Ed. Note: Walpolean reader Jill Robinson reminds us of a local effort to get the Selectmen to add a warrant article on this year's ballot asking "the town go on record in support of effective actions by the President and the Congress to address the issue of climate change".  Fuller info follows below.  Note, though, that your signature MUST be put on the petition TODAY if you want to support this!  CCB

TAKE ACTION ON GLOBAL WARMING

The Carbon Coalition, New Hampshire Citizens for a Responsible Energy Policy, is coordinating an effort to promote greater awareness in NH of the need for action on climate change. As the Coalition's website points out, "[g]lobal warming is local, it's here now, it threatens New Hampshire's economic and community health and ... the next president needs to have an effective plan. Because of the presidential primary, New Hampshire is in a unique position to set the terms of national discourse."

The Coalition's Town Meeting Campaign is a bipartisan grassroots initiative to bring a resolution to upcoming town meetings statewide that the town "go on record in support of effective actions by the President and the Congress to address the issue of climate change".

The Coalition has confirmed with 117 town offices that the NH climate change resolution has been added to their warrant for Town Meeting.   Volunteers in 60 other towns are in the process. We in Walpole can call for action on climate change by joining their efforts and bringing the resolution to our Town Meeting as well.

The text of the petition follows. If you would like to sign it, please drop by the Walpole Village Market and Gas Station. The market was kind enough to agree to keep the petition at the check out counter. We would like to collect these signatures by Wed, Jan 31.

The petition:

We, the undersigned, being legal voters in the Town of Walpole, hereby petition the Board of Selectmen of said Town to place the following article on the warrant for the 2007 annual meeting.

New Hampshire Climate Change Resolution

To see if the town will go on record in support of effective actions by the President and the Congress to address the issue of climate change which is increasingly harmful to the environment and economy of New Hampshire and to the future well being of the people of Walpole.

These actions include:

1. Establishment of a national program requiring reductions of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions while protecting the U.S. economy.

2. Creation of a major national research initiative to foster rapid development of sustainable energy technologies thereby stimulating new jobs and investment.

In addition, the town of Walpole encourages New Hampshire citizens to work for emission reductions within their communities, and we ask our Selectmen to consider the appointment of a voluntary energy committee to recommend local steps to save energy and reduce emissions.

The record of the vote on this article shall be transmitted to the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation, to the President of the United States, and to declared candidates for those offices.

Bob Jasse asked me to let you know that you can bring the apple of your eye to Alyson's 1st Annual Valentine Dinner Dance Saturday, February 17. It includes a 5-course meal from Harvest Moon, live entertainment from The Nines, and a cash bar.  Tickets are $100 per couple.  For more information or reservations, call Jennifer at 603-762-4264.  CCB

Ed. Note: While no application-related decisions are made in them, Planning Board "working" sessions--sessions devoted to less formal discussions of broad issues--are very impoortant to the town.  Here, courtesy of Pam Aslinger, are her notes taken at Tuesday's "working" session.  CCB

Town of Walpole

PLANNING BOARD WORK SESSION

Janurary 23, 2007  7:00pm Basement Office

MINUTES

Presiding:  Jeffrey Miller, Ch.

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

Recording:  Pamela Aslinger, alt. and Secretary

Conservation Commissioners Present:  Gary Speed, Mel Schupack, Joe Dion, Mary Lou Montgomery, Marsha Galloway, Peter Palmiotto

SWRPC Present:  Jeff Porter   

Audience Present:  Mr. John Hansel

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the Feb. 13, 2007 meeting for errors, omissions and corrections.

I.   Meeting opened at 7:10pm.  The order of the agenda was changed to address the Conservation Commission’s presentation before the Master Plan discussion.  Mr. Gary Speed, Ch. of the Conservation Commission asked Mr. Peter Palmiotto to present “Farms, Forests, Streams and Wetlands:  Walpole’s Conservation Plan”.  Mr. Palmiotto presented a slide show outlining each of the goals and objectives in the final document.  The document was created by a task force he chaired established in May of 2005 working through Sept. 2006.  The SW Regional Planning Commission assisted them.

The Plan consists of an introduction, purpose statement, 3 primary goals plus their rationale and recommendations, a summary, acknowledgements, supporting documents, tables, maps and appendices.

The presentation was based on an outline of the actual document and reiterated the rationale and recommendations. 

(Secretary’s note:  rather than reiterating the entire presentation, a copy of the plan is available for review in the Selectmen’s Office during regular business hours and a copy is posted on the bulletin board in the lobby of the Town Hall.  Copies may be purchased in the selectmen’s office.)

Discussion and questions were taken during the presentation touching on the following:

Goal 1:  Objective 1.1 Protect Drinking Water

Mr. Sawyer expressed concern on the plans recommended expansion of the wellhead protection area, noting it overlaps prime agricultural land designation, would uses such as manure spreading contaminate the aquifer thus preventing agricultural use? 

Response:  Surface water reaches the aquifir over a long percolation process; manure spreading may not affect the aquifir.  It was noted Walpole is blessed with aquifers, plus 2 well sites.  The Watkins Hill site provides 85% of the Town’s water.

Objective 1.2 Conserve habitat for wildlife and native plant diversity and Objective 1.3 Conserve prime ag. soils and active farms  

Mr. Hansel expressed concern over the mapping of prime agricultural land, it’s not showing every area, he feels Walpole’s farmland compared to other areas of the State is very kind and is its greatest asset.

Comment:  The taskforce followed the State recommendation, feeling it was “realistic”.  They noted how the maps follow the Town’s drainage and wetlands and aquifers.  They recommend 100 ft. buffer for wildlife preservation, and a farmland overlay district to promote agricultural land use.

Mr. J. Miller asked if a farmland overlay plan had been developed, possibly in other parts of the State?

Mr. J. Porter said yes, in the Seacoast area primarily being used to protect farmers from new neighbors moving in being unfamiliar with some normal farming practices.

Objective 1.4 Preserve large forested blocks, Objective 1.5 Preserve Scenic Elements

Mr. Sawyer noted most of the large tracts are in the timberland district.  The tracts are already restricted by not allowing residential development and by the lack of access via Town roads. 

Response:  The plans recommendation to prevent large subdivisions by ordinance/regulations intends to open future discussions by each of the Town’s land use boards.  The scenic road system would need to be expanded beyond the one road already designated to include Class VI and non Class VI roads.

Goal 1.6 Conserve at least 25% of town acreage over the next 10-20 years

Mr. Sawyer asked how the 25% was determined.

Response:  The NH Society for Protection of New Forests made the determination.  The town has protected 13% of its acreage, the 25% is attainable.

Goal 2:  Increase residents’ awareness of the importance of natural resources

Goal 3:  Ensure that the Conservation Plan is implemented

Mr. Sawyer, as a dairy farmer in Walpole expressed high concern over the potential overlay districts outlined in the plan.  He fears they will restrict he and other farmers from being able to use their land investment either for farming or other future development if economically farming becomes obsolete.  He worried about obtaining financing if development rights were sold. 

Response:  Mr. Palmiotto pointed out the need to develop a method to fund and negotiate with farmers to obtain their development rights or conservation easements in order to preserve Walpole’s rural agricultural character.  The value of development rights would be in line with the land value and allow farmers to continue farming.  Mr. Jeff Porter cautioned while the goals were protective, Mr. Sawyer raised valid questions to be considered during the process of implementation, to be certain the protective goals would not cause unintended harm.   

Mr. Palmiotto and Mr. Schupack expressed the need for the Planning Board to adopt the plan into the Master Plan as a first step.  Subsequent discussions and cooperative efforts among all of the Town’s land use boards will result in potential overlay districts, rezoning, regulations and amended ordinances.  The changes will be processed by the usual methods to include public input by holding hearings, appointing adhoc committees etc.

Ch. Jeff Miller thanked the Conservation Commission for the presentation and all who contributed to the Conservation Plan.  He stated the Planning Board luckily is in the process of updating the Land Use Section of the Master Plan and will be able to consider including the plan in the Master Plan as recommended.  He asked Mr. Porter from SWRPC to step forward to discuss the Master Plan Update.

Mr. Porter thanked the Conservation Commission for their presentation.  He described the role of SW Reg. Planning Commission in helping towns to create and to keep their Master Plans up to date.  He referred to the letter he sent to the Planning Board at the request of Ben Daviss and Bob Miller outlining all of the options available to the Board and the costs involved.  He discussed each option. (letter on file)  He suggested that the Planning Board decide on which options they want to pursue and select a committee of 5 or 6 members to work with SWRPC.

General Discussion:  Various topics relating to the Master Plan were discussed such as the need for an economic development section, review of the vision statement and how to maintain the agricultural character of the Town.  Mr. Schupack questioned whether the family farm would remain beyond the current generation.  Mr. Porter, on a positive note said there are more farms in Cheshire County today than in 1980.  Mr. Sawyer added there are also many new niche farmers and the future could bring even more with the production of ethanol.  Ch. Miller asked if the new farms were horticultural in nature.  Mr. Porter said some are considered “lifestyle” farmers, with one or two careers outside the home.  Mr. DeCoste and Mr. Sawyer asked about todays criteria to qualify as a farmer.  Mr. Porter said it was based on a dollar amount.  Mr. Porter said in terms of the visual and social character of the Town, Mr. Sawyer’s comments about niche farming can be positive.  There is great potential for the Monadnock region because people are coming to the area now because of what it has represented in the past; rural farming communities.  He said people are actually beginning to merge properties to graze sheep or other farm animals, this hasn’t happened for decades.  Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Schupack discussed the implications of easements on both equity value for re-financing and how taxing is effected, two areas to consider in an economic section.  Mr. Schupack said conservation land is as tax positive as land in the industrial or commercial zones.  He said once the loans to obtain a conservation easement are paid, the situation becomes even more tax positive.  Mr. Palmiotto asked if a Smart Growth audit addressed economic concerns.  Mr. Porter said the Smart Growth audit would consider if what is being prevented by ordinance or regulation is actually protecting what was intended.  He said sometimes in the zeal to protect other things may be lost.  The point of a Smart Growth audit is to see things from the other direction, what if the Town zoning is fulfilled, then what?

Ch. Miller said the Board had allowed $3000.00 in their budget to update the land use section in 2007.  Mr. Porter felt some of the information could be updated by members through research on the internet for some of the sections.  He mentioned that a census had been done in 2000 the data was new since the last revision.  He suggested appointing a small committee to identify specific areas for revision, compare it to the letter, and deliberate on the specifics of the land use update section.

Ch. Miller said he felt certain the Board preferred to stay focused on the land use section only, updating basic data and GIS information as a beginning point.  He thanked Mr. Porter for attending the meeting and for his comprehensive suggestions.  The Board will confirm their needs in the form of a letter to SWRPC once determined.  He thought having a SWRPC facilitator work with the committee was desirable.  Mr. Palmiotto asked if the Conservation Commission could possibly contribute more monies in order to achieve the update and possibly an additional section?  It may be considered depending on the outcome of the initial review.     

Ch. Miller said he preferred to include anyone interested in the process as has been done in the past, including persons from the public.  He favored both the Conservation Commission and the Planning Board working in tandem on the update, even suggesting joint meetings and hearings.  Ch. Miller instructed the Secretary to make 10 copies of the land use section by Monday, for any Planning or Conservation Commission member present wishing to participate in a group to revise the land use section.  The copies will be available in the Selectmen’s office.  He asked participants to read the section and be prepared to discuss it at the Feb. 27th work session to be held in the basement office at 7pm.  Mr. Joe Dion suggested the group could be broken into smaller groups depending on their particular interest or expertise.  He participated in a Master Plan revision in another town and found it to be very effective.  Ch. Miller agreed suggesting all interested persons review the land use section notating areas of interest and concern, to be prepared to move forward at the next work session. Sec. Aslinger suggested, due to a light Feb. 13th agenda, the Board review the SWRPC options in more detail at the meeting and to define the Planning Board’s specific needs.  V-Ch. Bob Miller suggested setting aside 45 minutes for the discussion.  All agreed. 

Sheldon Sawyer announced the Rte. 123 Bridge meeting to be held at the Town Hall on 1/24/07, inviting all to attend.

Sec. Aslinger handed out OEP’s annual meeting notice.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm

      

 

 

 

 

    

          

Ed. Note: Here is a tale that appeared today in the Eagle Times.  CCB

1-24-07

Scotch Whisky at the Heart of Walpole Scottish Celebration

By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

        Throughout Scotland, throughout the world, and even in Walpole, New Hampshire Thursday marks the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns.  And Scotch whisky—not “whiskey”—will be at the heart of the celebration and the traditional Burns supper menu!

        According to Walpole resident and Scotch whisky lover Merv Stevens, “it’s the grand old drink, the very essence of Scotland and Scottish culture.
Burns said so many times in his poems, and Scots and friends of Scots worldwide will be enjoying it on Thursday!”

        Distilled from barley malt and Scotland’s pure water drained through centuries-old peat bogs, Scotch whisky gains its unique smoky flavor through age-old methods including aging in wooden barrels for many years. No brand of Scotch tastes quite the same, and much of the flavor complexity depends on how long the barrels are stored in “bonded” warehouses in Scotland before they are allowed to be sold.  At minimum, Scotch lovers want 12 year-old product. The higher priced, most revered brands are often stored for 18 or more years before being sold.

        “I can’t remember when I developed a taste for Scotch,” laughs Stevens.  “But over the years I’ve grown to appreciate its many flavors and their earthy aftertastes.  Sometimes, as the Scots say, ‘a wee dram’ poured ‘neat’--right from the bottle--is great.  Sometimes, diluted with three or four parts water and ice, it’s a refreshing drink. And it brings back memories of Scotland, its colorful history and the Scottish people.”

        Recorded history of Scotch whisky goes back to the late 1400s when the first records of commerce in Scotch are known.  “Whisky” seems to be derived from the Gaelic phase “uisge beatha” which meant something like “water of life”.  While it was initially distilled in crofts or small farmhouses in the Scottish Highlands as a way of using left over barley—and providing a bracing drink for long winters—commercial distilleries appeared in Scotland in the 1600s and 1700s.  Distillers from Germany to Japan have tried to make Scotch, but their efforts have never quite achieved the peaty, smoky flavors that make Scotch Scotch.

        From the mid-1600s to the late 1900s, Scotland gradually lost population as ambitious Scots sought better economic opportunities throughout the English-speaking world, especially in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.  But they took their Scottish heritage with them, including their love of Burns’ poetry and songs.  And their whisky.  A great many churches in Scotland, as well as restaurants, will celebrate Burns’ 248th birthday on Thursday, as will Scottish heritage groups worldwide.  Burns suppers range from starchy, highly formal affairs to riotous, even drunken, hilarity (the latter of which would probably have been most closely fit Burns’ tastes!).  But they all have in common the proposing of toasts in Burns’ name and his respect for the “common man”, his “love of the ladies”, recitations of Burns’ favorite poems and songs, and traditional Scottish food.

        Thursday’s Burns Supper in Walpole will be held at Burdick’s Restaurant on Main Street and is open to the public.  It will feature a menu of Scottish dishes including Tattie Drottle (leek and potato stew), Tweed kettle with bannocks (poached salmon with oat cakes), Seared venison chop, and Haggis with stovied tatties (the Scottish national dish with sautéed brunoise onion and potatoes.  Dessert is whisky cake with clotted cream and strawberries.  Each course will come with a taste of a different single malt Scotch whisky matched to the course.  (Participants may choose to have the whole meal with each of the six whiskys or they may choose parts of the meal ala carte, with or without the whisky.  Larry Burdick said on Tuesday “I want this to be seen as a fun community event that everyone can enjoy as they choose and on a price level they are comfortable with.” 

Between courses, participants will enjoy Scottish music, including bagpipes, and readings of Burns’ favorite poems celebrating the fellowship of all men and Burns’ love of everything Scottish.  Special guests participating in the readings will include Walpole residents Mr. Stevens, Cliff Cooke, Ron MacLachlan, and  Bernard McGrath, originally of Edinburgh, Scotland and now the proprietor of the Heather & Thistle Shop in Keene.  Full dinner participants will go home with a special release of Burdick’s version of “lagavulin” or Scottish whisky truffles—a special Scottish chocolate bon bon—shortbread cookies and even a pocket-sized edition of Burns’ poems and songs.

        Some of the single malt Scotches Stevens and Larry Burdick have chosen to accompany dishes include The Glenlivet Nadurra, Isle of Jura, Bruichladdich, Tobermory, Laphroaig, and Aberfeldy.  They represent a range of tastes and come from all over the Scottish mainland and islands off the Highlands.

        For further information about the Burns Supper Celebration, call Burdick’s Restaurant at 603-756-9058.

                                --30--

       

 

 

    Burdick's Restaurant is sponsoring its annual Robert Burns Supper Thursday evening at 6:00 p.m. as part of the worldwide celebration of Burns' life and work and of Scottish culture and cuisine.

    Thursday’s Burns Supper in Walpole  will feature a menu of Scottish dishes including Tattie Drottle (leek and potato stew), Tweed kettle with bannocks (poached salmon with oat cakes), seared venison chop, and Haggis with stovied tatties (the Scottish national dish with sautéed brunoise onion and potatoes).  Dessert is whisky cake with clotted cream and strawberries.  Each course will be matched with a dram of a single malt Scotch whisky chosen and paired with it by Merv Stevens and Larry Burdick.

    The Supper will also feature readings of Burns peotry by town volunteers, and participants will go home with a bag of special Scotch whisky chocolate truffles made for the occasion, Scottish shortbread cookies and a pocket verions of Burns' poems and songs.

    From the mid-1600s to the late 1900s, Scotland gradually lost population as ambitious Scots sought better economic opportunities throughout the English-speaking world, especially in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.  But they took their Scottish heritage with them, including their love of Burns’ poetry and songs.  And their Scotch whisky.  A great many churches in Scotland, as well as restaurants, will celebrate Burns’ 248th birthday on Thursday, as will Scottish heritage groups worldwide.  Burns Suppers range from starchy, highly formal affairs to riotous, even drunken, hilarity (the latter of which would probably have been most closely tied to Burns’ tastes!).  But they all have in common the proposing of toasts in Burns’ name and his respect for the “common man”, his “love of the ladies”, recitations of Burns’ favorite poems and songs, and traditional Scottish food.

    Burdick's Supper will be informal fun if not riotous!  For more information and reservations, call Burdick's at 756-2882.

 

         

Ed. Note: Thanks to Secretary Regina Borden, here are the minutes of the Selectmen's meeting of January 11.  CCB

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JANUARY 11, 2007

Selectmen Present:   Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

DENISE and KEN HORN:  Denise Horn inquired as to whether or not a Building Permit was required for the 10’ X 10’ shed that she and her husband put on their property.  Originally they asked about a bigger shed but when they were told a Variance would be needed for the bigger shed they purchased the smaller one and felt it was exempt.  Mr. Sawyer explained that she was correct about the size but if it was not at least 65-feet from the center of the road they still needed a Variance.  Mrs. Horn was not made aware of this requirement.  Mr. Sawyer volunteered to measure the area tomorrow.

JOSH KELLY – BALLAM FARM:  Josh Kelly, The Trust for Public Land, wanted to up-date the Board of Selectmen regarding the Ballam Farm.  He distributed a draft copy of a proposed Warrant Article and will FAX a copy of it to Attorney Kasper.  Mr. Kelly felt they should schedule some informational meetings prior to the Annual Town Meeting.  Gary Speed, Chair, and Mel Schupack of the Conservation Commission were also present.  Mr. Schupack would like to have Dorothy Taylor speak at these meetings about the economics of conservation land.  Gary Speed advised that the Town will own the easement primarily to protect the water well known as the “River Well”.   

Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition of Real Estate.  Mr. Miller seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 7:42 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:08 P.M.  No announcements were made.

JUNK YARD WARRANT ARTICLE:  Robert Jasse asked if any changes were being made to the Petition he submitted regarding the Junk Yard Warrant Article.  Mr. Aldrich advised that the Board of Selectmen cannot make a change to the language of a Petition.  Mr. Sawyer stated that they were seeking a legal opinion to be sure that a Public Hearing was not required prior to the Annual Town Meeting.

EILEEN SWAIN:  Eileen Swain and the Board of Selectmen continued their discussion regarding a parcel of Town owned land. 

JACK PRATT:  Jack Pratt and the Board of Selectmen had a discussion via the speaker phone regarding the Regional Prosecutor.  Peter Heed met with the Police Chiefs to discuss continuing with the Regional Prosecutor.  Mr. Heed is willing to find an attorney and provide space in his office.  Jack Pratt is talking to the various Boards of Selectmen in eight towns about keeping the Regional Prosecutor and integrating it with the court system.  Mr. Sawyer advised that they would like to have a document to specify what each town is liable for.  Mr. Pratt advised that there is a grant that will pick-up some of the secretarial and housing costs.  There was a consensus of the Board of Selectmen to work with Peter Heed to continue to have a Regional Prosecutor.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $60,663.42.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.  

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the check register to void check No. 049799 in the amount of $264.00 as it was printed in error.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending January 6, 2007, for gross wages in the amount of $18,809.82 or net wages in the amount of $10,280.31.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,602.00.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve payment in the amount of $75.00 out of the Mason Forest Fund to Robie Speed.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted. 

Mr. Sawyer moved to put the Highway Department pay raise requests on-hold and to have Jim Terrell attend a meeting to discuss them.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

STATISTICAL UP-DATE:  The Board of Selectmen received a memo from Teresa Kissell advising that $797.66 remains in the Statistical Up-date Fund that is interest earned, therefore, it needs a Warrant Article to dissolve the fund this year.  This is a result of last years Article No. 21 that had the Town remove $10,000 from the Statistical Up-Date Expendable Trust Fund.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- JANUARY 04, 2007:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of January 04, 2007, 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 Commissioners meeting of January 09, 2007.

WARRANTS:

JOEL AND NANCY THOMPSON –CURRENT USE CHANGE TAX- MAP 005-002-008:  Mr. Miller moved to sign the Warrant for a Current Use Change Tax in the amount of $5,000.00 for Joel and Nancy Thompson because it involved a parcel with less than ten acres.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

FREDERICK AND GALE PICKERING –SUPPLEMENTAL WARRANT FOR PROPERTY TAXES 2006 – MAP 008-099-001:  Mr. Sawyer moved to sign the Supplemental Warrant for the Collection of North Walpole 2006 Property Taxes in the amount of $64.00 for Frederick and Gale Pickering as the land was taxed to the wrong person.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

ABATEMENT:

NANCY SHEPARD – PROPERTY ABATEMENT – MAP 008-009-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Abatement for Property Taxes in the amount of $4.00 to Nancy Shepard.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

REFUNDS:

NEW ENGLAND POWER – MAP Util-Util-2A – PROPERTY TAX:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Notice of Property Tax Refund for the 2005 Property Taxes for the New England Power Company in the amount of $11,954.00 due to an over-assessment in the District of North Walpole.   Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

NEW ENGLAND POWER – MAP Util-Util-2B – PROPERTY TAX:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Notice of Property Tax Refund for the 2005 Property Taxes for the New England Power Company in the amount of $14,898.00 due to an over-assessment in the Town of Walpole.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.     

PHILIP W. GOODELL, III –MAP 003-038-004- PROPERTY TAX:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Refund in the amount of $12.08 for Philip W. Goodell, III for Property Taxes.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

  OLD BUSINESS:

ASSESSING:   Mr. Sawyer moved to acknowledge receipt of the letter from Jim Rice, Granite State Municipal Assessing & Consulting Services, LLC, advising that he will be unable to renew his assessing contract and is withdrawing his general assessing statistical update contract proposal for 2007 due to personal events.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Rice refunded all monies paid to date for services rendered regarding the statistical update.

Mr. Sawyer moved to contact Jeff Earls, owner of Cross Country Appraisal Group, LLC, to see if he can take over the general assessing plus perform the statistical update for the Town in 2007.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Mr. Miller was opposed as he felt other appraisal groups should be contacted to see if they would be available and, if so, at what cost.  Mr. Sawyer explained that because of the limited number of assessing groups and the limited time involved to get the statistical update done by September he would be agreeable to having Elaine Moore send a letter to the Cross Country Appraisal Group as well as other appraisal groups but that an answer would be required by next Thursday.  Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Aldrich were in favor of the motion.  Mr. Miller was opposed.  The motion carried by a 2-to-1 vote.

PROSECUTORIAL BY-LAWS:  Due to the resignation of the County’s Prosecutor the Town of Walpole is faced with making a decision but they are working with the Cheshire County Commissioners and County Attorney Peter Heed to find a replacement.    

   .   .BRATTLEBORO ROOFING – ESTIMATE:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged receipt of some information from Brattleboro Roofing about repairs and cost to the Town Hall roof.

NEW BUSINESS:

TAN:   Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen sign the Tax Anticipation Note application, where necessary, for $1,000,000.00.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

ACCEPTANCE OF AUDIT REQUIREMENTS:  The Board of Selectmen received documents for the Acceptance of Audit Requirements for work that they did during the flood in the amount of $22,287.75.  This is the FEMA Disaster Federal share.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Chairman be authorized to sign both documents.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

BUDGET HEARING DATE SET FOR JANUARY 31, 2007, AT 7:00 pm:  The Board of Selectmen announced that the Annual Budget Hearing date was set for January 31, 2007, at 7:00 pm.     

TOWN HALL REPAIRS:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged receipt of an estimate from Brendan Honey for repairs to the front of the Town Hall.

RICK COOPER – ASSET TRADE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the asset trade proposed by Rick Cooper to exchange a small baler and the original glass crusher, together with the original 45-foot storage trailer for (2) 48-foot 105-inch high storage trailers.  This trade involves no funds.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

RECYCLE – EMPLOYEE PAY ISSUE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to grant an employee pay raise to Paul Colburn at the Solid Waste Facility to be effective on January 1st, 2007.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

LANGDON / WALPOLE RECYCLE:  The Board of Selectmen went to meet with the Town of Langdon Board of Selectmen on Monday, January 8th. 2007, and opened lines of communication.  They discussed the possible cooperative effort on recycling and will continue to work on that.

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn the Board of Selectmen’s meeting and to enter into a Trustees of Hooper Trust meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 10:46 pm.

TRUSTEES OF HOOPER TRUST

Hooper Golf Course - Alarm System:  Following receipt of information from Mark Houghton, the Board of Selectmen took the following action.

Mr. Sawyer moved to contract with Country Side Lock and Panel to install an alarm system and smoke detectors in the Hooper Mansion.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn the Trustees of Hooper Trust meeting and to return to the Board of Selectmen’s meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 10:52 P.M.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (e ) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Seconded by Mr. Miller and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 10:55 P.M.

The regular meeting resumed at 11:14 P.M.  No announcements were made.

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 11:16 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Opinion: Now's the time to take action to support Tedd Benson and his team at Benson Woodworking here in Walpole in their effort to persuade the New Hampshire DOT to adopt the Benson design for the new bridge over the Cold River.

Our classic, double arched stone brdige was washed away in the October, 2005 flood and cannot be replaced within the FEMA budet. Benson says he can replace it within the $1,500,000 FEMA budget and by the beginning of next November, the deadline set by NHDOT.  In addition, DOT agrees that the Benson proposal meets ALL of its specifications for weight-bearing and safety. (The alternative to the Benson design that uses timber, steel and concrete would be a single span concrete bridge.)

I think we should tell our selectmen and the NHDOT directly that we favor the Benson plan.  The DOT has said repeatedly that it will be heavily influenced by local opinion on the design. Here are my reasons...

1.  The Benson plan is a model of modern industrial design that will be a handsome addition to our town that can inspire people for many years to come.  It is in the tradition of earlier New England covered  bridges yet its open sides allow light and sightlines for complete safety, and it relies on renewable resources--timber--more much of its strength.

2.  The Benson plan was designed right here in Walpole, and the bridge itself would be built right here as well.  I think we should support a local business in this project, and I also believe that it could be the first of many such projects that Benson could get around the country.  This supports local jobs and the local economy.

You can express your opinion at the hearing Wednesday evening at the Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. And you can call our selectmen and/or call or write the NHDOT. The DOT contact person is L. Robert Landry, Jr., P.E., John O. Morton Bldg., Room 200, P.O. Box 483, Concord, NH 03302-0483 or phone him at 603-271-3725. Mr. Landry has said that he wants to hear from us and that he will make the DOT decision shortly after Wednesday's meeting.  Chuck Bingaman

Ed. Note: Here is a note received from Joan Punt that Walpolean readers might wish to repsond to...

    On Feb 4 Jay and I--in a fundraiser for the Special Olympics of New Hampshire--will be plunging along with many others into the freezing waters of the Atlantic, thus called the Penguin Plunge.  We are asking everyone we know to give $1 in support of SONH. If you want to support a worthy cause please send a check: made payable to SONH to Jay and Joan Punt, P. O. Box 616, Walpole, NH  03608
Thank you all for your help.  I promise to show pictures!!!!!!!!1
Web site is www.sonh.org

Ed. Note: Tedd Benson and his design team will do a public showing tonight at Town Hall at 7:30 p.m. of the hybrid timber, steel and concrete bridge design they intend to propose to the NHDOT next week. The public is invited.  The official NHDOT hearing on the topic--to be followed shortly thereafter by a decision--is set for NEXT Wednesday, the 24th at 7:30 p.m.  CCB

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

JANUARY 4, 2007

Selectmen Present:        Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

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

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $36,799.04.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved to approve the voided check register for check No. 049716.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending December 30, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $16,438.35 or net wages in the amount of $8,184.79.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved to approve the payroll voucher adjustment for the week ending December 30, 2006, in the amount of $7.28.  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 $4,061.83.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

TRANSFER:  Mr. Sawyer moved to transfer $1,00,000.00 from the Savings Bank of Walpole to the MBIA account and that the Chairman and Board of Selectmen be authorized to sign the documents as indicated.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

EILEEN SWAIN – REFERENCE MAP 030-025-000:  Eileen Swain inquired about additional information on a parcel of Town owned land.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- DECEMBER 28, 2006:  Mr. Sawyer advised that the following clarification was needed under “Mervin Stevens”.  The NH Department of Transportation had scheduled a “Public Forum” on January 17th, 2007, rather than a “Public Hearing” on the replacement bridge over the Cold River on Route 123.

Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of December 28, 2006, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the Board of Selectmen Non-Public Session of December 28, 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 North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners meeting of January 02, 2007. 

ABATEMENTS:

SANDRA SMITH – MAP 010-006-001 – PROPERTY TAXES:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement for Property Taxes in the amount of $531.00 to Sandra Smith for a bookkeeping issue due to software problems.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

SANDRA SMITH – MAP 004-017-000 – PROPERTY TAXES:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement for Property Taxes in the amount of $1,399.92 to Sandra Smith for a bookkeeping issue due to software problems.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

REFUNDS:

BRIAN JOHNSON – PAULA HUTCHINS-JOHNSON – MAP 012-055-023 – PROPERTY TAXES:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Refund for Property Taxes in the amount of $9.27 for Brian Johnson and Paula Hutchins-Johnson due to an over-payment.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

SCOTT AND KAREN HASELTINE – MAP 003-034-006 and MAP 003-034-007 – PROPERTY TAXES:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Refund for Property Taxes in the amount of $33.40 for Scott and Karen Haseltine.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

HOOPER GOLF COURSE – ALARM REPAIR:  There was a consensus of the Board of Selectmen to keep this agenda item on-hold pending receipt of information from Mark Houghton. 

JUNK YARD WARRANT ARTICLE:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged receipt of a legal opinion from Sheldon, Davis, Wells and Hockensmith, PC. regarding the Junk Yard Warrant Article.

NEW BUSINESS:

DENISE AND KEN HORN – ZONIONG ISSUE REGARDING BUILDING:   Mr. Miller moved to approve and sign the letter to Denise and Ken Horn relative to a Zoning issue regarding a building.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

ERROL SOWERS –VETERANS EXEMPTION- MAP 008-044-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Veterans Exemption for Errol Sowers.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

RICHARD NEILSEN –VETERANS EXEMPTION- MAP 008-068-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Veterans Exemption for Richard Neilsen.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

TIMBER CUT PERMIT –MARCIA GALLOWAY- MAP 005-066-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Timber Cut for Marcia Galloway.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

TOWN OF LANGDON:  Mr. Sawyer advised that the Board of Selectmen will be meeting with the Town of Langdon Board of Selectmen on January 8th, 2007, at 7:00 pm in the Baker Building in Langdon to talk about recycling.

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

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

                                                                   

Ed. Note: Here's basic information on an intersting exhibit opening Friday.  CCB

Vision Bowl

Events: * January 19th - February 28th 2007: Wisdom Bowl Series Exhibit "The Sacred: Vessels of Spirit and Meaning" "The Sacred" will feature spiritually interpreted works by Barbara Tarantino, Cindy Bowler & Joellen Knight. Location: Chapel Gallery of Bellows Falls, VT (Map). The gallery, an inspiration of Cindy Bowler, is located in the Immanuel Episcopal Church of Bellows Falls, VT. and receives support from the Rockingham Arts Museum Project (RAMP). Opening Reception January 19th, 2007 from 5-9 PM. The following new artwork by Barbara Tarantino will be available for viewing: - Wisdom Bowl - Love Bowl - Joy Bowl - Vision Bowl - Power Bowl - Abundance Bowl - Intimacy Bowl Wisdom Bowl Series original artwork, signed and numbered prints, framable cards and packaged cards will be available. These paintings are inspired by the book entitled "Wisdom Bowls" by Meredith Young - Sowers, teacher, best selling author, and Executive Director of The Stillpoint School of Integrative Life Healing. 10% of all sales will be donated to the Point of Stillness Circle Program of the Stillpoint Foundation. As part of the exhibits celebration, Meredith Young-Sowers will give a brief talk at The Chapel Gallery on Friday, February 16th at 7:00 pm. Autographed copies of her book entitled "Wisdom Bowls" will be available.

Ed. Note: Here is a notice of an interesting program Wednesday evening at the Brooks Memorial Library in Brattloeboro.  CCB

Ed. Note: This is the text of a story pubished in yesterday's Eagle Times. CCB

1-10-07

Walpole Planning Board Endorses Zoning Change for New Industrial Park

By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            The Walpole Planning Board voted 6-1 Tuesday evening to recommend that town voters rezone most of a 43-acre site behind Diamond Pizza on Rt.12 from rural agricultural to industrial to enable immediate development.

            Petitioners seeking the rezoning had previously gotten it on the warrant article list for March town balloting, but they wanted the Planning Board’s recommendation on the article for the weight it carries with town voters.

            Assuming the rezoning passes in March, Keene developer Toby Tousley intends to buy the former Huntington Farm from Hubbard Farms, the current owner that, until several years ago, used it for extensive poultry operations.  If the rezoning passes, Tousley expects to sell an eight-acre parcel to Chamberlain Machine, currently of Rockingham, VT, that intends to build a 40,000 square foot manufacturing facility on it.  Chamberlain, founded in the 1940s, makes high tech pumps for various industrial uses and has outgrown its current facility.  The company currently employees 45-50 skilled employees and expects that number to rise by 10% per year, according to Manager Chris Miller who attended Tuesday’s meeting.

            Tousley also noted that the parcel contains enough space for “at least two more Chamberlain Machine-sized businesses there and there could be a couple hundred employees working at the site, depending on the types of businesses.”  Tousley also pointed out that the parcel’s frontage on Rt. 12 includes already zoned commercial area up to 250 feet from the highway that would stay commercial and might be developed in the future for offices but “probably not restaurants.”

            Proponents of Board endorsement said that the land had not been used for agriculture for years, and Board member Sheldon Sawyer even argued that large-scale poultry operations were more akin to a commercial or industrial use than traditional agriculture in any case.  Planning Board Chair Jeff Miller, having recused himself from presiding over the hearing to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, said, “I think rezoning is a good idea. Hubbard Farms is not a growing industry in Walpole.  They’re going to sell that land for some uses.  Their proposal for light, clean industrial park is exactly what Walpole needs.  It would benefit the valuation of Walpole.” Further, some pointed out that this sort of development is preferable to an extensive housing development that might have a tax-negative effect on the town.

            Walpole Conservation Commission Chair Gary Speed cautioned the Board that its recommending the development meant that prime agricultural land would be permanently lost and that the town’s conservation plan puts a high premium on maintaining quality agricultural land in the town.  He also noted that the industrial park would sit atop one of the town’s primary aquifers and be a short distance from one of its wells. Ben Daviss, the sole Board member to vote against recommending the rezoning, found no fault with Chamberlain or Tousley’s plans but argued that, procedurally, the Board was acting prematurely in recommending a significant zoning change in advance of its upcoming review of the Master Plan.  Daviss also cautioned against moving too quickly before determining whether the compaction caused by building and paving large surfaces could damage the aquifer. John Hansel objected to the recommendation because there is remaining space in the town’s current industrial park five miles further south on Rt. 12. 

            Walpole Zoning Bard of Appeals Chair Myra Mansouri, noting that she was “not anti-growth or anti-development”, argued against changing the zoning and argued, instead, for a special exception in the rural agricultural zoning for the proposed Chamberlain development. “Once it’s rezoned,” she said, “it’s rezoned forever. We’re losing our farmland, and I think it’s a big deal!”

            In the other major issue on the agenda, the Board voted to place a warrant article proposal on the March ballot reducing from three to two the number of stories allowed for new multi-family dwellings.

 

                                                 --30--

Walpolean reader Jill Robinson submitted this piece for sharing with other Walpoleans...

My friend Valerie over in Gilsum asked me to spread this news:

At the December 12 Planning Board meeting, Ben Daviss reported information he had received, apparently from a well-placed source, that Dunkin' Donuts had targeted Walpole for a new store and was training someone to be its manager.  I thought I would investigate a bit further by phoning the Dunkin' Donuts corporate headquarters in Canton, MA to inquire.

I checked their web site at www.dunkindonuts.com and called them last Friday afternoon.  Interesting! In an age where most businesses are eager to respond to public inquiries, at Dunkin's web site you find very few names, no phone numbers and no email addresses.  Actually I finally found one phone number and, fortunately, that was for press inquiries.  So...I left a message about why I had called and requested a call back.

So far silence! CCB

Ed. Note: Here are the minutes of the December 28 Select Board meeting.  CCB

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

DECEMBER 28, 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:

NON-PUBLIC - DAVID HEWES:  Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Miller and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved. 

The regular meeting resumed at 7:40 pm.  No announcements were made.   

DEBBIE HINMAN AND DICK OBER – RE: EASEMENT – WATKINS HILL ROAD – STEVENS:  Debbie Hinman and Gary Speed were present to seek the approval of the Board of Selectmen to sign two separate easement documents for John and Peg Stevens on Watkins Hill Road.  There are two lots, one on each side of the road, and there will be no change on the tax roles   Because the Conservation Commission contributed funding toward the easements, the Local Government Center suggests that towns may want to hold executory interests in the event that the Monadnock Conservancy does not hold-up to their obligations.  

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen approve and sign the two Easement documents for the John and Peg Stevens property.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Hinman will see that the Town of Walpole and Conservation Commission receive copies of the documents after they have been recorded. 

MERVIN STEVENS:  Merv Stevens distributed copies of his letter supporting the proposed integrated timber / concrete / steel replacement bridge over the Cold River on Route 123.  Mr. Sawyer advised that there will be a Public Hearing on January 17th, 2007 on this proposal.  It will be followed by another Public Hearing on January 24th, 2007, to look at both proposals and shortly thereafter the State is expected to make a decision.  Cost, time constraints, design and maintenance have to be taken into consideration.

EILEEN SWAIN – REFERENCE MAP 030-025-000:  Eileen Swain inquired as to the status of a vacant lot on Church Street in North Walpole.  There was a consensus that further research needs to be done.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $1,134,580.83.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Sawyer noted that the above amount includes repayment of a loan in the amount of $1,028,618.05.

Mr. Miller moved that the Board of Selectmen take out a $1,000,000.00 loan.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, the motion was approved. 

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $17,367.00 for the Walpole Fire District.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending December 23, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $18,160.16 or net wages in the amount of $10,314.62.  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 $4,255.79.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- DECEMBER 21, 2006:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of December 21, 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 following meetings:  1) North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners meeting – December 26, 2006; and 2) the Zoning Board of Adjustment meetings – November 15, 2006 and November 20, 2006.

WARRANTS:

JEFF AND KAREN MICHAUD, LLC – MAP 012-055-000:  Mr. Miller moved to approve and sign the Warrant for the Collection of Walpole Land Use Change Tax in the amount of $19,000.00 for Jeff and Karen Michaud, LLC.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Miller moved to approve and sign the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration Land Use Change Tax for Jeff and Karen Michaud, LLC.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted. 

OLD BUSINESS:

JUNK YARD PETITION:  The Board of Selectmen reviewed the Junk Yard Petition previously submitted by Robert Jasse.

Mr. Sawyer moved that Mr. Miller contact the Local Government Center legal department to ask for a written legal opinion regarding junk yards.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted. 

NEW BUSINESS:

PERSONNEL POLICY:  There was a consensus of the Board of Selectmen to look at various policies regarding over-time pay.

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn the Board of Selectmen’s meeting and to enter into a Trustees of Hooper Trust meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:00 pm.

TRUSTEES OF HOOPER TRUST

HOOPER GOLF COURSE – ALARM REPAIR:  Mr. Sawyer moved to pass-over this agenda item pending receipt of additional information.  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 9:19 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(These are unapproved minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, may be found in the minutes of the January 4, 2007, Selectmen’s meeting.)

Ed. Note: Revs. Susan Kershaw and Telos Whitfield sent the following note on an important upcoming community event. Mark your calendars!  CCB

Community Soup Supper in Walpole

Building Community, Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr. and Collecting Food

    The local congregations of Walpole will host a Community Soup Supper to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. on Sunday, January 21 at 5:30pm.

    The clergy of St. John’s Episcopal, the Walpole Unitarian Church and the First Congregational Church invite their congregations and the community to attend this event that celebrates Dr. King during Christian Unity month. The supper will be held at the First Congregational Church of Christ on the green in Walpole. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Soup, fellowship and the words of Dr. King will be shared – and there might even be a song or two!

    In his “I Have a Dream” speech, Dr. King preached: “This is our hope.... With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”

    One way that to make sure that Dr. King’s dream is being realized is to come together for fellowship and the sharing of food across faith traditions. One place of common ground is the desire to combat hunger and poverty. The community supper is free of charge but people are encouraged to bring Canned Goods that will be donated to Our Place in Bellows Falls, VT and the Fall Mountain Food Shelf in Alstead, NH.

    For more information, contact Rev. Susan Kershaw, priest of St. John’s Episcopal Church, at 603-756-4533 or Rev. Telos Whitfield, minister of the Walpole Unitarian Church, at 802-376-4977.

Ed. Note: Thanks for Board secretary Pam Aslinger, here is the agenda for next Tuesday's Planning Board meeting.  As you'll see, it has some important items relating to develop plans in Walpole.  CCB

Town of Walpole, NH  03608

 

PLANNING BOARD MEETING

January 9, 2007  7:30pm Town Hall

 

AGENDA

 

I.          Open Meeting

            A.        Roll Call/Designate Alternates

            B.        Approve Minutes of December 12, 2006

 

II.        Review Application Submitted:  Accept/Reject/Delay

            A.        James and Bonnie Dockham and 504 Main St. LLC:  Proposed Lot Line

                        Adjustment - located on 145 Upper Walpole Rd., Map 12 Lot’s 40, 43, and 13. 

                        Purpose is to annex a pie shaped .01 acres owned by 504 Main St. LLC to

                        Dockham’s existing parcel.  All parcels are in the Commercial District. 

III.       Close Meeting/Open Public Hearing

            A.        Dockham Lot Line Adjustment

IV.       Close Public Hearing/Reopen Meeting

V.         Action on Dockham application:  Approve/Disapprove/Delay

 

VI.       Close Meeting/Open Public Hearing on:

            A.        Zoning Amendment Proposed by the Planning Board

                        #3.  Reduce the number of stories allowed (3) for a multifamily dwelling to (2)

                        by amending Article VI Commercial District, Section B. 8.a.

           

            B.        Petitioned Zoning Amendment

                        #4.  “Amend the zoning district for the portion of Tax Map 12, Lot 4, presently

zoned Rural Agricultural, known as the so-called Huntington Farm, owned by

Hubbard, LLC from Rural Agricultural to Industrial.”

VII.      Close Public Hearing/Reopen Meeting

VIII.    Board Discussion/Action on Proposed Amendments 3 & 4

            A.        #3:  Vote to place on Warrant

            B.         #4:  Vote to recommend or not recommend

 

VII.      New Business

            A.         None scheduled as of this posting 

VIII.    Unfinished Business

            A.        Ch. Myra Mansouri, ZBA comments

            B.        Discussion of Site Plan Review amendment, schedule Public Hearing

            C.        Conservation Commission Report

            D.        SWRPC Report - Master Plan Update

            E.         Other

IX.       Communications and Miscellaneous

            A.        Handouts/Review items - schedule work session: January 23, 2007

           

X.         Adjourn Meeting (next regular meeting February 13, 2007)

 

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

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

 

Ed.Note: Thanks to Board secretary Pam Aslinger, here is the agenda for next Tuesday's Planning Board meeting.  As you will see, it has some important items relating to development possibilities in Walpole.  CCB

                                                    PLANNING BOARD MEETING

January 9, 2007  7:30pm Town Hall

AGENDA

I.          Open Meeting

            A.        Roll Call/Designate Alternates

            B.        Approve Minutes of December 12, 2006

II.        Review Application Submitted:  Accept/Reject/Delay

            A.        James and Bonnie Dockham and 504 Main St. LLC:  Proposed Lot Line Adjustment - located on 145 Upper Walpole Rd., Map 12 Lot’s 40, 43, and 13.  Purpose is to annex a pie shaped .01 acres owned by 504 Main St. LLC to Dockham’s existing parcel.  All parcels are in the Commercial District. 

III.       Close Meeting/Open Public Hearing

            A.        Dockham Lot Line Adjustment

IV.       Close Public Hearing/Reopen Meeting

V.         Action on Dockham application:  Approve/Disapprove/Delay

VI.       Close Meeting/Open Public Hearing on:

            A.        Zoning Amendment Proposed by the Planning Board

                        #3.  Reduce the number of stories allowed (3) for a                                     multifamily dwelling to (2) by amending Article VI             Commercial District, Section B. 8.a.

     
 B.        Petitioned Zoning Amendment #4.  “Amend the zoning district for the portion of Tax Map 12, Lot 4, presently zoned Rural Agricultural, known as the so-called Huntington Farm, owned by Hubbard, LLC from Rural Agricultural to Industrial.”

VII.      Close Public Hearing/Reopen Meeting

VIII.    Board Discussion/Action on Proposed Amendments 3 & 4

            A.        #3:  Vote to place on Warrant

            B.         #4:  Vote to recommend or not recommend

VII.      New Business

            A.         None scheduled as of this posting 

VIII.    Unfinished Business

            A.        Ch. Myra Mansouri, ZBA comments

            B.        Discussion of Site Plan Review amendment, schedule Public                         Hearing

            C.        Conservation Commission Report

            D.        SWRPC Report - Master Plan Update

            E.         Other

IX.       Communications and Miscellaneous

            A.        Handouts/Review items - schedule work session: January 23,                         2007

 X.         Adjourn Meeting (next regular meeting February 13, 2007)

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Secretary Regina Borden, here are the minutes from the December 21 Selectmen's meeting.  CCB

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

DECEMBER 21, 2006

Selectmen Present:  Whitney Aldrich, Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer

Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. with no one present in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

DEBBIE HINMAN AND DICK OBER –RE: EASEMENT– WATKINS HILL ROAD – STEVENS:  Mr. Aldrich advised that Debbie Hinman and Dick Ober will be present at the next meeting on December 28, 2006.

HIGHWAY BLOCK GRANT:   Mr. Sawyer moved to sign the agreement for the Annual Installments of State Grants for the Sewage Treatment work for three projects, Nos. C-359, C-346, and C-392 under RSA 486 and that Mr. Aldrich be authorized to sign them.  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 $16,163.88.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable voided check register and manifest for two checks No. 033616 and 033618.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending December 16, 2006, for gross wages in the amount of $14,793.64 or net wages in the amount of $7,195.10.  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 $3,592.56.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- DECEMBER 14, 2006:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of December 14, 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) Planning Board meeting – December 12, 2006, and 2) North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – December 19, 2006.

ABATEMENTS:

SANDRA SMITH – BOOKKEEPING ABATEMENT – MAP 009-024-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the Notice of Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $113.00 for the Dorothy E. Giddings Estate.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

SANDRA SMITH – BOOKKEEPING ABATEMENTS – SEVERAL:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Bookkeeping Abatements for several properties in the amount of $28,822.49 due to software problems.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

REFUNDS:

TIMOTHY AND STACY ALLEN – MAP 005-043-002:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $5.49 for Timothy and Stacy Allen due to an overpayment of a tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

BOBROW – WALPOLE LLC – MAP 012-055-011:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $90.00 for Bobrow – Walpole LLC – due to an overpayment of a tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

MARY GRIMES – MAP 014-016-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $7.00 for Mary Grimes due to an overpayment of a tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

CAMILLA M. CABOT TRUST – MAP 012-012-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $200.00 for the Camilla M. Cabot Trust due to an overpayment of a tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

STEVEN AND SUSAN DALLESSIO – MAP 015-017-001:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $2,002.00 for Steven and Susan Dallessio due to an overpayment of a tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

SANDRA FISH – MAP 004-017-001:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Notice of Property Tax Refund in the amount of $1,638.00 for Sandra Fish due to an overpayment of a tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

NRCS AMENDMENT PROJECT DSR #55 AND #57:  Mr. Sawyer moved to have the Chairman sign the revised NRCS Amendment No. 1 for Projects No. #55 and #57.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

USDA AUTHORIZATION TO BILL FOR DEBRIS CLEANUP – 95%:  Mr. Sawyer moved to have the Chairman sign the bill from the Keene Tree Service for the cleanup and forward to the USDA for the two projects for 95%.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

TOWN HALL RENTAL – JEAN ROBINSON:  Mr. Miller moved to decline the request to lower the rates for the Town Hall rental for the Chinese exercise class due to their low enrollment.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

NEW BUSINESS:

ENCUMBERING STATISTICAL UPDATE CONTRACT ARTICLE:  Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen have their bookkeeper take whatever action is necessary to carry over the Statistical Update Contract funding.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.        

CURRENT USE CHANGE TAX – JEFF AND KAREN MICHAUD – MAP 012-055-004:  Mr. Sawyer moved to put this Current Use Change Tax form on-hold pending additional information.  Seconded by Mr. Miller.  All in favor, so voted.

TIMBER CUT –GARY SMITH- MAP 011-006-000:  Mr. Miller moved to sign the Notice of Intent to Cut for Gary Smith.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

RICK COOPER – VACATION TIME CARRY-OVER:  Mr. Miller moved to approve the request from Rick Cooper to carry over one week of vacation time in accordance with the Personnel Policy.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

JEFFREY FRENCH – VETERANS EXEMPTION:  Mr. Miller moved to approve and sign the letter to Jeffrey French regarding his request for a Veterans Exemption.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted. 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

EMPLOYEE ISSUE:  Mr. Miller moved to postpone this employee issue until the next meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

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 9:09 PM.

TRUSTEES OF HOOPER TRUST

HOOPER ALARM SYSTEM – REPAIRS:  The Trustees of the Hooper Trust discussed the fact that the security panel cannot be repaired as the service parts are no longer available.  Royal Technologies, Inc. advised that the cost for a new alarm system will be $1,400.00.  Mr. Miller felt that a few more quotes should be obtained before making a decision.

Mr. Sawyer moved to postpone making a decision until next week.  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 9:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

 

 

Ed. Note:  The following is a story I wrote for the Eagle Times last week about a valuable service available to families with young children in Sullivan County and the Fall Mountain School District and the Walpole woman that leads it.  Note that Jana Gillespie, profiled in the story, is the woman that many of us here know as Jana Sellarole.  Jana uses Gillespie professionally because that's the name on her medical degree and medical license, etc.  She's really someone who makes a postive difference in many lives.  CCB

12-22-06

Gillespie Leads Area “Parents as Teachers” Program for Child Development

By Charles C. Bingaman, Contributing Writer

          Parents as Teachers is helping Sullivan County and Fall Mountain area moms and dads encourage their children’s critical first five years of intellectual, social/emotional, motor and language development according to P.A.T. Director and Parent Educator Jana Gillespie of Walpole.

          “I’m passionate about parenting,” says Gillespie.  “Talking with young parents is exciting. We give them as much information about child development and as many tools as we can to support them in this important and sometimes difficult job”

          Focusing on the pre-natal period to kindergarten entry, Parents as Teachers helps moms and dads “to be educated observers of their children and to guide activities such as reading, speaking and play in research-based ways that stimulate their emotional development,” notes Gillespie.  “We don’t tell parents how to raise their kids.  It’s more like a smorgasbord.  We offer many ideas and approaches, and parents can choose what they want to use.”

          “P.A.T. is really about helping parents understand what is happening in the rapidly changing years of early childhood,” says Gillespie, “and sharing ideas that make that time very positive for everyone.  It’s not about pushing kids too fast with a rigid agenda.”

Ready for School…And Life Itself

          Parents as Teachers developed in the 1970s when Missouri educators saw that many children beginning kindergarten had not acquired the skills they needed to succeed.  At the same time, modern research showed that greater family involvement can be a critical link in a child's developing academic skills, such as reading and writing, and social and “fine motor skills” as well. Early childhood professionals suggested that a program to help parents understand their roles in encouraging their child's development right from birth could help prepare children for school and life success.

Closer to home, Walpole School Principal Sam Jacobs, speaking to the Walpole Leadership Academy in October, noted that he sees new kindergarteners each year who simply have not acquired the skills needed for school. And a Claremont Study estimated that as many as 40% of its kindergarten students are not developmentally ready for kindergarten.  They have not had the stimulating experiences necessary to help their brains develop to the level needed for succeeding in school.  “Some of those children will have a difficult time catching up” says Gillespie.

          “We ARE pushy about reading to kids,” Gillespie admits, “even if it’s just pointing to pictures in a book and talking about them.  This has a major impact on language development and broadening a child’s world.  A child’s not likely to see an oil well or an elephant in Sullivan County, but simply seeing pictures and talking about such things can broaden his world—and his interests—immeasurably.”

Home Visits

          Parents as Teachers offers monthly personal visits in the home by certified parent educators, group meetings for parents to discuss their experiences and concerns, developmental screenings, and referrals for services that are beyond the scope of  the P.A.T. program. 

          As Gillespie describes P.A.T. home visits, “they’re an hour a month to step back from the rush of life and to think about what’s going with your child’s development.”   During those visits, Gillespie or one of P.A.T.’s  other certified parent educators usually, sit on the floor with one or both parents and their child and chat informally about what the child is doing, what it suggests about his or her level of emotional and physical development, and what approaches parents might take to encourage that development.  Often Gillespie shows how to make a simple but stimulating toy or to play a developmentally appropriate game with a child, explains developing behavior or helps interpret what the child is doing.  And she always leaves handouts that give parents ideas about worthwhile activities to use with their children that are keyed to their level of development.

          As one parent said recently in a local P.A.T. survey, “the best thing about PAT is that someone comes to our house and listens to our frustrations and celebrations, then offers ideas on what to expect next.  We are more confident parents as a result.”

          Another mother said, “My parenting has changed since being in P.A.T.  I am more willing to sit and do things with the kids and not feel stupid.  It is interesting how quickly our girls catch on to things.  When I had my older son, and without P.A.T., I couldn’t do as much as I do now, so he lacked things because I didn‘t know then.”

          Gillespie notes that “the P.A.T. curriculum really does match up with what parents and children are interested in at each stage.” 

Childhood, Parenting Expert

          Gillespie, 52, “found the job I just love” through an unplanned but marvelously appropriate route.  Having earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in home economics with emphasis on child development and family life, she taught for several years in Minnesota, spent 14 months in the Peace Corps in Jamaica, and then went to medical school and entered family practice.  Having moved to Walpole in 1996 with her husband, Don Sellarole, and three children, Gillespie worked for a time as a family practice physician in Keene but lept at the opportunity to direct the newly formed Parents as Teachers program based in Claremont in February 2001.

          Gillespie points out that a very large part of a person’s social/emotional, intellectual and language development takes place in the first five years of life as the brain is growing in size and complexity.  “Yet,” she says, “the amount of time, focus and resources we put into supporting that early childhood development is quite small compared to the resources we put into later educational efforts.”

          Currently nearly 100 families in Sullivan County and the Fall Mountain Regional School district are enrolled in the P.A.T. program.  89% say that P.A.T. has made them more knowledgeable about their children’s development, and 100%, in a recent survey, said that they would recommend P.A.T. to other families with young children.

          Further information about Parents as Teachers is available from the P.A.T.  Office at the Dianna Love Center at 169 Main Street, Claremont, at 603-542-4885 or by contacting Jana Gillespie at jgillespie@sau6.k12.nh.us.  Information on the national level is available at www.patnc.org.