Selectboard Present:  Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio; Peggy Pschirrer

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM.  The first order of business will be the Election of a Chair for the 2021-2022 year.

ELECTION OF CHAIR:  Mr. Dalessio moved to appoint Cheryl Mayberry as the Chair of the Selectboard for the 2021-2022 year.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Borden asked if there was any other discussion.  There was none therefore she called for a vote.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  Ms. Mayberry abstained from the vote.  

OPENING OF SELECTBOARD BUSINESS MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry called this meeting of the Selectboard via Zoom to order at 6:32 PM.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, in the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.  There are two guests present:  Mr. Ray Boas and Mr. Michael Rau, Road Agent.  This meeting is being filmed by FACT-TV.

Public Comments are to be emailed to Mrs. Downing at the Walpole Town Hall or by calling 603-756-3672.  She will display the agenda.  That will be followed by documents as they are being discussed.

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Steven Dalesssio was present; Peggy Pschirrer was present and Cheryl Mayberry was present.  This meeting will be in accordance with Virtual Meetings, Emergency Order #12, which has been effective since March 2020.

GRANITE CURBING ON ELM STREET:  Ms. Mayberry advised when the Selectboard first started talking about the Elm Street project about three years ago, Mr. Ray Boas had indicated an interest in purchasing granite curbing to be installed in front of his property.  He has now had discussions with his neighbors about extending the curbing.  Mr. Boas would also pay for granite curbing in front of the Church between his house and the Town Hall.  This year seems like a good year to install granite curbing when the Town will be doing this project.  There is interest in joining with him by some neighbors although he has no commitments.  He is still interesting in purchasing granite curbing from the Town Hall south to his driveway.  He will do his best to try to interest his neighbors to the south of him in doing the same.  Mr. Rau thought it was almost five years ago since they first talked about this.  He had indicated to the Selectboard that granite curbing is more of a nuisance; it does not make the road any safer for the Highway Department.  More plow equipment is damaged.  It does improve the aesthetics.  The road is narrow; it would be beneficial to widen it at least eight feet but to do this would take up a great portion of the green space between the road and the sidewalk.  Widening the road would improve the parking.  There is some curbing in front of the church.  They need to be realistic as the Town is growing.  They should plan on the future and be realistic.  People would like to keep the Town the same, keep the aesthetics.  He is not against the curbing but knows what it could do to their equipment.  Granite curbing looks good but there is another type of curbing that is known as Cape Cod curbing.  Highway equipment could ride up over it.  He is concerned with equipment damage.  Mr. Boas pointed out if anybody knows what is happening in the Common area, it is him.  He has lived here nineteen years.  A really tough spot is by the Town Hall.  In front of the Church and going south there is parallel parking that allows two cars to get by.  He does not know if eight feet is needed.  Three or four feet from the Town Hall down makes it easier but what do they do in front of the Town Hall.  Mr. Rau’s idea is to take all the granite out and have the parking spaces go right up next to the sidewalk with the paved curbing.  It would allow for easier clean-up of the sidewalk.  People could walk from their car right up to the sidewalk.  Mr. Boas asked about the trees.  Mr. Rau replied that most of the trees in front of the Town Hall are dying; there is a good tree in front of the church.  With the road being dug up, he is not sure that they will not damage those trees.  Mr. Boas agrees this is a good time to do things right but they have to figure out what is the right thing to do.  Mrs. Pschirrer is hearing good thoughts and observations and agrees the road needs to be widened but she would like to see a comprehensive plan they can all agree on.  Mr. Mark Houghton is very much involved in this water/sewer project.  The drainage work needs to be done and the road needs to be widened.  She is also concerned about installing curbing two or three houses south of Mr. Boas and then quitting.  Mr. Boas feels trees should be replaced tree-for-tree as they are taken out.  Re-planting trees has to be done in the right spot.  Mr. Rau would agree on replacing trees but some of them are too close together that is why they are not doing as well.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they need to have a meeting and get Mr. Houghton involved in this planning so they can work out all the details.  Mr. Rau has kept Mr. Houghton informed of developments.  Mr. Boas asked about the Cape Cod curbing.  Mr. Rau said it is black; similar to paving on the road.  It is easier to repair.  Granite curbing costs about $125/foot to install it; asphalt is half that cost.  If the Town were to install the paved curbing, it would go all the way down the Common. Ms. Mayberry suggested they work on the next steps.  Mr. Rau has been working with Mr. Houghton.  They have been waiting for better weather to meet and walk the site.  Mr. Boas would like to be involved.  After the work session, they will bring a comprehensive plan back before the Selectboard.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the plan should include the water/sewer project, drainage, widening the road, parking, trees, curbing, etc.  They will have a public meeting before the project begins.  Mr. Rau feels they might be able to have a plan for the Selectboard to review in the next two weeks; Thursday, April 1^st is the target date.                                  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $115,776.70 for checks issued March 19, 2021.  This includes a check transfer of funds in the amount of $25,000 to the Highway Capital Reserve Fund Account per Warrant Article #7.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessioand Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending March 13, 2021, in the amount of $31,113.49 for checks dated March 19, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,610.17.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessioand Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – March 11, 2021:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 11, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mrs. Pschirrer abstained from the vote as she was not present at this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 11, 2021:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 11, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mrs. Pschirrer abstained from the vote as she was not present at this meeting.    

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – March 2, 2021;• Planning Board Meeting – March 9, 2021.

WARRANTS:

Recommittal Warrant for 2020:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Recommittal Warrant for 2020 in the amount of $637,783.54.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that this is the first time the Selectboard has seen Recommittal Warrants.  Mrs. Downing replied it was required because a new Tax Collector was elected.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Recommittal Warrant for 2020 Tax Liens:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Recommittal Warrant for 2020 Tax Liens in the amount of $74,151.83.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none. On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Recommittal Warrant for 2019 Tax Liens:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Recommittal Warrant for 2019 Tax Liens in the amount of $34,978.66.  There is a typo on the percentage of this one.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Recommittal Warrant for 2018 Tax Liens:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Recommittal Warrant for 2018 Tax Liens in the amount of $2,636.81.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT #012-019-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to deny the Abatement application requested by the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-019-002 as the application was not signed by the taxpayer as is required by the RSA.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms.  Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.    

BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit 2020-10 RENEWAL, MAP and LOT #018-018-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-10 RENEWAL for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #018-018-000 to construct a “12’ X 15’ Breezeway”.  The owner(s) is requesting this renewal as they have not completed all the work.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit 2021-11, MAP and LOT #008-088-002:  Mrs. Pschirrermoved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-11 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-088-002 to build a “26’ x 28’ addition to the home”.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs.  Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

South End of Common as Staging Area:  Mr. Dalessio received a request from E.E. Houghton that the south end of the Common can be used as a staging area to store equipment and supplies for the Elm Street project.  When finished they will reseed and do everything needed to restore the area.  Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry approved the request. 

North Walpole Library Lease:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported when the North Walpole Library Lease was received from Attorney Hockensmith, it had the wrong owner on it.  They should have the new lease next week.  She will send a copy of the lease to the North Walpole Commissioners.  

Town Hall Exterior Painting Purchase Order: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Purchase Order to Catamount Painting in the amount of $89,500 to do the Town Hall Exterior Painting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Second Floor Ceiling of Town Hall Restoration Purchase Order: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Purchase Order to Catamount Painting in the amount of $15,900 to do the second floor ceiling of the Town Hall restoration project.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  Mr. Dalessio asked if this includes the work behind the curtain.  Mrs. Downing replied that it does include that area.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

Reservoir Dam Repairs:  Mr. Dalessio received the report yesterday.  He will give it to Mrs. Downing for distribution to the appropriate people.  Fuss & O’Neill’s opinion is that it is a High Hazard Dam.  They will come back with various cost proposals.  Everything was submitted to the Department of Environmental Services (DES) but they have not responded.

Brownfields Project:  Mrs. Pschirrer is reviewing the Request for Proposals that will be sent out next week to interested contractors.  The abbreviated version is 340 pages.  On April 12^ththey expect to have contractors walking around the site before they submit a bid.  They are proposing to have the work done in July after the other projects are finished.          

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Houghton Brook Bridge:  These items will remain on the Pending Further Actions list until additional information is received.

NEW BUSINESS:

Selectboard Liaison Assignments:  Ms. Mayberry thanked Mr. Dalessio for starting the template for the Selectboard Liaison Assignments.  Following are the 2021 Assignments:

Departments:

Selectboard:  ​​​Ms. Cheryl Mayberry

Finance:​​​ Ms. Cheryl Mayberry

Highway:​​​ Mr. Steven Dalessio

Police Dept.:​ ​​Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Recycling:​​ ​Ms. Cheryl Mayberry

Recreation:​​​ Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Town Clerk/Tax Collector:​ Mr. Steven Dalessio

Water/Sewer:​​​ Mr. Steven Dalessio

Welfare:​​​ Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Boards:

Planning:​​ ​Mr. Steven Dalessio

Library:​​​ Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Hooper:​​​ Ms. Cheryl Mayberry, Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer; Mr. Steven Dalessio

Committee Liaison:

Conservation:​​ ​Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer; Ms. Cheryl Mayberry

WRAP:​​​​ Open – Until a New Committee Meets

Projects:

Brownfield:​ ​​Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Broadband:​​​ Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer

Police Station​​​: Mr. Steven Dalessio / PL

Dams/Bridges:​​​ Mr. Steven Dalessio / HL

Elm Street:​​​ Mr. Steven Dalessio / L

Emergency:​​​ Ms. Cheryl Mayberry; Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer; Mr. Steven Dalessio

TC Office Renovation:​​ Ms. Cheryl Mayberry; Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer; Mr. Steven Dalessio.

TrueNorth Quote for Selectboard Office Internet:  Ms. Mayberry advised this is for a separate Broadband hook-up for the Selectboard office.  There is no monthly fee once installed.  The Equipment is $1,892.54; Labor is $2,119.00; Shipping is $25.00; Total is $4,036.54.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Purchase Order to TrueNorth for a separate Broadband hook-up for the amount of $4,036.54.  Mrs. Sarah Downing is authorized to sign this Purchase Order.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  Mr. Dalessio advised this is to hook-up Broadband to the Town Clerk’s office.   On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.   

NHRS Certification Forms:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the NH Retirement System forms for Officer No. 18-RI and Officer No. 19-JP.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Mill Pond Dam Inspection:  Mrs. Downing was asked to send the notice to Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent, advising that the Dam Bureau needs to be contacted to set up a date and time for an appointment for the Mill Pond Dam Inspection and to let the Selectboard know in the event they want to take part.  

Community Power:  A Selectboard member from Harrisville called to see if Walpole wished to form a committee to work on Community Power.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they received information on this quite some time ago.  They felt they had enough projects to work on and were not able to take on another big one.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned Mr. Paul Looney might be interested in a renewal energy project such as this one.  Mrs. Pschirrer will approach him.  

Great Hydro River Steward Presentation:  Mrs. Downing advised Mrs. Alicia Flammia, Chair of the Conservation Commission, is very interested in this.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to have the Conservation Commission schedule this Great Hydro River Steward Presentation at one of their meetings and the Selectboard will attend if available.

Oath of Office: Mrs. Downing reported that Walpole’s new Police Officer Joshua Parro needs to take the Oath of Office and sign it.  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign the Oath of Office for the new Police Officer Joshua Parro.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

FACT-TV:  Ms. Mayberry reported that this concludes the regular Selectboard meeting and thanked FACT-TV for participating.  

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.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:35 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:06 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:54 PM.  

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 18, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, motion approved.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:56 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary