Ed. Note: New update on Thursday's car-jacking in Bellows Falls and North Walpole armed robbery. This is all we have so far; maybe the FBI will give us more info in tomorrow. CCB
2-26-10
FBI Captures Suspected Bellows Falls Car-Jacker, North Walpole Armed Robber
By Chuck Bingaman
The Boston Office of the FBI announced Friday evening that it had arrested Anthony Gilbert of Alabama and charged him with holding up 5 Star Beverages in North Walpole around 7:30 Thursday evening shortly after car-jacking a Bellows Falls couple and driving it across the New Arch bridge connecting the two communities.
The FBI also suspects Gilbert of robbing 18 banks in Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire since late October of last year.
After holding up 5 Star Beverages owner Gilbert Goodell, suspect Gilbert apparently left his stolen car in the store parking lot and disappeared on foot. No one was injured in the car-jacking or the robbery.
“He was only here a minute or so,” according to Goodell. “He got away with a couple of hundred dollars. He had a semi-automatic pistol like an Uzi or something under his coat.” Goodell has owned 5 Star Beverages for 16 years and said that this is the first time he has been robbed.
Walpole Police, Bellows Falls Police, Cheshire County Sheriff’s Office and New Hampshire State Police searched for the robber during the night. Early Friday the FBI took control the case because, according to FBI Special Agent and media spokesperson Gail Marcinkiewicz, it handles all car-jackings.
As of 5:00 p.m. Friday, Marcinkiewicz had said that the FBI was releasing very few details on the investigation so as not to jeopardize it. If citizens have information that might be helpful to the investigation, Marcinkiewicz said they should call the FBI in Boston at 617-742-5533.
Marcinkiewicz said then that “we are very much aggressively working the case. If there were information that we feel would be helpful to this case, we would release it to the public. If there is a public safety issue, we would make that known to the public.”
--30--
Just a reminder: The First Congregational Church of Walpole is holding another of its series of "Coffee NHouses" at teh church tomight from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. There'll be music, coffee and desserts. Drop by any time. Donations of $5 are suggested. CCB
Ed. Note: The Walpolean is having some technical difficulties and is temporarily unable to use the usual typefaces and spacing. But rather than waiting until those problems can be fixed, I am proceeding to share important information with you even though it may present some challenges to reading it! I hope to have things back to normal within a few days. So far as I know, you can still post Comments in the usual way. Please sign your comments! Thanks for your patience! CCB
Ed. NOte: This story actually was written before Monday's high-speed chase and arrest of North Walpole and Langdon men on multiple charges and last night's armed robbery in North Walpole. So you can add two more serious arrests to the numbers at the end of the story and maybe another one if last night's robber is found. Watch tomorrow's Eagle Times Weekend Edition for an update on the developing story. CCB
2-24-10
Walpole Seeks Additional Police Officer
2009 Crime Statistics Released
By Chuck Bingaman
If the Walpole Police get their way, the federal government comes through with a $215,000 grant and the citizens of the town approve it at their March 13 town meeting, the town will get an additional, full-time police officer.
And, he or she will not cost the town a cent for salary or benefits for the first three years under terms of the COPS Hiring Program funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2010 as long as the Walpole agrees to pay for the officer during at least the fourth year.
“It’s been nine years since we added any personnel,” according to Chief David Hewes, “and we just can’t keep up with the number of calls we have. We’ve needed another full-time officer for years!”
“The New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council recommends one full-time officer for every 800 residents, and were closing in on 4,000 residents now,” added Lt. Michael Paquette. “So we clearly need 4 or more officers, at least one more than the three we now have!”
New Officer Grant Funding
Walpole Police actually applied for the COPS grant last year and were put on a “pending” list waiting on the new federal budget to appropriate the funds. The department expects to learn in the next several weeks whether the town has been awarded the funds. While the Selectmen have voted 2-1 to accept the federal funding, should it be released, the town voters would still need to vote to accept it. That is why it is on the town meeting warrant even though actual receipt of the funds is not yet certain. The amount on the warrant is $70,842--$35,000 for salary and $35,842 for benefits—to cover the first year, all to be supplied by federal dollars. The terms of the potential grant provide that the town would need to vote for the funds annually for three years, hence the $215,000 total to fund the new officer, and the town would need to pay for the fourth year of the officer’s employment out of town funds. After that the town could decide whether to retain the fourth officer.
2009 Police Activity
In 2009 Walpole police recorded 151 criminal incidents, made 138 arrests, conducted 887 traffic stops, worked 66 accidents, conducted 982 field interviews and made 25 driving while intoxicated arrests. Compared to 2008 figures, larceny was up 117%, property destruction/vandalism rose 107%, drug/narcotic violations rose 122%, and DWI arrests rose 54%.
Bringing the crime figures up to date, Chief Hewes said last week that 2010 has begun with even higher activity rates with 25 criminal arrests through the second week of February. “Last year we had 42 felony arrests in Walpole, and this year we’ve already had 8 in the first six weeks of the year!” according to Hewes. And, he adds, “that doesn’t include arrests made by State Police in Walpole or by the Cheshire County Sheriff’s Department.”
One bright spot in the DWI picture, reports Hewes, is that it is nearly all adults in the 21-40 age range--with a few senior citizens--and his officers are seeing very little underage drinking.
Dwindling Street Patrols
The added troubling aspect of the rising number of crimes and arrests is the shrinking amount of time it leaves for the department’s three full-time officers to patrol the town looking for offenders or showing potential offenders that they are being vigilant. “If they see us out patrolling, they’re less apt to do criminal sorts of things,” says Hewes. “But people haven’t seen us out patrolling for nearly a year and they’re not going to see us as long as all of these criminal cases keep coming in. We enjoy being out and being seen, but it’s just not in the cards when a growing number of crimes have to be solved, criminals arrested and court hearings attended. If we can get this new officer, we may be able to get back on the streets more.”
--30--
For the second time this week, Walpole Police worked through the night, this time seeking a man that car-jacked at couple at rifle point in Bellows Falls between 7:00 and 8:00 last night and shortly thereafter robbed 5-Star Beverage in North Walpole. No arrests have been made as of 10:41 a.m. today. More details late this afternoon or sooner as developments materialize. CCB
On Sunday March 7th from 2-4 PM Tammy Vittum and Ron Makinen will host a small gathering of local residents who may have knowledge of the history of Hoge Reservation (the Boy Scout property in Walpole) or Pierre Hoge, the man who donated the property. A Boy Scout leader (and geologist) from another town is compiling the information to create a resource on the history and geology of Hoge Base for use by Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and leaders. Information he uses from individuals will be properly cited in his work. We would also appreciate any photos or documents related to the topic. The event will take place at 106 Sand Hill Rd., Walpole. Please call or email if you are able to attend - ron-tami@comcast.net or 445-2159.
FACT-TV in Bellows Falls has invited all interested citizens to tour their studio and get a feel for what it would be like to have a TV station of our own in Walpole. If enough people in Walpole support this idea there is a possibility that our town can negotiate a franchise agreement with Comcast that will fund it. Bellows Falls has offered the use of their studio , their equipment, and their expertise.
If you agree that this would be a valuable communication tool as well as an opportunity for creativity for the wonderful and talented people of Walpole, you may want to join a group of other interested people at FACT-TV this coming Monday, February 22nd, at 7pm. The studio is in the hospital building on Rte 121 just off of Rte 5.
If you'd like to receive news and keep informed about community TV in Walpole, send an email to walpoletv@comcast.net.
Mr. Aldrich called the meeting to order at 7:50 PM with two people present in the audience. He announced that the Selectboard are meeting tonight, Wednesday, February 3rd rather than Thursday, February 4th, 2010, to enable the Selectboard to attend the Fall Mountain Regional School District Annual Budget and Warrant Public Hearing on February 4th, 2010.
PAYROLL: Mr. Sawyer moved to table signing the Payroll voucher for the week ending January 30, 2010, until it is finished when the Selectboard will sign it individually. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Sawyer moved to table approving and signing the Accounts Payable check register and manifest until it is finished when the Selectboard will sign it individually. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING –January 28, 2010: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 28, 2010, as printed. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. With Mr. Aldrich and Mrs. Teague in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Sawyer abstained as he was not present at this meeting.
SELECTBOARD MEETING –January 29, 2010: Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 29, 2010, as printed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With Mrs. Teague and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Sawyer abstained as he was not present at this meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
TIMBER CUT: Mr. Aldrich was contacted by Mike Snide relative to a timber cut. Mr. Snide has scotch pines on his property off Ramsey Hill; some trees were knocked down during storms therefore he would like to remove the fallen trees and clean-up the area. He plans to give the wood away; some will be used to make maple syrup and some will be used for an outside furnace to heat a house. Following a discussion, the Selectboard felt that with this knowledge of what Mr. Snide will be doing with the wood they did not feel that this required a Notice of Timber Cut document being filed.
BURIALS: Someone contacted Janet Clough to inquire about regulations that might exist relative to burying someone on their own land. The Selectboard recommended that Mrs. Clough contact the Local Government Center to see if there are any State RSAs about this.
FEMA: Mrs. Clough advised that the Town received a check in the amount of $5,608.63 from the State as the result of snow and ice damage last year.
HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT: The furnace in the Highway Garage is no longer working. The Selectboard recommended that Jim Terrell contact Mark Houghton and Paul Colburn as both have experience with furnaces. Mr. Sawyer felt they should look into a used oil furnace.
Selectboard Meeting –February 03, 2010- Page 2
OLD BUSINESS:
VACHON, CLUKAY & COMPANY, PC: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a response from Vachon, Clukay & Company, PC. regarding their invoice for $6,540.14 for work done in 2007 that should have been billed in 2008.
Mr. Sawyer moved to pay Vachon, Clukay & Company, PC the full amount as billed. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:
DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: Mr. Sawyer moved to sign the Letter of Agreement for the Department of Environmental Services to acknowledge that the wording of the agreement has changed but it will not affect the payment amount of the loan. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. Motion passed unanimously.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION – RSA-91:3 II:
Mr. Sawyer moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA-91:3 II to discuss ( c) Reputations of any person other than a member of the Board itself. Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion passed unanimously. The time was 8:39 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:50 PM.
No announcements were made.
Adjournment: Mrs. Teague moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. Motion passed unanimously. The time was 8:51 PM.
Mysticism is the pursuit of communion with, identity with, or conscious awareness of an ultimate reality, divinity, spiritual truth through direct experience, intuition, instinct or insight. (Wikipedia)
Following the enthusiasm at our first gathering in which we began getting to know one another and what called us, a second date potluck has been set for 5:00 PM (4:45 if bringing food), Friday, March 5th. We appreciate the growing response from area mystics of all types.
Bring your friends to Hastings House [behind the Walpole Unitarian Church on Main Street up the hill on Union Street].
Qi gong is an ancient Chinese pattern of slow movements that can calm the mind, energize and heal the body, build stamina, improve one's sense of balance, increase flexibility of joints, and enhance the immune system. Western medical studies also are showing that qi gong can improve the workings of the cardiovascular, respiratory, circulatory, lymphatic, and digestive systems. Equally important, persons of any level of ability or with physical limitations can take part.
You're invited to try qi gong at an introductory session that will be held Sunday, February 28, from 1 to 3:30 pm in the meeting room at the Walpole fire station. The course will be taught by Bonnie Bloom, who has studied qi gong for 13 years in the U.S. and China. The cost is $40 and includes printed materials and an audio practice CD to take home.
For those who want to continue beyond the introduction, Bonnie will offer a ten-week course that will meet in Walpole on Thursdays from 6:15 to 7:30 pm. The location hasn't yet been finalized.
For more detailed information about qi gong, visit the National Qi Gong Association at www.nqa.org.
Pre-registration for the introductory session on February 28 is required.To register, contact Bonnie Bloom at bonniebloom1@gmail.com or by phone at 413-367-2326.Locally, you can contact Ben Daviss at 445-2200 or bdaviss@comcast.net.
Jazz at Burdick's Restaurant returns this Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. in the person of Jesse Carr on vocals and tenor Sax, Eugene Umans on piano, and Genevieve Rose on bass. Make reservations at 603-756-9058. CCB
Ed. Note: Here are Pam Aslinger's extensive notes from last week's Planning Board meeting. Very intersting! CCB
PLANNING BOARD
Walpole, NH 03608
MINUTES: Regular Meeting Tuesday, February 9, 2010 - 7pm Town Hall
Presiding: Jeff Miller, Ch. Members Present: Bob Miller, V-Ch., Ben Daviss, Dave DeCoste, Henry Fletcher, Sheldon Sawyer, Sel., Eric Merklein, Alternates: Donn Lounsbury, Jeff White, & Steve Dalessio. Recording: Pamela Aslinger, Sec./alt.
These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the March 09, 2010 meeting for errors, corrections and omissions. There were 7 persons in the audience.
I. Meeting opened at 7:00pm
A. Roll call, all members were present, no alternates designated.
B. Minutes - Mr. DeCoste made a motion seconded by Mr. Daviss to approve the
minutes as presented. All were in favor, motion carried.
C. The board reviewed board openings for 2010, Bob Miller and Eric Merklein’s terms
expire in 2010. Mr. Miller has filed for re-election and Mr. Merklein stated he would not be running for re-election. Mr. Lounsbury and Ms. Aslinger’s terms as alternates expire in 2010. Ms. Aslinger asked not to be reappointed as an alternate.
II. New Business
A. Cliff Harper, PG of Harper Environmental was present to ask questions about developing the Potato Barn, specifically about the site plan and town requirements regarding the recent installation of a private septic system and whether they violated a town ordinance.
Ch. Miller gave an overview of the proposal based on information from a Site Plan Review for a restaurant and office space granted on 11/14/1995 to Cynthia Reeves. It showed the commercial development was to tie into town water and sewer and on the condition a traffic study be performed to ascertain whether a driveway cut could be obtained from the State for access. He said he believed the access was granted and Mr. Sawyer agreed, but questions whether it is still in effect, thinking there might have been a time limit. He said that the cut was granted by a Town vote via a warrant article because the Town was given a one time cut when Rte. 12 was built. He thought there was a 1 year limitation if it has not been vested.
Ch. Miller reported that a meeting between various town departments took place last week to address a number of miscommunications in the building permit process in general and specifically on the Potato Barn project especially in regard to the incorrect installation of a private state approved septic system. The town has a “Sewer Use Ordinance” that requires properties within 100 ft. of the municipal sewer system be connected but it seems the engineers on the project were not aware. Despite the issue of the septic system he urged the board to consider the age and validity of the 1995 Site Plan approval and thought a new Site Plan Review was warranted. The board agreed that the 1995 site plan is out of date and invalid. Ch. Miller asked Mr. Harper to update the board on the status of the project.
Mr. Harper stated he is the geologist/principal for Harper Environmental in Bridgewater Corners, VT. His involvement in the project began a couple of years ago while helping the owner Steve Rudek of Sacramento California resolve drainage issues and the environmental residual impacts with NH Dept. of Environmental Services on the site. Because he himself has an interest in restoring old barns he remained a part of the project advising Mr. Rudek on how to proceed in developing the property into commercial office space as well as preserving the structure. He said Mr. Rudek met with Cynthia Reeves the previous owner in December and they talked about her intentions for the site. His question for the board is whether they were supposed to tie into the town sewer system. He said he is well qualified to work with regulations and also works with
Walpole Planning Board February 9, 2010 page 2
other engineers familiar with the state requirements and permitting process. He showed the site plan design for the septic system submitted to the state. He gave the septic system project to Chris Leister from Hogg Hill Designs to design and install. Mr. Harper asked Mr. Leister what his procedure is in order to apply for the state permit. Mr. Leicester is required to check with the town before he submits a plan to the state. In late August he spoke with a woman at the town office and asked if the town needed a copy of the plan, the response was no so they filed the application. Once the application is reviewed by the state they (the state) sends three copies of a form letter known as an “Approval for Construction” as a notice. One each was sent to the owner Steve Rudek, Walpole Board of Selectmen and Chris Leister. He handed the board a copy of the form that was dated 9/16/2009, (on file). Mr. Harper said usually by calling the town, if the town wants to see the plan they send a copy of the plan and get feedback before the application is sent to the state, in this instance the town did not ask to see the plan so they filed the application.
Ch. Miller in summary said, because you and/or the state recieved no feedback then it was assumed you could do the install once permitted. But now that there has been discussion on the septic system it’s become known about the Sewer Use Ordinance from 1985 and the requirement to tie into the municipal systems if you are within 100 ft. of the lines. He thought the lack of communication between the town departments had led to this situation. If upon their initial call they were told an ordinance existed requiring them to tie into the system they would have avoided installing an expensive septic system that violates a town ordinance and secondly if the “Approval for Construction” letter had been brought to the attention of the Selectboard they could have notified the state and prevented the install. He thought because of the miscommuni-cation at the Selectboard’s office Mr. Harper was not at fault and hopes the Selectboard and water and sewer department can resolve it bearing in mind the expense Mr. Rudek has incurred by installing a private septic system.
Mr. Sawyer said the BOS never received a copy of the “Approval for Construction” for review and defended the office staff. He was aware that a change in personnel might have added to the lack of communication. Mr. Harper said they called in late August. Mr. Sawyer said if the Selectboard had received the state notification they would have sent it on to Mark Houghton the water/sewer commissioner, who would have sited the requirement in the ordinance.
Ch. Miller asked Mr. Harper how he was planning to proceed. Mr. Harper said they’ve done some investigation and rehabilitation in the ell, drainage in the piggery and granary sections. The owner isn’t clear exactly what he will do with it but wants to develop it into some type of commercial space and wants to put some money into it to prevent it from deteriorating or falling down. Because Mr. Rudek wanted to begin by getting water/sewer and electric in place Hogg Hill Design engineer Mr. Leicester created a site proposal and went to the fire and water departments to get an idea of what the costs would be to bring in electric and water, then they could decide what to develop first. He called the town office in December and asked if he needed a permit to pour cement for foundation work. He was told he did not because they were not changing the footprint. Right after the septic was installed in early December they poured the foundation and put in radiant floor heat in order to create a couple of office areas. The intention of the owner is to bring in water and electric to begin phasing the project. They want to use the carriage house as a beginning point for the water lines to the basement of the piggery and power to the barn for temporary lighting over the next couple of years. He said Cynthia Reeves contacted Mr. Rudek last week about renting the ell section for an art gallery in the spring. Taking Ms. Reeves needs into account they thought the piggery, granary and ell could be their focus. Mr. Harper asked the board if they could develop a site plan by using the carriage house as a beginning point to access water and power for the basement of the piggery. He said they would sprinkle it but may not have the water pressure at first to operate it. His engineer has a subsurface license. He submited a preliminary design/drawing to bring the water to the site and questioned where the water line came in from? Mr. Sawyer asked if he had
Walpole Planning Board Minutes February 9, 2010 page 3
spoken with the water superintendent, that he would have the final say. Mr. Harper said they have an ongoing discussion with Mr. Houghton and the fire department that his engineer was in the process of designing the plans when the septic install became an issue.
Ch. Miller recommended that Mr. Harper and Mr. Rudek formulate the overall plan for the project and include a phased development if needed and submit a completely new site plan review application to the planning board so the process can go through the proper channels and include all the town departments. He said if it is a phased project time limits will need to be set and they need to check with the state about the access off Rte. 12 to determine whether it is still in effect. Mr. Harper said they checked with the state about 6 months ago and found it was granted possibly with a one-way only access. Mr. Sawyer thought it had been approved for two-way traffic. Sec. Aslinger said they could download a copy of the site plan review regulations from the town website. Submission of the application must be made at a meeting held on the second Tuesday of the month.
Mr. DeCoste asked for clarification on the septic and how a private system was allowed and where it stands? Mr. Harper said it was installed in early December and is an “enviroseptic” system. Ch. Miller said the system is in question because it violates the town ordinance and that it’s possible they may want to tie into the town’s system at some point because it may not be adequate for the scale of development they may propose. Mr. Harper said the design of the system allows for expansion. Ch. Miller and Selectman Sawyer agreed that the town and water commissioner need to work out where the issue stands in regard to the violation of the ordinance even though Mr. Harper was not at fault. Ch. Miller reiterated that a new site plan review is required, that it is the town’s obligation to work with them in regard to the septic system and if the development is phased, time limits with exact details of what work will be done at each phase is spelled out so it doesn’t create a larger impact than intended and that all town departments are aware of the projects scope. The first phase should be the overall intended concept with more specifics on the future phases. Mr. Harper asked if he could borrow a copy of the 1995 plans, he was given one of the plans from the folder. Mr. DeCoste asked if they were going to do basically what was originally planned? Mr. Harper said the restaurant was not going to be part of the plan, most likely just office and retail space.
Mr. Sawyer said they must speak with the water commissioner as soon as possible and resolve the issue of the septic. Ch. Miller said now that everyone knows what actually happened and how it happened the various town departments could adjust their procedures to prevent this kind of error in the future. He said there were at least two places they could have been informed and were not, if the Selectboard had given them the correct information they probably would have preferred to tie into the municipal system at a lesser cost. He suggested that the procedures within the Selectboard’s office should be reviewed, when a call comes in it should be referred to the actual department head for a final and correct answer. He thought in this case because they installed a state approved septic the town should make an exception.
Mr. Sawyer said they would work with them to mitigate the situation mentioning a past experience with the zoning board who gave out erroneous information that led to a lawsuit, something he wants to avoid, so it will have to be considered carefully and fairly.
Ch. Miller instructed Mr. Harper to work with the town to mitigate the septic issue and to submit a site plan review application to the board. Sec. Aslinger asked Mr. Harper if he was aware that the kind of development they were planning requires a site plan review approval prior to any construction taking place? Mr. Harper asked about the concrete they poured. Ch. Miller said preservation or maintaining the building within the existing footprint of the building would not trigger a site plan review. However a change in use or expansion of use at a cost of more than $10,000.00 requires a site plan review approval from the planning board on all commercial development.
Walpole Planning Board Minutes February 9, 2010 page 4
Mr. Hurlburtt thought the Selectboard’s office may have misinformed them when they called about needing a permit for pouring the concrete and were told as long as it was within the same footprint and cost less than $10,000.00 they did not need a permit. He thought once they poured the concrete with a change of use in mind they would in fact need a site plan review. Ch. Miller, Ms. Aslinger and Mr. Sawyer agreed saying the change/expansion in use is what constitutes a site plan review before other facts are considered such as cost and footprint. Ms. Aslinger gave the example of going from a storage barn to a commercial office or retail space as a change in use that triggers the site plan review approval. The approval must be granted before any construction takes place on the site, which in the potato barn case is in a grey area because of the maintenance on the building. She thought it was good to be discussing the project at this time in its planning stages.
Mr. Harper asked if by using the carriage house on Homestead to run power and water to the barn and converting it to a single family residence whether it would need a site plan review approval? Ch. Miller said he thought the property is all in the commercial district and single-family residence is an allowed use. Ms. Aslinger said if it remains as part of the entire project as a caretaker’s residence then it would need to be included in the site plan review proposal unless it was subdivided onto its own lot and used for a residence only. Mr. Sawyer agreed. Ms. Aslinger thought the site plan review regulations would spell out the needed information required to obtain an approval. They should come in with as much information as possible on the plans encompassing the entire site plus present and future plans.
Mr. Harper thanked the board for their time and will be in contact about submitting the application at an upcoming meeting. He was reminded that the board meets the second Tuesday of each month.
B. Shaw’s Supermarket - Sec. Aslinger presented the board with a cover letter and plan from Susan J. Belcher, Yarosh Associates Inc., Mashpee, MA in regard to Shaw’s Supermarket on Rte. 12 N sent to the Selectmen’s office as part of an application for a building permit. Ms. Janet Clough, the Office Manager for the town shared the information as part of her effort to keep the various boards and departments aware of projects that may involve them. Sec. Aslinger reported she had spoken to Ms. Belcher several weeks ago about the project and whether they needed a site plan review. The plans submitted with the building permit confirm that they are doing an interior remodel with no expansion of product offerings or floor space, no exterior changes except for improving the existing entrance cart ramp and 2 stairways in the rear. They are planning to paint the exterior. Sec. Aslinger said that she and Ms. Belcher reviewed the site plan regulations and determined that the remodel would not require a site plan review. Sec. Aslinger thought it important for the board to be aware of the plan and be in agreement that the proposal does not require a site plan review before the building permit is issued.
Mr. Herb Hurlburt commented that it was commercial construction and the building is badly in need of a fire alarm. Sec. Aslinger read from Ms. Belcher’s letter stating, “At this time, we have also applied for Health Department review and have requested review by the Walpole Fire Chief, Richard Hurlburt. All approvals will be forwarded upon receipt”. Mr. Hurlburt said they have not yet received a request. He said this is what was discussed at the group meeting about how a letter can state something but it doesn’t mean it’s been done. Mr. Sawyer said a building permit is never granted unless the departments involved have given their approval especially involving the fire department. Mr. Hurlburt said trailers have arrived and forklifts are moving at the site.
Sec. Aslinger said the next step is to return the plans to the Selectboard with the board’s acknowledgement that it does not require a site plan review. Zoning Chairperson Myra Mansouri said she had spoken to them by phone a month ago about potential zoning issues and she wanted to make sure they weren’t expanding into another part of the building, they had discussed the possibility and that she referred them to the planning board. Sec. Aslinger said she extensively
Walpole Planning Board Minutes February 9, 2010 page 5
grilled Ms. Belcher on the plans both parties using a copy of the site plan regs as reference and she has double checked the plans in detail to make sure they are as discussed. The plans indicate no expansion or change in use it is only an interior remodel and will not requiring a site plan review.
III. Planning Discussion (7:50pm)
A. Master Plan Update - Lisa Murphy from SW Regional Planning Commission was present to discuss the draft of the updated Land Use Section for the Master Plan. She handed out copies of the draft and asked the board to consider the tables on the land use categories pages 9, 10 & 11. In order for her to compare apples to apples she is working with the Selectmen’s office to get the accurate data on critical information. She said her GIS person has clearance to access the assessment information from Avatar. It will take a couple of hours to extract and compile it. She mentioned some changes and has discovered a discrepancy in the number of houses and acreages with OEP’s records, the town may be missing several parcels.
Ch. Miller suggested the board review the first draft and discuss it at the work session to be held February 23, 2010 and forward the results to Lisa, perhaps she’ll have the other info gathered and can incorporate it into one final draft, the board agreed.
Mr. Delessio asked why the comparison dates were 1985 and 1999? Ms. Murphy said those were the dates of the original plan and the last update. They would remain in place to create a data baseline and growth trends. Mr. Schupack asked how do they determine the current data? Answer was through the assessment data. Mr. Lounsbury suggested adding an 11 x 17 town map to the document. Unfortunately there are no base maps for Walpole and they are quite costly, $60K - $90K. Mr. Sawyer said they have considered having maps created and recently held a presentation given by Cartographics. Ms. Murphy said SWRPC also provides mapping services usually at a lesser cost because of membership. She said there is some limited data sharing among the assessors that can help reduce costs.
Ms. Murphy asked the board to consider items on page 12, to please update the information in a general way and to forward comments to her after the work session. Mr. Schupack asked if the board could access the building permits to determine what types of changes have been made to commercial and industrial operations. Mr. Sawyer said yes they are in the office. Ms. Murphy said she was looking for a general idea, not an inventory of every use. However, if the board wants a more detailed list, it can be added. Ms. Aslinger offered to search the building permits and make a list of changes for the board to consider at the work session.
Ms. Murphy asked the board to extend the completion date to March, the contract states it as February. The board agreed to the extension.
C. Other - Mr. Daviss asked Ms. Murphy about another question raised at a work session on “spot zoning”. Is it always a bad idea or can it be done better? Mr. Sawyer asked for a definition of “spot zoning”. Ms. Murphy said it can be a single building use that is surrounded by other uses sometimes it occurs as a grandfathered zoning but not always. It isn’t a good idea to create new areas. Mr. Sawyer thought an instance of spot zoning was good when it provided for an employer to locate a business within reach of its employees. Ms. Murphy said that was considered a “mixed use” zoning. Mr. Daviss said they were thinking of taking each undeveloped lot along Rte. 12 South and designating it as separate zone based on its potential, he asked if they should consider mixed use or clever spot zoning? Ms. Murphy said mixed use would be the way to go. The trouble with spot zoning is it will affect someone in a negative way and the buffering requirements could be very difficult. Mr. Delessio thought spot zoning could lead to conflicts with the Master Plan. Ms. Aslinger said another type of spot zoning was when someone owned a piece of residential land and decided to make it industrial by petitioning the town to vote to change the zone, if the town voted in favor then spot zoning occurs. There are
Walpole Planning Board Minutes February 9, 2010 page 6
legal problems with spot zoning because it doesn’t protect the surrounding property owners and leads to lawsuits. That is the negative outcome of spot zoning and why it should be avoided. Mr. Sawyer thought the zoning change from commercial to residential on Dearborn Circle was spot zoning that worked. Ch. Miller said the board recommended the change that was requested by the property owners to reflect the actual use and to protect the residences so it was not a spot zoning per se. Ch. Miller said the ordinance allows spot zoning by the special exception provision. Ms. Murphy said the special exception process is favored over spot zoning because it adds many more layers, restrictions and safeguarding such as buffering. She warned against use variances that can also allow spot zoning. Ms. Mansouri thought use variances were no longer allowed, but Ms. Murphy disagreed.
Mr. Daviss asked Ms. Murphy to provide the board with suggestions on ways to zone mixed uses that are compatible with the law for lands along Rte. 12 South. She said she would compile some information and forward it to him. Eric Smith will be coming to the work session in March, he can offer some examples also. Mr. Schupack thought it is very important how mixed use defined.
Ch. Miller thanked Ms. Murphy for her time and reminded the board to review the materials and attend the work session being held 2/23/10 at 7pm in the basement office.
The Walpole Artisans will offer the community a complimentary open house with homemade soup and bread from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, February 13, at their shop on Main Street across from the gas station. Stop in, have a light lunch and see what amazing creations our friends and neighbors are turning out. You won't be disappointed! CCB
Ed. Note: This news release comes from SAU60 School Superintendent Debra Livingston and summarizes what we will vote on next month. It is for much needed updates and repairs for Fall Mountain Regional High School. I have taken several tours of the building and seen first-hand where our students are forced to work with very outdated equipment and, in some cases, dangerous situations. The total project includes over $5,000,000 in long-deferred updates but, because of participation by the State of New Hampshire and digging into SAU60 reserve funds, we only need to raise new money from a bond issue of $544,000...if we pass it this time. (If we do not pass it this time, the 55% matching funds from the state will not be there next time and we will have to issue much larger bonds.) Please review this material carefully and consider taking the tour on March 4--details below--to see for yourself what is needed and what is being proposed. Chuck Bingaman
P.S Note, as well, that there is a Community Forum sponsored by the Walpole Site Based Committee for Walpole and North Walpole residents Wednesday, February 24 at 6:30 p.m. at the Walpole Elementary School to review with us the 2010-11 Proposed SAU60 General Fund Budget (up 1.32%), Walpole's portion of the budget (up .4% resulting in an overall 2.31% increase in property tax rate), the Fall Mountain building renovations, and the Proposed Teacher Contract. Childcare will be available (call 756-4241 to reserve space.) We will vote on these matters on March 9. Here's a chance for us to become informed enough to cast a responsible vote! CCB
Opportunity for Fall Mountain School District
The taxpayers of Fall Mountain Regional School District have a small window of opportunity to take advantage of New Hampshire Building Aid and bring much needed renovations to Fall Mountain Regional High School. State aid will likely disappear for new projects in July of 2010. The High School Capital Reserve Fund is in place, construction costs have plummeted and low interest rates make Article 1 on the school warrant an economically savvy choice.
A YES vote for the bond means that Fall Mountain Regional School District will raise $544,103 plus interest over six years. Thirty-three percent of the total cost will come from the Capital Reserve Fund. Fifty-five percent will be funded through the New Hampshire State Building Aid Fund. A No vote means the district will need to raise more than $3 million over the next 8 years to complete the needed repairs and upgrades at Fall Mountain Regional High School.
The High School Renovation Committee took a conservative approach in developing a plan of needs versus wants. Major improvements include:
A new roof and insulation to address ongoing leaks and heating loss.
Upgrades for code compliance needs with regard to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) and NH State Fire Regulations.
Improvements and upgrades to thirteen of the 45 (29%) classrooms.
Replacement of a 29- year-old boiler and new heating controls throughout the building.
Additional ADA compliant restroom stalls will be added in key locations.
New vocational equipment that will replace items older than the building (1965).
A new dishwasher and new convection ovens for the cafeteria.
Renovation of physical education and locker room space.
New windows and HVAC in critical areas that will bring down energy costs and improve the learning environment.
Local builders and suppliers will be hired where possible. The School Board will set up a Citizen’s Oversight Committee for accountability.
Additional information about the renovation can be found at www.fmrsd.org. Click on the FMRHS RENOVATION button to find plans, tax impact charts for each town, an informational brochure, and Frequently Asked Questions.
There will be an Open House with tours of the building on March 4, 2010, at Fall Mountain Regional High School beginning at 6 PM.
Please vote on March 9, 2010. Absentee ballots are available from each town’s clerk.
Ed. Note: This posting comes from Jill Robinson of TriVillage Energy, our town energy conservation/awareness committee. What a great job they do providing the town with information, resources and new ideas! CCB
TriVillage Energy is sponsoring an hour-long workshop on beekeeping Saturday morning, February 27, at 10:00 a.m. at the Walpole Town Library titled "Learn to Think Like a Bee" by Gilsum beekeeper, story teller and researcher Bill Whyte. It's free and open to the public. Call 603-756-3168 for further information. Snow date is March 6.
Ed. Note: As happens now and then, a number of important events have happened to get scheduled on the same night in town--Wednesday, February 10. Unfortunately you won't be able to attend all of them, but hopefully you can attend one! CCB
1. The public hearing on the bond issue vote for SAU60--funding the needed repairs to Fall Mountain High School--will be held at 6:30 p.m. and the hearing on the town budget will be held at the Town Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m. Both hearings cover important information and decisions that must be understood and voted on by all of us.
2. The Friends of the Walpole Town Library are holding a poetry reading featuring Alice Fogel, Peter Money and Kate Gleason beginning at 7:00 p.m. Free and open to the public.
Ed. Note: This announcement is from Barbara Tarantino and the Walpole Artisans Cooperative.. CCB
Walpole Artisans Cooperative Programs
The Walpole Artisans Cooperative will host two artists from the Putnam family this month.
David Putnam, a photographer and framer based in Claremont, NH will be a "featured guest artist" at the Walpole Artisans Cooperative located at 52 Main St. in Walpole. He is a photographer of the New England landscape. His philosophy is based on the question:" What more is there beyond the obvious?" Come see his new work entitled: "Nautical Shells".
Brian Putnam, an oil painter and recent Fine Arts Graduate, will be the "featured artist" at Burdick's Restaurant across the street from the Walpole Artisan Cooperative.
The Artisans will host a reception open to the public at the Walpole Artisans Cooperative on Sunday, February 7, from 1 - 3 p.m. for both artists. Come visit both shows and join us for refreshments at the Cooperative. For further information, call Barbara Tarantino at 603-756-0947.
Ed. Note: This announcement comes from Robert Watson. CCB
Calling All Mystics….
Mysticism is "the pursuit of communion with, identity with, or conscious awareness of an ultimate reality, divinity, spiritual truth through direct experience, intuition, instinct or insight." (Wikipedia)
"If you are drawn to the mystery," says Robert Watson, "to the transcendent, by whatever practice or belief, you are invited to come join us for an evening of pizza, getting to know one another, dialoguing, sharing your thoughts, developing a language of understanding, introducing your path, your experiences, etc."
It is anticipated that a continuing program will evolve in which attendees will share with the group in greater detail how and why they came to their present understanding.
The gathering will take place Friday, February 5 at 5:00 p.m. at the Hastings House on Union Street in Walpole [up the hill behind the Walpole Unitarian church]. Contact Robert Watson – 603/756-3711 or robertwatson59@gmail.com to give us an idea of how much pizza to provide. You can check the church website –- www.walpoleunitarian.org-- for further details and notices in the event of a snow conflict.
