TIME TRAVEL ADVENTURE IN WALPOLE LIBRARY   

   Travel back in time with Fritze Till at the Walpole Town Library Monday, July 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Walk to the Academy Ravine to explore the Mad Brook and the origin of its strange name.  Learn about Walpole and its place in the universe!  Dress for the outdoors and adventure!

     The Walpole Town Library is fueling up a variety of programs related to travel across the United States for “Reading Road Trip U.S.A.”- the 2007 New Hampshire Summer Reading Program.  This annual statewide program is sponsored by CHILIS (Children’s Librarians of New Hampshire) to encourage year-round reading by children.

    Space is limited so be sure to preregister for this special event at the Library.  You can register by phone at (603) 756-9806. The Library is located at 48 Main Street in Walpole. For a complete schedule of events and more information about the Summer Reading Program, contact the Library.  An adult must accompany children to this program.

Ed. Note: Here is an extraordinary opportunity to hear a very knowledgeable speaker on the historical, diplomatic and military aspects of the current Iraq situation.  Knowing Mr. Galbraith personally and having heard him speak on Iraq several times, I assure you that it will be an important evening to attend.  CCB

Peter Galbraith to Speak in Belows Falls July 5

    Village Square Booksellers and Rockingham Public Library will be co-hosting an evening with author and diplomat Peter Galbraith, on Thursday July 5th at 7pm at the library. Galbraith will be discussing his critically acclaimed book, The End of Iraq: How American Incompetence Created a War Without End (2006).

    Peter W. Galbraith’s career of humanitarian service and negotiating expertise for the United States is outstanding, exemplary and diverse. He has served as the first US Ambassador to Croatia, was actively involved in the Croatia and Bosnia peace processes and was responsible for U.S. humanitarian programs in the former Yugoslavia. He has held senior positions in the US Government and the United Nations. As a senior advisor to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he authored many reports on ethnic cleansing in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Iran-Iraq War, the Iraqi Kurds, US-India relations, Nuclear Proliferation in South Asia, and the Cambodian famine.

    As a senior legal advisor to United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) Galbraith helped to draft treaties on biological diversity and environmental impact assessment. He has received awards for his work to protect the international environment and to promote international educational exchange.

    A Problem From Hell: America and the Age of Genocide, Samantha Power’s Pulitzer Prize winning book (Basic Books, 2002), chronicles Galbraith’s work in Iraq beginning in the early 1980’s with the exposure of Saddam Hussein's murderous "al-anfal" campaign against the Iraqi Kurds, and which led the US Senate to pass comprehensive sanctions on Iraq in 1988. During the 1991 uprising, Galbraith travelled throughout rebel-held northern Iraq, narrowly escaping across the Tigris as Iraqi forces recaptured the area. His written and televised accounts provided early warning of the catastrophe overtaking the civilian population and contributed to the decision to create a safe haven in northern Iraq. In 1992, Galbraith brought 14 tons of captured Iraqi secret police documents out of northern Iraq which detailed atrocities against the Kurds.

   In 2003, he resigned from U.S. government after 24 years of service in order to be able to criticize U.S. Iraq policy more freely .He is the author of numerous articles on Iraq.  His book, The End of Iraq: How American Incompetence Created a War Without End (Simon and Schuster), was released July 11, 2006.

    Currently, he is the Senior Diplomatic Fellow at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation and a principal at the Windham Resources Group LLC.

    Galbraith holds an A.B. from Harvard College, an M.A. from Oxford University and a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. He is the son of political economist John Kenneth Galbraith and is married to Norwegian social anthropologist Dr. Tone Bringa and has three children. He lives in Townshend, Vermont.

    This is a partnership of Rockingham Public Library and Village Square Booksellers, both in Bellows Falls Vt. Book sales benefit the Friends of the libarary. 

    This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more info (& to order books) call the bookstore at 802-463-4270 or the library at 802-463-4270.

Town of Walpole, NH  03608

PLANNING BOARD WORK SESSION

June 26, 2007

7:00PM

Town Hall Basement Office

I.          Open Meeting

            A.  Roll Call

II.            Ongoing Business - Master Plan Update

            A.  Discuss website

            B.  Discuss time-frame for visioning and land use goals and objectives

            C.  Report on committee presentations

 Editor's note: This article appears in the Eagle Times this morning, Tuesday June 19. Come to the tour! It should be fun and interesting! SLB 

Surprises Spice Walpole House Tour

    by Sue Bingaman, Contributing Writer

    The Walpole Historical Society hosts its most extensive home tour ever Saturday, June 23, after a six year hiatus. But if you want all the facts about the homes you won't find them here--you will have to take the tour!  House owners' names and addresses are not being publicised until the day of the tour. 

    "The tour, previously only open to Historical Society members", according to Marche' Brown chairperson of the event, "is open to the public for the first time --ever". And docents, volunteers from the Historical Society, will be in each of the homes to fill in the details. 

     The tour covers the town! And the gamut! Participants will visit and see the interiors of notable historic homes in the village, an antique farmhouse with artistic flair in the countryside, several contemporaries--one designed by local architect Livingstone Elder, a post and beam based on the owner's designs, 'Braewood' a transformed vacation home,'the Castle' on Rice Mountain, the result of the passion of 'The Accidental Architect', the owner who collected architectural artifacts and created the estate.  And more.

     Two tour homes are on Wentworth Road which was developed from 1762-1774 and known as Queen Anne Road until 1783. Professor Franklin W. Hooper began constructing a stately neoclassical home in 1911 but had financial problems and never completed it. The present owners- painstakingly renovated and restored what was built and completed the home now called 'Alpaca Dance'. Legend has it that the house is haunted!

         The other home on Wentworth, the Knapp house, was built by Josiah Bellows II in 1812. "The large brick house was to be the most substantial and imposing private residence in town" according to A History of Walpole. A favorite landmark in Walpole, this classic Federal was the home of Amos Bronson and Abigail May Alcott, parents of Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women, from 1855 - 1857. It was known as 'Yellow Wood' after the tree in the south garden. Louisa, who lived in Boston, spent time with her parents in the summers and was inspired by Walpole's abundant lilacs to write Under the Lilacs.

         The Howland home, a Classic Revival style brick house built in 1833 by Aaron P. Howland, a skillful carpenter and cabinet-maker, was more recently known as the Guy Bemis' house. Bemis owned the grocery store in the village, was a selectman and well-known about town. The present owners restored and decorated it according to the original construction period.

     And that is not all.  Participants may enjoy a box lunch from Fiddlehead's (from Hancock), or their own offering, in Walpole's only vineyard high above the Connecticut River Valley with breathtaking views of the Green Mountains of Vermont and beyond. Vineyard owner Virginia Carter will be available to answer questions about the vineyard and wine-making at Barnett Hill Vineyards.

          Proceeds of from the tour will benefit the Walpole Historical Society, a not-for-profit organization, and will help to pay for the renovation of the historic Academy building that houses the Society's collection. 

     The Walpole Home tour is Saturday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine. Tickets are $25 and are available at Ruggles & Hunt, the Walpole Village Market, Galloway Real Estate,and Real to Reel Video in Walpole;  at the Village Square Booksellers in Bellows Falls, VT; or by mail by calling 756-3664. The box lunches may be purchased for $10 in advance only.

Editors note:

The Barnett Hill Vineyard will be on the Walpole Historical Society Home Tour next Saturday, June 23, 2007. This article appeared in the Sunday Magazine of the Eagle Times June 17, 2007. The author thanks Virgina Carter for her time and enthusiasm in telling her about the vineyard. SLB

A Vineyard with a View!

by Sue Bingaman, Contributing Writer

Vineyards are in New Hampshire

    Think you have to go to California or France to see a vineyard and  a winery?  And a spectacular view?  Not so!

     Right in Walpole, on a scenic southerly slope high on Barnett Hill, the newly developed Barnett Hill Vineyard commands a view of the Connecticut River Valley and half of Vermont.  And, this year, produced its first vintage.

    Only planted four years ago, the vineyard was conceived, researched, planned and executed by one ambitious woman: Virginia Carter. She has done her homework. She reads about wineries, attends workshops and seminars, visits wineries some in Napa and Sonoma, CA, consults with the UNH Cooperative Extension Service, and mentors under Peter Oldah owner of the award-winning winery "Jewell Town" in South Hampton, NH near the coast.

    Carter has also experimented with growing different grape varieties because "Every vineyard is unique. The  soil, the exposure, the drainage all differ even from one acre to the next and affect how the vines decelop," she says. The northern climate is also a big factor. Consequently she has planted 27 varieties  hoping to find vines that will florish in her high hilltop micro climate and make outstanding wine. She has purchased vines from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri and Western New York and finds that only the hardiest varieties survive and thrive on Barnett Hill.

     Already she has identified real favorites because of their vigor and growing habit including 'Sabrevois', 'Frontenac', and 'St. Pepin', elimiated some varieties and discovered much about herself.  "Having the vineyard has changed me!" she says.  "I love working outside in the vineyard on the hillside looking out at the spectacular view. I never really enjoyed being outside." Her enthusiasm is infectious. "I prune each vine cutting off the previous years growth, insert 8" starts in the soil and in weeks buds sprout and become green and I know that in time 'Sabrevois' will produce beautiful purple clusters of grapes! I get goosebumps!"

     Carter remains intimately involved with the vineyard although she has a few part time employees. "I can't tell you how many times I touch the same vine". On any given day you will most likely find Virginia Carter in the vineyard tending her grape vines, pruning, planting, removing leaves to allow sun to reach the fruit, repairing trellisses, or starting hundreds of twig-like vines to replicate successful varieties in her 'nursery'.

      Carter has approximately one acre planted with 650 grape vines but in the next few weeks she plans to plant another 850 vines so there will be enough grapes for making more wine in the future. She treats each vine individually, spacing them 8 feet apart and 9 feet between the trellised rows. Through careful pruning and trellising  each vine produced between 8 and 14 pounds of grapes this past year. Carter hopes to reap 15 pounds per vine when the plants are mature in five years -- next year!

  Growing Vines on a Hilltop

     Carter  enjoys her adventure and loves her location. "Not only is is beautiful up here but there is a countinuous breeze in the vineyard because of the southern exposure and being high on Barnett Hill. This keeps the plants and the grapes dry and  fungus down which helps to increase the crop," Carter noted.

     This breeze also enables Carter to use few chemicals. She said, "I am probably the only one in the state using organic farming practices. I feel good about the resutling product and feel better about not having to subject my workers to chemicals". Although Carter developed the vineyard on her own, she now employes her son and 4 high school boys part time since spring to mow, weed, plant, prune and to repair trellises in the vineyard.

      Harvesting the crop will begin in mid September for the whites and the first week of October for the reds. Then the fun begins!

The three Gs of wine making...The Ground the Grape and the Guy/Gal

    Carter not only grows grapes but also makes wine. Virginia has always been interested in experimenting in Chemistry from the time she received a chemistry set as a gift when she was 7 years old. Chemistry plays a large part in winemaking.  She is still experimenting.

     In the cheerful walk out basement of her home, Virginia has created a winery. Glistening vats, presssing equipment, a corking machine and colorful posters of lucious clumps of grapes on the walls complete the picture. Bottles of aging wine line the walls, the "girls," the white wine in one room and the "boys", the reds in another. She envisions building a separate winery next to her house also with a spectacular view.

     Carter is making several different styles of wine. When asked about different kinds of wine she can make she said that "for example, although I cannot grow Reisling but I can do a Reisling style wine by blending". Carter's eyes brighten and her voice becomes animated as she tells about her experiment of 12 different batches of juice from last year. "With the  Frontenac, for example, I divided it into three batches, one control to which I added nothing, one I put on oak chips all winter and another  I added extra tannin. Two of the three were not very good. The batch left with the oak chips was wonderful."

     Last year she produced 100 gallons of wine and hopes to produce more this year.

     Carter's goal is to create a really  good northern New England wine. "I want people to experience northern grapes from New Hampshire soil. I want people to drink Barnett Hill wine, share it with their friends and to be really pleased."

     So the resulting wine will reveal the effect of the "Ground, the Grape and the Gal". With the enthusisam, the work, the care and the commitment Virginia Carter demonstrates Barnett Hill Vineyard wine promises to be a winner!

     Virginia is applying to be bonded so she can sell Barnett Hill Vineyard wine at the beginning of next year. 

     For more information see the New Hampshire Winery Association's web site  www.nhwineryassociation.com

And for New Hampshire winetasting, wine education, wine classes and wine dinners see www.localwineevents.com/other-New -Hampshire-Wine/

      - 30 - 

Editors note: This article appeared in the Eagle Times June 3, 2007 in the Sunday Magazine...the cover! Thank you Carol Christian for taking the time to show me around and explain the exhibit. SLB

"Ladies and Gentlemen We Salute You": New Exhibit at Walpole Historical Society

by Sue Bingaman, Contributing Writer

    The Walpole Historical Society opens  "Ladies and Gentlemen, We Salute You!" an exhibit of uniforms and memorabilia from the Civil War, World War I and World War II at the Old Academy Museum  on Main Street  Saturday, June 2, from 2 to 4 p.m.. 

    "The whole point of this exercise is to honor and thank service men and women for what they have done and continue to do  for our country" Carol Christian, Curator of the museum, explained. "We created this exhibit to complement the dedication of the new war memorial on the town Common and Ken Burns' introduction of his new PBS docu-series "The War" in Walpole this week."

    The museum exhibit is filled with mementos "demonstrating how everyone helped with the war efforts in one way or another" explained Christian.  "Many townspeople dug into their attics and closets and loaned family mementos of past wars. Twelve uniforms, from the museum's enviable costume collection and several on loan, include some dress uniforms, complete with medals, ribbons and dog tags and others items for everyday wear. One dress jacket, the only one from WWI, belonged to Captain Neil Stevens of Walpole. Another Civil War uniform and cap was worn by Sargent Henry Elias Howland also of Walpole. Lisa Trafton Costigan, who you may visit at the U.S. Post Office in town, loaned her Air Force camouflage uniform that she wore as an auto pilot specialist when she trained pilots to fly KC-135 refueling tankers. She also loaned her "dress blues" which are on the museum's upstairs landing. 

     Children may be interested the U.S. Treasury Department Citation, displayed upstairs, that  Walpole High School students earned "for their service to the War Savings Program for completion of a "Schools at War" campaign." Town students during World War II gathered enough discarded tinfoil, old tires, and aluminum to buy the War Bonds and Stamps needed to finance an ambulance!

    Cooks will be fascinated by the 1943 edition of The Joy of Cooking--published at the height of food rationing during World War II--with milkless, eggless, meatless and sugar saving recipes.

     Other interesting items include War Ration Stamps and tokens and war posters hanging on the walls encouraging the buying of stamps and bonds. The exhibit also shows books describing all major wars, magazines like The Leatherman, a 1944 Marine publication, and a 1985 Life Magazine reflecting on World War II 40 years later.

Peg Dion, newly elected President of the Historical Society, thanks "all of the people in the community who contributed in making the exhibit possible,  including Carol Christian, Dutchie Perron, Paula Schwenk, Carrie Grenier, Dorothy Galloway and Frannie Hansel and all those who brought in their mementos and stories of rememberance. Thanks also to Judy Shumway, gift shop chair, and Pat MacLachlan who refreshed and refurbished the gift shop, painting walls and hanging new window treatments."  "This exhibit, noted Dion, "is truly an example of how everyone pulls together in a village. Come see it you will be fascinated!"

The exhibit is open Wednesday and Saturday afternoons from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.  June  through September. There is no admission charge.

                                                          --30--

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MAY 31, 2007

Selectmen Present:            Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer, Whitney Aldrich

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

RED SMITH – CENTRAL PLATING PROPERTY:  Mr. Smith advised that the Central Plating building has been abandoned and all the equipment was removed.  There are two properties – the warehouse and the manufacturing building.  He questioned if the building could be leased by another business.  They are presently looking into the EPA and DES findings on the property.

JOAN DEVAULT – RE: PLAYGROUND:  Mrs. DeVault advised that the statue and art work at the Recreation area were donated by Duncan Burr a long time ago.  It is now unsafe and the committee would like to take it down. 

Mr. Aldrich moved that the Chairman of the Recreation Committee be authorized to contact Mr. Burr to ask him to dispose of the art work within 30 days because it is unsafe but if he does not wish to do so then it will be removed and disposed of by the Town.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mrs. DeVault reported that all of the playground equipment was removed because it was very old and unsafe.  Jim Terrell was wonderful in helping them out with this project.  She presented proposed plans for the new playground that is primarily designed for the two-through-seven age group and will be ADA accessible.  The cost is $100,000 installed and the Recreation Committee will be proposing a Warrant Article next year.  It will be in the space between the tennis courts and pool.  The proposed plan will be posted in the Town Hall.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $13,629.46.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending May 26, 2007, for gross wages in the amount of $18,338.80 or net wages in the amount of $10,975.98.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,362.09.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- MAY 24, 2007:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of May 24, 2007, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  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 May 29, 2007. 

Board of Selectmen Meeting – May 31, 2007 – Page 2

ABATEMENTS:

WILLIAM AND LAURA McALLISTER –MAP 005-002-007- INTEREST ON PROPERTY TAXES:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement in the amount of $443.03, which is the interest and costs, on the 2006 Property Taxes for William and Laura McAllister.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved that the Board of Selectmen approve paying the fee of $16.41 to the Registry of Deeds to release the lien placed on the William and Laura McAllister property.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

DAVID EDKINS –MAP 012-059-002- WATER/SEWER:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement for Water and Sewer in the amount of $286.44 for David Edkins due to a computer glitch on the meter reading.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

ANTHONY JURKOIC –MAP 029-001-000- SEWER:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement for Sewer in the amount of $59.29 for Anthony Jurkoic due to a discrepancy between the old and new meter readings.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

TIMOTHY BRADY, ELIZABETH SNIDE, ANN COREY –MAP 030-047-000- SEWER:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Abatement for Sewer Fees in the amount of $21.22 for Timothy Brady, Elizabeth Snide and Ann Corey due to a discrepancy between the old and new meter readings.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

KEVIN AND TAMMY SALOME –MAP 029-046-000- PROPERTY TAX:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Abatement for Property Taxes in the amount of $84.28 for the interest only for Kevin and Tammy Salome as the bill was sent to the wrong address.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

WARRANTS:

HODGKINS & SONS, INC. –MAP 012-073-000- GRAVEL:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Walpole Warrant for the Collection of Walpole Gravel Tax Fees in the amount of $164.70 for Hodgkins & Sons, Inc.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

HODGKINS & SONS, INC. –MAP 001-010-000- GRAVEL:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Walpole Warrant for the Collection of Walpole Gravel Tax Fees in the amount of $36.40 for Hodgkins & Sons, Inc.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

BUILDING PERMITS:

DOROTHY FLETCHER –MAP 004-037-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2007-018 for Dorothy Fletcher to construct an addition to the existing bedroom and bathroom and remove an existing 8’ x 12’ section of existing front porch on Bookseller Road.  This area will become a two story addition; the downstairs ties into the existing bedroom; the upstairs will enlarge the existing bathroom.  It doesn’t add a new bedroom or bathroom just increases the size.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

JANET SAARI AND KRISTIN MOSES –MAP 010-043-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit No. 2007-019 for Janet Saari and Kristin Moses to construct an 18’ x 18’ porch on North Road.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.               

Board of Selectmen Meeting – May 31, 2007 – Page 3

OLD BUSINESS:

MERVIN STEVENS –CEMETERY LOT- D-492 AND D-493:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the corrected Cemetery Deed for Mervin Stevens for lots D-492 and D-493.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

MERRIAM FARMS, INC.:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged receipt of a copy of the letter from Bradley, Burnett, Kinyon, Fernald and Green to Patricia Panciocco, Esquire, in reference to Merriam Farms, Inc.

NEW BUSINESS: 

AVITAR – UPDATE OF ASSESSMENT VALUES:  Mr. Sawyer moved to post the following notice in the customary locations:  Town Hall, bulletin board on Burdick’s Building, in North Walpole and Drewsville and to submit it as a news item in both the Keene Sentinel and Eagle Times.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

“The Town of Walpole has contracted Avitar Associates of New England, LLC to perform an update of assessment values for all properties in town.  The reason for the update is per the Department of Revenue guidelines, towns must maintain an equalization ratio between 90% - 110%.  The equalization ratio illustrates the relationship between assessed value and sale prices.  Currently, the equalization ratio in the Town of Walpole is 70%.  In short, what that means is the assessments are 70% of market value.  The goal of the update is to bring assessments back to 100% of market value.

In the next few months, sales in the town will be reviewed and analyzed which will result in updated base rates for land and buildings.  Shortly thereafter, preliminary notices will be sent to all owners with the new assessed value.  Contained within the letter, will be dates and times for owners to call in the event they would like to make an appointment to speak with an assessor.  This process will be complete in time for the 2nd tax bill of 2007.  Please keep in mind, if all other factors remain constant, an increase in assessed value should result in a decrease in the tax rate.  At no point in time should anyone use the new value with the current tax rate to determine their taxes.  Upon completion, the revised assessments are submitted to the state, in addition to the information previously received in regards to the approved town and school budget to determine the final tax rate for 2007.  For those who remember the 2003 revaluation, the process will be similar.”

HODGKINS AND SONS –GRAVEL PERMITS- MAP 012-073-000 AND 001-010-000: 

Old Drewsville Road – Map 012-073-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Hodgkins and Sons, Inc. for 8,000 cubic yards.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Route 12 – Map 001-010-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Hodgkins and Sons, Inc. for 1,400 cubic yards.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

ANTHONY PRINCIOTTI LETTER:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the letter to Anthony Princiotti that provides an explanation of the process on the Veterans’ Memorial and Bandstand.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Board of Selectmen Meeting – May 31, 2007 – Page 4

SAVINGS BANK OF WALPOLE – NAME CHANGE:  The Board of Selectmen approved and signed the letter to the Savings Bank of Walpole confirming a name change from “Teresa Fernette” to “Teresa Kissell” for the Town accounts. 

TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND – PAYMENT DUE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the letter to Josh Kelly, Trust for Public Land, asking him to pay one-half of the attorney’s fees as agreed to on the Ballam Farm.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 8:56 P.M.

The regular meeting resumed at 9:18 P.M. 

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:20 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

  Alpaca Dance- one of the 10 houses on the tour.

Walpole House Tour needs help!!

20 additional volunteers are needed for the Walpole Historical Society House Tour Saturday, June 23!

With ten houses and a vineyard on the tour we need additonal people to assist as docents in the houses. The purpose of the House Tour is to raise money to maintain and preserve our beautiful Academy.

It promises to be a fun, interesting tour.As a volunteer you will receive $5 off the tour ticket.

Please call Marche' Brown  at  756-9388 or Judy Shumway at 756-3664 to offer your help. Thank you in advance!SLB

Porch of Alpaca Dance and view toward the east.            Sue Bingaman Photos

Town of Walpole, NH  03608

PLANNING BOARD MEETING - Tuesday, June 12, 2007 - 7:30pm Town Hall

AGENDA

I.          Open Meeting

            A.  Roll call - Designate alternates         

B.  Approve Minutes of 5/8/07 and 5/22/07

II.            Review applications submitted:  Accept - Reject - Delay

A.  Robert P. Hubbard - Minor 2 lot subdivision Reservoir Rd. Map 10 Lot 28, Rural Agricultural zone.  Creates Lot 1 of 9.80 acres and Lot 2 of 14.32 acres.

B.  Mary N. McMahon - Minor 2 lot subdivision Whipple Hill Rd. Map 2 Lot 1-1, Rural Agricultural zone.  Creates Lot 1 of 102 acres with existing house and Lot 2 of 74.05 acres, both lots are on a Class V road.

C.  1834 Washington Sq. II, LLC - Site Plan Review 16 Westminster St. Map 20 Lot 63, Commercial zone.  Results in 3 apartments, 2 townhouses and office suites for rent.  Mr. Smith is agent for formerly known Westburg property next to Murray’s restaurant.

D.  Revocation of a Site Plan Review approval dated June 9, 1991, Map 12 Lot 55-13 located on Rte. 12 within the North Meadow Plaza, presently owned by Bershire-Walpole LLC., formerly owned by RPG Partners.  Purpose of the following hearing is to consider whether to revoke the plan because time periods specified in RSA 674:39 have elapsed without any vesting of rights as set forth therein, and the plan no longer conforms to applicable ordinances or regulations.

III.       Close Meeting/Open Public Hearings

            A.  Robert Hubbard

            B.  Mary McMahon

            C.  1834 Washington Sq. II, LLC

            D.  Revocation June 9, 1991

IV.       Close Public Hearing/Reopen Meeting

V.         Board Action on Applications/Approve - Disapprove - Delay

            A.  Robert Hubbard

            B.  Mary McMahon

            C.  1834 Washington Sq. II, LLC

            D.  Revocation June 9, 1991

VI.            Unfinished Business - Pending Applications - Continued Public Hearing/Review

A.  Walpole D & D, LLC/Fred Dill and Randy Daniels - Major 13 lot subdivision on Hooper, Wentworth and Old Keene Rds. Map 9 Lots 15, 6, 16 in Residential A and Rural Ag. zones.  Review SWRPC report and findings. 

VI.       New Business

            A.  Toby Tousley - Minor 3 lot subdivision, Rte. 12

            B.  CD Davis Associates - Site Plan Modification Nextel/Telecom Tower 88 Scoville Rd. 

            C.  Other

VII.            Communications and Miscellaneous

            A.  North Walpole Village Commissioner’s response to 2004 Site Plan compliance

            B.  Master Plan Update - discuss work session items

            C.  Discuss items for July 10, 2007 meeting

IX.            Adjourn Meeting

Posted:  Town Hall, Lobby, Burdick’s Market, websites

Cc:  All PB members, ZBA Ch., Select’s Office, Fire, Road, NWVC, Town Clerk, J Dibo

Being Green...Tomorrow

    Rev. Susan Kershaw reminds us that St. John’s Episcopal Church, Elm and Westminster Streets in Walpole, is hosting a community lecture on “Being Green” on Monday, June 11, at 7:00 p.m. The presenter is Tom Sintros. While the environment is a hot topic today, many of the suggested solutions seem complicated and only for scientific teams or world powers.  But there are things we can do at a personal level that will help the environment. Mr. Sintros will challenge us to identify and implement those actions.  

Come celebrate the First Day of Summer! Join everyone in town in the parking lot behind the Connecticut River Bank, N.A. for FOOD!  FUN! and Music! Live music with "Illusion"

This event is sponsored by the Connecticut River Bank NA and The Leslie Hubbard Family. SLB

The Town of Walpole has contracted with Avitar Associates of New England, LLC to perform an update of assessment values for all properties in town.  The reason for the update is per the Department of Revenue guidelines that require that towns must maintain an equalization ratio between 90% – 110%.  The equalization ratio illustrates the relationship between assessed value and sale prices.  Currently, the equalization ratio in the Town of Walpole is 70%.  In short, what that means is the assessments are 70% of market value.  The goal of the update is to bring assessments back to 100% of market value.

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MAY 24, 2007

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

Sheldon Sawyer, Vice-Chair, 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 $30,606.56.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending May 19, 2007, for gross wages in the amount of $14,865.49 or net wages in the amount of $8,056.00.  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 $3,630.78.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

FIRE WARDEN:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve signing the document to the State of New Hampshire, Division of Forests and Lands, for William Houghton in the amount of $15.00 for taking care of a small party fire.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Sawyer moved to approve signing the document to the State of New Hampshire, Division of Forests and Lands, for William Houghton in the amount of $15.00 for taking care of a small party fire.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

RON MAKINEN:  Ron Makinen explained that the Walpole Boy Scouts have been sharing closet space downstairs in the Town Hall with the Lions and they have talked with the Lions about moving their equipment for quite some time.  When this arrangement began the Boy Scouts had 8 members but now have close to 20 members and no longer have enough space for their equipment.  The Town owns the closet but the Lions built it.  The Selectmen and Ron Makinen went downstairs to look at the closet and other available space.

Mr. Aldrich moved to allow the Boy Scouts to build another storage area in the basement so that the Lions can move into one-half of that area.  The Boy Scouts will remain where they are but will be responsible for building the new closet.  The Town will pick-up the cost of the materials.  Ron Makinen will contact Dave Adams about moving their equipment.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- MAY 17, 2007:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of May 17, 2007, with the following clarification:  Page 3 –Replacement of Dying Tree on Common– the tree is not on the “Common” but on “Elm Street between the street and the sidewalk”.  Tim Allen will be asked to look at the tree and make a suggestion for a replacement.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Board of Selectmen Meeting – May 24, 2007 – Page 2

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE MEETINGS:

The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:  1) Zoning Board of Adjustment – May 16, 2007; 2) Planning Board – May 08, 2007; and 3) North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – May 22, 2007.

WARRANTS:

WALPOLE FIRST ISSUE PROPERTY TAX WARRANT:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the 2007 Walpole First Issue Property Tax Warrant in the amount of $2,920,864.00.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

NORTH WALPOLE FIRST ISSUE PROPERTY TAX WARRANT:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the 2007 North Walpole First Issue Property Tax Warrant in the amount of $517,614.00.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

PUBLIC BUSINESS – (Continued):

HOOPER BOARD:  Richard High, Hooper Board, discussed the following issues at the Hooper Property.  1)  The maple tree that is broken at the base should be taken down as it is a safety issue.  Mr. Aldrich advised that the Hooper Trustees voted to have that taken care of during their last meeting.  It was agreed that Jay Clace can contact somebody to take it down.  2) Mr. High asked if there is any chance of doing some repairs and painting of the barn, at least the front of it.  Mr. Sawyer felt they have to check on the funding that is still available.  3)  Mr. High noted that somebody talked to the Hooper Board about harvesting the trees.  Mr. Sawyer said Gary Speed of the Conservation Commission is aware of this, he will look into it and contact a forester.  4) Several other minor repairs that are needed were mentioned.     

ABATEMENTS:

DAVID JOHNSON –WATER ABATEMENT- MAP 021-029-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Water Abatement in the amount of $208.31 for David and Andrea Johnson.  This is due to charging for an incorrect amount of water usage.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.               

GREGORY PIERSON –WATER & SEWER ABATEMENT- MAP 017-015-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Water and Sewer Abatement in the amounts of $155.39 for Water and $114.95 for Sewer for Gregory Pierson.  The meter was not read so an incorrect average amount was entered.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

CHARLES MILLIKEN –SEWER ABATEMENT- MAP 029-031-000:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve and sign the Sewer Abatement in the amount of $41.89 for Charles Milliken.  An average amount was used; if there are any changes it will show up with the next reading.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

NORTH SIDE OF TOWN HALL:  Elaine Moore advised that the work will begin on the north end ramp on Tuesday.  The plants that are removed during the project will be set aside in back of the Town Hall and will be replanted.  The excavator will take the ramp out on Wednesday so it will be noisy for a short period of time.

Board of Selectmen Meeting – May 24, 2007 – Page 3

NEW BUSINESS:

MS-2 – REPORT OF APPROPRIATIONS:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the MS-2 Report of Appropriations as voted on at the Town Meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

CEMETERY DEED –MERVIN STEVENS- D-492 & D-493:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Cemetery Deed for Mervin Stevens when the correction is made for the fee.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

CEMETERY DEED –ELLEN CROWLEY- D-386:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Town of Walpole Cemetery Deed for Ellen Crowley.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

VACHON, CLUKAY & CO., PC:  Mr. Aldrich moved that the Vice-Chair be authorized to sign the Auditors Report of the financial statements.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

GARY SMITH REQUEST:  A request was received from Gary Smith, WOOL – Great Falls Community Broadcasting Corp, to have a few vendors and farmers selling their produce on the Common during their annual meeting and free concert on June 30th, 2007. 

Mr. Aldrich moved to deny the request from WOOL, Great Falls Community Broadcasting Corp, to set-up a Farmers Market and to have vendors on the Common on June 30th, 2007.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

NEW RECYCLE EMPLOYEE:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve hiring Ann Marie Estes as a part-time Solid Waste employee, at $9.75/hour.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.  

ANTHONY PRINCIOTTI LETTER:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged receipt of a letter from Anthony Princiotti asking them for a response as to how the Veterans’ Memorial and the bandstand was handled by them.  Mr. Sawyer will write the response letter. 

E-911 MAPS:  Elaine Moore received the new E-911 maps.  There are three sets – one set will remain in the Town Hall and one set each to the Fire Department and the Police Department.  An extra copy will be made for the Planning Board. 

CUB SCOUTS:  Mr. Sawyer noted that the Cub Scouts requested permission to put some plants around the small island on Middle Road and Main Street.  The Board of Selectmen approved this request. 

LETTERS:

STREAMBANK RESTORATION DSR #48:  Elaine Moore advised that two bids were opened today for the Streambank Restoration DSR #48 Project.

Mr. Aldrich moved to authorize the Vice-Chair to sign the new agreement to increase the amount to $16,480.00 for the Streambank Restoration DSR #48 project with the CFC Connolly Frink Construction Company.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

  TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND – JOSH KELLY:  Mr. Aldrich moved to pass-over this letter to the Trust for Public Land –Josh Kelly – regarding payment of the bill from Attorney Kasper.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Board of Selectmen Meeting – May 24, 2007 – Page 4

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:02 P.M.