The Walpolean

I guess we have to expect this but it would appear that everything is under control. We can hardly expect to be totally exempt – even if we would like to be. – Lil

I, personally, am not a golfer. Luckily, I have friends who are. Bob Grenier brought this to my attention and suggested that I share it with all Walpolean readers. Thanks, Bob. – Lil

The 50 best 9-hole courses in the world, ranked!
They might be half the length, but they’re full-blown fun. Here’s GOLF’s first-ever ranking of the 50 best 9-hole courses in the world.

Read in Golf: https://apple.news/A4gg-IKGuQju4i6wW9y4G4Q

Shared from Apple News

Hooper Trustees Present:    Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:18 PM.  This meeting is being recorded.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – August 13, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of August 13, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

HOOPER BUSINESS:

JULY 2020 REIMBURSEMENT TO THE TOWN OF WALPOLE BY THE HOOPER EDUCATIONAL TRUST: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the July 2020 reimbursement to the Town of Walpole by the Hooper Educational Trust in the amount of $10,931.92.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

JULY 2020 REIMBURSEMENT TO THE TOWN OF WALPOLE BY THE HOOPER MAINTENANCE TRUST:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the July 2020 reimbursement to the Town of Walpole by the Hooper Maintenance Trust in the amount of $455.00.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:21 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Present:​Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio

Staff Present:​​Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Michael Paquette (Chief Police Department); Justin Sanctuary (Lt. Police Department); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Department); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Julie Rios (Library /Interim Co-Librarian).

Excused:​​Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); 

Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director). 

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and welcomed everyone.  This meeting is being recorded.

Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that it is important we all speak up because we have masks on and it is difficult for Ms. Borden to hear us to document the meeting minutes and so the recorder will pick-up our conversations.    

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that we have not met for a couple of months therefore she wanted to take a few minutes to find out how everybody is doing.  She does not often see many of us. How are they personally getting along with this virus that we have been plagued with.  Fortunately, none of us have contacted it.  It affects what we do every day and how we do it.  Everyone went around the room and gave a brief summary of their day-to-day challenges and how they are coping with them both at work and in their personal lives.  Selectboard members also shared their experiences during this pandemic.   

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned we have been fortunate, as a Town, we have had low-to-no cases.  A majority of people feel we have had nothing in Town.  The Town has not had to furlough or dismiss any employees from the work force.  We are in a good situation in this respect.  

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Julie Rios had submitted a written report for the period of August 1, 2020 through August 18, 2020.

“As of August 3, 2020 the library is open its regular hours with full access.  Masks are required and patrons must sanitize their hands prior to entering the library.  Curbside pickup is still available to those patrons who do not feel comfortable coming into the library.  The North Walpole Branch remains closed.

Rose Werden, the North Walpole librarian since 1980, has retired.  Cards may be sent to her in care of the Walpole Library, PO Box 487, Walpole, NH 03608.  A committee has been formed and in the coming months public input will be gathered to explore the role of the North Walpole Branch.

The search for the new director is going well.  Applications will be accepted through the end of August.  The committee is actively screening applicants and interviews will start soon.

The staff at the library has stepped up wonderfully to fill Justine’s absence.  Things are running smoothly.  Staff have also been busy calling and emailing patrons to let them know the library is open and they can return the books they have kept safe for us for so long.  Returned books must be quarantined for 4 full days.  The website has been updated and includes homeschool resources and a survey for families about how we can help them.

The Summer Reading Program was a great success despite the Covid-19.  96 people participated: 28 birth to 5 years, 21 6-13 years, 1 teen and 40 adults.  The State of NH provided software for organizing the program online.  Participants had reading goals and missions to earn raffle tickets towards weekly and end of program prizes.  There were Take-Away Craft kits for kids each week.

The Library has partnered with Distant Hill Nature Trail on a Story Walk.  Pages of a book are laminated and placed along the trail to read.  Each page includes a silly transition from one page to the next (ex. Jump like a frog, sing a song, walk backwards).  This program is so successful that they will continue with a new story every month for the foreseeable future.

The library does not have any current in-library programs due to Covid-19 but we are having Wiggle Time.  Morning and Evening Story times outside.  This has been a big hit.  Families bring a blanket and they stay on that ‘island’.

The library has been in touch with the school library to see in what way they can help.  At this time things are still up in the air but they know we are here and willing.

8-1-2020 through 8-17-2020 Statistics:

In-library patrons: 328

Book circulation:  641

Wiggle Time and Story Times attendance: 35 kids, 21 adults

Hoopla and Overdrive continue to be very popular.”

Mrs. Pschirrer recommended going out to the Distant Hill Nature Trail and to walk it.  It is handicapped accessible.  Mrs. Rios noted that their next door neighbor gave them permission to use his lawn, when needed, for Wiggle Time.  The children are so happy to see other children.      

Police Department:  Police Chief Michael Paquette distributed copies of a graph prepared by Mrs. Clough on “Motor Vehicles May 15^th – August 15^th, 2020”. It provided information and was broken down for all motor vehicle issues.  The State has not given them as many Grants to do radar safety patrols, etc.  Mr. Dalessio requested they go back to the other format for the next meeting.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that motor vehicle work is a small percentage of the other work they do.  Chief Paquette advised they have been dealing with assaults, domestic calls, criminal mischief, juvenile stuff that might increase with the start of school, drug issues, on-going investigations, etc.  Burglaries are down probably because people are spending more time at home.  About four days a week they are doing construction details including work for Consolidated Communications.  A gate was installed at the pull-off area off Route 12 across from the Aubuchon store.  In the past 900 lbs of trash was removed from this area by Mrs. Kara Dexter who took it to the Recycling Center.  She is ready to go back to do another clean-up.  He was aware of the complaint on the Common from Mr. Boas.  All cruisers are up and running. They are trying to work out vacation times.  

Administrator of Finance:  Mr. Rich Kreissle had submitted a written report.  He began with providing an up-date on the CARES Program.

GOFERR Covid-19 Expense Reimbursement Submission:  Concord has added another submission period making October 15^th the last time municipalities can submit reimbursement requests for Covid-19 related expenses.  This new submission period covers only costs incurred between September 16^th to October 15^th; any costs that predate September 15^th will not be allowed on this last submission.  He is working with Mr. Mark Houghton for any expenditures related to the Walpole Fire Department (WFD). He also contacted North Walpole for the same.  Specifically, as it relates to the WFD, Elizabeth Gilboy of the NH Department of Safety – Homeland Security believes we should be able to include radios so we can have the Town Hall as an alternate emergency operating center.  Estimated cost is $6,000.  The next deadline is September 15^th.  We are also planning on submitting a report for reimbursement for Town Hall cameras under the auspices of enhancing the town’s ability for contact tracing.

The MS-434 is due to the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) on September 1^st.  This is one of the reports that assists the DRA in setting the town’s tax rate.  The report is an estimate of our revenues for the year.  Due to Covid-19, he will be conservative in his completion of it to reflect the apparent impact of the pandemic.

It is budget time signaling the coming of a new year even though it’s only September.  He will be forwarding to you your worksheets and any additional information you request to assist you in formulating your budgets.

As always, he is available to address any concerns, questions or suggestions.”            

2021 Budgets:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that they expect preliminary department budgets submitted to Mr. Kreissle by September 10^th and they are requesting they all be level funded budgets.  We had a good rate of collections for the Spring Tax Warrant this year.  They know there will be increased costs from the County, the Schools and that the State will give the Town less money for highways next year.  The Selectboard will be discussing the preliminary budgets that all departments turn in on September 14^th.  They will schedule the usual meeting in December when Department Heads will have the opportunity to request other items.  There will be very little money for discretionary spending next year.  

Highway Department:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they all know the beautiful results on Main Street.  People are so happy that it was paved.  Mr. Rau advised it came out better than he thought.  It was done at a lower cost than they could have done it themselves.  It took about 1-1/2 weeks to have it done as opposed to about a month for the Town crew to have done it and the Town saved money.  Maple Street in North Walpole is still being done.  It is taking longer than he estimated but new drainage is being put in.  The old system / materials needed to be replaced.  It is now being done the right way.

Mr. Rau had submitted a written report dated August 2020.

“Highway has been busy the past few months with their routine summer projects as well as vehicle/equipment maintenance.  This year, their road paving project included reclaiming a portion of the Old Drewsville Road as well as milling Main Street.  Portions of Main St, portions of Old Drewsville Road, Sand Hill Heights, Blanchard Brook Circle and Maple Street in North Walpole were then paved.  They would like to thank the Police Department for their help with traffic control on these large projects, as it helps with safety precautions for crew members as well as motorists.  It also helps cut down confusion of traffic flow.  Crews have also been busy painting new and repainting old cross walks and parking areas in the village as well as in North Walpole.

Preparations for Tropical Storm Isaias began with cleaning out storm drains and catch basins.  The Highway Department does not have anyone “on call” for emergency call outs.  The process of having roads cleared of debris is having it reported.  Typically, the Highway Department receives notice of debris in the roadway by Fire Mutual Aid Dispatch or the local Fire Department.  After any type of storm (wind/rain) roads are assessed and a prioritized list is made of damage and debris.  Depending on the situation, certain equipment and safety measures are taken to complete the projects.

Lastly, they continue to have issues with the safety of their crews working near or in the roads.  There are 70 miles of road in Walpole.  Crews do the best of their ability to take safety precautions while working in the roads.  Unfortunately, the occurrence of motorists not slowing or yielding for road work is very common.”  

For display:  Mr. Rau brought in a cone that had been dragged by a vehicle for a long distance.  Mr. Dalessio advised they will make it a policy that when a crew is working in the Mountain View Drive area or a similar dangerous area they will have a traffic control officer at the site.  Mrs. Pschirrer will write an article for the Clarion on Safety and Highways.  They do not want to see anyone injured while working on the roads.    

Recreation Department:  Mr. Kraig Harlow had submitted a written report dated August 20, 2020.

Pool:• They opened the pool on June 29^th and the pool will close on August 28^th, slightly longer season than previous years.  This year due to COVID-19 they had to modify the hours and create a block scheduling.  The pool hours were shorter and they created blocks of activity for lap swims, open swims and cleaning.  Due to distancing requirements they did not offer swimming lessons.• They also created 14 pods that were 10 ft. x 12 ft. to help with social distancing, each pod held a family of four and everyone needed to be from one household.• The pool usage was down from previous years mostly due to limited capacity and having to sign up for a block of time.

They increased the unaccompanied age from 10 to 12 years old

Were busiest from 2:30pm to 4:00pm

Pool usage was highest during the mid-day block which was open to both resident and non-resident people.• The pool’s lifeguards did a great job adapting to the new added restrictions.• Thank you to Justin Cassarino who officially retired as Recreation Director on July 15^th so that he could help us transition to open the pool under new COVID-19 guidelines.

Tennis:• Walpole Men’s Tennis started back up in early July and have been playing through August.  Matches begin at 9am Monday, Wednesday and Friday.• They had two companies, VT Tennis and Wilson & Lawrence came down this summer to look at the condition of the courts.  They are finalizing their quotes to make minor repairs as needed.• New Benches arrived July 2^nd and were placed at the tennis court and basketball court.

Picnic Tables:  • They received the donation of the two picnic tables from Santa’s Workshop in Unity NH.• The tables were delivered on July 11^th by members of the North Walpole Fire Dept.• Thank you to Steve Dalessio in being instrumental in building and donating the tables.

Basketball Clinics:• They held 5 basketball clinics during the month of July.  There was a great turnout.• They had 25 total kids participate from surrounding areas and generated roughly $700 in registration fees.• Feedback from parents was really positive and they are hoping to schedule another one in the fall.

Soccer:• They are prepping for a fall soccer season that will last 6 weeks from September 8^th to October 18^th made up of Walpole residents only.• They are hoping to play one game and practice one day a week.• Following week three if schools remain in session and COVID-19 numbers haven’t drastically risen, games will continue.  If numbers drastically rise they will either cancel the season or move to 2 practices a week.• Thank you to Fall Mountain for allowing them to continue to use the soccer fields.

Community Events:• Due to COVID-19 they have not had the ability to schedule any community events.• If circumstances change in the near future, they plan on hosting events.”

Replying to a question about the Fall Soccer Program, Mr.Harlow noted the program could be shut down at any time due to COVID-19 and at the discretion of Walpole Recreation and the Town of Walpole.  Registering is voluntary and are allowing child to participate at your own risk.  He reviewed theinformation outlined on the “Walpole Fall Soccer 2020 as of 8/18/20” that included safety precautions and the Rules and Guidelines.    

Selectboard Office: Mrs. Downing had distributed a written report dated August 20, 2020.

Assessing Update:• The MS-1 report to be signed next Thursday, August 27^th.  This form establishes the overall property valuation for the Town.  It is the first step toward establishing the property tax rate for the year.  Last year’s MS-1 can be found in Town Report.• Letters will be sent to property owners when the Avitar field assessor conducts visits to the last quarter section of Walpole as part of the cyclical revaluation update.  The letters allow property owners to opt out of exterior list and measures and/or interior inspections.  At this point, no date has been set for this work to begin.  Any changes would affect 2021 property tax assessments and billing.

Town Hall Update:• At the July 16^th Selectboard Meeting, the requirement that masks be worn inside municipal buildings was approved.  New signage was created for the Town Hall to give notice of this new requirement.• For those that forget to bring a mask, one will be provided.• Parking signs to reserve parking spots for those visiting the Town Hall are to be created and installed.  There has been a shortage of parking on the Elm Street side of the building due to increased usage of the Common.  2-or-3 parking spaces will have signs that indicate “Reserved for Town Hall Business – Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM”.

Water and Sewer:• Second quarter water and sewer bills posted on 7/30/2020.  The due date for 2^nd quarter billings is Monday, August 31^st.

Recycling Center:  Mr. Ben Hoy was unable to attend this meeting but had submitted the following written report:

“New reuse center is well on its way to completion!  Jan Galloways’ milled logs are now adorning the entryway(s) to the new reuse center.

Custom shelving to encompass the perimeter of new reuse center with the gable end supporting book shelves and varying width/height shelving throughout the new addition for miscellaneous items.

New hire Tom Donovan is taking over for college bound Jake Velazquez as the new recycling attendant.  Welcome Tom!

Reuse volunteers Peter, Sydney and Trevor Palmiotto have graciously donated their time to a fresh paint job for the new reuse center.  We are looking for volunteer help to keep the new reuse center open, and stock the shelves with reusable items in the coming weeks!

Running out of Walpole bags at local retailers has been a constant issue for both our department and local retailers dealing with slow moving corporate financials.  I spoke with Doug at Shaw’s and have come to an agreement in which we are currently increasing our deliveries from 360 packages of Walpole bags to 500 Walpole bags per delivery.  Forecasting sales and staying on top of this issue is something that we are taking seriously going forward.  This will ensure that Shaw’s will no longer be running out of bags, improving both our image and Shaw’s in the Walpole community.  Walpole recycling will be receiving $2,772 more per delivery, equating an annual increase of approximately $27,700 based on previous delivery statistics (every 5 weeks).  I have been working to increase sales at other corporate retailers such as Jakes and Aubuchons as well.”    

Town Clerk / Tax Collector:  Mrs. Smith was unable to attend this meeting but had submitted the following written report dated August 18, 2020.

“They have been very busy with questions regarding the upcoming elections!

Their phone has been ringing, never seems to stop, between questions and making and cancelling appointments.  They do look forward to the weekends.

They have mailed out 164 primary ballots and received 70 back already.  These are keyed into the State computer system.  The dates when they receive the request, when they mail the ballots and when they receive the ballots back.  The voter can go online and check on all these dates.

Usually during a Presidential General Election, they receive approximately 150 requests.  

She will be glad when these Elections are over, she just hopes that people get out and vote, this is a very important year!  

She is making plans to have someone come in and help part time.

They have collected $62,934 in registration fees.  Total clerk income for the past month is $65,068.00.  People are using E-Reg to renew their vehicles and this is a big help to them.  They can process these, print and mail them when they can.

Since their last staff meeting they have collected $133,632.95 in taxes and interest.

Tax Collection has been great—very low amount of uncollected.  Their Spring tax Warrant was in the amount of $5,803,501.00 and their uncollected for that Warrant is only $183,083.26.  Their total uncollected is only $390,688.50.  They have collected $58,853.61 interest and penalties for this year.

She will be taking Wednesday and Thursday off, so will miss the Staff meeting.”

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Helen Dalbeck was unable to attend this meeting but had submitted the following written report dated August 18, 2020.

“School Year 2020-2021:  Becky Whippie and I met with Justin Cassarino and Sam Jacobs on 8/17.  The school day schedule will be very different this fall and the Hooper Institute programs will be woven into this new schedule, really more important than ever to get the students outside, into the gardens and the woodlands.  We will adapt programs for smaller groups and the new COVID reality.  We are also training for the potential switch to online learning and classes if our community needs to quarantine again.  We’ll follow all staff mandated protocol and will stay safe.  Both of us are really happy to be part of the life of the school and with the kids again.

School Gardens and Community Outreach:  Gardens have been very productive and we have been donating produce and flowers to Monadnock Understands Childhood Hunger (MUCH) via Walpole school volunteers and the Fall Mt Food Shelf.

Summer Programs:  We offered both at-home projects and in the field.  The final round of owl nest boxes will be distributed soon.

Summer High School Work Program:  Nine students participated in the summer work program, working at total of 750 hours at four sites in town: Malnati Farm, Abenaki Springs, Alyson’s Orchard and Walpole Recycling Center.

Walpole Community Garden:  The garden members are very happy and active this year.  Members are also donating to the Fall Mt Food Shelf.

Building and Grounds:  A few weeks ago our old maple tree split in half, damaging the Institute’s roof.  The rest of the tree will be removed 8/19.  The roof has a temporary patch and is scheduled for a permanent fix later this fall.  Also on the docket, an improved building alarm system and a roof repair on the old forge/shed.

Governance:  The HI Board met 6/1 for our regular monthly meeting and 7/29 for a night of presentations with the Hooper Scholarship recipients (college/university) level.  The Hooper Scholarship Committee work is ongoing.  The high school students also spoke with many of their parents in attendance.

Marketing:  Mostly Facebook and the Clarion.

Fundraising and Grants:  Ongoing via Friends of Hooper Institute and my office.  We have had some successes with more applications to go.”

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked everyone for attending.  Stay Safe!  She adjourned this Staff meeting at 6:05 PM.

Selectboard Present:​Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She introduced Selectboard members Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry.  Also attending is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Ms. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  This meeting is being recorded.  She asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were sixvisitors in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

VOTING PROCEDURES:  Mr. Jack Wozmak, Town Moderator, will provide an update on his preparations for the September 8^th Primary Election Day.  He began by explaining the set-up of the room keeping in mind the distancing.  It will be different than in past years.  Voters will come in the lobby door, go left by the checklist and polling booths will be on the sides.  They intend to keep people separated as quickly as possible. There will be a separate exit.  In North Walpole they will do a similar plan with a separate entrance and exit. There are exceptions for handicapped access at both locations.  To set up the room will take longer than in the past.  Mr. Wozmak has a good supply of personal protective items, sanitizers, masks, pens, etc.  Poll workers will be protected.  He has 26 volunteers and would like to have a “rehearsal” day to be sure they are ready.  In Walpole he would like to begin the set-up on Thursday, September 3^rd, and then on Monday evening at 6:30 PM have the actual “practice run”.  In North Walpole the “practice run” would be on Monday evening at 5:30 PM.  It is possible that set-up in the Walpole Town Hall will require some time on Friday, September 4^th.  The Selectboard had no objections to Mr. Wozmak’s setting up on Thursday, September 3^rd during the day as there is a regular Selectboard meeting that evening at 6:30 PM.  Mr. Wozmak feels this schedule will work for setting-up and training.  He feels it is appropriate for the Selectboard to be present in the voting area.  This is a community event.  He could have them take the Oath as Assistant Moderators.  Ms. Mayberry will be in North Walpole.  Mr. Wozmak advised that not everybody will be able to wear a mask; it could be medical reasons.  Therefore they will have a separate table and the voter will be referred to an outside worker.  Both Walpole and North Walpole voting locations will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.  Absentee ballots can be mailed in or brought into the Town Clerk’s office.  They will be collected at the polling locations until 5:00 PM on September 8^th.  If someone arrives at the polling location with their absentee ballot after 5:00 PM it will not be accepted but they will still be allowed to vote until 7:00 PM.                          

TOWN COMMON:  Mr. Ray Boas had sent a complaint letter via email, dated August 15, 2020, to the Selectboard regarding last week’s concert on the Common.  He has lived on the Common for about 18 years and has witnessed a lot of activity there.  There has never been more loud noise on the Common until the concert last week.  It is his understanding that there was some confusion over scheduling this private event impacting upon neighboring properties.  He is frustrated.  What he would like to see is some sort of application procedure established.  That way they will have some time to state “there is a problem”.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted in 2016 this Selectboard talked about this and have since last Saturday prepared an application.  The person who was organizing this event came into the Town Hall but her information was incomplete.  They neglected to say it was a musical concert.  The group came on the Common in good faith thinking they had permission.  Since their conversation last Saturday she has had a number of positive comments.  It gave people an opportunity to get out and see people they had not seen in several months.  Officer Landry did not respond because the Police Department received another call that took precedence.  Officer Prince did respond.  He called Mrs. Pschirrer to say they had cut their sound system down in half.  He said most people were wearing masks except some family groups and some people were dancing.  From Mrs. Pschirrer’s back yard about a block and half away she heard a muffled sound.  We came up with a better format for the application and will ask different questions.  They do not like to find out about events on the Common through Facebook because it catches them off guard however this is how they found out about this concert with an anticipated 50-to-60 people attending.  The Selectboard will now put out some announcements through the Walpolean.  Lots of small unorganized groups meet on the Common regularly.  It is a public space but they like to know what is happening on it.  It would be interesting to have somebody write about the history of Commons.  Mr. Boas has three books.  The concert was to be from 5:00-to-7:00 PM but they started sound testing about 4:30 PM.  Mr. Dalessio found out about the concert on Facebook the night before the event.  It would be good to know about events through the office.  Mrs. Lil DeCoste has lived on the Common for many years and feels this goes with the territory.  She does not particularly enjoy band concerts but would not want to live anywhere else.  This particular event was loud and the music was not pleasant.  Mrs. Pschirrer will write an article next month for the Walpolean in terms of communication.  The Common is open space for all of us to enjoy.      

Pastor Richard Malmberg of the First Congregational Church of Walpole, UCC, mentioned there will be a community gathering on the Common on Friday, August 21^st at 7:00 PM.  He is inviting anyone and everyone interested in participating in positive change to gather on the Common and start making change.  Wear a mask / Observe Safe Distancing.                   

RESIDENTIAL SOLAR PANELS:  Mrs. Helen Washer and Mr. Bill Washer had inquired about the owners of Map and Lot #010-022-000 installing solar panels in the field close to their house.  They were told it was conservation land and nothing could be built there.  However they can see the panels from their property.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard has prepared a letter to send to the owners because Building Permits are required before any solar panel installation begins and they have not applied for one.    Mrs. Downing noted the map is clearly marked for the conservation easement and the section down to the pond is in Current Use.  Mrs. Washer hopes they will put up a row of trees to block out the panels.  Mr. Dalessio feels if they brought their concerns to the owners they would listen to their concerns.    

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $938,936.21 for checks dated August 21, 2020.  This includes a $615,232 payment to the Fall Mountain Regional School District and a $292,179.33 payment to All States Asphalt.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending August 15, 2020, in the amount of $30,314.69 for checks dated August 21, 2020, and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,801.43.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – August 13, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 13, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – August 13, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 13, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• Town Library Board of Trustees Meeting – August 11, 2020;• Planning Board Meeting – August 11, 2020.

BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit No. 2020-29 – THOMAS DURNFORD, 154 Barnett Hill Road, Map and Lot#009-058-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-29 for Thomas Durnford to add a “677 square foot roof mount solar array” at 154 Barnett Hill Road, Map and Lot #009-058-000.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit No. 2020-30 – WESLEY BRUCE BICKFORD, JR., 188 Upper Walpole Road, Map and Lot #012-039-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-30 for Wesley Bruce Bickford, Jr. to construct a “20’ by 14’ storage shed with two 16’ x 20’ attached lean-tos” at 188 Upper Walpole Road, Map and Lot #012-039-000.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit No. 2020-31 – KRISTEN M. THIBAULT, 65 Alstead Center Road, Map and Lot #015-017-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-31 for Kristen M. Thibault to build a “28’ x 24’ two car garage with an attached 16’ by 6’ mudroom” at 65 Alstead Center Road, Map and Lot #015-017-000.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

COVID-19 Travel Policy:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the COVID-19 Travel Policy dated August 20, 2020.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Downing will distributed copies of this policy to employees.

Mill Pond Beaver Activity:  Ms. Mayberry reported this is taking longer at Mill Pond than the Beaver Deceiver’s planned on.  They are still working there.  When they have finished in this area they will work on Hennessey Pond in North Walpole.

Recreation Area Parking Lot: Lot Line Adjustment and Deed With Letter:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they are waiting for the new Deed that Attorney Hockensmith is writing.  

Pending Further Actions:

Houghton Brook Fish Ladder:  Mr. Dalessio received a reply from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) following their submission of the Pre-qualified Grant application.  The full application is due August 31^st.  We have a good chance of funding for bridge replacement.  Estimated cost is $520,000; there would be a Grant for $250,000 but the Town would have to come up with $270,000.  The Town would need $8,000 for the application.  Fuss & O’Neill had submitted the pre-qualification application.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted this bridge was on the State’s red-listed list for many years.  Mr. Dalessio explained that to move forward the Town needs to tell DESwhere the $270,000 will come from.  The Town has money in the TransCanada Fund; capital reserve and/or unassigned fund balance that could be used.  There would be no State funding for the bridge repair project as it was never approved by DES.  Mr. Dalessio feels we should try to get the $250,000 Grant. Mrs. Pschirrer wants to be sure this money includes the fish ladder.  

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio reported there is a turn-over in personnel in the DES office and that is delaying approval of this project.  This is the perfect time to do this because it is a dry spell.  The Town is ready to go.  Mr. Dalessio recommended they talk to Fuss & O’Neill about this project.    

Huntington Realty, Karlson Realty and Chamberlain Machine Sewer Easement Agreement.  Mr. Dalessio recommended removing this item from the Agenda.  Mr. Smith no longer wants to move forward with the project.  

NEW BUSINESS:

FACT-TV Letter:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the letter to the Falls Area Community TV (FACT-TV).   Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Residential Solar Building Permit Letter:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the letter to the owners of Map and Lot #010-022-000 regarding solar panels.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

TrueNorth Quote for Managed Services:  There was a consensus to continue this Agenda item for the Selectboard meeting next Thursday.

2020 Fall Recreation Soccer Sign-Up: Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Harlow talked about soccer posters and sign-ups.  They sent information to Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio to be sure they did not have any concerns about it.  Ms. Mayberry had talked to Ms. Landry.  They worked out getting permission from Mr. Cassarino to use the fields at the school.  Mrs. Pschirrer likes what Mr. Harlow is doing.  

Harassment Awareness Training: Mrs. Downing asked if the Selectboard wants to have any in-person or on-line Harassment Awareness Training at this time or not have it this year.  There was discussion relative to printing out a Certificate of Completion after an employee has completed the training.  Mr. Dalessio feels it is important to have the training.  He would start with Department Managers.  Small groups, maybe three employees who need assistance, could be scheduled to watch it on-line in the Town Hall.  Set a completion deadline date for December 31^st, 2020.  Mrs. Downing was asked to look into programs and costs and report back to the Selectboard.                 

Employee Appreciation Lunch:  Mrs. Downing had talked to Mrs. Pschirrer about having an Employee Appreciation Lunch.  Perhaps a nice hot lunch could be provided and delivered to each department or an employee could pick theirs up.  There would be approximately 42 full-time employees plus several part-timers.  

Mr. Dalessio moved to allow Mrs. Downing to go ahead with planning for a lunch for each employee on a “To Go” basis.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.       

North Walpole Library:  Ms. Mayberry spoke to the North Walpole Village District Commissioners about Mr. Brad Nash and the Library cleaning supplies he left in a closet that were removed.  The closet the Library used was in the central hallway and was unmarked.  People may not have been aware that the supplies were not theirs to use.  The Commissioners suggested the closet be labeled “For Library Use Only”.  The Fire Chief will mention this to the firemen who have their own closet.  

Old Drewsville Road – Rumble Strips:  Ms. Mayberry reported that Mr. Rau understands this needs to be done.  He wants direction from the Selectboard as to the placement and if they go across the whole road.  Mr. Rau does not believe it should be done.  Ms. Mayberry will ask Mrs. Gowdy how often they move their cows across the road.   However this is more about slowing people down when driving on the hill.  It is a safety issue.  A resident was cut off the road coming out of his own driveway by a speeding vehicle.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned looking into a solar powered magnetic flashing light that can be attached to the sign and used when the Gowdy’s are doing a cow road crossing.            

School Busses:  Ms. Mayberry was asked about unloading kids on the school busses at the bottom of Mountain View.  She thought it would be fine.  She was sent a proposal on how all the busses would run in the Town of Walpole.  This will be given to the Selectboard for their review at the next meeting.  She is encouraged with having Mr. Justin Cassarino in the Walpole School.  

Highway Projects:  Mr. Dalessio asked when the dry well will be done at Mr. Merv Stevens because it is so dry now and a good time to do the project.  Ms. Mayberry will check with Mr. Rau.  She knew they had started the road striping.   

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:18 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:21 PM.

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.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer, the motion was approved at 8:21 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:25 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 20, 2020, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:26 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Walpole Planning Board Workshop Minutes

August 25, 2020

Town Hall

7 pm.

Present: Board Members: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Jeff Harrington, Joey Andros, Jeff Colley, Select Board representative Steve Dalessio. Board member Jason Perron came in during the middle of the meeting.

Minutes: These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the regular September meeting for omission, addition or corrections.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the draft of the Implementation Plan and Transportation Section of the Walpole Master Plan prepared by Lisa Murphy, Senior Planner at Southwest Regional Planning Commission. The Board has been updating the Plan this year, having completed the Population and Housing Section in late winter. In an email, Ms. Murphy said the documents had not been edited by the administrative staff yet and they would do so after all content edits have been completed. So, Lisa warned, there may be formatting or spelling or punctuation errors.

Mr. Miller opened the meeting at 7 pm. Ms. Murphy was on speaker phone and the Board and she communicated that way. Everyone had time to look at the document and Mr. Miller asked if there were any questions or discussion about what they read.

Mr. Marcom said he compared the draft to the 1998 copy and he found two items that seemed to be missing from this document that he would like included in the revised draft of the Transportation section. One items was the information of the Connecticut River Scenic Byway Improvements on page 18. Also he wanted to know more about the grant that was referenced in that section. 

On pages 15 and 16 in the 1998 edition of the Master Plan, there is a section on Rails-to-Trails that Mr. Marcom would like included in the revision of the Transportation section.

Ms. Murphy said these are in the Recreation section, but it was the consensus of the Board that they should be mentioned in both places. She then agreed it might be good to have the policy in both sections the master Plan. There are always more grants tied to transportation, Ms. Murphy said.

Mr. Harrington mentioned a project on which the Board worked while adopting the Complete Streets policy. Complete Streets was a yearlong project that the Planning Board worked on in 2017.

The Planning Board made recommendations to the Select Board for implementation in the future. The meetings were with input from representatives of Southwest Regional Planning Commission and Walpole Police Mike Paquette. The overall policy of Complete Streets is “to have streets that are designed and operated to enable safe access and mobility of all users, in that bicyclists, motorists, public transportation users, and pedestrians of all ages and abilities are able to safely move along and across streets.”

One of those recommendations was to connect the Walpole Primary and Elementary Schools to Mill Pond and eventually to the homes around Maplewood Circle where several school children lived. Mr. Harrington wanted it mentioned in the Master Plan.

The actual recommendation to the Select Board in September 2017 actually said: “Main St. connection from school to Mill Pond: Consider widening and improving the surface condition of the shoulders along this stretch of road where space allows. In addition, consider placing signage that says “Pedestrian Crossing Ahead” to alert motorists to likely pedestrian crossing location. While this may be a large expense, consider in the future making a sidewalk from the school up to where the neighborhoods are.”​ 

The decision by the Board was to add this to the Implementation Plan. Mr. Miller suggested adding it to Objective 2 making it Action 4. It would say something like “seek opportunities for or create a walkway for pedestrians and cyclists to go from the Village to the Mill Pond, the fire station, Hubbard Field and North Meadow Plaza. 

Mr. Miller said he spoke with Road Agent Mike Rau about this project when the Board was discussing Complete Streets and Mr. Rau said this project would be very expensive. Mr. Dalessio added that there could also be difficulties in acquiring the land. 

Some comments on accomplishing this goal would be that it could be done in stages; maybe the town could get right-of-ways or easements; or maybe there is another way to get there besides a straight line down Main Street.

Ms. Murphy said that there is grant money out there to build walkways to schools. 

Ms. Andros asked about a crosswalk from North Meadow Plaza to Walgreens.

Mr. Dalessio said NH Department of Transportation has said they would not put in a light at that location. The only way to get there from the Plaza would be to over Route 12. 

Mr. Dalessio said that currently one problem is with off-road vehicles tearing up Class VI roads. Class VI roads have to be maintained by the owners on the road, so it’s an issue right now.

Mr. Dalessio said he wanted an asterisk on the list of bridges in Walpole that is on page 10. It should say “Please consult with the Select Board office for a current list.”

Ms. Murphy wanted to know if the Board is now satisfied with draft on the Transportation section after tonight’s suggestion have been added. Mr. Miller and Mr. Dalessio said yes. Then she spoke about the contract sent to Mr. Miller to complete the other sections of the Master Plan in the upcoming year. Mr. Miller said the money would not be available until after Town Meeting 2021. The total cost for the year’s work us $10,730. Ms. Murphy said that was work for her and the Southwest Regional Planning Commission. 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary

A copy of the Transportation draft of the Master Plan, without the above additions, is at the Select Board office.

Below you will find information that went out to families in the FMRSD regarding the revised plans for school reopening. If, like me, you have been wondering about the plans, I hope this helps. You will find more information in the website at https://www.sau60.org/ – Lil