Author Archives: The Walpolean

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 10/7/24

CONSERVATION COMMISSION 10/14/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE
CONSERVATION COMMISSION
OCTOBER 7, 2024

Members Present: Alicia Flammia, Wendy Grossman, France Menk, Peter Palmiotto, Lewis Shelley

Alternates Present: Nicole Adams, Tom Beaudry

Selectboard Present:  Steve Dalessio

Members Absent: John Peska

Alternates Absent: Paul Happ

Visitors Present: Katherine Kopji, North Walpole Village Commissioner

Call to Order: Peter called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the Town Hall. 

Seating of Alternates: no Alternates needed

In Memory of Marcia Galloway: Marcia served on the Conservation Commission for many years and was Chair.  Each member who served with Marcia shared their memories.  By consensus, the Conservation Committee recommends that Marcia be recognized in the Town Report.

Review and Approval of Minutes 

Tabled to the next meeting.

Public Business

Report from co-Chair: A copy of the RSA book has been requested for the meeting room downstairs.  Paul Happ has been approved as an Alternate.

Financial Report: no report

Correspondence:   

  • Ryan Owens is leaving the Monadnock Conservancy to run the New England Forestry Foundation.  He will continue to live in Walpole.
  • NH Association of Conservation Commissions Annual Meeting:  Saturday November 2nd at Pembroke Academy. Keynote: “Something Wild” Stories; A Peek Behind the Microphone with Thoughts on NH’s Natural Heritage.  Presenters are Dave Anderson, Senior Director of Education for the Society of the Protection of NH Forests, and Chris Martin, Senior Biologist with NH Audubon.  The Commission can reimburse cost.
  • Cheshire County Conservation District’s 8th Annual Conservation Commission Potluck is Tuesday, November 19th at Stonewall Farm in Keene. There will be a presentation on turtle conservation in NH and a roundtable discussion. The Commission can reimburse cost.

New Business

Britton Farm – CCCD Cooperator of the Year Award: The Britton Farm will be recognized at the Annual Celebration of the Cheshire County Conservation District on October 10th.

Knapp Cranberry Bog Dam – Wetland Permit: John will continue to work on the Knapp Cranberry Bog Dam.  The issue is that there are lots of requirements because it will now be necessary to go into the water.  This dam is rated as a low hazard.  Because of the problems finding a contractor, this will probably not be done immediately.  Steve Dalessio is also following this project.

Fanny Mason Rest Area – Issues and Updates, Parking, Cleaning Shelters:  

  • Kara’s invoice included a list of the trash she has removed.  There was a camper parked for a number of days recently.  The police were notified.  We need “no overnight parking” signs.
  • Additional signs are needed.  France will check with other places to ask what they have for signs.  The signs need to be consistent, and some of the issues should be eliminated when some dead trees are taken down, the disintegrating steps are removed, etc.  Signs might go on the shelter in a kiosk – a consistent sign plan is needed.  
  • Questions:  should we claim them as Walpole’s rest area?  do we want to shut down rest areas?   we put a fence up on the west – want one on the east too?
  • Today Lew sent out the RFQ’s for roofing the shelters.
  • Lew will schedule a November workday.  That is a popular hunting area.

NHACC Grants for Interns:  Applications are due October 11th.  The grants are for 15 hours per week for three months in the spring.  By consensus, if Peter has the time to submit an application, perhaps to do a wetlands inventory, that is good with the Commission.  Peter will check to be sure this grant is not just for towns in need. 

Old Business

Property Monitoring:   A monitoring request from LCIP was received but the location was not specified.  Wendy offered to be the Commission’s contact for property monitoring and will inform LCHP to change the contact information from Alicia to Wendy.

Trail Committee:  The meetings and minutes are on the Town website.   The invoice for the second brush hogging will be paid Friday.  They are starting to look at Academy Ravine to look at options – brainstorming now.  Note:  Mad Brook is a state name stream, so there are a lot of state rules that apply to any management activities of named streams.  There are a lot of fallen trees that could block the culvert again and cause serious flooding. The Mill Pond trails will be inspected Sunday.  They are planning an in-person public meeting this fall.  There will be an autumn maintenance day for the Rail Trail.  They are considering creating a program for lending outdoor gear for winter.

Fanny Mason Harvesting: no update

Reservoir Dam Updates:  There will be a design review in a couple weeks with DES – Steve, John, and Mark Houghton will attend.  Someone to fix the kink in the culvert has been found.  Mill Pond Dam repairs will probably be coming soon because that is identified as a high-risk dam.

Hooper Institute Board:  Nicole reported they continue to discuss bike trails in the Hooper Forest.  She created a map to help them understand the existing trails.  They discussed invasives information from Alex Barrett.  They might pay for the next treatment, since they have money from the harvest. Renovations are moving ahead with work planned for this winter.

Walpole Street Trees – Common Tree Replacement/Planting:  Donations covered the costs of trees planted on the Common, so the Commission will not need to draw from its funds for them.  The committee will get together and develop a plan for going forward. Old stumps presented a problem in the planting location.  With the use of a chainsaw, and moving the expanding a hole slightly the trees were planted with good spacing.  The plan is to have another planting next year. The fund for the monument maintenance needs to be reviewed to see if there is money that could be used for trees.

Other Business

  • Peter will follow up with Alex Barrett regarding quotes for invasives treatments and the Fanny Mason harvest.
  • The Commission would like to see someone from North Walpole join the commission.  Katherine Kopji is willing to come if her schedule permits.  She will talk to the other Village Commissioners and provide a prioritized list of needs for North Walpole next month.  

Adjournment:  Peter declared the meeting adjourned at 8:24 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the November 4, 2024 Conservation Commission meeting.)

Planning Board Public Notice

PLANNING BOARD 10/14/2024 Leave a comment

WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD
PUBLIC NOTICE

You are hereby notified of the following three Public Hearings to be held on November 12, 2024 at 7 pm in the Town Hall. The following applications will be reviewed for completion by the Board and a Public Hearing will be held.

Public Hearing No. 1. Elm and Pleasant LLC propose a Lot Line Adjustment for property at the corner of Pleasant and Elm Streets, Town Map 20, Lot 32 and Town Map 22, Lot 3 in the Residential B District. After the boundary line adjustment the lot with the apartment will be 1.3 acres and the field will be 18 acres, a change of 7 acres.

Public Hearing No. 2. John McKee Pratt Revocable Trust proposes a subdivision on Reservoir Road. Tax Map 11, Lot No. 1 will now be 26.07 acres with 268.75 feet of road frontage. It is currently a horse farm. The adjacent area to this lot is an Agricultural Easement for the benefit of Lot 1. This lot is 2.20 acres. The second lot, Tax Map 11, Lot No. 1-2, will be 15.44 acres with 200 feet of road frontage.

Public Hearing No. 3. The Planning Board has drafted a zoning amendment to be placed on the town warrant that excludes formula businesses in the commercial district, Section 6, of Downtown Walpole Village, Article VI. Formula businesses include retail sales and restaurants that regulate by contractual or other arrangements certain standardized features that may include uniforms, logos, interior or exterior design, array of services or merchandise, menus, ingredients and food preparation.

All townspeople and interested parties are encouraged to attend. To be heard on this matter, you or a duly authorized agent must either attend the hearing in person or submit your comments in writing, prior to the hearing to the Planning Board, PO Box 729, Walpole, NH 03608.

If final action is delayed or the hearing continued, the application will remain on the agenda for the following Planning Board meeting, or until a decision is reached, without further notice. A plat of the property and the application are available for public inspection at the Town Offices. Meeting minutes and public notices are posted inside the Town Hall and on the bulletin board outside the Post Office.

Marilou Blaine
WPB Secretary

Reminder: Great Decisions Meets 10/21/24

EVENTS 10/14/2024 Leave a comment

Great News from “Great Decisions”

Stapleton Roy Joins Us Again! – One Week from Today

Stapleton Roy will lead our expedition into Indonesia, exploring its complicated history, unique geography, ethnic diversity and present foreign policy. After serving as our Ambassador in China and Singapore, Stapleton Roy was United States Ambassador to Indonesia from 1996 – 1999. Ambassador Roy was stationed in Jakarta during the tumultuous end of Suharto’s presidency, amid an economic crisis, student demonstrations, riots and outbursts of violence. 

“Stape” will be joining us via Zoom, which is an option for anyone (contact Jane Malmberg for the Zoom link) or you are welcome to attend in person on Monday, October 21, at 6:00 p.m. in the Walpole Town Library. This discussion with one of our preeminent experts on Southeast Asia, whose breadth and depth of knowledge is unsurpassed, is a rare opportunity.

The relevant reading from the Foreign Policy Association is “Invisible Indonesia” by Charles Sullivan. For a copy of this article and/or the meeting’s Zoom link, please contact Library Director Jane Malmberg at jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

Please note: For those joining via Zoom, please wait until 6:20 to join, as we will be viewing the “Master Class” from the Foreign Policy Institute for the first twenty minutes in the library.

Planning Board Meeting Minutes – 10/8/24

PLANNING BOARD 10/11/2024 Leave a comment

WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD MINUTES

OCTOBER 8, 2024 AT 7PM IN THE TOWN HALL

Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Trevor
MacLachlan, Joanna Andros. Alternates Travis Adams and Bill Carmody. Absent: Board member Vice- Chair Dennis Marcom and Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio.

Also a the meeting were presenters Wendy Pelletier and Joe DiBernardo.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Mr. Miller asked Alternate Bill Carmody to fill in for absent board member, Dennis Marcom. He agreed.

Minutes of September 2024 and Joint meeting minutes with members of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and two representatives of Southwest Region Planning Commission Executive Director Todd Horner and Senior Planner Carol Ogilvie. Mr. Harrington made a motion to approved these minutes as printed. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS

Request for a Public Hearing Boundary Line Adjustment: Elm and Pleasant LLC propose a Lot Line Adjustment for property (apartment house) at the corner of Pleasant and Elm Streets.

Presenter was Wendy Pelletier of Cardinal Surveying and Land Planning. Ms. Pelletier said that the lot with the apartment house on it owned by Elm and Pleasant LLC..The property is Town Map 20, Lot 32 and Town Map 22, Lot 3 in the Residential B District. After the boundary line adjustment the lot with the apartment will be 1.3 acres and the open lot with the barn will be 18 acres. They were originally 7.3 acres and 11 acres respectively. Frontage on Pleasant Street is 236.93 feet and the road frontage on Main Street is not noted on the plat but the length is longer than the road frontage on Pleasant Street lot so it fulfills the requirement of 150 feet frontage in the Residential B District.

Mr. Harrington made a motion to hold a public hearing for a Boundary Line Adjustment for the property at the corner of Elm and Pleasant Streets in November. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Request for a Public Hearing: Subdivision for John McKee Pratt Revocable Trust on Reservoir Road.

Surveyor Joe DiBernardo explained that the property is at the end of Reservoir Road, on the southeast side of the road, and is part of the John McKee Revocable Trust. Timothy Karpoff, executor of Jack Pratt’s estate and the trustee of the John M. Pratt Irrevocable Trust sent a letter indicating he was aware of the subdivision application. Tax Map 11, Lot No. 1 will now be 26.07 acres with 268.75 feet of road frontage. It is currently a horse farm. The adjacent area to this lot is an Agricultural Easement for the benefit of Lot 1. This lot is 2.20 acres. The second lot, Tax Map 11, Lot No. 1-2, is 15.44 acres with 200 feet of road frontage. The driveway into Lot 2 is part of the frontage. The rear boundary line of both properties abuts properties on Ramsay Road. If you continue on Reservoir Road, the land is in Conservation Easement.

Mr. Harrington made a motion to hold a public hearing for a subdivision for the John McKee Pratt
Revocable Trust property in November. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

Finalize Draft Zoning Amendment

The Planning Board has drafted a zoning amendment that excludes formula businesses in the commercial district, Section 6, of Downtown Walpole Village, Article VI. Formula businesses include retail sales and restaurants that regulate by contractual or other arrangements certain standardized features that may include uniforms, logos, interior or exterior design, array of services or merchandise, menus, ingredients and food preparation. If approved, this zoning amendment will go on the warrant at Town Meeting in March 2025.

Mr. Harrington made a motion to hold a public hearing on the Zoning Amendment to exclude formula businesses and restaurants in the Downtown Village Commercial District in November. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Reminder: Joint workshop on Thursday, October 22 at 7 pm with ZBA and SWRPC.

Adjournment: Mr. Harrington made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Perron second the motion and the motion carried.

These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed in November for corrections.

Respectfully submitted,
Marilou Blaine
WPB Secretary

Medieval Faire at The Grammar School – 10/19/24

EVENTS 10/11/2024 Leave a comment

Walpolean Sarah Mann says, “Our daughter Ellie is a student at The Grammar School (TGS) in Putney, VT. TGS is once again putting on their beloved Medieval Faire for the community.”

Hear Ye, Hear Ye — The Medieval Faire Returns to Putney!

  • Two princesses at the Faire.
  • Molly the pony takes a young maiden for a ride.
  • Two jubilant Fairgoers ride the flying dragon.
  • A brave young knight rides Sir Lancelot’s flying horse.
  • Vermont Armored Combat knights wage battle.
  • A young maiden receives a mystical palm reading.

PUTNEY, Vt. – On Saturday, October 19th, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Grammar School in Putney, Vermont, will once again transform their bucolic campus into a bustling medieval village as they host their 36th annual Medieval Faire.

Children can ride the flying dragon and Sir Lancelot’s flying horse, fire an apple slingshot, take part in pillow jousting and foam-arrow archery, ride the swan swing, ascend the climbing wall, battle a knight, scramble for treats at the candy catapult, make their own crowns and wands, visit the fortune teller, get their faces painted, and take part in a dragon treasure hunt. Attendees who complete the royal quest can be knighted by the King and Queen, who preside over the Faire on their royal thrones. Assorted games for the youngest children are offered at Merlin’s Midway — there truly is something for everyone.

In the morning, Hidden Nest Farm will be bringing Molly the pony and Gummy Bear the Quarter Horse for pony rides from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. In the afternoon, Vermont Armored Combat will put on live performances between 1-3 p.m., featuring knights in full armor battling in the ring.

Fairgoers of all ages can shop for treats and medieval-themed crafts in the Medieval Marketplace and enjoy a range of live music. There will be a food truck and a host of homemade soups, breads, baked goods and more. 

Admission to the Medieval Faire is free and open to all. Unlimited all-day ride passes are $25 for the first pass, $20 for additional passes; individual tickets are also available. All-day passes are available for sale in advance or at the Faire. 

Net proceeds from the Medieval Faire help support The Grammar School’s financial aid fund, which serves to make the school affordable for as many families as possible. For more information, please visit thegrammarschool.org/medieval or contact The Grammar School at 802-387-5364.

Selectboard Meeting Agenda – 10/10/24

SELECTBOARD 10/10/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

October 10, 2024
Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

  • Hooper Trustees Meeting – September 26, 2024

HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS

  • Hooper Institute Building Renovation

HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

  • Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $1,109,535.73 for checks issued 10/11/2024

PAYROLL

  • Payroll Register totaling $31,093.73 dated 10/11/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,285.65.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

  • Selectboard Meeting – October 2, 2024
  • Selectboard Non-Public Session – October 2, 2024

ABATEMENTS

  • Map and Lot# 019-039-000

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION

  • Map and Lot# 005-002-003

BUILDING PERMITS

  • 2024-33, Map and Lot# 011-036-000
  • 2024-34, Map and Lot# 014-011-000

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions: Parking Policy, Generators, Reservoir Dam, Old North Main and High Steets Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, ARPA Funding Grants, UCC Sign at Rt. 12/South St.

  • Whipple Hill Road
  • CPCNH Renewable Energy Credit Sale and Purchase Agreement
  • Reservoir Dam Grant Reimbursement Forms
  • Great River Hydro Pilot Request

NEW BUSINESS

  • Zoning Coordinator
  • Municipal Budget Encumbrance Request
  • Engagement Letter re: AccuFund Support
  • Ruggerio Processing Facility – Building Permits
  • Building Permit Forms
  • Political and other Signage on Town Property
  • CPCNH Meeting Notice

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.

Fern and Wildlife Walk at Distant Hill – 10/12/24

EVENTS 10/09/2024 Leave a comment

From the Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail e-newsletter:

Join us at The Distant Hill Pavilion on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. for a fascinating tour of Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail led by Michael Nerrie of Distant Hill and Jaime McGuigan, an Antioch University graduate student. Discover the world of ferns and local wildlife on the accessible nature trail. Michael will introduce you to some of the diverse species of ferns on the property, while Jaime will share insights and videos from her Master’s Project using 14 game cameras set up on Distant Hill’s 155 acres to monitor the wildlife that call Distant Hill home.

This event is free, but registration is required: Register Here (Maximum # of participants is 30)

Reminder: River Valley Seniors at Home – 10/12/24

EVENTS 10/04/2024 Leave a comment
A blue and white sign Description automatically generated

“When Home is Where You Want to Be”

Join River Valley Seniors at Home and Home, Healthcare, Hospice and Community Services for a discussion of local resources and home care benefits available through Medicare.

Saturday, October 12 at 2:00 pm, at the Walpole Library

Featured speakers will be Tasha Palmieri and Susan Ashworth from HCS. The presentation will discuss what services are available for people who want to “age in place,” and what Medicare coverage is available for home care. 

The presentation is free and open to everyone. Older adults and those who would like to know more about services for their family members are especially encouraged to attend. 

For more information, contact Tara Sad – 603-756-4861, or tara.eric@gmail.com

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 10/2/24

SELECTBOARD 10/03/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

OCTOBER 2, 2024

Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose

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

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

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $34,034.77 dated 10/4/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,830.75. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Selectboard Meeting – September 26, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 26, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Session – September 26, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of September 26, 2024. The minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes were approved, and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Planning Board and Zoning Board Joint Workshop – September 24, 2024
  • Cemetery Trustees Meeting – September 26, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

TIMBER INTENTS

Map and Lot # 013-059-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the intent to harvest timber for Map and Lot # 013-059-000. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the timber intent was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT

2024-31, Map and Lot# 003-076-001: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-31 for Map and Lot # 003-076-001 to construct a 26’ x 26’ garage. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the building permit was approved.

2024-32, Map and Lot# 003-076-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-32 for Map and Lot #003-076-000 to construct a26’ x 26’ garage. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the building permit was approved.

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Action: Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, Reservoir Dam, ARPA Funding Grants, UCC Sign at Rt 12/South Street

Reservoir Dam: We received an update and forwarded it to Steve Doyon at the Dam Bureau.

Letter to Walpole Players: A letter was drafted as requested at a prior meeting. Ms. Downing will confirm that we have their current insurance. Ms. Vose moved the Selectboard approve the letter and sign it. The letter requests the Players no longer practice on Thursday evening starting January 1, 2025, because the overhead noise makes it difficult for the Selectboard to meet. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the letter was signed.

2nd Political Sign Complaint: Another complaint was received about 27 Main Street’s large banner. We need to respond as with the last complaint: the Selectboard has no governance over political signs during election season.

November 20th Informational Meeting – Zoom Option Request: There was a request that Zoom be offered at the November 20th Informational Meeting. The Town doesn’t have all the equipment to Zoom a large meeting. However, we will do our best or we might need to record it and put it on the walpolenh.us website.

Vendor Review Request: The request is for work completed on the west side of Town Hall. Ms. Downing has permission to put a positive review online for the work on the west side of Town Hall.

NEW BUSINESS

Drinking Water Sustainability Grant Reimbursement: Mr. Dalessio needs to sign the reimbursement for $9,829.32. Ms. Mayberry moved we approve the reimbursement and that Mr. Dalessio sign the form. Ms. Vose seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the reimbursement was approved, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.

Request to Use Whitcome Rec Area Parking Lot: The request is for the Walpole Elementary School’s Fall Festival and Touch a Truck. This request is consistent with prior agreements and is not inconvenient for the Rec Area. By consensus, use of the parking lot was approved.

WES Halloween Parade and the Bridge at Elm and Main: Can the students and staff cross the closed bridge? The students and staff can cross the bridge during the Halloween Parade as long as the students and staff go behind (on the work side of) the barriers, not on the traffic side.

Tractor Supply Parking Lot Event: Is a permit needed? The vendor is seeking a confirmation of no permit needed. No permit is needed. Ms. Downing will send an email to the vendor.

Adding a Civic Group to Town Hall No-Fee Listing: Can the Hooper Hill Hoppers Snowmobile Club be added to the “no fee” list to use the Town Hall? The Hooper Hill Hoppers can be added to the list for free use of Town Hall. Reminder: If they plan to have alcohol at the Christmas Party, they need to be sure their insurance covers alcohol use.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (c) at 7:02 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:14 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 7:14 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the October
10, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 9/26/24

SELECTBOARD 10/03/2024 Leave a comment

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE
MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD
SEPTEMBER 26, 2024

Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose

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

Guests Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Andrew Dey and David Chioffi

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

The following item from NEW BUSINESS was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate a
guest.

Utility Poles on the Common: David Chioffi attended because he has questions. What is timeline of moving the remaining lines from the old to the new poles and removing the old poles? The remaining lines need to be transferred to the new poles from the top down. Mrs. Downing is addressing the issue. The top tier has been moved which is the electric line from Liberty Utilities. The second line may be First Light, a commercial fiber service. The third line is Comcast Cable. The last, bottom line is Consolidated Communications (CCI). Each utility will notify the following company when their work is complete. CCI, formerly FairPoint, owns the poles. Mrs. Downing will move the process along. Mr. Chioffi volunteered to help make phone calls to the utilities.

HOOPER TRUSTEES

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 6:42 PM. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:25 PM.

Ms. Pschirrer, Mr. Dey, and Mr. Chioffi left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

Ms. Vose moved to approve Accounts Payable totaling $689,852.31 dated 9/27/2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. This included a $581,631.87 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District.

Starting in November, payments will be available the first week of the month, not early. Ms. Mayberry will discuss the change with Mr. Kreissle

PAYROLL

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,650.32 dated 9/27/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,430.12. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

Public Informational Meeting – September 19, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 19, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting – September 19, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 19, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – September 19, 2024: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of September 19, 2024. The minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved and the minutes are sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

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

  • Trail Committee Meeting – February 2, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – March 13, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – April 10, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – May 8, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – June 12, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – July 10, 2024
  • Trail Committee Meeting – August 14, 2024
  • Police Building Committee Meeting – September 5, 2024
  • Library Trustees Meeting – September 17, 2024
  • Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – September 18, 2024

Ms. Mayberry 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

New Trees on the Common: Thank you to Peter Palmiotto and his team for quickly getting trees and getting them planted. Great Job! Also, thanks to Brad Nash for setting up the automatic watering.

NEW BUSINESS

Refund Request to the Trustees of Trust Funds: The work on the west side of Town Hall is complete. The transfer amount was $19,765. Mr. Dalessio made a motion to direct the Town Facilities Maintenance Fund be used to pay $19,765. for the repairs on the Town Hall.

Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed.

HealthTrust Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug Plan Package: HealthTrust has updated their retiree medical package. Currently, there are no Town employees that participate in age 65+ plans. Mr. Dalessio moved to have the Chair sign the agreement. It would only take effect if someone retires and uses the program. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed, and the agreement was signed by Ms. Mayberry.

Appointment Notice for Conservation Commission: Mr. Dalessio made a motion to accept Paul Happ as an Alternate member of the Conservation Commission. Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion passed and Paul Happ is now an Alternate Member on the Commission.

Inspection Notice and OMR for Knapp Cranberry Meadow Dam: The notice will be sent to John Peska who has been trying to get the dam repaired but cannot get a contractor. If Mr. Peska needs anything, he should let the Selectboard Office know.

Emergency Vehicle Weight Limits on Bridges: Signage is to be added by the State. The notice was sent to the Fire Chief and Highway Department. Mr. Dalessio said that the State is posting the signs, but the Town is responsible for the signs once installed.

Primex Workplace Injury Notice: Ms. Mayberry noted that In cases of death or severe injury of an employee while working, there are shorter notification times to Primex and the State DOL.

SWRPC Fall 2024 Meeting Invitation: The meeting will be October 8th and starts at 5:30. The topic is building a brighter housing future. Ms. Mayberry will be there.

Political Signage Complaint: There was a complaint about a sign at 27 Main Street. Political signs during the political season are exempt from regulation due to Freedom of Speech protections. Ms. Mayberry responded to the person who complained and explained the laws.

Tanker Cars near Route 12: A Harrisville resident had safety questions for our environmental officer, which we do not have. There item defaulted to the Selectboard. The inquirer asked, what is the condition of the tank cars and the contents? We have emergency plans, but the cars are on railroad property and the Town has no governance over railroad property. Mrs. Downing will respond and include the phone number for Green Mountain Railroad.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) at 7:59 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:31 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:31 PM.

Respectfully submitted,
Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

(Note: These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections will be found in the Minutes of the October 2, 2024 Selectboard meeting.)