The Walpolean

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:31 PM.  She advised that the Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  This meeting is being recorded remotely by FACT-TV.  It is available for viewing on the internet.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, in the Walpole Town Hall, and Ms. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised there will be no public comments at this meeting.  Comments are to be emailed to Mrs. Downing at the Walpole Town Hall.  Mrs. Downing will display the agenda.  That will be followed by documents as they are being discussed.  All votes taken will be by a voice roll call vote.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $50,846.64 for checks issued May 29, 2020.  This includes a $41,660.64 payment to the HealthTrust.  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 May 23, 2020, in the amount of $25,601.08 for checks dated May 29, 2020, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,092.41.  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 – May 21, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 21, 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 – May 21, 2020: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 21, 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:

NOTICE OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE:  

NHDOT RT. 12 PROJECT 14747:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Notice of Intent to Excavate for the NH Department of Transportation (DOT) for Project 14747 off NH Route 12.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there wereany questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that this project is a continuation of work started last year.

BUILDING PERMIT:

Building Permit #2014-10 Renewal.  Abenaki Springs Phase I & II Limited Partners, 17 Avery Lane, Map and Lot #012-013-004:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit #2014-10 Renewal, for Abenaki Springs Phase I & II Limited Partners to “Construct multi-family housing as approved by the Planning Board on 11/13/12 and then modified on 10/15/15 for up to 67 multi-family units” at 17 Avery Lane, Map and Lot #012-013-004.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  

Mr. Dalessio asked what was the expiration date of the building permit?  When was the renewal supposed to be done?  Mrs. Downing replied May 23, 2020.  Mr. Dalessio noted it is based on the next Selectboard meeting.
Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any additional questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

OLD BUSINESS:

J. Cassarino Resignation Letter: Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of a letter of resignation from Mr. Justin Cassarino as the Walpole Recreation Director to be effective July 19, 2020.  He held this position for six-and-a-half-years. Mr. Cassarino is moving to a new position as the Assistant Principal at the Walpole Elementary School.

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the resignation letter from Mr. Justin Cassarino as the Walpole Recreation Director to be effective July 19, 2020.  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.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Selectboard will be holding interviews for the position next week for his successor.  We accept this resignation with regret.  Mr. Cassarino expanded the activities and created year-round programs.  They recognize how successful Mr. Cassarino was in this job.

NH DOT Letter re: Lighting on Arch Bridge:  Mr. Dalessioasked if they should continue to fight this issue or just pay the State the $3,750 it will cost the Town to install three lights on bridge.  Ms. Mayberry asked if the lights would be Walpole property even though it is on the bridge that is owned by New Hampshire.  Mr. Dalessio recommended they forward this to Representative Lucy Weber and Senator Jay Kahn and ask for their assistance.  Senator Kahn is aware of this.  It was his recommendation that we pick-up the cost of the electricity for the lights and we agreed to do that.  Mrs. Pschirrer said now they expect us to pay for the installation and that might include taking care of those lights.  Ms. Mayberry pointed out the State wants us to buy the lights so that they can install them when they are doing the bridge project.  Mrs. Pschirrer added that the Town did not budget for this.  Ms. Mayberry said a concern is they are lights on a State owned bridge.  She has not yet seen the crosswalks painted.  Vermont recently painted their crosswalks. Mrs. Pschirrer will write the letters to Representative Weber and Senator Kahn. Copies of the original letter the Town sent to the NH DOT and emails the Town has received from the NH DOTwill be enclosed with the letters.  She will circulate the letter before sending it out.          

Pending Further Actions:  The following Agenda items will remain on this pending list as there is no new information available at this time:

NEW BUSINESS:

Agreement Letter for Financial Audit:  Mr. Dalessio moved to allow Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer, Chair of the Selectboard, to sign the agreement letter for the Financial Audit for the year 2019.  It will not exceed $16,500.  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, motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer reported the auditors will begin next week.  They will not be on site, but rather doing it by virtual format.  Mr. Rich Kreissle expects to be spending a lot of time with them as he will be making copies, etc. to provide them with all the documentation needed for the audit.

NRCS Farm Bill Program Worksheet:  Mrs. Pschirrerexplained that one Selectboard member has to sign this NRCS Farm Bill Program Worksheet.  It is on 4 acres that is part of the River Well lot by the Connecticut River.  It is now farmed by the Gowdy family.  Currently hay is being grown on the field.  Mr. Dalessio said this Farm Bill Program keeps track of all the farm land and what they are doing with it. This is an organic farm. There is no money exchange.  

Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Peggy L. Pschirrer, to sign the New Hampshire NRCS Farm Bill Programs Worksheet.  This is to farm four (4) acres of land on Map and Lot #012-003-000; Farm 1614 Tract 1157.  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.  

Recreation Area Notice:  Mrs. Pschirrer had reviewed the Governor’s Order – Stay at Home 2.0, Health and Fitness – and created the following notice to be “Effective June 1, 2020”.  

Tennis and pickleball courts may be open under the following conditions:

Other summer recreation activities:

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that Mrs. Downing brought to her attention that basketball court use needs to be added.  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Governor will be discussing pending issues tomorrow. Ms. Mayberry feels it will be hard to enforce social distancing if the basketball courts are open.  The Recreation Committee already discussed having basketball leagues.  Mr. Cassarino‘s suggestions were:  Players would have to bring their own tennis/basketball balls and take what they bring.  Wear a mask.  They need to specify that the leagues are not happening but “no organized basketball games” or “something similar” should be added so people know they just cannot show up and play.  Mr. Dalessio agreed that “courts should be restricted to free throwing only and no organized basketball games”.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that they are thinking about adding “we are not supplying any equipment”.  Mr. Dalessio added “the players are responsible for sanitizing their own equipment and benches”.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard not to publish this revised notice until Monday, June 1st, 2020.  Mrs. Downing will pass these changes by the Selectboard prior to posting.  Mr. Cassarino will post these revised conditions/restrictions on the Walpole NH Recreation Facebook page.

Route 12:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned the construction on Route 12.  It is very dangerous by the junction of Route 12 to Route 12-A.  He encourages everybody to drive slow as the road is also very narrow.  He asked Lt. Justin Sanctuary to talk to the DOT about doing something different in that area.  

Highway Department:  Ms. Mayberry advised the Highway Department removed the pavement on Maple Street in North Walpole.  E.E. Houghton worked there on a water line break today.  The Commissioners said the Highway Department is doing a good job. She wanted to share that positive comment.  

Next Selectboard Meeting – Thursday, June 4, 2020: Mrs. Pschirrer announced that next week the Selectboard will be interviewing candidates for the new Recreation Director’s position.  Consequently the Selectboard Board meeting will not begin until 7:00 pm to give them adequate time to finish the interviews.

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 meeting was recess at 7:03 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:10 PM.

FACT-TV:  Mrs. Pschirrer announced that this concludes the regular Selectboard and Hooper Trustees meetings.  The Selectboard will be entering into a Non-Public Session.  FACT-TV ceased filming and left the meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel, (b) Hiring and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:56 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of May 28, 2020, be 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 motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah added a note to say that the focus of this meeting was how each department is dealing with the COVID-19 issue. – Lil

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

Staff Present:​​Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Manager of

Finance); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Department); Justine Fafara(Library Director); Justin Cassarino (Recreation Director); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director); Michael Paquette (Chief, Police Department); Justin Sanctuary

(Lt., Police Department);

Excused:​​Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector)

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:02 PM and welcomed everyone.  The Selectboard and Staff are all in separate locations.  This ZOOM meeting is being recorded.

Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that we have not met in such a long time.  She felt it would be good to see some people on the computer screen and/or just hear one another, talk together and find out how everybody is faring in this extraordinary time.  It has been challenging.  The Governor made no new changes today but maybe tomorrow his orders might change.  The office is getting a lot of calls about when are the tennis courts going to be open, when will the pool be open and what is going on in Town.  With the good weather people are out and about and starting to do more.        

Mrs. Pschirrer announced that as of July 19th, Mr. Justin Cassarino will no longer be the Director of the Recreation Department.  We all should congratulate him on his new, big responsibility as Assistant Principal of the Walpole Elementary School starting in July.  He will have a mentor for a while.  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked him for taking this challenge.  Mr. Cassarinosaid he is looking forward to it.  

Recycling Center:  Mr. Ben Hoy had submitted a written report “COVID-19 Effects on Walpole Recycling”.  He advised they are trying to keep the people outdoors.  Some people will come in without a mask and some people have a problem with that.  Everyone is adapting appropriately.  Tomorrow they are going to the NH DMV to pick up free masks that were offered to NH businesses.  Other than the COVID-19 situation, it has been business as usual.  

Replying to a question from Chief Paquette, Mr. Hoy said they are waiting for the carpenter to come in June.  There is no urgency for the Reuse Center since volunteers cannot work inside during this pandemic; it’s safety first.  Chief Paquette asked if they will have security cameras for the building.  Mr. Hoy said they would be interested in security cameras.  During the business day, they will have a doorway and be able to see the Reuse Center from within the Recycling Center.

Finance Office:  Mr. Rich Kreissle had submitted a written report dated May 21, 2020.  He reported that with the Town Clerk (TC) increasing taking payments electronically due to being closed to the public (except by appointment), balancing the bank account dedicated to their credit card processing has been an added challenge.  Deposits from the TC are comprised of some combination of cash, check and electronic payments.  It is all more time consuming.  

Mr. Kreissle is keeping up to date on moneys available to the Town through the CARES Act as administered by the GOFERR.  CARES stands for: Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stability Act.  GOFERR stands for: Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery.  The federal government has allocated funds to the states under CARES and these funds are further allocated to NH’s municipalities via GOFERR.  Walpole’s allocation of these funds is $91,428.  This program runs through August 2020.  If anyone has incurred costs, other than operational, bring this to his attention as the Town might be able to get reimbursed for them.  

Earlier this month Governor Sununu announced a $300 per week stipend for full–time first responders and $150 for part–time first responders over an eight–week period.  The announcement came without any guidance to municipal financial officers regarding taxability, NHRS applicability and other issues.  The NHGFOA’s (NH Government Finance Officers Association) online discussion page lit up like a Christmas tree with questions on these matters.  Through this community and the assistance of the NH Municipal Association (NHMA), clarity was developed so the Governor’s order can be implemented.  Municipalities will get reimbursed through the CARES Act for the full amount expended so there is no effect on their operating budgets.  

As the response to Coronavirus continues, Mr. Kreissle is sure there will be further programs that potentially affect the administration of the finances of the Town.  Programs are always changing.  This has been an interesting trip.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that if a department has been spending money that is applicable be sure to let Mr. Kreissle know so the Town can be reimbursed.

Highway Department:  Mr. Michael Rau submitted a written report dated May 20, 2020.  The Highway Department has been conducting normal operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Though they have made a few slight changes.  The highway building is no longer allowing visitors, sale representatives, deliveries, etc. into the building until further notice without an appointment.

Crews have been practicing safe social distancing, as well as wearing masks when entering town and public facilities.  Equipment and facility are cleaned daily and surfaces are sanitized regularly.  

Mrs. Pschirrer reported seeing some work on Main Street.  Mr. Rau said they have started prepping for the milling and reclaiming.  They had to fix some catch-basin tops; it was nothing serious.  Milling will be done right after July 4th.  Arlington Paving will come in to do the milling.  Expected time is about three days.  They will start reclaiming a portion of the Old Drewsville Road to Gowdy’s Farm as that road is destroyed.  Arlington Paving will be doing this as well.  It usually takes the Town the whole month of July to pave. Arlington Paving can do it for less than the Town can do it.  Mr. Rau will be on site.  It is business as usual.  They are trying to stay safe.  Some work was started on the Old Keene Road.  They will be working on Maple Street in North Walpole in coordination with the Water Department.  The drainage will be replaced on that road; the cost is about $5,000.  Fuzzy Bros. will rip it up and take it away at no cost to the Town.  They will take out most of the sidewalk; some will be put back in June.  Pelow Paving will do Maple Street.  It is a unique job.  The dirt roads were graded.                

Recreation Department:  Mr. Justin Cassarino submitted the following written report dated May 21, 2020.

COVID-19

With VT opening more of their facilities, people are assuming our courts are open and are ignoring the signs;

A LOT of messages/phone calls about the tennis courts and suggestions on how/why we should open.

Will really need to promote this program(s) next year to make sure we have enough participants;

Think about different types of “safe” events than what we usually try to do.

Mr. Cassarino said the pool is a question mark now.  Is it cost effective to open it and they will have to limit the community events they usually have?  They will have to think of other activities or not do any at all this season.  

Ms. Mayberry mentioned that Baby Cassarino is due within the next 2-or-3 days.  Everyone congratulated Justin and wished the family well.

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Justine Fafara had submitted “COVID-19 Effects on the Library” and “COVID-19 Phased Reopening Plan – Last Revised May 5, 2020”.  Mrs. Fafara reported that the Library has been physically closed since Monday, March 23, 2020.  Staff has been diligently working from home on a number of projects.  They expanded their virtual/digital offerings since March and will continue to offer them as long as possible.  They added a new provider for downloadable materials called Hoopla, which offers ebooks, audio books, music, movies and TV shows.  In January she added a service called Newsbank, which offers New England newspapers online, and has seen good use during this pandemic.  Julie started a YouTube channel with short story time snippets, tutorials for their digital services and more.  They also have a page on their website dedicated to all of the video tutorials Julie has made to help people use their digital services and resources.  

They are working on a plan for their Summer Reading Program that will include take and make crafts to replace their weekly craft programs.  She has been involved in many Zoom Library calls.  It has been very busy.  They are making it work.  Quite a few people have reached out for new library cards.  Curbside pick-up started last Tuesday.  They are offering pickup times twice a week.  They will begin phase 2 on June 1st, offering curbside services daily Monday-Saturday.  

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Helen Dalbeck had submitted a written report “Hooper Institute Summary Due to COVID-19”.  Mrs. Dalbeck advised that all teaching in the classroom ended on March 13th.  Although both Becky Whippie and she have emailed and talked with their teachers, they have not taught any Hooper Institute classes virtually.  They miss the kids.  She and Becky have been working closely together.  They have shared some enrichment material and news from the gardens and the field.  Out of this challenge, Becky created videos to share via their Facebook page.  They are how–to seasonal activities that would have been part of the curriculum and natural history themes that would have been taught as part of their outdoor classrooms.  She continued to grow food in the high tunnel and arranged to share produce with the Fall Mt school kitchen as well as a special food sharing program set up by the school counselor to help feed families in need when school is not in session.  This will be ongoing through the summer.  It is very positive.  Their intention is to be part of virtual learning and teaching in the fall if that is the direction the schools will be taking.  They want to be part of the day to day, week to week schedule, as an essential part of public education in Walpole.  

All special events and public programs have been cancelled or postponed until the fall.

Summer camps have been revised and reworked to be at home editions.  Large camps are something they would not attempt to do during this pandemic. Woodworking projects are being developed to be taking and make projects to do at home.

The Walpole Community garden has 44 beds that are being planted. Everyone involved is thrilled to have the opportunity to do something positive, at a safe distance socially.  

The high school work program applications are way down withnine students to date.  Half of these students are 8th grade students; the other half are returning students.  They will be able to be placed in essential businesses (they have 6 firm, 2 reserved), all farms plus Walpole Vet and Walpole Recycling.  This process starts next week.  

Adventure programs and hikes for older kids are being created to have activities, crafts, maps and science inquiry that can be picked up in to go folders and taken into the field.  

They are also doing some open trail sites.  Families can make shelters and build fairy houses.  Hooper staff will set up and curate but activity is self-lead.  A lot of people are using their trail for various activities.  They also see wildlife on the trails.

Mrs. Dalbeck advised they are applying for grants but have not yet received any.  She will keep trying.  Mr. Dalessio will send her the link to a website where she might apply.  Mrs. Pschirrergot word today from the NH Charitable Trust Foundation that the Governor has designated them as a distributor of some funds that are available.  

Mrs. Dalbeck pointed out that they want to be part of the day-to-day, week-to-week on-line learning in the fall if that is the way the schools will go.

Police Department:  Police Chief Michael Paquette had submitted a letter dated May 20, 2020.  This past week if they were not dealing with COVID-19, they would have had their Third Annual Chief of Police Breakfast at the Town Hall.  All the chiefs were grateful for this event.  Maybe it can be held in the fall.  

Mr. Dalessio asked if the Police Department has noticed an increase in skid marks on the roads.  There are some in Drewsville; anywhere there is a straight road.  Chief Paquette is aware of them.  They are on the VT side as well.  The department has had complaints of a vehicle going very fast on County Road about 1-to-2am.  Almost every time an officer is in that area they have either received another call or that particular vehicle has not gone through.  He is going to move the radar unit over to County Road.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Selectboard knows the Police Department is very busy.  

Selectboard Office: Mrs. Sarah Downing submitted a “COVID-19 Effects to Selectboard Office and Town Hall Operations” dated May 20, 2020.   She reported that on March 18, 2020 at 1 PM, the Town Hall closed to public access.  Appointment are now required with Selectboard and Town Clerk/Tax Collectors’ Offices.  Additionally, no meetings or events are being held in the Town Hall.

Facilities changes include:

Process changes:

Recent Purchases:

Town Clerk / Tax Collector:  Mrs. Sandy Smith had submitted a written Staff Report dated May 2020.  Unfortunately Mrs. Smith was unable to attend this meeting due an illness.

COVID-19 is changing their routine just a little.

They now work by appointment only.  They schedule appointments and ask them to call if they have the need to cancel.  Most people are comfortable with this system, as they don’t want to be exposed to anything.  We have had just a couple that have forgotten to come.  Most are coming on time.  We have them call us from outside and if our customer has not left, we tell them when they see someone leave, they can come up and knock on the outside door and we will let them in.

We allow approx. one hour for a new vehicle or a transfer.  Ten or fifteen minutes for a renewal, extra time if they have several.  One hour is given for a Marriage License.  These are just estimates.

Most customers bring their own pen, if not, we let them use a pen and then we spray it so no germs will be spread.  We spray their driver’s license before giving it back, they seem to appreciate the caution that we are using.

It is a very different way of working but they are getting used to it. The good part is we can close on time!

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked everyone for attending.  They appreciate the work everyone is doing especially under these circumstances.  Every day brings a new surprise.  There may or may not be another Staff meeting next month.  It is impressive to see how well Walpole is doing as a community.  Some towns have not yet met to approve their budgets.  She adjourned this Staff meeting at 6:05 PM.