The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 22, 2018

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were two members of the public in attendance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $17,854.42 for checks dated February 23, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending February 17, 2018 in the amount of $24,384.02 for checks dated February 23, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,950.64 for the week ending February 17, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Great Falls Regional Chamber of Commerce:  Ms. Doreen Stoodley of the Great Falls Regional Chamber of Commerce came into the meeting.  She became the Executive Director last May and is reaching out to towns and businesses to meet them.  She had previously sent information on the 2017 Year in Review; Annual Events, Community Involvement, Monthly Mixers, Chowder and Chili cook-off, etc.

They are located in Bellows Falls at the Waypoint Center.  As of December 2017 they had 1990 visitors; over 1184 events for a total figure of over 2374.

They have members from the Town of Walpole.  There are 130 members.  Most members are from Bellows Falls and Rockingham, but they support nine towns.

She is trying to change the perception that the Chamber is Bellows Falls and Rockingham because they are New Hampshire and Vermont.  Rockingham Old Home Days is a Chamber event.  It is a great family event.  All the towns work together and their emergency services donate a lot of time and work.

They would be more than happy to participate in the next Walpole Old Home Days event and support other events.  If a new business came to town, the Chamber would do a ribbon cutting.

A copy of their new guidebook will be sent to the Selectboard Office as soon as it is printed.  They are also an informational center.

Ms. Mayberry suggested she meet with the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners.  They meet Tuesday evenings in the back side of the Fire Station.

When the new Walpole Civic Directory is republished, a copy will be forwarded to the Chamber.  Walpole has quite a few businesses.  The Selectboard thanked Ms. Stoodley for attending the meeting.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 15, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 15, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mrs. Pschirrer abstained as she was not present.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – February 15, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 15, 2018, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mrs. Pschirrer abstained as she was not present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The following Committee reports were received and reviewed:

• Conservation Commission – February 5, 2018;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – February 13, 2018;
• Walpole Planning Board – February 13, 2018.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT #030-010-001:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the All Veterans’ Tax Credit for the current owner of Map and Lot #030-010-001.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the following five Property Tax Refunds that were all overpayments:

• Map and Lot #021-024-001 – $14.52
• Map and Lot #005-002-008 –    $12.37
• Map and Lot #008-105-001 – $40.31
• Map and Lot #020-001-000 –   $7.17
• Map and Lot #028-060-000 – $341.50

Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Joint Treatment of Wastewater Agreement:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the Joint Treatment of Wastewater Agreement between the Town of Walpole, New Hampshire and the Bellows Falls Village Corporation.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

This Agreement will now be forwarded to the Town’s Attorney Jeremy Hockensmith for his signature.

Water & Sewer Receipts to Date:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Water and Sewer Receipts to-date from Mrs. Jodi Daigle.  41.7% has been paid to date.  She will be sending out 30-day notices, with interest, within two weeks.

Benefit Hours Program Report:  Mr. Rich Kreissle has been working to reconcile vacation and sick days with the department heads.  He is creating a summary of their discussions.  Mrs. Pschirrer will re-write the section on vacation time in the Personnel Manual as it is not always being interpreted accurately.  Mr. Dalessio wants to see a complete report before reconciled hours are included in next week’s paychecks.  Mrs. Pschirrer will talk to Mr. Kreissle about this tomorrow. It will be addressed during the next Staff Meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

CLD/Fuss & O’Neill Contract:  The Town had been working with CLD Engineering who has now merged with Fuss & O’Neill.  They submitted a proposal with estimates for engineering after looking at the three red-listed bridges in Walpole.  Mr. Rau said this company has worked well with him on the Alstead Center Road and moving the fish ladder over to Houghton Brook.  There is $25,000 in the Bridge budget.  This proposal is $11,000 over that but there will be enough money in his bottom line to cover it.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the CLD/Fuss & O’Neill contract for the scope of work on the three red-listed bridges in Town.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.    

NH DOT Resurfacing Projects:  A notice was received from the NH Department of Transportation that there will be a little more paving this summer.  It is for a small section of road in Walpole.

Fire Extinguisher Training:  The Safety Committee has asked for permission to hold training sessions on how to use fire extinguishers.  The first one will be held on March 30^th.  There will be several more sessions after that.  Mrs. Downing explained some employees have never used one.  The Selectboard felt this is appropriate.

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 and (c) Reputations.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:15 PM. 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:39 PM. 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 22, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

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.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:16 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Town Meeting:  Mrs. Pschirrer would like to look at the budget and Warrant Articles in preparation of Town Meeting.  They expect the Department Heads to attend.  Mrs. Justine Fafara and Mr. Fred Ernst will be asked to attend to answer questions about the Library.

Annual Report:  Mrs. Downing will have the first print of the Annual Report tomorrow.  She will review it prior to the final printing.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were three members of the public in attendance.

Mr. Dalessio took a moment to note that the Selectboard sends their deepest sympathy and warm thoughts to Peggy, Jodi and Harry Clark and their families for loss of a loved family member.  Peggy Pschirrer lost her husband, Jodi Daigle lost her grandmother and Harry Clark lost his father.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

MAP and LOT #012-055-021:  Mr. Bill Carmody, Mr. Jeff Miller and Mr. Bob Miller were present.  Following a discussion on the zoning for Map and Lot #012-055-021, Mr. Dalessio summarized that research will be done for clarification on the Dearborn Circle lots.  Mr. Jeff Miller will get more detailed information on the 2007 Warrant Article.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $587,047.21 for checks dated February 16, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $560,964.00 to the Fall Mountain Region School District.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending February 10, 2018, in the amount of $25,208.75 for checks dated February 16, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,196.36 for the week ending December 10, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

2018 ANNUAL WARRANT AND BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING – February 8, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the 2018 Annual Warrant and Budget Public Hearing of February 8, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 8, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 8, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – February 8, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 8, 2018, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – January 30, 2018;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – February 6, 2018.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDITS:

MAP and LOT #007-010-001:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Veterans’ Tax Credit for the current owner of Map and Lot #007-010-001.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT #020-054-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to deny the Property Tax Abatement for Map and Lot #020-054-000 based on the recommendation of Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Water & Sewer Receipts to Date: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Water and Sewer Receipts to date from Mrs. Daigle.  Invoices were sent out on January 31, 2018 and are due by March 2, 2018.

NEW BUSINESS:

Liquor and Entertainment Endorsement:  A request was received from Steven J. Rudek for a restaurant beverage/wine/liquor license with entertainment at the Potato Barn for Walpole Main Holdings LLC, DBA The Bellows Walpole Inn, located at 297 Main Street, Walpole, NH.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letter to the NH Liquor Commission advising that the Selectboard had no objections to Walpole Main Holdings LLC to selling liquor, beer and wine at the Potato Barn building or to provide entertainment at this additional location that adjourns The Bellows Walpole Inn. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

Benefit Hours Progress Report:  Mr. Kreissle provided an up-dated report on the Benefit Hours Progress.  He will be meeting with Police Chief Paquette, Mr. Rau of the Highway Department and Mr. Colburn of the Recycling Center starting tomorrow.

NHPDIP Summary:  Mr. Kreissle submitted a NHPDIP Summary as of February 15, 2018.  It is working very well.

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.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:15 PM. 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:25 PM. 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 15, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:26 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:32 PM. 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Village of Bellows Falls and Town of Walpole Waste Water Treatment Agreement:  Mr. Dalessio reported the Village of Bellows Falls Board of Trustees signed the Waste Water Treatment Agreement.  This will be an agenda item for the next meeting.  It will be sent to the Town Attorney, Mr. Hockensmith, as the agreement requires his signature.  The Village of Bellows Falls will provide bond information in the next couple of weeks.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:26 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – February 8, 2018:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of February 8, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – February 8, 2018:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of February 8, 2018, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Follow-Up – Hooper Mansion Furniture:  Mr. Dalessio reported at the Hooper Trustees meeting of February 8, 2018, the Hooper Trustees discussed that an area auction house was advertising several pieces of Hooper furniture for auction.  The Trustees questioned where the pieces came from since no one remembered seeing them at the Mansion sale.  Mr. Dalessio contacted the auction house and it was determined the pieces were purchased at the recent sale.

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Reimbursement of Expenses:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the transfer of $4,732.11 from the Hooper 1 Trust to the Town of Walpole.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Dormant Account:  Mr. Dalessio moved to close the Hooper Cottage Escrow Account in the amount of $702.10 and deposit it into the Hooper 1 Trust.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Account Detail Sample: Mr. Kreissle had submitted an account detail on the Hooper buildings.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:32 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 8, 2018

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:50 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were no members of the public in attendance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $21,692.81 for checks dated February 9, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending February 3, 2018, in the amount of $23,326.79 for checks dated February 9, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,547.91, for the week ending February 3, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 1, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 1, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – February 1, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 1, 2018, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – January 23, 2018.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT #008-097-000:  Ms. Mayberry advised this Veterans’ Tax Credit had previously been approved but the PA-29 form only had initials of one Selectboard member.  The Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) requested a PA-35 form be completed.  The Selectboard signed this form.

OLD BUSINESS:

2018 Warrant – Article #3:  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested this be clarified with an article in the Clarion and notice posted on the bulletin boards.  Mr. Dalessio said it should state that based on the advice of the Town Attorney the Selectboard does not recommend this Article.  The Town Attorney has questioned the legality of how this Article was written.  Mrs. Pschirrer will write the notice.

Water & Sewer Receipts to Date:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Water/Sewer Receipts to Date as of February 8, 2018, from Mrs. Daigle.  The total owed for Winter 2018 is $166,656.01; Total Receipts for Winter 2018 Billed is $11,720.97 or 7%; Total Left to Collect for Winter 2018 Billing is $154,935.04.

Correction Deed:  Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the Corrective Deed for the former Murtha property which is now owned by the Tysons.  This land was erroneously taken by tax lien.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Pole and Conduit Licensing Petitions:  Mr. Rau approved and initialed these Pole and Conduit Licensing Petitions.  The Petitions are for moving poles.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Pole and Conduit Licensing Petitions for the Northern New England Telephone Operations LLC D/B/A FairPoint Communications-NNE and Liberty Utilities (Granite State Electric) for the following roads:

• Cold River Road;
• Wentworth Road;
• Cold River Road.

Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Clarion Water and Sewer Article:  The first draft of the Water and Sewer Article written by Mr. Dalessio was reviewed.  Updates will be made prior to being sent to Mr. Boas for the Clarion.

Cold River Road Riverbank Erosion: Mr. Dalessio had been contacted by Ms. Janet Clark regarding the Cold River Road Riverbank Erosion and how it is affecting her land.  He has been doing research to obtain information in an effort to try to assist her.  This all started back in the 2005 flood when Ms. Clark lost her home.  At that time there was some Federal Assistance money available so a small log cabin was built to replace the home.  Mr. Dalessio provided an update from that time to now.  The Town does not own the riverbank. Therefore Ms. Clark would need to deal with the Department of Environmental Services (DES).  The Selectboard would consider writing a letter of support for Ms. Clark when she finds a solution.

Walpole Conservation Commission:  Ms. Mayberry, liaison to the Walpole Conservation Commission (WCC), advised that at the last meeting they discussed new members.  Mrs. Flammia will ask the interested parties to submit letters of interest to the Selectboard.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that vacancies will be put on a list and posted after Town Meeting.  It gives new interested people an opportunity to apply for any vacancies.  Following a discussion the Selectboard agreed that being a Recording Secretary and an alternate member is not a conflict of interest.  It has occurred on other boards.  Ms. Mayberry would like to be included on WCC emails so she is aware of issues and prepared to assist the WCC.

Personnel Policy Manual – Snow Closures:  This was postponed until the next meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

Houghton Brook and Alstead Center Road:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mr. Rau just received a letter from the Department of Environmental Services (DES) approving the fish pool at Houghton Brook.  Mr. Rau will sign the paperwork and the DES will provide permits to take care of both the Houghton Brook and Alstead Center Road projects.

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 and (c) Reputations.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:37 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:45 P.M.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 8, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:46 P.M.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:04 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

2018 ANNUAL WARRANT AND BUDGET

PUBLIC HEARING

February 8, 2018

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this 2018 Annual Warrant and Budget Public Hearing to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised this Public Hearing is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  Most Department Managers were present.  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked the public for attending.  After the Selectboard have made their presentation the Public Hearing will be opened up to the public.

The following documents were available:  1) General Fund Expenditure Detail Budget for Year Ending December 31, 2017; 2) 2017 Water Expenditures and 2018 Proposed Budget for Year Ending December 31, 2017; and 3) A Word About Financing the Budget/ Budget Perspectives / 2018 Budget Breakdown Labor, Required, Discretionary.

Mrs. Pschirrer began this Public Hearing by explaining how they reach a budget.  The Selectboard starts early in September and spends a full day working on the budget.  They need to know what has not been taken care of in 2017, in addition to projecting and thinking ahead to 2018.  The department directors are asked to draft budgets.  In December they meet with each department director and review their budgets.  At this time, they begin to get health care costs; in 2018 the rates went down 6.2%.  This is based on usage.  The life insurance and disability claims were down so those rates dropped about 32%.

They had a dramatic increase in legal fees in 2017.  This was doubled in the 2018 budget.  The Town was involved in some lawsuits which are now settled.  Last year they made two decisions that affect this budget; 1) to buy a new loader through a lease-purchase plan; the second-year installment out of a four- year plan is $56,863.00; 2) They also had a loan to buy a new police vehicle. The Police Department budget includes the second payment of $10,650.00.  The other lines were almost level funded.  There is an increase in the asphalt/tar line.  The Highway Department paved 10 miles of road this year and hope to do at least 10-to-11 miles in 2018.

A few years ago Revolving Funds were approved for the Recreation Department and Police Department.  These funds have saved us money.  This is money both departments bring in through their daily work.  In the summer the Recreation Department sells food at the pool.  Those funds go into their Revolving Fund.  It buys equipment that is not budgeted for.  At the end of 2017, this department had $23,000 left out of almost $70,000 taken in during the summer.  At the end of the year the Police Department had $27,000 left.  The Revolving Funds have been very helpful.

Another helpful thing is the PDIP Program that Mr. Tom Goins (Town Treasurer) and Mr. Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance) put together.  The Town made about $27,000 interest in 2017.  This program enables them to make better money decisions.

At the end of the year the Town had an Unassigned Fund Balance of $1,700,000.  They have been trying to build this up because it is for the future.  It could be used to offset property taxes and in past years had been used for this purpose.  If it is spent, the Town could be in a bind when capital monies are needed for emergency projects.  The Selectboard is going to spend $200,000 of this fund to make repairs to the municipal buildings such as, to finish the Highway Department roof and to buy a much needed, new baler for the Recycling Center.  There are lots of changes in the budget but these are the highlights.  The Town employees will receive a 2% wage increase; it is not a big increase but gives the employees a little more income.

Mr. Dalessio advised that on the last page of the proposed budget there is a 6.72% decrease.  This does not include Warrant Articles.  The real decrease is 4.7%.

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that last year they had an unfunded mandate of $130,000 that was taken out of the Fund Balance.  It was for the Town-wide assessment.  The Selectboard have now taken a contract with Avitar Associates to do assessing work over the next five years. At the end of the five years, they will not have another huge bill for a complete Town-wide assessment.

The Warrant Articles and costs are listed on the back page of the proposed budget.

• MUN Maintenance Town Facilities $200,000; this will be paid from the Unassigned Fund Balance;
• POL Police Vehicle; the first lease-purchase payment is $10,975;
• POL Police Vehicle – Equipment $15,000; this is contingent on the passing of the Police Vehicle Article;
• POL Ductless Fume Hood $5,500 – the Police Department needs a good exhaust system because of the many things they deal with;
• POL Speed Monitoring Trailer $16,000; this can be moved, it will flash and take a picture of the speeding vehicle. In time we might be able to begin a Revolving Fund;
• HWY Capital Reserve Fund $15,000.

Last year Mrs. Pschirrer told the taxpayers the Town would not buy a new truck this year and we are not.  However, the Town’s trucks are aging rapidly and we must buy one next year.  A new truck costs much more than $15,000 but we will begin to build this fund so something is set aside.

There are two other Warrant Articles that do not involve money.  They are looking to change these Articles for the Police and Highway that were written back in the 1900s.  They do not take into account the contingency of what happens when someone totals a police car, as happened in 2017.  The Selectboard was not able to touch those Capital Reserve Funds.  They now have permission from the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) to reword those Capital Reserve Funds so they not only speak to the issue of buying something, but should there be an emergency with either a police vehicle or highway truck, these funds can be used when needed.  The Selectboard will now be the Agents of the Capital Reserve Funds but would have to hold two Public Hearings before the funds are used.  Mr. Dalessio reported the total of Warrant Articles to be raised by taxes is $62,000.

Mr. Mark Houghton asked what amount is recommended for the Unassigned Fund Balance.  Ms. Mayberry replied the DRA recommendation is 8%-to-15% of the total budget.  The Town is building up this amount.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Town has an aging water system, sewer lines that need to be moved, etc.  They all cost a lot of money.

Mrs. Lynette Johnson realizes the Town has a lot of things in need of repairs/replacements but is concerned about the Town’s senior citizens.  Every year the Town has given a small donation to the Bellows Falls Area Senior Center that covers Bellows Falls, Rockingham, Walpole, North Walpole, Westminster, and other area towns.  She submitted a letter from the Bellows Falls Area Senior Center stating they have provided Meals-on-Wheels to Walpole and North Walpole for over 15 years.  Due to the lowering of the federal subsidy toward the cost of meals, the projected cost of the Walpole route alone is $14,650.00 for 2017-2018.  It is important to invest in the Town’s senior citizens now; it is a growing population.  Mrs. Pschirrer can appreciate her statement and is happy Mrs. Johnson is a volunteer.  The Selectboard received a letter from the BF Area Senior Center asking for a contribution; they assigned $2,500 in this budget.  They also support other agencies such as Monadnock Mental Health, Home Health Care, Southwestern Community Services, Fall Mountain Food Shelf, Friendly Meals, etc.  They also fund the Senior Citizens in Town.  This is all taxpayer money.  The Town’s 2018 budget has been determined.  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested she put up a display of the Senior Center’s needs at the Town Meeting.  Mrs. Johnson will do that.

Ms. Mayberry pointed out that the real purpose of the Unassigned Fund Balance is to lessen the impact of a catastrophic event or an urgent unanticipated need for funds.  It is not like putting money into a savings account because the State recommends that towns have some money set aside so if anything should happen in the Town and there is a need for funding, it will not directly impact the tax rate the following year.  They could use some of the Fund Balance to lessen the impact of the tax rate the following year but it is not to cushion the tax base.  Mrs. Johnson mentioned a need to take care of our senior citizens as they had built our Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer said they have seen an increase in the number of taxpayers who have applied for Elderly Exemptions, Veterans’ Credits, etc.  At last year’s Town Meeting, they increased the amount of money to make people more eligible for these discounts.  Mrs. Johnson just asked the Selectboard to look at her information.  Mr. Paul Colburn, Recycling Center, added the Center takes in about $2,500/year through the Re-use Center and it all goes to the food shelf.

Mr. Ernie Vose heard about extending the sewer line that currently goes across the Vilas Bridge to Bellows Falls by connecting it in North Walpole to go underneath the Arch Bridge.  What are the plans?  Mr. Mark Houghton advised that last year the engineering and survey work was started.  They need Plan “B” in the event of a catastrophic event.  The NH DES and State of VT are telling us the Vilas Bridge will probably not go anywhere.  Concrete is loose and swinging over the Town’s sewer line. Therefore it could damage the Walpole line so it is on the Town’s radar.  The Sewer Department has had their budget woes.  The funding has not been there to go beyond the planning phase but at some point it will have to be addressed.  It will be paid for by user fees.  Mr. Dalessio advised if this gets to the point where it has to be done, there will be a whole set of other conversations that will happen with several agencies.  We will continue to do preliminary work.  We cannot forget we are crossing under the railroad tracks, there is an embankment, etc.; it is complicated.  Mrs. Pschirrer said the State of NH has now put the Vilas Bridge back on their Ten-Year List.  The Selectboard has been to numerous meetings. Ms. Mayberry mentioned should it become necessary to move the sewer line, she feels there will be opportunities for grants.

Mrs. Pschirrer asked everyone to attend the Town Meeting on Saturday, March 17^th at 1:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  There were 8 members of the public and 9 Town employees in attendance.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer adjourned this Special Public Hearing at 6:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:46 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – February 1, 2018:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of February 1, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – February 1, 2018:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of February 1, 2018, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Hooper Mansion:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported they are still cleaning out the Mansion.  They still need to take out dishes, etc.  The Mansion is starting to look better.

Mansion Furniture:  Recently Mrs. Pschirrer began to receive brochures/flyers from Smith Auction House in Plainfield.  They have listed two pieces of furniture, a four drawer chest and unusual chair, that state they came from the Hooper family in Walpole.  Neither piece is on the Trustees inventory.  She questions where they came from.  This auction is on Monday, February 19^th.  Mrs. Pschirrer plans to attend.  She would like to know what Hooper family and where these pieces came from.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Hooper Trustees meeting resumed at 8:04 PM. 

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of February 8, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:  Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:04 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

The Selectboard office has learned that Article 3 is not enforceable. Please Vote No on March 13th. – Lil

VOTE NO FOR ARTICLE 3. Legal counsel has advised the Selectboard that the warrant article is not enforceable. The intent of the article was meant to enable the correction of street names. We do not need a warrant to do that. VOTE NO FOR ARTICLE 3.

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

DECEMBER 21, 2017

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

Staff Present:               Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Michael Rau (Highway Department); Paul Colburn (Recycling Center), Sandra Smith (Town Clerk / Tax Collector); Rebecca Whippie (Hooper Institute); Justine Fafara (Director of Walpole Library); Kevin Pinsonault (Recycling Center)

Call to Order:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised this meeting is being recorded.  Police Chief Michael Paquette and Justin Cassarino were unable to attend this meeting.

Healthy Lunch:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mrs. Downing has been planning a Healthy Lunch for all employees at noon tomorrow.  However, Mr. Kreissle reported that 5-to-7 inches of snow is predicted. Therefore, a decision was made to postpone this lunch until Tuesday, December 26^th at noon.  Mr. Kreissle will be working from his home on Friday.  The Selectboard office will be open in the morning but will close at noon.  Freezing rain is forecast for Saturday.  Mrs. Fafara will close the Library on Friday and Saturday.

Recycling Center:  Mr. Paul Colburn introduced Mr. Kevin Pinsonault an employee at the Recycling Center.  Mr. Colburn provided documents for the month ending November 30, 2017.  He began with the “Daily Weight Report and 3 Year to Date Comparison”.  They are close to the Annual Forecast estimate of 357.00/tons as the current number is 348.79/ton.  Mixed paper was up this year.  On the “3 Year Comparison to Recyclables” the Year Forecast is $30,000 and the Estimated Year To-Date is $27,553.00.  On the Recycling Revenues Monthly Report the Budget total was estimated at $166,350.00 and they are now at $176,083.20.  More revenue will be coming in before the end of the year.  Break-down figures were reviewed.  The markets for cardboard were very good in early 2017.

Mr. Pinsonault went to Concord last Thursday to be certified to be an operator at the Center.  Mr. Colburn went to a first aid class a few Saturdays ago.  He thanked the Highway Department for the sand and for packing up the boxes.  Several commercial businesses donate a substantial amount of cardboard on a regular basis.

Recreation Department:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard met with Mr. Cassarino last week on his proposed budget.  He has an active program.  Mr. Cassarino talked about basketball and referees which he needs. The Rec Dept. is looking for parents who could help.  Following is his report.

Basketball:

• Season is going well and teams are enjoying themselves;
• A lot of coaches have been able to find referees but they are still looking for a larger pool to choose from;
• Teams will be entering the Westminster Tournament on January 19^th & 20^th;
• Clinics will be put on at the High School by both Varsity teams

Going to really push their participants to do this;

Great way to improve on skills and meet the players.

Spring Clinic:

• A lot of ideas have been presented for a spring activity for kids that don’t play baseball or softball;

Some ideas are soccer, basketball, and flat football;

• Will need a lot of parent volunteers, which some have said they are already willing to help.

Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau presented the following report for the period of November 16, 2017 to December 21, 2017:

• Serviced trucks and equipment;
• Backed up North Road bank;
• Set granite blocks in the North Walpole Park;
• Stored summer equipment for the winter;
• Ditched dirt roads;
• Ditched River Road;
• Fixed Truck-4 Inner Dump Cylinder;
• Fixed Truck-5 hydraulic hose and wing cable;
• Fixed sidewalk snow blower;
• Fixed Truck-2 Wheel Studs;
• Fixed Truck-3 hydraulic hose.
• Winter Weather Callouts were: December 9, December 10, December 12, December 13, December 18 and December 19.

The new Bobcat sidewalk machine arrived today so they are anxious to see how it works.  They are trying to keep up with projects as they know snow will arrive soon.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned this is the second time someone put a large rock/concrete block on the sidewalk under the snow causing the sidewalk plow to break. It occurs between Brady and Russell Streets in North Walpole.  Residents were urged to watch out for this type of vandalism and not to hesitate to report it.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office:  Mrs. Sandy Smith submitted the following report dated December 21, 2017.  This is a very busy time of year.

They have collected $5,035,275.36 of their Fall Warrant.  The Warrant was for $5,647,660.11.  Their uncollected on this billing is only $611,615.75 and money is still coming in but very slowly – as most have paid their taxes.  The tax money came in pretty good last year but, this year seems smoother, less problems.

They received a Sewer Warrant in the amount of $47,721.84 and have received a check in the amount of $250.00 for a very partial payment.  If people do not pay, they send a delinquent notice in January and then they send Intent to Lien notices which starts the process.

They also received a Water Warrant in the amount of $4,037.55; they haven’t received any payments on that yet but they will.  The lien process also applies to the Water Warrant.

They have had to request some refunds when people over pay their taxes.  They have also called and sent notices to those who wrote their checks incorrectly.  They answered lots of questions, regarding the reassessment and sent everyone to Sarah.  She does not have time to list everything that they do.

The Town Clerk’s Department has collected $75,287.50 since their last Staff meeting.  These are the Town fees; Rich transferred $19,448.39 to the State of NH-DMV Department.

Customers love being able to just write one check, which combines Town and State fees.

Their credit card option is appreciated and will be used more as people realize that they have it.  Thanks to Rich, the State Transfer is going great-No Problems.

This has been a “Good” year, thanks to the cooperation from the Staff in the Selectmen’s Office.  Rich, Sarah and Jodi are great to work with and she tries to thank them often.  Also, they have a great Selectboard.  It is nice to feel appreciated.  Looking forward to 2018!

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Sarah Downing submitted the following Staff Meeting Report dated December 20, 2017.

Assessing Update:

• Property tax abatement forms are being accepted. The last day to submit abatement applications is March 1^st per RSA.
• Veterans’ Tax Credit, Elderly and Blind Exemption application forms will be accepted up through April 15^th.
• The Selectboard Office has experienced higher than normal assessing questions due to the revaluation process.

Water and Sewer:

• Jodi Daigle has been sending reminder notices for overdue invoices which has helped to lower the overall balance due for each billing cycle.
• Water and/or sewer users with significant amounts due over 90 days were warranted for tax lien. Payments for liens will be processed through the Tax Collector’s Office.  Note that the amount of interest applied on outstanding balances increases from 12 to 18 percent with the transfer of debt.
• The next billing will be for the 3-month period of Oct., Nov. and Dec. of 2017. Meter readings will occur in the middle of January 2018.  Bills will be posted before the end of January.

Town Hall Facilities:

• Sensor switches for overhead lights were added to the restrooms and south end of Town Hall basement. This will aid in reducing municipal electricity expense.
• The kitchen had a touch up cleaning.
• Thank you to:
• Ray Boas and Tara Sad for decorating the windows on the second floor of the Town Hall.
• Adam Terrell for putting up the gazebo garland, lights and bows.
• The Cub Scouts who put up and decorated the Christmas Tree on the gazebo.
• Women of Walpole for the donation of lovely wreaths that were hung on the Town Hall doors.
• Kevin Healy for fixing reoccurring Christmas light issues on the Common and in the Town Hall.

Human Resources:

• Healthy Lunch for Town employees is being hosted on Friday, Dec. 22^nd. Warm soups along with bread and tossed salad will be the main course.  A homemade, higher caloric dessert made by Peggy Pschirrer will finish off the meal in honor of the holiday season.  This lunch was made possible through wellness initiative funding from HealthTrust.

Hooper Institute:  Ms. Becky Whippie provided the following report:  It has been a busy couple of months.

Pre-K: Identified pumpkin parts and planted daffodil bulbs.  They looked for signs of spring and tasted pumpkin bread.  Drew a wild turkey and went on a coon hunt.  They gathered evergreen leaves to make into paint brushes.  Made red pine cone wreaths.  Made white pine cone bird feeders from items they collected.

Kindergarten: Did some pumpkin science; they weighed, measured, counted the ribs and estimated if it floats.  Recycling was introduced at the Walpole Primary School.  They took the students to the Recycling Center and showed them the process.  Each classroom is recycling their own materials.  They did some gardening as the growing season just kept going into October.  They demonstrated and safely showed the students how to use a hand trimmer, pruned some old stocks in the garden.  The kids were real careful with the hand pruners.  The gardens were then put to bed with organic mulch.  Balsam fir was put on a burlap pocket that was filled with balsam fir and made sachets.  They made cranberry sauce after exploring cranberries,

First Grade:  They talked about earthworms one rainy day.  They excavated through the potato beds.  Gathered dahlia bulbs.  Pruned some garden stalks, filled the wheel barrows and got to wheel them.  They had a loaded smashed potato from the potatoes they had harvested; toppings of their choice.  Planted winter rye seeds.  Gathered dried fern pods and bitternuts for a future project.  They also played an evergreen matching game.

Second Grade:  They drew popcorn life cycles.  Put organic matter back into the popcorn bed.  Introduced microbes as they are everywhere.  Harvested the remaining potatoes and ate carrots.  They made soil by rubbing rocks together, added soil amendments to the garden beds.  They went out to the woods and dug a hole to see the soil horizons – made conifer note cards.

Third Grade:  They were the carrot harvesters; some were grated for carrot cake.  On a rainy day they did some finger wool spun bracelets.  They walked the trails, talked and looked around to see what they could find.  Close to Thanksgiving they made some Nasamp which is a North American food.  Added more organic material to the garden beds.  In December they cut some white pine for evergreen centerpieces.

Fourth Grade:  They had a late harvest.  Tasted a rhubarb cake from an earlier rhubarb harvest.  Made observations of agricultural places in Walpole since school started and made a list.  What kind of farming is being done and what general questions could they ask.  They visited the Walpole Valley Farm and Brookfield Farm.  They had a squash feast with spaghetti squash, fried zucchini, pumpkin butter, butternut squash with maple syrup and pumpkin pudding.  They did some plant propagation.

Mrs. Eloise Clark has completed her soils unit.  She is working on forestry and conifer units.

Since Ms. Whippie attended the last meeting both she and Mrs. Clark were awarded the New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts Educators of the Year awards. Mrs. Pschirrer said the Selectboard is grateful they both won the awards.  It was well deserved.

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Justine Fafara provided the following December 2017 Report.

November 2016 Stats:                                     November 2017 Stats:

21 Days Open                                                  21 Days Open

1430 People                                                     1350 People

2264 Circ                                                         1918 Circ

32 Programs                                                     33 Programs

144 Kids                                                          74 Kids

38 Teens                                                          49 Teens

98 Adults                                                         162 Adults

312 Website visitors                                        522 Website visitors

November 2016 Avg: 68 ppl & 108 circ/day   November 2017 Avg: 64 ppl & 91 circ/day

12 people per program                         8 people per program

Numbers are down a little this year, but November is always a slow month, so she did not think it is anything to worry about.  December numbers will probably be down as well because of the snow storm.

NHUPAC-State Inter Library Loan System is down and has been for over two weeks now.  The server (physical hardware) had to be replaced and then software is being installed. They are hoping to have it up and running by the new year.  This will affect circulation numbers.

They have some author visits lined up for the new year and she is working with the Walpole Village School and Walpole Primary School to collaborate on some new programs for younger school aged kids.

Their big fundraising mailing with pledge cards will go in the mail January 8^th.  If anyone needs a pledge card before the end of the year they are available at the library.

Jan Kobeski made an amazing 3D model of the architect’s drawings of the library with the new expanded space.  They have gotten lots of great feedback now that people can really see how the library will be configured.  It is on display at the front desk in the library if anyone would like to see it.

The Library Board of Trustees approved a new policy for overdue library materials.  Starting in January they will no longer charge daily late fines.  They will have a jar for donations, and they will still charge people for missing materials.  Once a material is 4 weeks overdue, the cost of the material is added to the patron’s library account and they are required to pay the replacement cost if they cannot return the material.  This was a big topic at the New England Library Association conference and the other libraries who have done away with daily fines and now accept donations have seen the amount of money taken in double or even triple.  They are hoping this new policy will not only increase money flow for new materials, but will also make everyone’s experiences at the library more positive and enjoyable.

Police Department:  Chief Mike Paquette was unable to attend.  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Police Department is short-handed. Therefore they excused Lt. Justin Sanctuary from attending.  Mr. Dalessio reviewed the written report the Police Department submitted for the period of November 16, 2017 through December 15, 2017. The total number of calls for service was 280.

• Public Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls -32                Administration -48                   Citizen Assists -60

• Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents -13                          MV Stops -42                          Traffic Safety -10

• Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol-23        Crimes Against a Person -39    Crimes Against Property -13

Mr. Dalessio advised drug issues are increasing again.  The department has one part-time applicant who is coming on the first of the year.  Officer Roger Landry will be back on a limited basis.  The department has been extremely busy with various problems throughout the Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Selectboard appreciate all the work they do.

Mr. Dalessio would like the Safety Committee to address the evacuation plan for each building.  Everybody should have one.

Finance Office:  Mr. Rich Kreissle noted that January 1^st, 2018, is right around the corner.  He has to produce W-2s for all employees.  Other annual reports are also due.  Every year the taxes change.  Once the new tax law gets signed, he will have to update the software with those new tax tables.  He will also need to update employee’s health insurance deductions.  January is a “pressure cooker” time of the year for him.  Mr. Dalessio noted this is a good time to update addresses, phone numbers, etc.  Mr. Kreissle also wants to compare what the employees have left for vacation, personal and sick time against his records. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned all records should be accurate.  Mr. Dalessio said employees should be free to contact Mr. Kreissle if they have questions on anything finance related.

Adjournment:  Mrs. Pschirrer wished everyone a safe, healthy holiday. She closed this Staff Meeting at 6:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

DECEMBER 21, 2017

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

Call to Order:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:39 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – December 14, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of December 14, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Transfer of Funds:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the transfer of funds from the Hooper Trust I Fund to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $4,996.01.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion is approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Hooper Mansion:  Mrs. Pschirrer will be meeting with Ms. Sharon Boccelli on Wednesday, December 27^th to discuss the remaining furniture.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:44 PM.

The regular Hooper Trustees meeting resumed at 7:56 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees session of December 21, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Adjournment:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary