TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 9, 2015

Selectboard Present:   Steven Dalessio (Chair); Whitney Aldrich; Peggy Pschirrer

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were five people in attendance.

These are unapproved Minutes.

PUBLIC HEARING – Pole License Agreement:

Mr. Dalessio called this Public Hearing on the Proposed Amendment to the Pole License Agreement to order at 6:02 PM.  He read the notice that was duly published and posted as follows:

“Pursuant to RSA 231:163 and 43:2, the Selectmen will hold a public hearing to consider amending all existing pole licenses to include language regarding taxation pursuant to RSA 72:23.  The hearing is being held to determine if it is in the best interests of the public good to amend the pole licenses so that they are consistent with the property taxation statutes (RSA 72:23).

This hearing is scheduled to be held on Thursday, April 9, 2015, at 6:00 P.M. at the Walpole Town Hall, located at 34 Elm Street, Walpole, NH.”

There was no public comment regarding this proposed amendment.

Mr. Dalessio closed this Public Hearing at 6:05 PM.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

WALPOLE FIRE DEPARTMENT – Dick Hurlburt:  Fire Chief Dick Hurlburt is interested in the dispatching change that will begin in Charlestown on July 1^st in that they are withdrawing from the Southwest Fire Mutual Aid System to do their own fire dispatching.  At some point they will be released from the SWFMA which will require them to sign individual mutual aid agreements with the surrounding communities.  He requested that the Selectboard do not sign any agreements until he gets a formal proposal.  The Walpole Fire Commissioners discussed this at their meeting last night and they would like to have their agreement in place before Charlestown comes to them.  Mr. Dalessio agreed that the Selectboard will notify the Walpole Fire Department if they are contacted first by the Town of Charlestown.

WALPOLE RECYCLING CENTER – Paul Colburn:  Mr. Colburn distributed copies of the Revenue for the month of March and explained the numbers.  It compares the last five years with this year.  Returnables is at the height of the five years.  In 2010 and 2011 they were getting paid as the recyclables were picked-up.  Now that they are no longer picked-up and the Recycling Center has another avenue of getting them to the vendor they get paid quarterly; that is why it is higher at this point.  As the years go by that will even out; it just gives an idea of where they are.  At this time they are close to the forecast.  It was slow this winter due to the weather.

Mr. Colburn distributed copies of the Five Year Comparison – Recyclables Report and explained the numbers.  This is for both the public and private sectors.  Last year this brought in approximately $180,000.  The bulk of this is the bags.  At the end of each year Mr. Colburn reviews the figures; it was a little over $100,000 last year.  He checks the costs for the trucking, the tipping/disposal, the maintenance and what the cost is for going back-and-forth.  They charge for accepting electronics but have to pay to dispose of it.  There is no charge for fibers, glass, aluminum, plastic, etc.  Their total tonnage for the year is lower by about 40 ton.  Historically they are continuing to go down.  One reason is that a commercial entity is bringing in less than in the past.

Mr. Colburn reported that there are a lot of changes happening with recycling.  He distributed copies of an article that deals with plastics but it incorporates a lot of the other commodities.  This is a world-wide issue.  It has to do with the strong dollar.  Exports are down.  Oil prices are down so it is cheaper for them to use raw materials from petroleum based products to make the plastics than it is to buy the recyclables.  There is a problem with over-supplies.  They are restricting contamination in the products or they can reject the load or pay a cut-rate.  It has happened in other NH municipalities.  This has major ramifications throughout the entire recycling process.  In some communities it is cheaper to go to a landfill than it is to recycle.  Mr. Colburn explained some changes they have implemented to meet the new requirements as they need to have a better quality product to stay within the competitive market.  The public will need to be educated on these changes.

The Walpole Green-Up Day is April 25^th.  They keep track of what comes in.  Blue bags are given to the people that ask for them and the Recycling Center does not charge when they come back in.

Relative to a solar up-date; they are looking into getting panels.  The roof will not hold them so another location is needed.  Mr. Ed Spoon who takes their recyclables will stop doing it at the end of this year.  They are looking into doing it themselves as they get between $12,000 and $13,000 a year for this.  Relative to the Re-use Center they are having trouble getting enough volunteers therefore it may only be open on Tuesdays.  Saturdays are very busy therefore Mr. Colburn is suggesting that the Food Shelf might have some volunteers as they get all the money; it was about $200.00 last year.  Mr. Colburn asked Mrs. Clough to check with the insurance carrier to be sure that the volunteers are in compliance.

Mr. Colburn sent in the paperwork for the Oil Grant.  They should be reimbursed; it covered the annual cleaning, filter crusher and a part that was needed plus the gathering towels that absorb any spills.

Mr. Paul Clark will be in charge while Mr. Colburn is on vacation. They should be all set with volunteers.  Most of the shipments have gone out.

The Highway Department is going to help him with the burn pit cage; probably in June.  He would like to do something to show their appreciation.  It is good team work.  Mr. Dalessio suggested buying lunch.

1. JACK FRANKS: Mr. Franks provided an up-date on his projects. He had Building Permits from last year; one for the condominiums and a second one permit for Building D (it would face Route 12).  Mr. Franks pointed out that the Building Permit on the condominiums was technically started because of the dirt movement therefore that one needs to be up-dated.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to extend these Building Permits for a year.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $43,560.91 for checks dated April 10, 2015.  This includes two Abatement refunds that were approved on April 02, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending April 04, 2015, in the amount of $26,316.84 for checks dated April 10, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $6,305.70 for the week ending April 04, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 2, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 2, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 26, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of March 26, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – April 2, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session #1 of April 2, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – April 2, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session #2 of April 2, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Hooper Institute Committee – March 31, 2015; and
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – April 7, 2015.

ABATEMENTS:

HOWARD & JUDITH PUTNAM, 62 River Road, Map & Lot #007–010-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the recommendation of Avitar Associates to deny the Property Tax Abatement for Howard and Judith Putnam at 62 River Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

CLARK, 602 Cold River Road, Map & Lot #015-015-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2015-04 for Jeannette Clark to “Construct a 8×12 chicken coop” at 602 Cold River Road, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

LA BURDICKS CHOCOLATE, 47 Main Street, Map & Lot #020-070-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2015-05 for LA Burdicks Chocolate to “Remodel existing kitchen” at 47 Main Street, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

GRAVEL TAX WARRANT:

GEORGE R. GRAVES REVOCABLE TRUST, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #001-016-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Warrant for Gravel Tax Levy for the Tax Year April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015, for the George R. Graves Revocable Trust, Operation #14-461-03-E, in the amount of $69.48.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

INTENT TO EXCAVATE:

GEORGE R. GRAVES REVOCABLE TRUST, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #001-016-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Excavation Tax Assessment for the Tax Year April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015, for the George R. Graves Revocable Trust, Operation #14-461-03-E, in the amount of $69.48.  The intent is to excavate an estimated 4,000 cubic yards of sand, gravel, loam, stone products and other earth products.   Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the check for the Fee Tax to the State of NH was attached.

OLD BUSINESS:

APPOINTMENT – CONSERVATION COMMISSION:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to re-appoint John Peska to the Walpole Conservation Commission for a period of three years as a regular member.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

APPOINTMENT – WRAP COMMITTEE:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to re-appoint David Adams to the WRAP Committee for a one year term.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES:  A letter was received from Mr. Sheldon Sawyer who is not seeking a re-appointment to the Walpole Conservation Commission.  Mrs. Clough reported that the posting is up.  Mr. Dalessio recommended giving the vacancies another week to see if somebody submits a letter of interest.

ARTICLE #13 LETTERS:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard’s task was to write a letter to the congressional officials following the town vote on Article #13.  The wording in the letter is exactly the same as the Article except for the first line “The Town of Walpole, New Hampshire at the March 14, 2015 annual town meeting voted in favor of Article 13”.     

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the letters and to move them forward.  She requested that a copy of the letters be sent to the Petitioners.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The letters will be sent to:

• President Barack Obama;
• Governor Maggie Hassan;
• NH State Senate, Molly M. Kelly;
• Congresswoman Ann M. Kuster;
• NH State Representative, District 1, Tara A. Sad;
• NH State Representative, District 1, Lucy M. Weber;
• NH State Representative, District 1, Paul S. Burch;
• NH State Representative, District 1, Michael D. Abbott.

FLOATING HOLIDAY: Mrs. Clough distributed copies of a graph indicating how the departments will take their 2015 floating holiday.

• The Executive Department will work on Monday (June 29^th), Tuesday (June 30^th), Wednesday (July 1^st) and Thursday (July 2^nd), Friday will be a holiday (July 3^rd) and Monday (July 6^th) will be the floating holiday.
• The Road Department will work on Monday (June 29^th), Tuesday (June 30^th), and Wednesday (July 1^st). Their holiday will be on Thursday (July 2^nd).  They will be off Friday, Saturday and Sunday; Monday (July 6^th) will be their floating holiday.

• The Recycling Department will work on Tuesday (June 30^th), Thursday (July 2^nd) and Tuesday (July 7^th). Their holiday will be Friday (July 3^rd) and their floating holiday will be Saturday (July 4^th).
• Police Department: Dalessio spoke with Police Chief Paquette and it is not practical for everybody to be off so he will schedule that in.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the calendar of holidays as presented.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

SELECTBOARD OFFICE HOURS:  A memo was received from Mrs. Clough to advise that the office staff would like to propose the Selectboard Office hours to be changed to Monday, Tuesday and Thursday they will be open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Wednesday and Friday they will be open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM starting Monday, April 27, 2015.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that they remain open until 1:00 PM on Wednesday and Friday to give people an opportunity to come in during their lunch hours and to start this schedule the week of May 4th.  Mrs. Clough was agreeable to these changes.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept these revised Selectboard office hours.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DEPARTMENT HEAD MEETINGS: Mr. Dalessio proposed that they start having Department Heads attend a meeting starting with the third Thursday of each month.  These meetings will start in May at 5:00 PM and will be open to the other town officials.  The first half hour will be to discuss individually what is going on in their departments and the second half hour will be a round-table discussion.  The regular Selectboard meetings will begin at 6:00 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 1I to discuss (a) Personnel and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:35 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:59 PM.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:07 PM.

OLD BUSINESS:

TOWN HALL KITCHEN RENOVATIONS:  Mr. Dalessio talked with Mr. Mark Houghton who will get a quote on an Ansel system.  They talked about forming a committee that Mrs. Clough will Chair.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary