Selectboard Present:  Steven Dalessio, Chair; Peggy Pschirrer and Cheryl Mayberry

Others Present: Dale Woodward, Steve Varone

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery and Green Burials: Mr. Woodward commenced a discussion regarding green burials. He stated that this past summer the library hosted a speaker from NH Funeral Resources. He stated that after this meeting, a couple of residents from Walpole spoke to him about moving forward with green burials. Mr. Woodward explained that green burials are such when there are only flat markers at the site, no embalming, and all materials used are compostable. Additionally, revisions to the by-laws permit green burials, but the question is “where” these type of burials will be located. Mr. Woodward stated that 3 ½ feet is the depth for green burials. It was suggested that the western boundary be used for green burials. The Cemetery Trustees are suggesting a 4’ x 10’ lot. Mr. Woodward stated a new access road would need to be put in. Mrs. Pschirrer asked where the funding for this new green burial site would come from. Mr. Woodward read the by-laws and said he would develop the pricing. He indicated that a warrant article would need to be written. Mr. Woodward would work on this over the summer. Mrs. Pschirrer said the Selectboard would be willing to contact the Office of Charitable Trusts on behalf of the Cemetery Trustees. Mr. Dalessio suggested that the by-laws be revised to state 7% of the lot fee be deposited into the general fund and 93% be deposited into Cemetery II Fund which is held by the Trustees of Trust Funds. Mr. Dalessio suggested to Mr. Woodward that he acquire more than one quote for each of the jobs needed for the completion of the green burial cemetery area. The Selectboard commented that creating the green burial area would be a 2024 warrant article.

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

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 7:05 p.m. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. These minutes will be sealed.

The meeting reconvened at 7:34 p.m.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $72,039.19 for checks issued February 24, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. This includes a payment of $38,891.30 to HealthTrust.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Check Register in the amount of $28,325.46 dated February 24, 2023, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,449.94.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 16, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 16, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – February 16, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of February 16, 2023. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed. 

STAFF MEETING– February 16, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of February 16, 2023.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, and Mr. Dalessio abstaining, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The following reports were acknowledged by the Selectboard:

• Planning Board Meeting- February 14, 2023

BUILDING PERMITS:

2023-04, Map and Lot# 007-020-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a building permit# 2023-04 for Map and Lot# 007-020-000 to install a 34’ x 13’10” ground mount solar array.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pool Repair: Ms. Mayberry stated that Rich Kreissle researched using the ARPA county funds to connect the Rec. Park to the sewer system. After the ARPA Funds were applied, this would leave the Town short $2,317.08 to complete the project. Mr. Dalessio requested that the remaining funds come from general maintenance and repair in the Recreation Dept. budget. There was a consensus with the Selectboard to move forward with the pool repair project.

Mailboxes and Structures in Town Right of Way Policy: Mr. Dalessio stated he added a graphic to the policy. Mrs. Downing stated also that she changed the wording in the policy from “avoid” to “do not use” to clarify what is not permitted. Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Mailboxes and Structures in Town Right of Way Policy. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting at 7:46 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion. There was none. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary