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 three members of the public in attendance:  Mr. Jody Spivey, Mr. Ray Boas, and Ms. Kathy Urffer.

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 $663,867.34 for checks issued May 21, 2021.  This includes a monthly payment in the amount of $604,559.42 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  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 15, 2021, in the amount of $28,095.39 for checks dated May 21, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,365.24.  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 13, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 13, 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 – May 13, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 13, 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:

• Planning Board Meeting – May 11, 2021;
• Library Trustees Meeting – May 11, 2021.

GRAVEL TAX WARRANT: 

MAP and LOTS #014-013-000, #015-011-000, NH Rt. 12 Project 14747:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Gravel Tax Warrant in the amount of $4,137.88 for Map and Lots #014-013-000 and #015-011-000, NH Route 12 Project 14747.  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.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT:

MAP and LOT #009-006-000, #009-029-003 and #009-030-000, #002-012-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Timber Tax Warrant in the amount of $416.19 for the owner(s) of Map and Lots #009-006-000, #009-029-003, #009-030-000 and #002-012-000.  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.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER: 

MAP and LOT #002-011-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #002-011-000 for a property located off the County Road.  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 AND DEMOLITION PERMITS:

Permit No. 2021-22, MAP and LOT #019-068-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Demolition Permit #2021-22 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #019-068-000 to “Remove A Barn” that has been removed.  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. 2021-23, MAP and LOT #012-057-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2021-23 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-057-001 to add an “61’ x 24’ Equipment Building” at Hubbard Park.  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:

Spivey Letter:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the letter to Junius and Barbara Spivey in response to their two letters dated April 13, 2021 and April 27, 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.

Mr. Spivey had three questions:

1.  Are OHRVs allowed on Class VI roads in the Town of Walpole?  Mrs. Pschirrer replied they have not specifically approved them as they did snowmobiles.  Ms. Mayberry noted we have not specifically allowed them.  Mr. Spivey said so they are illegal.  Ms. Mayberry responded those that are not in compliance with the law will probably disregard it.

Mr. Spivey again asked “Are OHRVs allowed on Class VI roads in the Town of Walpole”?  Ms. Mayberry replied the answer is “no”.  Mr. Spivey stated that answers his other two questions.  Ms. Mayberry summarized that if Mr. Spivey has questions after he receives the letter let them know.

Senator Shaheen Congressionally Directed Spending Item Request Form FY 2022 and Addendum: 

Mr. Dalessio reported these requests are due tomorrow.  Hopefully the support letters can be sent later.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to allow the Chair of the Selectboard, Ms. Cheryl Mayberry, to sign the Congressionally Directed Spending Item Request Form FY 2022 and Addendum to 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, motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry will call Senator Shaheen’s office to see if they can have an extension because they got the Request Form and Addendum late.  Mr. Dalessio feels they need eight weeks to get letters of support, etc.  Mrs. Pschirrer said there will be other opportunities for funding but we do not know when because they are not very clear.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the 3-Phase Power is only a bill.  The utility companies will take care of everything.  They could not do Bensonwood alone; they would have to include the Industrial Park.  These forms they just filled out are no guarantee of anything. 

Connecticut River Conservancy:  Ms. Kathy Urffer is the River Steward for the Connecticut River Conservancy.  They have been trying to protect the Connecticut River for 65 years.  For the past ten years they have been working on the relicensing of Wilder, Vernon and Bellows Falls Dams.  She thanked the Selectboard for supporting them.  Last year they sent out a resolution to all the towns along the river that was then sent to FERC.  She had offered to do a presentation in these towns to update them on where they are at with the relicensing; she will be speaking to the Walpole Conservation Commission on Monday, June 7^th.  Great River Hydro, who owns these dams, has put forth a plan that will be positive for the River.  The term of their license could be 30-50 years. She works in Vermont and New Hampshire.  The recreational economy in the Connecticut River Valley is important.  She mentioned the Connecticut River Paddlers Trail and campsites along the River.  It could bring tourism money into the communities.  An obstacle is the portage along the Bellows Falls Dam.  They are planning a Portage Parade to educate the public and bring attention to the needed upgrade to the portage trail around the Bellows Falls dam.  The idea would be to start at the Pine Street take-out.  Have a short press event/statements there and then portage (dragging canoes and kayaks on wheels) with signs, etc. from there along the portage trail along Route 12 south to the put-in below the dam.  Options would be to have a service that will transport the people and equipment to the put-in location and/or another would be to have the portage go around Bellows Falls.  They feel the portage should be addressed under this new relicensing.  They are planning this parade on Saturday, July 17^th, some of them would paddle from Herrick’s Cove to Pine Street, take out their boats there and have a short event.  She had reached out to the town to find out if any permits are needed and wanted to alert the towns that they were planning to do this.  Her guess is they would have maybe 20-to-30 participants but not all with boats.  They would stay on the sidewalk; not be on the roads. The public will be invited.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt they should have police escorts because of the heavy traffic.  She did not feel a permit would be required as long as it had been noticed.  Ms. Mayberry summarized that the Selectboard are recommending there be a police escort at the base of the Bridge as they are crossing to Route 12 heading south.  Ms. Urffur felt they would be at Pine Street at about 10:30 AM and it would be about 11:30 AM when they arrive at the portage area.  Mrs. Pschirrer will speak to Police Chief Sanctuary about this.  Ms. Mayberry asked if erosion along the bank in North Walpole came up during these negotiations.  Ms. Uffur replied that they did come to an agreement on how they will operate under their new license.  It is a significant change.  Under the new operating scenario instead of holding the water back they will be letting the water through all the time and generating all the time.  They will see the River with less fluctuation behind the dam.  They are asking Great River Hydro to monitor this.  After July there will be a public comment period on this final application.  Ms. Mayberry will provide information on contacting the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners.     

American Rescue Funds for Clean Water:  Senator Jay Kahn wants to provide an update on the American Rescue Funds for Clean Water.  Mr. Dalessio feels they need to be clear with everyone about what they are trying to accomplish. Our efforts should be on moving the sewer line off the Vilas Bridge.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they indicated support for the Village of Bellows Falls/Town of Rockingham, VT for the Vilas Bridge.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned Mr. Mark Houghton is not available after 5:30 PM.  There was a consensus to schedule the meeting with Senator Jay Kahn for June 10^th at 4:30 PM.  It will be a Zoom meeting because of the construction on Elm Street and the Common. 

National Scenic Byway Funding Opportunity:  Ms. Mayberry was not prepared to talk about this National Scenic Byway Funding Opportunity at this meeting.  There was a consensus to table it for a week.  They need to determine if they want to take advantage of it.

Emergency Operation Plan Committee Meeting Date:  Mr. Dalessio advised they need to put a couple of meeting dates out there.  He suggested Wednesday, June 23^rd or Wednesday, July 14^th.  This is to review the plan to be sure there are no changes.       

Pending Further Actions:

Tax Deeded Property Sale, Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Reservoir Dam, Vilas Bridge, Houghton Brook Bridge, Generators, Boston Post Cane, Arborist Evaluation of Trees on Common (have not heard back from Arborclimb).  Mr. Dalessio is concerned that the list is getting longer.

Tax Deeded Property Sale:  Mrs. Downing will work on this soon.

Mill Pond Dam Inspection:  Mr. Dalessio noted they are waiting for a date to be set by the Department of Environmental Services (DES).

Boston Post Cane:  There will be an advertisement for the oldest Walpole citizen.

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio talked with Fuss & O’Neill this morning.  He is not happy about measuring the water level from the ground to the first floor of the houses.  He will get back to Mr. Dalessio soon.

Houghton Brook Bridge:  This is now in the design phase. 

Generators:  Mrs. Pschirrer will check with Homeland Security because at one time they were told there is funding available.

Arborist:  Mrs. Downing is waiting to hear from Arborclimb.  This is their prime time of the year.  She will follow-up with them.

NEW BUSINESS:

SWRPC Annual Meeting Invitation:  The Southwest Region Planning Commission Annual Meeting will be held on June 15, 2021.  It will be a Zoom meeting starting at 3:30 PM.  Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer plan to attend.  Mr. Dalessio will try to attend. 

Opening Town Hall Use for Civic Groups and Rentals: Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Walpole Grange would like to use the Town Hall for their Awards Night.  They would like to have an in-person event.  It will be held on Tuesday, June 15^th at 7:00 PM.  Ms. Mayberry would approve this but ask that they keep the distancing guidelines.  Mrs. Pschirrer agrees and would say “no” to individual packaging of food.  Ms. Mayberry asked if Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio are in favor of opening up the Town Hall. 

It was noted that both the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission held meetings there.  Mr. Dalessio advised if the Grange delays their meeting until July 20^th, there will be better parking on Elm Street.  It is usually well attended.  Mrs. Pschirrer will contact the Grange tomorrow. The Selectboard made a decision to open the Town Hall for Civic Groups and Rentals on September 1^st, 2021.      

Recycling Center:  Ms. Mayberry advised that DeCamp Trucking picks up the trash in North Walpole.  He reached out to Mr. Ben Hoy about doing a direct drop-off.  He would like to pick-up the trash in North Walpole and drive it directly to Naughton.  Mr. Hoy is ok with doing this.  It will drop some of our transportation costs.  The requirement is that it still has to be in Walpole bags.  North Walpole is still paying the tipping fees.     

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 7:37 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:41 PM.

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.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:24 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 20, 2021, will be 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 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 8:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary