Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Guests Present:  Tom Murray and Michael Hayes

Call to Order: Mr. Dalessio called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The first two items were moved to the beginning of the meeting to accommodate visitors.

Zoning Board of Adjustment Indemnity:  Tom Murray wrote a letter earlier describing the concern.  A ZBA member is worried about being sued based on a case filed on 4/16/2024 in Swanzey.  Mr. Dalessio noted that all boards are covered by Indemnification for damages.  The Selectboard has voted at least three times since June 6, 2001 to adopt RSA 31:105 “Liability for Damages Limited, Indemnification, Insurance (Indemnification for Damages). If that does not address the concern, ZBA members can talk to NH Municipal Association or the ZBA Chair can contact Attorney Hockensmith if necessary.  Tom Murray left the meeting.

Recreation Committee Fundraising:  Michael Hayes wants independent fundraising for pickleball.  Mr. Dalessio stated if the Town is to hold/manage the funds, checks would have to be written to the Town and specify pickleball.  Alternately an independent fundraising organization could be created as a limited 501(c)(3) but it would not be part of the Town. The money could not be held by the Town in that case.

Mr. Hayes said there is a need for port-a-potties in the recreation area. The restrooms at the pool are not always open when people are playing pickleball, tennis and basketball.  A discussion of funding for the Recreation Department followed.  The Revolving Fund for Recreation was created by the Town in accord with RSA 35-B. The funds can be spent by vote of the Recreation Committee.  Department managers can also transfer funds between budget line items, except salaries and benefits which cannot be changed.  

David Edkins stopped briefly at the Selectboard Meeting when he arrived back in Walpole. He was informed that he missed the discussion of Zoning Board of Adjustment Indemnity.  Mr. Edkins was aware of the indemnification policy.

There was a discussion about the need for shade at the pool. There is no shade except late in the day right along the Route 12 fence.  If Recreation wants to provide shade, they need to get quotes for permanent structures and create a warrant article or use existing Recreation funds.

Michael Hayes left the meeting.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Vose moved to approve Accounts Payable totaling $140,756.43 dated 5/24/2024.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  The total included a $43,192.14 payment to HealthTrust.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,562.87 dated 5/24/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,730.06.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – May 16, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 16, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Non-Public Session – May 16, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of May 16, 2024 and they are to remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Committee Reports

Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

• Recreation Committee Meeting – March 13, 2024

• Recreation Committee Meeting – May 17, 2024

• Conservation Commission Meeting – May 6, 2024

• Cemetery Trustees Meeting – May 10, 2024

• Walpole K-8 Research Committee Meeting – May 15, 2024

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – May 15, 2024

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Old Business

Pending Further Action:  Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, and Reservoir Dam

Response Status from Fall Mountain Regional School District – SAU  60:  Mr. Dalessio stated that the FMRSD response has now been delayed from 5/17/2024 to 6/30/2024 per their most recent letter.  Walpole continues receiving unsigned letters from FMRSD, including this one. It seems inappropriate for communications from the school district to the Town.

FMRSD Payment Schedule: Lori Schmidt, the business administrator at FMRSD, sent an explanation as to why there was a steep drop in the monthly payment to FMRSD.  Walpole was overcharged from July 2023 through March 2024.  The sudden drop in charges from April through June will correct the overcharge.

Walpole Schools Withdrawal Study Committee:  Ms. Vose updated the Selectboard. Each sub-committee had a set time to report out with no interruptions.  All questions were written down and this brought the meeting down to about an hour and a half and made it much more productive.  The Committee is trying to get in touch with Chesterfield to learn how their school system works.

The Committee has two questions for the Selectboard. Should the Committee investigate Charter Schools?   They would also like information from Ms. Mayberry about the school where she works.  Since Ms. Mayberry was unable to attend tonight, this issue will be tabled until the Board can discuss the matter.  For now, the Study Committee should focus on K-8 and when a recommendation is finished, the second stage can be to look at options for the high school students.

New Business

Computer Purchase Order:  We need a desktop computer for Lucy (Holly) Gowdy in the Town Clerk’s Office. Ms. Vose moved for approval of the desktop computer purchase for a total cost not to exceed $1259.24  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed and the purchase order was signed.

Water Strategic Planning Grant Reimbursement:   Ms. Vose moved Mr. Dalessio to sign the form to reimburse $2,444.85 from the Drinking Water Sustainability grant.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and the form was signed.

Support for Bellows Falls Grant Application:  Bellows Falls is applying for a grant to improve efficiency at the sewage processing plant.  Improved efficiency in the plant will benefit Walpole also.  Ms. Vose moved the Selectboard to sign the letter of support for Bellows Falls’ application.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and the letter was signed.

Tax Collector Audit Update: The audit is moving along but there is no estimated date for completion.  The onboarding forms have yet to be handed in by the new Tax Collector.

Question from the Recycling Center:  Ms. Vose asked if canvas short overalls could be reimbursed as a uniform.  Mr. Dalessio wondered if the bib of the shorts may cover the uniform shirt.  The Selectboard recommends that the safety of shorts for that job be considered before deciding on the purchase.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Vose moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:30 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:33 PM.

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 7:33 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary