TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

AUGUST 27, 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 nine people in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

TOWNS OF LANGDON And ALSTEAD SELECTBOARD MEMBERS And MR. ALAN JOHNSON And MARY LOU HUFFLING:  Mr. Lou Beam, Selectman from the Town of Langdon, introduced Mr. Ron Batchelder from the Town of Langdon, Mr. Joel McCarty, Selectman from the Town of Alstead, Ms. Mary Lou Huffling, Director of the Fall Mountain Food Shelf and Friendly Meals / Meals-on-Wheels program and Mr. Alan Johnson, Board of Directors for the Food Shelf.  They are present at this meeting to show their support of the Food Shelf and Friendly Meals programs and to make sure the food shelf survives.  They are not asking for any money but wanted to bring to the attention of the Town of Walpole, as well as Charlestown and Acworth, that a situation presents itself that will become problematic on January 1^st, 2017.

At the 2014 Town Meeting it was decided by the voters in the Town of Langdon that they would end tenancy in the municipal building to operate the Food Shelf in three years.  In 2005 they moved from Alstead to Langdon into that facility which services all five towns. They have done an incredible job with providing food for the needy.  In collaboration with the Town of Alstead, who currently provide a place for Friendly Meals, the thought was that they would try to help the Food Shelf and give them direction in securing their future by organizing their Board in such a manner that not only are they focused on raising money for food but focused on coming up with a permanent home for them to continue.  They believe there are people within the five communities who have the expertise to help guide the Food Shelf Board of Directors to help secure a permanent home for them by moving in the proper directions.

Mr. McCarty advised that the Food Shelf / Friendly Meals / Meals-on-Wheels programs provide a significant service to the five communities.  Alstead has a long history of providing infrastructure support.  The programs also have an effect on the towns’ welfare budgets.  The Selectboard want to give encouragement and support but feel there are better ideas out there.  Every town has a few buildings on the tax roles that are surplus.  They need help having the Selectboards identify people in their towns who have expertise to assist and guide.

Mr. Beam pointed out that the Food Shelf has always focused on raising money to feed the needy.  They relied on the various towns to support them by providing space, utilities, etc.  There are many volunteers.  If they are going to secure grants certain things need to be in place in order for that to happen.  The focus has to be on fundraising, etc.  This Advisory Board will then report back to the Selectboards.

Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard read their letter when it came in and appreciate the value of the Food Shelf to the communities.  Mr. Beam noted that the building they are in now is owned by the Town of Langdon; it is 15,000 square feet.  The space now occupied by the Food Shelf is in a deteriorated state that will require a substantial amount of money to renovate it.  They occupy 5,000 square feet.  The meals program operates on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Alstead Fire Station; they have a Capital Reserve Fund moving toward repairs.  They do not have a deadline on this program.  Right now the Food Shelf is miles away from the Friendly Meals program making it more difficult to operate efficiently.

Mr. Dalessio advised that Mr. Charles Montgomery has agreed to serve on the Advisory Committee representing the Town of Walpole.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that if more people are needed from Walpole they will reach out to other residents.  Mr. Montgomery is already involved with the Food Shelf.  He read their letter and knows where they are headed.  Mr. McCarty pointed out that the other towns are welcoming to the forming of an Advisory Committee.

Responding to a previous concern expressed by another town, Mr. Johnson did not hesitate to advise that the number of donations / contributors they have from Vermont to the Food Shelf far exceeds the number of people that come for food from Vermont.  They also have generous benefactors who send money from Connecticut, New York or Rhode Island but their residents do not come to the food shelf.

Ms. Huffling pointed out that they need a simple place with a bathroom and utilities; a large room to serve people plus a storage space and a garage with a large door where the trucks can back up to load and un-load.  An individual who grew up in Bellows Falls and now lives in Connecticut has been very supportive financially over the years. He offered $25,000.00 to start a fund and he has other people who will also make donations; it is a positive step. They do not get any Federal or State funds; it has been all through donations for 35 years.  Mr. Beam said they have to establish a goal.  Mr. Dalessio feels that with a goal in place the Town of Walpole will certainly step up-to-the-plate.  A Steering Committee is the right way to go; a group of people to formulate the plans.

It was recommended that the Advisory Committee schedule their first meeting in September.  Due to the time constraints the Food Shelf might have to move into another temporary facility in the interim period but they will continue to plan toward a permanent location.  Mr. Montgomery asked how many people they envision on the committee.  Mr. McCarty sees this committee as rather small- 5-7-9 active members.  The deadline for this committee will be January 1, 2017.  Ideally they will come up with a workable plan, work with Food Shelf Board of Directors and report back to the five towns.  They will not be asked to do fundraising.

Mr. Montgomery questioned if each of the towns has made a commitment?  Mr. McCarty said they have all offered to name someone.  The Town of Langdon feels they have a responsibility to assist and offer support.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended that one of the first things the committee should discuss is the Agenda and lines of communication.  Ms. Huffling reported that the Food Shelf Board of Directors meets at least quarterly.  They will need help with writing the Grant applications.  Mr. Dalessio said they know people that are grant writers but they might not want to sit on this Advisory Committee.  Different people do different tasks.  Mr. Dalessio summarized that they should feel free to come back to talk to this Selectboard at any time; just contact Mrs. Clough in their office to be on the Agenda.  Mr. Beam advised that both he and Mr. McCarty will meet to discuss their next steps.

The regular Selectboard meeting began at 6:40 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $48,778.12 for checks dated August 28, 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 August 22, 2015, in the amount of $22,394.89 for checks dated August 28, 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 $4,905.33 for the week ending August 22, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

STAFF MEETING – August 20, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of August 20, 2015, subject to asking Mr. Terrell to check the figure of 6.37 miles of paving as indicated on his report.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 20, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of August 20, 2015, as printed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – August 20, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of August 20, 2015, as printed.  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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – August 25, 2015;
• Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment – August 19, 2015; and
• Walpole Planning Board, Ruggiero Site Walk Visit – August 17, 2015.

BUILDING / DEMOLITION PERMITS:

BUILDING:

KAPLAN, North Road, Map & Lot #010-039-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-32 for Wendy Kaplan to “Construct a 60’7” x 45’8” one story home” at 306 North Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.   

BENCIVENGA, County Road, Map & Lot #003-034-001: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-35 for Cheryl Bencivenga Rev. Trust / Cheryl & Nicola Bencivenga to “Enclose an existing 20’ x 10’ deck into a mudroom” at 1547 County Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DEMOLITION:

KISSELL, Hogan Lane, Map & Lot #016-005-MH01:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Demolition Permit No. 2015-34 for Sonya Kissell / Kenneth Ramsey to “Demolish a 60’ x 12’ mobile home” at 1 Hogan Lane.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

FISHER, Cold River Road, Map & Lot #026-026-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber, Supplemental Operation #15-461-08-T, for Andrea Fisher.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.     

TAX WARRANT:

LAND USE CHANGE TAX WARRANT: KINGSBURY, Kingsbury Road, Map & Lot #008-119-000:  Mrs. Clough reported that Mrs. Martin from Avitar Associates did research after Martha Kingsbury transferred land to Mr. William Kingsbury.  He has to pay the Current Use Tax as he did not have 10 or more acres needed for Current Use.  The A-5 form will be completed at a later date.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to send the Tax Collector’s Land Use Change Tax Warrant to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for Walpole, NH in said county for Map #008, Lot #119-000, 152 Kingsbury Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:54 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:19 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to seal the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of August 27, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

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 7:55 PM.  

OLD BUSINESS:

LETTER FROM RUTH VENEZIA: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Ruth Venezia expressing her concern that more has not been done to mark the intersection in question.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that Mr. Terrell said the signs are up.

VETERANS WAR MEMORIAL: Mr. Aldrich approved the wording change to the Veterans War Memorial document.  Mrs. Clough will up-date the form and print it on Town letterhead.

NEW BUSINESS:

BUILDING PERMIT FINE: RUGGIERO PROCESSING FACILITY: Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Selectboard is aware of the fact that Ruggiero Processing Facility built a pole barn without a Building Permit based on their admission and several Public Hearings.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Notice of Violation for not applying for a Building Permit for the Ruggiero Processing Facility and that they be fined $500.00.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OIL / PROPANE CONTRACT:  Mrs. Clough obtained information on prices for oil and propane from several companies for the coming year.  The Selectboard asked her to obtain quotes from one more vendor.  This will be an Agenda item for the next meeting.

MS-434 REPORT:  Mr. Dalessio reviewed the MS-434 Report but had a concern on the Revenue proposed by Mrs. Smith for Motor Vehicle Permit fees as it was substantially higher than other years.  The Selectboard agreed that the $770,000.00 be reduced to $625,000.00 which is the 2014 budgeted amount.  Numbers for other departments were also reviewed.  Following a lengthy discussion, it was agreed to leave them as proposed.  Mr. Kreissle will make the necessary changes and the MS-434 Report  will come back before the Selectboard.

MS-1 REPORT:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the good news is that the properties in Town went up a little in value by about $3,000,000.00.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the MS-1 Report (Summary Inventory of Evaluation) as presented.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PRIMEX INSURANCE COMPANY:  Mr. Dalessio received the new forms for changing the Town’s insurance coverage from PLT to Primex.  They can begin to work on the forms shortly.  This will remain on the Agenda under Old Business.

HUBBARD FARMS BARBEQUE PIT AND RIGHT OF WAY: Mr. Dalessio advised that the Hubbard Farms property will be sold.  They are currently working on a sub-division plan so there would no longer be access to the grills.  If the Town is interested in owning this small parcel of land Hubbard Farms could sub-divide that out.  The grills are only used periodically by the Town and School therefore the Selectboard felt that area would have to be fenced in. The other issue is that the road to the pool is not a permanent Right-of-Way.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended that the Selectboard wait until next week to make a decision on whether or not to own the small piece of property that the grills are on.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to create a Right-of-Way on the Hubbard Farms property.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:44 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary