a violation, a site visit will be required.  At the suggestion of Mr. Miller, Myra Mansouri, Chair of the ZBA, felt some members of the ZBA would do the site visit after they receive a written complaint letter. 

BUILDING PERMIT:

CHRISTOPHER & MELISSA BROOKS – MAP 019-009-000:  Mr. Brooks was present and advised that they are on the Town septic system.  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-049 for Christopher & Melissa Brooks to remodel and add dormers to the existing house on Ford Avenue.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.     

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Miller moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:08 pm. 

The regular meeting resumed at 8:35 P.M.  No announcements were made.

PUBLIC BUSINESS (Continued):

POLICE DEPARTMENT:  This was a follow-up to the discussion with Police Chief David Hewes at the last meeting regarding the Charlestown / Walpole vs Retired Red Sox softball game.  The Board of Selectmen wants to be aware of activities of the departments.  Many times residents contact the office to see if the fundraising is legitimate and ask for more information.  Officer Sanctuary explained the marketing that was done for this event and, being inexperienced in these activities, said it was an over-sight on his part not to inform the Board of Selectmen.  The ball game is scheduled for September 9th, 2006, at 2:00 pm at the ball field by Shaw’s Store.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $560,008.22.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  It was noted that this amount includes a payment in the amount of $328,427.85 to the Fall Mountain Region School District.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending August 26, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $15,271.96 or net wages in the amount of $8,315.47.  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 $3,662.20.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

TRANSFER OF FUNDS:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the electronic transfer of $500,000.00 from the Savings Bank of Walpole to the MBIA.  The Chairman is authorized to sign the document.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- AUGUST 24, 2006:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of August 24, 2006, with one clarification:  page 4 –Town Hall Keys- there will be two master keys – one for the Town Hall and one for the Town Clerk.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of August 24, 2006, as printed.  The Minutes will remain 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 North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners meeting of August 29, 2006.

BUILDING PERMITS (Continued):

11 WESTMINSTER STREET – MAP 020-071-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-047 for 11 Westminster Street LLC to construct a 12-foot octagon gazebo on the east side of the Common, south of the Verizon building, on vacant land.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

JAMES & FAYE ALDRICH – MAP 013-019-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-048 for James & Faye Aldrich to add a car port to the side of his garage on Valley Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

REMOTE COMPUTER ACCESS FOR ASSESSOR:  Mr. Miller moved to approve an additional $140.00 to add the security software for the remote computer access for the assessor.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.   

BANDSTAND:  Mr. Aldrich contacted the Local Government Center regarding the RSAs that would apply to the donation of the bandstand and the acceptance by the Board of Selectmen. 

Mr. Miller moved to put the acceptance of the bandstand on the 2007 Town Warrant for a Town vote.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.    

JAY CHAMBERLIN:  Mr. Aldrich mentioned that Jay Chamberlin was in the Town Hall prior to the start of the meeting.  He is anxious to do plant some bushes and flowers by the monument.  There was a consensus to wait until Mr. Sawyer is present to make a decision.

NEW BUSINESS:     

CURRENT USE CHANGE TAX -504 MAIN STREET- MAP 012-013-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve and sign the Current Use Change Tax forms for Fred and Carol Dill.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

NEW EMPLOYEE – SOLID WASTE DEPARTMENT:  Mr. Miller moved to hire Ralph L. Lucia as a part-time employee in the Solid Waste Department.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

VACATION REQUEST – JIM TERRELL:  The Board of Selectmen approved the request of Jim Terrell to take vacation time on October 2nd (1/2 day) and October 3rd, 4th, 5th and 9th, 2006.

REQUEST FROM NORTH WALPOLE VILLAGE DISTRICT FOR WATER METERS:  There was a consensus of the Board of Selectmen to check with Mark Houghton on the water meters for the North Walpole Village District.

LETTER FROM HODGKINS & SONS, INC.:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged a letter from Hodgkins & Sons, Inc. responding to complaints of their trucks using the Drewsville Road.  Mr. Miller will write an acknowledgement letter to them. 

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

SHARON CUDDY SOMERS – REF: ADELPHIA FRANCHISE:  There was a consensus of the Board of Selectmen to pass over approval of this letter pending a slight adjustment in the wording.

Town of Walpole

Wapole, NH  03608

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

September 12, 2006  7:30pm Town Hall

AGENDA

I.          Open Meeting

            A.  Roll Call/Designate Alternates

            B.  Approve Minutes 7/11/06, 8/8/06 and 8/22/06

            C.  Other

II.        New Business

A.  Revisit - George Fitzpatrick and Meadowsend Timberlands regarding a subdivision/annexation of property on the Walpole/Alstead Town Boundary.  Planning Board to discuss letter received on behalf of the Fitzpatrick’s.

B.  Other

III.       Other Business

            A.  Discussion of 8/22/06 Work Session

            B.  Discussion on revisions to Master Plan, Zoning Ordinances,                             Subdivision and Site Plan Review Regulations

            C.  Discuss agenda items for October 10, 2006 meeting

            D.  Other

IV.            Communications and Miscellaneous

            A.  OEP Planning and Zoning Conference materials for Oct. 28, 2006

            B.  Letters received

            C.  Other

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

AUGUST 24, 2006

Selectmen Present:            Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

DANCE PROPERTY:  Creg Dance distributed copies of the letter dated August 24, 2006, from Creg & Jill Dance to the Board of Selectmen and read it for those in attendance.  Mr. Miller read a memo from Elaine Moore to the Board of Selectmen on information obtained from the Local Government Center relative to the interpretation of “incidental”.  The interpretation of incidental to this property is not clear.  Mr. Dance noted that when the alpacas are down to ten (10) or less by June 1, 2007, it will be considered a “hobby farm” with pets.   Mr. Dance advised that, at this time, he is just asking for an extended period of time to reduce their current alpaca herd. 

Bill Curry said this property is a benefit to the neighborhood.  The Dance’s made a big investment and, compared to what the property was, it is a big improvement.  He has not seen anything that would indicate a nuisance and it is a reasonable use of the property.  Charles Blount lives on the Wentworth Road and considers the Dance’s to be an asset on the road, neighborhood and the Town.  Barbara Chabot feels the same way.  Mrs. Tretler said their property value will go down.   Mr. Sawyer talked with the Town assessor who feels the prices have probably gone up because of the Dance’s up-grade to their property.  Myra Mansouri questioned if the animals use all of the acreage.  Mr. Dance responded that they are confined to two pens on the property. 

Mr. Sawyer stated that the Board of Selectmen was given a deadline of thirty (30) days.  He recommended that the Board of Selectmen not make a decision tonight since Mr. Tretler could not be here and Mr. Sawyer would like Mr. Tretler to have an opportunity to look at the proposal but the Board of Selectmen will act within the thirty (30) days.

JAY CHAMBERLIN:  Jay Chamberlin is working toward an Eagle Scout status and he has proposed doing flowers and shrubs around the Common, near the memorial, as one of his badge projects.  He handed in a sketch to the Board of Selectmen.  The Board of Selectmen had asked him to contact Bruce Martin about the Memorial and Stuart Bailey about the bandstand but they are not sure about plantings at this time as the projects will not be completed until the spring.  Jay Chamberlin explained that his project has to be completed before he is 18 years old; he could do it in the spring but would prefer to do it sooner.   Mr. Aldrich asked Jay Chamberlin to come back to the meeting next Thursday night with more detail in his sketch.

VETERAN’S MEMORIAL:  Bruce Martin advised that they are now up to 950 names of veterans.  The memorial will be made up of seven granite blocks and both sides can be used.  Jeanne Ranney is concerned with kids sitting on it; the new memorial reminds her of a highway barrier.  We have a memorial out there that is appropriate.  Bruce Martin said the present monument is deteriorating.  Robert Jasse is a veteran but doesn’t feel the need to be commemorated in this way; why not just identify the vets that were killed in action or were prisoners of war.  Barkley Bull, an abutter to the Common, would like to separate the memorial from the pavilion but he is supportive of the vets.  He read his letter that was submitted to the Board of Selectmen, dated August 22, 2006.  Jennifer Burr noted that her father and brother were vets and they feel it should be for those that died in the service.  Many residents like the Common

as it is now and they feel it should be brought up at a Town Meeting as that is the democratic way of resolving this as it is common ground.  Mrs. Martin advised that they talked to many veterans and their families and their support has been over-whelming; this is a fine thing for the Town to do.  They received quite a few emails including one from someone serving in Iraq that was delighted to know that her name will be on the plaque.  Bruce Martin talked to about 300 people in this Town since this project started and they were supportive.  It is only tonight that they learned of the opposition.  This is not a new project as he has been working on it for almost two years.  We should encourage our young people to defend our freedom and one way to do this is for them to see a memorial.     

BANDSTAND:  Barkley Bull, in his letter to the Board of Selectmen dated August 22, 2006, made reference to the town’s applicable zoning regulations, site plan review regulations and RSA 35.19e governing the acceptance of personal property and RSA 31.95e the town is safeguarded against an overstepping of Selectmen authority by the control of the purse and that control is a cautionary influence on their authority to accept gifts of property.  He also referenced RSA 674:54 regarding Governmental Use of Property.  There would have to be a policy on the use for the party space.  Mr. Bull proposed that Mr. Bailey set up a Trust for the Town in his wife’s name rather than a permanent entertainment pavilion.  Mr. Bull did not feel the public hearing held two weeks ago was a legal public hearing as the abutters were not notified.  There was discussion relative to the Public Hearing; Mr. Aldrich advised that it was legally posted.  Mr. Sawyer noted that the Local Government Center was contacted and their verbal report was that the Board of Selectmen did not need to hold a Public Hearing, even though they did, as they can accept this gift provided that they give notice to the Planning Board at least 30 days prior to the construction.  Abutters did not need to be notified.  They did this because of the previous pavilion proposal several years ago. 

Stuart Bailey presented a sketch to the Board of Selectmen outlining the approximate location of both the memorial and bandstand.  The bandstand will be 35-to-36-feet long and 16-feet high with a two-foot cupola.  Cindy Westover questioned what will happen to the Christmas tree.  Krystyna Marcom noted that the Women of Walpole collected money for the tree and so it is sacred.  There was discussion relative to the deteriorating condition of the tree; maybe a smaller one could be put in a location where it could be seen more.  Jennifer Burr noted that she just became aware of the projects and suggested that Whitcomb Park could be used for both.  Cindy Westover asked if there was a problem with taking the bandstand to the next Town meeting as she likes the Common all green but if the Town votes and the majority wants it then they win. 

Krystyna Marcom handed in a Petition “Walpole Residents Let’s Keep the Common Green and Open – No Time to Change Over 250 Years of History” that had 86 signatures.  She advised that this affects both projects and feels we have to think about public space that has been there for a long time.  Robert Graves signed the Petition but thought it was for the bandstand only and not for the memorial; he wants a Town vote.   

Bruce Martin asked for an answer from the Board of Selectmen.  He has about $75,000 toward the memorial and does not want to be put on-hold.  Mr. Aldrich stated that a few months ago the Board of Selectmen supported the Memorial project and they still do.  Mr. Sawyer did not believe that the Town took a vote to allow the tree to be there or the benches or the electricity but the Board of Selectmen, in their wisdom, chose to do so.  They were working under the same generosity on the bandstand.  Bruce Martin noted that there has been too much time and effort put into the memorial to have it torpedoed at the last minute.  For people to say this is a new project is

wrong.  A resident questioned the upkeep of the bandstand.  Mr. Aldrich responded that they thought about renting it but it was just a thought.  Stuart Bailey advised that as long as he lives he will be responsible for the maintenance and is willing to make arrangements for its upkeep after he has passed away.  Mrs. Martin noted that other little towns have these monuments commemorating their veterans and this is a sad day to see all of these indecisions for the veterans that served this country.      

POLICE DEPARTMENT:  The Board of Selectmen discussed using the Police Department for flagging traffic on Town projects with Police Chief David Hewes.  Jim Terrell needed some help but did not expect to receive a bill for that service as it will come out of his budget.  Mr. Sawyer suggested that the Town get some people licensed for doing this work; if the part-time police officers want to do it that would be acceptable but it would be at the Highway Department’s rate of pay. 

Mr. Miller discussed receiving a phone call from someone that was selling tickets to the Charlestown / Walpole vs Retired Red Sox softball game.  Chief Hewes explained that this was through the Police Benevolent Association and he is not a member, however, one of his newer officers was involved and talked with the office staff.  Mr. Miller advised that the Board of Selectmen should be made aware of any event or soliciting that is done using the Town of Walpole name.  Chief Hewes will so advise his department. 

Mr. Sawyer asked Chief Hewes what the department’s policy is on trespassing after they receive a call; basically get told to get off before the police officer knows if it is their land or not.  It was disputed territory but the two Board of Selectmen that were on the scene did not feel they were on the other party’s property.  Chief Hewes was not aware of the incident but will look into it.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $25,884.10.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  

PAYROLL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending August 19, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $20,907.15 or net wages in the amount of $13,007.43.  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 $4,971.33.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- AUGUST 17, 2006:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of August 17, 2006, as printed.  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) Zoning Board of Adjustment - August 16, 2006; 2) Planning Board Work Session Minutes – August 22, 2006; and 3) North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners – August 22, 2006.

WARRANTS:

HENRY FLETCHER –MAP 009-004-000- REPORT OF TIMBER CUT:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Warrant for the Collection of Timber Tax Fees in the amount of $143.50.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

GORDON AND TERESA HUNT –MAP 005-005-001 – REPORT OF TIMBER CUT:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Warrant for the Collection of Timber Tax Fees in the amount of $207.90.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

BUILDING PERMITS:

JACK FRANKS –MAP 008-086-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-046 for Jack Franks to construct a storage shed / chicken coop to be attached to the garage.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

GAZEBO:  Mr. Sawyer noted that at the Public Hearing there were twenty-four people in attendance and they supported the bandstand proposal.

Mr. Sawyer moved to ask Elaine Moore to contact the Local Government Center to investigate the authority of the Board of Selectmen to accept the gift, meet the RSAs and what regulations govern them.  The opinion should be in writing.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

ALLEN BROTHERS - #2 FUEL CONTRACT:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged receipt of a letter from Tim Allen agreeing to the purchase of No. 2 fuel oil for the coming season. 

DIESEL FUEL – HIGHWAY:  The Board of Selectmen advised that Jim Terrell made arrangements with Irving Oil to purchase the diesel fuel for the Highway Department.

TIMBER CUTS:  The Board of Selectmen reviewed and approved the notice that Elaine Moore will be sending out on non-reported cuts that will including a “doomage fee”. 

GARY KINYON LETTER REGARDING MERRIAM FARMS:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged receiving a letter from Gary Kinyon regarding Merriam Farms. 

ASSESSING PORT:  Relative to the request from Jim Rice, Granite Assessing Service, at the last meeting, Elaine Moore advised that Audrey’s computer and desk will be available whenever he is in the office.  The cost for a port would be $312.50.  To network the office computer system with Jim Rice’s home computer will be temporary until the revaluation is done.   

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve paying $249.00 to hook-up the office computer system with Jim Rice’s computer at his home.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.    

NEW BUSINESS:

TOWN HALL KEYS:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the concept of having one master key for the Town Hall that would be given to the Board of Selectmen, Elaine Moore and the Fire Department.  All locks will be changed and keys given to each office user for their own office.  The cost will be between $400 and $500.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

ERNIE VOSE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Ernie Vose accepting his resignation from the Zoning Board of Adjustment and thanking him for his time and dedicated service.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

DR. AND MRS. ANTHONY H. PRESUTTI, III:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Dr. and Mrs. Anthony H. Presutti, III regarding property taxes.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

IRVING OIL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Irving Oil regarding the purchase of diesel oil.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Miller seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion carried.  The time was 10:40 P.M.

The regular meeting resumed at 10:58 P.M.  There were no announcements.

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 10:59 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

THESE ARE UNAPPROVED MINUTES.  CORRECTIONS, IF NECESSARY, MAY BE FOUND IN THE MINUTES OF THE AUGUST 31, 2006, SELECTMEN’S MEETING.