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 6:32 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.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were four members of the public in attendance; Mr. Ray Boas, Mrs. Lil DeCoste, Mr. Jody Spivey, Mrs. Cheryl Watson.

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:

Granite Curbing Donation for Elm Street: Mr. Boas advised at the last Selectboard meeting a decision was made that there would be no curbing. The decision was based on inaccurate figures. He spoke to an engineer at Pike Industries who has experience with granite curbing and gave him a figure of $20/foot. He was given some contacts and started working with them. Based on what he learned he asked Mr. Dalessio to call him. Mr. Dalessio made it clear he was not speaking for the Town but as a liaison for this project. They talked about curbing being tilted at a 45-degree angle to make it easier plus provide for an extra level of protection for the snowplows. The contractor wants a minimum of 800/feet because that is what they can install in one day. The next thing they talked about is that curbing should be the entire length of the Common on Elm Street. This is not a problem. There was a discrepancy when he looked at the tax maps. The church down to the end of the Common is 515/feet. Curbing already exists in front of the Church; there are four driveway cuts plus two current drains and there will be two additional drains deducted from the 515/feet. To get the good price of 800/feet it would be ideal to do Washington Street. From the telephone company down to Middle Street is 429/feet. They are at about 800 and 900 feet to enhance and improve the outside of the road on both Elm Street and Washington Street. The other side of the road would not be done at this time. They talked about is not being budgeted. He talked to neighbors who are interested in assisting. In 2015 he committed to his frontage and the front of the Church, 192 feet. He is also now going to commit to paying for curbing by the Congregational Church and parsonage. He is passionate about getting this done so he is willing to commit to the project itself. He would like to get a copy of the field maps, get an engineer to map it and coordinate it with everyone. This is a little different than where they ended last week. The price is much less, they can cover both sides of the Common for the good of the community and he is making the commitment.

Ms. Mayberry thanked Mr. Boas and, on behalf of the Selectboard, appreciates all the work he has done. They appreciate his offer to pay for something that will be in the Highway Right-of-Way which is the Town’s responsibility. However, at this time they are not going to move forward with the granite installation. She asked if anyone wanted to add anything to this statement. Ms. Mayberry wanted to hear his presentation but it does not set a good precedent for the Town to do a certain area. Mrs. Pschirrer knows Mr. Boas is passionate about this and has wanted it for a number of years. The Selectboard represents the entire Town and there are a number of people who have other feelings about it. People have stopped her to thank her for not moving forward with the curbing project. It benefits one neighborhood and just a few individuals. It sets a precedent. Some people cannot afford projects such as this one. Mr. Boas thinks those comments are short-sighted; they do benefit the community around the Common. He sees people here all the time. Mr. Dalessio asked what they tell the people of Drewsville and North Walpole who cannot afford to improve their Common areas. Mr. Boas asked if there is a request to do work there. Mr. Dalessio replied there are always requests to do work for the community. Mr. Boas said he has always been concerned about the perception. He does not see what the problem is in making it better. Ms. Mayberry asked if there were any other comments. There were none.

Whipple Hill Road re: OHRV Signage Request: Ms. Mayberry pointed out that several signs were put up previously. This is a Class VI (6) road. Mr. Spivey stated Off Road Recreational Vehicles (OHRV) have always been an issue here. He referenced Selectboard meeting minutes from May 21, 2020. There has been a lot of discussion. He does not know why a Class VI road is different than any other roads when it comes to OHRVs. Ms. Mayberry asked what kind of signage he thinks would lessen the OHRV traffic on Whipple Hill Road. Mr. Spivey stated that people ignore signage all the time but in terms of enforcement, the signage would help. Ms. Mayberry asked if that is the decision of Fish and Game. Mr. Spivey stated that enforcement was opened up to the local Police Department, State Police and Fish & Game. They are now all in the “mix”. Signage is not going to stop everyone but will stop a small percentage. Mr. Spivey mentioned his letter to the Selectboard dated April 13, 2021. Ms. Mayberry asked what he feels the signs should state to be useful. Mrs. Pschirrer noted Class VI roads are public roads; the Selectboard, as the Town, control those roads. They have not forbidden OHRVs from traveling on those roads but have given permission to snowmobiles to use those roads. In 2006 NH Legislation changed. Since they have not expressly denied them at this point, it is a public road and they are public vehicles. They are allowed to travel those roads to get to trails. If they want to change that, they have to go to Town Meeting. Mr. Spivey disagrees with that statement. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio attended an Attorney Buckley webinar today. The Selectboard has the right to permit or forbid OHRVs from traveling on Class VI roads. Mr. Spivey asked what their next step is. Mrs. Pschirrer felt at this point they are not putting up any signs. The Town does not maintain these Class VI roads. Mr. Spivey agreed he did sign the waiver when he wanted to build on a Class VI road but OHRVs damage his road all the time. He will continue to call the local Police Department, State Police and/or Fish & Game. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that Mr. Spivey could get a petition together to request the Town have a public hearing to determine if OHRVs can use a Class VI road. Mr. Spivey had been referencing RSA 215:A. Ms. Mayberry stated they will review the RSA before making a determination. Mr. Spivey said they have been talking about this for about a year. Mr. Dalessio also heard at the webinar that OHRVs are permitted on Class VI roads unless expressively prohibited by the Town. Mrs. Pschirrer read a section of the 2021 Chapter 6 “A Hard Road to Travel” (page 219). Mr. Spivey said the Town is not compliant. Since 2006 this Town has not regulated OHRVs or snowmobiles. Mrs. Pschirrer stated they cannot resolve this issue tonight. They can argue back-and-forth or agree to disagree. The Selectboard has to move forward with other business on their agenda. Mr. Spivey congratulated Ms. Mayberry as the new Chair. He is asking this Selectboard to support them once-in-a-while. The issue is still unresolved. Ms. Mayberry felt they will benefit from having both Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio attend the webinar today. Mr. Spivey recommended the Selectboard go back and reread the minutes and regulations; there is a lot of information out there and he has every bit of it. They are asking for fairness.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $129,803.76 for checks issued May 7, 2021.  This includes a payment in the amount of $68,563.12 to the Village of Bellows Falls for the sewer bond and usage for Quarter 1.  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 May 1, 2021, in the amount of $29,547.34 for checks dated May 07, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,534.49.  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 MEETINGMINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – April 22, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of April 22, 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.

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – April 29, 2021: Mrs. Pschirrermoved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 29, 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 MINUTES – April 29, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 29, 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:• Walpole Fire District Commissioners Meeting – April 7, 2021;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – April 20, 2021;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – April 27, 2021.

OLD BUSINESS:

Vilas Bridge – Letter to US Senator Shaheen: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of A Congressionally Direction Spending Item Request Form from US Senator Shaheen’s office. It is for removal of the wastewater line from the Vilas Bridge. This form is due Friday, May 21, 2021. It needs two letters of support. Mr. Dalessio will call Mr. Mark Houghton tomorrow morning to see where he is on this project. Suggestions for the letters of support were Southwest Region Planning Commission and North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign and mail the letter to US Senator Shaheen.  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.   

Executive Councilor Warmington – Rescheduling Walk in Walpole: Executive Councilor Warmington is seeking 3-or-4 days in June and July when the Selectboard is available as a starting point for the Walk in Walpole. Mr. Dalessio said the week of July 19th would be good for him. That week looks good for Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry as well. Mrs. Downing was asked to see if Executive Councilor Warmington is available that week.

TrueNorth Networks New Quote for Office 365 Email: Ms. Mayberry reported they had talked about migrating some departments to cut the cost down. Moving six people to M365 Business Standard and leaving the remainder on M465 Business Basic would result in cutting the hours down from 80 to 16 hours at a reduced cost of $3,224.00. Mr. Dalessio suggested they approve this conditionally and he will discuss it with TrueNorth Networks.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to conditionally approve the TrueNorthNetworks quote for Office 365 email pending Mr. Dalessio following-up with TrueNorth Networks.  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.      

Huntington Lane Sewer Easement: This was sent to the Selectboard from Mr. Mark Houghton on April 22nd, 2021.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Huntington Lane Sewer Easement.  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. 

Brownfields Project Update: Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Department of Environmental Services (DES) was holding up the Request for Proposals (RFP) because they did not get to it,but it has now gone out. If all goes well, there will be a meeting here on Thursday, May 13th for people to look at the property. On July 6th there will be a Public Meeting to address the Brownfields Project. All abutters will be notified. It will have to be a Zoom meeting. They have a very tight budget. To bring all the contractors, Ransom Consulting, the DES and everybody else back, by the time they pay their fees, it would be over $1,000. She is not willing to spend all that money when it can all be done by Zoom. They are still asking people to begin work in July because they know this project will last about three months. They will probably be working into September and possibly into October. It has to be completed this year because the grant runs out next year.

Pending Further Actions: Tax Deeded Property Sale, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Vilas Bridge, Generators

Reservoir Dam: Mr. Dalessio advised that DES is repeatedly asking for more information before they classify this dam. They tried to classify it as a “Significant Hazard” rather than a “High Hazard”. The last piece of information they would like is a field survey of what is the height from ground level to the first floor of the houses that could be affected by failure or over-topping of the dam. If they hire Fuss & O’Neill to do this it will cost more money. Today he asked the engineer at Fuss & O’Neill what ifthey just said let’s do the work as if it was a High Hazard Dam. He did not know how DES would react to that. The engineer will put everything together and then Mr. Dalessio will call a meeting of all the stakeholders. We have to make some decisions. He is afraid this will start to happen on Mill Pond Dam as well.

Houghton Brook Bridge: Mr. Dalessio said this is moving along just fine. A purchase order will need to be signed next week to start the work.

Arborist Evaluation of Trees on Common: Mrs. Downing will be calling arborists next week.

Boston Post Cane: They will need to advertise for the oldest citizen. Mr. Dalessio noted that it be posted on the Clarion and Walpolean. He would like to see this taken care in August at the latest.

NEW BUSINESS:

Parking and Dog Fines re: Appeal Process: Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Police Chief Sanctuary asked if there is an appeal process for parking and dog fines. About the same time the Town got a fine from someone who had not licensed their dog. She has not been able to discover through any RSAs or other regulations in the State that there is an appeal process for dogs. Dog fines are usually paid to the Town Clerk; there is an RSA that speaks to a certain portion of the fine. Mr. Dalessio will talk to the Town Clerk about this. They could always take something like this to the court if they wished to do so. As for parking fines, there is information available. If someone is given a summons for a traffic violation, a court date is usually on thesummons. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Police Department wants to know about an appeal process as they are about to startissuing parking and dog fines. Based on a suggestion by Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer will research the warrant on revolving funds.

Walpole School Request re: Town Pool: Ms. Mayberry reported that the Walpole School has requested using the town pool for the 8th grade on June 16th, 2021, for a party. About 50 people would be present. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned this request came from Assistant Principal Cassarino to the Recreation Director Mr. Harlow.

Mrs.  Pschirrer moved to approve the request that the Walpole School 8th grade class can use the Town Pool on Wednesday, June 16th.  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.    

Skating at Westminster Street Sports Field: Mrs. Pschirrer advised that St. John’s Church would like to sponsor skating at the Westminster Street Sports Field located next to the Church. An individual will come up with some of the funds. At one time there was a tradition to have skating there. Mr. Harlow did a good deal of research but wants approval to talk to St. John’s about what he would do to pursue this. This property is owned by the Town. Ms. Mayberry noted maintenance is an issue. Mr. Dalessio recommended Mr. Harlow talk to Mr. Mark Houghton about this as the Fire Department was involved in getting the area ready for skating.

Library Request for Town Hall Space: Ms. Mayberry reported the Library has requested Town Hall space for a wildlife presentation with animals for late June or early July. This is an annual, popular program. She expressed some concern about this being indoors. Mrs. Pschirrer noted the Library Board meets next week when she will get more information. Mr. Dalessio would try to move it into July due to on-going projects in the downtown area. There was a consensus to table this request until after Mrs. Pschirrer receives more information on the event.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH Thank You: The Selectboardacknowledged receipt of a Thank You for the annual donationfrom the Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH.

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 7:56 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:02 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard #2 meeting 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 8:03 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:25 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the May 6, 2021, Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 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:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there were any questions.  There were none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:26 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary