The Walpolean

Minutes for the Regular Meeting of the Walpole Conservation Commission October 5, 2020
Members Present: Alicia Flammia, John Peska, Laura Hayes, Lew Shelley, France Menk, Steven Dumont, Cheryl Mayberry, Selectboard Representative, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard member, Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary
Members Absent: Jackie Kensen
Alternates Present: Myra Mansouri
Visitor: Kara Dexter, Ray Boas, Tom Murray, Eva Beauregard

Call to Order: Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:29 p.m. at Walpole Town Hall.

Review and Approval of Minutes: Lew asked that the minutes of September 14 reflect that the Monadnock Conservancy awarded grant money to the town of Fitzwilliam for the rail trail. With that correction, John moved, France seconded, and all voted to accept the September minutes.

Correspondence: Alicia shared the DES newsletter and a letter from the Monadnock Conservancy on Going for a Walk and Paddle.

Treasury: Forestry Account – $31,079.80 Conservation Account – $142,738.53
! Walker Road Account -$3,363.55

! Fanny Mason – unavailable at meeting (posted in an email from Alicia)
Old Business (Walker Road)

Walker Road Access: Alicia shared an email from Chuck about the lower field. He said many are passionate about using it, and many are willing to volunteer to improve it.
Ray Boas reviewed the reasons for purchasing the land with the idea of the town taking it over and the WCC managing it. He expressed regret for not reviewing the vision/mission with the WCC before the group took over management. There have been complaints about the property and access to the river, and Ray stated that some citizens have expressed a willingness to take care of the property and road. Laura stated that many comments and suggestions are not feasible, per state order.
Public Forum: Ray suggested that the WCC, town representatives, and concerned citizens sit down and discuss this situation during the winter in order to come up with ideas for the spring. France reiterated John’s idea of having an open, broad-based discussion to determine policies for all town properties used for recreation. She stated the WCC does not want to become dictators; the land belongs to the people and that should be acknowledged. She said the WCC should not be judge, jury, and deciders of how things should be.
Alicia said an open forum would be important. She said a date for the forum should be set this evening before the end of the meeting. She asked who the target audience should be. Ray suggested donors and stated that Chuck and the town office have a list of donors. John said the WCC was the largest donor toward the purchase. John then suggested getting the recreation department involved. Ray also stated that an article could be prepared for the Clarion; October 22 is the deadline for the next issue.

Laura stated there is a lot of work for the Commission to do; Ray stated there are people who have volunteered to help. Tom Murray stated that the Highway Department has to take care of town roads yearly.
Concerns About the Walker Road Access: Alicia stated that the field at Walker Road is not good for agriculture so there is no need to gate it for agricultural use. How should the land be used? Tom Murray believes trails need to be maintained. Lew said some events in the recent past had been planned by the WCC but were cancelled due to Covid-19.
Steven referred to a draft letter to the public he wrote concerning the Walker Road property and river access, which he shared with WCC members via email. He stated they all want beautiful land but there needs to be a balance between recreation and conservation. He stated that when you have a wooded area hidden from the road, it is often destroyed by a few. He agreed to the idea of the public forum but stressed that they don’t want what happened to the land across from Aubuchon to happen at Walker Road.
Steven stated that the road is in bad condition. Putting a boat in the river there is difficult, and there is better access elsewhere. France said people will find out for themselves that this area is not a good boat landing. Alicia said there would be significant cost to improving the access road and caution must be taken to preserve the topography of the land. Alicia stated that before any decisions can be made, a natural resource inventory of the property needs to be taken. Laura stated a soil study would probably show that the land is highly erodable.
Steven said a boat landing would not be possible per the DES. He said they could build a landing but the DES would take it over like they did in Bellows Falls. They had to close it because of problems.
Peggy stated that there have been complaints from people who want to drive down the road with kayaks and canoes to access the water. Tom and Mark Houghton said they could put down gravel. Alicia answered by saying they could not get a permit to extend the road any further due to the Shoreline Protection Act , and the act would bar them from making improvements and building a parking lot.
John stated that no land they have can be all things to all people. Laura stated that the public is invited to attend WCC meetings to discuss any topic of their choosing. The WCC has been grappling with these issues for months and would welcome visitors to hear and participate in their discussions.
Plan for the Public Forum : Alicia said the group will need a facilitator and structure for the forum. To do this well, they will need time to plan. The group decided on a date of January 13, 2021, for the public forum at Town Hall. Information can go into the Clarion November, December, and January issues. Steven will write an article for the November issue and will email a draft to the Commission.
Alicia will talk to her co-workers about different formats of public forums and the role of the facilitator. She said there should be an opening discussion and, given what they know about the property, decide what is possible and what is not.
France said she might be interested in facilitating once she knows what the role of facilitator entails.
Peggy suggested dividing the participants into breakout groups in which Commission members will have prepared questions to steer discussion.

It was decided that the issue of camping and trail maintenance could be included in the forum. Myra cautioned that if more than two topics were discussed at the forum, nothing would get done. Alicia stated they would focus on the Walker Road property and camping.
Natural Resource Assessment: Alicia suggested having this inventory done for planning purposes. It would give information about soils, vegetation, fauna, and habitats of the Walker Road property. Laura suggested talking to Peter about this because he always has students in the spring looking for projects.
In the Meantime: With support from the WCC Tom Murray will weed whack and clear brush around the kiosk. Kara said if volunteers know what needs to be done, they are ready to work. Alicia said she will get folks to help with trail maintenance. Steven will get a contact list of volunteers and put out a call on the WCC Facebook page.
Haying Agreement: Alicia moved, John seconded voiding the haying agreement with Christian Gowdy (hay unusable). All voted in favor.
New Business
Spending Down Conservation Funds: Alicia asked how the Commission would like to use funds before the end of the year. Lew asked for trail maps – Mason Forest and Mill Pond. Steven asked for maps of conservation lands. Laura suggested checking with the Conservancy and Forest Society for accuracy before printing.
Trail Maintenance: Tom asked if the Ravine Trail is part of a work plan. Lew gave a brief history of the trail and why it was let go. Tom and Eva have done some trail maintenance there. Alicia stated there should be a subcommittee on trail maintenance. France and Steven volunteered as did Kara and Tom. Lew will give Steven tools.
Old Business
Cranberry Meadow Preserve: John reported that the pipe between the Cranberry and Hooper Ponds was cleaned out. Alicia will invite Josh Beer and Mark Houghton to another meeting to discuss sharing the water.
Long View: Alicia was in contact with Alex to get the estimated revenues from timber harvesting and invasive control. He stated the timber harvest should take place in 2022. He estimates $8,000 revenue and $3,500 for the plan and species eradication.
Alicia presented an invoice from Long View for $262.50. Alicia moved, Laura seconded, and all voted in favor of paying the invoice from the Forestry account.
Blazing Properties: At the November meeting, dates will be set for blazing.
Reservoir Dam: John, Fuss and O’Neill, Mark Houghton, and Steve Delessio went to the site to update data. Cost estimate to harden the downside of North Road is $22,000. The work on the spillway is complete. The DES permit process should begin soon. It has been held up because there is a new dam engineer at DES and he considers this a high risk project. He wanted to see data again.
Other Business

Lew said the rail trail discussion continues and he will present more information to the WCC in November.
Kara reported that the Savings Bank of Walpole and the Ct. River Conservancy did a clean-up at Hall’s Crossing.
Adjournment: John moved; Laura seconded, and all voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:13 p.m. The next meeting will be November 2, 2020, upstairs in Town Hall.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary
*** These minutes are in draft form until approved by the Commission in November.

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.  

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.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked 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 6:31 PM.

The Selectboard had recessed the Non-Public SelectboardSession until the end of the regular Selectboard meeting.  The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:55 PM.

POLICE DETAILS POLICY:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Police Details Policy dated October 1, 2020 and attached to this policy will be the Detail Schedule Guidelines from Police Chief Michael Paquette dated October 1, 2020.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrerasked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

POLICE DEPARTMENT INVOICES:  Police Chief Paquette advised they will now be submitting all invoices to Mr. Richard Kreissle for processing.  The job number and other pertinent information will be put on all invoices.  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $9,767.80 for checks issued October 2, 2020.  This includes a monthly payment in the amount of $2,135.83 to Avitar Associates.  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 26, 2020, in the amount of $33,994.48 for checks dated October 2, 2020, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,913.89.  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 24, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of September 24, 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 24, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 24, 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.

BUILDING PERMIT:

Permit No. 2020-39:  KIM SURLES, 132 Hooper Road, Map and Lot #008-015-002:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-39 for Kim Surles to construct a “80’ x 54’ Single Story Home w/Attached Garage” at 132 Hooper Road, Map and Lot #008-015-002.  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:

Notice to Dog Owners: Mrs. Pschirrer wrote a new “Notice to Dog Owners” at the request of the Police Department.  There are many RSAs that deal with dogs.  She took the most important issues that dealt with licenses and vaccinations; restraining dogs; dogs, a menace, a nuisance or vicious; and penalties.  Penalties were vague in the last Notice to Dog Owners.  She got specific as to what it will cost someone if they violate any of these issues.  Chief Paquette reported that they were having an increased number of calls and the Town does not have an Animal Control Officer.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned this notice does not have to be approved at this meeting. They can read the document and check the RSAs.  Mr. Dalessio looked at RSA 466 and feels they should add a definition for an at-large dog.  Mrs. Pschirrer will research expanding this in No. 3.  This will be an agenda item for next week.  It will also give Chief Paquette the opportunity to comment on the notice as well.  

Walker Road Conservation Property:  Mr. Ray Boas and Dr. Charles Shaw had come into the meeting.  Mr. Boas advised that he and Dr. Shaw had talked about the Walker Road property.  A request had been sent in and Mrs. Alicia Flammia, Chair of the Walpole Conservation Commission (WCC) responded.  They feel they have come up with an approach that might be able to take care of the discontentment.  They were to preserve that property and protect the river; that was accomplished.  They feel the townspeople should have access to the river and utilize the area for recreation; that was why people donated to purchase the property.  The final solution was going to be to conserve the land.  It seems the WCC should have the oversite for the property.  What was not addressed was the recreational use.  Ms. Mayberry had an email from Mrs. Flammia who apologized for not being able to attend this meeting.  Mr. Boas does not believe the WCC’s Charter gives them the opportunity to address recreational use.  People have been upset about access for canoeing/kayaking.  They have hiking.  There have been questions about camping on Town property.  Two sort-of-uses that go hand-in-hand can be conservation management and recreation use.  Moving through fall and winter, they would like to propose working on recreation. People might like to come forward, join the discussion and get involved with the Recreation Committee.  Ms. Mayberry disagrees.  WCC has not had enough time since the Walker Road area has been under their stewardship to be able to develop it for recreational use.  She agrees there should be some partnering but it should not be divided out.  Mr. Boas was not looking at dividing responsibilities. However, there needs to be an involvement of people with recreational interests.  Ms. Mayberry said it needs to be worked out with the WCC.  This conversation is better with them, keeping in mind the conservation goals. She thinks they will have a favorable conversation. They fully support recreation. There is someone willing to work on the road and she feels that the gate can be left unlocked for access. There should not be any resistance to it, but they should go the route of talking to Conservation first and then if they need support from the Selectboard, ask for it. There is just confusion on how to leave it open and accessible.

Ms. Mayberry feels there is support from the townspeople.  Mrs. Pschirrer agrees in that she would not get the Recreation Committee involved at this time.  The WCC handles all the trail work.  Maybe they need a huge “nudge”.  When Ms. Mayberry was at the last WCC meeting, she did not feel any resistance (Mrs. Flammia could not attend).  She heard how they could keep it manageable, safe, etc.  Mrs. Pschirrer said Mr. Tom Murray’s article in the Clarion started that “nudge”.  Mr. Mark Houghton offered to take care of the road.  Mr. Murray spent over 20 hours cleaning up that area.  Mr. Dalessio had calls from young parents wanting to take their children down to the riverby driving rather than walking that distance.  Mr. Boas stated it sounds like they are all on the same path but need to get it going.  Ms. Mayberry advised the next WCC meeting is the first Monday in October.         

Ordinance Relative to Face Coverings:  Mrs. Pschirrer noted we should continue to wear a mask, wash our hands and keep a 6-foot distance.  The Governor’s Emergency Order was extended forward for three weeks from September 20^th.  She is not sure about putting out a policy for the entire Town when most of the local business and public buildings are all requiring masks.  Dr. Shaw would be in favor of having a policy for the benefit of some business owners who would like to have something in writing.  A good reason to have a policy is for communication with the community and the schools.  Mr. Dalessio liked the idea of education.  There could be posters, hand-outs and meetings.  Dr. Shaw said a policy makes a good public statement.  Ms. Mayberry said there has been a lot of push-back from parents because the school has a mask requirement.  Ms. Landry, Superintendent of Fall Mountain Regional School District, feels a Town policy will help them with their mask requirement.   Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that the Selectboard can adopt this policy with the changes that have been made, publish it but there is no way to enforce it if it is accepted.  Mr. Dalessio feels they should hold-off and take educational steps to get some signs made and get the message out there without enforcement.  Dr. Shaw likes having something in place because it gives people a base line to operate from.  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested that instead of “Ordinance” we could say adopt the following “Recommendations”.  Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Dr. Shaw were in favor of this change.  Mrs. Pschirrer will go through the document to be sure “Ordinance” is replaced with “Recommendation” and get it distributed.

Halloween:  Dr. Shaw had listened to the meeting by the Attorney General and NH Health Officers.  This year Halloween is on a Saturday.  Many towns discussed what they were thinking of doing; such as, a time from 4:00-to-7:00pm, etc.  They are trying to do something in a safe way considering the COVID-19 virus but yet not lose the event.  They encouraged one-way traffic on specific roads.  A Halloween mask is not a virus mask. Therefore, they should also wear protection for their mouth and nose.  Families should stay in pods.  Encourage people who are giving the wrapped treats to do it in a 6-foot distance.  This is considered medium-risk; low-risk is to stay home.  Some parents could get together and come up with a safe plan.  It can be a fun time.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned some towns do “Trunk-or-Treat”.     

Health Insurance of Surplus Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Health Trust will be meeting on October 6^th, 2020.  The notice of approved amount to be sent to the Town will be after that date.

Pending Further Actions:

Recreation Area Parking Lot Deed and Sales Agreement: A note was received from Attorney Hockensmith that he is working on the Sales Agreement.

NEW BUSINESS:

NH School Funding Fairness Project:  The NH School Funding Fairness Project Forum for Cheshire and Sullivan Counties will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2020, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm.  This forum will be held via Zoom Webinar.  Ms. Mayberry suggested they change the Selectboard meeting time to enable them to participate in this forum at their homes.  

Change Time for Next Selectboard Meeting – Thursday, October 8, 2020:  There was a consensus to change the meeting start time from 6:30 PM to 5:30 PM on Thursday, October 8, 2020.  There will be a limited agenda because the Selectboardwill be participating in the NH School Funding Fairness Project.

Warrant Article:  Ms. Mayberry mentioned they were holding off on committing the balance of the funds that were set aside for general maintenance under the warrant Article.  She asked if $12,000 is still available for the pool building roof and if $1,400 is available for the North Walpole Park shed roof.  A quote was received for both projects.  Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrerwould like additional quotes.  Ms. Mayberry was asked to contact Mr. Mike Rau for the name of a contractor.

Boy Scouts:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Boy Scouts will be having their Food Drive on November 7^th and 14^th.  Last year they requested to be at the Recycling Center.  This year they are requesting that they be allowed to do it again.  On November 7^ththey give out door hanger tags and on November 14^th they collect the food.  This is their third year of doing a food drive.  On November 14^th they park trucks at the Post Office, Recycling Center, Mr. G’s and Shaw’s Store to collect the food.  Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry approved this request.         

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION (Continued):

Mrs. Pschirrer had previously recessed the Non-Public Selectboard Session.  At this time she re-opened this meeting at 8:02 PM.    

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:14 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 1, 2020, 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. Pschirrerasked 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 8:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Note the early start time of 5:30. While the public is welcome to attend, it should be noted that no new items for discussion will be addressed because of time constraints. – Lil

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

October 8, 2020

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $91,533.46 for checks issued 10/09/2020

PAYROLL• Payroll Register totaling $31,821.11 dated 10/09/2020 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,376.61

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES• Selectboard Minutes – October 1, 2020• Non-Public Selectboard Session – October 1, 2020

COMMITTEE REPORTS• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – September 3, 2020• Cemetery Trustees Meeting – September 16, 2020• North Walpole Village Commissioners Meeting – September 8, 2020• North Walpole Village Commissioners Meeting – September 15, 2020• North Walpole Village Commissioners Meeting – September 22, 2020

BUILDING PERMITS• 2020-40, Jill Robinson, 35 High Street, Map and Lot# 021-023-000• 2020-41, William & Kristen Whiton, 1405 County Road, Map and Lot# 003-038-003• 2020-42, Richard & Pamela Sponholz, 244 Wentworth Road, Map and Lot# 008-009-007• 2020-43, Douglas Thurber & Kirstin Anderson, 126 Old Keene Road, Map and Lot# 007-020-001

OLD BUSINESS• Notice to Dog Owners• Rec Area Parking Lot Deed and Sales Agreement• Recommendation Relative to Face Coverings• ARM Grant Site Visit• Response Letter from DOJ, Dept. of Charitable Trusts• War Memorial Repair Update• AFLAC Enrollment Meetings

Pending Further Actions

Reservoir Dam Repairs, Town Street Lights, Sewer Bond Comment Letter

NEW BUSINESS• November 3, 2020 Voting Warrant• EMPG Reimbursement Request Letter• Exercise Class Request for Use of Town Hall• Pinnacleview 4-H Reimbursement/Donation Request• 2021 Planning and Land Use Regulation Manual Order

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (a)

**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**

Sadly September has come and gone. Therefore, you may have already determined that the Church Chicken Bar-b-que will be on 10/17 NOT 9/17!

First Congregational Church of Walpole is having another chicken barbecue on Saturday, October 17th.  It is curbside pick up from 4:00-5:30.  Tickets are $7 from Galloway’s Real Estate or by calling 603-313-4801.  

I am assuming that Rosie and her friends are at home resting safely but I haven’t heard for sure. By the way, while it is none of my business, “back in my day” cows were named Bessie. How times have changed!

PUBLIC MEETING NOTICE

CLEANUP OF THE CENTRAL PLATING SITE

Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 11:00 AM

Walpole Town Office, 34 Elm Street, Walpole, NH

The Town of Walpole will hold a public meeting to discuss the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) funded Brownfields Cleanup Project for the Central Plating Site located at 12 Westminster Street in Walpole. This project will focus on the removal of the existing building and the removal of targeted soils contaminated by historical plating operations as proposed in the Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA)/Remedial Action Plan (RAP).  The public meeting will be held to gather comments on the ABCA/RAP on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 11:00 AM.

 Due to the COVID-19/Coronavirus crisis and in accordance with Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order #12 pursuant to Executive Order 2020-04, and to properly ensure the safety of the public and meeting participants, this body is authorized to meet electronically. The meeting will be held virtually through the web-based platform Zoom and the access code to join the meeting will be posted on the town website at https://www.walpolenh.us/town-news. During this public meeting, project representatives will discuss the funding mechanisms, project requirements, and recommended cleanup strategies for the site.

The Town of Walpole is currently receiving public comments on the ABCA/RAP, and the public comment period will run 30 days, ending on Thursday, November 5, 2020. The information repository for this project, including the ABCA/RAP and other environmental information is located at the Walpole Town Hall. These documents can be viewed electronically on the Town’s Website at https://www.walpolenh.us/epa-grant.html, or in person at the Walpole Town Hall during their normal business hours. For more informationor to provide comment, contact Steve Rickerich of Ransom Consulting, LLC at 603-436-1490, or Peggy Pschirrer at the Walpole Town Hall at 603-756-3672; or comments can be sent via email to sdowning@walpolenh.us.

Found. 5 cows in the field at the corner of Pratt Rd. And Valley Rd.  No one knows who they belong to.  One has a tag with the name Rosie.

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

Selectboard Meeting of October 8, 2020

Starting time: 5:30 PM

Change due to an evening event conflict for Selectboard.

The public is welcome to attend. 

The agenda will be limited due to time constraints.