Burdick’s Restaurant to Host Benefit for YMCA

“Reach Out to Youth” a Week From Wednesday

     Burdick’s Restaurant in Walpole will host a benefit dinner for Meeting Waters YMCA’s “Reach Out to Youth Fund” on Wednesday, May 27th. That night, co-owners Paula and Larry Burdick will donate 10% of all dinner receipts to the regional YMCA.

     The Burdick’s two children have both been involved in Meeting Waters YMCA programs. Both have attended the regional YMCA’s Lewis Day Camp, a program that their son Jake will serve on the staff of for the third time this summer. He has also participated for the past four years in the YMCA Youth & Government program, a partnership between Meeting Waters YMCA and Fall Mountain Regional High School.

     The funds raised through the Reach Out to Youth appeal and the event at Burdick’s help ensure that all children have access to Meeting Waters YMCA programs. Specifically, donations support the regional Y’s youth scholarship fund and the its summer camp bussing program. Contributions to last year’s Reach Out to Youth Fund were part of the support system that resulted in area families and children benefiting from $200,276 in financial assistance and subsidized services.

     As Meeting Waters YMCA Executive Director Steve Fortier explains, “Our camp fees are among the lowest in the region yet, uniquely, we run three busses each day for eight weeks to our Lewis Day Camp and Adventure Camps from Bellows Falls, Westminster, Saxtons River, Walpole, Drewsville, Alstead, Langdon, Charlestown and four other NH and VT communities. Our busses will drive over 15,000 miles to deliver a total of more than 300 children to and from camp this summer… at a cost of around $30,000! We cannot possibly ask camp parents­—more than 50% of whom receive some financial assistance—to bear the burden of this expense. We need help to fill this gap. We’re thankful for the generosity of those who have stepped up—including Larry and Paula.” He adds, “At this event, people will enjoy a great meal… for a great cause.”

     Reservations for Wednesday’s benefit dinner can be made by calling The Restaurant at Burdick Chocolate at 603-756-9058. More information about Meeting Waters YMCA Reach Out to Youth Campaign is available at their website at www.meetingwatersymca.org or by calling their office nearest you—Brattleboro: (802) 246-1036; Bellows Falls: (802) 463-4769; or Springfield: (802) 885-8131.

PLANNING BOARD

Walpole, NH  03608

Regular Meeting – Tuesday,  May 12, 2009   7:00pm    Town Hall

MINUTES

Presiding:  Jeff Miller, Ch.

Members Present:  Ben Daviss, Dave DeCoste, Henry Fletcher, Bob Miller, Jeff White, alt., Donn Lounsbury, alt.

Members Absent:  Eric Merklien, Sheldon Sawyer

Recording:  Pamela Aslinger, Sec./alt.

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the June 9, 2009 meeting for errors, corrections and omissions.  There were 16 persons in attendance.

I.            Meeting opened at 7:05pm

            A.  Roll call – Pamela Aslinger was designated as alternate for E. Merklien

            B.  A motion to approve the Minutes of the 4/14 and 4/24 meetings was made and seconded, vote called, all were in favor, motion carried.

            C.  Ch. Miller passed over the alternate position pending contact with Mr. O’Keefe.

II.        Old Business

            A.  Erik Frink – Lot line adjustment Merriam Farm Rd.  Mr. Tom Flavin surveyor was present to explain that the proposed lot line adjustment after being put on hold from a prior meeting due to boundary disputes, has been resolved and asks that the board schedule it for the June meeting.  He pointed out on the survey where the dispute between Mr. Faulkner and Merriam Farm is in question.  The line does not affect Mr. Lilo and Mervyn Frink’s application.  He said a survey from the 1930’s was incorrect and led to the dispute but it only involves Mr. Faulkner’s boundary line with Merriam Farm.  Mr. Flavin has re-submitted the application updated the abutter list.  Additional fees are being waived.  The Board voted to place the application on the agenda and hold the public hearing on June 9, 2009, the next regular meeting.

III.       New Business

            A.  Aumand’s Furniture Site Plan Review – Attorney Tom Hanna presented the Board with the application, fees and maps in order to be scheduled for the June 9, 2009 meeting for acceptance and to hold a public hearing.  He referred to a cover letter (on file) and gave each member their own packet containing information about the application.  The proposal is for new construction that replaces the building lost in a fire July 10. 2008.  He introduced Mr. and Mrs. Aumand, Bob Furlong from American Construction, Joe DiBernardo from DiBernardo Associates and Ted Fellows, site engineer.  He gave a quick overview, as did Joe Dibernardo, and Mr. Furlone.  He acknowledged as the planning board has determined the reconstruction could take place within the existing footprint.  The full buildout of the building occurred in 1956 prior to the enactment of the N. Walpole zoning ordinance so it is a non-conforming grandfathered use.  No part of the new building will be outside of the footprint, on the west side the setback will be 19 feet, the building will be masonry and sprinkled, landscaped on the west side as well if agreeable to Mrs. Shaughnessey.  The footprint will be over 2000 sq. ft. less than the original building.  The west side will be one story

Walpole Planning Board Minutes 5/12/09 page 2

and no part of the new structure will be higher than the old structure.  Because of the substantially reduced footprint there is better availability for water recharge, drainage and grassy capture areas.   He asked Mr. DiBernardo to add his comments.

            Mr. DiBernardo pointed out the new construction is completely within the old footprint.  They have addressed the checklist, they will put a new sidewalk of 4.5 ft. on the North side, municipal water and sewer is available.  Trans Canada is agreeable to allow a right of way for drainage into an existing system.  He described the landscaping plans and plant types plus they will be removing a section of dilapidated asphalt.  He thought the site would be a huge improvement to the gateway of N. Walpole and Walpole.  The parking is not changing from what is was, there will be an 1000 gallon buried propane tank, a perimeter drain will be collected and run into the existing system.  He showed where the agreed setback line on the west side with the Shaughnessey’s being at 19’.  Mr. Lounsbury asked if there are any issues with a buried tank?  Answer was no according to Mr. Furlone, it will be installed according to industry standards.

            Mr. Fellows added he was in touch with Mr. McGuirk, water commissioner in N. Walpole regarding the size of the water line off Church St.  It is a fairly new 10-12” line and they’ve determined that a 6” cast iron loop on West and Ash St. will service the sewer system and the locations will be added to the plans.  He also mentioned that even the lowest part of the construction is within the base flood elevation requirements of 1.5 ft. and is shown on the plans.

            Mr. Furlone referred to the elevation plans, the building will be 14,000 sq. ft. with an outside fire alarm as well as the sprinkler system.  He showed the handicap accessibility, the levels, roof drains into the Trans Canada system and state drains, the exterior is masonry with split brick, he’ll bring samples of the colors.  He described the elevations and their locations in regard to the streets and neighbors.  They will have a wall mounted illuminated sign and fire exit signs.  The building will be one-story and one and half story on the street side. 

            Mr. Hanna asked the board to review the checklist and list of waivers to make certain the board is satisfied with the requests.  The sign ordinance specifically mentions   Aumand’s neon lighting which they will comply with and submit a plan.  They will need an easement with Trans Canada and ask for it to be a condition of final board action.  Mr. Hanna asked for direction on police, conservation commission and fire reports.  Ch. Miller thought the fire chief should be contacted for his input.

            Mr. Daviss moved to schedule the application for the June 9, 2009 meeting and hold the public hearing pending acceptance of the application.  Seconded by Mr. Bob Miller, all were in favor, motion carried.  Ch. Miller asked for input on the waivers, the board had no concerns.

B.  David Keurfulainen from Merriam Farm said they met with the Selectmen 4/21/09 about obtaining a building permit for their parcels on Class VI Merriam Road.  He asked to have the board make a recommendation.  The 3 lot parcel is beyond the Frink parcel.  Ch. Miller questioned how they could have a 3 lot subdivision without 200 ft. of frontage on a Class V road.  Mr. Keurfulainen said the Selectmen referred to a map and Mr. Ed. Rogers, surveyor said there is a recorded plan from 1971.  David said he thought it might have something to do with the conservation land given to the Town that was

Walpole Planning Board Minutes 5/12/09 page 3

originally part of the Merriam Farm holdings.  Mr. DeCoste asked if the road was Class VI in 1971, Ch. Miller thought it was.  Ch. Miller said once the status of the number of lots is cleared up then the planning board could make a recommendation to the Selectboard about the Class VI road resolution.  If the Selectboard ok’s the resolution Mr. Kuerfulainen must sign a waiver of liability and meet any other criteria set forth by the Selectboard.  Ch. Miller noted that the parcel is mostly in the rural agricultural zone with the back corner being in the timberland district. 

Sec. Aslinger checked the records in the planning board office files to locate an approved 1971 3 lot subdivision.  The meeting stopped while she looked.  Sec. Aslinger returned to the meeting without locating the files.  Ch. Miller asked Sec. Aslinger to do further research and report back to the board, the selectmen and Mr. Keurfulainen via letter.  Mr. Fletcher remarked that the prior owner Dr. Lawler wanted to build a house on the property.  Mr. Fletcher remembered that it was his first meeting and he voted against the board that had voted against Dr. Lawler’s request.  Mr. DeCoste reminded Mr. Keufulainen that no further subdivision is available beyond the three lots if they are a recorded subdivision.

IV.            Communications and Miscellaneous

            A.  Work Session report:  Ch. Miller asked Sec. Aslinger to send a formal letter to the Selectboard notifying them of Mr. Daviss and Mr. Bob Miller’s nominations to fill the positions as liaison with SWRPC for 2009.

            Ch. Miller announced that he and Mr. Daviss met with Lisa Murphy from SWRPC earlier in the day, they’ve asked her to prepare an estimate to finish the land use update and economic development plan with a target of completion this fall.  Mr. Daviss said he mentioned grant monies available as part of the stimulus package and whether she would contact the State planning commission to make an application for the funds.

            C.  Other:  Ch. Miller announced a meeting on May 27th in Westmoreland regarding the Connecticut River Water Protection efforts to be held in the Town Hall at 7:30pm.

            A. 3.  Website:  Mr. Daviss said the site is being overwhelmed by SPAM up to 250-300 per day, he asks that the Board write to Mr. Bernard, webmaster and offer to pay him for an hour of his time to update the site and put spam blockers in place so it can be used.  Ch. Miller asked Sec. Aslinger to write to Mr. Bernard on behalf of Mr. Daviss’s request.  At his point the website is not useable.

            B.  Sec. Aslinger distributed copies of the ERZ packets.

            A.  Work Session schedule for May – A work session will be held on May 26, 2009 at 7:00pm in the basement office.  Discussion will be on the ERZ and economic development plan.  Sec. Aslinger will not be present and asked if the meeting could be recorded for minutes.

V.            Meeting Adjourned 8:00pm next regular meeting June 9, 2009 7pm Town Hall

cc:  file, PB, ZBA, Town Offices, BOS

Posted:  on or before 5/18/09 Town Hall, Lobby, Burdick’s Mkt., thewalpolean.com