The Walpolean

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

Staff Present: Jodi Daigle, Administrative Assistant, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Guests Present:  Pastor Justin Barney of River Valley Church

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

This item was moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate our guest.

River Valley Church, Pastor Justin Barney – He wanted to introduce himself and say he is looking forward to being a part of Walpole.  He and his family are moving from Keene to Walpole on Monday. This church is a church plant from Elm City Church in Keene. Pastor Barney is expecting 50 – 70 members including children.  They have renovated the basement of the church into classrooms.

Pastor Justin Barney left the meeting.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Vose moved to approve Accounts Payable totaling $128,481.43 dated 9/13/2024.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  This included a $38,084.65 payment to EE Houghton Co. and $38,938.92 to NH Retirement System.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $33,440.23 dated 9/13/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,900.15.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting and Non-Public Selectboard Session – September 4, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 4, 2024 and the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 4, 2024.  The Non-Public minutes are to remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the Non-Public minutes remain sealed.

Building Permit

2024-30, Map and Lot# 012-056-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-30 for Map and Lot # 012-056-000 to construct a new Dunkin Donuts building. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Pending Further Action:  Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, Reservoir Dam, ARPA grants, and the bridge at Main and Elm

Mr. Dalessio reported they are working on the bridge at Main and Elm.  The concrete must be added gradually. Therefore, the project is taking time.

September 19^th Public Informational Meeting:  The meeting starts at 5:30 pm in the Town Hall.  Ms. Vose will take the lead.  Mr. Dalessio will review the new Police building, and Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose will review the Walpole School Withdrawal Study Committee results.

EV Charging Station Break-Even Analysis:   This item is tabled until next week.

New Business

Cheshire County EMS Invite:  The Board was invited to the inaugural swearing in for the Cheshire County EMS.  The ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 14^th at 1:00 pm.  All the Board members have other commitments.  Mrs. Downing will write a letter stating our appreciation for the invitation, but that the Selectboard was unable to attend.

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 6:55PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:14 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 8:14 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

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

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

Guests Present: Jack Wozmak, Krystyna Marcom, and Walpole School Withdrawal Study Committee Members:  Steve Varone and Jo Cowgill

Call to Order:  Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:04 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

The first three items were moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests.

Walpole School Withdrawal Study Committee

Only two members of the Committee were available this evening.  Mr. Varone emphasized that because of NH laws, if we leave Fall Mountain School District, financially it will be very important to also leave SAU 60 to control our finances.   That should be explained at the public hearing next month.  If Walpole becomes independent, there will be some areas where expenses increase and others where they decrease.  Westmoreland, Chesterfield, and Winchester are similar size schools to what Walpole is and all three have significantly lower per pupil costs.  The transition would be difficult but is doable.  The Town has three neighboring schools as examples.  Walpole also needs to be sure that the other towns left in Fall Mountain School District will still be strong.

The public informational meeting will help the Selectboard understand how the Town feels about continuing the process.  If the Town moves ahead, the next step will be a vote at Town Meeting.  If the vote is to proceed, another committee will be formed with one Selectboard member and one School Board member from each town.  This committee will have 180 days with access to Fall Mountain School District finances to delve into all the financial issues, etc. The State mandates what information must be gathered.  This group will answer all the hard questions.

Mr. Varone and Ms. Cowgill left the meeting.

Election Worker Party Affiliation:   The election officials have become aware that the Town needs parity between the political party affiliation of election workers. Currently, there are not enough election worker volunteers to have an even balance.   Earlier, the political parties could recommend people, but no recommendations were received.  The Selectboard needs to appoint election workers, or the moderator can find people.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the list of Inspectors of Election (i.e.  Election Workers) presented by Mr. Wozmak.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor the motion carried.  The Election Workers listed were Sherry Aldrich, Antonia Andreoli, Pam Baucom, Trina Carmody, Karen Deary, Michael Deary, David Elkins, Michelle Gallagher, Joanne Gay, Patrick Kiniry, Cheryl Mayberry, Toni McDougle, Diane Myers-Miller, Margie Palmer, Cheryl Patty, Peggy Pschirrer, Brendan Reagan, Tara Sad, David Sanchez, Chas Street, Cynthia Westover, Kris Tyson and Ernie Vose.

The Selectboard and moderator are seeking election workers, especially declared Republicans, to meet the parity guidelines.  If you are interested, please contact the Selectboard Office at (603) 756-3672.

Mr. Wozmak left the meeting.

Speeding in North Walpole:  Krystyna Marcom delivers Meals on Wheels in North Walpole.  She has to make four stops on Church Street. Because of all the speeding vehicles it is extremely difficult to slow to turn into driveways or to get back out.  She was almost hit the other day.  Meals are delivered three mornings a week.  Could the police do something to slow the traffic on Church Street?

Mrs. Marcom left the meeting.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,767.03 dated 8/23/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,356.22.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – August 15, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 15, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the minutes are approved and sealed.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – August 15, 2024:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of August 15, 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:

•  Planning Board Meeting – August 13, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

Refunds

Ms. Vose moved to approve all the following refunds.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, all the refunds were approved.

• Map and Lot # 012-019-002 for $9.44
• Map and Lot # 008-088-001 for $8,903
•  Map and Lot # 010-012-000 for $47
• Map and Lot # 009-007-000 for $53.44
• Map and Lot # 011-058-000 for $3
• Map and Lot # 013-061-000 for $95
• Map and Lot # 028-123-000 for $1,819.57

Timber Intents

Map and Lot # 004-027-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the intent to harvest timber for Map and Lot # 004-027-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the timber intent was approved.

Old Business

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

Certificate of Recognition:  The Town wishes to recognize John Hansel’s 100^th birthday.  The Selectboard signed the certificate. It will be delivered at the appropriate time by Ms. Vose.

Thank You Letter:  The Selectboard wishes to thank Annette and Andrew Dey for their expertise with the Town Hall’s west side residing project.  A letter of appreciation was signed.

Public Hearing Date for School Withdrawal Study Committee’s Report & New Police Station:  There will be a public hearing on Thursday, September 19^th at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall to hear the report of the School Withdrawal Study Committee and an update on the new Police Station. The Selectboard Meeting shall follow with no public business to be discussed.

New Business

MS-1 Form:   The   Board needs to sign the 2024 MS-1 which will be uploaded to the DRA portal.  The MS-IVs are for review only.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the 2024 MS-1.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the form was approved and signed.

Cemetery Fund #2 Reimbursement Form:   $3,970.90 was spent fixing a collapsed tomb in the Old Cemetery.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the reimbursement to the Town for repairs to Joshua Bellows’ tomb.  Ms. Vose seconded.     With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the reimbursement was approved.

Cemetery Fund #2 Reimbursement Form:   $20,409.50 was spent clearing and grading roads for the New Cemetery Green Burial section. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the reimbursement to the Town for road work in the Green Burial section.  Ms. Vose seconded.   With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the reimbursement was approved.

First 2024 Tax Bill Report:  The Spring Warrant was for $6,479,674 with $203,525.31 remaining unpaid.  That is only 3% left to be paid.  Jodi Daigle, our new Tax Collector, is doing a phenomenal job!

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) (c)

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) (c) at 7:24 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:09 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 8:17 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

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

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

Guests Present:  Patrick Kiniry, North Walpole Commissioner

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

The Chair moved the following items to the top of the agenda since a guest wished to speak to them.

North Walpole Library Lease:  Pat Kiniry delivered the lease agreement that has been signed by the Commissioners.  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the North Walpole Library lease for two years at the same price as the past two years.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was accepted, and the lease was signed.

North Walpole Road Signage and Speeding Issues:  Pat Kiniry discussed the problem areas:

• Church Street, especially during peak traffic at 6:00 – 8:00 AM, regularly moves at 50 – 60 miles per hour.  There are a lot of complaints, and an accident seems likely.  Mr. Kiniry will talk to Chief Justin Sanctuary and report back.  
• There are complaints and problems with the Police Department and visitors pulling in and out of Russell Street.  The street is too narrow, some vines have been cut back but visibility is very limited, and people are entering and exiting too fast or cutting into the Fire Department parking lot. 
• Winter parking signs are not visible.  The one at Main and Killeen is twenty feet off the road and under a tree.  At Main and Church, the sign faces the wrong way so it cannot be read by drivers on the road.  The Board recommended asking Mike Symonds to move signs if needed.
• The yield sign near the former Arch Bridge is not visible until you are right on it.  Mr. Kiniry will call NH DOT District 4 and report back.
• Mike Symonds, the Road Agent, was great to work with. The walks were striped by the Fire Station, and the underpass height signs were done quickly.  Mark Houghton did great job with manhole covers. It is now much easier to drive through North Walpole.

Mr. Kiniry left the meeting.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Vose moved to approve Accounts Payable totaling $889,088.85 dated 8/16/2024.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  This included a $561,631.87 monthly payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,716.96 dated 8/16/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,729.70.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – August 8, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 8, 2024, Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Ms. Mayberry abstained since she was absent from this meeting.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – August 8, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of August 8, 2024.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved, and the minutes are sealed.  Ms. Mayberry abstained.

Committee Reports

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

• Walpole Fire District Meeting – June 2, 2024
• Walpole Fire District Meeting – July 10, 2024
• Conservation Commission Meeting – August 5, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

Building Permit

2024-29, Map and Lot# 016-014-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-29 for Map and Lot # 016-014-000 to construct a 14’ x 14’ addition with an attached carport. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

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

Funding for the Bridge at Elm and Main:  Mr. Dalessio explained that the purchase order for Daniels Construction was approved last week but it wasn’t decided upon where the funds would come from.  With Rich Kreissle back from vacation, it was determined that $50,000 will come from Emergency Management, $50,000 from the Trans Canada account, and $50,000 from the bridge block grant.  The contract with Daniels Construction has been signed. The Town is in their scheduling queue, but we do not know when construction will start.  They will invoice as the project progresses.

Public Hearing Date for School Withdrawal Study Committee’s Report (tabled last week):  The Selectboard will meet with the Withdrawal Study Committee next Thursday, August 22, at 6:00 PM.   There will be a public hearing Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 5:00 PM.  The public hearing will also cover the new Police building and other projects.

2022 DRA Assessment Review Report:  This was a review of current use, property exemptions and credits from the 2022 Revaluation project.   About half the current use files are not currently compliant.  Sarah Downing will correct current use records, but it is very time-consuming.  Older files need to be updated because they are missing form A-10 forms and/or maps or requirements have changed and there is not enough detail.

New Business

Ecumenical Service on the Common September 8^th (rain date September 15^th):  The service is sponsored by the First Congregational Church and St. John’s Episcopal Church.  Everyone is invited.  By consensus, the service can take place on the Common with use of the gazebo.

Hooper Trustees

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:31 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms.  Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:33 PM.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b)

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) at 7:33 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:23 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 8:23 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Present: Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose

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

Guests Present:  Chas Street and Charlie Street

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

The following items were moved to the top of the agenda to accommodate guests who wish to speak tothese items.

Abatement Appeal for Map and Lot # 019-039-000 (tabled from last week):   The property owner has an appointment Monday with an Avitar assessor to review the previous assessment.  Then they will meet at the Selectboard Office to discuss the results.

Drainage Ditch/Stream off Main Street (tabled from last week): Mr. Dalessio explained that the drainage ditch/stream is on private property. It is illegal for the Highway Department to trespass on private property.  Also, that property is designated as DES wetlands so any work will need wetlands permit before starting work.  This area is included in the School Street Drainage Project if the Town can find funding.

Chas Street and Charlie Street left the meeting.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $35,597.70 dated 8/9/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $7,124.77.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – August 1, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 1, 2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the minutes were approved.

Non-Public Selectboard Meeting – August 1, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of August 1, 2024.  The minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio 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:

• Police Station Committee – July 8, 2024

• Police Station Committee – July 29, 2024

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged these minutes.

Old Business

Pending Further Action:  Parking Policy, Generators, School Street Drainage Project, Reservoir Dam, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, and ARPA Funds.

Elm and Main Streets Bridge Repair Contract:  Mr. Dalessio reported that a DES wetlands permit has been obtained. The cost per Mr. Dalessio is $200,000 maximum and includes repair of other deteriorating cement under the bridge.  Ms. Vose moved to approve Purchase Order 242584 not to exceed $200,000 for repair of the bridge at Main and Elm Streets.  Mr. Dalessio Seconded.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was passed and the Purchase Order was signed.  Mr. Dalessio will find funding for this emergency repair on Monday when Mr. Kreissle is back from vacation.

Drinking Water Sustainability Grant Reimbursement:   Ms. Vose moved that Mr. Dalessio sign the reimbursement Sustainability Grant Reimbursement form for $6,800.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed, and Mr. Dalessio signed the form.

Notice of Intent for Ruggiero Processing Facility:  The facility would increase tonnage from 200 to 800 tons per day for all permitted classes of waste.  Mr. Dalessio explained that the intent is filed with the State and then is returned for comments.  There is an abutter comment that will be attached during the comment period.

Public Hearing Date for School Withdrawal Study Committee’s Report:  The Selectboard has received the report.  This item is tabled until next week when a date will be set for a public hearing.

New Business

Fiscal Year 2025 NH DOT Highway Block Grant:  The grant is for $139,987.54 and can only be used for Town roads.

Recreation Revolving Fund Request:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the request to use the Recreation Revolvinf Fund for $1,000 for soccer balls for the fall league with the remainder coming from the Recreation budget.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion passed.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (b) (c)

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (b) (c) at 7:01 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:06 PM.

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

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio declared the meeting adjourned at 7:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary