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 6:31 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 five members of the public in attendance: Mr. Leroy Watson, Mrs. Cheryl Watson, Mr. Ray Boas, Mr. Jody Spivey and Mrs. Barbara Spivey. 

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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $76,498.52 for checks issued May 14, 2021.  This includes a payment in the amount of $31,543.51 to the NH Retirement System.  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 8, 2021, in the amount of $31,471.16 for checks dated May 14, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,110.08.  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 – May 6, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 6, 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 – May 6, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of May 6, 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 – May 6, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of May 6, 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 – March 10, 2021;
• Conservation Commission Meeting – May 3, 2021. 

WARRANTS:

TAX COLLECTOR’S WARRANT FOR SPRING 2021 PROPERTY TAXES:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Tax Collector’s Warrant for Spring 2021 Property Taxes for $5,928,859.00.  Taxes are due on or by July 1^st, 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.

ABATEMENTS:

MAP and LOT #015-007-OMH:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Abatement for Property Taxes for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #015-007-OMH.  This is to abate a tax lien for a mobile home that was removed in 2019.  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.

MAP and LOT #008-117-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Abatement for Property Taxes in the amount of $597.02 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-117-000.  A garage assessment was adjusted to remove an apartment area.  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.

MAP and LOT #008-120-000 and #008-118-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Abatement for Property Taxes for the owner(s) of Map and Lots #008-120-000 and #008-118-002.  Several small buildings were removed from both properties and the view value was adjusted on the residential property.  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.

MAP and LOT #008-061-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Abatement for Property Taxes for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-061-001.  Temporary depreciation was added and increased since the cost to cure was higher than the prior depreciation.  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.

PROPERTY TAX FORGIVENESS:

MAP and LOT #013-003-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Forgiveness for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #013-003-001 in the amount of $68.80.  This is for a pro-rated portion of taxes not paid by the prior owner.  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.

ELDERLY PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION:

MAP and LOT #001-009-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Elderly Property Tax Exemption for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #001-009-000.  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.

CURRENT USE:

MAP and LOT #008-015-003:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-015-003.  This is for a merged lot that now meets the Current Use acreage minimum.  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.

MAP and LOT #008-118-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-118-002.  The owner is adding additional acreage for this lot.  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.

MAP and LOT #008-120-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-120-000.  The owner is adding additional acreage for this lot.  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.

MAP and LOT #008-120-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-120-002.  The owner is adding additional acreage for this lot.  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. 2014-10 Renewal – MAP and LOT #012-013-004: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2014-10 Renewal for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-013-004 to construct the “Third Apartment Building at Abenaki Springs”.  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 No. 2021-21 – MAP and LOT #010-049-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-21 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #010-049-000 to add a “54’ x 13’ Ground Mount Solar System”.  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:

Executive Councilor Warmington – Rescheduling Walk in Walpole:  Ms. Mayberry reported the new date to meet with Executive Councilor Warmington is Friday, July 23, 2021, at 1:00 PM.  She will meet with the Selectboard to do a Walk in Walpole and then come back to the Town Hall.  Ms. Mayberry has invited the North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners to attend.  Mrs. Downing was asked to notify the owners of the businesses they plan to include in the Walk.

Brownfields Project Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported they had a good session today.  They had nine companies represented who are interested in doing this clean-up project.  They came to walk and look at the site from New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Connecticut.  Mr. Steve Rickerich and Mr. Jay Johonnett from Ransom Consulting were present.  A couple of abutters also attended including the Walpole Foundation.  Mr. Mark Houghton and Mr. Michael Rau were present to answer questions.  Mrs. Pschirrer and the Highway Department discussed having them take down the fence at the beginning of July, cutting the grass and taking down small trees but not disturbing the roots.  They need to be careful in that they do not disrupt the soil at all because all of the soil is contaminated.  They expect the building will be the first thing to come down.  Any concrete that can be saved from that building will be ground up and used for fill in the big hole after all the contamination is removed.  They have a sign-off from Mascoma Bank because there is a strip of land between Central Plating and the parking lot that they own.  They have given permission to have it tested and included as a part of the clean-up.  Mrs. Pschirrer is continuing to negotiate with Mascoma Bank to give that strip of land to the Town. 

Arborist Evaluation of Trees on Common:  Ms. Mayberry reported that Arborclimb would like a date to come to meet on the Common with the Selectboard.  She feels it is a good vision to look out for five years.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned their proposal was well thought out.  Mrs. Pschirrer looked at their website.  They will make every effort to save those trees if possible.  The Selectboard want to know what their cost will be.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that Mrs. Eloise Clark told her some of the trees were Norway Maples which are an invasive species. They are illegal to sell in NH at this time.  Ms. Mayberry noted if they are cut down, they will not be replaced with a similar tree. 

Whipple Hill Road re: OHRV Signage Request:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mr. Spivey asked her if she felt Off Road Recreational Vehicles (OHRV) had a right to be on Class V roads.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied “yes” but then contradicted herself when reading the amended RSA 215:A that states “the Town Selectboard has the right to authorize whether or not all of these vehicles can use Class 4, 5 and 6 roads.  Mrs. Pschirrer wanted to correct that.  The Town has made no decision about OHRVs with this amended RSA 215:A.

Library Request for Town Hall Space:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Library used the Town Hall before for the same wildlife presentation with small animals.  There is space on the first floor.  All animals are caged.  They do not have a definite date yet. but it will be in late June or early July.  Ms. Mayberry asked if we will have any limit on the number of attendees in the building.  Mrs. Pschirrer is not sure what COVID regulations will be at that time.  Mr. Dalessio had attended the program and identified the animals that were on display.  The Selectboard was in favor of approving this request.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH Thank You:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Thank You note from Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH for the annual donation.

Whipple Hill Road:  Mr. Jody Spivey asked if the amended RSA 215:A would change things.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt it would depend on the type license they have.  Mr. Spivey read a portion of RSA 215:A.6 He asked if they disagree with riding down the Main Street of Walpole; OHRVs are not allowed.  He referenced Minutes of a meeting with Officer DeLisle. There is confusion on his part.  Mrs. Pschirrer was just reading from the 2021 amended version of RSA 215:A, Chapter 6, from “A Hard Road To Travel”.  She replied to Mrs. Spivey; if someone petitions, they pay for notifying all the abutters and other costs incurred for the public meeting.  Mrs. Spivey said this little section of road is no different than any Class V road.  It needs to be regulated.  They are not asking to stop what is legal but rather stop what is illegal.  She referred to emails from Mr. Lew Shelley to Officer DeLisle, from Officer DeLisle to the Selectboard and Officer DeLisle at the Selectboard meetings.  Mr. Spivey noted they have been discussing this since May 21^st of last year. Mrs. Spivey said they are getting nowhere.  The Walpole Conservation Commission is concerned about Class VI roads.  This road is not any different than other roads but it is not maintained by the Town.  Mr. Spivey mentioned they understand about signing the waiver; they have upheld their responsibilities. They maintain their section of the road, but people damage it all the time.  He questioned if he calls the local police will they stop violators?  Mrs. Pschirrer stated it is a public road, but they have the right to petition a Warrant Article to ask the Town to accept it as a Class V road.  Any Class VI road being changed to a Class V road must be done by a vote of the Town.  Mrs. Spivey stated there needs to be an end to this.  Mr. Dalessio asked Mr. Spivey if he saw anywhere in the Selectboard meeting minutes where they voted to allow snowmobiles and OHRVs on Class VI roads.  Mr. Spivey has read many meeting minutes but did not see anything like that.  They need a resolution.  Ms. Mayberry understands an issue is enforceability.  Are they going to be able to issue tickets?  Mr. Spivey said when they bought the property, they were not aware of the fact that this was a road and not a trail.  There was a discussion on the different licenses for OHRVs.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that a Class VI road is a public way; it is not a trail.  Mrs. Spivey advised they are still waiting for a response to their letters of April 13, 2021 and April 27, 2021.  They are not being unreasonable or asking for a special privilege.  Ms. Mayberry asked if their letters contain all of the items they want resolved.  They will look at those letters again to see if they can give them a resolution.  Mr. Spivey stated they are asking the Town to rescind the section of the road they maintain.  Mr. Dalessio respectfully asked to cease the discussion at this point.  Mrs. Spivey asked about the signs.  They will purchase them if they can put them up.  They will get a photograph of the sign showing the wording and pass it around.  They want to protect their property against the constant abuse.  Mr. Spivey requested a copy of these meeting minutes.                      

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Reservoir Dam, Vilas Bridge, Houghton Brook Bridge, Generators, Boston Post Cane, Parking and Dog Fines re: Appeal Process

Congressionally Directed Spending Item Request Form FY2022:  Mr. Dalessio reported they will move forward with this form submitted by US Senator Shaheen’s office.  He will take the lead on the Vilas Bridge.  This is to move the sewer line off the Vilas Bridge and onto the new Arch Bridge.  It is due May 21^st.  He will send out a draft copy for review the first of the week.  They can only put one project on each application.

Three Phase Power:  Mr. Dalessio will talk to Mr. Mark Houghton about three phase power and the cost.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they had requests for this service from Bensonwood for several years.   

American Rescue Plan:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the amounts have been changed on the American Rescue Plan.  They dropped the amount the State of NH will be getting.  The regulations have not been announced for towns under 50,000 population.   It sounds like a big reduction.

Vilas Bridge/ Sewer Line:  Mr. Dalessio will talk to Mr. Mark Houghton tomorrow about the Vilas Bridge.  His initial indication was that it will not cost that much to move the sewer line.  The new pump has come in.    

NEW BUSINESS:

Grant Committee: Mrs. Beth Colley reached out to Mr. Dalessio as she would like to help the Town find grants to help fund projects.  Maybe they can create a mini-team to help?  He thought this was a good idea.  A suggestion is to start a matrix including the sewer pump stations, Vilas Bridge, generators. It would be a list of 10-to-12 items.  There is money out there, but we need to find it.  Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer agreed it is a good idea.    

Police Department Revolving Fund Request:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Police Department Revolving Fund Request to purchase five (5) Cradlepoint Devise and Antenna (Cruiser, Wi-Fi and GPS) for $4,050.00.  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.

Police Department Revolving Fund Request:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Police Department Revolving Fund Request to purchase two (2) AED Plus for $3,400.00.  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. 

Conservation Commission Reappointment Requests:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the request to reappoint Mr. John Peska and Mr. Steven Dumont to the Conservation Commission.  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.

Emergency Operation Plan Committee Meeting Date:  Mr. Dalessio reported the Emergency Operation Plan Committee meeting date is in the process.  He will check with Mr. Mark Houghton. 

National Scenic Byway Funding Opportunity:  Ms. Mayberry advised this is a non-binding letter of interest.  It is due June 14, 2021.  Walpole was specifically named.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt if there is money available we could use it to develop Walker Road as a recreational site.  People want access to the Connecticut River.  Mr. Dalessio suggested sending it to the Walpole Conservation Commission.  Ms. Mayberry will do some research; check with Mr. J.B. Mack at Southwest Region Planning Commission.     

Walpole Town Hall Rental Clean Up Agreement:  Ms. Mayberry mentioned that renters are not getting this Rental Clean Up Agreement up-front when renting the Town Hall.  Mrs. Downing confirmed that renters pay a security deposit.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard that all agreements be taken care of up-front.

Staff Meeting:  The Selectboard announced that there will be a monthly Staff Meeting via Zoom on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 5:00 PM.

Visitors:  Ms. Mayberry thanked Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Watson for attending this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:  Mrs. Pschirrer 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 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 7:42 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8 10 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 13, 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:

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 8:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary