Ed. Note: Thanks to Pam Aslinger, secretary, for these minutes of the May 21 Zoning Board meeting. CCB

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Minutes

21 May 2008

Present:     Mrya Mansouri, Ch., Leo Carignan, Dave Calhoun, Mary Therese Lester,

Larry Britton, Alternates Bill Webb and Peggy Pschirrer.

Recording:     Pamela L. Aslinger, Acting Sec. for Elaine Moore

Note:  These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed on June 18, 2008 for errors, omissions and corrections.  There were 8 persons in the audience.

The meeting was called to order at 7:30pm.  Ch. Mansouri appointed Mr. Webb for Mr. Britton.  (Mr. Britton arrived 7:35pm)

NEW BUSINESS:  Ch. Mansouri asked to change the order of the agenda items for new business beginning instead with Rita Wiley of Natural Style Hair Design, 1 Rogers St., Barbara Tarantino of Walpole Artisan Cooperative Store on 52 Main St. and Mr. Dick Fraser of Frank W. Whitcomb Construction on Old Drewsville Rd.

Rita Wiley/Natural Style Hair Design - Called but not present.

Barbara Tarantino/Walpole Artisan Cooperative Store - Signage: Mrs. Tarantino explained her intent to change the sign shared by “Wish” clothing and “JM Designs” currently hanging on the front of the building.  She will remove “JM Designs” and replace it with the Artisan’s logo used on their tour signage.  The sign size or location will not change.  The building owner Mr. Larry Burdick acknowledges the change and reminds that it must remain exactly as is - in both size and location due to its grand-fathered status.

The Board asked Mrs. Tarantino to fill out a sign application showing Mr. Burdick as the owner with his given permission, a photo or drawing of the sign and to bring it back to the Board for it’s records.  The Board’s consensus was that the change conformed to the sign ordinance due to it’s grand-fathered status and required no further action, the sign change as presented was approved.  Mrs. Tarantino thanked the Board and agreed to return the sign information as requested.

Ch. Mansouri called for Ms. Wiley, not present.  She then asked Mr. Fraser to step forward.  Mr. Britton arrived and Mr. Webb stepped down from voting member to alternate.  (7:35pm)

Dick Fraser/Frank W. Whitcomb Construction - Special Exception:  Mr. Fraser submitted a one page sheet/map indicating minor changes to their previous proposal for a gravel pit located on Old Drewsville Rd. and requested a hearing for the June meeting.  The changes from the prior 2007 public hearing adds 1 1/2 acres to the site for a total of 3.63 acres of disturbed area, he stated this would be an amendment to the prior plan. 

            Ch. Mansouri asked him to fill out an application for a hearing for special exception and asked if the Board had other questions, being none she asked if the Board would like to do a site visit prior to the hearing to view the proposed expansion.  Mr. Calhoun and Mr. Carignan agreed since it had been a year since their last visit.  Members agreed, a time was set for Tuesday June 17th at 3:30pm, the visit results will be discussed at the June 18th meeting.  Mr. Britton stated he would not attend.  Abutter Mr. William Lundgren asked if he could attend?  Answer was yes the hearing/abutter notice would refer to the site visit, date and time.

            Ch. Mansouri asked Mr. Fraser to provide a completed application with $5.00 per abutter, $75.00 filing fee and $150.00 for the gravel permit.  The application must be received by the Board on or before 6/3/08.  Mr. Fraser said the zoning ordinance with the March 2008 changes are not posted on -line.  Sec. Aslinger will e-mail him the ordinance with a reminder to the office

Walpole Zoning Board Minutes 5/21/08 page 2

to update the website.   Larry Britton moved to hold the hearing for a special exception on June 18, 2008.  Mary Therese Lester seconded.  Without further discussion the vote was called and the motion carried unanimously.

8:45pm Ch. Mansouri called for Rita Wiley who was present. 

Rita Wiley/Natural Style Hair Design - Signage - Ms. Wiley explained she is moving her barbershop/hair salon to her home on 1 Rogers St.  She submitted photos of her sign and a site map.   She is in the Residential B district, Map 20 Lot 36/35, the sign is 24” x 28” with the photos showing possible locations that will conform to the zoning requirements.  Ch. Mansouri referred to and read the zoning ordinance showing a hair salon as being an allowed use under the home business provision:  Article V B. 3. and referenced the sign ordinance.  Ms. Wiley will be the only employee and she has adequate off street parking with up to 7 spaces in her driveway, noting there would not be more than two customers at one time and no more than two personal cars.  The hours of operation are T-F 10-5:30, Sat. 10-2.  The sign meets the requirements.  Dave Calhoun made a motion to accept the proposal as presented since it is a permitted use and the signage conforms to the ordinance.  Larry Britton seconded, being no further discussion the vote was taken and the motion carried unanimously.  A follow-up letter will be sent and filed.

OLD BUSINESS:  PUBLIC HEARINGS - 8:50pm

Craig Vickers/Auto Wholesaler - Special Exception:  Mr. Vickers was asked to describe his proposal.  Mr. Vickers described his purpose to become a licensed wholesale auto dealer at his parent’s home on March Hill Rd. in the Rural Ag. district.  He will be buying and selling from auctions and dealers and selling to dealers.  There will not be any cars on site with the exception of one occasionally.  The vehicles go from the auctions to a dealer or a re-conditioner at another location except for his occasional light cleaning of a vehicle not needing repairs.

            Ch. Mansouri asked about the State form the ZBA needed to sign.  Mr. Vicker’s stated he would fill out the form, send it to the State and the State would send it to the ZBA with instructions for return.  Mrs. Lester asked if he had permission to operate the business from his parent’s home?  He stated he did, his dad was present in the audience.  Mr. Britton asked if the special exception would then be for Mr. Vicker’s Sr. or would a permission letter be adequate with Craig holding the special exception.  Ch. Mansouri answered that the special exception would be directed at Craig Vickers, business owner with permission to operate the business on his father’s property.  Craig Vickers noted that the application for a special exception must be and was signed by the owner of the property.  Ch. Mansouri noted the application was in order, the public and abutter notification had been properly carried out.  She asked if any abutters were present - answer was no.

            Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out in Mr. Vickers’ application the criteria for special exception mentions allowing one additional vehicle and later a limited number, she asked if it should be specified?   Mr. Vickers said he could not guarantee there would be only one vehicle in the driveway for a day because there might be two if he were to attend an auction twice in one day. 

            Mrs. Lester asked if he would be doing all the transporting?  He stated he would hire a transporter if he bought several vehicles at once, but he would do the transporting for single purchases.  The vehicles handled by a transporter would not be brought to his home.  Ch. Mansouri suggested limiting the number of cars as a condition of final action.  Members agreed that two was more reasonable and that a set number should be included. 

            Ch. Mansouri asked about signage.  Mr. Vicker’s said he would be going with the smallest sign possible according to the State requirements and for it to be specifically visible from the road.  Ch. Mansouri read from a past application the sign size was 1x 2ft. with 10” lettering, visible from the road.

Walpole Zoning Board Minutes 5/21/08 page 3

Members asked if any neighbor’s had expressed concerns? All were notified and none were present.  Mr. Vicker’s stated he had spoken with Sandy Smith who approved and would write a letter so stating if needed.  Another neighbor is up on weekends and another owns a large tract of surrounding woodlands.

            Sec. Aslinger asked the Board if Mr. Vickers was the first home business allowance by special exception since the new amendment passed in March?  Answer was yes.  Ch. Mansouri called for further discussion or action.  Leo Carignan moved to accept the proposal for special exception as presented with a limit of not more than two unregistered vehicles on site at one time.  Mary Therese Lester seconded.  Vote was called and the motion carried unanimously.

Ch. Mansouri called for a motion to have Mr. Vicker’s return to the Board regarding signage once established, so moved by Mr. Calhoun and seconded by Mr. Britton.  Vote was called and the motion carried unanimously.

            Mr. Vicker’s was given an application for a sign with the suggestion he wait until he has his State approval before applying for a sign, a follow up letter will be sent.

8:05pm  Ch. Mansouri called Mr. Peter Wotowiec forward.

Peter Wotowiec/Bensonwood Homes - Special Exception:  Mr. Wotowiec was asked to explain the proposal.  He said they were seeking a special exception for an industrial use in the rural agricultural zone for their parcel on Rte. 12, formerly Huntington Farm, Map 12, Lot 4-1.  He asked if infact this was a public hearing?  Ch. Mansouri said yes, his application was properly filed, fees received, abutters and the public notified of the hearing, one abutter, Chris Miller for Chamberlain Machine was present.  He introduced himself as a timber-framer for Bensonwood and Randall Walter, Architect both would be giving a brief presentation touching on each of the criteria for the special exception.

            He submitted a phased 3-5 year map/plan showing the site layout noting they would begin with one building at a time rather than the entire project at once.  There will be a total of 56,410 sq. ft. of new construction with 8,360 sq. ft. of existing space.  They are moving some of their current manufacturing processes to the new site and developing some new product lines, the main reason for the move.  In five years there will be approximately 40 employees with 20 coming from the existing Blackjack location.

Mr. Randall Walter said it has been an interesting evolution since coming to Walpole 10 years ago from Alstead, they have applied for other special exceptions for expansions and will be able to address the criteria needed.  The new site will not house an expansion of what they presently provide at Blackjack, they will be prefabricating entire buildings, doing more on each project.  He said they are happy to be expanding and especially finding an opportunity to do so in Walpole.  He said two of the main functions to be brought to the new site are currently housed in the industrial park that is lacking adequate power.  They have leased the Extra Innings building as a short-term solution for production of “mechanical buildings and bathrooms”, the building has a flat floor and a sloped floor making it difficult to consider it permanently.  They are currently in five locations and are looking forward to fulfilling their goal of being in 2-3 locations.  They are unable to expand in Alstead and the Blackjack locations. He deferred to Mr. Wotowiec to review the criteria.

Mr. Wotowiec began with the first criteria regarding the planning board’s favorable recommendation to the ZBA.  The planning board voted to favorably recommend the granting of a special exception based on Bensonwood meeting the two criteria in Article VIII. C. 1. a.i. and ii. at the May 13, 2008 meeting.  The board acknowledged receipt of a letter from the planning board stating as such.

Mr. Wotowiec read and addressed Section C. 1. b. - He said the proposed use was not

unlike the previous chicken production facility and it will not infringe any further onto the site. 

Walpole Zoning Board Minutes 5/21/08 page 4

He outlined the map and showed where the forested area will remain.  The cornfield and hayfield will remain actively farmed.  Additionally he added that because there is relatively a high number of residences in the rural ag. district, Bensonwood would provide a balance to the residential, commercial and farming uses.

Mr. Wotowiec read and addressed C. 1. c. - He said 5 years ago they voluntarily worked with DES under a pollution control management program and sponsored a site visit at the Blackjack location.  He read from the report to illustrate their history and intent to be a good corporate citizen.  (Report is on file).  The result of that site visit paraphrased:  …at this time Bensonwood is not generating any hazardous waste at the two facilities….uses minimal amounts of chemicals with low toxicity…in conclusion the NH Pollution Prevention Program found Bensonwood already incorporated many of the recommended principles of pollution prevention in day to day operations of manufacturing…the report praises Bensonwood for the way they carefully evaluate potential waste streams for negative environmental impacts.  The program encouraged Bensonwood to apply for the annual Governor’s award for pollution prevention.

Mr. Wotowiec provided a copy of the company’s own current pollution prevention plan with the application (on file).  Reading from it they have created a comprehensive team of everyone using the materials including end user’s, purchasers, and a person from each shop meeting each month to evaluate all materials.  They do an assessment to determine alternatives towards less toxic materials emphasizing safety using training guidelines for use and storage of hazardous materials. A key point to the plan is their goal to minimize or eliminate any hazardous materials being used such as the clear finish used is us a bio-based citrus oil, the odor it gives off is safe.  They were concerned about the people using it so managed to come up with a less toxic alternative for their finish, no masks are required.  In addition they substitute the 9 components whenever possible, maintain the least amount of inventory ie; just in time use, employ best management practices and they train everyone.  He said the company has recently received several awards for the high safety standards they maintain and they are planning to tie into Town water and sewer.

Mr. Wotowiec addressed “loss of value”  by referring to a letter (on file) submitted from John Newcomb of Monadnock Appraisel Company stated the proposed light manufacturing/office use would not impact the value of marketability of the abutting properties, poses no excessive traffic, noise, noxious odor, smoke or any unsanitary conditions and is no more intense that the former Hubbard Farms operation.  The thickly wooded buffer along existing and proposed roads will provide protection for the dwellings to the east.

Mr. Nick Sanders of VHB Inc. provided an overview of the traffic report (on file).  Figures are based on a 70Ksq.ft manufacturing facility, so is conservatively represented.  Study focuses on weekday morning/evening peak hours, the access will be Huntington Lane and Edwards Lane.  Site distance at both is more than adequate 700 ft. to the N and S.  Traffic counts were at Huntington Lane, Rte. 12, Upper Walpole Rd. in 2005 and 2007, weekday am’s 7-9, eves, 4-6 to determine peak hours, then converted to seasonally adjusted to determine peak month, then grown to opening year 2009-2010 with a forecast year of 2020 for completion.  DOT data reflects a .9% growth rate for the area.  In order to be conservative they used a growth rate of 1 1/2% to take into consideration other projects.  They contacted the Town for additional proposals and added the Chamberlain proposal as VHB had done their study as well adding it to general growth and seasonal adjustment to arrive at a no build condition for 2010 and 2020.  He pointed out the Rte. 123 bridge detour and reconstruction was factored in as re-opened for the purposes of the study.  He contacted the State to find out construction would begin in November 2008.   They made an adjustment to the volumes to reflect the original travel patterns before the wash out.  With the no-build base conditions determined the next step was to check the impact.  He looked at the Trip Generation Manual, a database of all land uses that publishes what the rates are, for the sq. footage for this type of useage.  The data resulted in a minor increase in the traffic; 30 peak

Walpole Zoning Board Minutes 5/21/08 page 5

hour trips week-day mornings and 40 peak hour trips week-day evenings or one additional car every couple of minutes during peak hours, and much less on off peak periods.  The evaluation is focused on the peak hours and worst-case conditions.  He said the peak information was applied to existing travel patterns as well as employment information to distribute the traffic onto the network.  The analysis was based on the Highway Capacity Manual - Level of Service grading from A - F.  Range is based on amount of delay a traveler experiences going through an intersection with A at less than 10 seconds and F at greater than 50 seconds.  The study resulted in no significant changes for the two intersections, with no changes in delay for Rte. 12 N and S and a minor change for vehicles at the side streets of Huntington, Edwards and Upper Walpole Rd.  Rte. 12 mainline was graded at A, Edwards Lane at C and Huntington Lane at E through 2020.  There will be no off site roadway improvements needed.  There is one recommendation to install stop signs at both Edwards and Huntington Lanes.

Mr. Britton asked if Chamberlain Machine and Bensonwood employees would be entering and leaving at the same time, mentioning Chamberlain offers flex-time?  Mr. Walters said Bensonwood also offers flex-time allowing employees to arrive and depart before and after the 9-3 required coverage time.  He said the times are agreed to by teams of employees and must be adhered to.  Currently at Blackjack he thought no more than 3 cars depart at the same time.  Mr. Sanders said the study represents a conservative rating that may or may not include flex-time since it is based on national averages in the Trip Generation Manual.  He expects the operations to be better than the calculations with flex-time. 

Mr. Calhoun asked if the analysis included the type of traffic such as trucking?  Mr. Sanders said yes, trucking traffic was factored in with number of trips, drives and turning radius design.  Mr. Wotowiec added because the project is being phased the ultimate design is to have all tractor trailer traffic come into Edwards Lane and circle around on a loop road to be created in a year or so.  Before the loop road is constructed the truck traffic will be more dispersed onto Huntington Lane.  Once the site is fully built out he expects 2-3 tractor trailers, 2-3 flatbeds and 2 smaller trucks per day will use Edwards Lane.  Mr. Calhoun thought the intersection and area seemed bunched together and that making a left hand turn onto Upper Walpole Road coming from the North leads to traffic passing on the right, adjacent to persons exiting Huntington Lane, adding the view could be blocked by a large truck and questioned if a light was needed.  Mr. Sanders said in regard to the vertical alignment with Huntington Lane, the internal loop connection would be important to divert and encourage all truck traffic to use Edwards Lane.  As far as a signal, DOT looked at signal warrants years ago for the plaza - the warrants fell short and also falls short for this new development for the time being.  Mr. Britton agreed with Mr. Calhoun about making a left hand turn onto Upper Walpole Rd. suggesting additional signage.  Selectman Sawyer noted that lining up intersections such as at the plaza may not be as safe as suggested and questions why they are recommended.

Mrs. Lester asked how much of the current Blackjack employee and truck traffic would go to the new facility.  Mr. Wotowiec thought roughly eight employees out of the 20 and some additional truck traffic when they move their wall shop to the site at the latter end (3-5 years) of construction.  They are building prefab components rather than whole prefab buildings that can be put together on site.  Mr. Walters said the mechanical, roof and millwork shops will be the first cluster of shops to be constructed.

Ch. Mansouri questioned Mr. Newcomb’s letter stating “light manufacturing and offices”, she asked if there are going to be offices and if there were going to be five buildings?  Mr. Wotowiec said the main offices remain at Blackjack however small support computer stations/offices would be in each of the new buildings.  Ch. Mansouri asked what specifically was going in each of the buildings numbered 1-5.  Mr. Wotowiec said they are certain what processes would take place on the site but final locations are still pending.  They are working on the flow of how the components will be aligned with parallel processes.  Ch. Mansouri stated she was uneasy

Walpole Zoning Board Minutes 5/21/08 page 6

approving a plan without knowing what specifically would go into each building.  Mr. Wotowiec offered he would come as close as possible in order to comply with the request outlining their initial but possibly no final plans:

First, Building #1 (the existing chicken barn) will be renovated and house the “mechanical module” shop comprised of dry fitting the plumbing, heating/ventilation, electrical and floor systems - both are currently occupying the Extra Innings building.  Ch. Mansouri asked for a list of chemicals being used such as adhesives or oils.  Mr. Walters said there were few plus the general trend is to eliminate or replace most with non-toxic alternatives.  Mr. Wotowiec said he could provide a list, they have submitted a list to the Conservation Commission and thought a more stringent review would take place during the site plan review and conditional use permitting under the well source protection ordinance.  Ch. Mansouri agreed the planning board would give a more stringent review but that the zoning board could also request the information.  She asked if floor drains would be allowed in the flooring and if they have a stormwater protection plan.  Answer is that the flooring will be a concrete slab, no drains and the state requires a stormwater plan as well as the site plan review.  Ch. Mansouri asked how they construct the flooring?  Mr. Wotowiec said they use a plywood type material building 8-30 ft. sections that can be trucked to the site.  They use a mechanical fastening system and install pex tubing for the radiant heat.  The process produces only sawdust.  The flooring relates to the other construction going on in the same building.

Building #2 will house the “millwork module” machining custom trim work, they use a clear citrus based oil finish with very low VOC, no gases and it is benign.  Occasionally they might do staining for a customer but no paint.

Building #3 may be the first new building to be used as an “assembly area” adding other layers such as windows to a wall unit and making final preps for shipping.

Building #4 may house the “roof shop” with purchased pre-made stress skin panels, they are cut for the job, they do contain a solid benign Styrofoam that requires cutting only and it does not contain harmful chemicals or an off gas. 

Building #5 will be the “wall unit building” also the last to move from the Blackjack location.  They use two kinds of insulation either cellulose or foam injected.  The foam is the same as the canned spray foam homeowners may use, it is sprayed in the shop.  They may use only cellulose on the new site.  They are presently looking for an alternative, noting it would be 4-5 years before they move the wall shop to the new site.  He said the foam is fairly benign rating low on the safety level of hazardous materials listed on their Materials Data Safety Sheet related to human health toxicity, flammability and reactivity.  He gave several examples and stated on average all the materials they use fall into the moderate category.  Mrs. Lester asked if the list of materials was the same as being currently used at the Blackjack location?  Answer was yes.   He said the foam they use is made up of two parts. The rating for part A of the foam is 2 - moderate toxicity, 1 - slight flammability and 1 - slight reactivity and part B is slight for each category.  They have occasionally used level 3’s in the past but have worked to eliminate those under their pollution prevention plan.  Mr. Walters said they are looking at a soy-based foam that eliminates the petroleum component hopefully available in 1-5 years; they certainly would prefer to use the least toxic and most innovative choice.  Mr. Wotowiec added they also buy the smallest amount of materials thus reducing on-site storage issues and  the two parts come in a double walled tank, it cannot spill and only when they are hooked up to the machinery can they mix.  The new soy based foam product is yet to be offered in this type of safety tank and has only a small reduction in toxicity so they haven’t committed to its use - however they are in contact with the manufacturer. 

Mr. Sawyer reminded that the Town was not going to fund their hook up into Town sewer and water.  Mr. Wotowiec said they had an agreement with Chamberlain to share the costs and lines.

Walpole Zoning Board Minutes 6/21/08 page 7

Mr. Britton asked what they do with their sawdust?  Mr. Wotowiec said currently the wood waste goes into a chip burner to heat the Blackjack building that has radiant floor heating.  They do share their shavings and sawdust with farmers as available.  They plan to continue using wood for fuel with propane for back up at the new site being an indoor facility.

Mr. Britton asked about fire safety and hydrants.  Mr. Wotowiec stated the buildings would have sprinkler systems and that there is an 8” water main with hydrants planned.  Mrs. Lester asked if the fire pond was required at Blackjack because Town water was not available, answer was yes. 

Ch. Mansouri called for other questions on the materials presented.  Being none she asked Mr. Wotowiec to continue with the balance of the criteria.

  He stated in regard to c) excessive noise, vibrations, smoke or other noxious odors, unsanitary conditions stating the present site does not produce those issues, they do not expect the new facility to do so either.  In reference to d) parking, he pointed to the plans showing that there will be sufficient spaces, truck access and turnarounds.  The final site plan will address exact design and be adequate.  In reference to e) setbacks, the project conforms.  In reference to f) signage, the project will conform to the ordinance once they have determined signage.  In reference to g) retail/commercial building size limitation does not apply to this project.

Ch. Mansouri asked for Board comments or questions.  Mr. Britton asked about the leased Hubbard building - would Bensonwood eventually own the parcel and building?  Mr. Wotowiec answered yes the reason it was made a separate lot was to allow the chicken production to operate on it’s own lot thereby preventing two separate businesses from operating on one lot - which is not allowed in the zoning ordinance.  Mr. Britton asked if Bensonwood might expand in 10 - 15 years into the leased lot?  Mr. Walters said it was a strong possibility judging from their history of growth and how the site accommodates their concepts of production tubes but that it was hard to project that far into the future.  He added that they might consider replicating the facility at another western (Colorado) location using Walpole to service the New England area.  Mr. Britton thought it brought closure to the use of the entire original Huntington Farm lot, lessening any unknown potential future developments. 

Chris Miller was present representing abutter Chamberlain Machine and spoke in favor of the project. 

Mr. Wotowiec asked to make certain the Board understands that the exact location of the individual production phases has not been finalized and may change from what he outlined.  The Board discussed and understood the production types may switch buildings, what was needed was a list of the uses, which Mr. Wotowiec has properly given and has been understood by the Board.  Mr. Walters explained it would be understood if they changed one of the mentioned uses such as to timber-framing they might possibly be expected to return to the Board because of change in use.  Mr. Wotowiec questioned the necessity since the special exception covered all light industrial uses, a change to timber-framing would be a light industrial use. Ch. Mansouri disagreed saying a change from what was specified could involve a different chemical use list thereby effecting safety and changing the use, she asked if the Board agreed.  Mr. Wotowiec felt it was sufficient that their chemical use plan would be submitted to the Town and kept up to date as part of the conditional use permit obtained from the planning board insuring safety of the well source protection area.  Mr. Carignan did not agree a change in a process warranted a change in use.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if they hold tours?  Answer was yes and they also have an open door policy.  Mrs. Pschirrer said she better appreciated their presentation having watched a video on their production process.  Mr. Britton said he thought Bensonwood knew what would be required if they were to make a change to their operation and would return to the Board without having to specify it exactly at this point.

Hearing no further discussion - Ch. Mansouri called for Board action.

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9:30pm                        Mr. Calhoun moved to accept the proposal as presented with the understanding if there is any expansion they would return to the Zoning Board of Adjustment and also pending a site plan review and conditional use permit under the well source protection ordinance.  Mr. Carignan seconded, with no further discussion the vote was called, the motion carried unanimously.  A follow up letter will be sent.  Sec. Aslinger asked for a copy of their Pollution Prevention Plan, Mr. Wotowiec will send it electronically.  Ch. Mansouri affirmed the Board’s decision to grant the special exception for an industrial use in the Rural Agricultural zone and thanked them for their presentation

OTHER:

Minutes approval 4/16/08 meeting.  Mr. Carignon moved to approve the minutes as presented.  The motion was seconded, the vote called, motion carried unanimously.

Election of Officers:

Myra Mansouri was nominated for the Chairman and a motion was made and seconded to elect Ms. Mansouri as Chairman for 2008.  The vote was called, the motion carried unanimously.

Leo Carignan was nominated for the Vice Chairman and a motion made and seconded to elect Mr. Carignan as Vice-Chairman for 2008.  The vote was called, the motion carried unanimously.

Dave Calhoun was nominated for the Clerk and a motion made and seconded to elect Mr. Calhoun as Clerk for 2008.  The vote was called, the motion carried unanimously.

Alternate Bill Webb’s term expires in 2008.  A motion to re-appoint Mr. Webb as alternate to the Zoning Board was made and seconded.  The vote was called, the motion carried unanimously.  Mr. Webb’s new term expires in 2011.  Additional term information was discussed.

ZBA By-laws- any additions, deletions, or corrections:

Members agreed to review further changes at the June 18, 2008 meeting noting they did not have the current 5/2001 revisions.  Members discussed the fee schedule and considered referring to it in the by-laws rather than including it in them, differences between clerk and secretarial duties and public notification procedures.  A copy of the most recent by-laws will be sent to the members for review. 

9:50pm  A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting, vote called, motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

 

                                           

 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Ed. Note: Here, courtesy of secretary Pam Aslinger, are the minutes of the May 13 Planning Board meeting. CCB

Town of Walpole, NH  03608

PLANNING BOARD MEETING                 May 13, 2008 at 7:00pm Town Hall

 

MINUTES

Presiding:  Jeff Miller, Ch.

Members Present: Bob Miller, V-Ch., Dave DeCoste, Henry Fletcher, Sheldon Sawyer, BOS, Ben Daviss, Shane O’Keefe,alt., Jeff White, alt., Donn Lounsbury, alt., Fred Dill alt.

Members Absent:  Eric Merklein            Recording:  Pamela Aslinger, Sec./alt.

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the June 10, 2008 meeting for errors, omissions and corrections.  There were 12 persons in attendance.  Alternates Jeff White and Donn Lounsbury were not yet officially sworn in due to a miscommunication.

I.            Meeting opened at 7:10pm

            A.  Roll Call - Ch. Miller designated Shane O’Keefe for Eric Merklein.

            B.  Minutes - passed over until the end of the meeting

II.            Review applications submitted:  Accept/Reject/Delay before Public Hearing

            A.  Frank W. Whitcomb Construction Corp. - Special Exception Recommendation

Located on Old Drewsville Rd., Map 15, Lot 35 in the Rural Ag. district.  Proposed 3.6 ac. commercial excavations of sand and gravel resulting in a pond, 5-10 year plan.  Purpose of the application for the recommendation to the Zoning Board is to comply with Article VIII. Rural Ag. C. Special Exceptions 1. a. “i. property currently zoned for industrial, manufacturing and commercial operations is either unavailable or inadequate for the proposed use; and ii. the proposed use is appropriate and consistent with the Town’s Master Plan.”

            Ben Daviss recused himself and sat in the audience, Ch. Miller appointed Fred Dill to sit in his place.  Ch. Miller reviewed the purpose of the application and criteria to result in a non-binding recommendation to the zoning board.  Sec. Aslinger reported the application materials had been submitted completely, abutters were notified and the notice appeared in the newspaper within the notification deadline.  Ch. Miller called for a motion to accept the application as complete, so moved and seconded, motion passed unanimously.

III.       Ch. Miller closed the meeting and opened the public hearing.  He asked Mr. Fraser to present the details of the proposal.  Mr. Dick Fraser of One Source Properties Permitting, LLC introduced himself and Mr. Chip Whitcomb, president. While he agreed with the Chairman on the purpose of the meeting and criteria to be addressed he suggested that excavations are treated differently in the zoning ordinance and read under General Provisions stating excavations are an allowed use in the Rural Ag. district by permit according to State RSA 155E.  He said it is already deemed a permitted use, further he read from a letter from the Town’s Attorney Hockensmith to Attny. Lawrence Slayson dated 1/11/2008; stating Attny. Hockensmith believed the planning board would waive the above mentioned requirements.  Mr. Fraser said he thought if the Board agreed with the Town Attorney, there would be no need to continue. 

            Ch. Miller read from the recently passed March 2008 zoning amendment stating “any excavation as described above is to be considered an industrial, manufacturing or commercial operation subject to a special exception review as outlined in Article VIII Rural Ag. District - Special Exception and may be subject to a site plan review with the Planning Board.”  He said if the amendment had not passed in March, then Mr. Fraser would be correct.  The Board is operating under the newly adopted amendment and its requirements.  Ch. Miller asked Mr. Fraser to present his evidence. 

Mr. O’Keefe noted that an engineer’s stamp was not present on the plans.  Mr. Sawyer asked for clarification on whether the amendment passed after they had applied to the planning board, answer was no, they had been before the zoning board only.

Mr. Fraser said they were celebrating one year before the Town on their proposal, they had received instructions on how to proceed from the planning board via a letter dated May 4, 2007 saying it was an allowed use under the zoning ordinance and to apply for a permit under

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RSA 155E with the zoning board, which they did.  He said they had four public hearings and a site visit.  Mr. Sawyer asked when had that taken place?  Answer was in 2007, resulting in delays and in the Town Attorney’s opinion that the proposal required a special exception review.  Mr. Fraser stated instead of fighting with the Town they are working with the Town to go through the process beginning tonight with step 1.  Sec. Aslinger reminded that they had changed the original plan, that this was a new plan.  Mr. Fraser agreed there was a slight addition to the square footage from the original plan.  Ch. Miller reminded that the board is proceeding as discussed at the April meeting and according to the amendment of last March.  He said the board’s recommendation is non-binding and that the zoning board still has a list of additional criteria to review.

Mr. Fraser began with the first criteria regarding the availability of property in the industrial zone.  He showed a zoning map pointing out the available industrial zone concluding there is no suitable industrially zoned property for the proposed use. 

Mr. Sawyer did not think it was necessary for them to identify a specific industrially zoned parcel for a gravel excavation, they weren’t proposing an industrial park, simply a gravel excavation.  Mr. Fraser said in all fairness, the type of operation they are proposing is widely considered by most towns in the State as an industrial use.  He reiterated there were no properties in the industrial zone available for their use. 

Mr. Fraser presented an aerial map of the surrounding area showing the presence of many industrial uses outside of the actual industrial zone, suggesting the board might consider re-zoning the area to industrial in the future.  He listed businesses within 1 1/2 mile radius stating excavation was not foreign to the area with Mr. Whitcomb’s father beginning excavations in the 40’s and 50’s and it is still an active quarry owned by Lane Construction.  He showed Merrill Farm, an additional excavation site in Langdon, a former hot mix plant site, Walpole’s transfer station, the Whitcomb pond having been excavated for materials, the State DOT sheds/garage, a Hubbard Farms complex, Hodgkin’s Construction, Town of Walpole garage and salt shed in addition to the Frank Whitcomb construction storage area granted by special exception as proof the neighborhood leans heavily towards industrial uses and making it  indigenous to the area. 

Mr. Fraser addressed the second criteria whether the proposed use is consistent with the Master Plan.  He read about State RSA 155E legislation from 1989 “The general court finds that the general availability of construction material effects the cost of roads and other governmental infrastructure.  Whenever the supply shrinks, prices increase.  Although NH has an abundance of sand and gravel in deposits suitable for construction infrastructure aggregate, their availability is being curtailed for development over regulation or both.  Making up for dwindling supply raises the cost of production and transportation.  This in turns raises the costs of the roads and other public infrastructure.  Additionally it is clear that the existing local regulatory scheme needs clarification.  Useful material is available only where it is deposited if it must be transported long distances the cost of construction increases.”  He said the legislature is smart to realize gravel is located where God put it, sometimes within sensitive areas such as town centers.  He said in this case it is in a good location because of access on a State highway, all of the potential impacts have mitigating remedies, so it is pretty benign project.  He said according to the Master Plan there was a lot of study regarding demographics and it’s vision, he intends to make a link with the project to the Master Plan.  He said the application packet showed Best Management Practices plans which as part of the Master Plan states that the planning board will rely on contours and erosion control measures in order to review applications for development, which has been provided.  He said under land use section goal #2 it states “to insure Walpole has diverse mix of commerical and industrial uses” this project falls into that category.  In the natural features analysis development capability “land from the 0-8% slope category is preferred for all types of development”, this project meets that criteria.  Under goals and objectives in the natural features analysis it stresses the need to submit contour and erosion control information on all development applications.  He said the townspeople wanted to insure that any development include good

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environmental stewardship, they have provided that evidence.  He said industrial uses are mentioned in the land use analysis plan talking about mining and diverse mixed uses and preserving the scenic elements of the natural environment.  The Master Plan talks about class I highways and using them for commerce, which they plan to do and that residential neighborhoods with driveways are to be discouraged along those highways.  In addition Drewsville Road is classified as a class II highway.  Taking this information into account it shows they are in a good location and they clearly meet the criteria.  He concluded, asking the board to grant a favorable recommendation for special exception to the zoning board of adjustment.

Ch. Miller called for questions recognizing Ben Daviss a resident in the area of the proposal.  Mr. Daviss asked why a new site was being developed when there is an existing operation for excavation?  Mr. Fraser answered, first - it is desirable to use the resource from a site already owned rather than buying from someone else and secondly, Lane Construction is a quarry and provides mostly quarry stone or ledge. 

Mr. Daviss speaking as a resident of the neighborhood, said by the aerial photograph and Mr. Fraser’s description it appears to be an industrial area, in fact it is not.  It is a very quiet residential area settled with 15 -20 houses within earshot and diesel smelling range of the proposed site.  Despite Drewsville Road’s classification and his road, Valley Rd. both were not in very good condition for 5 plus years of additional heavy gravel truck traffic.  He said in terms of the Master Plan, the idea it is appropriate does not make sense, the wording of the criteria “is appropriate to the Master Plan”.  He stated the recent Master Plan update shows a lot of concern about protecting existing land uses and preserving open land, he does not see where this project is consistent with protecting existing land uses and preserving open land.  He added adequate documentation has not been presented showing other available areas for excavations besides in the middle of a residential neighborhood.  He does not feel the case has been made on either of the points addressing the Master Plan criteria.  He asked the board to consider that putting an open pit gravel mine in the middle of a residential neighborhood for at least 5 years could have a very serious effect on surrounding property values.

Abutter Sue Hunkler said she has no objections at all, the roads are bad and have been bad and they are not concerned.

Mr. Fraser said it was clear from the plans that Valley Road won’t be traveled the trucks would come out of the site and turn right.  He said he thought Whitcomb’s owned all the property along Rte. 123 so it wasn’t correct to portray it as a residential neighborhood.  He said it could not be ignored that the area has a heavy concentration of commercial and industrial uses.

Mr. Daviss agreed within the immediate area, but by having an open pit gravel operation noise and fumes do not stay in the area, there is a much larger area affected especially any residences.  Mr. Fraser said that issue would be discussed in the next step of the special exception review but thought the amount of equipment and duration may be less of an impact.

Mr. Jeff White said he lives within site of Rte. 123 and because of the truck traffic due to the Cold River bridge demise, the southbound lane of the highway has become deeply indented as opposed to the northbound lane because they return empty.  He said chunks of the road have been thrown 15 feet onto person’s lawns, the State tells them to wait.  He wants a guarantee their proposals truck traffic would travel the new bridge once it is completed, he understands they will have varying numbers of trucks per day but is concerned about the impact to the roads and the need for the new bridge to be used instead of Upper Walpole Rd. 

Mr. Fraser said to keep in mind this is a very small project and what they add to the traffic flow is minimal and added he thought everyone would be happy to see the bridge back in place. 

Tom Fitzgerald, abutter realizes each operation is there by special exception, one by one until his property is worth nothing, it needs to be taken into account, either it’s industrial or residential.  Mr. Sawyer corrected saying it is rural agricultural not residential, residences are

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allowed in the rural agricultural zone along with other uses, it’s not exclusively residential with the added protections, by building a house in the rural agricultural district he knew there would be other uses.  Mr. Fitzgerald said he expected rural agricultural uses - not rural industrial.  Mr. Fraser added it was the nature of the beast recalling the discussion from the last meeting about allowing industrial and commercial operations in the rural agricultural district.  Mr. Sawyer noted when Mr. Fitzgerald built his house a gravel operation was allowed without special exception.  Mr. Fitzgerald said the area has changed due to the new operations that have been allowed and it has changed substantially in the last 20 years.

Mr. Sawyer referred to two new bridge projects that will require gravel, while it’s nice to get it from someone else’s backyard it is also good to have it available within the Town, it’s good to share in the projects.

Ms. Aslinger commented that after re-reading the Master Plan she could not find any reference where it encourages this type of development, only commercial and industrial not specifically gravel pits.  While the State requires towns to allow gravel pits it does not seem to be a focus or development in the Town.  Her second concern is its location within the aquifer.  The Master Plan states “certain industrial uses over an aquifer are not appropriate due to the potential for groundwater contamination”.  She asked if their plans took into account that it is within the aquifer and does the State have further requirements and protections to allow excavations within the aquifer?  Mr. Fraser answered that the hearing tonight was only to address the two criteria, as far as the aquifer it should be addressed by the zoning board and subsequent site plan review.

Ch. Miller asked what the previously mentioned mitigating remedies were for the abutters?  Mr. Fraser said one concern dealt with wetlands, they had the entire site inspected by a wetland soils scientist Jonathan Siskel who believed they were not included in the site being disturbed.  He asked the board to look at map 3 showing impacts.  Mr. O’Keefe asked if there was a written report?  Mr. Fraser said no it was delineated by a GPS system.

Mr. William Lundgren, abutter said if the board was allowed to take a site visit they would see it is very poorly taken care of, containers. rusted materials and other stuff, probably leaking into their wells.  By starting another excavation site 5 -10 years down the road and being given very elusive answers he cautions that the big picture should be taken into consideration.  It’s a little rural area in Drewsville NH, the impact is worth trying to protect their homes.

Mr. Fraser said what is allowed on the site is a permitted use.  Rusted cans are what they are.  He said he has heard enough from the zoning board hearings and prefers to deal in facts.  It is a construction equipment storage are, if culverts rust, they do, if steel decking rusts, it does also, it’s a permitted use.  A Keene transfer station person was in attendance at the site visit, he made no comments in regard to leaking petroleum products.  Mr. Lundgren clarified he did not mean to say containers were rusted, he thinks the board should see what’s there.

Mr. Fraser said having been before the Town on the project for over a year and listened to the ownice being placed on Whitcomb Construction and how they manage their properties, as regulators, the Town has the responsibility to insure permittees operate as they should.  Perhaps the Town should consider stepping it up a bit to avoid Mr. Lundgren’s and other’s concerns.

Mr. O’Keefe, referring to the plans asked if the existing storage area was going to continue to be used, answer was yes it is permitted.  He then asked about the existing sand and  gravel stockpile area and a second auxiliary stockpile area, if they were permitted?  Answer was no, they would fall under the new request for special exception for both.  He asked if the proposal needed to be revised to show both needed special exception, it appeared the existing construction storage/stockpile area was not included in the special exception request.  Mr. Fraser said he would have to read over the original special exception and what it included.  Ch. Miller said it was for storage only, not stockpiling gravel.  Mr. O’Keefe said he was trying to avoid missing information that should be included in the special exception.  Ch. Miller asked if the existing

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berm would be removed, answer was no.  Mr. Fraser said the plans were not being revised what is shown is what is being submitted.

III. and IV.  Ch. Miller called for additional comments, being none closed the public hearing at 7:50pm and re-opened the meeting asking for board comments and action.

            Mr. O’Keefe said there are two proposed areas for stockpiling.  Mr. Sawyer and DeCoste concurred.  Mr. O’Keefe said he is concerned about the area changing from rural residential to rural industrial little by little and whether the board intends for the area to change considering its planning process.  He also questions why the plans do not show what else is happening on the entire parcel - just the site disturbed area, what will happen with the storage area and construction materials?

            Ch. Miller reminded that the board was reviewing this project for the first time and under the new amendment, only the two criteria can be considered for a recommendation to the zoning board, similar to what has been done on the Chamberlain site.  He thought the availability of other industrial zoned land that had deposits could be possible and in a better location.  He said he thought it would be hard to say the proposal is consistent and appropriate to the Master Plan especially in light of the recent survey and resulting comments specifying what a rural agriculture use is.  A gravel pit despite it’s size has a very large impact on the rural agricultural zone and surrounding residences and the use is not consistent with what the survey deemed appropriate for the zone.  He did not think it was appropriate and consistent with the Master Plan and was uncertain if there were other sites available that would cause less of an impact to surrounding residences. 

            Selectman Sawyer said if there were other deposits they would have probably been identified by a large outfit such as Whitcomb and the Town itself has looked for possible sites.  

            Mr. Dill thought the proposed use was pre-existing in the area because of Lane Construction and the truck traffic.  Ch. Miller disagreed and thought the residences have been tolerant but will this put it over the limit, he reminded that the zoning board has several criteria to review regarding property values and living conditions.  He thinks it will have an impact and is inconsistent with what the Town is and changes the rural agricultural district there.  He said the prior granting of the special exception for the construction storage has become not what was expected, nor did the board envision such an expansion.  Mr. Dill said if there is to be a gravel pit in Walpole, here seems a likely place despite “not in my backyard”, he knows of persons looking for good gravel in nearby Westmoreland, so he agrees with Sheldon about it being a limited resource.  Ch. Miller said he can understand but it is zoned rural agricultural and allowed by special exception, its hard to justify the impact of the use.  Mr. Dill said while he wouldn’t want it next to him, but he feels that people that own property have individual property rights and it is permitted by special exception so the owner has the right.  Ch. Miller said but, criteria must be met.  Mr. Dill said then it is important for the land use boards to add restrictions in the ordinances to protect neighbors as it’s being done.  Mr. Sawyer reminded that once buildings and houses are built they there forever, whereas once the gravel is taken out that’s the end of the project, he knows because they took gravel out of his dooryard for Rte. 12, it is a short lived project.  Mr. O’Keefe asked how the pond would be fed resulting from the excavation.  Answer was from the groundwater just like the pond across the road.

            Mr. Fraser submitted a letter from the planning board to the zoning board dated 4/15/98 acknowledging the site plan review approval for Frank Whitcomb Construction on 4/14/98.  The approval was for “ 40 x 100 pole barn, and contractor’s equipment, gravel storage yard on Old Drewsville Rd. Map 15, Lot 35”, so it appears the prior special exception included the gravel storage yard as part of the 1998 approval.  Ch. Miller said the pole barn wasn’t constructed.  Sec. Aslinger said the Selectmen also submitted a letter dated 5/15/01 noting the Planning Board requested the BOS to oversee the return of the property to its original condition, indicating there were some problems on the site and approvals. She said Whitcomb

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submitted a response on July 10, 2001 saying they were removing the request for the pole barn from the special exception and site plan review, that it would include supplies, storage/parking of construction equipment.  Mr. Sawyer said the berm was the result of the BOS letter and meeting plus they had to post a bond for it.

            Mr. Lounsbury asked about two abutters to the NE of the berm, the secretary said all abutters were notified of the meeting and hearing, those were included.

            Mr. Fred Dill moved to favorably recommend the Frank Whitcomb Construction gravel excavation proposal to the zoning board of adjustment, and that the two criteria have been met for special exception.  Mr. Sawyer seconded.  Mr. Dill asked to insure that they would return for site plan review.  Mr. O’Keefe questioned Mr. Dill’s original wording that included “approval”.  Ch. Miller clarified saying “approval” was not to be included in the motion.  Mr. Bob Miller asked if both criteria needed to be met for a favorable vote.  Answer was yes. Without further discussion Ch. Miller called for the vote.  The motion passed with four in favor and three opposed.

8:10pm  Mr. Dill stepped down and Mr. Daviss resumed as a voting member.

II. B.  Jane P. Skofield - Minor 2 Lot Subdivision located on Old Drewsville Rd. Map 10, Lot 29-1 in the Rural Ag. district.  Purpose is to divide the parcel into Lot 1 of 27-9 ac. and Lot 2 of 91.1 ac.  Lot sizes, setbacks and frontages are met for the zone.  Sec. Aslinger reported all fees, application materials; abutter and public notices were complete.  Mr. Joe DiBernardo of DiBernardo Associates presented the final mylar and showed where the Class V and Class VI frontage on Phipps Rd. began and ended.  Lot 2 has frontage on Phipps Rd. and Old Drewsville Rd. and confirmed by Jim Terrell that up to the driveway on Phipps Rd. is Class V and partially paved. 

            Ch. Miller called for a motion to accept the application as complete, so moved and seconded, motion carried unanimously.  Ch. Miller closed the meeting and opened the public hearing.  Ch. Miller called for comments.  Mr. O’Keefe asked about the road delineation on the paper maps, Mr. DiBernardo said only the mylar showed the delineation.  Sec. Aslinger asked him to provide new paper maps because the recorded mylar and maps must be the same.  He will drop copies off at the Town Hall and the secretary will sign them in absence of the Ch. and V-Ch. who will sign the mylar if approved.

            Ch. Miller closed the public hearing and re-opened the meeting and called for board action.  Ben Daviss made a motion to approve the subdivision as presented and was seconded by Shane O’Keefe.  With no further discussion, Ch. Miller called for the vote, the motion carried unanimously.

            Mr. DiBernardo agreed to record the mylar and report the information to the Secretary.

V.              Unfinished Business/Pending application:  Board Action

            A.  Walpole D & D, LLC - road status and State subdivision approval.  Mr. Dill presented the board with a copy of the State subdivision approval and said Jim Terrell had signed off on the road.  He brought the final mylar for signatures also.  Ch. Miller said it was his understanding Walpole D & D had met all the criteria so the board would be able to sign the final mylar for recording.  He said he had just driven the road before the meeting seeing it had been recently graded but asked about the section off of Old Keene Rd. up - that seemed rough.  Selectman Sawyer said Mr. Dill did not own that section, it belongs to Mr. Jeffrey’s.  Ch. Miller said he remains concerned with that section because it may lead to future problems with run-off and that the Town would end up paying for future upgrades to the road, contrary to what the board intended.  Selectmen Sawyer said the road would be asphalted per the highway superintendent after the houses are built.  At the expense of the Town, noted Ch. Miller, which is

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what the Board was trying to prevent.  Ch. Miller and V-Ch. Miller signed the mylar and maps.  The second sheet mylar showing wetlands etc. was not signed but it is referenced to page 1.

VI.       New Business:  Preliminary Conceptual Consultations

            A.  Attny. Kasper for Ramen Patel - N. Walpole Site Plan Review 988 Main St. Convenience Store.  Attny. Kasper and Paul Grazewicz, engineer were present representing Mr. Patel.  Mr. Grazewicz presented the board several missing items to be submitted with the site plan application.  Attny. Kasper said he was brought in late on the project.  He has a meeting with the N. Walpole Village Commissioner’s on Thursday May 15th to determine what permits need to be granted from the zoning commission toward the project.  Any and all required hearings will be held prior to the June 10th planning board meeting so zoning issues will be in place prior to the planning board’s hearing.  They are submitting the site plan application at this meeting pending the zoning issues.  The new zoning administrator is Ken Farcus. 

Ch. Miller said it is in the Residential zone for N. Walpole, he read in their ordinance that it was a non-conforming use and may need to have a change in a non-conforming use.  Attny. Kasper said they are actually reducing the use and questions what will be required. 

Mr. Grazewicz submitted additional fees, maps, checklist, letter requesting waivers and supplemental information from prior meetings with NWVC and DOT, and a cd with technical information showing access and landscaping photos.  He also submitted trip generation collection data.  Sec. Aslinger reported she had spoken earlier in the day with Mr. Grazewicz about missing application materials; the application had been dropped off at the planning board office a few days ahead of the meeting so she had a chance to see what was submitted.  Mr. Grazewicz’s submissions made it complete.  She also spoke with Jackie Ronning, of the NWVillage Commissioner’s, before the meeting to verify whether they would be able to hold their deliberations ahead of the planning board review, being that most applications before the planning board already have zoning approvals in place.  Ms. Ronning will call Sec. Aslinger and let her know the outcome of Thursday’s meeting to insure processing the application and holding the public hearing in June is proper procedure. Sec. Aslinger pointed out there has been a one-bedroom apartment added to the plans from the prior meeting. 

Mr. DeCoste asked about the parking lot and if it is shared?  Mr. Grazewicz said he created a separated entrance/exit for the abutting property.  Mr. DeCoste asked if he had spoken with the abutters, answer was no but thought they would be addressed at the zoning meeting.  Mr. DeCoste asked about the entrances and removal of the loading docks and how they would buffer and protect the abutters.  Mr. Grazewicz said there would be two entrances/exits and they are proposing a healthy screening for the abutters with plantings and/or fencing depending on what the board requests.  Mr. DeCoste stressed the need for those abutters to be included.          

            Mr. Sheldon Sawyer moved to place the application on the agenda and schedule the public hearing for the June 10, 2008 meeting.  Ben Daviss seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.  Ch. Miller said of course, it would depend on the outcome of the NW zoning commissioners hearing, if it is required.

            Zoning board Chairman Myra Mansouri asked if a State highway permit was needed, answer was yes, they have made their application.

8:30pm             B.  Hick’s Machine - Mr. Randy Hicks presented the board with a partially completed application for a site plan review proposal to make a 28 ft x 88 ft, 2462 sq. ft. back addition to his building on Main Street in the industrial zone.  It will be used for light prototype assembly work.  He said the sq. footage was under the 2500 sq.ft. limit for an expedited review.  Sec. Aslinger had spoken to the applicant earlier confirming the site plan review regs make a provision for an expedited review.  This application if the board agrees, appears to meet the criteria shown under Scope of Review page 4, stating the board may make provisions for review of minor site plans if it qualifies for no new construction greater than 2500 sq. ft. and if the site impacts are not expected to be significant.  The board may waive certain requirements such as an

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engineered plan, all waivers must be included as part of the application.  She suggested filling out the checklist and submitting it with the application, it makes a provision for waiver requests.  Ch. Miller thought it met the criteria and called for a board consensus by vote.

            Sheldon Sawyer moved to designate the application as meeting the requirements for an expedited review under the site plan review regulations.  Mr. O’Keefe seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.

            Mr. Hicks and his engineer Jerry Swain submitted most of the application materials, but because they had not filled out the checklist Ch. Miller read through the items indicating which ones would not be required due to the expedited review:  Sec. Aslinger said additional materials would be submitted after the meeting but prior to the deadline if the board agreed.  The board agreed and reviewed the checklist with Ch. Miller listing the following items to be excluded by waiver request:  A.  Submission Requirements - all are to be included.  B.  Plat Submission Items - exclude 8. - 17., 19. -23.  C. Other Plat Submission Items - all excluded.  Sec. Aslinger said she would follow up with a list for the applicants in a few days.  Fees were collected and the board agreed to review the application and hold the hearing for the June meeting.

            C.  Other - none

VII.            Communications and Miscellaneous

            A.  Master Plan Update - Mr. Daviss reported the goals and objectives have been circulated and asked for board comments. Sec. Aslinger asked if the vision statement was being included.  Answer was no, it had not been discussed by the board yet, only drafted from the last work session.  Sec. Aslinger said she thought the draft had been e-mailed to everyone prior to tonight’s meeting although some had not received it including Mr. Sawyer (was given a copy at the end of the meeting).   Mr. Daviss said if the draft goals and objectives and vision statement are ok’d, then they will go to SWRPC and a public hearing can be held, all agreed.  Ch. Miller thought the board could review the vision statement and make comments prior to the May 27, 2008 work session being held at 7:00pm in the basement office.  Sec. Aslinger asked the board about adopting the Conservation Commission’s town-wide conservation plan into the Master Plan, Ben Daviss had asked her whether it required a public hearing.  It is considered an amendment to the Master Plan and needs a public hearing along with the new Conservation Commission’s “Natural Resources Land Conservation Values Plan”, she asked if the board would like to schedule those items for a hearing at the same time as the other items.  Members asked if they could have copies to review prior to deciding.  Sec. Aslinger will find out if hard copies or digital copies are available from the Conservation Commission.

            B.  Fees comparison - Sec. Aslinger provided a draft report from all but 18 towns in the SW regional planning commission area.  She said all towns and OEP are interested in the final report as well.  Ch. Miller thanked Sec. Aslinger for making the effort.  She said each town has it’s own way of setting fees, some by lot, square footage, with and without postage, flat fees.  Some site plans charge for each square foot of disturbed area.  She said most felt they were not covering their expenses, it is too hard to tell from year to year because the volume and type changes, secretarial expenses vary also, some with office hours, some not.  Walpole is not unusual.  Some towns charge for preliminary and design reviews and some charge $50./hour for the board’s time.  She thought the way she’s determined Walpole’s expenses and fees was somewhat simplified by adding up the administrative costs and dividing them by the annual number of applications to yield fees.  Having spent three years as secretary she has a good consistent history of what the expenses are and how much time is required to process applications.  She thought the proposed per application $25.00 increase was reasonable to cover last years shortfalls. She said she would update the rest of the information and present it to the board.   Mr. Sawyer asked her if she thought the information provided was enough of a comparison?  She said yes but has been encouraged by SWRPC to make a comprehensive report

 

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that could be circulated to the other towns as well as Office of Energy and Planning.  She said since she has already contacted each town she would volunteer the rest of the preparation.

            Mr. Bob Miller commented about Marlow not charging at all.  Mr. O’Keefe asked about notification fees.  Sec. Aslinger reported that the abutter fee is covered by the applicants, however the legal notice that is published is paid for by the board costing about $35.00 divided by the number of applicants.  There was additional discussion about procedures, recordings, end of the year reports etc., avoiding mistakes and legal requirements.   

Comment:  Mr. O’Keefe asked if it was possible for each member to receive application materials on proposals by mail ahead of the meetings.  Sec. Aslinger said as secretary to another planning board she did provide miniature copies of application materials to board members two weeks ahead of the meetings but it is costly both in time and postage.  Ch. Miller said the reason they require applicants to submit applications at their meetings is so the members are aware of what will be before the board at the following meetings.  The maps and documents are posted in the lobby not just for public review but for the board members and Sec. Aslinger offered that she can always meet members at the office, so long as its not more than 1 or 2 at a time to avoid a quorum, for their inspection of the application materials.

D.  Handout - OEP Innovative Land Use workshop 5/22/08 Henniker 6:30-8pm

Fred Dill, Shane O’Keefe and Ben Daviss reported they had an informative time at the Spring OEP confenence they attended in April.  Each attended different sessions and came away with good information.  Fred reported on age discrimination within 55 and older housing.

B.  Site Plan Review building design standards - Sec. Aslinger asked if the board had a chance to review the draft for possible adoption.  Mr. Dill thought making design standards would be limiting and stepping out of planning board bounds.  He thought a more cooperative approach was better and that it was encouraged in one of the OEP sessions he attended.  Mr. Bob Miller thought the board had been cooperative by working positively with developers and by making suggestions based on each individual proposal rather than having set standards.  Ch. Miller agreed saying the approach had worked well in the past. 

Sec. Aslinger asked if the board would at least consider adding the simplified requirement to provide elevations and plans without any required design standards, she said at least the board could see what the building looks like, not tell them what it is supposed to look like.  Ch. Miller agreed saying he always thought it was a part of the requirements.  Ms. Aslinger said it was not a part of the old regs and was left out of the model they used to create them although it is a legal request and other towns do have it.  Mr. O’Keefe said one of the comments made at the conference was by a developer that implored boards to just point out exactly what they want, instead of making him decide and provide something the board or town doesn’t want.

Mr. Sawyer thought it wiser to keep things less complicated to prevent smaller persons trying to realize the American dream from selling out to larger developers because of difficult regulations and requirements.  Ms. Aslinger spoke favorably about using the site plan expedited review, designed specifically for smaller scale proposals as an example of cooperative regulations.  She reminded that in the subdivision and site plan review regs any requirement may be waived by the planning board to allow for flexibility, the applicant needs to ask.  Ms. Aslinger said she agrees with the Board and is not proposing Walpole adopt strict design standards such as those provided in the example she prepared, however, she thought having a plan of what the building would look like was very important. 

Mr. Sawyer was concerned that the board would be commenting on a building without the expertise.  Ch. Miller disagreed that the board would use the information to possibly critique not disapprove.  Instead it would offer the board an insight as to what was being proposed, changes could be suggested if there was something glaring and if need be the applicant could request a waiver.  Mr. O’Keefe thought for the most part applicants know immediately what their building will look like, so it’s not asking them for something new to prepare, but good

Walpole Planning Board Minutes 5/13/08 page 10

information to complete the site plan review.  Mr. DeCoste said Ames implied the building was going to be better than it turned out as an example.  Ch. Miller said it would not be possible to deny an application based on what the building looked like.  Mr. Sawyer said Keene is an example of poor design and traffic it’s difficult to shop in some of the plazas whether someone thought they were attractive or not.  Ch. Miller said requiring elevations, as part of the plat submission items was not the board designing but rather being able to see what the building will look like. 

Mr. Dill thought it was too overwhelming to developers to consider façade materials etc., he thought it was too difficult already with lighting design and parking lot design standards that can be changed by an untrained board member.  Ms. Aslinger reminded the board must consider safety issues some of the design standards are there for protection.  Mr. Sawyer disagreed saying the curbs and plantings are for beauty not safety.  Mr. O’Keefe disagreed that board members are untrained, he has training in lighting areas and Mr. White has first hand experience with commercial lighting poles shining in his windows at 4 am because of poor design. 

Ch. Miller returned the conversation to the issue of requesting elevations be part of the plat submission items versus adding design standards.  Members agreed to request only the elevations at this time.  Sec. Aslinger said the amendment would require a public hearing and she asked the board if they agreed with the draft wording:  Add new:  page 7 B.  Plat Submission Items #27.  The location, type and design of all buildings including an elevation view or photograph indicating their height, width and surface treatment.

            The board discussed presenting it at the June meeting for a public hearing, whether anyone had an objection to the wording, being none Mr. O’Keefe and Mr. Sawyer suggested the hearing could be held in June.  Mr. Sawyer moved to schedule the amendment to the site plan review regulations as read for a public hearing at the June 10, 2008 meeting.  Mr. O’Keefe seconded.  Motion carried unanimously.  Sec. Aslinger thanked the board for moving forward on the amendment.

VIII.    Mr. Sawyer moved to close the meeting, seconded. He noted the minutes from April had been passed over.  Mr. DeCoste moved to approve the minutes as presented, seconded, motion passed unanimously.  The vote to close the meeting carried unanimously at 9:15pm.

 

 

 

            

 

             

 

 

    

               

 

 

 

             

             

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MAY 15, 2008

Selectboard Present: Sheldon Sawyer, Whitney Aldrich,
Jamie Teague (late) as she was attending another meeting

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

BERNARD KARNACEWICZ:  With reference to last weeks meeting, Mr. Karnacewicz was present to request that the Selectboard consider giving him the opportunity to purchase the pie-shaped piece of Town property that his fence is on.  When he erected the fence he thought it was his land. The Selectboard has no objections to leaving the fence where it is for as long as he owns the property.  Mr. Sawyer felt the Selectboard should talk to the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners and agreed to look into it.      

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $43,656.99.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending May 10, 2008, for gross wages in the amount of $17,095.17 or net wages in the amount of $8,589.09.  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 $4,068.92.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the request of Teresa Kissell to take a vacation day on Friday, May 23rd, 2008.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 08, 2008:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the May 08, 2008, Selectboard meeting with the following corrections:  Page 3 – North Walpole Park, 7th line, change “ence” to “fence”; Change “Trustees of Trust Fund” to “Trustees of Hooper Fund”.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 01, 2008:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of May 01, 2008, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners meeting of May 12, 2008.

REFUND:

CREG AND JILL DANCE –MAP 008-022-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Refund for Property Taxes in the amount of $1,008.00 for Creg and Jill Dance.  This is the result of assessment changes made by Avitar.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Selectboard Meeting – May 15, 2008 – Page 2

OLD BUSINESS:

GRANT FOR FUNDING OF OIL COLLECTION CENTER:  Mr. Sawyer had previously signed the Grant for Funding of Oil Collection Centers as requested by Rick Cooper.

NEW BUSINESS: 

WARRANTS FOR PROPERTY TAXES – WALPOLE AND NORTH WALPOLE:  Mr. Aldrich moved that as soon as Warrants for Property Taxes for Walpole and North Walpole are ready the Selectboard will come into the office to sign them.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

CEMETERY DEED –BRIGITTE AND WILLIAM GRAVES LOT- D-354:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Cemetery Deed for Lot D-354 for Brigitte and William Graves for $400.00.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted. 

TOWN BULLETIN BOARD – PLANNING BOARD MINUTES:  Following a discussion, the Selectboard agreed to send a note to Pam Aslinger stating that they appreciate allowing the citizens the opportunity to see the Planning Board minutes but they would appreciate trying to hold the volume.  They feel that one month of meeting minutes is sufficient on the Town bulletin board as previous meetings are available in the office.

TRUSTEES OF TRUST FUNDS – CHANGE OF MEETING DATE:  The Trustees of Trust Funds will be meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 9:00 AM.  These meetings will be open to the residents.

VACATION –MAY 24, JUNE 7 and 28, 2008:  The Selectboard acknowledged a memo from Rick Cooper advising that he will be taking vacation days on May 24, June 07 and June 28, 2008.  Mr. Coburn will be in charge during his absence.

VACATION –MAY 27 TO 30- ELAINE MOORE:  The Selectboard approved the request of Elaine Moore to take vacation days from May 27th to 30th, 2008. 

FRENCH ROAD:  Elaine Moore received a complaint regarding French Road.  1) There are auto parts being stored on the Conservation land; and 2) It appears the mobile home is too close to the road and there is a question as to whether or not there is a septic system.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to ask the Conservation Commission to check on the auto parts to see if they are on Conservation land and to see if the mobile home is too close to the Conservation land boundary line.  The Health Officer will be contacted to check to see if there are any health problems on the property.

TIMBER CUT:   Mr. Sawyer moved to bill Tom Aldrich $540.00 for his timber cut.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Jamie Teague came into the meeting.

SELECTBOARD’S OFFICE –WORK WEEK- 4 DAYS:  The Selectboard office employees requested changing to a 10 hour / 4 day work week from June 18th to August 29th, 2008. 

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve this request.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

Selectboard Meeting – May 15, 2008 – Page 3

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 8:46 PM.

The Selectboard entered into a meeting of the Trustees of Hooper Fund.

TRUSTEES OF HOOPER FUND MEETING

Mr. Sawyer called the meeting of the Trustees of Hooper Fund to order at 8:48 PM.

HOOPER INSTITUTE CONTRACT WITH T.G.K. CONTRACTING, INC.:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the contract for the Hooper Institute sidewalk and steps with T.G.K. Contracting, Inc. and to authorize the Chairman of the Selectboard and the Selectboard liaison person to sign in the appropriate places.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

There being no other business, Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

                                                                        __

	Walpole's Ambassador Adrian A. Basora, a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and Director of the Project on Democratic Transitions, will be the featured speaker at the Annual Meeting of the Windham World Affairs Council of Vermont on Friday, June 20, at 7:30 PM, at the Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro. 



	The title of his talk will be Must Democracy Continue to Retreat in Postcommunist Europe/Eurasia?



Ambassador Basora also serves as Past President and Trustee of Eisenhower Fellowships, actively participates in an EF global leadership network that includes the former President of Turkey, the new Vice President of Taiwan,and over 100 past and current cabinet ministers, plus several hundred other leaders such as CEOs, university rectors, NGO heads and media directors in over 50 key countries.



Basora is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a trustee of the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) and an Independent Director of the Quaker Investment Trust. He holds an MPA in International Affairs from Princeton University and undergraduate degrees from Fordham University and the Institut d'Etudes Politiques in Paris.



There will be a short business meeting beginning at 6:30 PM, coffee with the speaker at 7:00 PM, and the talk beginning at 7:30 PM. Free and open to the general public.

 Anna Powers tells me that St. John's Episcopal Church in Walpole, NH will be hosting a Clothing Swap on Saturday June 7th, with doors opening at 10:30 am for sorting and the swap beginning at 11:00 a.m.

 The only admission for this event is your unwanted summer clothing, shoes and accessories that are stain and rip free.

 This is a wonderful way to shop guilt free and it is also great for the environment as you are giving new life to old clothes!

 Refreshments will also be served throughout the event.

 St. John's is located at 28 Elm Street in Walpole, NH. If you have any questions please call St. John's at (603) 756-4533.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday evening, May 20 at 7:00 p.m. in Town Hall for the Walpole Grange Awards Night.  It's an important event honoring Walpole citizens that have made major contributions to the town in the last year.  Also, there will be an interesting program featuring Sharon Wood of Claremont, NH. For full details, call Gwen or Kathy Yardley at 756-3677.  CCB

Ed. Note: Words are inadequate to express the shock and the sadness we feel with the loss of Cathy Boas in yesterday's tragic accident.  She and Ray have been selfless, steadfast and generous friends of Walpole and all the people in it since they've been here. We know everyone in town will join in caring for and supporting Ray through this miserable and difficult period. We also wish Mr. and Mrs Jeffrey Jones of Bellows Falls a successful and speedy recovery from their injuries suffered in the accident. Chuck and Sue Bingaman

    The following Eagle Times story from October, 2005 the illustrates the loving, positive spirit that was Cathy Boas...

10-11-05
Walpole Residents Take in Thankful Alstead Survivor

By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

As Walpole resident Cathy Boas told it Monday morning, "I was leaving [St.
Joseph's] church on the Common yesterday morning, and I overheard an
usher talking about rescued people in pajamas over in the town hall."

"I went over and I was approached by a man was desperate to learn about his
wife and children.  He knew they had been evacuated but he didn't know where
they were.  Another gentleman was barefoot and he was soaking wet from
his knees down.   I ran home--just next door-- got a pair of my husband, Ray's,
shoes and fortunately the shoes fit!"

But the Boases had just begun to help.

Cathy continued, "In the early afternoon Ray went back to the town hall to
see what we could do. Everyone had been placed with friends or family except
for Jack.  We invited him over to watch the news on television.  He was
hungry for news!"

So Jack came over for the afternoon.  He spoke to the Alstead Fire
Department by telephone and learned that his house had been washed away by
the flash flood.  As Cathy, put it, "We realized then that Jack needed to be
part of our family for as long as he needs to be."  The Boases only learned
John Cochrane's full name Monday morning after he had spent the night.

As Jack Cochrane told the Eagle times Monday, "I live a few houses east of
the Route 123 and route 12A intersection a short way east of Alstead
village, just above the intersection of Cold River and Warren Brook.  I work
for Johnson Matthey Pharmaceuticals in Andover, Mass and I commute down
there several times each week.  I'm a chemical operator.  My job is to
follow the instructions of the chemists and work in the production end of
it."

Cochrane came home from work late Saturday evening.  As he told it
Monday,  "Sunday morning at 5:30 the police knocked on the door and told
me to evacuate.  They didn't tell me a time, but I took my cell phone and
packed like I was going away for a week's vacation, washed up a little bit
and off I went to the evacuation center which was the fire station in
Alstead.  The surge of water came and I started to see the debris flowing
across the downtown area that is the 12A bridge.

From there they said, "You've got to go. So we went to the [Walpole] town
hall.  And we spent the day there and tried to get whatever information was
available.  They offered me some breakfast, and I tried to get my wits about
myself.  Just tried to get organized mentally.  By the time I got to
Walpole, all the radio was reporting was people calling in and saying 'I see
this floating by my house.'"

As Cochrane understood it, "What happened was there was some sort of
retaining water area below the dam and that's what let go.  I grew up in CT
where dams had some sort of release that would let the pressure off dams-a
valve system for water pressure. I never heard any issues dealing with the
lake or the retention pond or a culvert when I bought the property."

Cochrane found out Monday morning that he had no insurance for his house or belongings.  "I thought by saying yes to all other coverage but the one about my swimming pool I had coverage, but evidently, they attached even the start money to
flood insurance.  So as far as starting over again, there isn't any money.

"I took a quick look before I left.  It looked like you could go white water
rafting in the ravine below my house.  But I said to myself, 'this is just
an exercise in safety and I'll be home in a few hours.  Everything will be
calmed down.'"

"My house could be down in Bellows Falls by now.  I started writing again a
few years ago.  I wrote about 40 poems and started my passion [for poetry]
again. I lost a lot of things that my family had cherished and passed along
to me.  I know they weren't first editions of Nancy Drew and things but they
were 2nd or 3rd editions that I lost.  I lost-I know people in their 60s
will appreciate this-I lost all my records albums from the people like the
Beatles, the Temptations, Simon & Garfunkel, and so forth.  All my jazz and
whatever is all gone, I gather.  The priceless stuff like my father's gold
watch that he gave me before he passed away.  Pictures-they just discovered
some pictures of my grandfather that I never knew.  I had some copies of
them and they were priceless to me."

"I'm not going anywhere for a few days.  Then I'm going down to Connecticut
for a few days.  They want to see me and give me a hug.  I have an uncle who
has offered to come up with his waders to go looking around and see if we
can salvage anything out of it.  That's really nice to have family support
in a time like this."

"And please tell your readers about the Boases," Cochrane said. "They
appeared like angels just when I needed someone the most.  They've been
wonderful to me!"

Dion Remembers the Cheshire Railroad

Walpole Historical Society Presentation

By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            “I’ve always had this love affair with railroads,” Walpole’s Joe Dion confessed at the Walpole Historical Society annual meeting last week.  “I just like to hear them around!”

            With that disclosure, Dion entertained the Society with a short history of railroading in Walpole featuring the Cheshire Railroad that served the town—and the area—for nearly 110 years. 

            “Railroads once held a much bigger place in our society than they do now, although they may well make a comeback,” he noted.  “Railroads made it possible to sell things we made here at places all over the country and around the world.  They were the ‘high technology’ of the day.”

            “Railroad fever” grabbed the entire country in the 1830s and 1840s, according to Dion, when it became obvious that trains could provide economical passenger and freight hauling in the rapidly growing nation with few good roads.

            Several Keene, New Hampshire businessmen chartered the Cheshire Railroad in 1844 and construction began in 1845.  The original line was to run from South Ashburnham, Massachusetts to Bellows Falls, Vermont, a distance of 54 miles. 

            Service from its Massachusetts origin to Keene, NH began on a regular basis in the summer of 1848 and reached as far as Bellows Falls the next year.  Along the way stations were built in 15 towns including Fitzwilliam, Troy, Keene, Westmoreland—two stations there!—and Walpole at mile 50.  Dion noted that it was unusual for a 54-mile long railway to run through three states.

            The Walpole railway depot was, Dion said, the “nerve center” of the town.  “That's where the telegraph was, where the big news of the day first arrived, and where you met friends and family members traveling from far away.  The station agent was an important and highly respected town official and often served the town for many years.”

            Walpole’s station sat at the bottom of Westminster Street near where the current bridge spans the Connecticut River. 

            Rail service in Walpole grew steadily from the beginning.  By the 1890s ten-passenger trains per day passed through Walpole, most going to and from Boston.  Some of the trains had their own names, including the “Mt. Royal” that went as far north as Montreal, “the Green Mountain Flyer” that traveled as far northwest as Rutland, Vermont, and the Yankee Flyer, one of the first streamliners.  An even larger number of freight trains added to the traffic on the rail bed that still serves hikers, bikers and snowmobilers in the town. 

            With the advent of family cars and, later, popular air travel, passenger trains declined in usage.  By 1954, only 5 passenger trains per day passed through Walpole, and passenger service ended altogether in 1958.  Following an accidental derailing that obliterated the Walpole Depot building, train service to the town came to an end.

            But it’s not forgotten!  Walpole resident and Historical Society member, Jerry Galloway, recalled that he and friends, as children, took the train from Walpole four miles north to Bellows Falls for a nickel, attended the movies for a nickel and road the train back to Walpole afterward for another nickel. “It was a great night out,” he said!

                                                --30--

 

           

 

           

Here it is. Note new meeting time--7:00 p.m.--at Town Hall.  CCB

PLANNING BOARD MEETING Walpole, NH  03608

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 -  7:00 pm - Town Hall

AGENDA

I.          Open Meeting

            A.  Roll Call - Designate Alternates

            B.  Approve minutes from 4/8/08 and 4/22/08 work session

II.            Review Applications Submitted:  Accept or Reject or Delay before Public Hearing

            A.  Frank W. Whitcomb Construction Corp. - Special Exception Recommendation

Located on Old Drewsville Rd., Map 15, Lot 35 in the Rural Ag. district.  Proposed 3.6 ac. commercial excavation of sand and gravel resulting in a pond, 5 -10 year plan.  Purpose of the application for the recommendation to the Zoning Board is to comply with Article VIII. Rural Ag. C. Special Exceptions 1. a. “i. property currently zoned for industrial, manufacturing and commercial operations is either unavailable or inadequate for the proposed use; and ii. the proposed use is appropriate and consistent with the Town’s Master Plan.”

            B.  Jane P. Skofield - Minor 2 lot Subdivision located on Old Drewsville Rd. Map 10, Lot 29-1 in the Rural Ag. district.  Purpose is to divide the parcel into Lot 1 of 27.9 ac. and Lot 2 of 91.1 ac.  Lot sizes, setbacks and frontages are met for the zone.

III.       Close Meeting/Open public hearings, close hearings/re-open meeting:

            A.  Frank W. Whitcomb Construction Corp. - Special exception recommendation

            B.  Jane P. Skofield - 2 lot subdivision

IV.       Action on applications submitted:  Approve, Disapprove or Delay

            A.  Frank W. Whitcomb Construction Corp:  The Board will review the two criteria all public comments and will take action whether to favorably or not favorably recommend that the Zoning Board of Adjustment grant a special exception for an industrial/commercial gravel excavation as required in the Zoning Ordinance:  Art. IV. E. Removal of Sand and Gravel.

            B.  Jane P. Skofield:  Minor 2 lot Subdivision

V.            Unfinished Business/Pending applications:  Board Action

            A.  Walpole D & D, LLC - Road status and State subdivision approval received

VI.       New Business:  Preliminary Conceptual Consultations

A.  Attny. Kasper for Ramen Patel - N. Walpole Site Plan Review 988 Main St. Convenience Store

B.  Hick’s Machine - Jerry Swain/Randy Hicks Site Plan Review - expansion of current operation, Map 23, Lot 14.

C.  Other - none scheduled as of agenda posting

VII.            Communications and Miscellaneous

            A.  Master Plan update - Goals and Objectives/Vision Statement, Conservation Plan

            adoption procedures, schedule a public hearing for 6/10/08 and work session 5/27/08

            B.  Site Plan Review building design standards amendment

            C.  Fees comparison

            D.  Handout - OEP Innovative Land Use workshop 5/22/08 Henniker 6:30-8:00PM

            E.  Other

VIII.    Close Meeting - next regular meeting 6/10/08 at 7:00pm

Cc:  PB, ZBA, BOS, Hwy, FD, WCC, Town Offices 

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

           

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

APRIL 24, 2008

Selectboard Present:            Sheldon Sawyer, Whitney Aldrich, Jamie Teague

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

MATT SUCHODOLSKI – Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application:

As a follow-up to the March 27 Public Hearing, Mr. Suchodolski from the Southwest Region Planning Commission requested that the Selectboard consider actions toward submittal of

Community Development Block Grant application to the NH Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) for the Monadnock Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to provide a business loan to Andrus, LLC for working capital along with providing office fit up and improvements at the former JH Dunning facility in North Walpole. 

Items which were reviewed during the March 27 Public Hearing and necessary for the application to be considered for funding by NH CDFA include:

• Adoption of the Housing and Community Development Plan;

• Adoption of the Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan; and

• Approve the submittal of the application and authorization of the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen to sign and submit the CDBG application, and upon approval of the application, authorize the Chairman to execute any documents which may he necessary to effectuate the CDBG contract.   

Mr. Aldrich moved to adopt the Housing and Community Development Plan. Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Aldrich moved to adopt Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan. Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the submittal of the CDBG application for MEDC and Andrus, LLC and to authorize the Chairman to sign documents necessary to effect the grant.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

JIM TERRELL – Highway:  The Selectboard had requested that Jim Terrell attend a meeting to discuss the following items:  1) Summer hours; and 2) Having a consultant conduct an evaluation.  Mr. Terrell advised that for the past four years the Highway Department has worked a four day/ten hour schedule from April 1st to November 1st but the dates are flexible depending on the weather.  He does not see a problem with not having Friday coverage because in the summer there are very few call-ins and when there are he usually responds.  The Town is getting more production out of a ten hour day because it takes time to set-up and take-down a job site; once they are on a site it allows more time to finish a project.  Mr. Terrell will meet with Mrs. Teague to go over the highway operation before consideration is given to hiring a consultant.  It was noted that a Police officer contacted the perpetrator that had taken gravel off the Hooper Road for use in his driveway so that issue was taken care of.  Mr. Terrell reported that the rough winter weather had taken a drastic toll on his budget.  After putting aside enough funding for fuel, salt,

Selectboard Meeting – April 24, 2008 – Page 2

sand, oil and other winter necessities it left $50,000 for summer work; this excludes salaries.  Therefore there is no choice but to do just what is necessary.  The work that was voted on through the Warrant Articles will be done.  Mr. Terrell noted that there are 56 miles of paved roads in the town and a lot of them have not been done in many years.  He hopes to be able to shim some of the very bad areas.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $416,826.88.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

It was noted that $390,125.37 of the above amount is a monthly payment to the Fall Mountain Region School District.  The attorney’s fee to handle the suit against the Planning Board was $1,227.91 as of this date.          

PAYROLL:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending April 19, 2008, for gross wages in the amount of $15,391.94 or net wages in the amount of $7,106.47.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,675.78.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

TRANSFER:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve having the Treasurer transfer the amount of $500,000 from the MBIA to the Savings of Bank of Walpole, Town of Walpole general fund and to authorize the Chairman to sign the document.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

BRUSH FIRES: 

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve signing the State of New Hampshire Forest Fire bill for the Town of Walpole in the amount of $600.34.  This was for a Mutual Aid call in Surry, NH.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

Mrs. Teague moved to approve signing the four following State of New Hampshire Forest Fire bills for the Town of Walpole as follows:  1) 64 Taggart Road - $890.48; 2) County Road and Farnum Lane - $273.40; 3) Cover at Fire Station - $818.72; and 4) 13 Union Street - $165.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 17, 2008:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the April 17, 2008, Selectboard meeting of April 17, 2008, as printed.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague who noted one spelling change: Page 1 –change “Rfunds” to “Refunds”.  All in favor, so voted.

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:  1) Zoning Board of Adjustment – April 16, 2008; and 2) North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners – April 22, 2008.         

ABATEMENTS:

HARRY and SHIRLEY REMICK –MAP 013-030-000 – PROPERTY TAX:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Abatement for Property Tax in the amount of $158.00 for Harry and Shirley Remick on the Old Turnpike Road.  This is the result of an Avitar adjustment.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

Selectboard Meeting – April 24, 2008 – Page 3

VINCENT MALNATI – 351 MAIN STREET – SEWER:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Abatement for Sewer in the amount of $335.02 for Vincent Malnati.  This meter was read in gallons rather than cubic feet.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

ROBERT CLEMENT –HYDRANT ON COMMON- WATER:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Abatement for Water in the amount of $680.00 for Robert Clement.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

REFUND:

LEON JONES – Map 002-009-001 – PROPERTY TAX:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Refund for Property Tax in the amount of $1,036.92 for Leon Jones.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

WARRANT:

TIMBER WARRANT –ANDREW BISSLAND- MAP 012-068-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Warrant for the Collection of Timber Tax in the amount of $2,341.76 for Andrew Bissland on the Old Drewsville Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

BUILDING PERMITS:

MAURICE & RACHELLE CYR –MAP 003-012-002- 57 Whipple Hill Road:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit No. 2008-010 for Maurice & Rachelle Cyr to build a 3 bedroom house with two car attached garage.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

ELIZABETH & MICHAEL SNIDE –MAP 009-003-000- 84 Ramsay Hill Road:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit No. 2008-011 for Elizabeth & Michael Snide for a 16’ x 16’ addition to the kitchen area.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

OLD BUSINESS:

DELIA BLANCHARD – JUNK VEHICLES:  As a follow-up it appears that Ms. Blanchard did not pick-up her certified letter and she was not present at this meeting.  Mrs. Teague recommended moving to the next level.  She will ask a Police officer to accompany her when making a visit to Ms. Blanchard at her property to discuss removal of the junk vehicles.

PAINTING OF TOWN HALL – CONTRACTORS:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the contract with Foster’s Pro Painting Plus, LLC to paint specified sections of the Town Hall for the amount of $11,740.00.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

NEW BUSINESS:

INTENT TO CUT TIMBER –NANCY SHEPARD- MAP 008-099-000- THOMPSON ROAD:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Timber for Nancy Shepard on the Thompson Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

COLD RIVER LOCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE – MEMBER APPOINTMENT:  Austin Hunter’s name was nominated by the Cold River Local Advisory Committee and it was approved by the NH Department of Environmental Services.

Mr. Aldrich moved to appoint Austin Hunter to the Cold River Local Advisory Committee and to authorize the Chairman to sign the appointment document.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

Selectboard Meeting – April 24, 2008 – Page 4

VACANCY STATUS OF PROPERTY AT 14 CHURCH ST., NO. WALPOLE (ANNA KENNEDY):   Mrs. Teague was contacted by Madeline Adams who is taking care of Anna Kennedy, her sister.  Ms. Adams questioned the water and sewer bills since there is no usage.  There was a consensus that as long as the water and sewer is hooked-up a bill for the minimum amount will be issued; they should consider having the utilities shut-off.           

USE OF GAZEBO AND COMMON –AUGUST 08, 2008 FOR WEDDING:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the request from Jeanne Cloues to use the Gazebo and Common on August 08, 2008, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM for a wedding.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

VACATION TIME –ELAINE MOORE- MAY 02, 2008:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve Elaine Moore’s request to take off May 02, 2008, as a vacation day.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

CONSERVATION COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS (2) BOTH ALTERNATES:  Mr. Aldrich moved to appoint Fred Ernst and Andrew Lewis as Alternates on the Conservation Commission.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

Mrs. Teague moved to recess this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:44 PM.

The Selectboard entered into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees of Trust Fund.

HOOPER

TRUSTEES OF TRUST FUND MEETING

Mr. Sawyer called the meeting of the Hooper Trustees of Trust Fund to order at 9:46 PM.

Hooper Cottage Driveway:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to ask Jim Terrell to put some gravel in the Hooper Cottage driveway but to charge it to the Hooper Maintenance Fund.

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:52 PM.

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

The Selectboard resumed their regular meeting at 9:54 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Meeting pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular meeting resumed at 10:28 PM.

There were no announcements made following the Non-Public Session.

Selectboard Meeting – April 24, 2008 – Page 5

There being no other business, Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.   All in favor, so voted.  The time was 10:29 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary                                  

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MAY 1, 2008

Selectboard Present: Sheldon Sawyer, Whitney Aldrich, Jamie Teague

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

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $280,143.68.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With Mrs. Teague and Mr. Sawyer in favor, the motion was approved. 

PAYROLL:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending April 26, 2008, for gross wages in the amount of $17,302.95 or net wages in the amount of $8,908.29.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  With Mrs. Teague and Mr. Sawyer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aldrich came into the meeting.

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,087.27.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

BRUSH FIRES:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve signing the State of New Hampshire Forest Fire bill for the Town of Walpole in the amount of $384.71 and that the Chairman be authorized to sign the document.  This was for a brush fire on East Street.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve signing the State of New Hampshire Forest Fire bill for the Town of Walpole in the amount of $1,412.17 and that the Chairman be authorized to sign the document.  This was for a brush fire.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

TRANSFER:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve having the Treasurer transfer the amount of $250,000 from the MBIA to the Savings Bank of Walpole and to authorize the Chairman to sign the document.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

WALPOLE LIBRARY:  Joe Beer explained that the Library would like to plant two trees by the building between the sidewalk and road.  One tree would be on Mortenson’s property and they will buy that one.  The second one by the Library will be donated by an anonymous resident.  Jennifer Burr was consulted on the type of tree and location.  Mrs. Teague asked them to consider the type of root system so it will not damage the sidewalk or road and that they contact the NH Dig Safe prior to digging.

Mr. Aldrich moved to allow Jennifer Burr and the Library Committee to plant the two trees between the sidewalk and road.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD REGULAR MEETING – April 24, 2008:  Mr. Aldrich moved to pass over these minutes until the next meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

NON-PUBLIC MEETING – April 24, 2008:  Mr. Sawyer noted the following change:  Second paragraph – delete “especially when he left without a notice”.  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Non-Public Selectboard meeting Minutes of April 24, 2008, with the above correction.  The

Selectboard Meeting – May 01, 2008 – Page 2

 Minutes will remain sealed as they contain information on personnel.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted. 

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:  1) Planning Board Work Session – April 22, 2008; and 2) North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners – April 29, 2008.

ABATEMENT:

RICHARD WESTNEY, SR. –MAP 028-012-000- PROPERTY:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Walpole Notice of Property Tax Abatement for 2007 in the amount of $312.00 for Richard Westney, Sr.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

REFUND:       

NORMAN and SUSAN FIRENZE –MAP 030-002-000- PROPERTY:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Walpole Notice of Property Tax Refund for 2007 in the amount of $236.61.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

WARRANTS:

DALE HUBBARD –TIMBER CUT- MAP 007-013-000 – INTENT 07-416-09:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Warrant for the Collection of Walpole Timber Tax Fees in the amount of $133.51 for Dale Hubbard.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

DALE HUBBARD –TIMBER CUT- MAP 010-022-001 – INTENT 07-416-10:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Warrant for the Collection of Walpole Timber Tax Fees in the amount of $109.85 for Dale Hubbard.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

BUILDING PERMITS:

RONALD and MARGO BANKS – MAP 009-017-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit No. 2008-012 for Ronald and Margo Banks to construct a 12’ x 20’ one story storage shed on March Hill Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

BRUCE CARRUTHERS – MAP 019-044-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit No. 2008-013 for Bruce Carruthers to take down a section of existing building and rebuild in the same area; the renovation and improvements include an exercise pool and second floor improvements.  The free standing garage will be connected to the house.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

SHELDON S. SAWYER – MAP 005-004-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit No. 2008-014 for Sheldon S. Sawyer to construct an addition to the existing barn on Wentworth Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Mr. Sawyer abstained.  With Mr. Aldrich and Mrs. Teague in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

DELIA BLANCHARD –JUNK VEHICLES:  Mrs. Teague and a Police officer went to the Blanchard property last night but Ms. Blanchard was not there.  Mrs. Teague hand delivered the letter from the Selectboard to Ms. Blanchard’s friend.  An arrangement was made to have Ms. Blanchard go to the Selectboard office and Police Station the next day.  Mrs. Teague will follow-

Selectboard Meeting – May 01, 2008 – Page 3

up with Chief Hewes in the morning and do a follow-up letter giving Ms. Blanchard 14 days to comply and complete everything.

14 CHURCH STREET – FOLLOW-UP:  Mrs. Teague contacted Madeline Adams relative to disconnecting the water and sewer but there has been no follow-up discussion.

LAWSUIT – COST TO TOWN:  Mr. Sawyer advised that the lawsuit that Tucker Burr brought against the ZBA for denying the re-hearing for Chamberlain Machine cost the Town $1,227.91 in legal fees to-date.     

PAINTING OF TOWN HALL – START DATE:  Mr. Foster will be unable to begin the painting of the Town Hall until the end of June.  Letters have been sent to the other bidders.

NORTH WALPOLE TAX COLLECTOR –LIEN DISCHARGE TO REGISTRY:  The Selectboard reviewed the North Walpole Tax Collector’s lien discharge for the Registry of Deeds for a property located at 11 Ash Street.

NEW BUSINESS:

COLD RIVER LOCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FORMS TO BE SIGNED:  The Selectboard received a letter from the Cold River Local Advisory Committee relative to putting up two signs to indicate that the Cold River is a “Protected River”.

Mr. Aldrich moved that this request be made to the ZBA for their input.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

CURRENT USE –JUDITH STAMM- MAP 013-058-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Current Use application for Judith Stamm to put 27 acres of land into Current Use on the Cheney Hill Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

MARCH HILL ROAD:  The Selectboard reviewed the cave-in on March Hill that has now become a one way road (above French Road).  They are checking their options on how to proceed because of the expense.  There appears to be two options:  To transfer money within the budget to make the repairs and then if necessary request an emergency expenditure later this summer/fall if the town is going to go over budget for the year.  There needs to be an offsetting revenue for the emergency expenditure (such as fund balance).  The second option is for the town to petition the court to hold a special meeting.  Jamie Dow from the Department of Revenue Administration provided information for both options.  The State Department of Transportation will be here tomorrow to look at the site to determine whether it is a bridge or not; by the State definition of a bridge.  In the meantime emergency repairs are being made to keep it from going any further by using rip-rap stone.  Barriers and warnings were put up.  The DRA has to approve using the fund balance but they will not do it until further into the budget year to see if it is available.  The Auditors are due next week.  At this point the Selectboard is not sure what it will cost but it does look like a major expense. 

RECYCLE/TRANSFER CLOSING – MEMORIAL DAY:  A memo was received from Rick Cooper advising that the center will be closed on Tuesday, May 27th in observance of Memorial Day.

SCHOOL FIVE YEAR PLAN:  Mr. Aldrich reported that there will be a meeting on Thursday, May 15th at the school to discuss the Five Year Plan for the Walpole schools.  Since this is also a

Selectboard Meeting – May 01, 2008 – Page 4

Selectboard meeting night they will be asked to send a copy of their meeting Minutes to the Selectboard.

ENERGY FAIR:  Tara Sad stopped by the Selectboard office to remind everybody of the Energy Fair to be held on May 3rd on the Common.  They reviewed the list of vendors and exhibitors.

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

MR. & MRS. NORMAN FIRENZE – RE: Property Abatement Request – Map 028-004-000:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve signing the letter to Mr. and Mrs. Norman Firenze denying the Property Tax Abatement.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

MR. BRUCE LABELLE – RE: Property Abatement Request – Map 003-040-000:  Mrs. Teague moved to approve signing the letter to Mr. Bruce LaBelle denying the Property Tax Abatement.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

MR. & MRS. RICHARD ZURMUHLEN, JR. – RE: Property Abatement Request – Map 003-006-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve signing the letter to Mr. and Mrs. Richard Zurmuhlen, Jr. denying the Property Tax Abatement.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Meeting pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved.  The time was 9:06 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 9:25 PM.

PERSONNEL:  Mrs. Teague moved that the current Selectboard has decided to terminate all payroll and benefits to Tracy Nash.  The final pay will be made on May 9th, 2008, and the insurance coverage will terminate on June 1st, 2008.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Aldrich moved to deny Joe Benjamin his 3% payroll increase because payroll increases are at the discretion of the Selectboard.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  All in favor, so voted.

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary     

Ed. Note: Minutes of 4-7-08 Conservation Committee meeting.  CCB

Conservation Commission

PO Box 365

Walpole, New Hampshire  03608

April 7, 2008

Present:            T. Beaudry, B. Fletcher, M. Galloway, P. Graves, M. Schupack, D. Watson, M.L. Montgomery (Alt), P. Palmiotto (Alt)

Absent:             L. Shelley

Others Present:  Fred Ernst, Whitney Aldrich (Selectman)

Mr. Schupack, Interim Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.

Mr. Schupack noted the absence of L. Shelley and asked M.L. Montgomery to sit on the Commission in his place.

Minutes – March 3, 2008:  Mrs. Galloway moved to approve the Minutes of the March 3, 2008, meeting as printed.  Mr. Watson seconded the motion and, with all in favor, the motion was approved.

Introductions and Welcome of the Two Newly Appointed Members:  Mrs. Galloway introduced and welcomed the two newly appointed members to the Conservation Commission (WCC):  Tom Beaudry and Brad Fletcher.

Nomination and Election of a New Chairman of the Commission: 

Chair:  Mrs. Montgomery moved to nominate Mrs. Galloway as the new Chair for the coming year.  Mr. Schupack seconded the motion.  There were no other nominations.  With six members in favor, the motion was approved.  Mrs. Galloway abstained from the vote.

Conservation Commission – Tasks:  Mrs. Galloway distributed copies of the Conservation Commission Tasks and the following members were asked to take the lead in the various areas:

1)      Coordination (Coordinator) – Mrs. Galloway and Mr. Schupack will assist;

2)      Wetland & Environmental Regulation and Permitting – Mr. Watson, Mr. Graves and Mr. Fletcher; 

3)      Research & Publications – Mr. Palmiotto

4)      Liaison to Planning Board & ZBA – Mrs. Montgomery and Mr. Schupack

5)      Public Relations and Education Outreach – Mr. Watson and Mr. Beaudry;

6)      Trails and Town Forests – Continue to next meeting when Mr. Shelley will be present;

7)      Conservation Easements – Mrs. Montgomery, Mr. Schupack, Mrs. Galloway.

Mr. Schupack reported that Mr. Shelley and a member of the SCA met with the Trustees of Trust Funds to request funding in the amount of $8,100 to do the Mason Forest trail work.  There is $1,500 in the budget for trail work.  Mrs. Galloway will contact Peter Rhoades.

Conservation Commission – Alternates:  Mrs. Galloway noted that there are two residents who have attended meetings and expressed an interest in being Alternates.  She will send a letter to the Selectboard requesting that Fred Ernst and Andy Lewis be appointed as Alternates.

Mr. Schupack moved to authorize Mrs. Galloway to write this letter to the Selectboard relative to the Alternates.  Mr. Watson seconded the motion and, with all in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole Conservation Commission – April 7, 2008 – Page 2

Monadnock Conservancy:  There are eight properties that need to be monitored and the questionnaires filled out.  Mr. Watson felt it should be undertaken by somebody that is familiar with the properties.  Mrs. Galloway will check with Mr. Speed about filling out the forms.

Budget Updates:  Mrs. Galloway will ask Myra Mansouri to continue to forward budget up-dates to the Conservation Commission.

Champion Trees:  Mr. Schupack noted that Walpole has more champion trees than any other town in NH.  He distributed a document entitled “Big Trees Program for Walpole” that was prepared and maintained by him based on work done by Paul Galloway.  Mr. Palmiotto, Mr. Schupack and Mrs. Galloway will become involved in the “Big Tree Program” and work with Paul Galloway on this State Program.  There was discussion about public education and doing a tour of these trees but permission will have to be obtained from the land owners. 

Comparative Land Values of Natural Resources for Walpole, NH:  Mr. Palmiotto distributed copies of this final report for the members to look at.  It will serve as a guide for planned management, development purposes and be a tremendous tool; hopefully it will prove to be useful to other boards.

Display Booth:  Mr. Schupack advised that the WCC has a display board but it needs to be up-dated.  He suggested displaying it during Old Home Days from June 27th through June 29th and the Energy Fair on May 3rd.  Mrs. Galloway felt that the Public Relations members could get a small committee together.  Mrs. Montgomery noted that they hope to have a new fold-out map to hand-out with a brief description of protected lands; the Monadnock Conservancy will assist.  Mrs. Galloway felt that the WCC needs to continue to get the message across that the Town does not lose tax base because of protected land.  Mr. Palmiotto thought a chart to show taxes, etc. would be helpful; but it would take some research to put the figures together.

UNH 4-H Camps:  Mr. Speed budgeted $250 for this donation.  Mrs. Montgomery felt the WCC would prefer to have the funds used for Walpole students. 

Mr. Beaudry moved to authorize the donation of $250 to the UNH 4-H Camps but to recommend to the County Extension Service that, if possible, the funds be used for a Walpole student.  Seconded by Mr. Watson.  All in favor, so voted.        

Hal J. Wilkins:  Mr. Wilkins asked if the WCC could do anything to help him concerning the DES disqualifying his application for a pond permit.  The DES deemed his response inadequate due to their lack of evidence for a legally constructed pond that had been maintained in the last 5 years.  Since Mr. Wilkins did not get information to them within the 20 days allotted, the application was disqualified.  Mr. Speed had advised that after an application goes to the DES it is out of the WCC hands.  Mr. Graves noted that the WCC still agrees with what they said in the past.  Mr. Schupack will contact Mr. Wilkins to advise that now it is between the applicant and DES.

Connecticut River Joint Commission:  They asked the WCC for an email address to forward information to in a timely manner.  It was agreed to have Mr. Schupack obtain the email address for the Town and to have them send notices there.

Ballam Farm:  Mrs. Galloway placed the folder on the Ballam Farm in the file as it is closed.  Now the WCC has the responsibility to monitor it once a year; probably in the spring.

Walpole Conservation Commission – April 7, 2008 – Page 3

OTHER BUSINESS:

WCC Planning Board Representative:  Mrs. Montgomery has been the WCC representative to the Planning Board for the past few months.  Chamberlain Machine and Bensonwood will be coming before the Planning Board tomorrow night; she was asked by Bensonwood if the WCC had concerns as they will be located on the same parcel as Chamberlain Machine.  With Chamberlain the main concern was the Wellhead Protection.  Mr. Palmiotto felt if Bensonwood does not handle hazardous materials then our concerns would be answered; the WCC could support the project.  Mr. Graves said if the Planning Board wants to hear from the WCC they could ask them.  Mr. Schupack stated that the WCC has a responsibility when it comes to environmental issues; they could be recommending that some things be studied by experts in the various areas.  Following a discussion there was a consensus to ask Bensonwood to attend the next WCC meeting to answer questions about hazardous materials and to focus on the Wellhead Protection Ordinance.

Mr. Graves moved to invite Bensonwood to attend a meeting to talk to the WCC.  Seconded by Mr. Beaudry.  All in favor, so voted.

NH Conservation Commissions Annual Meeting:  Mr. Schupack advised that there is an annual meeting of the NH Conservation Commissions in the fall.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting will be held on Monday, May 5th at 7:30 PM.  Mrs. Galloway will be unable to attend this meeting.

Mr. Beaudry moved to adjourn this meeting.  Mr. Watson seconded the motion.  All in favor, so voted.  The time was 9:09 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, may be found in the minutes of the May 5th, 2008, Walpole Conservation Commission meeting.)

    

Walpole Grange to Promote Eating Locally

    The Walpole Grange has launched a new project to identify and publicize all sources of locally grown agricultural and food products. 

     Grange member Joe Dion is heading the project and noted recently that "Walpole is in a great position for us to eat locally.  We've got first rate eggs, milk, meat, fruit, vegetables, wine and a lot more, all prepared locally.  Eating locally supports Walpole farmers, the food is fresher, and we can support local varieties of fruits and vegetables."

    Titled "Walpole Homegrown", the compilaton of local food sources will initially be in a brochure published by the Grange.  Later it may be published on a web site, and there is even talk of a Walpole food festival

    Walpole growers of agricultural or food products that wish to be listed in the Grange directory should contact Joe Dion at 756-3160 as soon as possible.  CCB

Ed. Note: I understand. You went to the Library Friends Plant sale on Saturday, bought many more plants than you intended and you STILL don't have enough! You've just barely started your gardening habit for the year. It just whetted your appetite. There's never enough!  But wait!  Check this note just in from Lil DeCoste!

    The Walpole Village School will be having our fourth annual Plant and Food Sale next Saturday, May 17 from 9:00 – 12:00.  Rain or shine, we welcome everyone to browse through our selection of perennials that have been donated by local gardeners.  We are known for having a good selection of healthy plants and this year is shaping up to be just as good as ever.

    If you have plants you would be willing to donate and need assistance in getting them dug up or need to have them picked up just give Lil a call at 756-4352.   Or you can drop them off at the Walpole Village School, 75 Westminster Street. 

    Also on the 17th there will be a chance to purchase baked goods as well as “Meals to Go”.  Have coffee and chowder while you browse the sale and then buy dinner to take home for Saturday night.  It really doesn’t get much more user friendly.

    We hope to see you on the 17th.  While you are at the school you can get a sneak preview of the items that will be auctioned off on June 7th at our Dinner Auction.  You might also be interested in signing to kids up for a week or two of our Summer Camp program or for Preschool in the fall.  There’s a lot going on at the foot of the hill on Westminster Street.  You should plan to check it out.

Ed. Note: A note from Lucy Weber, chair of the Friends of the Walpole Town Library Plant Sale held yesterday...

Ed. Note: And two other things!  The Friends of the Walpole Town Library are holding their annual plant sale/fundraiser tomorrow morning from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. on the library lawn.  All kinds of freshly dug and contributed plants will be on sale, according to chairperson Lucy Weber. If you want the full selection, get there at 9:00!

Also, don't forget the pancake breakfast Sunday morning from 7:30 to 9:30 at the Congregational Church on the common. See you there! CCB

The new store on Main Street, Walpole, operated by the cooperative of Walpole Artisans opens tomorrow morning at 11:00 a.m. next door to Wish.  It's a "soft opening", meaning that they are doing it now without a LOT of fanfare so they can get their store operating act together before their mighty opening with the Goodyear blimp, etc., in a few weeks. Should be fun to attend tomorrow and later on. If you drop in tomorrow, tell them that you heard about it on The Walpolean. More later! CCB

5-8-08

TriVillage Energy Fair A Success!

By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

TriVillage Energy’s May 3 Energy Fair attracted nearly 500 people despite the cold and wet weather and a last minute move indoors.

 Forty-five exhibitors and vendors crowded into both floors of the Town Hall to display wiser-energy products and services. Fourteen local farmers made connections with, and sales to, grateful shoppers. Speakers shared information on positive solutions to our challenging energy future. Demonstrations showed ways to increase local self-reliance in food, fuel, and clothing.

“Despite the miserable cold and wet weather, we were delighted with the crowds all day,” according to Jill Robinson of the TriVillage Committee that sponsored the fair.  “Actually, the bad weather may have helped the crowd by taking away some other options for a Saturday in May!”

Kids of all ages made “art from trash” and solar hot dog cookers, and learned to plant seeds. The Boy Scouts and Blackwatch Farm kept everyone supplied with free grass fed, organic beef hot dogs. High school bands battled, and contra dancers swung their new friends.

The Petroleum Free Parade, though dampened, was unhampered by the nasty weather and great fun for participants and observers alike.

Nine big-hearted homeowners opened their homes and explained such features as passive solar heat, photovoltaic and micro-hydro electricity generation, use of on-site and natural materials, and radiant floor heat. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, exhibitors, and vendors, almost everyone went home with free CFL light bulbs and many attendees went home with better-energy items won in the massive penny auction.

Reviews from the comment box included “Truly amazing--much bigger than I ever imagined it would be” and “A great event – educational and fun, with good shopping opportunities for local foods and environmentally friendly goods.”

“The Fair was a huge and spectacular success,” according to Robinson, “and TriVillage Energy thanks everyone who helped make the Fair such a success. We could not have done it without you!”

                                    --30--

Ed. Note: Here's an important program coming up next Friday evening sponsored by the Windham World Affairs Council.  CCB

ELLEN FROST, FORMER DEPUTY ASST. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO SPEAK ON ASIA’S NEW REGIONALISM, MAY 9, AT BROOKS LIBRARY

     A coffee will precede the talk at 7 PM and is free and open to the public.

     Frost states that  the political drive to establish closer economic and security ties among Asian governments continues to gain momentum. One motivation is the need to engage a rising power -- China. The United States, preoccupied with the Middle East, has largely ignored the new trend, but China has become a skilled practitioner of regional diplomacy.

    Does this community-building activity signal the birth of an outward-looking "Asia Major" or a China-dominated "Fortress Asia?" Is closer integration a positive trend for the region and for the United States? Sifting rhetoric from fact, Dr. Ellen Frost, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and Counselor to the U.S. Trade Representative, offers a nuanced analysis of the political, economic, and strategic issues at stake.

 The Windham World Affairs Council of Vermont  is part of the “World Affairs Councils of America” (WACA), the largest international affairs non-profit organization with 484,000 members and participants. WWAC is an all-volunteer council and proudly maintain all events free of charge to the public. To join the Windham World Affairs Council of Vermont and receive regular mailings of events, please send an email to info@windhamworldaffairs.org.

Ed. Note: Here's an important program coming up next Friday evening sponsored by the Windham World Affairs Council.  CCB

ELLEN FROST, FORMER DEPUTY ASST. SECRETARYOF DEFENSE TO SPEAK ON ASIA’S NEW REGIONALISM, MAY 9, AT BROOKS LIBRARY

     A coffee will precede the talk at 7 PM and is free and open to the public.

     Frost states that  the political drive to establish closer economic and security ties among Asian governments continues to gain momentum. One motivation is the need to engage a rising power -- China. The United States, preoccupied with the Middle East, has largely ignored the new trend, but China has become a skilled practitioner of regional diplomacy.

    Does this community-building activity signal the birth of an outward-looking "Asia Major" or a China-dominated "Fortress Asia?" Is closer integration a positive trend for the region and for the United States? Sifting rhetoric from fact, Dr. Ellen Frost, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense and Counselor to the U.S. Trade Representative, offers a nuanced analysis of the political, economic, and strategic issues at stake.

 The Windham World Affairs Council of Vermont  is part of the “World Affairs Councils of America” (WACA), the largest international affairs non-profit organization with 484,000 members and participants. WWAC is an all-volunteer council and proudly maintain all events free of charge to the public. To join the Windham World Affairs Council of Vermont and receive regular mailings of events, please send an email to info@windhamworldaffairs.org.

Walpole School's Principal Sam Jacobs, fulfilling a pledge he made if Walpole School students competed a major reading challenge, will take a plunge this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. into the Walpole Mill Pond off Main Street.  The event will be viewed by the entire school population, including the 3rd and 4th graders coming down from North Walpole.  Should be quite a site!  Story and photos later! CCB

Ed. Note: Thanks to Jill Robinson, here is the schedule for tomorrow's TriVillage Energy Fair. Our town's energy committee has done a fantastic job in organizing this extensive, multi-faceted educational and entertaining event! We know everyone will find several events and exhibits on the Common that they'll find interesting. And don't forget the large porch sale at Hastings House on Union Street sponsored by the Walpole Unitarian Universalist Church. You'll even have an opportunity to bid--silent auction style--on a biodiesel ready Mercedes Benz. One added note from Jill, "You can get all the latest details at the website created by the incomparable Karri Makinen and her friends at http://trivillageenergy.org/." CCB

Walpole Energy Fair Tomorrow (Saturday, May 3)

The Energy Fair tomorrow promises to be a fun and educational day-long gala affair for people of all ages. You can get all the latest details at the website at http://trivillageenergy.org/.

Excerpts from the very full schedule:

Parade arrives to loop around Common:            9:45ish

FREE CFL bulb giveaway  (100 3-packs)

LARGE Penny Auction

 

Speakers

10:00: Welcome and Senator Odell                

10:30: Brief Tom Wessels Keynote

11:00 Biofuels               

12:00: Creative Community Solutions To Our Changing Energy Future

 2:00: Green Building Old and New: EcoVillages and Green Renovation

 

Music/Entertainment

10:45: Will Danforth

11:15: Solar Sisters

 1:15 Westmoreland Town Band

 2:15 Donald Saaf & Friends

 3:30 Battle of the High School Bands

 

Demonstrations

11:00: Sheep Shearing; Ongoing Carding, Spinning, and Weaving

11:00 Planting Salad Greens

11:40: Composting

12:45: Clothes Repair

2:30: Mushroom Log Inoculation

 

Lunch ($7) in Congregational Church on the Common 11-1

Energy Saving Home Tour: 1-5

Contra Dance 8-11, with beginner lessons at 7:30 (no partner needed!)

 

Activities for Kids

 9:00 Join the parade with any petroleum free transportation (feet, bikes, roller blades)

10:45 Parachute play

11-3 Hay wagon rides

Ongoing: Make solar hot dog cooker (and cook hot dogs?)

Ongoing: Solar pizza box cooking of s’mores?

Ongoing: New things from recycled things

Ongoing: Play games with recycled items, hay wagon rid

Films

11-2 A variety of films on various energy topics at the UU Church’s Media Center

 2-5: The same films show again at the Congregational Church on the Common

Contra Dance Tomorrow Night (Saturday, May 3)

Calling Walpole Dancers!

 A Special Energy Fair Day Contra Dance will be held in the Town Hall. Here are the details:

 Saturday May 3rd

Special Energy Fair Contra Dance in Walpole, NH

8:00 - 11:30 PM dancing

7:30 PM Beginners' workshop

 Rebecca Lay, calling,  Jessie Gagne-Hall, fiddle, Marko Packard, guitar/flute/sax

 Admission: $8, or $6 for students, seniors and first time dancers

 At the Town Hall, next to the Common in Walpole, NH

 For information contact Christopher Parker at 802-579-3394 or at Christopher@railvermont.org

or visit http://www.walpoledance.org.