Fire Breaks Out At Hot MIx Asphalt Plant

To watch the videos use your mouse to click on the arrow.
 
These videos speak for themselves. Is Winchester's or Swanzey's Fire Departments trained and equipped to handle a situation like this or the one below? We don't think so. How long will it take for Haz-Mat responders to come from Keene or Concord and what about all of the toxic fumes being released? What harm will they do to people caught out in the open or driving by on the highway?

Asphalt Loading Releases Toxic Fugitive Fumes and STINKS

Here we have conclusive evidence that during the loading of trucks, fugitive fumes, unmonitored by DES or any other entity release clouds of toxic fumes each time they open the grates to fill a truck.
These toxic fumes contain carcinogens that cause cancer and the prevailing winds will send them drifting right over the top of homes in the Westport Village area every single time a truck fills up!

MISSING NEUTERED MALE CAT - "ROMEO" IS LOST

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VERY LOVED AND MISSED DEARLY

HAVE YOU SEEN HIM?

ANY HELP DEEPLY APPRECIATED

CONTACT THE WINCHESTERINFORMER@GMAIL.COM

CASH REWARD OFFERED

Why the big rush for Mitchell?

Why are our Zoning and Planning Boards scheduling extra meetings per month in order to push the application for a proposed hot mix asphalt plant through as fast as they can? How can they honestly say that they are not prejudiced and have already made up their minds when complying with Mitchell in this hurry up process? What's so special about someone from out of state getting his way? This plant poses a great threat to the so Protected Aquifer Zone, where the Town gets it's drinking water and many in the area have wells along the river.

Just this month alone, 5 meetings have been scheduled for hearings;

The Winchester ZBA meets 1st Thursday of the month;

Zoning Board of Adjustment Notice of Hearings 11/4/10


The ZBA will review an application for a special exception to article XXII, section J, subparagraph 1 of the Winchester Zoning Ordinance and if the application is accepted as complete the board will move into a hearing on the matter.
The applications have been submitted by SVE Associates for Mitchell Sand & Gravel. The requests are to construct and operate a Hot Mix plant. The location is on Keene & Payne Roads, map15, lot 51.  

If decisions are not reached, the hearings will continue at the next meetings without further notice. The applications are available for review in the Land Use Office during regular business hours.

Zoning Board of Adjustment Notice of Meeting 11-08-10

1. The board will continue the hearing on Mitchell Sand & Gravel, LLC application for a Special Exception.
2. Any other business.

The ZBA granted them their special exception to construct and operate the plant in the Agricultural Zone for no good reason. 


The Winchester Planning Board meets the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month;


Planning Board Notice of Public Hearing 11-01-10

The board will review a request submitted by Robert VanDyke of Rindge. The request is for an extension from the Winchester Subdivision Regulation Section 4,D,9, which requires that a subdivision plan be recorded 90 days after approval, and Section 4,D,8, which requires that active and substantial development commence within one year as authorized by RSA 674:39. The property/project is located on Keene Road, map 15, lot 53.
If a decision is not reach on this matter, the hearing will stay on the agenda until it is approved or disapproved without further notice. This request is on file at in the Land Use Office at the Town Hall for review during regular business hours.

This business was re-scheduled shortly before the meeting without prior notice to Dec. 6th, 2010
Margaret  Sharra didn't even have the decency to call the abutters to notify them of her decision to postpone the meeting before leaving work for the afternoon.

The Winchester Planning Board will be meeting on 11-15-10 at 6:30pm on the Main Floor of the Town Hall, 1 Richmond Road for the following:

1. The board will review an application for subdivision submitted for Anthony Maggio and if accepted move into a hearing on the matter.

2. At 7pm the board will review an application for site plan review submitted for Mitchell Sand & Gravel, LLC and if accepted move into a public hearing on the matter.

3. The board will review the minutes of 11-01-10 for approval.

4. The board will continue the public hearing on the site plan review regulations.

5. Any other business.


Planning Board Notice of Meeting 11-29-10


The Winchester Planning Board will be meeting on 11-29-10 at 7pm on the Main Floor of the Town Hall, 1 Richmond Road for the following:

1. The board will continue the public hearing on the site plan application for an asphalt plant. Mitchell Sand & Gravel, LLC is the owner.

2. The board will review the minutes of 11-15-10 for approval.

3. Any other business.
  
Those of you concerned about your drinking water, excessive traffic ( 96 trucks a day spewing C02 ) noise, harmful and carcinogenic fumes wafting over your neighborhoods and polluting your properties, might just want to come voice your opinions to the PB Monday night as they continue to ignore the pleas and concerns of the public.
       

A New Beginning Is Needed:

Wake Up Winchester!

We are losing good honest hardworking people, who care about our community,because of a small group 

of egotistical people who care only about power, lining their pockets and exploiting everything they can from our town. This hurts us all and prevents others who care from even trying to seek change. 

I am saddened by the loss of Bob Gray and Ellen Cole, two very nice professional people who have worked for the town of Winchester and did not get caught up in the dirty underhanded tactics that have tarnished our image, divided the town, ruined our main street and left downtown a desolate ghetto of junk stores and decaying buildings, Not to mention the financial state of the VFW, which has always been a high volume money making club; Not anymore!

All of this can change if everyone who cares,  pulls together and votes to change the course of our town and the VFW. I was told by a member of the club that only a hand full of people come to vote on officers and policy; you can make a difference by attending your club and voting for what you want, you are entitled and you can make it happen, even if you have been barred, you have a right to vote and if you put new blood in, then you can appeal your status, change by-laws and restore it back to the good old days, when everyone was treated as an equal.

Winchester has many nice people, but it is the clan of uneducated, backwoods, in-bread parasites; their sense of entitlement and supremacy, that has turned us into the laughing stock of New Hampshire. Just last week I was at a comedy show at the Colonial Theater in Keene, and sure enough Winchester became the focus of jokes from the comedian onstage...

Small town, small minds and smaller people... You see I have been the target of many of these same people since I first opened DeMille"s Cafe,  against their wishes and then again when I opened 136 Main. They tried to close me down, used every underhanded trick in the book and when that did not work they took to bullying tactics, but bullies don't like anyone who hits back and I hit fast and hard... So then they moved to spreading lies and vicious rumors, for years now I have heard that I am a drug dealer, Mafia, that I obtained an illegal liquor license, my bar was closed down by the liquor commission, you name it, I heard it. All lies, all vicious and all very low...

Let me set the record straight! I have never sold drugs, I am not the Mafia and I did not obtain an illegal liquor license. As a matter of fact, neither DeMille's nor 136 Main, ever even had a violation, other then a warning for having too many people, being over capacity. Hence, the small minds; when you have to blackball a person who is trying to support his family, that is just cowardice.

I have put up with this for many years now. When I opened 136 Main, my neighbor "Jackson" stormed into the cafe and was confronting Harry Bickford, telling him "I know who you are and that you sell drugs and my eye is on you" yeah, she knew what she was talking about, Harry was quick to tell her that he was not me and to rest assured that he knew me for many years and that I never sold drugs.

Then, when I moved into my house on Richmond road and was looking for a water source, I asked my other neighbor "Mrs. Lawrence" if she knew where it was, and she told me I know you and would not tell you anything, she asked why? and I told her that I was moving into the house, she said "no you are not" and I said, yes. I was floored and left shaking my head at such arrogance.

A month later a friend of mine stopped by and told me that he saw her in my driveway taking pictures, at which time I called the police and told him that she was trespassing and if it happened again I would press charges.

Yes, it is Green Acres, Hooterville; or more to be more direct "Bigot-Ville!"

My daughter was almost killed in a car accident six months ago, she broke every bone in her face, smashed her foot and was in the trauma center at Umass in Worcester for almost a month... Not one of my neighbors had the courtesy to ask how she was doing. These are the same people who have the audacity to walk into church and pretend that they are people of faith...

So what may you ask am I going to do about it? Well twenty years ago I would have handled it totally different, but I have grown older and wiser...

I am going to run for office again this year and I am in the process of writing a book, I have been taking notes for some time now, maybe I will put it into a blog too.

Yes, there are too many evil, selfish, careless people who have hurt me, my family and our town; But there are also many more good, hard working righteous, everyday people who want to see change, by pulling together, we can make it happen....

I have owned four other restaurants and pubs in resort beach areas and have never had problems with the towns, or the residents, I was treated with dignity and respect. I should not even let it bother me, or waste my time defending myself, but it was a slap in the face to me and my family, and they need to know that you don't let anyone get away with the bull-shit that was pulled in this town.

A friend of mine told me that he truly believes that the reason there are so many incompetent people running things in town, is because everyone knows what the other has done illegally, and therefor is afraid to seek the others removal, it all makes sense.

I will end with this quote that more people should take to heart, as it is true for everyone...

Essence of compassion:
Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving,
and tolerant with the weak and wrong... because sometimes in our lives we will have been all
of these.

Happy Holidays!

 

Larry Holmes

Happy Thanksgiving

Planning Board Minutes for November 1st

Meeting opened: 7:04pm.

Members present: Brian Moser, Jack Marsh, Kim Gordon, Gus Ruth(SR), Margaret Sharra(Chair), and Larry Hill. John Pasquarelli and Art Charland, alternates are present. Princess Blodgett is absent.
Public: Butch Morin and Rebecca Beaman.

The board is meeting downstairs because of elections and the tape recorder is not available. K. Gordon and B. Moser are personally recording the meeting. L. Hill asks B. Moser for a copy of the tape for the board. B. Moser agreed.

Prior to the first order of business, B. Moser makes a motion and submits it in writing, “I move to reprimand the chair for the derogatory and disrespectful statement she made in reference to other board members at the last meeting. To wit, I have absolutely not one iota of faith in this board that they will think before making any type of decision at the next meeting”. K. Gordon seconds the motion. J. Marsh was not at the meeting so he recuses himself from the motion and suggests J. Pasquarelli sit in because he was an acting member at the last meeting. J. Pasquarelli sits as a member. The board discusses the motion. M. Sharra replies that she did make that statement but the discussion with that statement, is much different from the small piece quoted. M. Sharra explains to J. Marsh the discussion that went on at the last meeting in relation to going into a non public meeting. L. Hill voices his disappointment with the constant negative, obstructive behavior of some members of the board. B. Moser comments that he does not like seating arrangements. M. Sharra responded by giving an example of J. Marsh and Ken Berthiaume, in the past, having side bar conversations and the disruption it caused. The board should focus on the subject matter and avoid sidebar conversations. B. Moser thinks more information like detailed discussions should be in the minutes. M. Sharra reminds him of information she has supplied to the board on minute requirements. (Refer to LGC literature). Butch Moran, a PB? member in Richmond concurs with M. Sharra. After continued debate the motion is called, 4 no and 2 yes. Motion failed.

First order of business: John Pasquarelli will sit out as a member and Art Charland will sit in as a member. M. Sharra reads a letter, dated 10-29-10, from Attorney John Ratigan, representing Robert VanDyke (RVD), asking to postpone the hearing scheduled for tonight to 12-06-10 because of a NHDES Administrative Order, dated 10-25-10, RVD received. M. Sharra then reads a letter from NHDES to RVD citing erosion violations on his Keene Road property. It is noted DES contacted RVD in April citing him for the same violations. It appears these violations were not addressed and now RVD has 5-7 days for corrective action. It is noted both DES violation letters are not copied to the Planning Board. B. Moser requests copies of the DES letters. The Conservation Commission is informed of DES violations and G. Ruth supplies the PB with copies. When the CC gets the report from DES on whether RVD complies or not, the board PB would like a copy. G. Ruth will provide it. The violation cites an issue with the retention basin. The board believes that the basin was not put in the correct area as submitted in the plans. It may have been a temporary basin but RVD still needed approval from DES. B. Moser moves to continue the hearing until 12-06-10, with Mr. Mitchell (if necessary) to be heard first. K. Gordon seconds, all in favor.
Second order of business: Becky Beaman is present for a consult on a 155E permit. Ms. Beaman explains to the board about the agreement her father had with the Selectmen a few years ago to remove material from the Town pit (behind the cemetery). She has continued the agreement but now is informed she needs an excavation permit. B. Moser asks that if the town is going to sell the property wouldn’t the town need this material to bring up the level of the pit? Ms. Beaman explains based on recent test pit results, it appears only a certain area would require fill. She continues by explaining the agreement she has with the town. When Ms. Beaman met with M. Sharra recently, it occurred to both of them that due to the minimal material to be removed, many waivers of requirements may be applied for. M. Sharra suggested for her to come before the PB to discuss the possibility of some of the minimum requirements be waived. The disturbed area appears to be less than a half acre and the Selectmen do not want the area reclaimed.

M. Sharra reads down the list of requirements for a complete application and notes what the board may consider waiving. I.e. an engineered plan could be a hand drawn plan. The board is in agreement that some of the requirements are too stringent for the minimal disturbance she is proposing. Ms. Beaman will need to get a letter of representation from the Selectmen to apply for the permit.

J. Marsh moves for the board to agree not to hold the applicant to the express minimal standards of the earth excavation regulations due to the proposed minimal disturbance of the land, subject to all waivers be submitted in writing. L. Hill seconds, 6 yes, K. Gordon abstained.

Third order of business: Other business. M. Sharra & K. Gordon confirms SUR has reclaimed the bank on their property on Payne Road. It is noted, the board is not pleased with the pile of small pieces of piping out back of the building.

M. Sharra, Gus Ruth and L. Hill update the board on recent complaints about the noise and blasting coming from Mitchell’s gravel pit on Keene Road. These three members went to the pit this morning and met with Mr. Snedecker and Mr. Parsons to assess the situation. The complaints were discussed at that time. Mr. Snedecker states there was only one blast last Thursday afternoon, and there is not excessive noise coming from the pit. Blasting is finished for the year and the present crushing process was explained. It is noted large stone is being processed and the crusher is located close to the rock wall which may temporarily increase the noise. Workers are also temporarily using a Jackhammer. Mr. Snedecker agrees to submit a history of blasting and agrees to inform the town of future blasting. Mr. Snedecker spoke of a recent visit to the Westport Village area to determine for himself if there is an increase of noise. In his opinion the disturbance was minimal. After discussion of the matter, the board at this time, acknowledges blasting and crushing are permitted regular activities in the gravel pit. The board agrees the towns of Swanzey and Winchester should be notified of future blasting. The board also agrees the complaint of damage from the blasting is a civil matter. When the blasting logs are available the board will review them.

The board review the minutes of 10-18-10 for approval. K. Gordon moves to approve with two spelling corrections and add the names of members who did not go into the non meeting. B. Moser seconds, all in favor.
Board members would like to have the sound system looked at. J. Marsh moves to continue the hearing on site plan review regulations until the next meeting, B. Moser seconds, all in favor. J. Marsh moves to adjourn, L. Hill seconds, all in favor. 8:57pm.
________________________________

What is going on?

Weigh in on SAU 38 Withdrawal

http://www.sentinelsource.com/articles/2010/11/15/news/local/free/id_418401.txt

In the article above the Keene Sentinel reports that there is talk of Winchester joining the New Hampshire Administrative Unit 29.  This would allow Winchester to be included in discussion with Keene High School, where our high school students are attending.  At present, our School Board does not have a lot of say in the discussions. 

“...Until recently, both Winchester and Surry were part of Unit 38, with the Hinsdale and Monadnock Regional districts. Surry withdrew as part of a court settlement earlier this year; last month Hinsdale and Monadnock voters approved withdrawing, and Winchester residents will vote on leaving in December…”

According the Winchester School website, there is a School Board meeting this coming Thursday night at 7:00 PM to discuss further possibilities. On TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7th, the Town has the opportunity to vote on the WITHDRAWAL from SAU 38. Voting will be held at Town Hall from 8:00 AM until 7:00 PM.

More of Where Your Tax Dollars Go

Town of Winchester 1 Richmond Road Winchester, NH 03470 MINUTES of the BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING WORK SESSION Wednesday November 3, 2010 Board Members Present: Sherman Tedford, Chairman; Roberta Fraser; Theresa Sepe; Gustave Ruth; and Kenneth Gardner. Also present; Gary Phillips, Police Chief; Leroy Austin, Building Inspector; Margaret Sharra, Land Use Assistant; Joan Morel the Town Administrator; and Shelly A. Walker, Executive Assistant. The meeting convenes at 9:30 AM.   1st Order of Business: Any Other Business Previously, Brattleboro Painting and Carpentry had submitted drawings of woodwork that needs replacing, and a request for $900 to do the additional work.  The Board had tabled this matter, and planned to view the library’s woodwork. The Board visited the Thayer Library to see the site in question. The Board met back at the Town Hall at 9:50.  Selectman Gardner makes a motion to approve the previously requested $900 to finish work on the Thayer Library.  Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-1. 2nd Order of Business: Budgets LANDFILL PROPOSED BUDGET – Selectman Fraser makes a motion to revisit the Landfill Budget.   Selectman Sepe seconds the motion.  Selectman Fraser makes a motion to change the Landfill Labor line to $27,538 and to reduce the Landfill budget to $303,919. Selectman Sepe seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0. 3rd Order of Business: Any Other Business – The Chairman announced that the Wetlands Permit for the Wheelock Brook Bridge has been received, and now the Town may move forward with this project. An Appointment paper for the Water/Wastewater Administrative Assistant has been submitted for signatures. All Board members signed the appointment paper. The updated Emergency Operations Manual has been submitted for approval and signatures.  All Board members signed the approval for the updated manual. The LGC Health Insurance renewal has been submitted.  Chairman Tedford makes a motion to authorize Joan Morel to sign this renewal.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.  The Board takes a 10-minute recess. 4th Order of Business: Budgets LAND USE PROPOSED BUDGET  - Margaret Sharra and Leroy Austin came before the Board to discuss their budgets.  After some discussion, Chairman Tedford makes a motion to reduce the mileage line to $1.  Selectman Sepe seconds the motion for discussion.  Motion fails 3-2. Selectman Sepe makes a motion to change the mileage line to $1,850.  Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-1.  Selectman Sepe makes a motion to change the salary lines to $30,132 for the Land Use Officer and $27,520 for the Land Use Assistant.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.  Chairman Tedford makes a motion to change the training line to $1500 and for it to be changed to training/certification.  Selectman Sepe seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.  Chairman Tedford makes a motion to approve $69,352 for the Land Use budget. Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0. POLICE PROPOSED BUDGET – Gary Phillips came before the Board to discuss his budget. After some discussion, Chairman Tedford makes a motion to change the Officer #5, Officer #6 and Officer #7 salary lines to $36,545.  No member of the Board would second the motion. Chairman Tedford makes a motion to reduce the Gasoline and Oil line to $10,500.  Selectman Sepe seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-1.  Selectman Fraser makes a motion to have Finance put current figures in the Officer salary lines. Selectman Sepe seconds the motion.  Selectman Fraser leaves the meeting. Chairman Tedford makes a motion to keep the Police Chief; Officer #2, Officer #3 and Officer #4 salary lines the same as their current wages.  Chairman Tedford withdraws his motion. Chairman Tedford makes a motion to increase the salary lines for Officers #5, #6, and #7 to $36,542.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 3-1. Chairman Tedford makes a motion to increase the Police Chief salary line to $53,388.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 3-1.  Chairman Tedford makes a motion to increase the Officer #2 salary line to $47,704.  Selectman Gardener seconds the motion.  Motion carries 3-1.  Chairman Tedford makes a motion to increase the salary lines for Officer #3 and Officer #4 to 41,048.  Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 3-1.   Chairman Tedford makes a motion to increase the salary line for the Desk Officer to $25,819.    Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 3-1.   Chairman Tedford makes a motion to add a new line to the budget for a fulltime Youth Aid Officer (Grant Officer), with $1 in that line. Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0.  Selectman Ruth makes a motion to increase the Part Time Officers salary line to $11,500.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion for discussion. Motion fails 2-2.  Selectman Gardner makes a motion to reduce the Part Time Officers salary line to $10,000.  Chairman Tedford seconds the motion.  Motion carries 3-1.  Chairman Tedford makes a motion to approve $12,378 for the Dog Officer line.  Selectman Ruth seconds the motion. Motion carries 3-1.  Chairman Tedford makes a motion to reduce the Special Investigations line to $1000. No Board member would second the motion. Chairman Tedford makes a motion to reduce the Uniforms line to $4000.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 3-1.  After some discussion, Selectman Ruth makes a motion to reduce the Regional Prosecutor line to $41,465. Selectman Gardner seconds the motion for discussion.  Motion fails 3-1. The Board takes a 10-minute recess.  After a brief discussion, Selectman Gardner makes a motion to reduce the Regional Prosecutor line to $41,000.  Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 3-1.  Selectman Ruth makes a motion to approve $446,066 for the Police Department Budget after reducing the Overtime line to $9,500.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion. Motion carries 3-1.  Selectman Ruth makes a motion to amend the Police Department budget to $445,366.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 3-1. 5th Order of Business:   Selectman Ruth makes a motion to adjourn.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion and it passes 4-0.  The meeting adjourns at 1:24 PM.  MINUTES of the BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING Wednesday November 3, 2010   4th Order of Business: Other Business An Ambulance Purchase Requisition has been submitted in the amount of $14,613.70 to purchase a Power Pro Ambulance cot with a battery powered lift. Ken Smith came before the Board to explain the benefits of this purchase. This cot would help assist with obese and geriatric patients. The cot would be purchased direct from the manufacturer to save money, and being the only company that makes these there are no other quotes for this item. After a brief discussion, Selectman Fraser makes a motion to approve the purchase of the Power Pro cot from the manufacturer in the amount of $14,613.07.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0. 5th Order of Business: Budgets         LAND USE PROPOSED BUDGET Chairman Tedford makes a motion to revisit the Land Use budget.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0.  Chairman Tedford would like to increase the Land Use budget to $70,302. Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0. PERSONNEL ADMINSTRATION PROPOSED BUDGET After a brief discussion, Selectman Fraser makes a motion to approve $435,524 for the Personnel Administration budget.  Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 3-1. 6th Order of Business: Other Business Previously the Highway Department had received bids for Winter Sand.  The Highway Superintendent made his recommendation for awarding the contract, but would like to take delivery later in the season. Chairman Tedford makes a motion to delay awarding the contract for 1 more week.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0. Mark Tigan of the WEDC has made a request to meet with the Board during a work session to discuss their three current priorities.   A letter was received from an anonymous source regarding code violations and residents living year round in campers not located at approved campgrounds.  Selectman Fraser makes a motion to order Leroy Austin to look into this matter forthwith.  Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0. The Board discussed November the BOS meetings scheduled for this month.  There are 2 holidays this month preceding two BOS meetings.  Selectman Fraser makes a motion to hold their regular meetings only on November 10th and November 24th at 10 AM.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0. 6th Order of Business: Office Documents Internal transfers for September and October for supplies and postage in the amounts of  $183.65 and $211.27 have been submitted. Selectman Fraser makes a motion to approve these transfers.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0. A Police Special Funds Manifest for October in the amount of $863.28 has been submitted.  Selectman Fraser makes a motion to authorize this manifest.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0. Avitar has submitted a request for the return of their Contract Performance Bond in the amount of $95,105.  Selectman Fraser makes a motion to approve the request.  Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0. An Ambulance Special Funds Manifest was submitted in the amount of $659.57. Selectman Fraser makes a motion to authorize the manifest.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0. The MS-5 has been submitted for signatures.  Selectman Fraser makes a motion to sign the audit.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0.

Bicycling Riding Police Officer

MINUTES of the

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

Wednesday - November 3, 2010

Board Members Present: Sherman Tedford, Chairman; Roberta Fraser; Gustave Ruth; and Kenneth Gardner. Also present, Executive Assistant Shelly A. Walker. Joan Morel and Theresa Sepe are absent. The meeting convenes at 7:00 PM.

2nd Order of Business: Public Hearing

Selectman Ruth makes a motion to enter into the Public Hearing. Selectman Gardner seconds the motion. Motion carries 4-0. In January of this year the Police Department applied for the COPS Hiring Program Grant. The Town of Winchester received an award letter in October. Police Chief Gary Phillips came before the Board to clarify what this grant was, and how it will be helpful to our community. This Grant will fund a Youth Aid Officer’s wages and benefits for 3 years with the stipulation that the Town will fund this position for the fourth year. Gary Phillips stated that this new position would be a great benefit to the community in curbing and lowering Winchester’s juvenile crime rate. The Chairman opened the floor for questions and comments from the public. Mr. Whippie came before the Board to ask if the person being chosen for this position would be bound to stay for 4 years in this job. The Police Chief responded, ”No, but if that should happen the Police Department would train someone to fill this position.” Jim Lewis the Principal at the Winchester School came before the Board. Mr. Lewis expressed to the Board the positive effects this new Officer could have on student behavior in school and out of school. Selectman Gardner makes a motion to close the Public Hearing. Selectman Ruth seconds the motion. Motion carries 4-0. Selectman Ruth makes a motion to accept and expend this grant, and authorize the Chairman to sign the grant. Selectman Fraser seconds the motion. Motion carries 4-0.

_________________

The minutes fail to mention that the officer that will be filling this position has to attend the Academy to be trained, so she will not be working in our town until next year. The Selectman did not request that the officer sign a contract to fulfill the four years with our police department.

Board of Selectman Appointees

What qualifications does the Selectman use to appoint Conservation members?

Conservationists: are defined by what they conserve. Conservationists advocate for the protection of all the species in an ecosystem with a strong focus on the natural environment. Conservation is a part of the wider environmental movement. With this in mind, how does our Conservation Commission benefit our town? In Massachusetts, it is a requirement to attend training and be certified as a member. The towns in MA rely on this committee as a safe guard or first line of defense for future projects. Potential projects have to go before the ConCom before they go to the Planning Board for final approval. Which begs the question, what are the qualifications of our members? What kind of training do they attend?

Another excellent question is about our Zoning Board of Adjustment members. The ZBA is our citizen’s first line of defense before going to Superior Court with any zoning issues. They sit in judgment of our citizen’s and potential developers. What are their qualifications as judge and what kind of training do they attend? How does the Board of Selectman make their selection on appointing these members?

Perhaps we should be considering a warrant article to make these boards elected positions and not appointed. What are your thoughts and suggestions?

To Be or Not To Be - that is the question

Please note that there are no typos in the quotes you are about to read. It’s the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
So please help us God!

A quote from Revitalization/Economic Development Commission board member at last night’s Zoning Board of Adjustment’s public hearing on the Special Exception for the proposed Asphalt Plant-

John Hann said, “We would like to hear from some more people....John, did you want to say something?”

“My name is John Pasquarelli
 and I am just a stupid convenience store owner. All of your information is very good information that you mentioned. I breathe in more crap in my store every single day from what this lady is telling me, from the highway Route 10 and up here.

So, can you shut down the road for me, man? So, that I can breath in….some non clean air?”

Thank you John.

A quote from the Chairman of the Conservation Commission, Board of Selectman, Revitalization/Economic Development Commission Board member & Planning Board member interrupting the testimony from Westport Village residence Mary Ryan -

Gus Ruth, “All of this information is very nice to present for the Planning Board. Now, if you are…first of all and again I am going to tell you that I don’t want to hear it. See, what you gotta decide is what plant on which side or the other, not what’s it going to produce and what it’s going to put out. Flumes or anything else.”

We’ll let you decide which hat he was wearing last night. Perhaps you might agree that it was more like a dunce cap.

Other Conservation Commission board members, Irene Ruth & Paul Gamache came to recommend (yes, you read correctly) the Asphalt plant and that it was their opinion that the plant would be best situated in the Agricultural Zone verses the Highway Commercial Zone. Both of which are over the town’s Aquifer.

And you thought DANCING WITH THE STARS was more entertaining! 

Are you seeing RED yet?

Between the Conant Library, Town Insurance, Highway Dept, Sewer Dept & Water Dept the Board of Selectman increased the proposed budgets by $228,000!

MINUTES of the

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

WORK SESSION

Wednesday - October 27, 2010

Board Members Present: Sherman Tedford, Chairman; Roberta Fraser; Theresa Sepe; Gustave Ruth; and Kenneth Gardner. Also present; Christy Menard from the Conant Library, Dale Gray Highway Superintendent, Rick Meleski Water/Sewer Superintendent, Joan Morel the New Town Administrator; Bob Gray, Town Administrator; and Shelly A. Walker, Executive Assistant. The meeting convenes at 9:30 AM.

1st Order of Business: Budgets

CONANT LIBRARY PROPOSED BUDGET – The Board called on Christy Menard from the Conant Library to discuss the Library budget. After much discussion, Chairman Tedford makes a motion to approve $62,500 for the Conant Library Budget. Selectman Fraser seconds the motion. Motion carries 4-1. Selectman Sepe left the meeting. The Board takes a 5-minute break.

2nd Order of Business: Any Other Business

Previously an application for the Homeland Security Program and Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Oriented Activities Maintenance Funds Grant had been submitted. The Grant Award Notice was received and submitted for a signature. Selectman Gardner makes a motion for the Chairman to sign the Grant Award Notice. Selectman Fraser seconds the motion. Motion carries 4-0.

3rd Order of Business: Budgets

INSURANCE (TOWN INSURANCE) PROPOSED BUDGET - Chairman Tedford makes a motion to approve the proposed $60,998 budget. Selectman Gardner seconds the motion. Motion carries 5-0.

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT PROPOSED BUDGET – After a brief discussion, the Chairman makes a motion to approve $482,312 for the Highway budget. Selectman Sepe seconds the motion. After some discussion, the Chairman withdrew his motion. Selectman Gardner makes a motion to approve $501,872 for the Highway budget. Selectman Ruth seconds the motion. After a brief discussion, Selectman Gardner withdraws his motion. Selectman Gardner makes a motion to approve $511,452 for the Highway budget. Selectman Ruth seconds the motion. Motion carries 5-0. The Board takes a 5-minute break.

SEWER DEPARTMENT PROPOSED BUDGET- Chairman Tedford makes a motion to add $12,480 to the Sewer budget. After a brief discussion, the motion is withdrawn. Chairman Tedford makes a motion to approve $320,276 for the Sewer Department budget. Selectman Gardner seconds the motion. Motion carries 5-0.

WATER DEPARTMENT PROPOSED BUDGET – Chairman Tedford makes a motion to approve $205,000 for the Water Department budget. After a brief discussion, the Chairman withdrew his motion. Chairman Tedford makes a motion to approve a tentative budget of $218,655 for the Water Department budget. Selectman Fraser seconds the motion. Motion carries 5-0.

4th Order of Business: Any Other Business – A purchase requisition in the amount of $3,575.22 to purchase 2 Fire Hydrants  from EJ Prescott has been submitted by the Water department. Selectman Fraser makes a motion to approve the purchase requisition. Selectman Sepe seconds the motion. Motion carries 5-0.

5th Order of Business: Non-Public Session under RSA 91-A: 3II (a)

Selectman Fraser makes a motion to enter non-public session under (a). Selectman Gardner seconds the motion. A role call vote is taken and all members vote “yes”, and the Board convenes in non-public session at 12:13 PM after a 10-minute CIGARETTE break.

6th Order of Business: Reconvene Public Session
The Board reconvenes in public session at 12:23 PM. The non-public minutes under (a) have been sealed.

7th Order of Business:
Selectman Gardner makes a motion to adjourn. Selectman Ruth seconds the motion and it passes 5-0. The meeting adjourns at 12:24 PM.
Respectfully recorded,
Shelly A. Walker
Executive Assistant
________________________________________________

Four Departments down, how many more to go?  The Board of Selectman have managed to increase the budgets of three departments.  Here is the break down -
Proposed Budgets - $949,359.22
Approved Budgets - $1,177,456.22
Difference = $228,097.00

Van Dyke Receives Cease and Desist Order From DES

Answering complaints filed by neighbors and abutters on March 24th, 2010, the DES conducted an inspection of the property adjacent to Shamrock Realty on Route #10 to determine compliance with RSA 485-A:17 and with his Site Alteration Permit; they observed the following;

a. Stormwater run-off from the Property to a basin located on Route 10 ( off site ) had increased due to land clearing activities that appeared to have taken place without the implementation of the sediment and erosion control measures outlined in the permit
b. Sediment from an unstabilized and unauthorized detention basin with a 12 inch culvert, and no headwalls, migrated onto abutting properties by way of a culvert under and along the highway.
c. Open areas throughout the site had not been stabilized and erosion was evident. A  clear violation of RSA 485-A:17.

Despite numerous calls to the Code Enforcement Officer, Leroy Austin and his assistant, Margaret Sharra,  in regards to the flooding and sediment leaving the site and polluting neighboring properties nothing was done and the DES was called in.

DES issued a Letter of Deficiency to Robert Van Dyke, dated April 5th, 2010 and requested Van Dyke to remove any unauthorized structures and implement proper erosion controls by April 20th, 2010.
DES has no record of any response from him.

He has now been ordered to:  
a.  "cease and desist" any work on the property, to implement proper erosion  and sediment controls 
b.  " install erosion control matting on all unstabilized/unvegetaed ( or sparsely vegetated ) slopes;"
c.  " remove any unauthorized structures" 
d.  " place non-erodible granular backfill on all unpaved roads or travel surfaces"


He had 5 days to comply with this order dated October 25th, 2010 and has not done so; in fact, he enlarged the unauthorized retention pond and it still empties into the highway drainage which he was cited for. Today's rain is eroding more area as he has not placed any matting down as ordered and erosion and sediment are not only flowing to the storm drains on the highway; but into streams that crisscross the property.

The Planning Board was to have held a meeting to discuss an extension of time request by Mr.Van Dyke this past Monday night; however due to the letter and order by DES, they have postponed his request until December 6th. 2010. 


Questions for the board ... Why haven't you shut him down for non-compliance and stop referring to this as a DES matter?  What's the deal with his other site on route 119 which is in worse condition, what are you waiting on? 

Gus Ruth, the Selectman's representative on the board and our Conservation Commission chairman doesn't seem to care much either.


... and people wonder why the town gets sued.

Planning Board Minutes 10-18-10

Meeting opened: 7:02pm

Members present: Brian Moser, Larry Hill, Margaret Sharra(Chair), Princess Blodgett (V. Chair), Gus Ruth (SR), and Kim Gordon. Jack Marsh is absent. Art Charland & John Pasquarelli are alternates present.

Public: Erica Payne of SUR, Rob Hitchcock of SVE, and Julia Ferrari.

M. Sharra reminds everyone to speak into the microphones. The tape is not picking up the conversations.

First order of business: J. Pasquarelli will be an acting alternate tonight. The board continues the public hearing on the site plan application of SUR West, Inc. Rob Hitchcock reviews the application before the board. The board has received a letter of representation for both John Noonan and Rob Hitchcock of SVE to represent SUR.

B. Moser asks if Erica was aware Mr. Noonan committed to having the required reclamation done within one week of he last meeting?

Yes, she was aware but informs the board the weather did not cooperate last week and the work could not be finished, it is about ½ done. The agreed upon slope is 2:1.She explains the present status of the reclamation. She believed she had until 10-31-10 to complete reclamation. B. Moser makes it clear the reclamation has not been completed as agreed upon and he is not inclined to allow more time. The original agreement required the reclamation be completed by Oct.1, 2010. The board has been gracious in granting an extension of time but past history leads the members to question if the work will be completed. Erica Payne commits to completion by Monday 10-25-10. There is a reclamation letter of credit in the amount of $10,000.

All other issues of the application have been addressed. The board cannot approve the site plan application without the reclamation done.

M. Sharra informs the board of their options: continue the public hearing, close the hearing and issue a denial or a conditional approval. She also suggests if the board is considering an approval she would like the following conditions added: no additional buildings, tractor trailer beds, construction materials, and no storage of C& D materials unless prior approval by the board. K. Gordon adds no additional bulk fuel storage. She also suggests if the reclamation is not done within one week, the board can issue a denial of site plan review and inform the Code Enforcement Officer of the violations and request issuing a cease & desist.

B. Moser considers the suggestion and asks if SUR would agree that if they defaulted they would not appeal to superior court.

L. Hill reminds the board if the reclamation is not done by next week, the bond can be called.

Julia Ferrari asks where this property is and if it has anything to do with the asphalt plant property? No. There are no other questions from the public.

P. Blodgett moves to close the hearing, G. Ruth seconds, 6 yes, 1 no. 7:35pm.

P. Blodgett moves the reclamation is to be done within one week from today or the site plan is denied. No bulk storage of additional material, no new buildings erected without prior site plan approval, no additional tractor trailer boxes for storage, no storage of construction and demolition material and no additional bulk fuel storage will be allowed.

L. Hill seconds the motion, 6 yes, and 1 no. 7:40pm.

M. Sharra and anyone else would who would like to go, will go to the site on 10-25-10 about 3:30pm to confirm compliance of reclamation.

Julia Ferrari asks M. Sharra a question about the ZBA. Julia is referred to the minutes on the bulletin board.

Second order of business: The board reviews the minutes of 10-04-10 for approval.

P. Blodgett moves to approve with, two grammar corrections and add conversation about # of employees in the site visit section. B. Moser seconds, all in favor.

The board reviews the PB portion of the 10-07-10 minutes for approval. L. Hill absent needs to be added and add “e” in Keene. P. Blodgett moves to only approve the PB portion of the minutes with the changes, G. Ruth seconds, all in favor.

Third order of business: Other business. M. Sharra received the dates of public hearings for zoning amendments and gives them to the board. The board briefly discusses zoning amendments. Some suggestions are changes zoning boundaries to property lines instead of distance, where livestock is permitted and definition of livestock, home occupation usage not to exceed 25% of the residence, and zoning of the gravel pit.

P. Blodgett asks if the town tests for MtBE in the water supply. G. Ruth says yes and it has never been found.

M. Sharra asks the board if they would like to hire a consultant, at the applicant’s expense, for review of the hot mix plant application. B. Moser moves to hire an engineer in conjunction with the ZBA to review the applications for the proposed hot mix plant.

P. Blodgett seconds, all in favor.

G. Ruth moves to recess the public session and go into non public session per RSA 91:A3(e), B. Moser seconds. 8:25pm.

Discussion B. Moser does not agree the section (of the non public RSA) G. Ruth chose. The board discusses whether it should be (e) or (c) or non public at all. The vote is called and it failed, 1 yes, 6 no. G. Ruth moves to go into a non meeting for consultation with town counsel, P. Blodgett seconds, 5 yes, 2 no (B. Moser & K. Gordon). There will not be any discussion just relaying attorney client information. 8:40pm. B. Moser, K. Gordon and A. Charland did not participate in the non meeting.

The board resumed the public session at 8:45pm by continuing the hearing on site plan review regulations, moved by P. Blodgett, seconded by L. Hill, all in favor.

M. Sharra gives K. Gordon copies of the SWRPC comments on the site plan regulations. M. Sharra has not yet clarified existing sections vs. proposed for B. Moser. The board is reviewing the standards section, Landscaping, Buffers and Screening. There is a long discussion on amount of vegetation in buffer zones, width of buffer, caliber of newly planted trees and the amount of trees to be planted in a defined area. More information will be gathered. L. Hill recommends K8 to read as required by the PB and increase 200sqft to 400sqft.

B. Moser moves to continue the hearing on site plan regulations to the next meeting (11/1), L. Hill seconds, all in favor.

J. Pasquarelli moves to adjourn, B. Moser seconds, all in favor. 9:35pm.

Minutes respectfully submitted:

Margaret Sharra, Land Use

Minutes approved by the board on:

Minutes signed by:

Margaret Sharra, Chair

Please Help Stop Public Corruption in Cheshire County, NH

We've received the following request from former officer Dan Reppucci to publish the following letter from him. Mr. Reppucci has given us permission to share reports with anyone interested in viewing them and we will provide them to those who contact us via e-mail.

October 27, 2010

To Whom it may concern,

Last year I was terminated from the NH Winchester Police Department for allegedly not answering questions and cooperating in an internal investigation. I was the Detective Sergeant of the agency and had worked there for more than 10 years and had a personnel file to be proud of.

The State and Local Politicians and Officials of NH as well as the Media need to know that public corruption is a serious problem and how it happens.

I had MY Constitutional Rights violated when I was accused of not cooperating in an internal investigation.

I have spent more than a year gathering evidence in my defense, to be able to clear my name against false allegations made against me by my former employer. I now have physical proof and evidence the investigation was a Criminal Investigation, that I had a Constitutional right to speak with an attorney during that investigation and I have physical proof and evidence that the other allegations were also false allegations and I did not do the things I was accused of.

I have provided a copy of a letter dated May 17, 2010, in which Cheshire County Sheriff Foote specifically states:

“The investigation in question is a criminal investigation. It is not an internal investigation.”

He goes on to further state that NO internal investigations had been conducted in Winchester in 2009 by the CC Sheriff’s Dept , PERIOD.

Proving my Constitutional Rights were violated.  

Since that initial time when I was first terminated from my employment, I was receiving and then had been denied unemployment benefits, I lost a Cheshire County Superior Court ruling, filed on my behalf by my attorney J. Joseph McKittrick of McKittrick Law Offices, Northampton, NH, in which Judge Arnold ruled, based on false information provided, the Town was in it’s legal rights to terminate my employment, my case now with the Supreme Court after failing to get a reconsideration on that ruling.

I’ve lost every Administrative and Judicial proceeding because I have been accused of having not cooperated in an internal investigation.

It is this misrepresented and false information that the investigation itself was an internal investigation that has even given credence to any of the other false allegations and information they have lied about.

No physical proof has ever been provided to show I did any of things I was accused of doing.

I have recently filed formal written complaints to the Cheshire County Commissioners and the Town of Winchester Board of Selectmen asking for complete and thorough criminal and internal investigations on the “Participants” who have conspired together to hide this information from the public and from these “Official Proceedings”.

I have attached the complaints that were made to both the Commissioners and the BOS, all confidential information blacked out, copies of the actual Cheshire County Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Report, #09-63-OF, a copy of a letter from Cheshire County Sheriff Foote, stating he directed the Deputy to conduct a criminal investigation at the Winchester Police Department after a crime had been reported, and finally the Superior Court ruling.

My constitutional rights were violated by both these agencies when they failed to allow me to an attorney as I had made it very clear, I was being targeted for termination for being a whistleblower.

I would love the opportunity and would appreciate having a chance to speak to someone to tell my side of the story, backed up with evidence, so the public knows what goes on behind closed doors and the extent some will go to, to keep those doors shut while hiding the truth.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at 518-772-2652 or at my email.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Daniel Reppucci