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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She introduced Ms. Cheryl Mayberry and Mr. Steven Dalessio, the other two Selectboard members.  Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, are also in attendance. This meeting is being recorded.  There was one member of the public in attendance: Mr. Ray Boas.  

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

VANDALISM:  Mr. Boas was present to express his concern about the vandalism that occurred on the Town’s roads today.  He recently published on Facebook, the Clarion, the Walpolean and North Walpole Forum, Dr. Shaw’s report on the rabies tests. One was in Alstead and the second one was in the cemetery.  A coyote was killed.  The Alstead incident involved a bat in a house. Owners need to be sure their indoor and outdoor animals have their rabies shots.  The point is he reached about 400 people and Lil DeCoste reached about 300 people.  Mr. Boas is more than happy to put out notices in between issues of the Clarion.  They do have a way of getting news out.  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mrs. Downing was the first person to be aware of the vandalism painting done on the road near the intersection of South Street and Route 12 today.  She promptly called State District No. 4 as they are State highways and they said they would come to clean it up.  Mr. Boas stated it was still there earlier today.  The Town Highway crew did clean-up the painting on the Town roads today.  Graffiti should be removed promptly.  Mr. Boas asked if the Selectboard would like to write something to the effect that this will not be tolerated.  Mrs. Pschirrer would write an article for the Clarion but needs to do some research on the law first.  The painting on signs should not be happening.  The Selectboard is appalled by all of it.  Mr. Boas noted some of this could be a “hate” crime.  Mr. Boas and Mrs. Lil DeCoste currently have many people who follow their postings on Facebook, etc.  Ms. Mayberry advised the North Walpole Forum has about 375 people who follow that.  Mr. Boas stated they provide good coverage.  There are a lot of complaints about signs scattered around on various yards.  Mr. Boas said they do not want people spray painting on the roads. We are trying to enforce having good citizens.

HALLOWEEN:  Ms. Mayberry read that Hinsdale cancelled their Halloween.  She has not yet heard anything from the Fall Mountain Regional School District about Halloween.  Mr. Boas stated if they write something, he will get it out to the public.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned Halloween is on a Saturday this year.  The NH HHS is hosting a webinar on September 29, 2020, at 12:00 PM.  When the Governor spoke today he said they are talking about Halloween events in Concord at this time.                  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $134,071.73 for checks issued September 25, 2020. This includes a payment of $44,090.00 for the Highway truck approved by Warrant Article #5 at March 2020 Town Meeting. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments. There were none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending September 19, 2020, in the amount of $33,294.67 for checks dated September 18, 2020, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,890.20.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – September 17, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of September 17, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

With reference to page 3, 2021 Town Meeting, Ms. Mayberry knows the rental of the Walpole Elementary School Gym by the Town of Walpole for the 2021 Town Meeting on March 13, 2021, was approved. However, she has not yet seen any documentation to give to Mrs. Downing. 

STAFF MEETING MINUTES – September 17, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of September 17, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.  

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – September 17, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 17, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• Conservation Committee Meeting – September 14, 2020;• Library Board of Trustee Meeting – September 15, 2020;• Zoning Board of Adjustment Minutes – September 16, 2020.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

MAP and LOT #007-018-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #007-018-000 for a cut off Webster Lane.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #007-024-001:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #007-024-001 for an area off of Old Keene Road.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-061-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #008-061-001 for a property near the junction of Prospect Hill and Maple Grove Road. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments. There were none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved

BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit #2020-37, MOLLY LOOMIS and SHAILENDRAJEET GREWAL, 84 Old Drewsville Road, Map and Lot #010-020-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-37 for Molly Loomis and Shailendrajeet Grewal, 84 Old Drewsville Road, Map and Lot #010-020-000 to build a “698 sq. ft. Ground Mount Solar Array” at 84 Old Drewsville Road, Map and Lot #010-020-000.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit #2020-38, JARED and LISA STOLPER, 193 Old Drewsville Road, Map and Lot #017-013-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-38 for Jared and Lisa Stolper to construct a “10’ x 20’ Shed” at 193 Old DrewsvilleRoad, Map and Lot #010-013-000.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Highway Department Purchase Order:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Purchase Order #331243 to John C. Stewart & Sons in the amount of $44,090.00 to purchase a Highway Department truck as approved by the voters under Article 5 in March 2020.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

Elm Street Entrance Railings:  Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair, Peggy L. Pschirrer, to sign the quote received from Handi Ramp and to approve the purchase of two – 4 ft handrails with ADA loop top and bottom for the Elm Street Town Hall Entrance from Handi Ramp for the total amount of $721.50.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Flu Vaccine Memo: There was a consensus of the Selectboard to approve and send the Flu Vaccine Memo to all employees of the Town, urging them to get the flu vaccine this year.

Discretionary Easement Deed and Agreement: This is for the golf course area of the Hooper Golf Course properties. Mrs. Pschirrer read and approves the Discretionary Easement Deed and Agreement as it meets the requirements. The Selectboard does not sign these documents as they go back to the Golf Course owners for their signatures and the Town will then record it.

Houghton Brook Bridge ARM Grant:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the site visit is planned for October 8th from 9:30 – 11:00 AM.  He will attend.  We are going forward with what comes up.  The Department of Environmental Services (DES) will make a decision as to whether or not they will give us the grant.

Office of Charitable Trust Letter: The Selectboardacknowledged receipt of the letter Mrs. Pschirrer wrote to Mr. Thomas J. Donovan, Director, Office of Charitable Trusts, regarding trust limitations to the Hooper Trust Funds.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. Thomas J. Donovan, Director, Office of Charitable Trusts, as both the Selectboard and Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer noted that a copy of the letter will be forwarded to Senator Jay Kahn and the Attorney General.

Brownfields Site Future Plans: Mrs. Pschirrer advised they will soon be placing a public meeting notice in the KeeneSentinel, the Walpolean, the Clarion and on the Town’s website. They now have an updated analysis of Brownfields Clean-up Alternatives (ABCA) to remediate the Brownfields site. Testing was done this past summer that included the strip of grass owned by the Mascoma Bank that abuts the Brownfields site. They have to post that the results and the ABCA are available for review and public comment at the Town Hall and on the Town website. It is 259 pages long. PFAS was found in that strip by the Mascoma Bank, likely from the Central Plating site. Mascoma Bank has approved the distribution of the report documenting the conditions in the soils beneath the grass strip.There is a 30-day comment period starting on the date of the posting of the public notice. A Zoom public meeting will be held within that time period. They are primarily interested in getting all the abutters in this Zoom meeting as well as the EPA, DES, Southwest Regional Planning Commission and others. The next step is they will be getting an RFP (Request for Proposal) to hire the people who will do the clean-up work. They will have to be certified to do the work. This project seems very slow and there is a lot of repetition, testing-and-re-testing, as they keep going forward. At the next step they would like to talk with the Selectboard about what they envision the final use of that property will be. We know we want to have a parking lot there. There will be some electric vehicle charging stations. They want a better definition of what they want in the small grassy area “pocket park” where the garage is now. Mr. Dalessio would like some benches. Mrs. Pschirrer will be working with Mr. Steve Rickerich of Ransom Consulting in the next couple of weeks. They will go back to the grant they wrote and elaborate on the plan. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mascoma Bank are still talking as they will probably give the Town the parking lot the Town now leases. Ransom is concerned that they do not know if it is contaminated or not. The area is already covered with asphalt. The area they know is contaminated is around the gas station. It is already under a program where it is tested several times a year and will continue to be paid for under the Petroleum Fund.

8 Prospect Hill Road:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a nice Thank You Note from Mr. Bruce Blanchette regarding the sign decision.  He is pleased to know that he and the people of Walpole still have the right to free speech.

Cannon Monument on the Common:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that it came to their attention during the meeting last week that the wooden wheels on the Cannon monument on the Common were rotting.  Mrs. Sarah Downing spoke with Mr. Whit Aldrich who was aware of the situation but is not sure the funds they had left with the Town can be used to repair these wheels.  He will speak to the rest of the American Legion crew about this.      

Mosey Down Letter:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the letter to Mike Daley, Mosey Down, thanking them for their contribution of $150.00.  Their gift will be added to the funds the Town holds for the upkeep of the gazebo on the Common.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Litter Pick-up Activities: Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of a note from Mrs. Kara Dexter. We are so eternally grateful to her for all the litter pick-up activities they do. They picked up 512 lbs. from the area across from Aubuchon’s Store this past weekend. She advised that Mr. Ben Hoy at the Recycling Center is “awesome” and helped them unload everything. She will go back again to do a “final” sweep of the area. They continue to monitor this area to make sure it stays clean. The total trash from this one spot this year is 1,409 lbs; 897 lbs. from their April clean-up plus the 512 lbs from this past weekend. Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mrs. Dexter needs recognition from everyone as they clean-up all over Town. Mrs. Pschirrer will write an article on this for next month’s Clarion.

Ordinance Relative to Face Coverings: Dr. Charles Shaw, Health Officer, came into the meeting. He wrote a recommended change that begins with “Infectious Diseases”. The second sentence “Some diseases can be spread from person to person very easily through airborne/aerosolized transmission”. The current thinking by the CDC is that it is coming from airborne/aerosolized sources – like droplets that are big. They are now looking at “small”. The third sentence; Dr. Shaw emphasized the need to cover the mouth and nose by wearing a face covering and the use of proper hygiene (such as hand washing and sanitizing) more than the social distancing. Someone said at the end of the day, masks will be the most significant thing people can do to minimize the spread of this virus. Dr. Shaw said it is not wrong but he just wanted to prioritize. Relative to No. 8, Penalties, Dr. Shaw is in favor of educating people, but not fining people. He likes the idea of having an ordinance. Mrs. Pschirrer noted there is no enforcement. Therefore, item no. 8 can be deleted. Dr. Shaw mentioned there was a study done of nurses exposed to the virus and a significant number of nurses not wearing glasses caught the virus. If you are wearing glasses, you are less apt to get the virus. Ms. Mayberry’s concern is that the School District requires a mask rather than face covering. She has heard parents say their child is not comfortable wearing a mask. Dr. Shaw walked around the Walpole Elementary School last Friday with Mr. Sam Jacobs, Mr. Justin Cassarino and the school nurse; they visited outside for about 45 minutes. They are staying with masks. The community has to also do their share. Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that they will rewrite the proposed ordinance with Dr. Shaw’s recommended changes and bring it back to the next Selectboard meeting.

Walker Road Conservation Property:  Dr. Shaw requested clarification on an issue.  Mr. Christian Gowdy told Dr. Shaw that his name came up as the reason why there is a gate on the Walker Road Property.  It was not him at all. However, Mr. Gowdy’s name was put in the meeting minutes.  Mr. Gowdy got a member of the Conservation Commission who asked him about putting up a gate as they were finding trash on the property.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out they are getting complaints about the Conservation Commission not allowing people access to the CT River.  These people had donated toward the purchaseof the property, assuming they would have access.  One person has been cleaning out brush for river access as he does walk in with his kayak.  The farmers had created the road.  Someone does not feel the road is in bad shape. He is willing to smooth it out and donate some gravel.  Mr. Boas and Dr. Shaw plan to attend the next Conservation Commission meeting.  They asked Ms. Mayberry to let Mrs. Alicia Flammia know they would like to be on the October agenda.

North Walpole Water System:  Dr. Shaw asked Ms. Mayberry about the status of the North Walpole Water System.  Ms. Mayberry advised that the Design Phase of the project is almost complete.  Yesterday a second testing was done.  

Drewsville Water System: Mr. Dalessio reported that the Drewsville Water System is almost dry. The Selectboatd recognized it is an emergency situation. Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that we are all in a drought. They urge all people to conserve water whether on a well or the Town’s water system.

Pending Further Actions:

Recreation Area Parking Lot Deed and Sales Agreement:  Mrs. Pschirrer is waiting for the survey from Attorney Hockensmith.  Mr. Dalessio recommended asking Mrs. Marilou Blaine to borrow a copy of the survey she has so this transaction can be finalized.

Sewer Bond: Mr. Dalessio got the first couple quarters from 2020 and as soon as he gets that all together he will make a presentation. He also asked Mrs. Daigle to talk to AccuFund about obtaining additional information.

NEW BUSINESS:

Oil and Propane Contracts: Mrs. Pschirrer was asked by the Walpole Foundation if the Town would like to participate in the pricing Irving Oil was giving them for winter oil delivery as well as propane. Irving Oil guaranteed price is $1.90 and propane $1.705 a gallon. She talked to Mr. Kreissle about this as he was working with an oil company in Keene for over $2.00/gallon. We will be saving money on both oil and propane. Therefore, Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Town would participate and signed the contracts. This includes all the Town-owned buildings.

Laptop Purchase Order: Mr. Kreissle will be requesting reimbursement of this amount for a laptop from the CARES Act.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Purchase Order #361915 to purchase a laptop for Mr. Richard Kreissle from True North in the amount of $2,144.54.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.     

HealthTrust Hearing on Proposed Bylaw Amendments: A notice was received from the HealthTrust that there will be a hearing on the Proposed Bylaws Amendments on October 6, 2020, at 9:00 am.  

Cheshire County Zoom Meeting with Towns and Cities:  A notice was received from the County of Cheshire that there will be a Town and Cities Information Sharing – Zoom Meeting – on Monday, September 28, 2020, at 12:00PM.  

Southwest Region Planning Commission: There will be a Southwest Region Planning Commission Fall 2020 Meeting on October 13, 2020, at 3:30 PM.  This will be conducted using the Zoom format.  

Walker Road Conservation Property: After Mrs. Pschirrer wrote to Mrs. Alicia Flammia, Chair of the Conservation Commission, she said she would reach out to the other CC members. Ms. Mayberry noted that Mrs. Flammia stated something should happen sooner rather than later.

Halloween:  Mrs. Downing heard from the Walpole Elementary School that they have not yet made any decision regarding the Halloween Parade.

Certificate of Appreciation:  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of a Certificate of Appreciation from the United States Census 2020 for “Outstanding Work in Providing Non ResponseFollow Up Enumerator Training Location in New Hampshire During the Course of the 2020 National Census”.

Recycling Center: Ms. Mayberry advised that last week they had talked about buying security cameras, equipment and installation in the amount of $2.450.00 for the Recycling Center from funding remaining in Article 4 as approved by the voters in March 2020.  Mr. Dalessio recommended buying two cameras.  Ms. Mayberry felt one would be at the gate and the second one at the building.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve purchasing a security camera, equipment and installation for the Recycling Center with the addition of a second camera for the total amount of $3,045.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

The cameras, equipment and installation will be purchased from Countryside Alarm.

Highway Department:  Ms. Mayberry mentioned that during the Staff Meeting that Mr. Mike Rau asked about buying an asphalt edging machine.  There is enough funding in his budget.  The Selectboard agreed to have Mr. Rau purchase this equipment.     

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrerasked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:00 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:26 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 24, 2020, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.    

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary