The Walpolean

Women of Walpole Meeting
May 18, 2022
2:00 – 4:00
At the home of Maggi Suttles, 12 Middle Street, Walpole, NH

Present (By roll call attendance):  Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, Tim Lester, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director), Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Liaison)

Absent:  Bill Ranauro

Amy called the hybrid meeting to order at 4:33 p.m.  This meeting was recorded.

Approval of Minutes:  Amy moved to approve the April 12, 2022 minutes as written.  Erin seconded, and all voted to approve.

Treasurer’s Report:  Everyone did not have the opportunity to review the hard copy of the Treasurer’s Report since several members attended the meeting via Zoom. Kathy said in the future she would email the report to everyone prior to the meeting. Kathy reported that we are within all budgets and money is coming in as expected. Amy asked for clarification of the O. Hubbard account.  She said we expected $7,000 and we have received $8915. Kathy said that was correct and we will not receive any more money this year.  Kathy said the Library Trust Fund is the only one based on earnings.  A & W Hubbard Fund is $2875 quarterly and we have $75,000 in all three bank accounts. 

Bills:  Jane reported we have received the invoice for the portable AED, which was paid, and she already received reimbursement money from the Savings Bank of Walpole to pay for it. That check will be put back into the checking account.

Jane questioned whether we should continue the subscription to the Keene Sentinel at $475/year. She said there have been several delivery issues this year;  there seems to be less to the paper, and not that many people come into the library to read it.  She suggested changing to the Eagle Times for a year at $92.  She said that paper has even contacted her for upcoming events to feature. Kathy suggested possibly subscribing to the digital version of the Sentinel.  Jane said she would look into the pricing for that.

Amy stated it may be better to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Bills via email, after Kathy sends a copy of her report to everyone. No vote to approve was taken at this time.

Old Business

Logo/Branding:  Sarah noted that she emailed a summary of the town survey to board members and thanked Susan for her summary of the last survey question.  Three comments by the public were discussed.  First, there was a request for accessibility to the Board.  After a brief discussion, these ideas were suggested:

            • Create a single email address for the Board

            • Host a “Meet the Board” at the library

            • Post a reminder that board meetings are open to the public

            • Publish a photo of the Board.

            • Request that the Clarion permit board candidates to submit brief campaign statements, even if uncontested

Second, there were requests for quiet reading space in the library.  Jane said they already have a space in the stacks, and the Community Room is available.  She has created a space in that room with comfy chairs and has posted a sign stating it is a quiet reading room when not reserved for a group activity.  The sign recommends checking with the staff to see if an event is scheduled.

The third issue was about the hours of the main branch.  Some people find them confusing.  Amy suggested running with the new hours for a year before studying them.

Peggy reminded board members that the town publishes a tri-fold document, The Town Directory, in which library trustees and hours are listed.  She said these could be distributed by the library; copies can be picked up in Town Hall.  Peggy said Sarah Downing keeps it up-to-date.  Jane said she would get some for the library.

Prospective Logo Designers:  The logo/branding committee introduced two designers to the board who have shown interest in designing the library logo by showing examples of logo designs from their portfolios. Sarah pointed out pros and cons of hiring each of them.   Since these designers are either friends or family of board members, Sarah and Jean will recuse themselves from voting, Amy asked that the remaining board members email their choice of designer to her. Tim asked that Amy send an email reminder with the choice of candidates.

North Walpole Lease:  Peggy said the lease has been taken care of and looks good.

Old Home Days:  Jane said she has a dilemma because both branches of the library will be open that Saturday, so there are only two people available to participate in the parade.  She is asking the Board’s help to either participate in the parade or work at the table on the common. At the table they will have some type of activity, issue library cards, and sign up people for the summer reading program. Jean suggested having tote bags left over from the renovation project at the table. Jane will also reach out to the Friends for help.

Trees Outside Main Branch:  Gail expressed concern about the new trees scheduled to be planted in front of the library. She feels they will block the view of the building and will be damaged over time by salt and sand.  She wondered if the order could be cancelled if it hasn’t been delivered and paid for yet.  Jane said they have been delivered and are scheduled to be planted on Wednesday of this week.  Since this planting was planned with Jennifer Burr months ago, it was felt that it wouldn’t be fair to her to cancel now.      

New Business

Policy Changes:  Jane attended a workshop on book challenges, which were up significantly last year nationwide. An attorney from the NH chapter of the ACLU said New England tends to be 6-9 months behind on issues like this so he warned libraries to be prepared for what might be coming.  Our library has already updated our collection and challenge policies, but Jane said we need a challenge policy for programs. She will research the policies of other libraries and draft one for ours to present at the next meeting.  She said our circulation policy needs to be changed to explicitly state that all ages have access to and can check out any book in the library.

Jane asked Peggy if she feels we should show these policies and challenge forms to the town attorney.  Peggy said we should.  She asked Jane to send them to her once they are completed and she will forward them to Attorney Hockensmith for review. 

Operations :  Everything in both branches is running smoothly.  Circulation is up and N. Walpole is experiencing an increase in library visits.  Attendance at programs and library book clubs has been very good.

Some bookcases in the children’s room are collapsing.  They can probably be repaired.  Kathy reminded Jane that money from the O. Hubbard Fund can be used to purchase new ones.

Jane will meet with the Friends next week and check on the status of the wish list.

Buildings and Grounds:  Tim reported that a deposit has been made to Mark McGill and he has begun work on the front door.  There is nothing new to add about the chimney.

Adjournment:

With no other business to discuss, Gail moved to adjourn the meeting. Kathy seconded the motion, and Amy adjourned the meeting at 5:50 p.m.

The next meeting will be June 14, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the June 14, 2022 meeting.

Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Alternate: Trevor MacLachlan. Absent: Board members Joanna Andros and Bill Carmody; Alternate Travis Adams. Also at the meeting were ZBA Chair Jan Leclerc, Myra Mansouri, Amanda Raney, Holly Rilling, Jenny Plante, Tim Latham, Brian Beckwith, Gregory Taylor and surveyor Joe DiBernardo. Mr. MacLachlan was asked and he agreed to fill in for one of the missing board members.

Minutes: Written by Marilou Blaine. This meeting was recorded. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the June 2022 meeting for corrections, and additions and/or omissions.

Call to order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

Minutes: Mr. Marcom made one clarification. Page 4, paragraph starting with Mr. Marcom said “Mr. Marcom said in 2008 you had 15 children and now you have 24. Ms. Plante said she was licensed for 27 children and she had 15 children ready to start in 2008. There were 3 staff members. However, in the summer of 2008, 24 children were enrolled that year.” Mr. Marcom wanted it noted that in the first year of the operation of the day care center Ms. Plante intended to have 15 children but actually had 24 children. This refers to the board’s discussion on intensification, Mr. Marcom. Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the amended minutes. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and five of the six board members said aye to the motion. Mr. Dalessio abstained because he was not at last month’s meeting.

Old Business:

Public Hearing: Recommendation for a Special Exception in the rural/ag district. Article Vlll, C, Tax Map 11, Lot 53, 455 March Hill Road. Tim Latham proposed moving his electrical business from his home at 380 March Hill Road to 455 March Hill Road.

Mr. Latham said he currently lives at 380 March Hill Road, which is two houses up the road from the property he is intending to purchase. He has his electrical business there and he’s looking to move the business. Nothing is changing with his electrical business so there shouldn’t be any more traffic, he said. There is garage in front of the main building and it’s in disrepair so he is intending on removing it and have more room for parking. Other than that there won’t be any drastic changes, Mr. Latham said. Mr. Miller asked if there were any questions. An abutter, Brian Beckwith, who lives at 471 March Hill Road, said the building will never be sold as a residence the way it’s laid out. The business is something that will just have parking and storage. He’s not planning an auto body shop where there would be traffic and noise, Mr. Beckwith said. Mr. Latham said there will be no retail. Mr. Miller closed the public hearing. Mr. Perron made a motion to recommend to the Zoning Board. the Special Exception in the rural/ag district. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and motion carried unanimously.

New Business:

Surveyor Joe DiBernardo requested two public hearing for two proposed subdivisions. He brought in the completed applications and fees.

Subdivision No. 1 was on the corner of March Hill Road and Barnett Hill – Neil Levesque and Wendy Boulanger, trustees of Barnett View Revocable Trust, lnc.

 One lot into two lots. There is a house on Lot 1, Tax Map 9, Lot 46 in the rural/ag district.       

The owner of he property want to divide the property into two lots. The owner’s lot would be 2.57 acres with 488.71 feet frontage. The vacant lot would be 3.21 acres with 954.07 feet frontage. Mr. Miller asked if this was originally part of the land. Mr. Miller remembered there may be a 5-acre minimum covenant on the property. Mr. DiBernardo said he thought there was a time limit and it had run out district. He thought he saw it in the deed. Mr. Miller asked him to get a copy of the restriction.

Proposed Subdivision No. 2.

Corner of County Road and Carpenter Hill Road. Five lots, all are in rural/ag district. Lot No. 1 has a home on it and the rest are vacant fields. Tax Map 3, Lot 20-1. The property is owned by Carpenter’s County Lane, LLC.

Lot No. 1 is 2.80 acres with 446.56 feet frontage; Lot 2 is 3.83 acres with 400.07 feet frontage; Lot 3 is 1.13 acres with 200.27 feet frontage; Lot 4 is 1.12 acres with 200 feet frontage, and Lot 5 is 1.16 acres with 590.60 feet frontage. Lots 2, 3, 4, 5 have driveways that will come in from Carpenter Hill Road and the properties on Carpenter Road need state permitting, which the owner of the property is working on getting the permits. Mr. Dalessio noted on the plat the driveway numbers were scrambled. Mr. DiBernardo will correct them. Mr. Marcom made a motion to hold two public hearings next month for both the subdivisions as presented. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Ms. Jenny Plante requested a public hearing in June for a site plan for her day care center Home Away From Home, 11 Maplewood Circle, Map 24, Lot 14-1, commercial and residential.

Ms. Plante brought in the application and a check for the fees. She also circulated a schematic of the property, showing where there were new and old parking spaces. The dumpster was a green square on the diagram. The three new parking spaces were in red and the process for picking up and dropping was on a separate sheet attached to the diagram.

Ms. Leclerc asked about the property. Originally the property was 250 feet from the Main Street so it was zoned commercial, she said. But a couple of years ago Ms. Plante purchased half of the adjacent lot to the east, which is zoned residential. She wondered if it would make any difference regarding the site plan. Ms. Plante said she understood that the property was all commercial. Mr. Dalessio said, in a questioning tone, that the property is split into two zoning districts? Mr. Miller didn’t think it would have anything to do about the site plan.

The original lot appears 250 to be from the main road, Ms. Leclerc repeated. But the added lot is mostly beyond the 250 feet, Ms. Leclerc said. Ms. Plante said at one time it was a separate lot owned by Wellstone. Wellstone did a lot line adjustment and split the lot in half and half went to the day care center and half went to the lot with the trailer on it, 21 Maplewood Circle.

Ms. Leclerc remembered that the same thing happened to the gas station on Route 12 where Jiffy Mart is. The first 250 feet were commercial but then the owners needed to get a special exception because the land was rural/ag in the back of gas station. That’s where the diesel pumps are. Interesting? Mr. Dalessio said. Ms. Plante said we should definitely find out whether it commercial or residential.

Mr. Marcom made a motion to hold a public hearing next month for a site plan for the day care center. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion passed.

21 Maplewood Circle

Holly Rilly owns the property adjacent to the day care center. She would like to pull the trailer off of the property and at some point build a home, she asked Mr. Miller what she should do. Mr. Miller said she can remove the trailer at any time and then when she plans to build she should go to the town offices and get a building permit. It’s as simple as that, Mr. Miller said.                                                                        

Workshop

Mr. Miller reminded everyone that there would be a workshop on the fourth Tuesday. Lisa Murphy from Southwest Regional Planning Commission is planning on being there.

Mr. Marcom made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Recording Secretary

cc: WPB, ZBA, Town Offices, The Walpolean.

Posted: Inside the town offices, on the bulletin board outside the post office.

Workshop: Tuesday, May 24, 7 pm: Review of completed Economic Development Chapter and draft of Historical and Recreational Resources Chapter.

Next Meeting is June 14, 2022.

                                                                                    3.

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $000,000.00 for checks issued 5/13/2022

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $30,195.19 dated 5/13/22 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,080.10

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Meeting – May 5, 2022

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Walpole Conservation Commission Meeting – May 2, 2022

WARRANTS

• Spring Property Taxes

OLD BUSINESS

• North Walpole Library Lease

Pending Further Actions

• Generators, Trees on the Common, Reservoir Dam, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood

NEW BUSINESS

• Ruggiero Processing Facility

• Revolving Fund Request

• Procedures/Policies

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (a)

**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**

Selectboard Present:​Peggy L. Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry; (Absent: Steven Dalessio, Chair)

CALL TO ORDER:  Due to the absence of Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  Mr. Dalessio is attending a conference.  Also present was Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  This meeting was being recorded.  There was one member of the public in attendance:  Marcia Galloway.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:  

Ms. Mayberry 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.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:08 PM.

PAYROLL:  

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending April 23, 2022, in the amount of $28,234.77 dated April 22, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,911.24.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 21, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 21, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – April 21, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 21, 2022, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners Meeting – March 22, 2022; *

• North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners Meeting – April 12, 2022;

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – April 20, 2022.

*Ms. Mayberry pointed out that there is a correction in the March 22, 2022, minutes: “Meghan Gallagher” should be changed to “Michelle Gallagher” as the Supervisor of the Checklist in North Walpole.   

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

MAP and LOT #021-013-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #021-013-000 in the amount of $30.56.  This is due to an overpayment of taxes.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT:

MAP and LOT #002-011-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Timber Tax Warrant for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #002-011-000 in the amount of $48.28.  This property is located off of County Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

WATER AND SEWER WARRANTS:

WALPOLE WATER FEES:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Warrant for The Collection of Walpole Water Fees in the amount of $42,020.14.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

WALPOLE SEWER FEES:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Warrant for The Collection of Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $79,255.53.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NORTH WALPOLE SEWER FEES:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Warrant for The Collection of North Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $60,576.08.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

DEMOLITION AND BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit #2022-12, MAP and LOT #008-002-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Demolition Permit #2022-12 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #008-002-000 to “Remove a House”.  This is a small house on Wilson Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit #2022-13, MAP and LOT #003-082-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit #2022-13 for Map and Lot #003-082-000, T-Mobile Northeast, LLC, to install “New Antennas, Radio Equipment & Generator”.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer wanted the record to show that the Town expects they will collect taxes from the owner of the tower.

OLD BUSINESS:

Brownfields Project:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the engineers from Ransom Consulting will be in Town on Monday and Tuesday testing about four wells that are associated with the Brownfields Project.  In some cases they are on private property and those people have agreed to have their wells tested.  The engineers have also given them designs, which she has forwarded to Mike Rau at the Highway Department and to the Foundation, suggesting they could get another couple of parking spaces if they used the perpendicular parking plan; they would have more room between each line of 22-feet.  If they continue the angled parking it reduces the space to 16-feet.  They all feel it looks fine to them.  When parking at night they will ask all vehicle drivers to park in one section to make it easier for plowing, etc.       

PENDING FURTHER ACTIONS:

Wastewater Line Under the Vilas Bridge, Generators, Reservoir Dam, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Feather Flag at Jiffy Mart, Trees on the Common.   There were no new updates at this meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Water and Sewer Projects:  The Selectboard had received a Water and Sewer Project Planning Update from Mr. Mark Houghton as follows:

• 2022, No major projects, install blow off by Kingsbury Road but minimal effect on road (State Road).

• 2023, Connect Middle Street via the new main to the East side of the common (installed last year) to Main Street.

• 2024, Hopefully install the two wells for Stophler and Galloway on Old Drewsville Road and abandon the water main that runs to them from Maplewood Park.

• 2024 or 2025, DOT dependent, Rebuild the connection on South Street and Elm Street (in the intersection) and prep for Main replacement from Elm to the bottom of Prospect Hill.  The actual main replacement to Main Street will hopefully be coordinated with NHDOT and correspond with paving projects (no scheduled timeline).

Southwest Region Planning Commission:  Ms. Mayberry advised that SWRPC is working with companies to do preliminary engineering assessments of their projects for their Ten Year Plan.  What are their thoughts on submitting this as a Ten Year Project on their plan?  It is geared toward helping regional plans for the rural communities that do not have the staff to help make those decisions like Walpole.  There are two larger engineering companies and a smaller company that will be interviewed Monday afternoon.  The goal is to be “on call”; an engineers’ first look at a proposed preliminary engineering assessment idea.  Right now there is $20,000 in Grants but the plan is to have that number go up in subsequent years.  

Office Vacation:  Mrs. Sarah Downing will be out of the office for the next two weeks.  She will be hiking in Portugal.  Mrs. Jodi Daigle and Mr. Rich Kreissle will be in the office plus Mr. Brad Nash will be available to assist.              

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:34 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

My apologies to Steve Grenier for missing his email yesterday. He wanted to let everyone know that the hydrants would be flushed last night (5/11) and tonight (5/12). Anyone experiencing cloudy water should let the water run until it clears.

The First Congregational Church of Walpole will be having our spring rummage/yard sale on Saturday, May 21st from 9:00-1:00.  We will have housewares and other items outside and clothing for all seasons inside.  
 Our much anticipated bag sale will happen at noon.
 A baked goods table will also be set up.
 We look forward to seeing you.