BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING WORK SESSION 12/22

MINUTES of the

BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING

WORK SESSION

Wednesday

December 22, 2010

Board Members Present: Sherman Tedford, Chairman; Roberta Fraser; Theresa Sepe; Gustave Ruth; and Kenneth Gardner. Also present; Rick Meleski Water/Sewer Superintendent, Joan Morel Town Administrator; and Shelly A. Walker, Executive Assistant. The meeting convenes at 9:30 AM.  

1^st Order of Business: Other Business Open Meeting and Acceptance of Minutes

Minutes of the December 15, 2010 regular meeting:  Selectman Fraser makes a motion to accept the minutes.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion and it passes 4-0 with 1 abstention.  

2^nd Order of Business: Other Business

The Water/Wastewater Superintendent came before the Board to discuss the Boards proposal to revamp the Water and Sewer Departments. The Board is in agreement that having both departments under one Superintendent would save a substantial amount of money for the Town. The Chairman passed out a sample of the proposed budget changes to all Board members. The Water Department budget full time labor line would be changed to part time labor changing that line from $10,747 to $7,000. The FICA line would change from $5,513 to $5,000.  The Medicare line would change from $1,289 to $1,200. The Retirement line would change from $8,569 to $7,377.  The Health Insurance line would change from $33,620 to $15,961. The Flex Plan line would change from $458 to $373. The Dental Plan line would change from $2,666 to $1,477.  The Workers Compensation line would change from $2,521 to $2,455.  The Unemployment line would change from $394 to $295. The Total budget would change from $225,600 to $200,938. The Sewer Budget Retirement line will change from $8,496 to $7,304. The Health Insurance line will change from $33,620 to $22,253.  The Flex Plan line will change from $458 to $275.  The Dental Plan line will change from $2,666 to $1,612. The Maintenance and Repairs line will change from $45,000 to $40,000.  The Water line will change from $15,000 to $12,000. The total Sewer budget will change from $313,380 to $308,184. Selectman Fraser and Sepe both feel that the lines for Maintenance and Water should stay as they are until the plant is completed, up and running. Selectman Sepe makes a motion to change the Total Sewer budget to $308,184.  Selectman Fraser seconds the motion.  Selectman Sepe withdraws the motion after a brief discussion.  Selectman Sepe makes a motion to combine both Water and Wastewater departments under one Superintendent as of January 1, 2011.  Selectman Fraser seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0. Selectman Sepe makes a motion to change the Total Sewer budget to $308,184 including the removal of the full time position and the added part time position as proposed.  Selectman Fraser seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-1.  Chairman Tedford makes a motion to change the total Water budget from $225,600 to $200,938. Selectman Sepe seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-1.

Chairman Tedford would like to move the Water/Wastewater secretary to the same office as the Tax Collector and Town Clerk for safety and heating reasons.  Selectman Sepe makes a motion to move the Water/Wastewater secretary to the same office as the Tax Collector and Town Clerk.  Chairman Tedford seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

The Board takes a 5-minute break.

Tata & Howard has sent an update of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade revisions and changes. The Board is very concerned because the Board has not authorized these revisions and changes. Rick Meleski discussed the changes with the Board. The Chairman Tedford makes a motion not to sign the Change Order and to have Tata & Howard meet with the Board at 7:00 PM during their December 29, 2010 regular meeting.  Selectman Fraser seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

An amended Warrant for the Abatement of Property Taxes for the Year 2010 in the total amount of $5,748 has been submitted for signatures. This amount includes the $3,838 of rebates previously approved at the Boards’ last meeting plus 6% interest. Selectman Fraser makes a motion to approve the warrant. Selectman Gardner seconds the motion. Motion carries 4-0 with 1 abstention.

The Board was informed that due to the Public Works Coordinator’s retirement and work schedule changes, there are changes to be made to a few more budgets.  The Board would like to address these changes at their next regular meeting on December 29, 2010.

An Abatement of Property Taxes for Map 27 Lot 3-36 in the amount of $219 has been submitted.  Chairman Tedford makes a motion to approve this abatement.  Selectman Sepe seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0 with 1 abstention.

The new “Record Information Request” Policy has been submitted for signatures. This policy was previously approved.  Selectman Gardner makes a motion to sign the policy.  Selectman Sepe seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

Six “Request for Access to a Governmental Record” forms related to the Record Information Request Policy have been submitted for the Boards approval.  Selectman Fraser makes a motion to approve the forms.  Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

3^rd Order of Business: Warrant Articles

The following Warrant Articles were considered:

        To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $28,450 to be placed in the Capital Reserve Fund established under Article 16 at the 2006 Town Meeting for the purpose of performing the assessing update or revaluation of the real estate in the Town of Winchester scheduled for 2014-2015. Selectman Gardner makes a motion to place this article on the warrant.  Selectman Fraser seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

        To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $10,000 for the Town’s share of the State road grant reconstruction costs for bridges and place it in the non-lapsing Capital Reserve Fund established at the March 2006. Chairman Tedford makes a motion to place this article on the warrant.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

        To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $6,000 to support the annual Pickle Festival.  Selectman Fraser makes a motion to place this article on the warrant.  Selectman Sepe seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-1.

        To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate an amount not to exceed $18,000 to be deposited in the Evergreen Expendable General Care Trust Fund established by an affirmative vote by the 1998 Town Meeting as Article 11: the source of these funds to be withdrawn from the surplus generated by the perpetual care funds already established for the care and maintenance of lots within the Evergreen cemetery, and not from taxation. Selectmen Ruth makes a motion to place this article on the warrant.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

        To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Sixty Five Thousand Dollars ($65,000) for the purpose of purchasing an exhaust removal system to bring the Fire Station into compliance with OSHA Safety requirements. The Board would like more information on this article before making a decision.

A Petition Warrant Article has been submitted from the Conant Library to raise and appropriate the sum of $9,200 to be used to repair and paint the inside of the Conant Library, plus stripping cleaning and poly coating the exterior doors.  The Board have tabled this Warrant Article until their next meeting to be held December 29, 2010.

Selectman Fraser makes a motion to write a Warrant Article for up to $165,000 to complete Old Westport Road.  Chairman Tedford seconds the motion for discussion.  After a brief discussion, the motion failed 4-1.  Selectman Ruth proposed a Warrant Article of up to $99,000 to complete the paving of Old Westport Road.  Selectman Sepe seconds the motion for discussion. After a brief discussion, Selectman Ruth and Selectman Sepe amend the motion to read: to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate up to $100,000 to continue reconstruction and repaving of Old Westport Road. Selectman Sepe seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

4^thOrder of Business: Office Documents

• A Pistol Permit Fund Manifest has been submitted for Entenmann-Rouin Co. in the amount of $303.73.  Chairman Tedford makes a motion to approve the manifest.  Selectman Fraser seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.
• A Capital Reserve Bridge Reconstruction Funds withdrawal for Hoyle & Tanner in the amount of $2,465 for the Old Westport Road Bridge over Wheelock Brook Project has been submitted for authorization.  Selectman Gardner makes a motion to approve the withdrawal.  Selectman Ruth seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.
• A Purchase Requisition in the amount of $7,860 for the fourth quarter of Regional Prosecution services.  Chairman Tedford makes a motion to approve the purchase requisition.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 5-0.

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

Selectman Fraser makes a motion to enter non-public session under (a) (b)and (c).  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  A role call vote is taken: four members vote “yes” one member votes “no”, and the Board convenes in non-public session at 11:13 Am after a 10-minute break.  

6^th Order of Business: Reconvene Public Session

The Board reconvenes in public session at 11:55 AM. The non-public minutes under (b) have not been sealed, minutes under (a) and (c) have been sealed.

More Attempts To Censor Public Information ?

MINUTES of the BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
Wednesday December 15, 2010


7th Order of Business: Any Other Business

The Board has scheduled a Work Session meeting to be held on December22, 2010 at 9:30 and there will be no regular meeting held that night. The next regular meeting will be held on the night of December 29, 2010.

The Board has accepted the resignation of the Water Superintendent as of December 31, 2010.  The Board would like to discuss the merging of the Water and Wastewater departments at their Work Session meeting on December 22, 2010.

The Town Administrator has submitted the Right to Know policy for the Boards’ review.  Selectman Sepe makes a motion to accept the Right to Know policy.  Selectman Gardner seconds the motion.  Motion carries 4-0.  A fee schedule will be set and presented at the Work Session meeting December 22, 2010.

Will they decide a fee schedule to make it so expensive for citizens to get a complete uncensored version of public meeting minutes? Some boards and committees, besides not even posting their laughable edited minutes don't even make audio recordings anymore. Why do our town leaders condone and participate in this disgusting conduct? It's simple, they do not want an accurate record to contradict what they tell you happened at these meetings and they don't want an accurate account that may be used against them if they are taken to court again. When people have nothing to hide and abide by the rules, they don't act like this. 

Merry Christmas To All

We would like to wish all of our faithful supporters and those of you who have contributed to this blog, a very safe and happy holiday.

                                                   

                                                      

You better watch out

     You better not cry

      Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town
He's making a list
And checking it twice;
Gonna find out Who's naughty and nice
Santa Claus is coming to town
He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows if you've been bad or good
So be good for goodness sake!
O! You better watch out!
You better not cry
Better not pout
I'm telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town

  Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!" 

IMPORTANT MEETING .. PLEASE ATTEND

SAY NO TO THE ASPHALT

PROTECT OUR CHILDREN

WHY ARE COMPANIES FROM OUT OF STATE

COMING TO WINCHESTER TO LOCATE POLLUTING BUSINESSES ?

 

A MASSACHUSETTS OWNER WANTS TO LOCATE A

POLLUTING ASPHALT PLANT ON OUR AQUIFER 

 

HE DOESN'T HAVE TO DRINK OUR WATER, SMELL THE ODORS 

OR LIVE NEARBY; BUT WE DO !

 

THERE IS A LACK OF CONCERN FOR OUR CITIZEN'S 

AND OUR CHILDREN'S HEALTH !

 

PLEASE COME TO THE PUBLIC MEETING:

MONDAY NIGHT @ THE TOWN HALL

DECEMBER 20TH @ 6:30PM

 

SAVE OUR CHILDREN'S HEALTH

PEOPLE WILL BE OUT TODAY AT THE TOWN DUMP AND IN THE 
AUBUCHON AREA HANDING OUT FLIERS AND COLLECTING
SIGNATURES, ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT. POLLUTANTS FROM
THIS PLANT COULD TRAVEL UP TO 10 MILES ON THE PREVAILING
WINDS AFFECTING NEARLY ALL OF WINCHESTER AND A VERY
LARGE PORTION OF WEST SWANZEY. HELP US SEND A MESSAGE
TO THE OWNER AND THE PLANNING BOARD, THAT THIS IS
SOMETHING OUR TOWN SIMPLY DOES NOT WANT OR NEED.

Why Do We Have Such Rude and Irresponsible People On Our Town Boards?

Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting 11/8/10 – Partial Transcription

Approximately 1:14 into the meeting Mary Ryan is providing expert testimony as an RN (27 years) to the ZBA and those in attendance.
MR= Mary Ryan GR=Gus Ruth  JP= John Pasquarelli
JH= John Hann (chair)  AH=Allen Humes, (co-chair)

(Mary Ryan is speaking about health hazards and the implications of an asphalt plant)

MR: And that’s the next issue – fugitive dust.  This is put out by the State of Colorado.  Out west they have a lot of quarrying and mining going on.  Fugitive dust is a big problem and they talk about the health effects of the fugitive dust.  This is involved from beginning to end of production.  It’s involved in the blasting, it’s involved in the crushing, it’s involved in the moving.  From beginning to end – DUST. 
      Health effects:  exposure to particles can lead to a variety of serious health effects.  Course particles, such as those found in wind blown dust, and fine particles, such as those found in smoke and haze, pose the greatest problems, because they can get deep into the lungs. 
      Scientific studies have linked particle pollution exposure to a variety of problems including decreased lung function, development of chronic bronchitis –

JH: Gus?

(Gus Ruth grabs the microphone from Mary Ryan) 

GR: All this information is very nice for the next planning board.  If you are gonna go through this all again.  And I’m on the planning board and I don’t want to hear it.  See.  What you gotta start with is the plant on one site or the other, and not what it’s gonna produce or what it’s gonna put out through flues or anything else.


MR:  I’ve already covered that and…
(There is an uproar among the crowd)  Hann says something about staying on the subject.

MR:  I know.  But she (Irene Ruth) brought up the issue of health, so I am providing you with lots of evidence about health.  Here’s the woodstove part.  Someone asked a question about wood stoves.  This part here says – this is a study.  This is a study that says household woodstoves produce a tiny fraction of the amount of pollution of an asphalt plant.  There you go.

JH:  I am interested in information about the special exception.

MR:  And I already gave you that but you pretty much ignored it.  Because everybody …..


JH:  You have chosen to deal with the confusion, not the issue.  Why don’t you give me the rest of your documents.

MR:  The first thing I brought up was the ordinance, and I was explaining that a non-conforming use in the agricultural zone cannot be followed by another non-conforming use.  And that was ignored.  So we continued on.  So that’s was why I addressed the other points.  I would have been happy to end it with the non-conforming use.  Where it should have ended.

JH:  Just a second.  Just a second.  Except I would like to hear from some other people in addition. 

MR:  These are further medical reports.  In case I haven’t given you enough of those.
 

AH:  I do think this is germane, in that to answer the question of will it adversely effect the adjacent area.  That is one of the criteria, and I think it is germane to that. 

(someone asks “what are we here for?”)

AH:  We are here to grant the special exception.  One of the criteria that it must meet is that it will not not adversely effect the adjacent area. 


JH:  and we know that in the adjacent area an asphalt plant is allowed.


Multiple people state in unison, “No, it’s not.”

JH:  OK. John.


JP:  My name is John Pasquarelli, and I’m just a stupid convenience store owner right up the road here.  All your information, Mam, is very good information . . . I breathe more crap in my store every single day . . . whether this plant goes in or not . . . from the highway of route 10 out here.  So if they’re gonna shut. . . if you shut down the road for me, Mam, put me in a glass bubble, and make sure I get nice clean air.”


This conduct is unacceptable; it is quite clear just how arrogant and self serving some people on our town boards are. Gus Ruth was asked twice to recuse himself from future PB meetings because of his conduct and refused, he and John Hann  participated in Conservation Commission meetings where they openly discussed approval for this plant which has resulted in a lawsuit and John Pasquarelli; a Margaret Sharra hand-picked alternate on the Planning Board and a member of the RED Committee who endorsed this plant at a recent meeting also was asked to recuse himself; he refused and chairwoman Sharra didn't feel his conduct warranted it.
Just how does the public stand to get fair and just treatment at these meetings when our public officials abuse their power?

How can we help?

We thank all of the citizens of Chesterfield, Hinsdale and Winchester who came out and voted on Nov. 2

We appreciate your faith and confidence in the process and in us. Each one of us is committed to do our best to serve you.

We know that we will need to confront many significant challenges over the next two years. However, talking directly with so many of you has given us a reservoir of strength that will carry us through what may be difficult times.

Over the next two years, if you wish to talk to us about an important policy issue, or if we might be able to assist you with a problem that may involve the state of New Hampshire, please do not hesitate to call any one of us.

On behalf of Bill Butynski, 60 River Road, P.O. Box 105, Hinsdale, N.H. 03451-0105, telephone 336-7498; and Henry A.L. Parkhurst, One Parkhurst Place, Winchester, N.H. 03470-2460, telephone 239-8945

DAN CARR

P.O. Box 111

Ashuelot

telephone: 239-6830

Upcoming Winchester Planning Board Meeting .. December 20th

The Planning Board will be meeting next to continue discussions on the Mitchell application for an asphalt plant in the Town's Protected Aquifer Zone, Monday, December 20th, 2010 @ 6:30pm on the main floor of the Town Hall.


All interested parties from Winchester and Swanzey and anyone else who has objections to allowing this proposal to go forward are strongly urged to attend and voice your concerns.


Also at this meeting at 6:00pm, a decision on whether to grant the request of contractor Robert Van Dyke another extension of time to start building his proposed condominium project on Franklin Mountain beside Shamrock Realty will be handed down. Mr. Van Dyke still has not met the conditions of an approval given to him by the board on August 8th, 2009. These conditions were all administrative and besides having ample time to comply, they remain unfulfilled. He is also under a cease and desist order from the DES on a number of violations. He has appealed this order based on the grounds that he has not done anything on the site; that all of the problems with erosion, run-off and flooding have been caused by his neighbor to the south. Mr. Van Dyke takes no responsibility for anything and disagrees with the findings from the State.

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

LAST SEEN 10/10 AT 91 MAIN STREET WINCHESTER, NH

MAINE COON CAT

>> HE'S MOSTLY GREY-HAS BLACK STRIPING-WHITE AROUND HIS MOUTH<<

>>HE HAS A RINGED TAIL LIKE A RACCOON<<

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.
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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.