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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting via Zoom to order at 6:30 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.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were four members of the public in attendance.

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Steven Dalessio 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.

OLD BUSINESS:

Elm Street Water/Sewer and Repaving Project:

Ms. Mayberry made the following statement:

“The infrastructure on Elm Street has aged out of its productive life, repair and line replacement has become necessary so the Selectboard has decided to go ahead with the replacement of the water and sewer lines as planned.  The road will also be repaved to its existing footprint with drainage improvements along the Common.  This project was already approved back in 2015, budgeted to be done this year and plans will continue to move forward so as not to interfere with the Brownsfields project.  Once a formal plan has been submitted for the Selectboard to review, the abutters will be invited to weigh in on the project via a public meeting; similar to what was previously done on Pleasant Street.  All other details and considerations that directly affect the project may be brought forth at the public meeting at which time both resident concerns and budgetary limitations will be discussed.  Any and all other concerns relating to Elm Street and the Common may be discussed, budgeted and planned for at a future date.

We appreciate all the residents who have already voiced their opinions and concerns on the Elm Street project but in the absence of a formalized plan, any additional commentary on this topic is considered premature and unnecessary at this time.​Thank You!” 

With that being said the Selectboard agreed to move along with the agenda.  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $484,819.18 for checks issued April 02, 2021.  This includes a final installment payment of $464,025.00 to Consolidated Communications, Inc. for the Broadband Bond.  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.  

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending March 27, 2021, in the amount of $27,821.75 for checks dated April 02, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,265.66.  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.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – March 25, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 25, 2021, as submitted.  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 Minutes were approved. 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 MINUTES – March 25, 2021: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of March 25, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  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 Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 MINUTES – March 25, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of March 25, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  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 Minutes were approved.

STAFF MEETING MINUTES – March 25, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of March 25, 2021, as submitted.  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 Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – February 10, 2021;• Library Trustees Meeting – March 16, 2021;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 16, 2021;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 23, 2021.

PROPERTY TAX PENALTY FOREGIVENESS:

MAP and LOT #021-032-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Penalty Foregiveness for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #021-032-000.  The lien notice fee was erroneously applied and needed to be forgiven.  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 PERMIT:

Permit #2021-12 – MAP and LOT #005-065-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-12 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #005-065-000 to add a “31’ by 17’ Roof Mount Solar Array on Barn”.  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.

OLD BUSINESS:

North Walpole Library Lease:  Ms. Mayberry reported that the North Walpole Library Lease has been sent to the North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners and they approved signing the lease during their meeting last Tuesday.  After it is returned, the Selectboard will also sign the lease. 

April 13, 2021 Planning Board Meeting re: Town Hall: Ms.  Mayberry advised the Planning Board has requested having an in-person meeting in the Town Hall on April 13, 2021.  Mr. Dalessio has no concerns providing they follow all the mask and social distance requirements.  Mrs. Pschirrer does not have any concerns except if one of their members feels uncomfortable, is there a way they can call in?  Mr. Dalessio replied “yes” they can call in.  Mr. Dalessio suggested that any elected/appointed Board / Commission can have an in-person meeting at their discretion.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if they are ready to start renting the Town Hall.  Mr. Dalessio said “no” it should be open to just elected/appointed Boards and/or Commissions.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the Governor’s Emergency Orders are still in effect.  Mr. Dalessio added they will all have to follow the regulations of wearing a mask, social distancing, washing hands, and sanitizing. Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry concurred.

FMRHS Prom at Whitcomb Recreation Park:  Ms. Mayberry reported the Fall Mountain Regional High School Prom is scheduled for May 15th from 7:00-to-10:00 PM.  They are expecting about 200 attendees.  Mrs. Pschirrer is concerned with the large number of people. They cannot require it but effective tomorrow many of those students are eligible to sign up to be vaccinated and that would help.  They will be in close proximity; they will be dancing.  In her conversation with Mr. Kraig Harlow, Recreation Director, the students are also considering another location but it is not their first choice as they like the access to the Recreation Park bathrooms.  Mr. Dalessio is concerned with the number of people.  They can rent portable bathrooms for the FMRHS fields.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to deny this request.  Mrs. Pschirrer will let Mr. Harlow know of their decision.  Ms. Mayberry will notify the Superintendent. 

Thank You Letter for Use of Walpole Elementary School Gym:  Mrs.  Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Thank You letter for Use of the Walpole Elementary School Gym for the Annual Town Meeting on March 13, 2021.  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.                   

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Houghton Brook Bridge, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio had no up-dated information.  Vilas Bridge Joint Meeting:  The Joint Meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2021, at 6:30 PM.  Executive Councilor Warmington Meeting Request:  No response has been received.  These items will remain on the Pending Further Actions list. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for the sale of two lots D563 and D564.  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. 

Vaccinations:  Mrs. Pschirrer had sent out a notice to Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry to review.  It was to encourage Town employees to get their vaccinations.  They saw no issues with sending out this notice. Therefore, Mrs. Downing was asked to distribute it to all employees.    

April Basketball and Summer Basketball Camps:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mr. Kraig Harlow is eager to have some vacation time basketball workshops.  School vacation begins in two weeks.  He would also like to advertise summer basketball camps.  Doing this during vacation time gives kids something to do outside.  Mr. Dalessio had no problem as long as he follows the guidelines.  Mrs. Pschirrer approves it; it is outside in fresh air, doing an organized sport as long as guidelines are followed. There was a consensus of the Selectboard to approve April Basketball and Summer Basketball Camps.

Donation Thank You Letters:  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged Thank You letters from the Southwestern Community Services (SCS), from the YMCA for Camp Takodah and from the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).    

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  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 at 6:55 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:59 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session 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 7:26 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 01, 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, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  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 meeting adjourned at 7:28 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary