Monthly Archives: January 2018

Budget Hearing – 1/10/18

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Wednesday, January 10.

The FMRSD budget hearing will be held at Fall Mountain Regional High School on Wednesday, January 10th, 5:30pm. Doors open at 4:45pm.

This meeting is held for the purpose of hearing public input on the proposed F.Y. ’18-’19 budget, and for the School Board to finalize, by amendment or acceptance, the Administration’s proposed budget and warrant articles.

Please review the proposed budget and warrant here:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5PMAGOvQOOFTklKVDdqS1FkNXc

and attend to raise questions or voice opinion on this process.

The school district’s annual Deliberative Session will be held on Wednesday February 7th at 6:30pm at FMRHS.

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Uncategorized 01/08/2018 Leave a comment

While The Walpolean takes no position in community discussions, I feel an obligation to post the opinions of those who do. The following ad has been posted at the request of Richard Wilson. – Lil I regret that I am unable to post pdf files as created, but I believe you will find the information here duplicates the advertisement in the newspapers.

A Momentous Decision will soon be made affecting the economic well-being of area residents.

What Decision?

Whether or not to merge the Savings Bank of Walpole headquartered in Walpole, NH with executive offices in Keene and Walpole—the last of twelve independent community banks once headquartered in the area—into New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp headquartered in Concord, NH.

Who Will Vote?

The Corporators of the Savings Bank of Walpole will vote. The Corporators are a self-perpetuaing body of successors to the original individuals that incorporated the bank in 1875.

What Will Happen If They Vote To Approve the Merger?

If the Corporators approve the merger, the Savings Bank of Walpole will become a stock bank and subsidiary of a mutual holding company that will be merged into New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp, which will then own 100% of the stock of the bank. The Corporators of the Savings Bank of Walpole will become Corporators of New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp and represent about one third of the total. Four members of the Board of Trustees of the Savings Bank of Walpole will join the Board of New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp and represent one fifth—just twenty percent—of the total. The Savings Bank of Walpole will continue to be headquartered in Walpole, NH. However, it will be wholly owned by New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp headquartered in Concord, NH.

How Should the Corporators Make Their Decision?

New Hampshire Statutes Section 383-B:6-605 directs that “The corporators shall consider the interests of the depositors, the borrowers, and other customers of the mutual savings bank or mutual holding company, the general benefit and economic well-being of the communities. served by the mutual savings bank or mutual holding company, and the safety, soundness, and general business needs of the mutual savings bank or mutual holding company in exercising their duties as corporators.”

How Do the Corporators Determine the Interests of Customers and the Well-being of Communi es Served?

Though New Hampshire Statutes Sec on 383-B:6-605 imposes a fiduciary duty to “consider the interests of the depositors, the borrowers, and other customers of the mutual savings bank” and “the general benefit and economic well-being of the communities served by the mutual savings bank,” it does not specify how that duty should be carried out. In the normal course of business of the bank, the Corporators defer on matters on which they have to vote to the judgement of the Board of Trustees and to management. However, this is not a vote in the normal course of business. This is a vote to determine if the last independent community bank headquartered in the area should become wholly owned by New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp headquartered in Concord, NH. Once that happens, decisions about its future will ultimately be made by the management and the Board of New Hampshire Mutual Bancorp.

If your interests are to be considered by the Corporators, you will have to let them know in this vote how your interests would be best served. Below is a list of Corporators copied from the bank’s Website. Remind them that they have a fiduciary duty to act in accordance with New Hampshire Statutes Sec on 383-B:6-605. What would fall far short of their fiduciary duty would be to vote without due consideration—in other words, to rubberstamp management and the Board of Trustees’ decision in order to avoid controversy or discomfort, or to acquiesce out of the mistaken belief that it’s already a done deal; it is not, as the approval of the Corporators is needed to complete the merger.

But What of the Consideration of “the safety, soundness, and general business needs of the mutual savings bank” Mentioned in the Statute?

First, management of the bank has stated that the safety and soundness of the institution is not an issue motivating this proposed merger. Based on my 40 years in NH banking serving as chief financial officer of four NH banks, including one of the largest, and my review of publicly available nancial reports, I would concur. As to the general business needs of the bank, I find no justification for the proposed merger—obligatory statements from management and the Board of Trustees to the contrary. This region produces a great many highly intelligent and good-hearted individuals, which is all that is needed in these challenging times to successfully operate a locally headquartered independent community mutual savings bank. They are on board now and are working with and training the next generation of community bankers. We have George Bailey’s bank right here, let’s keep it. Let your voice be heard!

Corporators Savings Bank of Walpole:

Thomas S. Bates

Jill I. Ba y

Emily T. Benson

Sarah A. Bradeen

Kathleen A. Collinsworth

Joseph A. Coneeny

Martha A. Curtis

Philip J. Davis

Bradley P. Dunbar

Jayson B. Dunbar

Dayton R. Duncan

Jerome S. Galloway

Mark A. Gavin

Kelley F. Hicks

Randall P. Hicks

Nathalie B. Houder

Jason D. Houston

Susan L. Howard

Ruth F. Jacobs

David B. Johnson

Robert I. Kimball

Gary J. Kinyon, Esq.

Peter D. Koson

Linda A. Lacey

Zachary T.C. Luse

Sylvia M. McBeth

Robert F. Miller

James H. Neal

William R. O’Meara

Robert S. Perry

Edward R. Potter

Mark A. Putnam

Edward F. Reardon Jr.

Linda W. Robbins

Lynn C. Rust

Steven J. Ryder

Dr. Charles P. Shaw

Michael P. Snide

Frederick A. Szmit

Gregg R. Tewksbury

Donald J. Tisdale

William C. Tyson

Joseph C. Walier

Peter T. Whittemore

David P. Wichland

Jonathan G. Wildes

Authored and paid for by Richard A. Wilson, former CFO of the Savings Bank of Walpole from 1988 to 2013

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Conservation Commission Agenda – 1/8/18

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AGENDA

WALPOLE CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING

JANUARY 8, 2018

Location and Time: Walpole Town Hall, Downstairs Office at 7:30 PM.

CALL TO ORDER

SEATING OF ALTERNATES

REVIEW and APPROVE MINUTES – December 4, 2017

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Report from Chair:

A. Treasury Report Follow­up.

B. Correspondence.

NEW BUSINESS:

A. Ballam Farm Monitoring.

OLD BUSINESS:

A. Reservoir Dam – Engineering Proposal / Brush Cutting Update.

B. Antioch University Internship – Re: Town Easements.

C. Monadnock Conservancy / Nerrie Easement; Update.

D. Fanny Mason Feasibility Study.

E. Long View Forest Walk Rescheduled.

F. Bill Callahan Land Donation, Survey.

ADJOURNMENT

Zoning Board Agenda – 1/17/18

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Agenda for Zoning Board of Adjustment

Wednesday,  January 17, 2018

Walpole Town Hall

7:30 pm

Roll Call: Appointment of alternates if needed.

Minutes: Review minutes.

Copy of Irving letter.

Handouts: Master Plan part 3 and 4.

Log 2016 and 2017

Next meeting Wednesday,  February 21, 2018

Hooper Trustees Meeting Minutes – 12/28/17

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TOWN OF WALPOLE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

DECEMBER 28, 2017

Hooper Trustees Present:   Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Steven Dalessio; (Absent: Cheryl Mayberry)

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:40 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – December 21, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of December 21, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – December 21, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of December 21, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

Hooper Mansion: Mrs. Pschirrer had planned to meet with Ms. Sharon Boccelli yesterday. However, they decided it was just too cold to move furniture to her building.  They re-scheduled for January 8th, 2018.  Ms. Boccelli will bring someone in on January 9th who will deal with the odds-and-ends that have not sold. Mr. Sheehan is sending in the list of furniture he wants to buy.  Mr. Kevin Healy will then help Mrs. Pschirrer clean the Mansion.  Ms. Boccelli is going to take the Civil War Medical books to show to someone who specializes in this.  Money continues to be added to the Trust.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:46 PM.

The regular Hooper Trustees meeting resumed at 8:06 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of December 28, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/28/17

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TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 28, 2017

Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Steven Dalessio; (Absent: Cheryl Mayberry)

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised that Cheryl Mayberry is not present due to a previous commitment.  This meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were two members of the public in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

COMPLETE STREETS PROJECT RECOMMENTATIONS:  Mr. Jeff Miller, Chair of the Planning Board, was present to talk about the Complete Streets Project Recommendations.  He had forwarded four ideas to the Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) to be implemented under the purview of the Selectboard.  One idea that has been talked about for years is to have a safe walking path from the Middle School to the Fire Station.  He will follow-up on this with the SWRPC.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned SWRPC received an anonymous donation of $100,000. They were looking for towns to submit ideas.  That is why it went back to the Planning Board (PB) again.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted the Selectboard had looked at all the PB recommendations that were agreed to. She also asked the Highway Department to start thinking about how they will do this.  They will re-paint the area by Jakes Market that was red because it clearly delineated a walk space.  The Selectboard also agreed to put in the markers for bike paths.  They agreed to do the crosswalks in a brighter, more fluorescent paint that will last longer and catch attention as people drive down the street.  The Selectboard approved buying signs to put up on Main Street to point out there are pedestrians. It will alert drivers that they need to slow down.  They will reinforce the arrows at the fountain. Mr. Dalessio would like to have someone from the Department of Transportation (DOT) check to be sure they are correct.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard will put in a warrant article to buy a moveable speed sign that will “flash” the speed of a vehicle traveling by and take a picture of speeders and their license plate. This is not a part of the Complete Streets Project but it fits into safety.  A dangerous corner is the one that comes up Main Street, off Old North Main Street.  Mrs. Pschirrer said no decision was made on sidewalk because the road is quite narrow we have some right-of-ways but do not own the land.  Mr. Dalessio feels a sidewalk from the Middle School to the Fire Station is a great idea. It needs to be looked at with the idea of how do you make it happen.  It will take a good amount of work and engineering; it is an expensive project.  Mr. Miller felt it could be looked at as improvement for safety purposes.  The $100,000 could be seed money and they would move forward from there; look at the options.  Mr. Miller with talk to Mary at SWRPC; we need a direction.  He will keep the Selectboard up-dated on the projects.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $34,811.91 for checks dated December 29, 2017.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending December 23, 2017, in the amount of $26,631.93 for checks dated December 29, 2017.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $6,167.47 for the week ending December 23, 2017.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting –December 28, 2017- Page 2

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 21, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 21, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 21, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 21, 2017.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

STAFF MEETING – December 21, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of December 21, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Trustees of Trust Funds – December 18, 2017;

• Zoning Board of Adjustment – December 19, 2017;

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

MAP and LOT #009-012-002-2:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant this Property Tax Refund in the amount of $69.05 for Map and Lot # 009-012-002-2.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER – Map and Lot #009-006-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber off 29 Maple Grove Road, Map and Lot # 009-006-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

TIMOTHY and ANNA BLANC – Map and Lot # 011-043-003:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-43 to add a “2x12x4 Dormer” at 760 Valley Road for Timothy and Anna Blanc.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Thank You Letters:  Mrs. Pschirrer wrote three letters to thank people that donated time and materials for decorating the Town Hall and the gazebo over the Holiday Season:

Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the Thank You letters to the Walpole Cub Scouts, the Women of Walpole, Ray Boas and Tara Sad.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SWRPC’s Regional Economic Development Advisory Commission:  Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair, Peggy Pschirrer, to sign this letter of nomination for him to be a member of the SWRPC’s Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee.   Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

DES Wetlands Permit Application:  Mrs. Pschirrer was authorized to sign the first copy.  This second copy is for the Highway Department’s files. Mrs. Sandra Smith, Town Clerk, will also sign this copy.

Revised Pole and Conduit License:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the Revised Pole and Conduit License for Northern New England Telephone Operations LLC D/B/A Fairpoint Communications-NNE and Liberty Utilities (Granite State Electric) as the previously approved concrete pad across from the junction of Rt. 123 and Rt. 12 needs to be larger.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Warrant Articles: The revised draft copy of the Warrant Articles was reviewed.  Some additional changes will probably be made but for now the Warrant Articles are accepted as presented.

Town Report Covers and Dedication Page:  The Selectboard looked at several options for the Town Report covers.  Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer would like to see something more modern and cheerful around Town for the front cover.  Dedication suggestions included pictures of volunteers, veterans and groups over 100 years old (Grange and Horse Thieves; possibly there are others).

NEW BUSINESS:

Thank You Card:  A Thank You note was received from Mrs. Marylou Huffling thanking the Selectboard for their continued support of the Fall Mountain Foodbank and Friendly Meals in 2017.  It has touched many lives.

Pole and Conduit License: This license is for a new replacement pole on Kingsbury Road.  The location was reviewed by Mark Houghton who said this is in line and necessary for the Selectboard to sign.

Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the Pole and Conduit License on Kingsbury Road for Northern New England Telephone Operations LLC D/B/A FairPoint Communications-NNE and Liberty Utilities (Granite State Electric).  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Health Trust Secure Portal Authorized Users Certification:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised this is an annual form to ensure correct access by Mr. Rich Kreissle and Mrs. Sarah Downing.

Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair, Peggy Pschirrer, to sign the Health Trust Secure Portal Authorized Users Certification.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Pre-Paying Property Taxes: Mrs. Pschirrer reported they had a rush of calls today regarding the pre-payment of property taxes.  It was anticipated that property owners would attend this meeting. However, no one came to the meeting.  By RSA 80:52-a, the Town is authorized to accept pre-payment of bills if the article was approved.  During discussions with the Department of Revenue Administration and the NH Municipal Association the Selectboard discovered that status of tax prepayments is up-in-the-air with the IRS and Federal Government. If the Town took in pre-paid tax money, the Town could be required to produce tax refunds.

2018 Budget:  The 2018 proposed Budget will be an Agenda item for the meeting next Thursday, January 4th, 2018, at 6:30 PM when a full Board is present.  Mr. Dalessio will contact Mr. Mark Houghton for the final Water and Sewer budget and Mrs. Eloise Clark for the Hooper Institute budget.

Fall Mountain Region School District:  The Selectboard is meeting at 8:00 AM next Thursday, January 4th, 2018, with the Superintendent and Business Manager of the Fall Mountain Region School District.

NH Municipal Association:  Mrs. Pschirrer has been reading about the proposed 2018 legislation. The Selectboard has the opportunity to speak to Senator Kahn about HB561 which is about limiting State retirees to 20/hours a week.  It is now 32/hours week so they are going to cut that back dramatically.  It will impact this Town especially in the Police Department.  All towns hire part-time police officers.  Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a letter to Senator Kahn and urge him not to support this Bill.  Mr. Dalessio would like to contact Representative Lucy Weber to see if she supports this bill or not.

Mrs. Pschirrer reported there is also discussion about HB121 which increases the assessment on licensing of vehicles.  The towns have the right to put this on the ballot. The funding can be used for bridges, roads and other infrastructure.  The $5.00 fee can now be increased to $10.  Mr. Dalessio objects to putting this on the ballot.  It has not passed in many towns.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:40 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:08 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

School Budget Hearing – 1/19/18

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SAU 60 – Fall Mt. Regional School District

Budget Hearing: Finalize and adopt budget and warrant.

Weds., January 10, 2018 at 5:30pm

Location: Fall Mountain Regional High School Library

Change of Meeting Date and Time

Uncategorized 01/04/2018 Leave a comment

NOTICE”*

On Friday, January 5, 2018

The Walpole Selectboard will be holding a Public Meeting

With the Administrators of SAU 60 –

Fall Mt. School District

At 2pm

At the Walpole Town Hall in the Selectboard Office

**change in date and time to do bad weather**

Town of Walpole Staff Meeting Minutes – 12/21/17

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TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

DECEMBER 21, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Cheryl Mayberry

Staff Present:               Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Michael Rau (Highway Department); Paul Colburn (Recycling Center), Sandra Smith (Town Clerk / Tax Collector); Rebecca Whippie (Hooper Institute); Justine Fafara (Director of Walpole Library); Kevin Pinsonault (Recycling Center)

Call to Order:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised this meeting is being recorded.  Police Chief Michael Paquette and Justin Cassarino were unable to attend this meeting.

 

Healthy Lunch:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mrs. Downing has been planning a Healthy Lunch for all employees at noon tomorrow.  However, Mr. Kreissle reported that 5-to-7 inches of snow is predicted. Therefore, a decision was made to postpone this lunch until Tuesday, December 26th at noon.  Mr. Kreissle will be working from his home on Friday.  The Selectboard office will be open in the morning but will close at noon.  Freezing rain is forecast for Saturday.  Mrs. Fafara will close the Library on Friday and Saturday.

 

Recycling Center:  Mr. Paul Colburn introduced Mr. Kevin Pinsonault an employee at the Recycling Center.  Mr. Colburn provided documents for the month ending November 30, 2017.  He began with the “Daily Weight Report and 3 Year to Date Comparison”.  They are close to the Annual Forecast estimate of 357.00/tons as the current number is 348.79/ton.  Mixed paper was up this year.  On the “3 Year Comparison to Recyclables” the Year Forecast is $30,000 and the Estimated Year To-Date is $27,553.00.  On the Recycling Revenues Monthly Report the Budget total was estimated at $166,350.00 and they are now at $176,083.20.  More revenue will be coming in before the end of the year.  Break-down figures were reviewed.  The markets for cardboard were very good in early 2017.

Mr. Pinsonault went to Concord last Thursday to be certified to be an operator at the Center.  Mr. Colburn went to a first aid class a few Saturdays ago.  He thanked the Highway Department for the sand and for packing up the boxes.  Several commercial businesses donate a substantial amount of cardboard on a regular basis.

 

Recreation Department:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard met with Mr. Cassarino last week on his proposed budget.  He has an active program.  Mr. Cassarino talked about basketball and referees which he needs. The Rec Dept. is looking for parents who could help.  Following is his report.

Basketball:

  • Season is going well and teams are enjoying themselves;
  • A lot of coaches have been able to find referees but they are still looking for a larger pool to choose from;
  • Teams will be entering the Westminster Tournament on January 19th & 20th;
  • Clinics will be put on at the High School by both Varsity teams

Going to really push their participants to do this;

Great way to improve on skills and meet the players.

Spring Clinic:

  • A lot of ideas have been presented for a spring activity for kids that don’t play baseball or softball;

Some ideas are soccer, basketball, and flat football;

  • Will need a lot of parent volunteers, which some have said they are already willing to help.

 

Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau presented the following report for the period of November 16, 2017 to December 21, 2017:

  • Serviced trucks and equipment;
  • Backed up North Road bank;
  • Set granite blocks in the North Walpole Park;
  • Stored summer equipment for the winter;
  • Ditched dirt roads;
  • Ditched River Road;
  • Fixed Truck-4 Inner Dump Cylinder;
  • Fixed Truck-5 hydraulic hose and wing cable;
  • Fixed sidewalk snow blower;
  • Fixed Truck-2 Wheel Studs;
  • Fixed Truck-3 hydraulic hose.
  • Winter Weather Callouts were: December 9, December 10, December 12, December 13, December 18 and December 19.

The new Bobcat sidewalk machine arrived today so they are anxious to see how it works.  They are trying to keep up with projects as they know snow will arrive soon.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned this is the second time someone put a large rock/concrete block on the sidewalk under the snow causing the sidewalk plow to break. It occurs between Brady and Russell Streets in North Walpole.  Residents were urged to watch out for this type of vandalism and not to hesitate to report it.

 

Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office:  Mrs. Sandy Smith submitted the following report dated December 21, 2017.  This is a very busy time of year.

They have collected $5,035,275.36 of their Fall Warrant.  The Warrant was for $5,647,660.11.  Their uncollected on this billing is only $611,615.75 and money is still coming in but very slowly – as most have paid their taxes.  The tax money came in pretty good last year but, this year seems smoother, less problems.

They received a Sewer Warrant in the amount of $47,721.84 and have received a check in the amount of $250.00 for a very partial payment.  If people do not pay, they send a delinquent notice in January and then they send Intent to Lien notices which starts the process.

They also received a Water Warrant in the amount of $4,037.55; they haven’t received any payments on that yet but they will.  The lien process also applies to the Water Warrant.

They have had to request some refunds when people over pay their taxes.  They have also called and sent notices to those who wrote their checks incorrectly.  They answered lots of questions, regarding the reassessment and sent everyone to Sarah.  She does not have time to list everything that they do.

The Town Clerk’s Department has collected $75,287.50 since their last Staff meeting.  These are the Town fees; Rich transferred $19,448.39 to the State of NH-DMV Department.

Customers love being able to just write one check, which combines Town and State fees.

Their credit card option is appreciated and will be used more as people realize that they have it.  Thanks to Rich, the State Transfer is going great-No Problems.

This has been a “Good” year, thanks to the cooperation from the Staff in the Selectmen’s Office.  Rich, Sarah and Jodi are great to work with and she tries to thank them often.  Also, they have a great Selectboard.  It is nice to feel appreciated.  Looking forward to 2018!

 

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Sarah Downing submitted the following Staff Meeting Report dated December 20, 2017.

Assessing Update:

  • Property tax abatement forms are being accepted. The last day to submit abatement applications is March 1st per RSA.
  • Veterans’ Tax Credit, Elderly and Blind Exemption application forms will be accepted up through April 15th.
  • The Selectboard Office has experienced higher than normal assessing questions due to the revaluation process.

Water and Sewer:

  • Jodi Daigle has been sending reminder notices for overdue invoices which has helped to lower the overall balance due for each billing cycle.
  • Water and/or sewer users with significant amounts due over 90 days were warranted for tax lien. Payments for liens will be processed through the Tax Collector’s Office.  Note that the amount of interest applied on outstanding balances increases from 12 to 18 percent with the transfer of debt.
  • The next billing will be for the 3-month period of Oct., Nov. and Dec. of 2017. Meter readings will occur in the middle of January 2018.  Bills will be posted before the end of January.

Town Hall Facilities:

  • Sensor switches for overhead lights were added to the restrooms and south end of Town Hall basement. This will aid in reducing municipal electricity expense.
  • The kitchen had a touch up cleaning.
  • Thank you to:
  • Ray Boas and Tara Sad for decorating the windows on the second floor of the Town Hall.
  • Adam Terrell for putting up the gazebo garland, lights and bows.
  • The Cub Scouts who put up and decorated the Christmas Tree on the gazebo.
  • Women of Walpole for the donation of lovely wreaths that were hung on the Town Hall doors.
  • Kevin Healy for fixing reoccurring Christmas light issues on the Common and in the Town Hall.

Human Resources:

  • Healthy Lunch for Town employees is being hosted on Friday, Dec. 22nd. Warm soups along with bread and tossed salad will be the main course.  A homemade, higher caloric dessert made by Peggy Pschirrer will finish off the meal in honor of the holiday season.  This lunch was made possible through wellness initiative funding from HealthTrust.

 

Hooper Institute:  Ms. Becky Whippie provided the following report:  It has been a busy couple of months.

Pre-K: Identified pumpkin parts and planted daffodil bulbs.  They looked for signs of spring and tasted pumpkin bread.  Drew a wild turkey and went on a coon hunt.  They gathered evergreen leaves to make into paint brushes.  Made red pine cone wreaths.  Made white pine cone bird feeders from items they collected.

Kindergarten: Did some pumpkin science; they weighed, measured, counted the ribs and estimated if it floats.  Recycling was introduced at the Walpole Primary School.  They took the students to the Recycling Center and showed them the process.  Each classroom is recycling their own materials.  They did some gardening as the growing season just kept going into October.  They demonstrated and safely showed the students how to use a hand trimmer, pruned some old stocks in the garden.  The kids were real careful with the hand pruners.  The gardens were then put to bed with organic mulch.  Balsam fir was put on a burlap pocket that was filled with balsam fir and made sachets.  They made cranberry sauce after exploring cranberries,

First Grade:  They talked about earthworms one rainy day.  They excavated through the potato beds.  Gathered dahlia bulbs.  Pruned some garden stalks, filled the wheel barrows and got to wheel them.  They had a loaded smashed potato from the potatoes they had harvested; toppings of their choice.  Planted winter rye seeds.  Gathered dried fern pods and bitternuts for a future project.  They also played an evergreen matching game.

Second Grade:  They drew popcorn life cycles.  Put organic matter back into the popcorn bed.  Introduced microbes as they are everywhere.  Harvested the remaining potatoes and ate carrots.  They made soil by rubbing rocks together, added soil amendments to the garden beds.  They went out to the woods and dug a hole to see the soil horizons – made conifer note cards.

Third Grade:  They were the carrot harvesters; some were grated for carrot cake.  On a rainy day they did some finger wool spun bracelets.  They walked the trails, talked and looked around to see what they could find.  Close to Thanksgiving they made some Nasamp which is a North American food.  Added more organic material to the garden beds.  In December they cut some white pine for evergreen centerpieces.

Fourth Grade:  They had a late harvest.  Tasted a rhubarb cake from an earlier rhubarb harvest.  Made observations of agricultural places in Walpole since school started and made a list.  What kind of farming is being done and what general questions could they ask.  They visited the Walpole Valley Farm and Brookfield Farm.  They had a squash feast with spaghetti squash, fried zucchini, pumpkin butter, butternut squash with maple syrup and pumpkin pudding.  They did some plant propagation.

Mrs. Eloise Clark has completed her soils unit.  She is working on forestry and conifer units.

Since Ms. Whippie attended the last meeting both she and Mrs. Clark were awarded the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts Educators of the Year awards. Mrs. Pschirrer said the Selectboard is grateful they both won the awards.  It was well deserved.

 

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Justine Fafara provided the following December 2017 Report.

November 2016 Stats:                                     November 2017 Stats:

21 Days Open                                                  21 Days Open

1430 People                                                     1350 People

2264 Circ                                                         1918 Circ

32 Programs                                                     33 Programs

144 Kids                                                          74 Kids

38 Teens                                                          49 Teens

98 Adults                                                         162 Adults

312 Website visitors                                        522 Website visitors

November 2016 Avg: 68 ppl & 108 circ/day   November 2017 Avg: 64 ppl & 91 circ/day

12 people per program                         8 people per program

Numbers are down a little this year, but November is always a slow month, so she did not think it is anything to worry about.  December numbers will probably be down as well because of the snow storm.

NHUPAC-State Inter Library Loan System is down and has been for over two weeks now.  The server (physical hardware) had to be replaced and then software is being installed. They are hoping to have it up and running by the new year.  This will affect circulation numbers.

They have some author visits lined up for the new year and she is working with the Walpole Village School and Walpole Primary School to collaborate on some new programs for younger school aged kids.

Their big fundraising mailing with pledge cards will go in the mail January 8th.  If anyone needs a pledge card before the end of the year they are available at the library.

Jan Kobeski made an amazing 3D model of the architect’s drawings of the library with the new expanded space.  They have gotten lots of great feedback now that people can really see how the library will be configured.  It is on display at the front desk in the library if anyone would like to see it.

The Library Board of Trustees approved a new policy for overdue library materials.  Starting in January they will no longer charge daily late fines.  They will have a jar for donations, and they will still charge people for missing materials.  Once a material is 4 weeks overdue, the cost of the material is added to the patron’s library account and they are required to pay the replacement cost if they cannot return the material.  This was a big topic at the New England Library Association conference and the other libraries who have done away with daily fines and now accept donations have seen the amount of money taken in double or even triple.  They are hoping this new policy will not only increase money flow for new materials, but will also make everyone’s experiences at the library more positive and enjoyable.

 

Police Department:  Chief Mike Paquette was unable to attend.  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Police Department is short-handed. Therefore they excused Lt. Justin Sanctuary from attending.  Mr. Dalessio reviewed the written report the Police Department submitted for the period of November 16, 2017 through December 15, 2017. The total number of calls for service was 280.

  • Public Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls -32                Administration -48                   Citizen Assists -60

  • Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents -13                          MV Stops -42                          Traffic Safety -10

  • Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol-23        Crimes Against a Person -39    Crimes Against Property -13

Mr. Dalessio advised drug issues are increasing again.  The department has one part-time applicant who is coming on the first of the year.  Officer Roger Landry will be back on a limited basis.  The department has been extremely busy with various problems throughout the Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Selectboard appreciate all the work they do.

Mr. Dalessio would like the Safety Committee to address the evacuation plan for each building.  Everybody should have one.

 

 

Finance Office:  Mr. Rich Kreissle noted that January 1st, 2018, is right around the corner.  He has to produce W-2s for all employees.  Other annual reports are also due.  Every year the taxes change.  Once the new tax law gets signed, he will have to update the software with those new tax tables.  He will also need to update employee’s health insurance deductions.  January is a “pressure cooker” time of the year for him.  Mr. Dalessio noted this is a good time to update addresses, phone numbers, etc.  Mr. Kreissle also wants to compare what the employees have left for vacation, personal and sick time against his records. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned all records should be accurate.  Mr. Dalessio said employees should be free to contact Mr. Kreissle if they have questions on anything finance related.

 

Adjournment:  Mrs. Pschirrer wished everyone a safe, healthy holiday. She closed this Staff Meeting at 6:00 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Hooper Trustees Meeting Minutes – 12/21/17

SELECTBOARD 01/04/2018 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

DECEMBER 21, 2017

 

Hooper Trustees Present:   Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Steven Dalessio; Cheryl Mayberry

Call to Order:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:39 PM.

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – December 14, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of December 14, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Transfer of Funds:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the transfer of funds from the Hooper Trust I Fund to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $4,996.01.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion is approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Hooper Mansion:  Mrs. Pschirrer will be meeting with Ms. Sharon Boccelli on Wednesday, December 27th to discuss the remaining furniture.

 

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:44 PM.

The regular Hooper Trustees meeting resumed at 7:56 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees session of December 21, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Adjournment:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary