The Walpolean

Selectboard Present:  Steve Dalessio, Cheryl Mayberry and Peggy Pschirrer, Chair

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary; Vicki Gohl, Deputy Town Clerk & Tax Collector

Others Present: Michael Hayes

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced the Selectboard to those in attendance.

NEW BUSINESS:

Recreation Committee:  Mr. Hayes stated he was present to discuss the Recreation Committee. He is interested in pickleball and the Town pickleball courts. Mr. Hayes was advised by David Kuniholm that he was not allowed to record the minutes of the Recreation Committee. Ms. Mayberry clarified that recordings must be declared. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the chair of the meeting is typically the individual to notify if a recording is taking place. Mr. Hayes asked what the criteria were for being on the Recreation Committee. Mr. Hayes questioned the practices of the Recreation Committee in regard to taking minutes. Mr. Hayes attended a Recreation Committee meeting on 4/19/2023. Ms. Mayberry informed Mr. Hayes as to the member makeup of the Recreation Committee. Mrs. Pschirrer advised Mr. Hayes that members of the Recreation Committee are voluntary. Mr. Hayes stated that before January he told Ms. Mayberry that he wanted to be on the Recreation Committee, and his agenda was pickleball. Ms. Mayberry stated that there was not a position open on the Recreation Committee at the time he communicated his interest.  Ms. Mayberry stated that the goal is not to have members on the Recreation Committee who have only a single interest. Ms. Mayberry described the process by which the Recreation Committee sought to gauge interest in pickleball prior to assigning funds to pickleball. Mr. Dalessio asked if the Drewsville basketball court was suitable for pickleball. Mr. Hayes stated that he did not know but commented that the sound of pickleball has been a common complaint from residents who live near a pickleball court. Ms. Mayberry stated that the goal was to minimize any potential conflict between those playing tennis and those playing pickleball. Mr. Dalessio reflected his understanding that Mr. Hayes was raising one issue of the Recreation Committee meeting, and a second issue of pickleball itself. Mr. Dalessio stated that it is important to know what the utilization of a town property is before the allocation of Town funds. Mr. Hayes asked if the land on Walker Road would be suitable for pickleball. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that the Conservation Committee may be against this potential pickleball court site. Mr. Hayes thanked the Selectboard and left the meeting.

OLD BUSINESS:

Town Website: Ms. Gohl stated she would be asking the Selectboard if they would sign off on the core design of the website which she has in draft. The design portion is the boxes, colors, and functionality of the home page. After the designer is finished, the project manager finalizes the website for approval. Ms. Gohl showed the Selectboard the draft design on her laptop and demonstrated options for the home page. She spoke about graphic options available for images. The Selectboard and Ms. Gohl discussed potential ideas for images and graphics that would best serve the purpose of the website. Mrs. Pschirrer spoke about the importance of the usability and accessibility of the website for Town residents. Ms. Mayberry commented that another consideration should be given to newly arrived residents who are seeking Town services. Mr. Dalessio clarified that the website should not be structured by color, so to comply with ADA requirements. He stated the most commonly used links should be prioritized. Ms. Gohl found agreement in the Selectboard for the colors she chose for the website. A general discussion was had regarding the possibilities for function and user friendliness of website options. Ms. Gohl asked how the Selectboard wanted to proceed with the development of the website. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that Ms. Gohl sending the Selectboard members the link to the website for review would be preferable. Ms. Gohl thanked the Selectboard and left the meeting.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register totaling $862,013.92 dated 6/16/2023, this includes a $700,531.13 payment to the Fall Mt. Regional School District.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $30,704.98 dated 6/16/2023 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,442.95.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 8, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 8, 2023.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – June 8, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the amended Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of June 8, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mr. Dalessio brought attention to:

• Police Study Committee – May 15, 2023
• Cemetery Trustees Meeting – June 12, 2023

Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these reports.

TIMBER INTENT:

Map and Lot#013-057-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the timber intent for Map and Lot# 013-057-000 for a wooded lot off of Cheney Hill Road. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pending Further Action: Mr. Dalessio commented that for Houghton Brook Bridge there are no further funds available. At present, the project is being looked at for redesign potential.

NEW BUSINESS:

Trustee of Trust Funds Request:  Mr. Dalessio motioned to approve the request for $935 from the Cemetery Trust Fund for a boundary survey invoice. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Unlicensed Dogs Listing:  Mrs. Pschirrer commented on a report listing residents who have not paid their dog licensing fees. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that a mailing postcard should be considered for residents who have expired dog licenses. Mr. Dalessio spoke to the practices that occur in other jurisdictions when an individual fails to pay their dog license fees. He was aware that dog registration can be done at any time of the year. The Selectboard reviewed the list of individuals who have failed to pay the dog registration fee and acknowledged their receipt of this list.

Granite Bench on the Common:  Mrs. Pschirrer commented that a complaint was received about a bench on the Common that they fear is going to burn children because of its material heating in the sunlight. The Selectboard stated that a laminated sign would be placed near this bench.

Thank you notes:  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged a thank you note received from the Nash Family. She then mentioned a second thank you note from the Fall Mt. High School Prom Committee.

Planning Board: Mr. Dalessio stated that at a recent Planning Board meeting, there was a discussion regarding Alyson’s Orchard. The fruit crop has been damaged this year due to the weather. Mr. Dalessio mentioned other developments at Alyson’s Orchard in the expansion of their operational capacity.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) and (c) at 8:07 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:35 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING: 

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Hooper Trustees Meeting at 8:36 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:58 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio motioned to adjourn at 8:59 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Selectboard meeting adjourned. 

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Present:  Peggy L. Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steven Dalessio

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Others Present: Kara and Peter Dexter; Peter Graves

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced the Selectboard to those in attendance.

NEW BUSINESS:

Tree Cutting on Reservoir Road:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Mr. Shelton, who has purchased land off the Class VI portion of Ramsay Hill Road, has hired a logger and wants to remove two trees in the Town’s right-of-way. She stated that access will be through Reservoir Road. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Mr. Shelton is seeking approval from the Selectboard for the removal of these two trees. Ms. Mayberry motioned to approve the request to take down the two trees. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Type IV Permit Notice for Ruggiero Processing Facility: Mr. Dalessio stated that Selectboard received a letter noting a pending change in ownership of the Ruggerio facility. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the current operators will continue the operation of the facility. Mrs. Downing stated that a certified letter will be sent in addition to this letter. Mrs. Downing stated she did confirm the receipt of the letter by email.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,696.84 dated 6/09/2023 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,952.57.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 31, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 31, 2023.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – May 31, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the amended Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of May 31, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

ABATEMENTS:

Map and Lot# 005-036-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the gravel tax abatement for Map and Lot# 005-036-000 for $107.55. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 009-046-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the abatement for Map and Lot# 009-046-000 for $3,539 due to a lot that was subdivided in 7/22. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 007-026-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the abatement for Map and Lot# 007-026-000 for $923.52. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 019-071-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the abatement for Map and Lot# 019-071-000 for $1,120.32.  Adjustments were made due to the condition of the property. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 003-015-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to decline the abatement for Map and Lot# 003-015-000 as the applicants applied beyond the due date. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Citizen Comment: Mr. Graves asked the Selectboard if they could get the road agent to smooth up Meeting House Road. Mr. Dalessio stated that he would speak to Mr. Rau on Monday. Mr. Graves then mentioned a recent newspaper article about a drone purchased by the Police Department. Mr. Graves said there was a quote in the article from the chief stating that no money for this purchase came from tax dollars, but from fines. Mr. Graves felt this was still taxpayer money. Mr. Dalessio explained that the revolving fund exists for the Police Department, and that money from fines is deposited into this fund. Mr. Dalessio then stated that the Police Department must have Selectboard approval for all purchases.

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:

Map and Lot# 009-046-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the supplemental tax warrant for Map and Lot# 009-046-000 for $3,780. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 009-046-001: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the supplemental tax warrant for Map and Lot# 009-046-001 for $1,608. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER INTENT:

Map and Lot #004-033-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the timber intent for Map and Lot# 004-033-000 for wooded lot that is part of Alyson’s Orchard. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER CERTIFICATE OF YIELD AND TAX WARRANT:

Op# 22-461-02, Map and Lot # 027-005-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the timber certificate of yield and tax warrant for Map and Lot# 027-005-000 for $9,560.30. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Op# 22-461-18, Map and Lot #004-033-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the timber certificate of yield and tax warrant for Map and Lot# 004-033-000 for $196.83. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

2023-20, Map and Lot# 013-041-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the building permit for Map and Lot# 013-041-000 to construct a 17’ x 14’ covered deck. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Open Container Request:  Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the 6/10/2023 open container request from Alyson’s Orchard. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed:  Mr. Dalessio motioned to accept the cemetery deed for lots D586 and D588. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Liberty Utilities Billing Problem: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that Liberty Utilities was supposed to change their billing on 4/26/2023. It was supposed to be reflected in the May bill. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that May bills were sent out with the old 22 cents per kilowatt hour because Liberty Utilities did not change their rates as previously agreed. Mrs. Pschirrer stated this matter will be resolved.

Trees on the Common: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Selectboard was in receipt of an email note asking when the Town would replant trees on the Common. Mr. Dalessio stated that an arborist gave the town a quote. Mrs. Downing stated that there is nothing in the municipal budget for the planting of new trees this year.  Mrs. Pschirrer read a 11/2022 quote listing the Tupelo trees at $780 and American Jefferson at $750, with a total planting cost of $4,705. Ms. Mayberry asked if Liberty was going to replace the trees they removed. Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mrs. Downing to follow-up with the arborist regarding Liberty replacing trees on the Common. Mrs. Pschirrer will respond to the person who wrote the letter. Ms. Mayberry stated that the Town would be willing to accept donations for replacing trees, as there is no present money in the budget for trees.

NEW BUSINESS:

Sewer Bond:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that a letter was received by Robert Grenier concerning sewer bond payments in Bellows Falls. Mr. Dalessio stated that there are multiple bonds. Mr. Dalessio will follow up on this matter. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the response letter should include the clarifying information dealing with sewer bonds. Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mrs. Downing to respond to Mr. Grenier with an explanation that the Selectboard will be responding soon.

Police Revolving Fund Purchase Request:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Police Department submitted a request of $5,033.70 for an incident management subscription and setup for the schools. Ms. Mayberry stated that when she met with the Police Department on Monday, she discussed the impact of doing this pilot program in Walpole. Ms. Mayberry voiced her concern that this matter was not brought to the Selectboard first. Mrs. Pschirrer stated her opinion that the school should pay for this program. Mr. Dalessio voiced his concern that the timing is off, given the arrival of a new superintendent and new business administrator in the school district. He stated that the Walpole Police Department is short-staffed, and that there is not enough human capacity to do this project. He stated he was not in favor of doing the pilot program at this time. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that there is more to consider before giving approval. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Town is going to pass on this request.

Two Invitations to North Walpole School:  Mrs. Pschirrer stated that on 6/12/2023 there are two separate academic events at the North Walpole School. She stated she would be attending one of the events on this date.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 7:35 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:00 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING: 

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Hooper Trustees Meeting at 8:01 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:08 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio motioned to adjourn at 8:09 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Selectboard meeting adjourned. 

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Present:  Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steve Dalessio

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration; Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary; Mike Rau, Road Agent

Others Present: Mo Biron, Carolyn Vose, Jeff Colley, Beth Colley

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:28 PM. She introduced the Selectboard to those in attendance.

OLD BUSINESS:

Old Keene Road Culvert: Mrs. Pschirrer invited Mr. Rau to speak. Mr. Rau stated he received an email from Mrs. Colley regarding a concern with water runoff.  Mr. Rau recommends ledge-lining the ditch with a larger culvert pipe and using the other culvert as a backup. The Highway Department would install an 18-inch culvert of smooth bore plastic that will take twice as much water and more debris. Mr. Rau stated he would only replace one of the culverts, if the ditch is fixed. Mrs. Colley presented pictures of the ditch to the Selectboard. She stated there are three (3) culverts in that area, and it sometimes washes over Old Keene Road and into their ditch. Mrs. Colley described the area that the water is meant to flow into. Mrs. Colley requested that grit and sand shoulder be replaced with a slab which is currently being done on a different part of Old Keene Road. Mr. Rau replied that he would place filter fabric to hold gravel underneath, and place rock on top so it would not wash away. Mrs. Colley stated that personal costs to address this issue are $4,000.  She would like the Town to consider an easement for this matter. Mr. Dalessio questioned where the maintenance of an easement would end. Mr. Rau stated that towards the end of the summer is when the work could commence, but it may be until the following spring when it is fully completed. The approximate cost of the project is $10,000, but this does not include the cost of labor. Mr. Dalessio stated that the project’s goal is to direct the water. The control over how much water is not within the Town’s capacity. Mr. and Mrs. Colley thanked the Selectboard and communicated their agreement with the proposed project plan. Mr. Rau, Mr. and Mrs. Colley left the meeting.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (d) (e) at 6:47 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting reconvened at 7:18 PM.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $30,458.08 dated 5/26/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,325.84.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – May 18, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of May 18, 2023.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – May 18, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of May 18, 2023.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

STAFF MEETING – May 18, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Staff meeting of May 18, 2023.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ms. Mayberry called attention to the minutes of:    

• Library Trustees Meeting- May 5, 2023
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting- May 17, 2023

Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged the above reports.

TIMBER INTENTS:

Map and Lot# 011-033-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot# 011-033-000 for the removal of fallen or damaged trees on Rascal Mountain. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

EXCAVATION INTENTS:

Map and Lot# 014-013-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot# 014-013-000 for Cold River Materials. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 015-011-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Excavation Intent for Map and Lot# 015-011-000 for Cold River Materials. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pending Further Action: Mr. Dalessio spoke to developments on Houghton Brook Bridge. The cost of the temporary bridge is approximately 1.1 million dollars. Mr. Dalessio stated that there has been a request that the Town supply $309,300 in matching funds. Mr. Dalessio stated that the town has $250,000 from the ARM grant, but the Town has to match $276,000 in Town funds.

Mrs. Pschirrer asked what anticipated bonds the Town would be going for in 2024. The Selectboard reflected that projects associated with Police and Fire Departments may also require a bond next year. Mr. Dalessio stated his recommendation that the Town bond $309,300 or supply this match from other available funds. This would allow the Town an extension of the ARM grant.  The Town may be able to limit the overall project in order to reduce the town match for the ARPA portion. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Town should pursue other avenues for funding. Mr. Dalessio stated that Mr. Kriessle should be asked to separate invoices for the Reservoir Dam and Houghton Brook Bridge because they both have reimbursable grant funding.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mascoma Bank Parking Lot Lease:   Mrs. Pschirrer stated that there was a 5-year lease from Mascoma Bank for approval.  Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the Mascoma Bank parking lot lease for 5 years. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Recreation Rev. Fund Request:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Recreation Committee request to purchase basketball jerseys contingent that sponsor donations will reimburse the fund. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Recreation Rev. Fund Request- Movies: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Recreation Committee request to show movies in the summer. The motion was seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Other Business: Mrs. Pschirrer reflected on an email sent by FMRSD related to Middle School sports. Ms. Mayberry stated that her understanding that the email was sent as an attempt to ensure that whatever FMRSD’s consolidated recreation plan looked like, it did not overlap with local towns’ own recreation departments.

Mr. Dalessio stated that the pool water level has been lowered. He was advised that the pool needed to be cleaned. Ms. Mayberry stated that the sludge needed to be removed. She will follow up on this matter.

Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to last week’s staff meeting. She reviewed that the department managers requested a different staff meeting time and location, requested meeting less frequently, and made positive comments on how they work interdepartmentally during staff meetings. She would prefer department managers not to read their reports. Mrs. Pschirrer suggested having training so that there is an increase in engagement. Ms. Mayberry stated that she agrees with the majority on the time of the meeting. Mr. Dalessio stated that he would want to see written reports each month, but meetings could transition to bi-monthly or quarterly dates. Ms. Mayberry commented that certain buildings would not be suitable for a staff meeting.  She would like training topics related to email, listening, general leadership, and confrontation. Mrs. Pschirrer will send an email to department managers informing them that staff meetings will be quarterly beginning in August. Discussions will be topic-based, but there is still an expectation of submitting monthly reports. Mr. Dalessio stated his preference for data driven reports when applicable.

Mrs. Pschirrer stated that the Scholarship Committee is meeting next week. Ms. Mayberry stated that marketing of the scholarships may be beneficial.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio motioned to adjourn at 8:10 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Selectboard meeting adjourned. 

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Present:  Peggy L. Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry and Steven Dalessio

Staff Present: Jodi Daigle (Administrative Assistant/Water and Sewer Clerk); Jordan Cannon (Recording Secretary); Richard Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Ben Hoy (Recycling Center Manager); Meghan Hansson (Town Clerk/Tax Collector), Jane Malmberg (Library Director), Justin Sanctuary (Police Chief), Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director)

Excused: Mike Rau (Road Agent), Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration)

CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called the staff meeting to order at 5:00 PM in Walpole Town Hall. 

MANAGERS’ DISCUSSION: Mrs. Pschirrer opened up a discussion of staff meetings. Mrs. Pschirrer reflected on the assignment she put to the department managers to evaluate staff meetings and their benefit. She asked what value and purpose these meetings serve. Mrs. Pschirrer engaged those in attendance to answer certain questions:

• What do you value about staff meetings?

• What would you change about staff meetings?

• How does the staff meeting make you a better manager?

• How do you define “manager”?

• What could help you be a better manager?

Mr. Cannon wrote down answers and feedback to the questions posed by Mrs. Pschirrer.

Value:

• Meeting/projects with other departments

• Collaborative environment

• Sitting in a square 

• Everyone getting together

• Hearing what goes on day to day

• Behind the scenes news

• Variety of departments

• Use of other departments’ information

• Data/progress trends in reports

• Knowing timelines

• Everyone’s benefit

Change:

• Quarterly instead of monthly

• Change of location

• Meet at beginning of the workday/earlier – 8 am or 4 pm

• Overview of typical day

• Bimonthly

• Unusual things in reports

• Comparison to previous year

• More Context to data

• Every other month training

• Everyone contributing to the discussion

How do these meetings make you a better manager?

• Sharing challenges

How do you define manager?

• Bring people together

• Kind/supportive/listener/collaborator

• Communication/active listener

• Generalist/specialist

• Accountable for getting job done

• LEADER

• Train staff

• Succession plan

• Control direction

• Sets the culture/tone

What would make you a better manager/leader?

• More training working with volunteers

• Recruiting volunteers

• Training boards – instruction in training

• Training on how to deal with difficult people

Mrs. Pschirrer asked department managers to state the one important item from their report for the month.

RECYCLING: Mr. Hoy stated that one thing he wanted to mention is this week the recycling bins were painted different colors.

SELECTBOARD OFFICE: Mr. Dalessio commented that Mrs. Daigle has taken on responsibility with grants.

FINANCE: Mr. Kreissle stated he met with Lou Beam about collaborating with the Five-Towns to get a better price on fuel. 

HOOPER INSTITUTE:  Mrs. Dalbeck stated that this has been a registration month for camps and programs. She taught the fifth graders how to tell the difference between a raven and a crow.

TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE: Mrs. Hansson stated that all tax bills were printed and stuffed into envelopes today.

RECREATION: Mr. Harlow stated the pool is getting fixed. They put down pickleball lines on the courts this week.

LIBRARY: Mrs. Malmberg stated that programming for summer reading has been finalized and will be published soon.

POLICE DEPARTMENT: Chief Sanctuary stated that Sgt. Landry would be back to full duty next month. Additionally, the Police Department has been doing a lot of school safety programs.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer voiced her gratitude to those in attendance and called the meeting adjourned at 6:01 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary