Thanks to Board Secretary Lucy Weber, here are the minutes of the December 20 meeting of the Zoning Board. CCB

Minutes—20 December 2006.

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

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING MINUTES WILL BE REVIEWED ON 17 January 2007.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.  Ms. Mansouri appointed Mr. Webb to serve as a voting member.

Old Business--Hodgkins Gravel Pits:  Ms. Mansouri said that a letter had been sent to Mr. Russell Hodgkins expressing concerns regarding conditions at the Hodgkins pits, which were inspected by Mr. LaClair and Ms. Weber in October, and asking him to meet with the Board.  Mr. Hodgkins explained that the original letter had arrived late and in a tattered condition.  He looked at the first page, assumed from the content of that page that the whole letter dealt with the changes discussed at the October meeting, and which were to be addressed over the winter, and put the letter aside.  He expressed his concern at the second letter, sent certified, and stated a phone call would have been more appropriate.  He also expressed his concern that a precedent might be set with this proceeding, and that the Hodgkins operation was being singled out for more attention from the Board than other gravel pit operations. Ms. Mansouri explained that all the graveloperations had been visited twice this year.  Most problems cited at other locations had been addressed; any ongoing issues are being pursued.  Mr. Britton arrived at this point in the discussion.

  Mr. Hodgkins then addressed the concerns set out in the Board’s letter, point by point, starting with the Drewsville Road pit.  Item #1--At the south  end of the pit, the letter cited an opening to the brook and runoff and erosion into the brook.   Mr. Hodgkins explained that during the heavy rains, the brook boiled up over the old berm, causing the problem.  A new berm is now in place.  Item #2-- Southeast corner sand bank with slope exceeding 1:1 slope and no berm at the top.  Mr. Hodgkins explained that the slope is a working face in constant use.  There is no road up to the top of the slope, and the top of the slope is wooded, making placement of a berm difficult.  Access to the top of the slope would be difficult for unauthorized persons as well.  Warning signs have been placed at the top of the slope.  Mr. Webb said that if it was a working bank, it seems unreasonable to ask for a berm until the work is finished.  Ms. Weber stated that we as a Board need to clarify, for purposes of consistency, what we are going to require operators to do to comply with Section IX (E) of the Earth Excavation ordinance, which requires either a slope of less that 1:1 or a fence or other suitable barricade.  Ms. Mansouri inquired if a snow fence could be used.  Mr. Hodgkins responded that the face is worked weekly.  In answer to questions by Mr. Webb, he said that they have never seen anyone unauthorized wandering around inside the operation, and that it would be very difficult for anyone to blunder in by mistake in the night, as the pit is cut off by the brook and a very steep slope.  Mr. Webb said he thinks it is not necessary to do more than the Hodgkins are doing currently.  Item 3--Concern for the potential of stored cordwood to slip down the bank.  The cordwood will be harvested and used up this winter.  Item #4--Storage of portions of a building stored onsite, the concern being that long-term storage might lead to leaching of lead paint or CSA into groundwater.  The stored building pieces are going to be salvaged and recycled into a salt shed.  Item # 5--Scrap metal pile with engine parts and batteries.  The scrap metal pile is the petty cash pile.  The metal is cut up over the winter and will be sold.  The proceeds go to a fund for tools, etc.  A dumpster will be brought in over the winter for anything that cannot be reused.  There are no batteries in the pile.  Mr. Webb asked Ms. Weber if she had actually seen the batteries.  Ms. Weber said she had, but that she had had the discussion with Mr. Hodgkins set out in the letter that the pile would be checked in October for immediate hazards.  Item #6—Berm near horse corral.  The overburden has been cleaned off down to the sand layer, and the berm has been completed.  Items 7 & 8--Overflow from diesel punp and seepage from oil drums.  Mr. Hodgkins said that the Board does not have any authority over these items, as the buildings and tanks are on a separate parcel of land from the gravel pit, and this parcel was separately permitted as a commercial operation, with storage of oil being part of the permitted use.  He said that the used oil cannot be passed along, but that it can be used to put on brush when land is being cleared.  He has extended the tarred area and moved the barrels onto the tarred portion.

  Mr. Hodgkins then spoke about the concerns at the Route 12 pit.  Item #1.  Berm separating pit from Extra Innings.  This berm has now been completed.  Item #2—Berm around drainage pond—The pool turns into clay down below, and they want to get the sediment out.  This berm has now been completed, and the pond will eventually be filled in.  Item #3.  Gravel bank exceeding 1:1 slopes with no berm at top.  As with the Drewsville pit, this is a working face.  The face is almost back to the border, and signs have been placed at the top.  Item #4—Reclamation of front five acres.  Mr. Hodgkins said this area has been reclaimed to some extent, they just don’t mow it, and seedlings are growing up.  These have now been flattened somewhat.  Nothing is stored on this section.  Item #5—Filled area on northeast corner encroaching on brook.  Mr. Hodgkins said that due to the heavy rains, the brook moved over closer to this face this year.  It has split into two streams, and only comes near the face when the water is high.  Mr. Webb asked if the stump dump would be smoothed out.  Mr. Hodgkins said that most of the rubble was stumps and cement.  He passed out photographs showing the same face being covered over.  The face has now been covered, seeded and mulched. 

  Mr. Webb said it appeared that a lot of work had been done since the inspection.  Mr. Hodgkins said that next inspection, he will be sure to go with the inspectors to both pits.  All expressed satisfaction with the work done to date.  Mr. Britton said that we may have overstepped our bounds with the last two items up at the Drewsville pit.  Ms. Weber said she had been unaware that the two properties were separate, and said she was pleased that the issues had been addressed in any case.

New Business:  A letter sent by Mr. LaClair tendering his resignation from the Board was read.  The resignation was accepted with regret and thanks for his service.  A letter will be sent to Mr. LaClair.

  Mr. Michael Delaney was not present, so his garage plan was passed over.

  Randy Murray and Brian Emerson presented their plan for the garage next to Tire Warehouse on Route 12.  Mr. Emerson outlined the history of his business, and said he wants to move his small engine repair business out of its current location in Bellows Falls and into part of the garage building, to share space with the current auto repair business.  Mr. Webb asked if there would be any change to the existing buildings.  Mr. Emerson said that he also sells carports, and he would add one carport, 18 feet wide by 21 feet long, to the property for display and to shelter equipment left for repair.  He also sells a line of zero turn commercial mowers.  The carport would be in front of the existing building, and would be more than 65 feet from the center line of the highway, and with adequate distance from the side lines as well.  In answer to a question from Mr. Webb, he said that the carport would only be used for storage, and all repairs would be done inside the existing building.  With respect to carport sales, he has the one model for display.  When a customer purchases a carport, Mr. Emerson faxes the order in to the factory and the carport is delivered direct to the customer’s property.  Mr. Britton asked of there were any limit on the number of commercial endeavors in one place.  Mr. Webb said the issue was if they all fit.  Ms. Weber looked at the ordinance regarding permitted uses in the commercial district and said it looked like a repair business would need a special exception,, and asked if one is already in place for this property.  Mr. Webb said that the building was used for auto repair before the zoning ordinance was enacted, and so was a grandfathered use.  Ms. Weber asked if the change in use will require a special exception.  Mr. Britton asked if there would be equipment sales from the location.  Mr. Emerson said he has several pieces of used equipment for sale, as well as the carport business.  Mr. Webb suggested this ought to be treated as a change in a non-conforming use.  It was moved, seconded, and unanimously voted that the matter be set for public hearing on January 17th, pending receipt of a completed application form.

  Cold River Bridge Meeting--Schedule Conflict.  Ms. Kissell called Ms. Weber because an informational meeting on the proposed Cold River Bridge may be scheduled on January 17th at the Board’s usual meeting time.  Ms. Kissell wanted to know if the Board meeting could be moved downstairs, or if the Board wanted to change its meeting time.  The Board decided to meet at its regular time, at 7:30.  The meeting will be held downstairs.  Ms. Mansouri will talk to Ms. Kissell about the change tomorrow.

  Gravel Pits, Part 2.  Ms. Mansouri passed out information booklets about earth excavations, along with a letter from Mary Pinkham-Langer of Southwest Regional Planning.  We need to check our records to make sure they are complete with respect to the grandfathered pits.  At the time the ordinance was enacted, the pits were under the supervision of the Planning Board, and they were transferred to the Zoning Board in 1993.  Ms. Mansouri and Mr. Webb will do a record search to make sure we have all the paperwork in order.

  Car Dealership Application, 73 River Road North, at the corner with South Street.  Ms. Mansouri has spoken with Mr. Eddie Abed, who is renting one of the apartments.  He wants to run a wholesale car business by internet out of his rented apartment.  The business will be conducted by phone and internet.  No cars or customers will come to the apartment, and Mr. Abed is the sole employee.  As part of its permitting process, the State has sent a letter to the Selectmen inquiring about the need for any local permits, and the Selectmen passed the letter on to Ms. Mansouri.  Mr. Abed was planning to attend the meeting, but he called Ms. Mansouri to explain that his mother was gravely ill, and that he had to go to her.  The Board determined that the apartment is in the Residential District, therefore a home business is allowed, as long as no more than two employees other than the occupant were employed.  Ms. Mansouri signed the State’s form to that effect, with a note that any signage must come before the Board for review.

  Old Business:  Attorney retainer arrangements followup.  Ms. Weber contacted Attorney Wrigley, in Keene, who said that he had not used a retainer arrangement in years, and knew of no other attorneys who did.  He is hired for a specific matter, and bills on a straight hourly basis for the work.  Mr. Hanna was busy, but his assistant said that she was unaware of any work done in the office on retainer, but she would have Mr. Hanna contact Ms. Weber later in the week.  Ms. Mansouri said she had spoken to the selectmen about the matter and they are considering hiring one specific attorney for all town business.

  Gravel Pits, Part 3.  The Cold River Whipple Hill Pit had an issue with standing water.  Ms. Mansouri visited the pit again on November 29 and there is now more standing water, an area of approximately 75 feet by 200 feet.  Mr. Britton thinks it would not be too difficult to fix the problem.  Ms. Mansouri will contact Cold River about fixing the problem.

  Hubbard Farm property, Upper Walpole Road.  Ms. Weber was contacted by a Mark Tevo, of Vermont.  He is a broker representing a potential buyer of the property.  He wanted to know how much of the property was in the commercial zone, and if Walpole had a policy similar to ones he has seen elsewhere assigning an entire parcel to the zone in which the majority of the parcel lies. The Board determined that the Board has always said, with respect to a single parcel located across two different zones, that the building use must comply with the zone in which the building is located.  The Hubbard property is zoned Commercial for 250 feet back from the edge of Route 12; the rest of the property is Rural Agricultural.  Ms. Weber will relay this to Mr. Tevo.

 

  Conservation Commission Booklet. Ms. Mansouri passed out a booklet prepared by the Conservation Commission and noted the Commission would like to meet with the ZBA at a future date to discuss zoning changes.  Mr. Britton suggested they focus on the Planning Board regarding changes.

  Rezoning.  Ms. Mansouri noted that the Planning Board is looking to rezone the Huntington Farm property on the west side of Route 12 from rural agricultural to Industrial.  Mr. Britton said that there might be wellhead proximity issues there.

  Denise and Ken Horn, 11 Alstead Center Road, Drewsville.  The Horns appeared before the Board in October.  It was determined they would need a variance for a proposed 12 foot by 20 foot shed.  The Horns subsequently said they had decided not to build the shed.  A shed has now been installed on the property without a variance.  The shed looks smaller than the 12 foot by 20 foot shed originally proposed by the Horns.  Mr. Carignan said that the shed is smaller than the platform on which it stands.  Mr. Webb said that some action ought to be taken.  It was moved, seconded and unanimously approved that a letter be sent to the Selectmen asking them to investigate the situation.

  Cell tower Manual.  Mr. Carignan presented the cell tower Manual from eth meeting he attended.  He said it would be a good guide for future situations.

  Minutes.  Acceptance of the Minutes from the November 15th meeting was moved, seconded and unanimously approved.  There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

  The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 17th, 2007, at 7:30 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Lucy McVitty Weber

Here, thanks to secretary Regina Borden, are the minutes of the December 14 Board meeting. CCB

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

DECEMBER 14, 2006

Selectmen Present:            Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

LUCY WEBER, TARA SAD, JACK PRATT – REF: BRIDGE:  Lucy Weber, Tara Sad and Jack Pratt were present to talk about the bridge to be rebuilt on Route 123 over the Cold River.  They distributed a copy of a letter they had written to the NH Department of Transportation to request that they thoroughly consider all of the options.   Mr. Sawyer advised that the Board of Selectmen wrote a letter to the DOT after the first meeting and will hold-off writing another letter until after the meeting on January 24th, 2007.  He hopes that after the first of January there will be another meeting only on the proposed wooden bridge; that information is being put together and Benson Woodworking is checking on the requirements and cost.  The Board of Selectmen needs assurances that they are supporting something that is viable.  It is expected that the DOT will make a decision on the bridge in February.  Mr. Pratt would like to see something built that is aesthetically pleasing; it would be nice to use a Walpole business.     

DEBBIE HINMAN AND DICK OBER – RE: EASEMENT – WATKINS HILL ROAD – STEVENS:  Gary Speed, Chair of the Conservation Commission, explained that this is regarding an easement on the John and Peggy Stevens property.  There is a consensus of those involved that the Conservation Commission should be the Secondary Executor on the easement because they put some funding into it.  This property has 130 acres on both sides of the road.  Gary Speed will FAX a copy of the easement to the Board of Selectmen for their review as they will be asked to sign the paperwork during their meeting on Thursday, December 28th.  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $5,919.07.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending December 9, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $17,451.39 or net wages in the amount of $9,312.24.  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 $4,286.50.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to hire Scott Bryant as a temporary full-time employee in the Highway Department and to sign the payroll document.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- DECEMBER 07, 2006:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of December 07, 2006, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.   

Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the Board of Selectmen’s Non-Public Session of December 07, 2006, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted. 

ABATEMENTS:

TERRY AND JOSEFA TAYLOR – MAP 010-024-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement for a Current Use Penalty Tax in the amount of $19,500.00 for Terry and Josefa Taylor due to taking property out of Current Use that was never in Current Use.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

504 MAIN STREET – MAP 012-013-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement for Property Tax in the amount of $7,250.00 for 504 Main Street, c/o Fred and Carol Dill as the property was billed to the wrong owner.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

BUILDING PERMITS:

REBECCA PEARSON – MAP 009-023-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-060 for Rebecca Pearson to construct an addition to the existing kitchen.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

CYNTHIA STACK – MAP 010-006-002:  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-061 for Cynthia Stack to construct a two story, four bedroom house with attached three car garage on the North Road.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

FOREST FIRE BILL SUBMITTED BY BILL HOUGHTON:  Mr. Miller moved to sign the State of New Hampshire, Department of Resources and Economic Development, Forest Fire Report/Bill for Bill Houghton in the amount of $484.00.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

CARTOGRAPHIC ASSOCIATES – MAPPING:  Mr. Miller moved to approve and sign the “2007 Maintenance Contract” for the amount of $2,475.00 with Cartographic Associates for tax mapping.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

NEW BUSINESS:

RECYCLE/TRANSFER CENTER CLOSING FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 AT NOON.  REQUEST:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged receipt of a memo and approved the closure of the Recycle/Transfer Center on Saturday, December 23rd, 2006, at Noon.

WALPOLE VILLAGE SCHOOL:  Mr. Aldrich moved to pass-over this agenda item to allow time for Mr. Miller to do research on the Walpole Village School taxes until the next meeting and that all interest and penalties will not be applied.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

VETERAN’S EXEMPTION – JEFFREY FRENCH:  Mr. Miller moved to pass-over this agenda item pending receipt of additional information.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

INVITATION TO CEREMONY OF ELECTED OFFICIALS:  The Board of Selectmen received an invitation to attend the Ceremony of Elected Officials on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2007, at 8:30 am to be held in the Mountain View Room at Keene State College.  A continental breakfast will be available.  Mr. Miller plans to attend.

PAUL HAPP – RESIGNATION FROM CONNECTICUT RIVER JOINT COMMISSIONS:  Mr. Miller moved to accept, with regret, the resignation of Paul Happ from the Connecticut River Joint Commissions to be effective on December 31, 2006.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

The Board of Selectmen requested that this vacancy be posted and put on the Town’s website.

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

NORTH WALPOLE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS – RE: BUILDING PERMITS:  Mr. Miller moved to sign the letter from the Town of Walpole to the North Walpole Board of Commissioners regarding Building Permits.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

OTHER BUSINESS:

BUDGET MEETINGS:  During the budget meetings there was discussion regarding communication within the offices. 

Mr. Sawyer moved to allow Sandy Smith, Town Clerk, access to the tax assessment cards in the computer on a “read only” basis.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

The Board of Selectmen will do research on the salaries and benefits of employees in the surrounding towns of Charlestown, Alstead, Acworth, Chesterfield and Westmoreland.

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:12 P.M.

  

12-22-06

Lookout Lyndonville! Tammy’s Coming!

Popular Walpole Personality Leaving for Lyndonville

By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

          Tammy Sheppard, long a defining personality and sassy server at Murray’s Café in the center of Walpole, was honored by more than 100 customers Friday on her last day of work before moving to Lyndonville, Vermont in January.

          “I know I’m going to miss everybody here—I’ve been doing this for more than 20 years,” Ms. Sheppard said at the café’s annual Christmas luncheon for customers. “The restaurant’s changed very little in 20 years and that’s one of the things people like about it.  But I’m not nearly as shy as I was when I began!”

          Walpole architect David Howard presented Sheppard with a table-top “pop-up” model of Murray’s Café complete with the tables and counter chairs inside.  All tables and chairs had been “purchased” and inscribed by friends as a going away gift.

 

          In addition to thanking Howard and friends present, Sheppard also noted that she had “lost a lot of good customers I’ve cared about and gone to many funerals over the years.  Charlie Booth, Ky Brown, Leigh Fournier, Ned Graves, Bertha Simon…so many.”

          Tom Murray, the Café’s owner and son of the couple that originally opened it in 1980, said “Tammy has been a treasure for us and for me personally.  As I told her, we have been so similar.  We both love our work, we love our people, and we love our customers.  And we’ve enjoyed hanging out together outside of work.”

          Customers from Walpole, Bellows Falls, Alstead and other towns have been dropping in all week to say good-bye.

          Donald and Judith Rogers of Bellows Falls, regulars at breakfast, laughingly said Thursday “we give her a hard time, but she goes right along with it…Tammy’s going to be missed, but she’s promised us that she will come back and visit.”

          Thaddeus Self of Walpole agreed “we’re going to miss her!  She’s always a friendly, familiar face.  It’s nice to have someone call you by name when you come in—it makes it personal rather than purely business.”

          Michael Reynolds and his mother Verone of Bellows Falls noted that Tammy has always been “upbeat even though she’s often under stress serving many tables and she always treats everyone with equal attention.  She’s very genuine.”

                                       --30--

 

         

Beth Cashel, Jana Sellarole and others ARE putting together a live nativity on the Common for Sunday evening--Christmas Eve--at 8:00 p.m.  Everyone is welcome to enjoy the scene, the carols and readings, and the hot chocolate and refreshments afterward in Town Hall.  CCB

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

DECEMBER 07, 2006

Selectmen Present:            Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. with eleven people in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

OPEN BIDS – USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION COMMISSION: 

Mr. Aldrich opened the bids for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program as follows:

            Keene Tree Service

DSR #48 -    $ 9,500.00

            DSR #55 -            $38,500.00

            DSR #57 -            $32,500.00

 

            Eastern Logging

            DSR # 48 -            $10,500.00

            DSR #55 -            $43,930.00

            DSR #57 -            $38,160.00

Mr. Sawyer announced that these bids will be discussed with Jim Terrell, Road Agent, when he arrives at this meeting.  A decision will be made within two days and both companies will be so advised.  The Town has the right to accept or reject any and all bids.  Mr. Johnson advised that the weather is permissible now so the sooner a decision is made the better it will be for the company that is awarded the bid.  Jeff Tanley from the USDA stated that both companies are capable of doing the work.

Mr. Sawyer moved to have the Chairman sign the “USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services Amendment No. 1 to Project Agreement Locally LED Contracting”.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved that the Chairman be authorized to sign the “ADS 78 Form - Land Acquisition”.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

When each project is completed the USDA representative and someone from the Town will do an inspection and, if satisfactory, they both will sign off the project.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS FUND – REV.  SIEBRAND:  The Community Christmas Fund was set-up many years ago.  There was a consensus of the Board of Selectmen to sign this Savings Bank of Walpole account over to three churches in the Town of Walpole.

Mr. Aldrich called the Public Hearing to order at 7:30 PM on the Frink Property.

PUBLIC HEARING – FRINK PROPERTY:  Mr. Frink would like to fix up 500-600 feet of the Class VI Merriam Road from where the road goes from Class V to Class VI.  He has 300+ feet of road frontage and wants to build a single family house and maybe a garage in the future.  Mr. Sawyer read and explained the Resolution for a Liability Waiver that will need to be signed by Mr. Frink as the Town will try to provide emergency services but if it is unable to do so this document relieves the Town from liability.  He explained that this Public Hearing was scheduled

because the Board of Selectmen feels that all abutters should receive notification and have an opportunity to make comments.  Andrea and Don Morgan, abutters, were present.  Pam Aslinger, Secretary for the Planning Board, read the conditions and comments made during the Planning Board meeting.   The Planning Board asked Mr. Frink quite a few questions so they had a good feeling of what he intends to do.  There were no other comments.

Mr. Aldrich closed this Public Hearing at 7:40 PM.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen would entertain a Building Permit for a dwelling off the Class VI Merriam Road provided it meets all of the requirements.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

NORTH RIVER ROAD – PUBLIC HEARING – WHITCOMB TRUST:  Mr. Sawyer advised that the Public Hearing for the Claire Whitcomb Trust property access on the North River Road was cancelled because of the discovery that the Town does not own the road.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss the bids and contracts with Jim Terrell.  Seconded by Mr. Miller and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion carried.  The time was 7:44 P.M. 

The regular meeting resumed at 8:02 P.M.

USDA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION COMMISSION:  Ed Hansalike and Jeff Tanley from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services were present.      .     

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Town of Walpole accept and award the bids for Projects No. 55 and No. 57 to Keene Tree Service.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Aldrich moved to give the authority to Elaine Moore to sign the adjustment contracts between the Town of Walpole and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Commission.  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 $891,230.94.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer mentioned that $812,797.00 of the above amount is for the Cheshire County Tax payment.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending December 02, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $15,260.91 or net wages in the amount of $7,637.51.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  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 $3,706.17.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve payment in the amount of $100.00 to Robie Speed for cleaning the Route 12 rest areas with payment to be taken out of the Mason Forest Trust Fund.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION:  The Board of Selectmen put an Employee Compensation request on-hold pending an explanation from the Department Head.

BUDGET MEETING:  Mr. Miller moved that the next Budget meeting will be held on December 13th, 2006, at approximately 1:30 pm after the Holiday Employee Lunch instead of 6:00 pm.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

ATTORNEY CASPER – REGARDING PUBLIC LAND TRUST:  Attorney Kasper was present to discuss the Trust for Public Land and the Cabot Trust property.  He has not yet viewed the Title Search or the Environmental Assessment.

Mr. Miller moved to sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Town of Walpole and the Trust for Public Land for the Cabot Trust land.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted. 

The Board of Selectmen signed the document and it was given to Attorney Kasper.

FIRE PERMITS:  The Forest Fire Report was put on-hold pending receipt of information from Bill Houghton.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- NOVEMBER 30, 2006:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of November 30, 2006, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE MEETINGS: 

The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed the minutes of the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioner meetings of November 21, 2006, November 28, 2006, and December 5, 206.

ABATEMENTS:

PETER AND BRENDA GRAVES –MAP 010-004-000- PROPERTY TAX:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Abatement in the amount of $214.00 for Peter and Brenda Graves for a land adjustment to Current Use.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

JOHN LAWTON –MAP 034-000-000 – PROPERTY TAX:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement in the amount of $185.00 for John Lawton for a change of property value.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

KAREN GALLOWAY –MAP 017-024-000 – WATER/SEWER:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement in the amounts of $84.28 for Water and $64.83 for Sewer for Karen Galloway due to a meter reading adjustment.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

BEVERLY ANN DAVIS –MAP 028-087-000 – PROPERTY TAX:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement in the amount of $166.00 for Beverly Ann Davis due to a property transfer.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

WARRANTS:

NORTH WALPOLE PROPERTY TAX WARRANT –MAP 028-087-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Warrant in the amount of $166.00 for Sheila Wilson due to a property transfer.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

PAUL GALLOWAY – TIMBER CUT – MAP 006-013-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Warrant for a Timber Cut in the amount of $675.00 for Paul Galloway.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

CONTRACT FOR REGIONAL PROSECUTING ATTORNEY:  Elaine Moore contacted the Town of Hanover for a copy of their Regional Prosecuting Attorney contract.

ATTORNEY HOCKINSMITH LETTER REGARDING ADELPHIA CABLE:  The meeting with Attorney Hockinsmith to discuss the Adelphia Cable tax issue is scheduled for December 11th, 2006, at 6:00 pm in the Walpole Town Hall.

SWRPC APPOINTMENTS – ON HOLD FOR MR. MILLER:  Mr. Miller advised that everyone wants to be re-appointed.

Mr. Sawyer moved to make the following reappoints to the Southwest Region Planning Commission:  Natural Resources Advisory Committee – Mel Schupack; Economic Development Advisory Committee  – Jack Pratt; and the Transportation Advisory Committee – Charles Miller.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted. 

NEW ENGLAND POWER:  Mr. Miller moved to approve and sign the letter to Kacavas and Ramsdell, PLLC, Attorneys-At-Law in Manchester, NH regarding the New England Power Company Abatement.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

GRANITE STATE ASSESSING CONTRACT – ON HOLD FOR NEW CONTRACT TO BE WRITTEN:  Jim Rice, Granite State Assessing, is preparing a new contract for the Board of Selectmen’s consideration.

NEW BUSINESS:

NORTH WALPOLE ROAD NAME:  Mr. Sawyer moved to name the extension of road coming off Marshall Street in North Walpole as Castellano Lane.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

LANGDON RECYCLE MEETING:  Elaine Moore and the Board of Langdon Selectmen will set a date for the Recycling Meeting.

TOWN HALL RENTAL QUESTION:  Mr. Miller moved to pass over a decision on the QiGong exercise class using the Town Hall pending receipt of additional information.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.  .      

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

LISA BIRMINGHAM – COMCAST:  Mr. Sawyer moved to sign the letter to Lisa Birmingham at Comcast.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

DR. DONALD WELDON:  Mr. Sawyer moved to sign the letter to Dr. Donald Weldon.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

COLD RIVER BRIDGE:  Mr. Sawyer reported that following the Public Hearing with the Department of Transportation he attended the meeting with Benson Wood Working when they were supplied more information relative to a covered timber frame bridge over the Cold River.  They will be coming up with more information and hopefully another meeting will be arranged in early January.  The Department of Transportation will attend this meeting that will only be for the additional information on the covered timber frame bridge. 

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:52 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

                                                                                                

     

 

 

        Walpole Town Library Board Chair Bob Dudley and Board Member Jeanne Ramey presented an excellent program last Tuesday evening on library operations and governance for the Walpole Leadership Academy at the library.  The program covered library finances, policies and current issues and included a tour of the building.

    Vicki Gohl has nearly completed initial landscaping of the Village Market, and it is rumored that, in addtion to the trees and shrubs, hundreds of bulbs are in as well for spring blooming.  Unfortunately one of the newly planted trees was vandalized a week ago but seems to be surviving so far.

    Friday is the last day for Tammy Sheppard at Murray's Cafe after more than 20 years as the friendly, sassy, saucy personality we've all appreciated.  Tammy's moving on to Lyndonville, VT after the first of the year. We'll miss you,Tammy!  And your terrific pies and other baked goods!

   

   

   

Thanks to secretary Pam Aslinger, here are the minutes of last Tuesday's Planning Board meeting.  CCB

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

December 12, 2006  7:30pm Town Hall

MINUTES

Presiding:  Ch. Jeffrey Miller

Members Present:  Bob Miller, V-Ch., Dave DeCoste, Henry Fletcher, Eric Merklein, Ben Daviss, Sheldon Sawyer, Selectman, Fred Dill, alt.  Absent:  David Edkins, alt.

Recording:  Pamela Aslinger, alt. and Secretary

These minutes are unaproved and will be reviewed at the January 9, 2007 meeting for errors, omissions and corrections.  (There were 20 people in attendance)

I.  Meeting opened at 7:35pm

                A.  No alternates were designated, due to a full attendance.

                B.  Minutes were passed over until later in the meeting.

II.  Ch. Miller closed the regular meeting and opened the Public Hearing on:

A.   Proposed Zoning Amendment #1 to change Dearborn Circle and Burrows Lane

Zoning district designation from Commercial to Residential B by amending Article VI

Commercial District Section F. and Article V Residential District Section E: Lots affected are within the residential development that are existing residential use only.  Sec. Aslinger read the list of affected lots of record.  Ch. Miller said the proposal had been originally presented to the Board of Selectmen by Mr. Jeffrey White along with 25 signatures from persons within the development.  Ch. Miller said the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board were in full agreement with Mr. White on changing the zoning desig-nation to Residential B.  Mr. and Mrs. White were present.  Mr. White commented, the 17 plus lots in the development are all under current protective covenants which are due to begin expiring in 2008.  Ch. Miller asked if all lots were residential?  Answer was yes, only one empty lot remains.  Ch. Miller pointed out that two lots within the development are remaining commercial because they are commercially developed.

Mr. Sawyer asked if the covenants would remain in place even after the change occurs?  Ch. Miller thought the covenants would run out but instead of reverting to commercial, they would go to  Residential B if the change is approved by the Town.  Mr. Miller called for further comments, Sec. Aslinger asked those present to confirm whether the lot numbers were correct.  Mr. White thought the lots were accurate including the two lots remaining in commercial district.  Sec. Aslinger said she took the information from the tax map, confirmed with the tax cards and Elaine.  Mr. Dill asked if each of the residents had been notified personally.  The Board did not make a specific notice to each of the residents, only by the required published notice, proper posting and holding the public hearing.  Mr. White acknowledged he had gone door to door with the original petition, he is certain all were aware of the change and hearing.  Members agreed the notification process could be improved on in the future, and was satisfied required notification had been met.

Ch. Miller closed the Hearing on Amendment #1 and opened the Hearing on:

Proposed Amendment #2 to clarify intent in Article VI Commercial District and Article

VIII Rural Agricultural District: establishment vs. building.  Ch. Miller read the hearing notice.  He said the intent of the wording would be clarified and would support the Board’s position.  Mr. Schupack commented in favor of the amendment because “building” is defined in the ordinance whereas “establishment” is not.  Mr. Hansel commented the amendment would support the Board’s June resolution and would prevent any misunderstanding on the part of future applicants regarding the size limits of retail buildings within the Commercial and Rural Agricultural zones.

Ch. Miller called for other comments, being none,

III.  Closed the Public Hearings and re-opened the meeting.

IV.  Ch. Miller called for Board Action on the proposed amendments:

#1 - A motion to approve placing Amendment #1 as proposed Changing Dearborn Circle and Burrows Lane from Commercial District to Residential B on the Warrant for March 2007 was made and seconded.  Motion carried.

#2 - A motion to approve placing Amendment #2 as proposed Clarifying intent in Article VI Commercial District and Article VIII Rural Agricultural District:  establishment vs. building on the Warrant for March 2007 was made and seconded.  Mr. Dill asked if he was considered an alternate at this meeting.  The Board confirmed, he is a non-voting alternate.  Vote was called, with 5 in favor 2 against, motion carried.

Ch. Miller asked to pass over B.  Discuss and Review additional amendments and V.  Unfinished Business.  He asked to move directly to VI.  New Business, because some audience members may not want to stay through other discussions.

VI.  New Business:  Preliminary Conceptual Consultations

       A.  Hearne - not present

       B.  Chamberlain Machines of Rockingham, VT represented by Attorney Thomas Hanna.  He distributed copies of Town tax map 12, showing the Huntington Farm owned by Hubbard Farms, off Rte. 12, Lot 4.  He explained they have submitted a petitioned zoning amendment to the Board of Selectmen asking to have the Rural Agricultural portion of the entire Lot 4 changed to Industrial zone.  The 250 feet at the front of the lot is in the Commercial zone and will remain as Commercial zone.  He read the petition.  He said the two roads within Lot 4 are private.  He said Chamberlain Machine would be the “anchor” of an industrial park.  He introduced Toby Tousle the property buyer and Chris Miller, the Manager of Chamberlain.  He said if the lots are subdivided or developed in the future, they would return to the Planning Board for the required reviews and approvals.  Mr. Chris Miller explained their current facility is 33,000 sq. ft.   They produce high precision CNC machining with about 45 employees including office staff.  They build pumps for power generation, aviation and many other fields.  They have been consistently growing over the past 10 years. The NH Dept. of Economic Development has approached them about coming across the River and they are at capacity in their current location with no expansion possibility.  They have been looking at many areas and find the Walpole location to be the best.  It offers the size, location and services needed for a new facility, their employees would benefit from the short relocation.  They would be looking for only a back portion of the lot (about 8 acres) with Mr. Tousle developing the remainder of the lot at some point.  Ch. Miller asked about their timeframe.  Mr. Chris Miller said they would be looking at 2007, 2008 occupancy.  Mr. Tousle sees this as a win-win for everyone.  He thought Chamberlain was a great company to begin with.  He said there are no definite plans for the property, but if the zoning goes through, the back portion would be industrially developed as opposed to commercial or residential.   The remaining 250ft. of Commercial zoned property is to be developed with professional buildings and retail shops in keeping with the area.  He doesn’t see a rampant retail development however.  He said the SW corner is reserved for Chamberlain, about 1/5th of the property.  He said maybe three additional companies could be located.  Mr. Hansel asked if they had considered the existing Industrial area?  Mr. Hanna said there are no municipal services and it is a poor location.  Mr. Schupack said Map 12 Lot 4 is part of the aquafir protection area and wonders if it should be re-zoned?  Mr. Tausle felt the water table was fairly level through the lot.  Ch. Miller said the Site Plan Review process would address the issue.  Mr. Daviss asked how the tax base would be affected would the tax rate increase going from Rural Ag to Industrial?  Ch. Miller said if the building goes up and is productive then it could increase the tax base as opposed to residential development. He thought having a small company like Chamberlain come to Walpole was desirable for the Town and for the site specifically.  Mr. Daviss asked Mr. Sawyer if the tax rate would increase at an Industrial Zone vs. Commercial.  Mr. Sawyer said no, the rates are very similar but better than residential.  Mr. Dill said the property has been looked at for as many as 21 single-family homes. Mr. Daviss asked if what was being proposed was a small industrial park?  Mr. Tausle said he wasn’t able to say exactly what would be proposed at this stage, but if re-zoned, it would be developed for strictly industrial uses.  Ms. Aslinger asked how they planned to subdivide the industrial property since the industrial zone does not have lot size or frontage requirements, would the Board simply approve whatever the applicant proposed?  Mr. Hanna thought Chamberlain would want to own their property and would be subdividing.  He said in some cases industrial park properties are sold as condominiums, there are many different possible configurations including laying out a road system however it is premature to say how the property will develop without knowing if the re-zoning will pass.  He said the property is highly suitable for this proposal, noting some of its physical characteristics.  He said from his perspective the property has been used industrially for years not for manufacturing but more for

warehousing activity.  Mr. Bob Miller asked if Huntington Lane was the present access?  Mr. Hanna said yes, along with an entrance at Diamond Pizza.  Mr. Bob Miller asked what size building they would be anticipating?  Mr. Chris Miller answered a 40,000 sq. ft. building.  Mr. Schupack asked what was beyond the RR track to the river?  A cornfield, not part of Lot 4, was answered.  Ch.  Miller instructed them to file their petition with the Selectmen, the Planning Board will schedule and hold a Public Hearing on it at the January 9, 2007 meeting.  Mr. Hannah said the petition had been filed earlier in the day.   Mr. DeCoste requested that a special effort be made to notify the residential property owners abutting Map 12 Lot 4 of the re-zoning.  Ms. Aslinger read in the Zoning Ordinance under Industrial Zone that upon recommendation of the Planning Board the Zoning Board could allow an Industrial Use in the Rural Agricultural or Commercial Zone by special exception.  She asked if the re-zoning did not pass, would they apply instead for a special exception and continue with their plans?  Mr. Hanna, said they would consider it, but they feel it is more important to have it re-zoned.  Otherwise he felt they would be coming before the Zoning Board with one small part, 1/5th, they wouldn’t be able to tell the Zoning Board about the whole project.  Ch. Miller said they would be seeking Special Exception after Special Exception as the project phased in.  Mr. Hanna agreed saying the re-zoning was the appropriate way to handle the development.  Mr. Hansel asked again specifically why the current industrial park wasn’t being considered.  Mr. Hanna said because the current park does not have three phase electrical, does not have Town water and sewer and does not have space left and is not in the right location.  Mr. Schupak asked if the Town would vote on the re-zoning?  Ch. Miller said the Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on the petition as presented, the Board would vote to recommend it or not recommend it after the Hearing and then it would be placed on the Warrant for a Town vote.  Sec. Aslinger said she will begin the process by creating the hearing notice and publishing it within the required deadlines for the January 9th meeting.  Mr. DeCoste reminded he would like the residential properties notified.  Sec. Aslinger suggested she could mail them their own private copy of the hearing notice created for the Public Hearing.  She added it could become a permanent way of notifying persons directly affected by zoning changes in the future.  However, the Board agrees the required notification is adequate. 

Other New Business:

Mr. Jim Dockham presented an application for a Lot Line Adjustment on 145 Upper Walpole Rd. to annex a small pie shaped piece (.1 acres) of property owned by Mr. Dill.  It is zoned Commercial.  A motion to place Mr. Dockham’s application on the agenda for the January 9, 2007 meeting and schedule the Public Hearing was made, seconded, carried.  Mr. Dill said this was a case in point about notification, they are notifying 29 people whereas if it were a zoning change, no one would be notified.

IV.  Board Discussion B.  Discuss and Review additional amendments, schedule Public Hearing, Ch. Miller asked Mr. Hansel to comment.

Mr. Hansel presented the Board with photo’s of 3 and 2 story apartment buildings both in Keene as examples of how each could affect Walpole.  He argued that 3 story as is presently allowed, has a much larger density impact, much greater than Walpole could handle in the Commercial District just in terms of traffic onto Rte. 12.  He said the ordinances require the Board to protect the aesthetics of the Town, he didn’t feel the 3 story was suitable.  He said reducing from 3 to 2 reduces density and is in keeping with Walpole’s scale.  Sec. Aslinger directed the Board to review the draft hearing notice and wording for Amendment # 4 to:  Reduce the number of stories allowed (3) for a Multifamily dwelling to (2) by amending Article VI Commercial District. 

Mr. DeCoste asked, if we already have three story buildings why change it?  Mr. Sawyer said the change is in the commercial zone only, therefore it would not change the use of existing three stories in the Residential districts.  Mr. Dill thought the 3 story examples were less in keeping with the character of Walpole.  Mr. Merklein asked how many multifamily units with a high density could Rte. 12 accommodate?  He agreed that while there are many 3 story apartments in Town, most are conversions of old buildings, he is most concerned with the density of 3 story vs. 2 story, less with the aesthetics, more with providing this kind of housing alternative.  He worries about how many people could be crammed into these types of developments.  He feels 3  story creates density inappropriate for Walpole.  Ch. Miller agreed with the density issue, saying a 2 story creates impacts but a 3 story creates development at a faster rate than Walpole is accustomed too.  He said it accommodates the need for housing but he prefers the slower rate of growth the 2 story offers.  He pointed out Walpole has given opportunities for varied growth

over the years but thankfully the rate of growth has been gradual, he did not think 3 stories promotes 

gradual growth.   Mr. Schupack asked, if square foot per lot could be considered rather than limiting the stories?  Mr. Merklein referred to the density and open space wording Mr. Edkins came up with last year, praising the balance that was achieved.  Mr. Sawyer said the rural agricultural land is being lost due to single-family homes, he is in favor of higher density development to preserve agriculture, although he is aware of how Walpole is changing.  Mr. Merklein and Ch. Miller agreed, changing from 3 story to 2 story wasn’t going to impact the loss of farmland or prevent a large tract of land from being developed into $500,000.00 homes.  Mr. Sawyer said he wasn’t convinced large-scale multifamily developments were something developers would want to build in Walpole.  Mr. Fletcher said preventing apartment houses, no building on Class VI roads and the 200 ft. of road frontage does not protect the farmland. He said he and other farmers in Town could retire immediately if they decided to divide their land every 200 feet because of the demand.  He thought a 3 story building in the right place would not be harmful.  Mr. Schupack suggested the Board hold a work session with the Conservation Commission to try and preserve the farms left in Walpole.  Ch. Miller remembered hearing, if farming was profitable there wouldn’t be concern over loss of farmland or open space, and no matter how much we, who don’t farm, want to see others farm, it’s a tough business.  Mr. DeCoste thought having 3 story buildings might make it more affordable, because cost of building would be less.  Mr. Daviss said, you can buy a house for 1/2 or 1/3rd the cost of renting in this area, affordable housing is something specified by law, you don’t zone it, build and hope they can afford it.  He said affordable housing is a very different discussion from the 3 story vs. 2 story issue.  Mr. Merklein suggested the Board reconsider the conservation subdivision to preserve open space.  Mr. Hansel said, Walpole is gratefully what it is, and to try to be everything to everyone in the future is not necessary.  He feels the 3  story monstrosity is not appropriate for Walpole, nor what it stands for.  He does not agree Walpole should accommodate every situation that threatens to change the character of Walpole.  He said if Mr. Sawyer is concerned about preserving agricultural land, why support the prior proposal to change a tract of rural agricultural land into industrial?

Ch. Miller called for Board action to approve the draft amendment #4 as presented and to hold the Public Hearing on January 9, 2007.  It was so moved, seconded and carried by 4 in favor, 3 opposed.

Sec. Aslinger presented draft amendment #3 Proposed by the Zoning Board.  She said the Zoning Board had recently processed three variances for home businesses in the Rural Agricultural Zone.  The Zoning Board felt, since home businesses were allowed in all of the other zones, why not allow them in the Rural Agricultural zone and specifically use the same wording as in the other districts.  Ch. Miller and others felt it should still be a requirement to seek a variance on the recommendation of the Planning Board, that each case should be scrutinized closely.  He added, problems had occurred in the past where home businesses had grown into full-scale commercial operations.  Sec. Aslinger read the letter from the Zoning Board requesting the amendment and the reasoning.  She agreed with the Zoning Board’s request, stating she supports home businesses and feels it is a burden for someone to seek a variance to have a home business in the rural agricultural zone when it is permitted in all other zones.  Mr. Sawyer reminded that Hubbard Farms and RN Johnson’s both started out as home businesses in the Rural Agricultural zone.  Mr. Dill said Alysson’s Orchard’s was another example of a home business that has grown into a commercial operation now manufacturing wine and holding banquets.  He thought having the variance requirement gave the Boards some control on what is allowed.  Ch. Miller agreed, that in the past the Planning Board has been very accommodating, but should have the power to oversee how a home operation develops.  Mr. Dill said if your in a residential area and someone wants to open a snowmobile shop, they would have to go through the variance process, unlike a recent operation on Wentworth Rd. that did not go through the proper channels.  Ch. Miller advised that the amendment was not necessary at this time and to move over it.  Mr. Merklein asked why home business is allowed in the Residential districts without a variance but not in the Rural Agricultural district?  Ms. Aslinger agreed asking if you can have a snowmobile business in the Residential, Commercial or Industrial districts, why not in the Rural Agricultural?  Ch. Miller said they are allowed by special exception in those districts.  He said if they don’t go through the process there is a greater chance for misunderstandings and problems after the fact.  Ms. Aslinger asked if the Rural Agricultural district was more vulnerable than Residential?  Ch. Miller and others agreed that some of the Rural Agricultural districts were more remote, made up of larger parcels and are a larger zone within the Town.  Ms. Aslinger asked if they would still need to be granted a special exception if the amendment was made?  Answer was yes.  She said she was trying to understand the opposition so she could accurately

report back to the Zoning Board.  Ch. Miller said to report that the Planning Board was not enthusiastic and would like to learn more, pass over and consider it at a later time, possibly for 2008.  Members agreed they needed further investigation before making the change.  Mr. Daviss felt the word “customary”(in the proposed wording) was a mile wide.  Mr. Sawyer agreed it should be looked at further.  A motion to pass over the draft amendment #3 to add home business as a permitted use in the Rural Agricultural district was made and seconded, being no further discussion the vote taken.  Motion carried unan.

Ch. Miller asked Mr. Merklein to present his amendment to the Site Plan Review Regulations regarding open space:  Mr. Merklein used the 30% open space derived from Mr. Edkins’ wording in the 2006 zoning amendment regarding multifamily housing.  He said currently there is no open space provision in the zoning ordinance for commercial retail buildings but a provision could be made in the Site Plan Review Regulations as he stated in his e-mail to the Planning Board.  He asked if the Board would review, hold a Public Hearing on the amendment and see it adopted as soon as possible. Ch. Miller suggested it be put on the agenda for review at the January meeting and a public hearing scheduled if the wording and placement is agreed to.  Ms. Aslinger stated she had compared the language and the suggested placement in the regulations and thought it needed to be reconfigured to organize it better within the existing document.  She said she gave “open space” its own heading, while preserving the rest of the existing language.  Mr. Merklein asked her to e-mail the changes to him for review.

Ch. Miller asked Mr. Schupack to present his request from the Conservation Commission:

Mr. Schupack presented the Board with copies of a Sept. 2006 “Farms, Forest, Streams and Wetlands:  Walpole’s Conservation Plan” prepared by a citizen task force from Walpole, chaired by Peter Palmiotto and commissioned by the Walpole Conservation Commission.  He asked members to review the document and to schedule a work session with the Task Force for comments.  He said they are hoping to have this incorporated into the Master Plan.  Ch. Miller said they could coordinate it with the update of the land use section of the Master Plan in 2007.  Mr. Schupack said the Conservation Commission was hoping to have better coordination with the Planning Board in the future.  Ch. Miller thought scheduling a work session in January or February could be timed with SWRPC and the Master Plan update.

Ch. Miller asked Mr. Bob Miller and Mr. Daviss for a report on their meeting with SWRPC:  Mr. Daviss handed out a letter, proposal and estimate for updating not only the Land Use section but for other services they offer.  He said they met with Jeff Porter, explaining what the Board was budgeting for in 2007, mainly an update of the Land Use Section for about $3000.00 or less.  Mr. Porter quoted $2700.00 up to $15,000.00.  Mr. Porter said in the past most plans have been reviewed every 10 years, but now the courts are suggesting some portion updated every 5 years, leading to an ongoing review of the document.  Mr. Miller said the Planning Board should be constantly reviewing a portion of the plan every year.  Mr. Porter suggested having some meetings throughout the year dedicated to Master Plan review. 

Mr. Sawyer cautioned against having SWRPC “overdo” for the Town.  He suggested including an amount in the budget for 2007.  Sec. Aslinger said the budget was submitted with a $3000.00 line for the Master Plan update.  Ch. Miller asked if they discussed maps?  Mr. Daviss said as part of their service they can update the maps.  He said, a set of good maps for the Boards to use is critical.  It would be helpful to have a full set of overlays as well.  Mr. Schupack said some mapping has already been done and incorporated into their documents.  He said they were in hopes to eventually have a map that could be used to assign conservation values, this is one of the discussions the Conservation Commission hopes to have with the Planning Board, and it is possible some the Conservation Maps could be used for the type of map Ch. Miller was looking for.  All agreed about the need for an accurate mapping.  Ch. Miller suggested the Board coordinate work sessions in January, February and March with the Conservation Commission and SWRPC to begin work on the update in April.  Mr. Daviss suggested we specifically decide on what to “buy” with the allotted  $3000.00.  Ch. Miller said to add the discussion to the next agendas for PB review.  Mr. Daviss added he asked Mr. Porter about business recruitment and economic development, because like most small Towns, we wait until someone brings us a plan and then we don’t like it.  Mr. Porter did not advise economic recruitment for small towns, finding the right person and developing a plan is a task too large for a small town.  He said the best approach is to try to think about how the town fits into the economic region.  He suggested trying to put together a local committee to address the issue and make suggestions back to the Board.  The Board would then adjust the regulations to reflect the suggestions, such as encouraging the use of old buildings or home businesses.  Ch. Miller said the biggest impact of economic development for Walpole is the loss of agricultural land, like the Hubbard Farms.  Mr. Sawyer asked about putting a big grocery store on good agricultural land, it will never revert back to agricultural land. Mr. Dill said the Hubbard buildings sit empty even though they are quite a bit less cost to develop than in Keene, but the climate in Walpole is not favorable to business.  He said he thought Chamberlain would eventually be discouraged from re-locating to Walpole.  Mr. Sawyer said they just dropped $1million from the tax rolls due to the closing of a Hubbard Farms facility.  Ch. Miller said he hoped the Board would support the zoning change proposed by Chamberlain, it is a good use of the land and location for the Town.  Mr. Daviss said Mr. Porter suggested the Board incorporate an economic development plan within the Master Plan.  The Town of Jaffrey just added a section to there Master Plan that was well written, Mr. Daviss has an e-mailable copy for anyone interested. The Board agreed to add discussion beginning with the January meeting and work session.  Mr. Schupack will notify the Conservation Commission.  Mr. Daviss announced he had heard there are plans for a Dunkin Donuts for Rte. 12.  He cautioned the Board that the “snooze alarm” had gone off three times at tonights meeting, we’re looking at an industrial park, a Dunkin Donuts, apartment buildings etc.  He said the Master Plan asks the Board to plan for the Town, we need to think in context, to think of all the proposals as one along Rte. 12.   Mr. Fletcher thought the Town forefathers did a good job of placing the Commercial zone away from the Village, why stop the growth there?  Ch. Miller thought Ben’s comments were ones of caution not an attempt to stop or promote commercial development, to consider the Master Plan’s recommendation to prevent Rte. 12 from being a stop and go commercial strip. 

Continuation with the agenda:

I.  B.  Minutes from 11/14/06 were approved as amended. 

V. Unfinished Business

A.  Frink Class VI Rd. resolution.  Sec. Aslinger stated she attended the Board of Selectmen’s meeting/hearing.  She read the Board’s letter to the Board of Selectmen based on the minutes of the 11/14 meeting.  She said the Selectmen would “entertain” allowing a building permit even with the Board’s concerns and without an actual building permit.  Ch. Miller asked when building on a Class VI roads be stopped.  Mr. Sawyer felt the resolution allowed building on a Class VI road.  He said sometimes they deny the permit if the road is too steep.  Ch. Miller said frontage on a Class V or better road is required.  No building is permitted on a Class VI road.  Sec. Aslinger said the Class VI road resolution has restrictive criteria that must be met.  She said it has become very arbitrary as to who gets to build and who doesn’t.  She said there are lots between the Frink property and the end of the Class V portion of the road, how do you say no to them when they want a building permit, then petition the Town to upgrade the road.  Ch. Miller read the definition of “frontage” that requires it to be on a public street, classified as a Town maintained road, ie; Class V or better.  He would like an official statement made to the Board of Selectmen discouraging building permits issued on Class VI roads.

VI.  New Business:  B.  Other Cellco - Telecommunications Tower on 88 Scovill Rd.  Sec. Aslinger received a call from Keenan Brinn of C. Davis Associates, Milton, MA notifying the Board they were going to be changing out 3 antennas on the existing tower from Nextel arrays to Sprint arrays.   The change-out is a maintenance issue.  No other changes would take place.  Sec. Aslinger said the Town’s ordinance does not make review provisions for maintenance issues such as applying for a site plan review when they occur.  Per Ch. Miller, she asked Mr. Brinn to write a letter of explanation to the Board that could be signed and placed on file for future reference.  She had the Board sign four copies, with the original returned to Mr. Brinn.  Mr. Dill wanted to make certain no other changes would be made, Sec. Aslinger said the antennas are the only change.  He asked why they would come to the Planning Board for a scheduled maintenance?  Answer was as a courtesy and inquiry since all Town’s have different requirements.  Members agreed it was proper for Mr. Brinn to notify the Board. 

Sec. Aslinger announced the Town of Dublin notified the Planning Board of a Cell Tower Site located on 47 Valley Rd. in Dublin, the Public Hearing is being scheduled.  All Town’s within a 20 mile radius must be notified.

Ch. Miller and V-Ch. Miller signed maps for Whitcomb, Benson Woodworking and Cray prior

approvals.  Handouts were distributed.

Meeting was adjourned at 9:30pm

 

       

Ed. Note: Here's a story I really enjoyed working on two weeks ago.  CCB

11-27-06

Bellows Falls Business Whirlwind

By Charles C. Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            Few people have the courage, energy and stamina to start their own business.  Sharon Boccelli has started three businesses in Bellows Falls in the past year. And she’s relishing the experience!

            In fact, Boccelli has always been a self-starter, unafraid to tackle things she knows little about and very willing to learn from the ground up!

            Growing up in Lynn, Massachusetts and later Cambridge, Boccelli frankly admits to “no experience and no education” before she became an entrepreneur.  In fact, she was working on a General Motors assembly line when she initiated an amazing string of businesses.

            Relying on $2 book on “How to Get Into the Antiques Business” Boccelli launched her first business.  She accumulated her “antiques” inventory by scavenging Cambridge neighborhoods before dawn looking for old furniture others were putting out for trash pickup.  Then, she refinished her collection on the weekends and filled a storefront with reconditioned furniture.  When all but two small pieces sold, Boccelli knew she was on to something.

            But then she discovered auctions.  “I didn’t even know what auctions were,” she laughs now.  “But when I saw that you could sell a whole store full of furniture in an evening with an auction, I got interested real fast!”  She learned that business while running a catering business at auctions and then got her own auction license 27 years ago.  As she tells it now, “I learned as I went!”  Since that time, Boccelli has run an auction business in Massachusetts, mostly liquidating estates and, along the way, developing a deep background in antiques, collectibles and the ins and outs of selling them.

            Fast-forwarding to Vermont in the 1990s, Boccelli and her civil union partner Ingrid bought a vacation cottage in Westminster West.  Three and a half years ago they moved in full time, and Sharon intended to work at home.  But, as many friends predicted, she just HAD to be developing a new business, and Boccelli’s on the Canal was born in early 2006.  Having rehabbed a multi-bay building formerly used as a repair garage, Boccelli’s now features an Italian themed coffee shop/bakery/restaurant with a complimentary Internet “hot spot” in one bay, a grocery featuring many Vermont items in the second bay and, guess what?, an auction hall where Boccelli expects to begin regular auctions of furniture and other estate items.

            Again, entering the bakery and restaurant business, Boccelli is learning while doing and, in blustery good-humor both enjoying and learning from the process.  “The hardest part is ordering the right amounts of food and avoiding having too much waste,” she says.  “But,” Boccelli says, “the restaurant and bakery, along with the grocery keep our auction employees busy for the days between auctions, and they provide a needed service and meeting place in the town.”

            “And, it’s such a great community!  There are such a lot of choices and reasons to come to Bellows Falls,” she notes. “There are so many misconceptions about Bellows Falls.  But the people and the architecture are great, businesses are coming in, and the hotel is getting done over!

            And just to punctuate her enthusiasm for Bellows Falls, Boccelli last week opened ANOTHER new business!  Sharon Boccelli & Co. Antiques at 1 Canal Street, just up from Boccelli’s on the Canal.  “We’ve got a bit of everything,” says Boccelli, "at a range of prices." Chairs, tables, oriental rugs, dishes, chests of drawers, political posters and more.  Most of the things are from estates I’ve bought in Massachusetts and the Boston area.”

            According to store manager Henry LaRose, “we’re adding stuff every day.  Sharon has a couple of storage units she hasn’t even opened yet!”

            Boccelli’s on the Canal is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, and  from 11 am to 9:00 p.m. on  Friday and Saturday.  Sharon Boccelli & Co., Antiques is open Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday until 8:00 p.m. For further information, call Boccelli’s on the Canal at 802-460-1190.

                                    --30--

           

 

 

Ed. Note: Here they are thanks to Regina Broden, the Selectmen's recording secretary.  CCB

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

NOVEMBER 30, 2006

Selectmen Present:            Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM with six people present in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

NORTH RIVER ROAD - PUBLIC HEARING – DECEMBER 07, 2006:  The Board of Selectmen announced that the Joint Public Hearing of the Planning Board and the Board of Selectmen cancelled Hearing No. 2 scheduled for Thursday, December 07, 2006, at 7:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  This was to discuss the access to the Claire Whitcomb Trust property being over a Walpole Class VI road and private drive but was cancelled because of the discovery that the Town does not own the road.

2007 PROPOSED BUDGET:  Pam Aslinger, Planning Board Secretary, Myra Mansouri, Zoning Board of Adjustment Chair, Lucy Weber, Board of Adjustment member, Teresa Fernette, Bookkeeper, and Jeff Miller, Planning Board Chair, discussed the 2006 budget over expenditure of the combined Planning Board and ZBA.  Mr. Sawyer noted that one big item contributing to this was a $2,000 bill from the Southwest Region Planning Commission that should have been encumbered from the previous budget; this was an oversight on everyone’s part.  It was noted that the $600.00+ in the Miscellaneous account was actually offset by revenues received from Berkshire Development for a study.  For clarification purposes, both the Planning Board and ZBA will have separate accounts in the next budget.    

JAMES J. O’BRIEN, SR.:  Mr. O’Brien explained that in August of 2004 his property was subdivided.  The 1.3 acres should no longer be in Current Use but the current tax bill is still indicating that it is.  The Board of Selectmen advised that Mr. O’Brien needs to submit a new map showing the change in Current Use and they will ask the Assessor to calculate what the difference will be.

NORTH WALPOLE TAX COLLECTOR:  Teresa Kissell, North Walpole Tax Collector, advised that the computer has been troublesome for several months and she needs to have a reliable system.  A new basic computer system will cost about $680.00; there is no internet connection.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen allow Teresa Kissell to replace the computer used for the collection of North Walpole property taxes.  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 $25,013.60.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the supplemental Accounts Payable check register for check No. 049533.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending November 25, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $20,440.91 or net wages in the amount of $11,966.09.  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 $4,925.27.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION:  Mr. Miller moved to put the employee compensation request on-hold until the next meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- NOVEMBER 23, 2006:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of November 23, 2006, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE MEETINGS: 

The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed the minutes of the following meetings:  1) Cemetery Committee – November 15, 2006; 2) Planning Board – November 14, 2006; 3) Zoning Board of Adjustment – November 15, 2006; and 4) Hooper Institute Committee – November 21, 2006.

WARRANTS: 

NORTH WALPOLE SUPPLEMENTAL PROPERTY TAX WARRANT:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Supplemental Property Tax Warrant for the Collection of North Walpole Property Tax Fees in the amount of $137,048.00.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

BUILDING PERMITS:

BENSONWOOD CO./EMICOR – MAP 001-004-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-058 for Bensonwood Co./Emicor to construct a 56’x 100’ storage building.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

CHIP PALIOCHA – RENEWAL OF BUILDING PERMIT – MAP 009-023-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Renewal of Building Permit No. 2006-059 for Chip Paliocha to construct a one-and-a-half story barn and seasonal camp off March Hill Road.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

SET DATES TO WORK ON BUDGETS:  There was a consensus of the Board of Selectmen to set the first date to work on the budgets as Monday, December 4th at 6:00 PM.  Teresa Kissell will be asked to attend.  The Board of Selectmen will request that she send reminder notices to all the departments to submit their proposed budgets by Monday, December 11th if they have not already done so. 

DATE CHANGE FOR HEARINGS – FOR FRINK AND WHITCOMB:  The Public Hearing for Mr. Mervyn Frink to build off a Class VI section of Merriam Road will be held on Thursday, December 7th, 2006, at 7:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Public Hearing No. 2 for the Claire Whitcomb Trust has been cancelled as noted above under Public Business.

CONTRACT FOR REGIONAL PROSECUTING ATTORNEY:  The Board of Selectmen agreed to send letters to the Boards of Selectmen involved in the Regional Prosecuting Program to schedule a meeting on January 15th, 2007, at a time and location to be determined.

ATTORNEY HOCKINSMITH LETTER REGARDING ADELPHIA CABLE:  The Board of Selectmen will try to schedule a meeting on Wednesday, December 13th at 6:00 PM with Attorney Hockinsmith and Sandy Smith, Town Clerk, regarding Adelphia Cable.

SWRPC APPOINTMENTS:  This agenda item will continue “on-hold”.

GRANITE STATE ASSESSING CONTRACT:  The Board of Selectmen agreed to put the Granite State Assessing Contract “on-hold”.  A Statistical Up-date Contract will also be needed and it was suggested that this be for one year.

NEW BUSINESS:

JOHN HOYT – VETERANS EXEMPTION:  Mr. Sawyer moved to grant the Veterans Property Tax Exemption in the amount of $250.00 for John Hoyt.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

THOMAS DURNFORD – VETERANS EXEMPTION:  Mr. Miller moved to grant the Veterans Property Tax Exemption in the amount of $250.00 for Thomas Durnford.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER –WENTWORTH HUBBARD- MAP 012-067-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Wentworth Hubbard.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

DR. MOROSINI – HEALTH ISSUE:  Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen take no action on the health issue submitted by Dr. Morosini.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.         

LANGDON – SOLID WASTE DISTRICT RESEARCH:  The Board of Selectmen will submit a positive reply to schedule a meeting with the towns of Langdon, Alstead and Acworth regarding a Solid Waste District Research.  Jennifer Doyle will be contacted to see if the meeting can be held in Langdon.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION AND LEGISLATOR RECOGNITION RECEPTION:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged receipt of an invitation to attend a Volunteer Appreciation and Legislator Recognition Reception to be held on Wednesday, December 13th, 2006, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Parks Place in Bellows Falls. 

Mr. Miller moved to adjourn the Board of Selectmen’s meeting and to enter into a Trustees of Hooper Trust meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:42 PM.

TRUSTEES OF HOOPER TRUST

CONNECT HOOPER INSTITUTE TO THE TOWN WATER SYSTEM:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve payment of the bill in the amount of $3,916.00 from the Everett Houghton Co., Inc. to connect the Hooper Institute to the Town water system and to forward this bill to the Trustees of Trust Funds.  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 9:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

                                                    

 

    

 

   

 

Ed. It's taken a little longer than usual to get these minutes together, but here they are!  CCB

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

NOVEMBER 16, 2006

Selectmen Present:            Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

BENSON WOODWORKING:  Dennis Wright submitted a set of plans for a Building Permit to build a storage building for Benson Woodworking on Black Jack Crossing.  This will be an agenda item for their next meeting.

DIBERNARDO ASSOCIATES – REF: WHITCOMB LAND:  Aurelius DiBernardo advised that the Planning Board approved a three-lot subdivision off Route 12 for the Whitcomb property but it is subject to approval from the Board of Selectmen to grant permission for them to up-grade a small section of the old original River Road that is a Class VI road.  Mr. Sawyer read the Town of Walpole Resolution pertaining to building on a Class VI road.  It requires a joint Public Hearing of the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board.  The Board of Selectmen will schedule a Public Hearing on Thursday, November 30th, 2006, at 7:00 P.M.

JOSH KELLY – LAND FOR PUBLIC TRUSTS:  Josh Kelly provided an up-date on the Ballam Farm.  A preliminary survey plan of the property was distributed.  Due to the fact that the well was so close to an area being considered for a ball field, both the DES and the Natural Resources Conservation Services were uncomfortable with the fact that the six acre area might become a ball field.   

Mr. Miller moved that the Board of Selectmen looked at the preliminary plans for the development of the conservation easement of the Ballam Farm and it is their decision that a ball field would not be a permitted use.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Josh Kelly did a preliminary application for the DES loan that is contingent on the Town vote. 

Mr. Sawyer moved to allow the Chairman to sign the “Application for Land Grant Funds” agreement for the DES.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Josh Kelly prepared the Purchase and Sale Agreement and Exhibit B and suggested that the Board of Selectmen might want their legal counsel to review the document before taking any action. 

Josh Kelly left copies of the “Cooperative Agreement Between the United States of America, Commodity Credit Corporation and The Trust for Public Land and the Monadnock Conservancy for the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program” with the Board of Selectmen for their review along with a letter entitled “Amendment Request, FRPP Cooperative Agreement 7314280608 dated June 29, 2006”.

CONSERVATION COMMISSION:  Gary Speed had previously requested that the Board of Selectmen designate Derry Hill as an emergency lane but had not been notified if any action was taken.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen designate Derry Lane as an emergency lane.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- NOVEMBER 09, 2006:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of November 09, 2006, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $28,684.22.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

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

PAYROLL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending November 11, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $16,302.01 or net wages in the amount of $8,558.66.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved to approve the supplemental payroll voucher for the week ending November 11, 2006 in the net amount of $66.34 as there was a mistake on the time sheet.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  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 $3,874.96.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved to approve a payment in the amount of $125.00 to Robie Speed with funding to be taken out of the Mason Forest Trust Fund.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed the minutes of the following meetings:  1) North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners - November 13, 2006; and 2) Cemetery Committee - September 12, 2006.

ABATEMENTS:

CARL & AMY WISTREICH – MAP 008-109-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Abatement for Water and Sewer in the amount of $1,468.66 for Carl & Amy Wistreich.  Adjustments were needed because this was an old meter and there were inaccurate readings.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

CENTRAL PLATING, INC. – MAP 020-065-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Abatement for Central Plating, Inc. for the following amounts:  Water $822.12 and Sewer $632.40.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

CENTRAL PLATING, INC. – MAP 020-066-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Abatement for Central Plating, Inc. for the following amounts:  Water $643.81 and Sewer $510.99.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.    

BUILDING PERMIT:

KIM AND SCOTT SURLES – MAP 008-012-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve Building Permit No. 2006-057 for Kim and Scott Surles to construct a 16’ lean-to off an existing barn.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

LIGHTING BY OLD FIRE STATION:  This item was discussed at the last meeting but a decision was made to wait for a full board to be present.  The power company will waive the cost for the light but the Town would have to assume the monthly cost that is estimated to be $175/year.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the request to have a new light installed in the old Fire Station parking area.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

There was a consensus to ask Red Smith to contact the power company to make the arrangements.

SWRPC APPOINTMENTS:  This agenda item will remain on-hold.  Mr. Miller will contact the present appointees to see if they would like to be re-appointed.

NEW BUSINESS:

MERRIAM ROAD:  The Board of Selectmen discussed setting a date for a Public Hearing for Mr. Frink to build on the Merriam Road which is a Class VI road.

Mr. Sawyer moved to set a joint Public Hearing with the Planning Board for Thursday, November 30th, 2006, at 7:00 P.M.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted. 

TOWN HALL JANITOR – REVISION TO DUTIES:   Mr. Sawyer moved to add the following wording to the Town Hall Janitor’s Job Description “and any other requests by the Office Manager or her designee”.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

GRANITE STATE ASSESSING CONTRACT:  Mr. Miller moved to postpone discussion of the Granite State Assessing contract until the next meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

MEMO – DATE AND TIME OF NEXT WEEK’S SELECTMEN’S MEETING:  Due to the fact that the Thanksgiving Day holiday falls on a regular Thursday night meeting, the Board of Selectmen re-scheduled that meeting to Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006, at 7:30 P.M.

MEMO – WALPOLE VILLAGE SCHOOL REQUEST FOR CHRISTMAS PROGRAM:  The Walpole Village School had requested using the Town Hall on Thursday, December 21st for a Christmas Program.

Mr. Sawyer moved to allow the Walpole Village School to use the upstairs of the Town Hall, at no charge, on Thursday, December 21st for a Christmas Program that will begin at 8:00 P.M.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

TIME OFF REQUEST – RICK COOPER:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged Rick Cooper’s request to take the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day off as an exchange for Labor Day when he worked.  He will also take Personal Days off on November 14th, 17th and 18th and Vacation time off from December 26th to the 30th, 2006. 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION – RSA 91-A:3 II

Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) Personnel.  Mr. Miller seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 9:34 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 9:50 P.M.

Personnel:

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Town continue to pay Tracy Nash’s health insurance until a more permanent solution can be achieved.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to continue to pay Tracy Nash the one-third of his salary in addition to the two-thirds he gets from the insurance company.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 10:00 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretar

 

Ed. Note: Thanks to Board Secretary Pam Aslinger, here is the agenda for next Tuesday's Planning Board meeting.  CCB 

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

December 12, 2006  7:30PM Town Hall

Agenda

I.          Open Meeting

            A.  Roll Call/Designate Alternates

            B.  Approve Minutes of November 14, 2006 (corrections)

            C.  Other

II.        Close Meeting/Open Public Hearing

            A.  Zoning Amendments Proposed by the Planning Board

 (for full text refer to the Hearing Notice)

#1.  Change Dearborn Circle and Burrows Lane Zoning district designation from

Commercial to Residential B by amending Article VI Commercial District Section F. and Article V Residential District Section E.:  Lots effected are within the residential development that are existing residential use only.

#2.  Clarify intent in Article VI Commercial District and Article VIII Rural Agricultural District:  establishment vs. building 

III.       Close Public Hearing/Re-open Meeting

IV.       Board Discussion/Action on Proposed Amendments 1 & 2

            A.  Changes?  Schedule a 2nd Public Hearing?  Place on Warrant?

            B.  Discuss and Review additional amendments, schedule the Public Hearing

V.            Unfinished Business:

            A.  Frink Class VI Rd. Resolution - Hearing results

B.  Whitcomb Subdivision - Status of Class VI Road, maps and mylar signing

            C.  Benson Woodworking - Maps signing

            D.  Cray - Map signing

VI.       New Business:  Preliminary Conceptual Consultation(s)

            A.  David Hearne - North Walpole Lot Line Adjustment, 26 Church St.

            B.  Other

VII.            Communications and Miscellaneous

            A.  Handouts - Executive Sessions, Registry Map Sizes

            B.  Budget Review - Year-end tally, Fees increase?

C.  SWRPC - Update of Master Plan

D.  Other

VIII.              Adjourn Meeting (next meeting January 9, 2007)

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

Cc:  PB, ZBA, Town Office’s, N. Walpole VC, ZBA

Here's an advance look at my story on last night's Cold River bridge planning.  More later...CCB

12-6-06

Walpole Bridge Choices Not Simple as 123

By Charles C. Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            Democracy was in full flower at Tuesday’s informational meeting on designs for the new Rt. 123 bridge over the Cold River with New Hampshire DOT leaders carefully taking the public pulse, competing advocates pushing for their bridgely visions, and over 100 citizens listening, questioning and commenting.

 

            Though DOT will make no design decision until after the official hearing Janaury 24, options it is considering remain a single span concrete butted box beam bridge, a double arched concrete bridge in appearance something like its historic predecessor, and a “composite” timber/concrete/steel structure to be proposed by Tedd Benson of Bensonwood Homes in Walpole.

            What is known for sure is:

·             >     Residents of Upper Walpole Road desperately want a new bridge as soon as possible to relieve the heavy truck traffic roaring through their neighborhood as a result of the October 2005 Cold River flood’s destroying the old bridge.

·              >      Residents of Cold River Road north of the river want both traffic relief and a return to the convenience of an operating bridge.

·             >       The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will fund a new bridge to an estimated cost of $1.3 million, but it has to be in operation by April, 2008.  (An extension might be obtainable, but it would be highly risky to rely on getting one.)

·             >       Because asphalt producers usually close in November, any new bridge to be completed before the April 2008 FEMA deadline must actually be completed by November 2007.

NHDOT Project Engineer Robert Landry conducted the meeting and noted that he is “stretching some rules and pushing people” to get the project moving quickly for a fall 2007 completion.

Internationally renowned timber frame designer, advocate and builder Tedd Benson—a resident of Alstead and whose company is headquartered in Walpole—outlined the potential advantages of a “composite” bridge made of timber, steel and concrete.  Benson described and showed pictures of several such composite bridges he has seen in recent years in Europe that have been installed as replacements for flooded out spans.   While Benson has not yet designed a composite bridge for the Cold River, he and Bensonwood engineer Annette Dey are consulting with New Hampshire DOT engineers to make certain that any composite design they might propose would meet all required load, size, durability, maintenance and cost limits.  Most of the pictured bridges had timber/steel superstructures—something like 21st century covered bridges—that bear some of the loads and shield the roadway from the elements

“A composite bridge,” he said, “would meld the ideals of the past with realities of the present and intentions of the future. And we are confident we could complete it by November ‘07”

Benson argued that structural use of timber would add interest and beauty to the new bridge and that a composite bridge might be in place more quickly than a traditional bridge because large elements of it would be built off-site and trucked to the site for rapid assembly.  And, he noted, the composite superstructure, while hinting at the look of a traditional New England covered bridge, would transfer much of the load bearing elements from under the bridge where traditional designs must have it to above the road surface, thus adding to the water clearance distance.

John Hansel of Walpole followed Benson to the microphone and said “I am thrilled that Tedd’s here and opening our eyes to new possibilities.”  Hansel reviewed the history of Cold River bridges and suggested that, while speed of completion is important, a design that is fitting with the historical site and physically attractive setting is equally important.

DOT’s Landry reviewed the Department’s favoring of the single span bridge because “that is what we know” and because “the resources agencies—natural resources and environmental services—prefer not to put another pier in the middle of the river.”  Landry also said that the composite examples shown by Benson “may work too.  We have some concerns with them, but I think they could be worked out.”

Gerald DeMuro of South Acworth, President of Northern Heritage Mills, a sustainable resource educational organization, argued passionately for the timber composite design alternative and said that “replacing the Cold River bridge is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Walpole to be a leader, to make a statement to our children and our world that we are connected to New Hampshire forest resources that are so symbolic of—and important to—our state.”

DeMuro also noted that the stones from the demolished bridge had been inventoried and kept for possible future use on or near the new bridge or for another historically relevant project.

Landry declined to take a straw poll of the audience on whether they favored the plain single span or a possible Benson-produced composite design.  But a hasty show of hands sought by Hansel appeared to show an evenly divided audience.

Duncan Watson of Cold River Road, near the bridge site, garnered cheers when he observed that the photo of a typical DOT single span bridge, projected by DOT planners, “was appallingly boring” and that “I am wildly in favor of a wooden bridge option.”  Others in the audience asked questions suggesting that they doubted whether a composite design would have the strength or durability needed and whether it could be built within the budgetary limits. Other audience members seemed unmoved by the prospect of a modern design and, instead, preferred a traditional design.

Landry closed the meeting by telling those present that they “were part of the solution but we also have to weigh the needs of the traveling public and our natural resources agencies.”

                                    --30--

 

 

Ed. Note: Here is a story and photo that will probably appear in tomorrow morning's Eagle Times. The hearing they refer to could have short- and long-term implications for the town. Thought you'd want an advance notice.  CCB

12-4-06

New Rt.123 Bridge Proposals to Be Floated Tonight

By Charles C. Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            Citizens group Walpole Tomorrow and Walpole building firm Bensonwood will propose new Cold River Bridge designs at a 7:00 p.m. Walpole Town Hall hearing tonight sponsored by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.

The new span will replace the Rt. 123 Cold River bridge wiped out by the October 2005 flood.

According to IDOT engineer Robert Landry who will conduct the hearing, “the purpose of tonight’s meeting is to solicit input in order to ensure that project decisions meet public needs, community goals, and protect and enhance the environment.”

            Over 30 area residents, mostly from Upper Valley Road, attended a June 28 NHDOT hearing on possible designs for the new bridge.  The issue then was whether to build a new single-span or a two-span, granite-faced bridge that looked much like the old bridge.  According to many that night the design mattered less than getting the new span built as quickly as possible.  Later the Walpole Board of Selectmen selected the single-span, concrete butted box design on the theory that it presented fewer natural resources issues and could be built in a few months’ shorter time than the two-span bridge. 

            In October John Hansel, representing Walpole Tomorrow, petitioned for an additional public hearing on bridge designs and intends at tonight’s hearing to argue for the double-span design in keeping with the earlier look. Hansel’s 50+ signatures appear to represent no abutters to the bridge area or landowners most directly affected by the bridge outage.

 Coincidentally, NHDOT has noted that the original bridge, opened in 1908, was the first one designed by the Department and that that design has considerable historic significance to it.

    In addition to the Hansel proposal, Walpole timber frame builder Bensonwood has been collecting alternative bridge design ideas for contemporary covered bridges that take advantage of state-of-the-art timber engineering, advanced wood technology and the opportunity to make efficient use of steel and concrete components as well.  According to Bensonwood

 "The Koessen (Austria) Bridge, above, which opened to traffic in December 2004 is an example of the type Bensonwood might suggest for the new Cold River Bridge. The Timber Truss design uses a cross gable roof with steel joists supporting roadway. The bridge supports weights exceeding those of the current tentative plan for the Cold River Bridge while costing a comparable amount per unit of length. Photo courtesy of Bensonwood."

engineer Annette Dey, many of these bridges have replaced washed out bridges Austria in recent years as they have proven themselves to be practical, beautiful and cost effective.  Bensonwood has said that it is “open to the possibility of contributing the design and construction engineering as a part of an overall bridge construction effort.”

While conscious of the need to get on with plans for the new bridge, Selectman Sheldon Sawyer said, “we thought it right to give people a hearing.  But at the same time they need to be aware of the time restraints, how the process has taken place so far, and that residents along the Cold River and Upper Valley Road have endured much increased traffic with the bridge out.”

Following tonight’s hearing, NHDOT’s Landry says, “I’ll ask the selectmen to again decide what design the town prefers, and I’ll try to meld that decision into what would be best for the general public.  Natural resource agencies want a single span because of fewer possible problems with river flow.”

Landry is till hoping to advertise for bids in early spring, 2007 and to have construction complete by late fall of next year.  He noted Monday, however, that that timeline may be delayed by the need to purchase some more right of way before construction can begin.

Charles Bingaman may be reached at chuck@chuckbingaman.com.

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    The Walpole Board of Selectmen have appointed an ad hoc committee of Cindy Westover, Chair, Dale Hubbard, Tara Sad and Chuck Bingaman to review
Walpole Town Meeting procedures and plans and to make suggestions for making them more effective.  The committee is particularly interested in looking at ways to get more citizens actively interested in the Town Meeting and to get more citizens to attend the meeting and participate directly. Ending the in-person Town Meeting altogether and simply deciding all issues by paper ballot, as some towns have done, is an alternative that the committee may also discuss.  Walpolean readers are invited to send ideas, concerns, and suggestions for the committee to consider to Cindy at 756-3661 or westovr@verizon.net by December 8. Chuck Bingaman, Editor.