ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Walpole, NH  03608

Minutes-----21 November 2007

PRESENT:            M. Mansouri, Ch., L. Carignan, L. Britton, L. Weber, B. Webb, D. Calhoun MT. Lester  Absent: J. Galloway-Leclerc

Note:  These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed on 19 December 2007 for errors, omissions and corrections.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30 pm.

  New Business:

  Purchase of Yellow Freight.  Ms. Mansouri reported that she had an inquiry from Phillip Bailey from Acero, which is purchasing the Yellow Freight depot in the industrial park.  She asked him to come in and let us know what their plans are.  She also told him that Acero would need to contact the Planning Board about site plan approval if improvements to the property were in excess of $10,000.

  Fitz Vogt, Main Street, by Patrick J. Putnam—Sign Replacement. Mr. Putnam explained the Fitz Vogt had new owners as of April 2007.  They have updated their logo and want to replace their existing sign with the new graphics.  There will be no change to the size or location of the sign, and the lighting will remain the same.  Currently, there are two small hanging boards at the bottom of the sign, one for each tenant.  One of the tenants is no longer there, so that sign board will be repainted white until there is a new tenant.  The same company which created the existing sign will make the modifications.  Ms. Weber moved approval of the modifications as the only changes will be to the graphics on the sign.  Mr. Britton seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

  Cindy Westover for Great Brook Farm--Sign Replacement.  Ms. Westover said that their milk house has been renovated and will be opening as a farm store.  Initially, the store will sell raw milk from the farm in glass bottles.  They may sell beef and pork in the near future.  An existing 2’ by 3’ sign on the milk house is being replaced.  Ms. Westover submitted four possible designs for the new sign and said the family will be voting on the final plan this week.  All four designs were of the same size, shape, and general design, with some variation in the graphics. All the designs are the same size as the existing sign. Ms. Weber moved approval of the sign replacement with the applicant’s choice of the proposed designs.  Ms. Lester seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.   Ms. Westover advised that the opening of the farm store will be in the first week of December, and all are invited.

  Old Business:

  Chamberlain Machine, Special Exception, Map 14. Lot 4, Former Hubbard Farms property, west side of Route 12—Request for Rehearing.

Ms. Mansouri stated that Attorney Rebecca Todd has filed a Request for Rehearing on behalf of John Hansel, Clancy Houghton, Drs. Jennifer and Peter Palmiotto, and Delores and Charles Street with respect to the ZBA decision on October 17, 2007, granting Chamberlain Machine a Special Exception for a machine shop.  The request was received on 15 November, 2007.  It was initially hoped that the request could be heard at this meeting, but Attorney Hockensmith advised Ms. Mansouri that notice must be given by publication and by mail to the abutters, so there was insufficient time to get the notice out before this meeting.  The statutes require the Board to make a decision on whether or not to grant a rehearing within 30 days of receipt of the request.  Ms. Weber contacted Attorney Todd and Attorney Kinyon to ask if they would agree to a four day extension to allow the matter to be addressed at the Board’s next regular meeting on December 19.  Ms. Todd is unable to attend that meeting, and did not agree to the continuance.  The Board addressed the question of scheduling a Special Meeting.  Based on availability of Board members and the Town Hall meeting space, the Special Meeting  will be held on Wednesday, December 5th, at 7:30 pm at the Town Hall.

Minutes:  Approval of the minutes of the October 19th  as written was moved, seconded and voted unanimously.

  Gravel Pit Application Fees:  The Earth Extractio0n Permit Application fees were not changed when the Board raised its application fees from $35.00 to $75.00  the Board decided unanimously to bring the Earth Extraction Permit fees into line with it5a other application fees  and raised them to $75.00.

  Proposed Changes to Zoning Ordinance:  The Zoning Board reviewed the memo and proposed changes sent to the ZBA with a memo dated November 14, 2007, from Pamela Aslinger, Secretary to the Planning Board. The Board took the following positions, and directed Ms. Weber to copy these minutes in the form of a memo to be circulated directly to Ms. Aslinger and the Planning Board.

1.       Article VIII  Rural Agricultural District, Uses Permitted.  This provision would allow home businesses in the Rural/Agricultural District to the same extent they are allowed in the Residential and Commercial Districts.  The ZBA strongly urges the adoption of this change, which was initially proposed by the ZBA.  We are seeing increasing requests for home businesses in the RA District.  Currently these businesses must seek and obtain a variance.  The Board is concerned that it is a stretch under current zoning law for the applicants to meet the hardship criterion for a variance.  Technically, everyone in the RA District who works from home via computer may currently be violating the Zoning Ordinance.  Given the changing nature of the RA district, and the increasing tendency of people to work from home or to work several jobs, maintaining the distinction for the RA District makes no sense to the ZBA.

2.      Article VIII. Allowance of home businesses in the RA District by Special Exception.  The ZBA sees no reason to require residents of the RA District to incur more expense and time delays to work at home than residents of the other districts.  Houses are generally farther apart in the RA District, so the items that would be reviewed, eg. noise of car doors slamming, traffic from clients, etc. would have less impact on the neighbors than they do currently in the Residential and Commercial Districts.  A footnote to this proposal suggests restricting home businesses specifically to those listed currently.  The ZBA thinks this is short-sighted, given that many more persons who work at home today are occupied with computer sales or other e-commerce, which has no effect on neighbors at all, but which is not allowed specifically by the proposed language, than are occupied in the trade of dress-making which is not as common as it was when the original ordinance was drafted.  Again, the ZBA position is that there is no reason to treat residents of this district differently than residents of other Districts.  The ZBA would, however, support this measure as being better than no change at all.

3.      Clarification that commercial earth excavations must have a special exception in addition to an earth Excavation Permit.  This provision makes the ZBAs current position on the necessity for both permits more explicit in the ordinance.  The ZBA supports this change.

4.-6.  If the ZBA properly understands the purpose of these measures, the three measures would make reference to the Well Source Protection Ordinance, the Telecommunications Facilities Ordinance, and the Retirement Overlay District, to make sure that applicants do not overlook these issues when applicable. While the Board has no objection to the inclusion of these references in the Zoning Ordinance, it was the position of the ZBA that such inclusion is unnecessary, and that the inclusion of too many proposals would be likely to result in the passage of none of them.  Projects are reviewed by the Planning Board, the ZBA or both upon the initial application.  Both Boards have experienced members who alert applicants to the other issues raised by their application.

7.  Addition of the words “Class V or better” to the definition of Public Street.  Individual members of the ZBA had differing views of the advisability of this provision.  The entire ZBA was united in its determination that this article, being a policy matter, is particularly the province of the Planning Board.  The ZBA takes no position on this proposal, but individual members are urged to make their thoughts as private citizens known to the Planning Board, should they desire to do so.

8.  Commercial District Land Standards—maintenance of 30% undeveloped open  space.  There was some discussion among Board members that this provision might create some real hardship for the owners of the smaller commercial lots in town.  The ZBA decided that this provision, like #7, is a policy matter to be determined by the Planning Board and the ZBA takes no position on the proposal.

9.  Well Source Protection Ordinance Revision.  It was somewhat unclear to ZBA members from a reading of the Well Source Ordinance, the proposed language, and the explanation provided exactly what the purpose or effect of this language would be.  In any case, it was the position of the ZBA that if proposal has to do solely with Planning Board procedures with respect to the Well Source Ordinance, that the ZBA should take no position on the proposal. 

Items 10-13  for discussion are policy matters which are the province of the Planning Board. Item 15—Limiting the number of amendments to prevent overwhelming the voters.  The ZBA strongly agreed with this sentiment.

All ZBA members were urged to attend the Public Hearing scheduled for December 11, 20078.

Appointment of voting member and alternate.  Ms. Mansouri reminded the Board that when Ms. Weber resigns, someone must be appointed to fill her slot until the next election.  She asked the current alternates to consider who might wish to be appointed and if either of them would seek the seat at the next election.  She then introduced Peggy Pshirrer of Wentworth Road, to the Board.  Ms. Pshirrer has expressed an interest in becoming an alternate member.  Having observed the meeting and reviewed the minutes of prior meetings, Ms. Pshirrer confirmed she was still interested in the position.  Her appointment was moved, seconded and approved unanimously.  She was reminded to stop in to the Town Clerk’s Office to take the Oath of office.

Upcoming Training:  Information on an upcoming Local Government Center presentation on Conducting Public Meetings was passed out in case Board members would like to attend.  The presentation will be held December 5, 2007, from 9:00-11:30.

Secretarial Position:  Ms. Mansouri handed out job description materials for consideration by the Board members in deciding a replacement for Ms. Weber as Secretary.

  The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.

  The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, 19 December at 7:30 PM at the Town Hall.

A SPECIAL MEETING TO DETERMINE WHETHER TO GRANT A REHEARING ON THE CHAMBERLAIN MACHINE SPECIAL EXCEPTION WILL BE HELD WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, AT 7:30 PM AT THE TOWN HALL. 

Respectfully submitted,

Lucy Weber,

Secretary.

--

November 24 and 25 AND December 1 and 2

By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            Painting, building, and sculpting for nearly a year, Walpole artisans are prepared to open their studios for their 5th Annual Artisan Tour November 24 and 25 and December 1 and 2, Saturdays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sundays Noon to 4:00 p.m.

            “We started five years ago with just two artists,” noted antiquarian bookseller Ray Boas, “Now we have sixteen talented and diverse artists this year! And, we have a great infusion of ‘young blood’ adding to the variety and quality of offerings!”

Bragg, “found object” artist and jeweler Janette Schuster, and purveyor of antiques and holiday folk art Maggi Suttles.

            Bragg’s clay works and art objects are, according to Barbra, “strange, whimsical, even dark and foreboding.”  All are hand built and raku fired. 

            Schuster, on the other hand, builds “items to have in the home or even to wear from treasures found at sites as diverse as flea markets and recycling center.”  See www.visualapothecary.com.

            Visitors are encouraged to begin their tours at Hastings House, the large white mansion on Union Street behind the Unitarian Church for a preview of the artists’ work, a tour map, and refreshments. 

            Priya Allaire will show her oils on canvas and custom invitations at Hastings House, and Bill Shannon will show samples of his furniture and other woodworking items there as well.  See www.cbshan.com and  www.enteringohm.com.

            Additional artisans on this year’s tour are as follows:

Mark Putnam Woodward Tiny Tot Furniture - Children's furniture for over 40 years in Walpole.. Top of the line toy chests, table & chair sets, step stools, hampers, lamps and circus wagons at substantial savings. www.tinytotfurniture.com

Barbara Tarantino  - Gallery & Studio - Watercolorist Barbara's paintings are from her heart, vibrant, and in techniques varying from Abstract to Realistic. Framed originals as well as prints, cards, canvas bags & mugs will be available for purchase during the Walpole Artisan Tour. See www.BarbaraTarantino.com  

Bob Taylor - Sculptor The Taylor team is a group of expert welders that love making metal sculptures that are pridefully shown inside or in garden settings. Some of their work will be on display at Hastings House.

Sharyn Tullar - Potter A member of the League of NH Craftsmen and NH Potters Guild, Sharyn creates functional hand thrown stoneware pottery for home and garden. Her pottery is a reflection of and inspired by her love of the fields and forests, and the ocean. She creates texture with coral, bark or rocks; the finished product has a satisfying contrast between glaze and raw clay.  See

Dutchie Perron - Decorative Arts Dutchie specializes in wall murals in the style of Rufus Porter as well as original and historic wall stenciling. Her mural pointing will be on display at 44 Elm Street, on the Common just south of the Catholic Church, along with many other decorative items.

Jayson Munn - Floral Designer.  For nearly ten years Munn has been creating custom floral designs. View, pre-order or purchase, wreaths, centerpieces, garlands and swags. All are hand made with attention to detail. See www.jaysonmunn.com.

Ray Boas - Bookseller A "Unique and Memorable Bookshop," established in 1980, with over 13,000 quality antiquarian and out-of-print books. Specializing in art and antique reference and the decorative arts. See www.rayboasbookseller.com.

Christopher Sherwin – Hand Sculpted and Blown Glass. Will show his work in his Bellows Falls studio.  See www.sherwinartglass.com.

Judy Stalus – Photographer.  Emphasizes colorful floral and underwater photographic art. See www.jstalusphotographer.com.

Loribeth Robare – Dolls and Vintage Inspired Art.  See www.maminkagirl.etsy.com.

Brian Putnam – Fine Art Prints, Drawings & Paintings.  See www.brianputnam.net.

Maggi Suttles – Antiques and Holiday Folk Art.

For complete information, tour maps and art samples, see www.walpoleartisantour.com.

            --30--

Acero Group International, by Philip Bailey, purchase of Yellow Freight Terminal in the Industrial Park.

Fitz-Vogt, 28 Main Street, adjustment to existing sign permit.

Great Brook Farm, County Road, by Cindy Westover, new sign for milk house.

Old Business

Chamberlain Machine, Motion for Rehearing:

Attorney Rebecca Todd has filed a Motion for ReHearing on behalf of John Hansel, Clancy Houghton, Drs. Jennifer and Peter Palmiotto, and Delores and Charles Street, with respect to the ZBA decision on October 17, 2007, granting Chamberlain a Special Exception for a machine shop off Route 12 on part of Map 12, Lot 4, the former Hubbard Farms property behind Diamond Pizza.

Correction and approval of minutes.

Fees for earth extraction operations

Proposed changes to the Zoning Ordinance as circulated by the Planning Board.

PLANNING BOARD

Walpole, NH  03608

Work Session Tuesday October 30, 2007  7:00pm Town Hall Basement

Minutes

Present:  Jeff Miller, Bob Miller, Chick Miller, Ben Daviss, Robert Jasse

Recording:  Pamela Aslinger, Secretary

I.              Meeting opened at 7:05pm

II.              Ongoing Master Plan Update

A.  There were no reports on group meetings.

B.  Mr. Daviss handed out copies of the most recent draft of the survey prepared by Mel Schupack.  He noted Mel’s idea of contacting the UNH survey center to do the survey resulted in a cost estimate of $3000.00.  Ch. Miller and others agreed it would be too costly especially since this was only the update of the land use section, perhaps they could be consulted when we have a larger scale project.  Sec. Aslinger praised the revised survey as presented saying it is very current and up to date, she thought the outcome would be very beneficial to the Board.  On Mr. Jasse’s suggestion attendees reviewed each question and made corrections to spelling and eliminated some duplication.  Some verbage was changed and lengthy discussions on “affordable” housing, cluster or incentive development, “retirement” housing, industrial and commercial uses in the rural agricultural zones took place.  Mr. Daviss kept track of the changes, will compile them, put them in a printable format and e-mail them for final comments before Sec. Aslinger makes arrangements to have them printed and mailed.  The cost of printing and mailing will come out of the monies designated for the Master Plan Update.  Mr. Daviss mentioned Mr. Schupack suggested using a “reward” for filing out the survey by offering a gift certificate to an area business such as Burdick’s restaurant.  Ch. Miller will contact Larry Burdick to make a $75.00 purchase, the funds will come from the PB budget.  All agreed it might encourage a larger response although it would require respondents to add their name in order to qualify.  The mailing will include N. Walpole, Walpole and Drewsville locations.  Drop boxes will be placed at accessible locations such as Burdick’s Market, the Library, Sunoco Mart, and Town Hall.  Time frame to mail the survey will be in about 10 days and the forms are to be returned by Dec. 1, 2007 in time to tally for the PB’s December 11, 2007 meeting.

C.  Next step in the master plan process and

D.  Adding economic development chapter to master plan.  All agreed the next step after the results of the survey are tallied is to draft the land use section and begin to hold public hearings.  The economic development chapter must follow the land use update.

III.       2008 Zoning Amendments suggestions

            A.  ZBA - Home business language for Rural Ag. District - Bob Miller said he was concerned about adding language for home businesses in the Rural Ag. zone.  He and Jeff Miller thought they were only allowed by special exception and had been handled that way in the past so the Planning Board could be kept up to date on all businesses.  Ms. Aslinger said currently the zoning ordinance makes no provision for home businesses in the Rural Ag. zone, the ZBA has been issuing variances to allow them in the zone and has requested the same exact language in the Residential and Commercial zones be added to the Rural Ag. zone in order to be consistent.  Bob and Jeff stressed that in the past they have made a recommendation to the ZBA as if it were allowed by special exception.  After reviewing the ordinance it was determined home business is not specifically mentioned in the Rural Ag. zone but could be considered a “commercial” operation therefore a special exception is required.  There was discussion as to whether home businesses and commercial operations are one in the same.  Mr. Daviss thought it was a matter of semantics and requires further study.  He suggested the Board make a provision in the Rural Ag.

Walpole Planning Board Work Session Minutes 10/30/07 page 2

district for specifically home businesses in order to be consistent within the ordinance.  Sec. Aslinger said she would review alternatives but the ZBA had requested a specifically worded amendment and the Board had agreed to present it as is.

            B.  BOS mapping update - not discussed

            C.  Member suggestions - Ms. Aslinger made the following suggestions based on issues that had come up throughout the year and resulting from an informal meeting with Mr. Merklein and Mr. Daviss.

                        1.  Due to a recent issue before the Zoning Board regarding excavations Ms. Aslinger asked if clarifying the special exception process related to excavations was in order.  She said the ordinance seems to allow excavations by a permit issued by the zoning board and state agencies, although excavations could also be considered a commercial or industrial use of a site triggering a special exception and site plan review.  Attendees agreed to discuss the issue at the Nov. 13, 2007 meeting.

                        2.  Class VI road definition change - Ms. Aslinger asked if clarifying the definition of “frontage” in the ordinance might shed some light on the intent of the ordinance to restrict subdivisions to Class V or better roads.  She said the State allows subdivision on Class VI roads and the state definition of frontage is different from Walpole’s definition that mentions “frontage on a public street”.  Public Street is defined in the ordinance but not in the state definitions.  Since the Town’s definition is more restrictive, it prevails.  However, the actual intent of “Class V or better” is not as clearly stated in Walpole’s Zoning Ordinance.  Attendees agreed to consider a simple statement of: “frontage means on a Class V or better road” and to futher discussion at the Nov. 13 meeting.  Selectman Miller said the present BOS would not be opposed to the State less restrictive definition.  Ms. Aslinger thought it was proper to retain the intent of the ordinance which is to limit subdivision and development to Class V or better roads.  It was discussed that allowing development on Class VI roads leads to premature and scattered development and should be discouraged, including denial of building permits on Class VI roads.

                        3.  Match newly adopted Site Plan Review regulation related to  “undeveloped open space”  It could be placed in Article VI Commercial and Industrial E. Land Standard:  1.  Lot area (as shown in SPR regs).  Attendees agreed to consider the matched wording and concept into the Zoning Ordinance - to be discussed at Nov. 13 meeting. to the Zoning ordinance.

                        4.  Consider some re-zoning of current Hubbard properties to allow for future uses such as residential as opposed to industrial and commercial.  Ms. Aslinger said it had been discussed at previous meetings.  Attendees agreed it would be best to address re-zoning after the Master Plan update, to have the ordinance reflect the Master Plan.

                        5.  Increase lot sizes in some zones, perhaps create a Rural Ag.-1 and Rural Ag.-2 with increased frontages, setbacks and acreage.  Ch. Miller said he would like to see some increase in lot sizes suggesting 2 acre, 3 acre or 5 acre zones.  Since the Rural Agricultural zone is the largest zone and includes the Timberland zone by way of being set back 1200 feet behind fronting Rural Ag. zones, it was thought lot size increases were most appropriately to be considered in the Rural Ag. zone.  Increasing lot sizes to 20 acres in the Timberland zone was discussed although building in the Timberland zone is extremely limited if not impossible.  Some dimensions were discussed.  Attendees agreed to hold further discussion at the November 13 meeting. 

                        6.  Remove industrial and commercial uses by special exception from the Rural Agricultural zones.  Ms. Aslinger said it occurred to her if the Master Plan supports protecting farmland, most of which is in the Rural Agricultural zone, why then are industrial and commercial uses allowed in those zones?  It seems conflicted.  She asked if it would be better to remove the allowed by special exception uses and instead add specific parcels to the commercial zone and industrial zones.  Ch. Miller said protecting farmland would be best served if

Walpole Planning Board Work Session Minutes 10/30/07 page 3

economically farming were a viable choice for property owners.  He thought removing industrial and commercial uses from the Rural Agricultural zone would take away the property owners

ability to market their holdings in the future if they no longer could afford to farm the land.  Most agreed it would be a difficult amendment and pointed out very little Rural Agricultural land is available along Rte. 12 subject to potential industrial or commercial uses.  Bob Miller and Jeff Miller thought the current special exception process insured commercial and industrial uses were appropriate for certain rural agricultural parcels, the site plan review and other applicable regulations insured protective development consistent with the Master Plan.

                        7.  Ch. Miller asked if re-submitting the building vs. establishment amendment is in order, in case the courts rule against allowing the amendment as presented in 2007.  Selectman Miller had made the suggestion with the thought the current lawsuit over the issue could be dropped, it being likely the Town would vote in the same manner as before.  Sec. Aslinger suggested waiting for the outcome of the courts review of supporting documents.  She and the BOS submitted documents earlier in the week at the request of the court and Attny. Hockensmith.  She thought the outcome would favor the Town but if for some reason it does not, then there is still time to submit an amendment for 2008, all agreed.

8.  Planning Board members cautioned on submitting too many amendments,

sometimes it is overwhelming for the voters.  Sec. Aslinger mentioned Eric Merklein has proposed legislative change to the State law governing protest petitions requiring a 2/3rds vote to pass zoning amendments.  He and others are proposing a simple time element change.  Instead of a protest petition being submitted 3 days before a vote, they are requesting 7-10 days, thereby allowing enough time for an amendment to be re-promoted, it levels the playing field in some instances.

NOTE:   Upon leaving Mr. Robert Jasse thanked the attendees for their efforts to continue the planning process for the Town.  His wise suggestions on fine-tuning the survey were greatly appreciated.  He also gave out several copies of historical Walpole musings, copies for those not in attendance are available by request of the Secretary and will be available at the Nov. 13, 2007 meeting.

IV.  Miscellaneous -

            A.  Budget - Sec. Aslinger mentioned it is time to prepare figures for the PB budget, needing to have a draft ready for Teresa by 11/15/07.  She will go over the figures and do a preliminary list of Board activity and prepare a draft for the 11/13/07 meeting.  She suggested an increase in fees might be in order for the board to cover its growing expenses.  She thought re-combining the PB Secretarial duties with the ZBA could possibly lead to a few weekly office hours for the public’s benefit.  Attendees agreed to consider a budget request for adding an economic development chapter to the master plan for 2008 and updating ordinances and regulations.

V.  Meeting Adjourned 9:15pm

Ed. Note: Sen. Barack Obama spent over an hour Monday afternoon at Burdick's chocolate factory on Main Street, Walpole. We covered the appearance for the Eagle Times, and here is the story that appeared in the paper this morning. Photos follow the story. CCB

11-12-07

Obama Discusses Walpole Working Women’s Concerns

By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama traded observations and issues with eight working women Monday afternoon in a panel staged in the packing room of L.A. Burdick Chocolate in Walpole but not before devouring one of Burdick’s signature chocolate mice.

            In fact, Obama began the session by laughingly congratulating his staff for arranging an event in a chocolate factory.  But he quickly explained that Burdick’s had been chosen because of its being a  "great model of a small business that treats its employees well”

            The eight women on the panel, four Burdick employees and four chosen from elsewhere in Walpole and Keene, exchanged views with Sen. Obama on challenges of balancing parenthood with employment, child care with medical care costs.

            Sen. Obama, for his part, noted that he had been raised by a single mom with help from his grandparents.  “She was working at the same time as she was trying to complete her education and raising us.  Sometimes we were on food stamps.  Many times she was just trying to patch things together.  But she did have a lot of help.”

            While the event was open only to the press, the discussion was freewheeling as each woman on the panel noted her family situation and how she balanced it with employment challenges.

            Burdick employees Hope Grenier and Bobbie Welsh recounted how their Burdick supervisors had supported them through family changes and crises with time off and flexible hours when needed, and how the company had thereby gained their loyalty. 

            Lyedie Geer of Walpole, a graduate student at Antioch New England in Keene, while noting that the women on the panel felt quite fortunate in their employments, raised her concerns about working women that are not so fortunate.  “We need,” she said, “a system of day care for women and children who don’t have such understanding employers, available mothers-in-law, etc.”

            Sen. Obama agreed, noting that 40% of working women do not have paid sick leave and that protections of the Federal Medical Leave Act apply only to employers with 50 or more employees. His goal, he said, is to extend such coverage down to companies with 25 or more employees and to work with states to fund paid medical leave policies that work.

            When asked if such generous benefits and flexible work policies affect the bottom line, Burdick’s general manager Cathy Watson conceded, “It definitely affects the bottom line.  But the staff is so loyal that it’s well worth it.”  And owner Larry Burdick noted that “We want these things for ourselves as well.  Paula and I raised kids while we worked, and it wasn't always easy.”

            Obama joined in by noting that challenges of balancing work with family responsibilities is a personal one for him and his wife Michelle.  They agreed early on that one of the things that made it possible for him to mount a presidential campaign without having their daughters be neglected was that Michelle’s mother was available to assist with the children when one or both of their parents had to be away.

            What’s the outcome of such an informal, non-public political event?  Panel member Susan Calloway of Keene, an administrator in the Waldorf School and real estate agent, said, “I thought he was very genuine and listened very carefully to what everyone had to say.  But I thought he was terrific before today, and I think he’s even more terrific now”

            Amy Fletcher, a Burdick employee, said she enjoyed the conversation.  And she’s “still thinking” about how to cast her primary vote.

            Chocolate entrepreneur Larry Burdick said, “He’s got my vote based on the amount of chocolate he eats!”

                                                            --30--

<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]-->

           Cori Hildreth, far right, pastry chef at Burdick's, discusses balancing work and family responsibilities with Sen. Obama.  Others in the photo, from right, are Laura Thomas of Keene, Sen. Obama, Hope Grenier, a Burdick's employee, and Lyedie Geer of Walpole. Sue Bingaman photo.

    Sen. Obama preparing to devour a Burdick's chocolate mouse!  Sue Bingaman photo.

Congregations Come Together For Walpole Community

Thanksgiving Service

PLANNING BOARD MEETING            Walpole, NH  03608

November 13, 2007                7:30pm         Town Hall

AGENDA

I.          Open Meeting

            A.  Roll call - designate alternates

            B.  Approve Minutes from September 11, 25, October 9, 30, 2007

II.            Review Applications Submitted: BEFORE HEARING: accept, reject, delay

            A.  Ernest and Wanda Way - Minor 2 lot subdivision located on Walpole Valley Rd. Map 13, Lot 41, Rur. Ag. zone.  Creates Lot 1 of 16.58 acres with existing house, Lot 2 of 5.02 acres.  Lot 1 retains strip along discont’d Santaw Lane accessing Lot 42 owned by the Way’s.  Lot frontages, sizes, setbacks met.  Attorney Rebecca Todd presenting.

            B.  Jack Franks and Lisa Bierweiler - Minor 2 lot subdivision located on Ramsay Hill Rd. Map 8, Lot 86, Rur. Ag. zone.  Creates Lot 1 of 9.40 acres with existing house and Lot 2 “non-buildable” of 1.62 acres, State subdivision approval waived.  Lot frontages, sizes, setbacks are met.  Virginia Foote of Lawrence Assoc. presenting.

            C.  Christopher and Kathy Monahan - Lot Line Adjustment located on 174 Barnett Hill Rd. Map 9, Lot 59, Rur. Ag. zone.  Re-creates Lot 1 of 2.48 acres with existing Monahan house and removes 2/3rds of easterly boundary line between Russell and Pamela Harding recreating Lot 2 of 14.57 acres.  The additional acreage will be conveyed to the Harding’s.  Lot frontages, sizes and setbacks met.  Joe DiBernardo of DiBernardo Assoc. presenting.

III.       Close Meeting/Open Public Hearing - Close Hearing/Re-open Meeting

            A.  Ernest and Wanda Way

            B.  Jack Franks and Lisa Bierweiler

            C.  Christopher and Kathy Monahan

IV.       Action on Applications submitted:  Approve - Disapprove - Delay

            A.  Ernest and Wanda Way

            B.  Jack Franks and Lisa Bierweiler

            C.  Christopher and Kathy Monahan

V.         New Business

            A.  Voluntary Merger - Action taken - sign form

1.  Gary Dennis - March Hill Rd. Map 11 Lots 50-1 & 50-2

B.  Preliminary Consults:

1.  Virginia Foote - Unitarian Church of Walpole minor subdivision

2.  Virginia Foote - Wheeler - Lot Line Adjustment N. Walpole

            C.  Other - none scheduled as of posting

VI.       Old Business - Follow-ups

            A.  Delbert Frost - letter to Registry 

            B.  Walpole D & D - conditions pending

VII.            Communications and Miscellaneous

            A.  Zoning Amendments for 2008 drafts - schedule Public Hearings

            B.  Work Session scheduled for November 27, 2008 - items?

            C.  Budget review 2008

            D.  Other

VIII.            Adjourn Meeting      Next regular meeting December 11, 2007

Cc: file, PB members, ZBA, Town Offices, NWVC    Posted:  Town Hall, Lobby, Burdick’s Mkt.

www.walpoleplanningboard.org and www.thewalpolean.com

11-7-07

Creator of Village Schools in Pakistan Speaks to Overflow Crowd in Bellows Falls

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Author of Best-Selling “Three Cups of Tea”

By Chuck and Sue Bingaman, Contributing Writers

            Greg Mortenson, a missionaries’ son from Minnesota and former mountaineer turned peace and education activist, spoke to over 350 people in Bellows Falls Tuesday evening about building 60 schools in mountain villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan in the past 12 years.

            Mortenson, who first visited Pakistan in 1993 on an expedition to climb the world’s second tallest mountain, K2, told about wandering into Korphe, an impoverished village, after getting lost on his descent. There he found his life’s work: building schools for children, especially girls who, until then, had been practically left out of any educational opportunities.

 “When I saw the 84 children sitting in the dirt behind Korphe village on a crisp autumn morning…writing with sticks in the sand, that was all it took—a Eureka moment—for me to decide to build a school,” he recently wrote.

            With no experience in construction and no funding, Mortenson started from scratch, raised funds, negotiated endlessly and learned new cultural ways and new languages to begin bringing education to isolated regions of the two countries in spite of war and earthquakes shaking the area.

            Now village schools Mortenson has helped communities build are teaching over 25,000 students, including over 14,000 girls.

            Mortenson’s 2006 book, “Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time” appeared on the New York Times bestseller list last January and has remained there ever since.  Merv Stevens of Walpole, a friend of Mortenson’s family, arranged his appearance in Bellows Falls through the Rockingham Town Library.  Because Mortenson’s story has been such a sensation, affecting readers throughout North America, his appearance attracted people from all New England states but Rhode Island despite less than a week’s notice.

            Illustrating his program with slides of students, parents and school buildings in the remote Karakorum Mountains in northern Pakistan near the Chinese border, Mortenson enthralled his audience with the possibilities of what an individual can accomplish with a vision and vast determination.

            “My goal is to get thousands of girls—and boys—in schools,” said Mortenson. “If we really want to fight terror, we need solutions.  Bombs are a Band-Aid in a hornet’s nest.  A major solution is girls’ education.  I’ve spent years talking with hardened Islamic clerics [there].  Without exception they tell me that Islam’s holy book, the Quran, does not prohibit girls’ education.  In fact, it values and encourages education for all people.”

            Mortenson, who was raised in Africa to age 15, quoted an African saying that, “if you educate a boy, you influence an individual, but if you educate a girl, you influence a village.”  That conviction and the area’s tradition of excluding most girls from any schooling are behind Mortenson’s efforts to gradually include more girls in all school projects that he promotes.  Educating girls, he noted, decreases infant mortality and better prepares mothers for guiding their sons who, traditionally, must get their mothers’ permission to engage in jihadist activities.

            “But,” explains Mortenson, “the Taliban have made it difficult for children to attend schools.  In illiterate areas, opportunistic Islamic mullahs control people by issuing edicts to illiterate people who do not know if the information is true.”

            Mortenson formed the Central Asian Institute in 1996 to promote and support community based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in mountain regions of central Asia.  Its approach evolved through first hand trial and error to find what worked in the ancient cultures of the area.

 Now all school and related projects are locally initiated and involve full community cooperation.  Local people are fully engaged in all projects and are supervised by village committees.  While the Central Asia Institute—led by Mortenson—raises funds to support school building, communities that build schools must match CAI funds with equal amounts of resources and labor that ensures viability and long-term success. 

Mortenson proudly cited examples on Tuesday where some of the early graduates of CAI sponsored village schools are now completing higher education certificates and degrees and returning to their tribal areas to provide teaching and maternal health services all made possible by his school initiatives. Previously literacy rates in these areas have hovered in the single digits.

            Complete information about Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute is available at www.ikat.org.

OCTOBER 25, 2007

Selectmen Present:            Charles Miller, Sheldon Sawyer, Whitney Aldrich

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

BRAD and JACKIE FLETCHER:  Mr. Fletcher referenced the Minutes from the last meeting and had a few questions about the on-going plans to acquire the Ballam Farm.  Mr. Sawyer explained that the Trust for Public Land is looking into private funding.  If the project moves forward the money that the Conservation Commission (CC) receives from the Land Use Change Tax, up to $25,000 per year, will be used until the bond is paid.  There was discussion relative to the formation of the CC as members are appointed rather than elected. 

LARRY DeVAULT – EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GRANT:  Mr. DeVault reported that the Town’s Emergency Plan is out-dated.  He contacted the State regarding a 50-50 grant.  They are now working with the Southwest Region Planning Commission on a plan up-date.  Mr. DeVault will submit the paperwork by November 8th.  They will start the planning process to bring the Hazardous Mitigation Plan up-to-date.  He felt that some of the 50% participation from the Town would be for in-kind services.  As soon as the documents are finished he will notify the Board of Selectmen. 

The Fire Department had previously put in a generator.  Mr. DeVault suggested that the Board of Selectmen consider installing one for the Town Hall Building.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $40,834.65.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending October 20, 2007, for gross wages in the amount of $16,621.20 or net wages in the amount of $8,182.77.  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 $3,798.10.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES –SELECTMEN’S MEETING- OCTOBER 18, 2007:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the Minutes of the public Board of Selectmen’s meeting of October 18, 2007, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Board of Selectmen received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:  1) North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners – October 23, 2007; 2) Planning Board – October 09, 2007; and 3) Zoning Board of Adjustment – October 17, 2007.

WARRANTS:

WALPOLE PROPERTY TAX - 2nd ISSUE:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Warrant for the Walpole Property Tax 2nd Issue in the amount of $3,458,016.00.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Board of Selectmen Meeting – October 25, 2007 – Page 2

NORTH WALPOLE PROPERTY TAX - 2nd ISSUE:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Warrant for the North Walpole Property Tax 2nd Issue in the amount of $804,777.00.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

NORTH WALPOLE SEWER – 2nd ISSUE:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Warrant for the North Walpole Sewer 2nd Issue in the amount of $40,122.46.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.     

REFUNDS (Overpayment of Property Taxes):

Mr. Sawyer moved to grant the Refunds for over-payments of the 2007 Property Taxes to the following:  1) Alexandra Kossakoski Trust; 2) Tobac, Inc. – two refunds; 3) James E. Johnson; 4) Ian Weber; 5) Lewis LaClair; 6) Douglas H. Smith; 7) Nicholas Raynor; 8) Thomas Burrows – Karen Breslend; 9) Dale Hubbard; 10) Benjamin Northcott; 11) Charles Miller; 12) John Foster; 13) Sigurd Swanson; and 14) NH Fish & Game.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

TROLLEYS:  Elaine Moore will continue to research the price for dollies to stack the chairs and tables and to see if there are discounts for six units.  Up to 6-foot dollies/or trolleys are required to fit in the elevator.

NEW BUSINESS:

NORTH WALPOLE PROPERTY TO BE DEEDED IN LIEU OF TAXES:  Mr. Sawyer moved to acquire the property on Map #026, Lot #014 on Main Street in lieu of taxes.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

ELAINE MOORE – PERSONAL DAY, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2007:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve a personal day off for Elaine Moore on Tuesday, October 30, 2007.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

WALPOLE LIBRARY – REPLACEMENT OF TREES:  Frankie Knibb, Librarian, contacted Elaine Moore to advise that about three years ago when some trees were taken down by the Library the Board of Selectmen said they would replace them but they were not.  Mr. Sawyer advised that, at that time, Mr. Dudley, Chairman of the Library Trustees, did not want them replaced as the Library Building is more visible.  A decision will be up to the Library Trustees.       

TAX RATE:  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the following Tax Rate as set by the Department of Revenue Administration:

                                                            Walpole            North Walpole

Town Rate                                            $ 3.60               $ 3.60

Local School Rate                                8.95                  8.95

State School Rate                                2.25                  2.25

County Rate                                             1.90                  1.90

Fire                                                           .66                  3.57

                                                            _____              _____

            Total                                         $17.36              $20.27

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

   AVITAR ASSOCIATES:  Mr. Sawyer moved to accept the report from Avitar Associates on the Statistical Up-Date.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Board of Selectmen Meeting – October 25, 2007 – Page 3

STATE ELECTION LAW TRAINING:  The Board of Selectmen acknowledged receipt of a notice that there will be four training workshops in various areas throughout the State during the month of November on the “State Election Law Training”.  A copy will be referred to Ernie Vose.

BUDGET PREPARATION:  Mr. Miller noted that the budget preparation has begun.  A preliminary notice was sent to the Department Heads and a reminder will be sent advising that the deadline date will be November 15th.  It is anticipated that the meetings will be scheduled for late afternoons on Tuesdays.

Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich and, with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 9:14 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Ed. Note: The following is an important announcement from Bruce Martin of a new American Legion project starting up in Walpole.   CCB

Subject:  Christmas Parcels for Service Members in the Combat Zone

    American Legion Post #77 is conducting a drive to assemble gift packages for service members serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and nearby areas supporting the combat forces.  We want to help ensure that New Hampshire service members receive these packages before Christmas.

    We ask that you bring items to the Post, 73 Main Street in Walpole, between 9 am and 12 noon on Saturday, November 10. 

    The suggestions on the posted list--below--came from service members in the war zone and we offer them as a guide for supporting our effort to put gift boxes together.  If you are not a shopper or lack the time to purchase items for use in the packages but still want to support this effort, money is always welcome and we will shop for you.  Checks should be sent to American Legion Post #77, PO Box 156, Walpole, NH 03608.

    This is a wonderful opportunity to show these young men and women that they are remembered and that we appreciate what they are doing for their country.  Take time in your busy life to help us make this effort a big success!

    Point of contact for questions is Bruce Martin, 756-3439.

Wish List

MAGAZINES - People, Sports Illustrated, etc.

DVDS - New Movies

PHONE CARDS

ROOM FRESHENERS

POWDERED DRINK MIXES

BEEF JERKY

NICE TOWELS

POCKET GAMES

CANDY

MAPLE SYRUP