ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

Meeting of June 17, 2009

Present: Peggy Pschirrer- Acting Chair, Leo Carignan, David Calhoun, Mary Therese Lester, and Alternates – Bill Webb, Ernie Vose and Jan Galloway Leclerc.

Absent: Myra Mansouri

In the Audience: Dr. Steven Pena, David Dintino and Jeffrey Horne.

Acting Chair Peggy Pschirrer opened the meeting at 7:30 PM.

Acting Chair Peggy Pschirrer appointed Bill Webb, an alternate, to serve as regular member in the absence of Myra Mansouri.

MINUTES:

It was noted in the minutes of May 20, 2009, Ethan Plaisted had requested and was approved for a sign that would be lit from behind. The minutes should reflect the sign is lit from within. With this correction, Bill Webb moved to approve the minutes May 20, 2009, seconded by David Calhoun.

HEARING:

Jan Galloway Leclerc requested a Variance of Article IV, Section D-5 of the Walpole Zoning Ordinance. The meeting was properly notices and abutters were notified.

The Hearing was opened for public comments: There were no abutters present.

Mrs. Leclerc would like to place a 40”x32” sign less than the required 20 feet from the road, on her property at 698 County Road, Map 002-009-000, in the Rural-Agriculture District. The sign would be approximately 15’ from the road. Mrs. Leclerc stated there may also be two or three 40”x12” additions handing from the bottom of the proposed sign. The sign will be painted green with white letters. The main sign will say: FARHILLS FARM with the phone number. Additional smaller signs will say: Firewood and Hay for sale.

The placement of the sign and the five criteria for a variance were discussed. (see attached sheet for the criteria and Mrs. Leclerc’s answers.

The Public Hearing was closed and the Zoning Board discussed the request. It was determined, by the Board, the sign will be placed in the most advantage, and safest area on the property and is not a hindrance in any way. Mary Therese Lester stated there is a need for the service Mrs. Leclerc will be providing. Leo Carignan stated the location for the sign is the best place for it, and David Calhoun stated he does not believe the five feet will interfere at all. Bill Webb indicated Mrs. Leclerc has gone through all five criteria and he agrees with all five. Mary Therese Lester moved to approve the application as presented. Seconded by Leo Carignan, and it was so voted unanimously to grant Variance.

NEW BUSINESS:

Jeffrey Horne requested an Occupancy Permit to place a 4’ x 6’ hotdog cart on his property at 529 Main Street, Map 012-015-000, which is in the Commercial District. At this time Mr. Horne was informed the Town of Walpole does not require an Occupancy Permit.

Mr. Horne indicated the hotdog cart would be next to Pete’s Stand. It will be placed on a cement slab. The hours of operation will be from 10am to 6pm, such as is Pete’s Stand. The cart will be taken to Keene every evening and brought back in the am. He will be selling Hotdogs, soda and chips.

The Board discussed parking issues. On some days the traffic congestion is a problem when Pete’s Stand is open, and the Board questions extra traffic in the area. Mr. Horne indicated there is an area in the back with growing vegetation he plans to clear, and put in some hard pack for extra parking. He is not sure at this time if he will place picnic tables in the area or not. Acting Chair Pschirrer informed Mr. Horne this type of business is permitted in that area as it meets Zoning requirements. David Calhoun moved to approve the business pending State Approval for operation of the cart, and a Health Certificate from the State. A copy of both the temporary and permanent certificates will be given to the Zoning Board for their records. Leo Carignan seconded the motion. All in favor.

Dr. Steven Pena: Dr. Pena would like to place a 32” square portable, and collapsible, sign on this property two or three times a week. Property is located at 286 Watkins Hill Road, Map 005-049-002. The sign would make note of a church gathering at the Pena’s. A picture showing the sign was given to the Board. Acting Chair Pschirrer questioned the sign being close to the road. After discussion regarding the placement of the sign, the board determined it was temporary, would only be up from 9am to noon two or three times a month, and there were other signs in town being placed such as Dr. Pena is requesting. The Board asked Dr. Pena to place the sign so it does not impede traffic. Dr. Pena agreed he would do this. No further discussion.

BY LAWS: Election of Officers – Local Government and the Select Board agree Election of Officers should take place right after Town Meeting. Leo Carignan moved to change the Zoning By-Laws to reflect Zoning Election of Officers will be done at the next Zoning Meeting after Town Meeting. Seconded by Bill Webb. All in favor, so voted. Peggy Pschirrer will make the changes and send every one a clean copy.

INDUSTRIAL AREAS: There was discussion that the Industrial District on the Zoning Ordinance does not provide for special exceptions. Discuss followed regarding added special exceptions in this area. Jan Galloway-Leclerc indicated the Zoning Board proposed something like this earlier and the Planning Board objected to the recommendation.

Peggy Pschirrer will review the Master Plan and make a proposal at the next Zoning meeting.

Merriam Farm Class Six section of the road was discussed. It is the understanding of the Board Merriam Farm Inc. would like to place three houses in that area.

TOWN HALL RENOVATION: Ernie Vose would like the Zoning Board to recommend to the Select Board an acoustic ceiling be installed in the mail hall. Long term an acoustic ceiling makes sense. When meetings are held in the hall, everyone has a hard time hearing. Bill Webb recommends any changes conform with the style of the building as it is now. A formal letter indicating Zoning Board recommendations will be sent to the Select Board. Mrs. Pschirrer will discuss this with Chair Mansouri before the letter is written.

David Calhoun moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 PM. Seconded by Ernie Vose. All in Favor. Acting Chair Pschirrer closed the meeting at 8:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Moore

Walpole Zoning Secretary

These are unapproved minutes. Any Corrections or additions will be made at the July 15, 2009 meeting.