Teresa Kissell reports from Town Hall that "the Town Report is now available on our web site. See www.walpolenh.us. We also will be distributing boxes of the print copy this afternoon to Murray’s, Walpole Village Mkt (gas station), 5 Star Beverage in NW, and Drewsville General Store." CCB

     The Walpole Village School invites readers of the Walpolean to "warm" up with us at our 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off.  This is the "hot" place to be Friday, March 13th from 6:00 - 9:00 PM.  Sample a wide variety of chili recipes or enter your recipe in the contest, either way the cost is $10.00 per person.  There will be plenty of bottled water and a cash bar available to "cool" you down.  This is an adults only event.  To enter your chili, please contact Bethany at 756-4246 or walpolevillageschool@myfairpoint.net.

      The Walpole Community Pancake Breakfast will be held Sunday, April 5th (Palm Sunday) from 7:00 - 11:00 AM at the Town Hall.  In the past this town tradition has been sponsored by the local Lions Club and the American Legion.  This will be the Walpole Village School's second year carrying on the tradition.  Donations at the event are greatly appreciated. 

      Incorporated in 1974, the Walpole Village School is a not-for-profit educational institution offering preschool, pre-kindergarten, and after-school enrichment programs.  Its child-centered program strives to achieve a balance between offering new experiences and incorporating students’ interests and abilities.  Built on a strong foundation of social skills, the goal of the school’s curriculum is to foster respect and compassion in a child’s decision-making processes. 

     The Walpole Artisans Cooperative located at 52 Main St. in Walpole, NH will be closing for renovations beginning Saturday, February 28th.

     The Walpole Artisans have been informed, by our landlords, they will be doing a major renovation project to the building. The Burdick’s Corporation is excited to be restoring the building to it’s original appearance. The project will take approximately 6 months to complete.

     During the time of renovations the Walpole Artisans will be participating in various shows, exhibits and festivals.  We plan on staying in the public eye until we are back in our newly renovated space at 52 Main St.  We will announce our reopening in the fall of this year. Until then, please be on the look out for announcements and information about our spring and summer events.

2-21-09

Fall Mountain Whips ‘Em at WorldQuest

By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            Fall Mountain High School’s four-student Academic WorldQuest team Monday evening bested The Putney School, Vermont Academy and two other Vermont public high schools in their knowledge of world affairs and qualified to head to Washington, DC for the national championship tourney in April.

            Sponsored by the Windham World Affairs Council and the World Affairs Councils of America, Academic WorldQuest is an annual competition for high school students held throughout the country.  The fifty winners of regional competitions face-off in the nation’s capital several weeks later.

            “Academic WorldQuest is a very tough competition over a wide range of foreign affairs subject matter,” according to Nick Belsky, Fall Mountain’s veteran coach and social studies teacher. “This year the fifty questions covered international water issues, international justice, the impact of Internet connectivity in world affairs, Germany, Russia and current events”

            What made Walpole’s victory even sweeter was that the school’s top four students on the team all had to cancel their participation because of conflicts with other break week activities.  Hence Belsky had to draw upon his “bench” to make up the team that competed Monday night.  “The kids who had to drop out provided their notes and supported our team, though. And the kids that we fielded did their studying and research very diligently!”

            FM’s winning team included Welcome Fry, a sophomore from Walpole, Nathaniel (Nattie) Locke, a senior from Alstead, McKenzie Klema, from Charlestown, and Quinn Prentiss-Sturgill, a junior from Charlestown. 

            Each student, according to Belsky, was primarily in charge of boning up on one or two content areas.  Belsky teaches them to confer together on all questions but that the person primarily in charge of his or her area has the final say on answers in his or her area.  Unlike the more familiar “Quiz Bowl”, the emphasis in WorldQuest is on subject matter understanding and not so much on speed in answering.

            “I was mainly in charge of preparing on biotechnology and genetics and on the Internet connectivity subjects,” Nattie Locke said yesterday.  “And we all had lists of web sites to study, a Worlds Affairs “Great Decisions” volume to read, and lots of currents events to follow in the papers.”

            The event—both on regional and national levels--consists of 50 questions in five sets of ten.  At the half Monday evening, Fall Mountain trailed The Putney School by three points, but the Wildcats won with a very strong showing in the second half.

            Last year’s Fall Mountain team also won the regional competition and competed in the nation’s capital, finishing in the middle of the other 50 regional winners.  “This year’s team,” said Belsky, “is committed to redoubling our efforts from last year and bestng last year’s performance.  They’re psyched and I’m psyched!”

            “We have to really study now to get ready for Washington,” Locke said yesterday, “I’ve heard that the questions are even more difficult there and the competition is really tough.  But it’ll really be fun!”

            For further information about Academic WorldQuest, see www.worldaffairscouncils.org.

                                    --30--

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 5, 2009

Selectboard Present:            Sheldon Sawyer, Whitney Aldrich

(Absent:  Jamie Teague)

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

WALPOLE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY:  Mr. Sawyer apologized for the delay in having the budget available for the academy members to review in a timely manner. The Selectboard spent a considerable amount of time on the proposed budget in view of the economical times.  Thirteen members of the Walpole Leadership Academy were present.  Steve Markiewicz began the discussion by reporting that they met with many of the departments and boards in town.  They learned about some of their challenges.  It became clear that the Police Department handles many issues including increased crime but do not have enough safety equipment, good communication radios, etc.  Other members distributed and discussed “Police Proposal Supporting Statements and Facts” that compared other New Hampshire towns and the fact that Walpole has fewer officers; they broadly support the hiring of an additional officer. Their Summary stated that “The WLA is concerned that our police department is lacking adequate personal safety equipment, and is understaffed” as they keep the town safe.  “WLA recommends that the Selectboard consider providing this amount for the equipment listed in the towns 2009 budget”; WLA believes that the safety of our police officers is a high priority and it is the towns responsibility to ensure that equipment necessary to protect them in the line of duty is available.  They recommended providing (5) Bullet Proof Vests @ $750.00/ea and (2) Common Frequency Radios @ $2,300.00/ea for an additional $8,350.00 in the budget.  Assuming that the proposed 2009 Police Department budget is substantially the same as 2008, this amount represents less than 3% of the total budget.  Vests become out-dated as they deteriorate with age and the radios do not communicate well in certain areas with other departments/agencies. WLA encourages the Selectboard to consider this request and provide guidance on how to move forward”.  WLA’s main concern is safety; they are proud of the town’s police department.  Their lives are on the line.  WLA would like to work with the Selectboard toward solutions.  Andrew Riggio summarized their findings by reading his statement.  It was noted that Mrs. Teague is the Selectboard’s liaison to the Police Department and she worked with Chief Hewes on this budget.  Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Aldrich will discuss this with Mrs. Teague and it will be brought up during the Budget and Warrant Hearing scheduled for Monday, February 9th at 7:30 PM.              

MARCIA GALLOWAY:  Mr. Sawyer explained the Article that the Selectboard is going to include on the Warrant relative to rescinding the vote taken at the Town Meeting of March 13, 2001, to deposit directly into the Conservation Fund at the time of collection and all future receipts from the Land Use Change Tax imposed when land is removed from “Current Use”, thereby losing its conservation status.  The total amount deposited in any one year shall be limited to $25,000.  A second Warrant Article would be to create an Unanticipated Town Trust Fund to be funded each year by including all Current Use Change Tax Collected for that year.  The Board of Selectmen will serve as agents for this fund.  A Public Hearing would be held before any money will be expended from this fund.  By making this change the money could still be used for Conservation purposes or other reasons such as a town emergency.  Mrs. Galloway noted some years the Conservation Commission might not get any money from Current Use Change Tax.  

Selectboard Meeting – February 5, 2009 – Page 2

Mrs. Galloway and the Selectboard reviewed the Conservation Commission proposed budget.  She asked for clarification on dam inspections and forest management funds.  They also discussed the Town vote of March 17, 1989 that allowed the Conservation Commission to retain its annual budget balance.  She feels it should be automatically transferred into their account at the end of each year rather than the CC having to check that this is done each year.  The Selectboard agreed. 

Mrs. Galloway advised that the Snowmobile Club would like to build a 22’ x 32’ warming hut on Trail #5 in the Hooper Town Forest to be used for their functions.  They would pay for it and maintain it.  The Selectboard, as the Hooper Trustees, had no objections.        

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $577,686.78.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously. 

The above amount includes a payment of $472,979.46 to the Fall Mountain Region School District.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the voided Accounts Payable check register for check No. 053354 in the amount of $4,020.00 for storm related work.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.  

PAYROLL:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending January 31, 2009, for gross wages in the amount of $18,754.75 or net wages in the amount of $9,409.02.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,751.71.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.

MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – JANUARY 29, 2009:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard and Trustees of Hooper Trust meeting of January 29, 2009, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of January 29, 2009.  The Minutes will not be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.

DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the minutes of the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners meeting of January 27, 2009.

WARRANTS:

MEADOWSEND TIMBERLANDS LTD (Supplemental Warrant) Map 006-021-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Walpole Supplemental Warrant for 2008 Property Taxes in the amount of $73.00 for Meadowsend Timberlands, LTD.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.

WILLIAM & SUSAN NEWKIRK, PETER & HEATHER NEWKIRK (Supplemental Warrant) Map 008-001-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Walpole Supplemental Warrant for 2008

Selectboard Meeting – February 5, 2009 – Page 3

Property Taxes (April 1, 2008 to March 01, 2009) in the amount of $286.00 for William & Susan Newkirk and Peter & Heather Newkirk.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS:

BOARD OF TAX AND LAND APPEALS – Henderson – Map 30, Lot 72:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the letter to Craig Henderson explaining the assessment tax changes in accordance with Loren Martin of Avitar.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.

BOARD OF TAX AND LAND APPEALS – McAuliffe – Map 28, Lot 91:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the letter to Gerald & Hanie McAuliffe explaining the assessment tax changes in accordance with Loren Martin of Avitar.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.

TRI-VILLAGE ENERGY:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to pass over this agenda item until the next meeting. 

IRVING OIL:  The Selectboard agreed to have Elaine Moore check with Jamie Teague regarding the agreement with Irving Oil as they would like to cancel deliveries to the Town Hall and make other arrangements.

FINALIZING WARRANT:  The Selectboard went over the pre-review information received from the Department of Revenue Administration.  There was discussion relative to the DRA’s recommendation to comply with RSA 21-J:35 III; the Selectboard will research this.  They also noted that several Articles are not special warrant articles and should not contain the Selectmen’s recommendations/non-recommendations.  After going over the DRA’s review several changes were made to the draft Warrant.  The Selectboard agreed to come into the office on Monday prior to the Public Hearing to do a final check of the revised document.  

FINALIZING BUDGET:  No budget changes were made by the Selectboard at this meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

REQUEST FOR FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2009 (Personal Time):  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the request from Elaine Moore to take Friday, February 6th, 2009, off as personal time.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.

INTENT TO CUT –MAP 026-019-000 (08-461-14T)- ROBERT HOBBS:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut for Robert Hobbs.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.

CONSERVATION COMMISSION –REAPPOINTMENT REQUEST:  Following a discussion the Selectboard agreed to pass over this agenda item.

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION PER RSA 91-A:4 Section IV:  The Selectboard approved the request of Elaine Moore to use this Request for Information form.  Anyone requesting information will have to fill out the form that allows the office staff up to five business days to provide that information.  This will be a written record of all transactions. 

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn the Selectboard meeting and to enter into a meeting as the Trustees of Hooper Fund. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously. The time was 10:32 PM.

Selectboard Meeting – February 5, 2009 – Page 4

TRUSTEES OF HOOPER FUND

Mr. Sawyer called the meeting of the Trustees of Hooper Fund to order. 

HOOPER COTTAGE:  The tenant reported that the washer is no longer operating and she would like to have it replaced as soon as possible.  It is a 1994 combo (washer & dryer).  The Selectboard approved having the tenant replace the combo unit.

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Sawyer.  Motion passed unanimously.  The time was 10:36 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved minutes.  Corrections, if necessary, may be found in the minutes of the February 12, 2009, Selectboard meeting.)   

PLANNING BOARD

Regular Meeting - Tuesday February 10, 2009 at 7:00pm in the Town Hall

MINUTES

Presiding:  Jeff Miller, Ch.

Members Present:  Henry Fletcher, Sheldon Sawyer, Sel., Bob Miller, V-Ch., Ben Daviss,

Donn Lounsbury, alt, Jeff Smith, alt, Shane O’Keefe, alt.

Members Absent:  Eric Merklien, Dave DeCoste     Recording:  Pamela Aslinger, Sec. alt.

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the March 10, 2009 meeting for errors, omissions, and corrections.  There were 8 persons in the audience.

I.            Meeting opened at 7:05pm

            A.  Roll call - D. Lounsbury designated for D. DeCoste, S. O’Keefe for E. Merklien

            B.  Minutes - A motion to approve the minutes as presented for the January 13, 2009 meeting was made by Mr. Sawyer, seconded by Mr. Daviss, vote called, all were in favor, motion carried.

II.            Review Applications Submitted

            A.  Mervyn(Eric) & Lilo Frink (Lot 50) and Merriam Farm, Inc. (Lot 54) - Lot line Adjustment located on Merriam Rd. Map 3 Lots 54 and 50 in the rural and timberland zones.  Purpose is to annex 59.4 acres from Lot 50 to Lot 54, resulting in Lot 54 of 77.5 acres and Lot 50 of 122.6 acres.  No new lots created.  Ch. Miller announced the review and public hearing were postponed until the March 10, 2009 meeting due to an error by the Secretary leading to several abutters not properly notified.  Sec. Aslinger explained the second page of abutters was misplaced in the folder.  She discovered the mistake when an abutter, Mr. Morgan had phoned on 2/9 to notify the board he had not received his certified notification.  In addition Mr. Faulkner and his daughter Sarah had also called concerned about the notification along with concerns about a boundary dispute.  Ms. Faulkner faxed a document to the Board on 2/10 explaining the dispute.  Each member was given a copy for review.  Sec. Aslinger notified the Frink’s and the surveyor Mr. Tom Flavin of the mistake, who were not in attendance.  Mr. Flavin said he would be submitting new maps.  The applicant will not be charged any additional fees.  

Ch. Miller stated that until the boundary dispute is resolved the Board will not process the application and to notify the Frink’s, Merriam Farm and the surveyor.  Sec. Aslinger will forward a copy of Ms. Faulkner’s concerns along with a letter requesting the applicant’s to return for a review once the boundary dispute is settled.  It may not be taken up at the March 10, 2009 meeting unless the dispute is settled prior to the application submission deadline of 2/23/09. Sec. Aslinger noted that in the board’s effort to accommodate applicants hurry through the process by accepting materials outside of the meeting - it often leads to errors such as this.

B.  Roger and Nancy Wilbur - Minor 3 Lot subdivision located on County Rd. Map 3 Lot 32-2 in the rural agricultural zone.  Purpose is to create Lot 32-2 with existing house of 6.65 acres, Lot 32-3 of 1.22 acres and Lot 32-4 of 1.23 acres.  All lots meet setbacks, frontages and lot sizes.  Lots 32-3 and 32-4 must obtain State subdivision approval. Mr. Wilbur explained the plans as stated above.  Sec. Aslinger reported the application was complete with additional fees being collected.  Ch. Miller called for a motion to accept the application as presented, Mr. Sawyer so moved, seconded by Mr. Daviss.  Vote was called, all were in favor, motion carried.

Walpole Planning Board Minutes 2/10/09 page 2

III.       Ch. Miller closed the meeting and opened the public hearing (7:10) and called for questions or concerns.

Mr. John Davis of the Surry conservation commission was in attendance for an explanation of the subdivision.  They were mostly concerned with the water drainage but had no objections.  Mr. Sawyer asked if they were also present to comment on the Merriam Farm/Frink application.  The answer was yes.  Ch. Miller gave him a copy of the boundary dispute notes from Ms. Faulkner.

            Sec. Aslinger asked Mr. Wilbur if he had applied for and received State subdivision approval?  Mr. Wilbur provided a copy of the State subdivision approval effective 2/9/2009.

IV.       Ch. Miller called for further questions or comments, hearing none closed the public hearing and reopened the meeting (7:15).  He called for board discussion and/or action on the application.  Mr. Sawyer moved to approve the application for a three lot subdivision as presented, seconded by Mr. Daviss, without further discussion he called for the vote.  All were in favor, the motion carried.  Maps and mylar were signed with instructions to Mr. Wilbur to contact the Secretary with the recording information as proof of recording.

            C.  Cellco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit under the Telecommunications Ordinance.  The existing tower is located at 88 Scovill Rd. in the Timberland zone.  Proposal adds 3 new panel antennas and replaces related equipment.  A representative from McLane, Graf, Raulerson and Middleton PA, Tom Hildreth was present to explain the plans as described above.  He added that the antennas are located at the 390 ft. level on the 500ft. tower.  He said there is only one equipment change and they are replacing the existing generator that will stay within the existing fenced area.

            Ch. Miller called for a motion to accept the application as complete, so moved and seconded.  Sec. Aslinger read a list of waivers they requested mainly from the site plan review checklist that are not applicable to the minor nature of the application.  She noted the board should vote to accept the waivers also.  Motion was amended to accept the waiver requests and application as complete.  All were in favor, motion carried.

III.       Ch. Miller closed the meeting and opened the public hearing 7:20 and called for comments or concerns. 

            Mr. Sawyer commented that the tower has not been assessed properly but will be shortly, he said however it has no effect on their application.  He thought the UNH tower simply needed the carriers updated whereas the Fall Mountain tower had been overlooked.

            Mr. O’Keefe asked about potential increase in noise, would the new equipment be quieter?  Mr. Hildreth said the generator being newer could possibly be quieter and reminded it is the third level of power so it does not run continuously. It comes on after an eight hour battery backup in the equipment shed and if it were to run it would be for approximately 1/2 hour a week.  The existing equipment also runs on the same program.

IV.       Ch. Miller closed the public hearing 7:25 and reopened the meeting.  He called for board discussion and/or action.  Ch. Miller called for a motion to approve the application for Site plan review and conditional use permit as presented, seconded, vote called without further discussion. All were in favor, motion carried.   

Mr. Lounsbury asked if the list of waivers could be so noted in the minutes.  Sec. Aslinger will make a copy of the waiver request and attach it to the minutes.

Walpole Planning Board Minutes 2/10/09 page 3

V.         New Business:  Preliminary Conceptual Consultations - Application Submissions

            A.  Larry Burdick - Renovation of Main St. building currently housing Walpole Artisans and Wish Clothing.  (Mr. Burdick arrived later in the meeting)  Ch. Miller gave a brief description of what he thought Mr. Burdick intended noting from their discussion it was only a renovation of the inside of the building without any changes so he thought a site plan review would not be required.  Sec. Aslinger asked if he should be contacted to provide more details to make certain.  Other members asked about changes to the footprint, fire code requirements etc.  Without plans or Mr. Burdick present to explain the board was unable to make a determination on whether he was changing or expanding the use which would trigger a site plan review. 

VI.            Communications and Miscellaneous

            A. C. - Master Plan Update - OEP Grant - work session for 2/24/09 was not scheduled, a suggestion was made to incorporate future work session activity at the regular meetings due to the slowdown in applications.  Mr. Daviss suggested the board look at the new legislation on workforce housing.  General discussion ensued about the legality of the workforce housing laws, whether they would go into effect.  Mr. Daviss reported on a discussion with Lisa Murphy of SWRPC the need to show a good faith effort to address the law incase it does go into effect,  there is a possibility it will be put on hold until 2010.  Mr. Sawyer wanted another opinion from the local government center.  Mr. Daviss gave the board an overview of the formulas being required under the law and the need for it to be incorporated into town’s ordinance.

            Sec. Aslinger mentioned two other state laws regarding wind/solar energy and growth moratoriums.  Sec. Aslinger offered to provide links to the information on-line for the board to discuss at the March 10, 2009 meeting.  ZBA Ch. Mansouri offered the recent Town and City magazine articles describing the new laws.  Further discussion will be continued at the March meeting.

            B., D. - Sec. Aslinger reported that the BOS held a budget hearing 2/9/09, she, Mr. Daviss, Ch. Miller and Mr. O’Keefe attended and she found it very helpful and well attended.

Chairman Miller recognized Mr. Burdick who arrived at 7:45, the board took up discussion of his proposal. Mr. Burdick provided some sketches of the building, returning it to its original porched façade.  It will help with safety issues coming out of High St.  He wants to enclose the upper part of the structure to match the ground floor porched area.  He plans to remove the back stairway and use the original footprint of the building and plans to go from one apartment to two by removing the upper porch to create more interior space.  The board determined with the expansion and changes that a site plan review would be required, however if the net square footage change is under 2500 an expedited review could be given instead of a full site plan review.  Mr. Burdick asked about a time frame, whether they could begin the project April 15th.  Sec. Aslinger said if he came to the Board with a complete application at the March 10, 2009 meeting the public hearing would be scheduled for the April 14th meeting. Mr. Sawyer said the BOS could review their building permit on the 16th of April.

            B., D. cont’d  Mr. Sawyer talked about the Conservation Commission request to purchase the Hodgkins parcel.  He asked if the Planning Board would like to participate in the discussion? Ch. Miller thanked him for asking and thought if the appraisal was done and it could be purchased reasonably it would be a valuable addition to the forest, providing a needed access to the other lands.  Some members did not think removing such a valuable piece from the tax rolls was needed.  The board agreed to comment once the process moved forward.  Mr. Sawyer reminded that several improvements had been made to the parcel that has added to its value.  He said the BOS have not formed an opinion until the appraisal is in.  He said the parcel would be purchased with Mason funds, not taxpayers funds.  The original 10K fund is now over 600K.  He said

Walpole Planning Board Minutes 2/10/09 page 4

current use penalty has not been assessed yet. Ch. Miller thought the improvements might not necessarily add to the value of the land if it’s being purchased for its forest value.  Mr. Sawyer said the recreational and educational value of the improvements would be substantial.  He said the funds could only be used for surrounding land purchases.

            B.  Mr. O’Keefe asked if the warrant articles were being discussed shown on the agenda?  Sec. Aslinger questioned if the board wanted to do anything to support the SWRPC and Conservation funding articles?  Ch. Miller said he would contact SWRPC to ask them to attend the Town meeting to help support the dues funding.  Mr. O’Keefe asked if the planning board wanted to take a stand as a whole board to recommend or support the article.  Members thought it was a good idea.  Ch. Miller called for a motion that the Planning Board recommends the passage of Article 11 thereby funding the annual dues of $4000.00 and additional funds of $1500.00 to complete the master plan update, so moved by Shane O’Keefe, seconded by Mr. Daviss.  Vote called, no opposition, one abstention, motion carried. 

Ch. Miller discussed the conservation funding article that removes the town voted funding from current use penalties and puts it into a emergency fund at the discretion of the BOS.

Mr. Sawyer said as voted on by the town up to $25K goes into the conservation fund, anything over goes into the general fund.  He said there hasn’t been a great amount available in years past but $50K was used to purchase the Ballam Farm. He gave a brief overview of current use tax to promote open lands and the penalties used to offset tax revenue losses.  He said they’ve decided to propose recinding the conservation funding because of emergency issues that arise such as the March Hill washout. They hope to create an unanticipated emergency fund that can be accessed without a vote of the town at a time when emergencies occur.   The believe it can be done by the proposed warrant articles 7 and 8 and noted that 8 was revised to add back in that the funds can be directed to conservation or emergencies with the BOS as the agents.  There is a question as to whether the articles are legal if passed but the selectboard wants to bring it before the Town for a vote and will address the legalities later.  He said the agents could be a group rather than the BOS if the article was amended.

            There was continued general and lengthy discussion with the result being the planning board would not take any action to recommend or support the article as a whole.  But cautioned by removing conservation funding in any way would discourage maintaining the rural character and open space in Walpole that has shown to be highly supported by the voters and an integral part of the master plan and planning.  Ch. Miller is concerned the BOS will have the final say on conservation purchases.  Both he and Mr. Sawyer agreed that bringing purchases for conservation land could be put on as separate warrant articles and brought to a voted of the entire town.

            D.  Budget - Mr. Sawyer gave  brief highlights of the budget items for the benefit of the board, noting cuts and increases. 

 VII.            Adjourn Meeting - Mr. Sawyer moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. O’Keefe, all were in favor.   8:20pm

Conservation Commission

PO Box 365

Walpole, NH 03608

February 2, 2009

Present: Marcia Galloway (chair), Tom Beaudry, Bradley Fletcher, Peter Graves, Mel Schupack, Lew Shelley, Mary Lou Montgomery (alt.)

Ms. Galloway called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM.  Ms. Montogomery, alternate, was seated in place of Duncan Watson who was absent. Alternate P. Palmiotto was not present.

1. Minutes of January 5, 2009

            Mr. Schupack pointed out a correction needed: Mr. Shelley was the one who made the motion to retain Peter Rhodes as forester.

Mr. Schupack moved to approve the minutes of January 5, 2009 as corrected, Mr. Beaudry seconded. With all in favor, the motion passed.

2. Comments on the Hodgkins property (pursuant to the Public Hearing)

            Ms. Galloway clarified that the commission had approached the Hodgkins, they did not approach the commission. She thought this fact was not made clear at the hearing.

            She also pointed out that, although involvement of the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests was mentioned at that meeting, it would only happen if the town did not accept the money.

            Furthermore, Ms. Galloway wants the commission and the public to know some other relevant facts that she found in the document of March 2000 that specifies relief from the terms of the original Mason Forest Trust of the Will of Fanny Mason. These items are excerpted or paraphrased below:

Item 5 (Page 2): “The Fannie P. Mason Will does not define the term ‘town forest’.”

Item 11 (Page 3): “The town forests in Walpole are managed for responsible forestry, watershed protection, recreation, and education.”

Item 13 (Page 3): “The management plan for the Mason Forest points out the difficulty of gaining access for forestry management without additional access points.”

Item 14 (Page 3): Using the Mason Fund to purchase surrounding land could allow more access and better management and watershed protection.

Item 16 (Page 4): “Without additional access points for forestry and timber management, the Trustees will be unable to properly care for the Mason Forest, and the quality of the forest will decline.”

Item 17 (Page 4): Route 12 bisects the forest and decreases the wildlife habitat of certain species. Expanding the acreage on either side of the highway will enhance habitat.

Item 18 (Page 4): Expanding the Mason Forest would further protect the Connecticut River watershed.

The commission entered executive session at 7:45 PM.

Executive session ended at 8:04 PM

3. Community Conservation Activities

            The snowmobile event on Feb. 22 will happen at Fosters Four Corners on Wentworth Road, south of Graves Road. The snowmobile club will have hot dogs. We will encourage the wider public to come for snowshoeing, skiing, etc.

            The Sugarhouse Tour will be March 22.

4. Conservation Training Series

            Ms. Galloway went to the conservation training sessions, as did two other residents. There were about 25-30 attendees. Another series will happen in perhaps late spring. The idea is to train citizens to be advocates so they can talk to landowners and officials about conservation. There were fabulous speakers, and a large binder was handed out, which is available for commissioners to look at. Ms. Galloway shared a comment from Fred, one of the Walpole attendees: “There was a good case made for conservation of open space. It’s very important to prioritize areas for this purpose. This does not have to mean a loss of income to the community. It is offset by the decreased infrastructure costs.”

            Mr. Schupack suggests a mini-review of the topics might be offered at each of our commission meetings.

            Ms. Montgomery said that prioritizing properties would be a good project to do over the next few months, and then we could start being proactive and prepared about how to approach conservation of those areas. There was a general positive response to this idea.

5. Land Conservation Summit

            Mr. Schupack attended this event at Keene High school by the Monadnock Conservancy. He highlighted the fact that other commissions have been doing a outreach to the public, and building involvement of other town boards, and it has been very productive but does take time. The research on tax rates was very useful. In most cases, residential development causes taxes go up, while conservation does not. With greater industrial/commercial development, the tax rate also goes up on average.

6. Financial topics

            Ms. Montgomery feels a need for commissioners to be more informed on the financial aspects of the commission. For example, what happens to income from timber harvest on conservation land or town forest? What happens (or should happen) to funds in the budget not used? A brief presentation would be helpful.

7. Ballam Farm Monitoring

            Ms. Galloway reports that the Trust for Public land that the Federal grant requires an annual monitoring report on the Ballam Farm. We need to find out if there’s a form or system that should be used.

8. Hearing on Merriam/Frink annexation

            Mr. Shelley alerted us of a Planning Board public hearing on Feb 10th, regarding Merriam Farm and the Frink property. The farm wants to annex some property from Lot 50 to Frinks. This is of interest to the commission.

8. Mason Forest Trails

            Mr. Beaudry asked, “How much would it take to make those Mason Forest logging roads useable for skiing, snowshoeing, etc?” Mr. Shelley said it depends on several variables, but we could request the forester or logger to build this consideration into the plan. The idea was met with general acclaim.

9. Terms of Commissioners to Expire

            Mr. Schupack’s and Ms. Galloways’ terms are about to end. The selectmen need an application letter from anyone who wants to be appointed as a conservation commissioner for the first time or for a renewal.

            Ms. Galloway alerted the commission that, while she will seek another term, she will not continue as chair.

10. Hooper Institute

            Mr. Fletcher questioned why a bill for brush-hogging the Hooper Institute’s field and trails was paid by us and not the Hooper Institute.

            Ms. Montgomery said Eloise Clark asked if an easement on the Hooper Forest might be possible.

11. Ms. Galloway will be out of town on the date of our March Meeting.

Mr. Schupack moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Fletcher seconded the motion, with all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 9:03 PM

Respectfully Submitted,

Janis Hall-Fuller, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved minutes. Any corrections will be found in the minutes of the next meeting.)

2-10-09

Walpole Couple Share Genealogical Hobby

By Chuck Bingaman, Contributing Writer

            Retired Walpole family practice doctors Jeanne and Peter Jeffries are offering free workshops for people interested family research from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Saturday, February 14 with special interest in helping genealogy buffs climb over the “stonewalls” they find in their research.

            “I love discovering people and facts I’ve searched all over for!” laughed Jeanne Jeffries in a recent discussion. “It’s that ‘Eureka” moment when you find information about someone like a long-lost relative you’ve been searching everywhere for that is so exciting!”

            Jeanne Jeffries has traced her ancestry back twelve generations in the 30 years she’s been doing genealogical research.  And she’s been offering workshops for five years to help others get started or pursue their interests.

            Along the way, the Jeffries have been journeying to Salt Lake City, Utah for 25 years to use the vast genealogical resources of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  “I first went there,” Jeanne recalled, “when we had to page through these enormous ledger books just looking for names.  Then they gradually moved into having the pages on microfiche—those same ledger pages on machine-readable plastic sheets.  And now much of it is computerized for faster searching!  The beauty of it is that the LDS searches for and records genealogical records from all over the world.”

            While helping many area residents to begin or continue their research, the Jeffries are also planning their next genealogical foray to Minneapolis, Salt Lake City and Denver in search of knowledge of Jeanne’s great, great, great uncle who lived at various times in the late 1800s to around 1930 in Hartford, Minneapolis and Denver.

 In other searches and genealogical trips, the Jefferies have discovered information about their ancestors in Scotland and closer to home.  Peter’s family seems to have origins on the Scottish Hebridean island of Lewis, later moved to Ireland and, eventually, to New Hampshire.  Jeanne’s forebears came from the southern Scottish town of Dumfries that is associated with Robert Burns and John Paul (late known as John Paul Jones of US Naval fame).

One of Jeanne’s most rewarding “stonewall” scaling experiences required her to travel to Swanzey, Massachusetts in search of evidence of her grandmother’s half-sister, Mary Mason.  Searches of census records had failed to turn up the woman or anything about her.  But, sitting on the floor in a back room of the town library, Jeanne was finally able to find evidence of the long-lost relative in unpublished town reports of poll tax payments.  Eureka! And lesson learned: You often have to travel to the place to find the way over your research stonewall!

But genealogical finds are not always happy ones!  Jeanne recalled that, when helping her mother search ancestral records, her mother found that an ancient relative  had been hung from the yardarm of a British ship during the Revolutionary War!  Her mother closed the book on the spot and ended her genealogical career forever!

For information on the Jeffries’ public workshop on genealogical research, call Peter or Jeanne Jeffries at 603-756-2933. And if you find that the British really hanged some of your ancestors, count them as patriots and be proud!

                                    --30--

PLANNING BOARD MEETING  

February 10, 2009     7:00PM     Town Hall

AGENDA

I.          Open Meeting

            A.  Roll Call - Designate Alternates

            B.  Approve Minutes of January 13, 2009

II.            Review Applications Submitted:  Prior to public hearing - Accept/Reject/Delay

A.  Mervyn(Eric) & Lilo Frink (Lot 50) and Merriam Farm, Inc. (Lot 54) - Lot Line Adjustment located on Merriam Rd. Map 3 Lots 54 and 50 in the Rural and Timberland zones.  Purpose is to annex 59.4 acres from Lot 50 to Lot 54, resulting in Lot 54 of 77.5 acres and Lot 50 of 122.6 acres.  No new lots are being created.

B.  Roger and Nancy Wilbur - Minor 3 Lot Subdivision located on County Rd. Map 3 Lot 32-2 in the Rural Agricultural zone.  Purpose is to created Lot 32-2 with existing house of 6.65 acres, Lot 32-3 of 1.22 acres and Lot 32-4 of 1.23 acres.  All lots meet setbacks, frontages and lot sizes.  Lots 32-3 and 32-4 must obtain State subdivision approval.

C.  Cellco Partnership dba Verizon Wireless Site Plan Review and Conditional Use Permit under the Telecommunications Ordinance.  The existing tower is located at 88 Scovill Rd. in the Timberland zone.  Proposal adds 3 new panel antennas and replaces related equipment.

III.       Close Meeting/Open Public Hearing

            A.  Frink/Merriam Farm

            B.  Wilbur

            C.  Cellco

IV.       Close Public Hearing Re-open Meeting - Action:  Approve/Disapprove/Delay

            A.  Frink/Merriam Farm

            B.  Wilbur

            C.  Cellco

V.         New Business:  Preliminary Conceptual Consultations - Application Submissions

            A.  Other - none scheduled as of posting - may change

VI.            Communications and Miscellaneous

            A.  Master Plan Update - OEP grant, schedule work session 2/24/09

            B.  Warrant Article discussion re:  SWRPC, Conservation funding

            C.  New legislation:  Workforce Housing - Wind/Solar Energy

            D.  Budget 2009

VII.            Adjourn Meeting - Next regular meeting to be held March 10, 2009 at 7:00PM

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

January 29, 2009

Selectboard Present:  Sheldon Sawyer, Whitney Aldrich, Jamie Teague

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

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

TARA SAD:  Tara Sad submitted a proposed Warrant Article to “raise and appropriate the sum of $2,550 to pay the town’s portion of The American Red Cross Rural Ride Program expansion to Walpole for 2009-2010.”  Most of this amount covers the dispatching services.  Mr. Sawyer recommended that a Petition with 25 signatures of registered voters be submitted by February 3rd, 2009, as this is a new program. 

CONSERVATION COMMISSION:  Mr. Aldrich moved to hire Janice Hall-Fuller as the Recording Secretary for the Conservation Commission to begin on Monday evening, February 2nd, in accordance with the new remuneration.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Aldrich moved to re-appoint Marcia Galloway to serve as a member of the Conservation Commission for a three year term.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $61,349.90.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the supplemental Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $17,992.00 for Hubbard, LLC.  This is for the Property Tax settlement following their appeal to the Board of Tax and Land Appeals.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

PAYROLL:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending January 24, 2009, for gross wages in the amount of $15,690.01 or net wages in the amount of $7,435.64.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,067.11.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – JANUARY 22, 2009:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 22, 2009.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS:

OLD KEENE ROAD BRIDGE – Requisition #4 Final Retainage:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve payment of Requisition #4 for the final retainage in the amount of $23,592.72 to Bazin Bros. for their work on the Old Keene Road Bridge Project.  This amount represents 5% retainage.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

Selectboard Meeting – January 29, 2009 – Page 2

RECREATION PARK PLAYGROUND:  Mr. Sawyer moved to sign the document as requested by the Auditors for the Recreation Park Playground account.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed unanimously.

This completed the bank paperwork for the receipt of a $50,000 donation for the playground equipment project. 

TOWN WARRANT and BUDGET FINALIZATION:  The Selectboard worked on the re-wording of some Articles and their placement on the Warrant. 

PERSONNEL POLICY REGARDING APPLICATION and SELECTION PROCEDURES:  The Selectboard reviewed the revised Personnel Policy regarding their application and selection procedures.  The following addition was inserted: “Candidates for all positions shall be interviewed by the Department Head and at least one Select Person”. 

Mrs. Teague moved to approve the revised personnel policy change for: “201. Application and Selection Procedure”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed unanimously.          

NEW BUSINESS:

VETERAN’S EXEMPTION – WAYNE BROWN:  Mrs. Teague moved to extend the Veteran’s Exemption to Wayne and Beverly Snow Brown.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Motion passed unanimously.

EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL FORMS(2):  The Selectboard approved and signed the two personnel forms for William Damaziak and Daniel Northcott as “on-call” part-time Highway Department employees.

DAVIS & TOWLE – EMPLOYEE LIFE INSURANCE POLICY:   Mr. Aldrich moved to approve having Davis & Towle switch the employee life insurance policy to a different life insurance company as there will be a saving of $.05 per thousand dollars and to authorize the Chairman to sign the document.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

SAVINGS BANK OF WALPOLE –CONCERTS ON THE GREEN:  Mr. Aldrich moved to allow the Savings Bank of Walpole to sponsor their summer concerts on the Common from Sunday, July 5th to August 23rd, 2009.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

CEMETERY DEED –JOHN SWAIN- D423:  Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the Cemetery Deed for Lot D423 for John Swain.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

TOWER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT – Land For Cell Towers:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Tower Resource Management to inquire if the Town might be interested in leasing a portion of it’s land for the construction of a telecommunications tower.  There is a lack of cellular coverage in many areas throughout the state.  The Selectboard noted that the Town does not have any available land but they will take it under consideration.

BUDGET HEARING – MODERATOR:  Bill Webb will act as the Moderator for the Budget and Warrant Hearing on February 9th due to the fact that Ernie Vose will be out-of-town. 

SWRPC – 2009 Federal Economic Stimulus Initiative:  A request was received from the Southwest Region Planning Commission that the Selectboard complete a project identification

Selectboard Meeting – January 29, 2009 – Page 3

form with reference to the 2009 Federal Economic Stimulus Initiative.  Following a discussion the Selectboard agreed to take this under advisement.

Mr. Aldrich moved to recess the regular Selectboard meeting but to enter into a meeting as the Trustees of Hooper Trust.  Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion passed unanimously.  The time was 9:12 PM.

TRUSTEES OF HOOPER TRUST MEETING

Mr. Sawyer called the Trustees of Hooper Trust meeting to order at 9:13 PM.

APPROVAL OF VOUCHER REQUEST - New Refrigerator at Hooper Cottage:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve payment of the voucher request in the amount of $510.99 for a new refrigerator at the Hooper Cottage.  Seconded by Mrs. Teague.  Motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting of the Trustees of Hooper Trust and to resume the regular Selectboard meeting.  Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion passed unanimously.  The time was 9:16 PM.

SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued)

Mr. Sawyer resumed the regular Selectboard meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved unanimously.  The time was 9:18 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:29 PM.

TOWN MEETING:  Elaine Moore reported that arrangements have been made to use the Walpole Elementary School for the Annual Town Meeting.

TOWN REPORTS:  Mr. Sawyer distributed draft copies of an annual report he wrote, on behalf of the Selectboard, for the other members to review and edit prior to it being included in the Town Report.

Mr. Sawyer declared this meeting adjourned at 9:34 PM.