Ed. Note: This announcement comes from Judy Spinella. CCB
WALPOLE CHOIR TO OFFER A FREE PUBLIC CONCERT
The Choir of the First Congregational Church of Walpole, UCC, invites all members of the community to a free concert on October 5, 2008.The concert will begin at 3pm and will be presented in conjunction with Nordic Harmoni, Vermont’s premiere Swedish Choir.Selections will include a Rodgers & Hammerstein medley, traditional spirituals, and choral anthems sung in English and Swedish.The concert will be held in honorof Madeline Tole, who was music director of the Walpole church for over 60 years and a music teacher for the Fall Mountain School District.
Both choirs will be conducted by Ken Olsson, who is currently the music director of the Walpole church.Ken is also the Artistic Director of Nordic Harmoni and was recently appointed National Assistant Director of the American Union of Swedish Singers.A free will offering will be collected to support both choirs and a reception will follow the concert.
Mr. Sawyer called the meeting to order at 7:12 PM with five people present in the audience.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
NON-PUBLIC MEETING: Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a non-public meeting pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (e) Pending Claims or Litigations. Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion passed unanimously.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:16 PM.
NORM TOUSSAINT – FOUR CYLINDER AUTO – ROUTE 12: Norm Toussaint rents from LaVerne Horne on Route 12. Mr. Sawyer advised that Mr. Toussaint was issued a Cease and Desist Order as the Chairman of the Zoning Board of Adjustment reported that he was in violation of his permit. He read the list of conditions that were placed on the permit when it was issued. Mr. Toussaint stated that he has disposed of almost all the vehicles. He still has a plow truck and one vehicle that he uses to push some of the vehicles that come in for repairs; a few of the other vehicles are there for repairs. Quite a bit of his business is from Walpole residents. The vehicles behind the building had nothing to do with his business as they belonged to the owner. Mr. Toussaint will continue to control the number of vehicles on the property.
Mrs. Teague moved to remove the Cease and Desist Order and allow Mr. Toussaint to resume operation. The Selectboard will re-inspect the property in another month. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. Motion passed unanimously.
GAIL GOLEC: Gail Golec reported that she is now working with Franklin Pierce College on the archeological project. The professor she will be working with usually takes students out. He offered to employ Ms. Golec, this would cover her and the students through their insurance. The Town will be named as an additional insured. She called Barbara O’Brien, North Walpole Commissioner, to explain what has transpired. The Selectboard did not see a problem as it is educational and, as a result of the dig, everyone might learn more about the town. At some point she will be giving a talk at the Bellows Falls Library on the artifacts. Ms. Golec will keep the Selectboard up-to-date on the progress of this project.
NON-PUBLIC MEETING:
Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public meeting pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) Personnel. Mrs. Teague seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion passed unanimously. The time was 8:32 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:49 PM.
PUBLIC BUSINESS (Continued):
SOLID WASTE FACILITY: Paul Colburn brought the Selectboard up-to-date on the general operation at the Solid Waste Facility. They discussed the need to fill the vacancy.
Mr. Aldrich moved to offer Paul Clark the position of Operating Foreman of the Solid Waste Facility. Mrs. Teague seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Selectboard Meeting – September 18, 2008 – Page 2
The Selectboard approved having the Town of Alstead pick up the glass as it will be a savings to the town in terms of processing. They also approved having the replacement storage shed purchased from LaValley Building Supplies for the agreed upon price as it is needed for storage. The surpac on the back lot is down to gravel; there is a need for another surface. They are beginning to collect vegetable oil as the NRRA will be purchasing it.
Paul Colburn discussed an on-going disruptive issue at the facility.
Mr. Aldrich moved to send a letter to Charlie Androse telling him that he is not welcome at the Solid Waste Facility. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
Paul Colburn noted that there is $1,800 in the budget for uniforms. He suggested changing this to a clothing allowance as this department needs jackets and safety shoes that are not provided by the uniform service. The suggested amount was $300.00 per person and $200.00 for t-shirts as they identify the employees. The employees would buy the items, bring in the slips and then be reimbursed. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to begin this change-over immediately to get the men ready for winter.
FIREWORKS: Mark Houghton advised that a resident inquired about obtaining a permit to set off fireworks on the Common.
Mr. Aldrich moved to deny the request to set-off fireworks on the Common. Seconded by Mrs Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
MARK HOUGHTON: Mark Houghton left a copy of the Evaluation Report on the Wastewater Pump Stations by Hoyle, Tanner and Associates, Inc. for the Selectboard to review. The Town has three pumping stations and each of them has problems. He will be looking for guidance from the Selectboard after they have had the opportunity to study the Evaluation Report.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $15,865.20. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
PAYROLL: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending September 13, 2008, for gross wages in the amount of $19,066.03 or net wages in the amount of $10,116.09. 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 $4,208.03. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 11, 2008: Mr. Aldrich noted the following change on page 1, under Gravel Pit Reclamation Bond, “Skip Whitcomb” should be changed to “Chip Whitcomb”.
Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 11, 2008, with the above correction. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. Motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the first Non-Public Selectboard meeting of September 11, 2008, as printed. The Minutes will remain sealed at this time. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
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Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the second Non-Public Selectboard meeting of September 11, 2008, as printed. The Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. Motion passed unanimously.
DEPARTMENT / COMMITTEE REPORTS:
The Selectboard received and reviewed the minutes of the Planning Board meeting of September 09, 2008.
ABATEMENT:
WALPOLE UNITARIAN SOCIETY –MAP 019-045-000: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Abatement for 2008 Property Taxes in the amount of $3,107.89 plus interest for the Walpole Unitarian Society. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
BUILDING PERMITS:
RONALD and MARGO BANKS – MAP 009-017-000: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit No. 2008-041 for Ronald and Margo Banks to construct a 40’ x 14’ car port on March Hill Road. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
YARDLEY FAMILY TRUST, GWEN YARDLEY – MAP 012-025-000: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve Building Permit No. 2008-042 for the Yardley Family Trust, Gwen Yardley, to allow demolition of an existing barn on the Valley Road. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
EMICOR ABATEMENT – FOLLOW-UP: Elaine Moore contacted Avitar who advised that they will defend this case in court but the Town pays for filing the appearance.
Mr. Aldrich moved to hire Attorney Jeremy Hockensmith to file the Appearance for the Emicor case. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
MS-1 – UPDATED: The Selectboard had previously signed an out-dated MS-1 form.
Mr. Aldrich moved to re-sign the Summary Inventory of Evaluations – MS-1 – form. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY –SIGNATURE NEEDED- (2008 Ford F450 w/added Equipment): Last week Mr. Sawyer signed the Agreement but his signature was needed on the purchase document.
Mr. Aldrich moved to allow the Chairman to sign the Purchase Document for the 2008 Ford F450 Highway truck with added equipment. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
DISABILITY LEAVE: Teresa Kissell requested guidance on disability leaves.
Mrs. Teague moved that short-term disability payments for time missed in the amount of three months or less be paid out if the employee is still actively employed as long as they have vacation time to cover the one-third. Anything other than that should come to the Selectboard for guidance. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. Motion passed unanimously.
NORTH WALPOLE PROPERTIES – TAX DEEDING: This agenda item was tabled until the next meeting.
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FOLLOW-UP NORTH WALPOLE- HILLCREST LIGHTING: Elaine Moore reported that the electric company was notified about the light on Hillcrest Road and the work order will be done.
SWEEP ACCOUNT – SAVINGS BANK OF WALPOLE: Martha Curtis of the Savings Bank of Walpole will come to the next meeting to do a presentation on a Sweep Account.
NEW BUSINESS:
VACHON, CLUKAY – ACCOUNTING SERVICES: Mr. Aldrich moved to approve payment of the bill in the amount of $10,000 from Vachon, Clukay and Company for accounting services as it is in the budget. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
TRI-VILLAGE ENERGY LETTER TO SELECTBOARD: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the TriVillage Energy Committee. They would appreciate it if the Town’s attorney could give them a formal legal opinion stating that subcommittees of an advisory committee are not bound by the requirements applicable to advisory committees. They are particularly concerned with the limitations on ex parte communications since the bulk of their work is conducted outside of formal meetings. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to send a copy of this letter to the Local Government Center for a legal opinion.
COLD RIVER LOCAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE LETTER: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Charles Montgomery of the Cold River Local Advisory Committee.
Mr. Aldrich moved to table this for a week to allow time to do research. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
TOWN CLERK’S OFFICE: Mrs. Teague moved to approve hiring Suzanne Hodgkins to work in the Town Clerk’s Office on a trial basis at $10.00/hour. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. Motion passed unanimously.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT CENTER: Mr. Sawyer attended the Local Government Center’s Legislative Policies Seminar and it was excellent. They discussed many issues including having the supervisors of the checklist to meet twice a year; it passed. They also discussed advertising legal notices in newspapers.
HOOPER INSTITUTE: Mrs. Teague attended the last meeting of the Hooper Institute. They talked about some trees that got struck by lightning as well as other trees that need to be cut and trimmed. She suggested that they mark the trees to see if somebody will harvest and take them away but to report back to the Selectboard before any decisions are made. Their sign fell down and needs to be repaired. Their next meeting was scheduled for November 19th.
TRUSTEES OF TRUST FUNDS:
FANNY MASON FOREST WALK LEADER – SWIFT CORWIN: The Conservation Commission submitted a request to pay $200.00 out of the Fanny Mason Forest Fund to Swift Corwin, Forester, who will conduct a walk through the forest.
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the payment in the amount of $200.00 out of the Fanny Mason Forest Fund to Swift Corwin to lead a walk through the forest as voted upon by the Conservation Commission. This will be forwarded to the Trustees of Trust Funds for payment. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
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NEXT MEETING: The next Selectboard meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 25th The first agenda item will be an appeal that was filed with the Board of Land and Tax Appeals. will begin at 7:00 PM instead of 7:30 PM.
Mr. Sawyer declared this meeting adjourned at 10:38 PM.
Mr. Sawyer called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM with six people present in the audience.
PUBLIC BUSINESS:
HILLCREST ROAD: John Rogers reported that there have been a few break-ins in the area. The street light near his home is very dim so he would appreciate having it replaced. Mr. Sawyer will check to see if Walpole or North Walpole is responsible for the lights in that area and they will contact National Grid.
PLEASANT STREET: Jack Neerie saw some signs about no parking on the grass near the Common and asked if it would be possible to place some similar signs on Pleasant Street. People do not seem to realize they should not park on the sidewalk that is adjacent to the road. There are a lot of kids in the neighborhood. Mrs. Teague advised that they would talk to the Road Agent.
GRAVEL PIT RECLAMATION BOND: Myra Mansouri reported that the Zoning Board of Adjustment set an amount for the reclamation of the Whitcomb gravel pit. She asked the Selectboard to set-up an escrow account at the Savings Bank of Walpole. Elaine Moore was asked to write a letter to Chip Whitcomb confirming that the Town of Walpole needs to be paid $50.00 for a permit fee and $5,000 for the reclamation bond.
DAVID McALLISTER: David McAllister submitted a Notice of Intent to Timber Cut.
Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Timber Cut on Wentworth Road for Map 005-002-006. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Police Chief David Hewes: Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a non-public meeting pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) Personnel. Mr. Sawyer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion passed unanimously. The time was 7:54 PM.
The regular meeting resumed at 8:14 PM.
Police Department: The Selectboard reported that Police Chief David Hewes will be away from his position for two-to-three months due to a personal matter. Lt. Paquette will be the person in charge during his absence.
Chief Hewes advised that they have been having problems with their computers. World Wide Computers recently did an evaluation and advised that the memory is full. For approximately $300 they will get the computers running hopefully through the end of the year. The Selectboard made a recommendation to go forward and to have them submit an estimate for a contract for next year’s budget.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $111,841.62. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
Selectboard Meeting – September 11, 2008 – Page 2
PAYROLL: Mrs. Teague moved to approve the payroll voucher for the week ending September 6, 2008, for gross wages in the amount of $15,608.23 or net wages in the amount of $7,158.36. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Teague moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $3,729.85. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 04, 2008: Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 04, 2008, as printed. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Teague moved to approve the first session of the Selectboard Non-Public Meeting of September 04, 2008, as printed. The Minutes will remain sealed as they contain information on personnel. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Teague moved to approve the second session of the Selectboard Non-Public Meeting of September 04, 2008, as printed. These 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 September 09, 2008.
ABATEMENT:
JOHN and LISA OSTROWSKI – MAP 030-007-000: Mrs. Teague moved to approve the Abatement for Property Taxes in the amount of $51.36 for interest for John and Lisa Ostrowski. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 18, 2008 TO BEGIN AT 7:00 PM TO REVIEW ABATEMENT APPEALS: The Selectboard will begin their next regular meeting on September 18, 2008, at 7:00 PM to discuss the Property Tax Appeals filed with the Board of Land and Tax Appeals with Paul Galloway and Anthony Bosco.
FORD MOTOR CREDIT COMPANY – SIGNATURE NEEDED – (2008 Ford F450 w/added Equipment): Mrs. Teague moved to approve having the Chairman sign the Municipal Finance application. Seconded by Mr. Sawyer. Motion passed unanimously.
Whitney Aldrich came into the meeting.
NORTH WALPOLE PROPERTIES – TAX DEEDING: There was a consensus to table this agenda item pending receipt of additional information.
MARY JO CLARK – CAR DAMAGE: The Selectboard concurred with Jim Terrell’s recommendation to turn this letter from Mary Jo Clark over to the Town’s insurance company.
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SPECIAL POLICE DETAIL VEHICLE REPAIRS: The Selectboard agreed that any payments for repairs to the special police detail vehicles will be taken out of that account.
CEASE AND DESIST: Mrs. Teague moved to approve and sign the Cease and Desist letter to Four Cylinder Auto. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
ROBERT HESS LETTER REGARDING WALPOLE BAGS: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Robert Hess regarding the new Walpole bags. Elaine Moore wrote a letter in response advising that the bags are the same size but the difference is the tie.
Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the letter to thank Robert Hess for his concern. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
DATA VERIFICATION: Avitar would like to do the Data Verification on Errors and Omissions from September 22nd through September 26th, 2008.
HIGHWAY HOURS: Jim Terrell reported that effective Monday, September 15th the Highway Department will resume their normal working hours – Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:30 pm.
EMICOR VS. TOWN OF WALPOLE: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a Petition for an Abatement of Property Taxes in Superior Court from Emicor.
Mr. Aldrich moved to use the Avitar representative as an attorney on the Emicor case. Seconded by Mrs. Teague. Motion passed unanimously.
PLANNING BOARD MEETING: The Selectboard presented the following letter to the Planning Board during their meeting held on Tuesday, September 9th. They wanted it to be incorporated into the Minutes of this meeting as well as to be published in The Walpolean and put on the Town web site. Following is the letter:
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“September 4, 2008
To: Town of Walpole Planning Board
From: Town of Walpole Select Board
Re: Adoption of “Farms, Forest, Streams and Wetlands: Walpole’s Conservation Plan” into the Town’s Master Plan.
As Selectpersons of the Town of Walpole, we commend the Planning Board for its dedication in revising the Master Plan for the people of Walpole. We recognize the time you have spent in extra meetings and the thought you have exhibited throughout the whole process.
We wish to express our opinions and concerns at this public meeting and request that our comments become a part of the meeting’s official minutes. A copy will be provided.
We have three areas of concern we want to express:
The adoption of the entire Conservation Commissions Plan as it was written in 2006.
Selectboard Meeting – September 11, 2008 – Page 4
The insertion of “overlaps” of districts rather than a direct approach for change through a warrant article, and
the confusion that may result from a Master Plan which has the potential to conflict with current zoning ordinances adopted by vote of the townspeople of Walpole at Annual Town Meeting and North Walpole at Annual Village Meeting.
First, the Conservation Commission, as an appointed body, has a specific role under RSA 36-A:2 to index all open space, marshland, swamps and other wetlands. As a result of this role, the Commission may then recommend “a program for the protection, development or better utilization of all such areas.” Including the entire Conservation Commissions Plan may exceed the Commission’s authority and confuse, rather than enhance the Master Plan. We suggest the Planning Committee adopt the Conservation Commission’s Objectives (found on pages 12 & 13) that do not duplicate objectives already in the Master Plan. Further, we suggest the index of wetlands, swamps and open spaces be attached as an Appendix to the Master Plan.
Second, the proposed Master Plan contains several “considerations for overlay districts.” We aren’t sure what “overlay” means in reality. If it is the intent of the Planning Board to introduce Warrant Articles for such things as “Historic District,” we believe that it is prudent to be more direct than to state an “overlay” is being considered. The use of the term “overlay” suggests a vague form of restriction is being applied.
Our third and final comment is in regards to the Master Plan. It is important to remember that Master Plans are advisory in nature to be used as a guide for development in a community; they have no force of law. It is our opinion that the Master Plan should not conflict with current Zoning Ordinances. Nor should the Master Plan seek to restrict a person’s right to enjoy and use his/her land. We believe the Master Plan as it considers the future must acknowledge that change in the Plan will occur as the larger environment changes and different priorities become apparent.
We urge the Planning Board to use its best independent judgment as it is charged with amending the Master Plan by RSA 674 and communicate the Plan to the Town as a whole as widely as possible by a variety of means. It is imperative that the Citizens of Walpole understand the role of the Master Plan.
Respectfully shared,
Sheldon Sawyer, Board Chair
Whitney Aldrich
Jamie Teague”
:
NON-PUBLIC SESSION:
Mrs. Teague moved to enter into a Non-Public meeting pursuant to RSA 92-A:3 II (a) Personnel. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion passed unanimously. The time was 9:33 pm.
The regular meeting resumed at 10:03 PM.
Solid Waste Facility: The Selectboard will invite Paul Colburn to attend their next regular meeting on September 18, 2008 to discuss personnel.
Selectboard Meeting – September 11, 2008 – Page 5
Mr. Sawyer declared this meeting adjourned at 10:07 PM.
