Selectboard Present:      Cheryl Mayberry; 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. Jodi Daigle, Water & Sewer Clerk and Administrative Assistant via the internet and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were several members of the public in attendance:  Representatives Lucy Weber, Michael Abbott, and Paul Berch along with Ray Boas, Jody Spivey, and Jim MacLean.

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.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

VILAS BRIDGE:  Ms. Mayberry introduced Representative Lucy Weber, Michael Abbott and Paul Berch who are present to discuss the Vilas Bridge.  Representative Weber had received the letter and packet of information previously discussed between the Town of Rockingham/Village of Bellows Falls and the Town of Walpole. She advised where the bill stands now.  The three of them cannot file any more bills until September of next year because the next budget is already in the process.  This budget has passed the NH House and is sitting in the Senate which is why talking to Senator Jay Kahn is helpful.  However, the Vilas Bridge will not go into the regular budget. It would be in the Capital Budget for long-term improvements. The likelihood that anything is going to get added to the Capital Budget is very slim because they currently have a majority that is very determined to reduce rather than enhance income strings. The mantra is no new taxes and that means getting rid of taxes we have now.  It is unlikely there is any new available income and this project is slated way out on the Ten Year Plan.  The likelihood of moving the Vilas Bridge up is very slim.  Here is the reason why.  They state in their letter that the Westminster Bridge was recreated in 1989 by the same means we are asking to move it through the legislative process.  It takes commitment and determination.  She fully agrees with the frustration of the neglected part of it.  They need to remember they have four representatives; none of whom were invited to the first meeting when they could have explained this to begin with.  That is 1% of the House; the House has 399 members. They would have to get 200 of them to vote for this project.  Every one of the other 395 members would have equal projects they are passionate about.  Getting them to work for this project is really difficult and in a time of declining revenues that makes it even more difficult.  She will go back to a little bit of history when past representatives filed a number of bills and at that time the Selectboard did not elect to follow up on them. It is not for lack of trying.  She thinks a legislative solution is just realistically not very likely. Until recently, the top priority of everybody she talked to in Town was getting Route 12 fixed from North Walpole up to Charlestown plus it was a higher priority when they went to the Governor and Council meetings.  She does think it is excellent that Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington was going to come tomorrow because she is involved in this process and can be helpful.  Unfortunately she had to postpone her visit.  Representative Weber would like to be involved when she is able to come.  Councilor Warmington has seen the bridge.  This is where they are on the NH side of things.  Since she got the letter, the Federal side of things might be more hopeful although she does not know yet.  The first thing she did was contact Will Pierson who works for Cheshire County.  He was hired specifically to help the county and help them through the Federal programs that have been established as a result of the COVID stuff.  His response was he had already talked with Ron Bouchard at the county level who had seen the Selectboard minutes from two weeks ago. They had determined the current programs available are for much smaller projects of about $300,000.  There is not anything out there right now that the Vilas Bridge qualifies for.  She also contacted the three delegations.  She heard from Congresswoman Annie Kuster’s staff and they confirmed what Will Pierson said about there might be a possibility going forward with the JOBS Act which has not yet passed Congress.  She urged them to work with Peter Welch on enhancing whatever value they can get from a two state solution.  She also heard back from Senator Hassan’s office. They have a telephone call set up with her, the Chief of Staff and Senator Kahn for tomorrow. She has not yet heard back from Senator Shaheen’s office.  That is basically where she is with this; she is glad to listen to people’s comments, requests, etc.  She thinks a legislative solution at this time is not likely but that does not mean they will stop pushing forward.  They have all attended the GASSETT meetings to present projects and will plan on continuing to do so.  Now that this is their highest priority, she can make this case.  The two other bridges make it very difficult to get us “bumped up” on the list.  She remembers the day this bridge was closed.  They need to overcome there are two other bridges are within three miles of each other.

Mr. Dalessio asked if the Vermont side of the river comes up with $11,000,000-or-$12,000,000 to do the repairs on the Bridge, would New Hampshire be willing to accept that money for the repairs. Representative Weber feels it would depend on how much NH would have to come up for their side.  If it is nothing, she does not see why they would not accept it.  Mr. Dalessio questioned if there was a different tact for Federal money; getting Federal funds to move the Walpole wastewater line off the Vilas Bridge.  Representative Weber said that is a whole other issue. She is glad he brought it up as she will start exploring that. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned this was brought up with Councilwoman Kuster.  It could be an environmental disaster if the line were to break and discharge into the Connecticut River.  Representative Weber will bring up the wastewater line during the phone call tomorrow.  The wastewater line is a very important issue for everyone.  It will be a different pot of money.  She reminds people the Vilas Bridge is an historic bridge but the problem is that it is a concrete bridge and designed with materials that are not good for this environment. Keeping the sewer line on the forefront is important.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out the bridge might not be salvageable anymore. The cat walk underneath is no longer usable; it is unsafe.  There is a manhole on Green Street in North Walpole where they could connect.  The pump station needs to be up-graded; it is on life-support right now.  A new pump was ordered about a year ago but they still do not have a delivery date.  It is all part of the solution.

Representative Michael Abbott spoke about both states, NH and VT, would need to agree on funding for the Vilas Bridge repairs.  The biggest problem in terms of Walpole is removing the wastewater line from underneath the bridge and re-locating it. 

Representative Berch felt Mrs. Weber covered this issue very well.  He did not have anything new to add.  

Representative Weber does not want people to think she cannot put in a bill next year.  Next year is not a budget year.  They need to work toward the year after that.  There may be more funds in terms of the environment issues.  She will keep the Selectboard informed on developments.

Ms. Mayberry thanked Representatives Weber, Abbott and Berch for attending this meeting.                                      

Granite Curbing Donation for Elm Street:  Mr. Ray Boas did additional research on the granite curbing that brought some disappointment to him.  He wanted people to realize he has more tenure on the Common than anyone else.  A majority of the parking is in front of his house which is not a problem because it is closest to the Town Hall.  When there are additional vehicles on the street, they work their way south.  There is a form of dirt “bumper” level to prevent vehicles from parking on the grass.  Mr. Boas said they are coming up on six years since he first spoke about granite curbing.  Recently he discovered costs have gone up.  His wanting to move forward with this project was based on some bad information; being able to find somebody to do the work and the high cost of installation. He is still working on this.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they looked at the granite curbing in a number of different ways.  They are not sure they can get the other neighbors to buy into it so it would go all the way down the street.  If they were to pay for the installation, it would look like they were only benefiting a few people on the street.  Cost is the big factor; it was not included in the budget for this project.  The Selectboard talked about it a lot last week and they decided it is probably not the time to do it.  Mr. Boas is disappointed; something has to be done.  If the cost of installation was what he originally believed it would be, he would have gladly paid for it.  Mr. Dalessio said to do the whole street would cost $50,000-to-$60,000.  Mr. Dalessio will talk to Mr. Rau again about what they can do for improvements within the confines of the budget.  At this time granite curbing will not happen as a part of this project.     

Mr. Jim MacLean has been working for this Town for many years.  If they want to keep it looking like “country” then keep it natural.  Mr. Dalessio advised this project on the Common starts on Monday.  They have a lot to do in six weeks.  They will see what they can do to make it better for parking. 

Snowmobiles and Whipple Hill Road:  Ms. Mayberry thanked Mr. Spivey for his letter that was recently received.  On the advice of the Town attorney, they cannot discuss the letter at this time.    

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $17,384.93 for checks issued April 30, 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.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending April 24, 2021, in the amount of $28,239.40 for checks dated April 30, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,721.97.  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 – April 22, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to table the Minutes of the Selectboard Meeting of April 22, 2021, until the next meeting due to the fact that they were not distributed until late today.  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.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION MINUTES – April 22, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 22, 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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – April 6, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – April 13, 2021;
• Planning Board Meeting – April 13, 2021;
• Zoning Board of Adjustment – April 21, 2021;
• Town of Walpole Safety Meeting – April 22, 2021.

WARRANTS:

Walpole Water Fees:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Warrant for The Collection of Walpole Water Fees in the amount of $43,062.70.  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.

Walpole Sewer Fees:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Warrant for The Collection of Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $85,255.45.  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.

North Walpole Sewer Fees:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Warrant for The Collection of North Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $61,431.21.  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 No. 2021-18 – Map and Lot #008-015-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-18 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-015-001 to construct a “2,240 sq. foot Home with Attached Garage”.  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.

Permit No. 2021-19 – Map and Lot #002-005-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-19 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #002-005-000 to build a “40’ x 30’ Steel Garage on a Concrete Pad”.  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.

Permit No. 2021-20 – Map and Lot #012-011-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-20 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-011-000 to construct a “50’ x 150’ Warehouse”.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Daigle to put on this Building Permit that the plans were approved by the Planning Board on April 13, 2021.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, motion was approved.

Permit No. 2021-17 – Map and Lot #020-032-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that last week the Selectboard voted to put this Building Permit “On-Hold” for clarification.  The owner(s) wanted to add a “10’ x 12’ Screened House”.  Mrs. Daigle spoke to the owner.  This has now been taken care of as the owner will eventually work to build a new entry way, attached to the house that is under 100 square feet.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

Map and Lot #005-011-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #005-011-000.  This lot is located off County Road; last year’s Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber had no cut.  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:

Letter to Executive Counselor Cinde Warmington:  Ms. Mayberry reported that Executive Counselor Cinde Warmington had to cancel her visit to Walpole that was scheduled for Friday, April 30^th.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to have Mrs. Pschirrer re-do one sentence in the letter and mail it to her rather than wait for her visit to Walpole. 

Mascoma Loan Documents for New Police Vehicle:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Mascoma Loan Documents for the new Police vehicle as it was approved by the Warrant Article at Town 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 motion was approved.

Pre-Payments Procedure:  Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Kreissle had a conversation with his contact and most of the policy questions were answered.  Mr. Kreissle will meet with Mrs. Vicki Gohl on a one-on-one basis to work on the details.  It is very important that the Town Clerk/Tax Collector and Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector understand the intricacies of these transactions and what those impacts are.  Mrs. Pschirrer started looking at an RSA regarding a pre-payment of property taxes; the first sentence states it be approved by a vote on a warrant at Town Meeting.  Mr. Dalessio noted the other RSA states “or by a vote of the Selectboard.”  Mrs. Pschirrer said there are two conflicting RSAs.  Mr. Dalessio will email an inquiry to the NH Municipal Association.       

Arborist Evaluation of Trees on Common:  Ms. Mayberry reported that Mrs. Downing reached out to several people.  Mr. Dalessio suggested getting a quote from ArborClimb.  Ms. Mayberry noted they will follow-up with Mrs. Downing next week.

Cannons on the Common Update:  Mrs. Daigle reported that one of the cannons did not come back today because of the rain.  Mr. Brad Nash was advised that both cannons would be back next week.  Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Daigle to send a note to Mr. Whit Aldrich to let him know that the cannons will be coming back next week.

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, OHRV Signage Request for Whipple Hill Road

TrueNorth Networks Email Quote:  Mr. Dalessio sent out an email with an option.  We do have to migrate some things.  He explained possible changes for departments and emails.  The Police Department will have a secured line.  Mrs. Pschirrer thought Mr. Dalessio’s recommendations were fine.  They will get a quote and a time line before making a decision.

Houghton Brook Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the Houghton Brook Bridge is still being worked on between the Department of Environmental Services (DES) and Fuss & O’Neill. 

Reservoir Dam:  They all seem to agree it will be High Hazard.   They will make sure their model is accurate to support their decision.           

NEW BUSINESS:

2020 Total Equalized Valuations:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the notification of the 2020 Total Equalized Valuations.  Ms. Mayberry pointed out it is up about $65,000,000.  It is $492,329,142 for 2020; up from $425,424,127 in 2019 for total assessed valuation.   Mr. Dalessio noted that is good news.  In 2020 the Town had a second set of apartments built, a Dollar General Store was built and home sales were higher.

National Grid Herbicide Notice:  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged receipt of the National Grid Herbicide Notice.  This is done annually for easement areas under electrical transmission lines.

Wantastiquet River Subcommittee:  The Wantastiquet Local River Subcommittee of the Connecticut River is seeking one more member from the Town of Walpole.  Mr. Dalessio requested that a copy of the letter be referred to the Conservation Commission.   

Anonymous Letter re: Barnett Hill Property:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of this anonymous letter regarding a complaint on a Barnett Hill property from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  Mrs. Pschirrer did not see any discussion in the ZBA meeting minutes on this other than to send it to the Selectboard.  Mr. Dalessio stated they were hoping the ZBA would establish an ordinance to deal with properties such as this one, but they did not.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted this is a farm with lots of equipment.    Since it is an anonymous letter, there was a consensus to file it. 

Hooper Hill Hoppers Snowmobile Club Thank You Card:  A Thank You card for the landowner’s support was received from the Hooper Hill Hoppers Snowmobile Club.

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 at 7:40 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:13 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 29, 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 8:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary