The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

OCTOBER 26, 2017

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.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

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

The regular meeting resumed at 7:18 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of October 26, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this meeting to 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.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:42 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $21,449.73 for checks dated October 27, 2017.  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 October 21, 2017 in the amount of $21,596.89 for checks dated October 27, 2017.  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 $4,635.78 for the week ending October 21, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – October 19, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of October 19, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – October 19, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 19, 2017, 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.

STAFF MEETING – October 19, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of October 19, 2017, as submitted.  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:

• Zoning Board of Adjustment – October 10, 2017.

OLD BUSINESS:

Westberg Property:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Department of Environmental Services (DES) told Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) they wanted to do more testing. The DES discovered PFAS and PFOS where they thought they would.  They also discussed there had been a Teflon coating tank in the building that was demolished.  The DES had that information in their file.  At the last meeting of the Brownfields Committee meeting there was a lengthy discussion about this.  They found nothing on the property owned by the Walpole Foundation (apartment building).  Mrs. Pschirrer confirmed the Town would still take the Westberg property provided the State of NH would absolve them of all liability.  The committee then approved the money for Phase I.  The DES, SWRPC and Ransom Environment all want to do more testing with monitoring wells; lots #50 and #51 will be done.  The Westberg Estate will pay for this testing.  Mr. Stephen Rickerich, engineer from Ransom Environment, and SWRPC asked if the Town would ask permission of property owners, Mr. Adams and Ms. Phillips, to allow them to put test wells on their properties.  They also asked if the Public Works would mark the pavement in the road for the yards where these wells will be put.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned they will have to call Dig Safe.  Mr. Rau said the Highway Department could do the markings.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve having the Highway Department mark the pavement in the road for the additional Westberg monitoring wells.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Citizen’s Report 2017-17:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. Provencher regarding a fence along the railroad tracks at the North Walpole Park.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Water and Sewer Receipts and Update:  After looking at the latest report on Water and Sewer receipts and the update, the Selectboard felt a phenomenal job is being done by the office.

Policy SAF 100 Safety Program Update:  Mrs. Downing talked to Inspector Perry about the Town’s Safety Program.  She will re-do the list of the Town’s Safety Committee members to take the North Walpole Fire District and the Walpole Fire Department out.  The Walpole Fire Department will be required to have their own Safety Committee meetings as they have a total of 40+/- full-time and part-time members.  The North Walpole Fire District may not be required to have their own Safety Committee meetings if they have less than 15 members.

Complete Streets Public Hearing:  Ms. Mayberry advised the Planning Board talked about the Complete Streets Public Hearing at their workshop.  They had it in their minutes that the Planning Board would do the Public Hearing.  The Selectboard made a decision to schedule a Public Hearing on the Complete Streets program on Thursday, November 2^nd at 6:00 PM.  Copies of the recommendations will be available.

NEW BUSINESS:

Petitions for Pole Licensing:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised three Petitions for Pole Licensing were received from the Northern New England Telephone Company, FairPoint Communications and Liberty Utilities.  There are multiple poles and pages to sign.  The Petitions stating “North Walpole” rather than “Walpole” will be sent back for corrections.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Petition for Pole Licensing on Barnett Hill Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Police Vehicle Replacement:  Mrs. Pschirrer will continue to do research regarding taking funds out of the Capital Reserve funds to purchase a police cruiser.  Officer Landry was responding to a call when the cruiser was hit by another vehicle outside of Lola’s Restaurant in North Walpole. The cruiser is a total loss. The NH State Police are investigating.

Gun Fire at Rice Mountain:  Mr. Dalessio had a complaint about continuous gun fire at Rice Mountain.  It was for one day when the Police Department was qualifying for their re-certification.  He will respond to the complaint.

Whitcomb Trailer:  Mrs. Pschirrer will write a letter to Whitcomb Construction asking them to remove the trailer.

JROTC of Fall Mountain Request:   A request was received from the JROTC of Fall Mountain to help them find a place where they can continue their marksmanship studies.  They use pellet guns.  In the past they practiced in the basement of the V.F.W. in Charlestown. However, the space is being converted to a bar and the JROTC can no longer use it.  There are about 40 members; about 10 members participate in the marksmanship team. The Selectboard will think about this and try to find a space.

SWRPC Invitation to Fall Meeting:  The Selectboard will be unable to attend this SWRPC Fall meeting on Tuesday, November 14^th due to other conflicts.

Selectboard Meeting:  Ms. Mayberry had previously requested the Selectboard meeting on Thursday, December 14^th be moved back to Wednesday, December 13^th but because of a change in plans the meeting can still be held on Thursday, December 14^th.

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 8:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

2016 FINANCIAL AUDIT

OCTOBER 26, 2017

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

Staff Present:               Rich Kreissle, Tom Goins, Sarah Downing

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 5:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised this meeting is being recorded.  There were no members of the public in attendance.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised this Public Meeting was scheduled to discuss the 2016 Financial Audit.  Basically it was a good audit.  She feels financial audits should be reviewed by the people in charge.  This meeting is about focusing on the deficiency worksheets.  They are easy to take care of.  Some corrections were made from the previous audit.  Mrs. Pschirrer found it easy to work with the auditors from Vachon Clukay & Company PC.  They were accessible and helpful.  If the Selectboard, Manager of Finance and/or Town Treasurer object to something, a letter will be written to the auditors.  This Selectboard already dealt with Nos. 1, 2 and 3.  They had discussed proper procedures with the Manager of Finance.

The auditors felt the Town had left too much uninsured money at the end of the year.  Mr. Goins explained this is collateralization.  He had spent a considerable amount of time with the auditors talking to them about PDIP, the $250,000 General Fund and that he got the Savings Bank of Walpole (SBW) to give us collateral.  The SBW started out saying “no problem” and they would give the Town up to $4,000,000.  Later the CO of the SBW said they were not going to do that because it would cost them too much money.  Mr. Goins has an email from the SBW to confirm they negotiated $500,000.  He does not know if the auditors considered the $500,000 on top of the $250,000.  He had a lengthy conversation with the auditors as he does not feel any town should have to go out and pay for collateralization.  Mr. Kreissle and Mr. Goins work together closely and they are committed to having the least amount of money in the General Fund.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised if Mr. Goins wants to write a note to the auditors stating he disagrees with this, she would not have any trouble with that.  The Selectboard already signed off on their comments.  They had adopted procedure PT-004 which collateralizes all funds in excess of $750,000 with the SBW; the procedure was adopted in October 2017. Mr. Goins said it does not speak to the level of collateral; when he wrote the policy he thought he had $4,000,000.  He wants to respond and will draft something for the Selectboard to review.  Mr. Dalessio feels they should respond with a package.  They can revise the three comments they replied to in July.  Mr. Kreissle mentioned if they had less than the $250,000 at the end of the year, the auditors would not have commented.  Mr. Goins noted they do not have to collateralize PDIP.  He wants to be sure the auditors know what the Town did.  The auditors will continue to write us up unless there should be dialogue that a decision was made to not pay for collateral.  There was discussion relative to asking for a waiver.  Ms. Mayberry pointed out the auditors are going by a standard set of rules.  They are rigid with their rules and recommendations.  Mr. Goins does not feel an adverse report is good year-after-year; he would try to make it go away   Mr. Dalessio feels the question to ask is how does the Town stop this.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted there are many favorable comments in this audit.  Mr. Kreissle pointed out if someone were to come in to look at the audit they would see the adverse opinion but would also see the over-all favorable comments/opinion.  Mrs. Pschirrer is in favor of trying to talk to the auditors about how an adverse report can be eliminated.  Mr. Goins summarized it makes him and Mr. Kreissle feel they made a big mistake but they have not done that.

No. 4 is the Library credit card issue.  Mrs. Pschirrer will take the auditor’s notes to show members of the Library Board.  They use the credit card a great deal and pay the credit card bill from their checking account.  Mr. Dalessio would like to see their written procedure step-by-step.  There should be a deadline date when this will be done.  Mrs. Pschirrer will bring this up again with the Library Board.  They are Town employees.

No. 5 is an audit of cash. Reconciliation and trial balances at the year end.  Mr. Kreissle advised this has been a battle since 2011.  There was an inaccurate conversion in 2011.  They would like to identify different pieces each year.  He is aware of this on-going process and both he and the auditors will continue to work on this.  They are looking for the variance; is it consistent.  If so, it gives the auditors a lead.  Mr. Dalessio summarized this is an on-going process and the Town of Walpole and auditors are well aware of it.  Mr. Goins mentioned there is no allowance for doubtful accounts.  Mrs. Pschirrer has spent hours working with Mr. Kreissle and Mrs. Karen Galloway on unraveling the Hooper items because the auditors found discrepancies.  They continue to work on this.

No. 6 is various cash disbursements.   The auditors concluded there are opportunities to strengthen controls.  They noted 36 instances of expenses and expenditures without approval of purchase, account coding, supporting documentation and discrepancies in the total amount.  Mr. Kreissle feels this is going away because he implemented and explained his new procedure.   Mr. Dalessio noted there are still invoices with no purchase orders.  Why are Department Heads purchasing without purchase orders?  Mrs. Pschirrer said there is an inconsistency from one department to another.  Where do they want the mail to go?  It arrives in this office first.  Mr. Kreissle thought when Mrs. Daigle opens the mail the invoices get put in the appropriate boxes.  Mr. Goins noted the Accounts Payable person, who is Mr. Kreissle, should not pay a bill unless he had a purchase order or receiving report and an invoice.  Mr. Kreissle is now doing this.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned invoices should have a purchase number on them.  Mr. Goins felt this will go away with this process.  Mrs. Pschirrer will discuss this with department managers during the December Staff Meeting.  The Recycling Center is the only department without a part-time administrative assistant, who are a big help.

No. 7 is payroll processing from various payroll transactions throughout the year.  There are opportunities to strengthen controls.  A total of 52 deviations were noted of areas where controls can be strengthened.  These include incorrect pay received, missing signatures from employees and/or department heads for approval, inaccurate hours reported on time cards, inaccurate hours paid to employees, invalid documentations or unavailable documentation of rate of pay and check information not matching against check cleared on bank statement.   Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned department managers have been reminded of this and will need to continue to be reminded.   Mr. Kreissle noted some of these are department manager issues.  Ms. Mayberry said if there is a discrepancy they need to correct, they should put it aside and write a note advising the department supervisor to come in to sign or take care of what needs to be corrected.  Mrs. Pschirrer summarized they are working on it and it continues to get better.

No. 8 references credit card activity – noting an opportunity to strengthen controls.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned needing a procedure.  She would never pay a bill unless the receipt has all the information on it.  It needs to have the name of the person who used it and who was involved.

No. 9 is the result of examination of water and sewer activity noting an opportunity to strengthen controls. Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out they have done a lot on this during the current year.  It is doubtful they will find anything wrong this year.

Mrs. Pschirrer started to do a summary.  They are working on No. 4 through 9.  Mr. Goins will send the Selectboard an email on how he would address this so a letter can be written to the auditors.  Mrs. Pschirrer said they will then know the Selectboard is paying attention to the comments.

Mr. Kreissle advised there is good news.  There has been a question about the MS-434 and the TransCanada money; this does not go against the budget appropriations and does not need to be included in the MS-434.  Mr. Goins noted that $97,000+- was transferred from the Conservation Commission savings account into a PDIP account.

Mr. Dalessio asked if the Capital Reserves were in PDIP would they have to have a special meeting to take money out.   Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned if the Trustees of the Trust Funds had all the paperwork, they would contact Cambridge Trust and a check would be issued.  There were no special meetings when funds were withdrawn for the Fire Department, Fall Mountain Region School District or the North Walpole Village.  Mr. Goins feels PDIP is just another place to put their money.  Mrs. Pschirrer feels Capital Reserve funds are the same; when needed the funds are spent.  It depends on whether or not the Town has adopted RSA 41:14. The Town should also adopt RSA 35:15.  More interest is earned in a PDIP account than a Capital Reserve fund.                         

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer declared this Selectboard meeting adjourned at 6:24 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

OCTOBER 26, 2017

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:20 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – October 19, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of October 19, 2017, 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:

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

The regular Hooper Trustees meeting resumed at 7:34 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of October 26, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mansion Furniture Sale:  Mrs. Pschirrer has some volunteers working on the furniture sale on November 10^th that include Mrs. Downing, Mrs. Sue Dalessio and 2-or-3 people from the Women of Walpole.  They hope to have enough volunteers to have one person in every room.  They will open at 4:00 PM; there will be a $10/admission fee.  Saturday, November 11^th they will open at 8:00 AM; there is no admission fee.  She needs to recruit more people.  Closing time will be at 2:00 PM.  If people ask if they will consider a different price they will be referred to Mrs. Pschirrer.  At noon everything will be half-price.

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 7:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

OCTOBER 19, 2017

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

Call to Order:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 6:38 PM.

Meetinghouse West, LLC:  Mr. Jeff Miller, Mr. Phil Hicks and Mr. Noel Cassidy were representing Meetinghouse West, LLC.  Mr. Hicks advised the golf club sends equipment out to be sharpened during the winter and asked if he should do the same this winter.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted the Hooper Trustees have a date of January 2, 2018 to close on the property.  She is meeting with Mr. Sheehan’s architect tomorrow as he will inspect the Mansion and barn.  E.E. Houghton & Company was asked to attend as the furnace will need to be turned on as a part of the inspection.  The architect will be back on Sunday to inspect the pro shop.  Hopefully, Mr. Joe Goodhue will be in the area so the house can be inspected as well.  At this time we do not know what the tax rate will be for next year.  She felt Mr. Hicks could call Mr. Sheehan to ask about the equipment.  The mowers and golf carts do not belong to the Hooper Trust.  Most of the furniture will be sold.  Ms. Sharon Boccelli has priced all of it.  Some items, especially civil war items, will be sold at one of Ms. Boccelli’s auctions.  The golf pictures will be given to Mr. Sheehan.  Mr. Sheehan continues to make plans for the property.  He wants to make this golf club a destination place.  Replying to a question from Mr. Hicks, Mrs. Pschirrer noted at the end of the year Meetinghouse West will be filing tax returns and the money that is left will come back to the Hooper Trust.  Mr. J. Miller will have authority to write checks for Meetinghouse West after Mr. Goodhue has moved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – October 11, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of October 11, 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 to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $5,128.12.  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 6:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

OCTOBER 19, 2017

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 that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were four people in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

William Callahan – re: Land Donation:  Mr. Callahan has a piece of property off the Old Keene Road that was gifted to him.  The property is land-locked therefore has no access but it abuts the Mason Forest property.  He would like to donate the 3.6 acres to the Conservation Commission / Town of Walpole.  Mrs. Pschirrer explained the procedure.  The Town can accept property but they have to hold two Public Hearings before the decision is made to accept it.  Mrs. Pschirrer will ask Mrs. Alicia Flammia, Chair of the Conservation Commission, to put this on their Agenda for the next meeting on Monday, November 6^th at 7:30 PM in the downstairs office of the Town Hall.  Mr. Callahan should attend this meeting and ask the Conservation Commission to pay for the survey.  Mrs. Pschirrer will ask them to pay for the transfer documents.  An easement will protect the property in perpetuity.  The two Selectboard Public Hearings were scheduled for Thursday, November 9^th and Thursday, 30^th, 2017.  The Selectboard will be able to accept this gift during their meeting on Thursday, December 7^th.  It will be done by the end of the year.

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 at 6:38 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:58 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $633,796.12 for checks dated October 20, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

This includes a monthly payment in the amount of $535,300.00 for the Fall Mountain Region School District.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending October 14, 2017, in the amount of $22,768.70 for checks dated October 20, 2017.  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 $4,875.78 for the week ending October 14, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – October 11, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of October 11, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – October 11, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 11, 2017.  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 meetings:

• Walpole Planning Board – October 10, 2017;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – October 3, 2017.

OLD BUSINESS:

Petition and Pole Conduit License:  On October 4^th, 2017, the Selectboard met with representatives from Fairpoint regarding a Petition and Pole Conduit License.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept and sign the Fairpoint Petition and Pole Conduit License.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Donation of Hours to Pooled Sick Leave / Request to Use Pooled Sick Leave:  The three Selectboard approved the Donation of Hours to Pooled Sick Leave and the Request to Use Pooled Sick Leave forms.   This will be effective immediately.

Policy SAF 100 Safety Program Update:  Mrs. Downing explained the old Safety Program had a Selectboard member being the Chair.  Going forward a committee member will be the Chair for two quarters and then there will be a different Chair for the last two quarters.  Mr. Paul Colburn will be the first Chair.  She asked if the Walpole Fire Department and North Walpole Fire Department should attend.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned this is a State of NH issue; it is not a Primex issue.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended leaving them on the list and to notify them of meetings.

Distribution List:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of an email from Mrs. Marilou Blaine regarding the distribution of agendas and minutes of both the Planning Board and Zoning Board to all elected officials.  She found sending to all elected officials time consuming and problematic.  Mr. Dalessio recommended Mrs. Downing send them out to all the Team Walpole members.

NEW BUSINESS:

Police Grants: Mr. Dalessio had the Police Grants

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize Mr. Steve Dalessio to sign all the Police Grants as their Selectboard liaison.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  Mr. Dalessio abstained from the vote.

Citizen’s Report 2017-14:  This Citizen’s Report was from a person who rented the Gazebo and Town Hall for a wedding.  They had to clean the Gazebo before they used it.  Their caterer was upset with how dirty the kitchen was.  Mr. Dalessio recommended the Gazebo be rented “where it is, as is” because they will never be able to control the dirt and stains.  This should be made part of the rental agreement.  He recommended bringing in a good cleaning service for the kitchen and dusting the meeting room; after that try to maintain it. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned at some point the filters and vents above the stove also need a cleaning.  Mrs. Downing noted the Town Hall gets a lot of use.  She was authorized to hire someone to do a professional cleaning.  Mrs. Pschirrer will write a letter for the Selectboard to sign next week.

Citizen’s Report 2017-15:  A person who lives on Barnett Hill Road is concerned because a neighbor has a shooting range.  Police Chief Paquette has spent a considerable amount of time with both parties.  Mrs. Pschirrer read the RSAs and the neighbor has a right to do what he is doing.  It has to be dealt with neighbor-to-neighbor.

Citizen’s Report 2017-16:  Mr. Provencher said now that the trees and brush have been cut in the North Walpole Park around the tunnel opened the area to the railroad tracks.  Now small children are playing in the park and running onto the tracks.  For safety reasons he would like a fence put up immediately.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted the Town Highway Department has not been cutting in that area.  Ms. Mayberry suggested he check with the North Walpole Village Commissioners to see if any work had been done in that area. Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a reply letter and bring it back for the Selectboard to review.

DOT Notice re: Capital Funds for Transit Bus Program:  A letter was received from the NH Department of Transportation regarding Available Capital Funds FTA Section 5339 Bus and Bus Facilities Program.  This does not apply to Walpole at this time.

Thank You Letter from Monadnock Family Services:  Acknowledgement was made of receipt of a Thank You letter from the Monadnock Family Services for the Town’s donation.

Thank You letter from CASA:  A Thank You letter was received from CASA for the Town’s donation.

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, (b) Hiring and (c) Reputations.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:34 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:20 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 19, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Change of Selectboard Meeting Date:  The Selectboard will change their meeting date from Thursday, November 23^rd (Thanksgiving Day) to Wednesday, November 22^nd, 2017 at 6:30 PM.

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 8:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

OCTOBER 19, 2017

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

Also Present:                Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Police Chief Michael Paquette (Police Department), Michael Rau (Highway Department), Paul Colburn (Recycling Center), Rebecca Whippie (Hooper Institute)

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.  Rich Kreissle (Department of Finance), Justine Fafara (Library), Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector) and Justin Cassarino (Recreation Department) were not present.

Hooper Institute:  Ms. Becky Whippie provided the following report for the Hooper Institute dated October 19, 2017:

Mrs. Eloise Clark and Ms. Whippie worked in the Community Gardens on the food shelf sections yesterday.  Mrs. Eloise Clark has been harvesting the gardens with students at the Walpole Elementary School and the produce is sent to the kitchen.  On October 28^th the Community Garden is having a soil amendment day, general clean-up day and Garlic Planting Workshop by Fritze Till from 10:00am to Noon.  Things are still in the garden like kale.

Ms. Whippie has been working with Pre-K, Kindergarten and Third Grade about tree identification, photosynthesis, the color of chlorophyll, leaf marking, rubbing with labels, etc.  In the Fourth Grade they have been talking about apples, apple orchards, the life cycle, taste comparisons, press cider, draw and label apple varieties (6); a neighbor had a beautiful crab apple tree and she was very kind to allow each student to pick an apple off her tree.  They could see the apple parts connections to the apple unit from the life cycle.  They did an apple exploration with the Pre-K and First Grade.  In the Second Grade Ms. Whippie has been working with soils, making loam, microbes.  They pulled up some of the bean plants and found little nitrogen nodules on them.  Then they harvested bigger nodules on potatoes.  With all the students she talked about frost and the freezing point of water.  With Kindergarten, First and Fourth Grades they did seed saving with calendula, garlic, chives and kale.

Mrs. Clark does the Fifth and Sixth Grades and enhances the Seventh and Eighth Grades curriculum.   Sometimes they do canning but not in the schools; they harvest and Ms. Whippie takes it home to can.  In Kindergarten they harvested mint and she made mint jelly for the students to taste.  Second Grade is the green bean producers and they enjoy Dilly Beans.

In the garden in the last two weeks they harvested pumpkins (best crop they ever had), butternut squash, strawberry popcorn, rhubarb, green beans, cherry tomatoes, potatoes, kale and garlic chives.  The students quite often ask Ms. Whippie if they can have kale today; it brightens her day.  She never says “no” to that.  They also do some conservation by managing the garden produce.

Mrs. Pschirrer understands that Mrs. Clark and Ms. Whippie were given a new award from the NH Association of Conservation Districts.  The award is for the “NH State Educators of the Year”.  Ms. Whippie explained that each year the county submits their award winner to the State.  The presentation will be on November 2^nd at the NH Conservation District’s Annual Banquet.  Each year this is held in the county where the award is being presented.  The Selectboard stated they are very proud of both of them.  It is quite an honor.

Recycling Center:  Mr. Paul Colburn provided a monthly report as of October 18, 2017.  The budget for 2017 is $166,350.00 and the actual, as of this date, is $138,915.28.  They do not plan on shipping out more plastic this year because it takes a lot to get the weight.  Over-all they are on course.  Mr. Colburn reviewed the numbers on his “Three Year Comparison to Recyclables”.  A lot of the flow up-and-down is commercial.  He explained the “Daily Weight Report and 3 Year to Date Comparison”. This remains pretty consistent.  The schools do a lot of recycling. There have been increases this month with cardboard.

Mr. Colburn reported the Boy Scouts set up on September 23^rd from 9:00 am to Noon and sold $355.00 of popcorn, $69.00 of Beef Jerky and had donations of $152.00.  The cement blocks were deteriorating so they repaired those in-house.  Some items were removed from the Town Hall.  On Fridays when the Highway Department is not working they have been able to use their backhoe to pack down boxes.  They gave the Police Department two file cabinets.  Walpole School’s Running of the Chickens raffle was held on Saturday from 9:00 am to Noon.  The Re-use hut will be closing at the end of the month.  Last month commercial businesses in the Town and the schools gave them substantial amounts of cardboard, boxes, mixed paper, 1 trailer, 4 loads of wood and recyclables.  Next year the Recycling Center will be 35 years old.  Some people expressed an interest in doing something like an event.  There will be a Safety Committee meeting on Friday, November 3^rd at 2:15 pm.  Mrs. Pschirrer is pleased the departments are helping each other.

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing provided the following report dated October 19, 2017:

Assessing Update:

• The MS-1 report which sets the total valuation for the Town of Walpole was submitted to the state on Sept. 29^th.
• DRA assessors were in Town within the last two weeks auditing 36 properties that were measured and listed by Avitar assessors during the revaluation process.
• Property owners that feel that their property tax assessment was incorrect can submit an abatement request form. Providing the rational as to why the property assessment is not correct will be the responsibility of the property owner.  Abatement forms are available in the Town Hall in the hallway near the tax maps and card area.  Forms will be accepted by the Selectboard Office starting on January 2, 2018.  The last day to submit abatement requests is March 1^st per RSA.

Water and Sewer:

• Meter readings began on Wednesday, October 4^th through Friday, October 6^th with manual and credit meter readings being completed by October 17, 2017. Daigle is checking all the data.
• Meter readings have been downloaded. Invoicing is to occur the week of October 23^rd.
• The October dated water and sewer invoice will cover a 4-month interval (June, July, August and September). The next billing will be for a 3-month and will be the first quarterly bill for 2018.

Town Hall Facilities and Technology Updates:

• The corner Town Hall sign has been installed. The wall sign for the Southeast area of the building is currently in production.
• Cement fixes were completed for walkways and entrances.
• Energy Efficient LED light bulbs have been installed in the current outdoor light fixtures. New outside fixtures for the north and east side entrances will be installed in 2018.
• The ants in the kitchen have been dealt a blow and have retreated from the sink area. Pschirrer mentioned the ants are back.  The battle continues.
• Another load of documents to be shredded has been gathered by the Town Clerk and Tax Collector’s Office.
• A laptop has been ordered for the Recycling Department. It will be here tomorrow.

Save the Dates:

• Friday, October 20^th will be a Health Trust Benefits presentation from 1-2 pm to all full-time Town employees. Mandatory attendance is required for this employee group.
• Friday, November 3^rd from 1-2 pm is the annual Harassment Awareness Training for all Town of Walpole employees. Attendance is mandatory.  If an employee cannot attend this training, a certificate of attendance for an online course or training with another group can be submitted.

Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau presented the following report for the period of September 20, 2017 to October 18, 2017.  They finished roadside mowing today.  Following are other projects that were completed:

• Cold patch;
• Serviced trucks and equipment;
• Trash Cans;
• Installed 2 culverts on Hayes Road;
• Replaced culvert on Maple Grove Road;
• Replaced culvert on Meetinghouse Road and ditched; it looks a lot better;
• Fixed minor washouts not previously worked on; Ramsey Hill, Old Keene Road,
• Dug out School Street culvert – Mr. Rau is talking to Mr. Mark Houghton on how to proceed with drainage work this area;
• Truck inspections;
• Cleaned up the shop yard; they screened quite a bit of sand to level the area to make it more efficient.
• They screened sand so now have more winter sand.

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned how nice it is to have good, smooth roads in Town; some were done by the State and some by the Town Highway Department.  She would like to write a letter to the Department of Transportation thanking them for the paving done in Walpole.  Those roads are now passable.

Police Department:  Police Chief Mike Paquette submitted a report from September 16, 2017 through October 15, 2017.  The total number of calls for service was 393.

• Public Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls – 34              Administration – 60                 Citizen Assists – 46

• Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 7                           MV Stops – 137                       Traffic Safety – 18

• Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol – 34        Crimes Against A Person – 38              Crimes Against Property-19

They are trying to get as many grants as they can.  The State is allowing them to participate in next year’s program for radar, DUI stops, etc.  They have had some good arrests and stops so the grant programs were beneficial.  They are down a little on Public Safety Calls but that is always changing month-to-month and down a little bit from last month on Criminal Investigations.  They closed their application process for the new potential hire.  They have four-to-five applicants which is good.  They will go through the complete program for them anticipating there will be one for the January Police Academy.  There are stringent requirements to get hired today.  They want to get the best candidate they can.  Physical tests will start in about a week-and-a-half.  Area police departments are down and looking for officers.  It is hard to find people to work in these jobs.  Officer Gosetti was promoted to Corporal.  He is also the part-time Chief of Langdon.  The Running of the Chickens is this Saturday therefore Chief Paquette will be spending about three hours getting everything organized in the Village.  Chief Paquette met with the Head Start group in Drewsville and dispersed Halloween bags to them.  They will also be dispersing them on “Take Back Drug Day” and on Halloween night.  The Police and Principal Sam Jacobs of the Walpole Middle School had a lock-in training with the teachers and students.  A few officers will be heading to the AG Conference in the White Mountains; it will focus on up-grades for domestic matters and protocols on juvenile cases.  After the officers come back they will talk to the other officers that could not attend.  The new door is in on the back of the building.  He thanked Mr. Colburn for the pallets and the filing cabinets were put to good use.

Chief Paquette reported they had twelve false alarms at Tractor Supply since January.  The officers make sure the building is secure.  The neighbors have not complained.  When the officers get called out they get paid for three hours so they are good about checking other areas rather than just going home.  Tractor Supply has not reported any thefts or anyone actually getting into the building.  He will send a letter to the Tractor Supply headquarters to advise when another false alarm comes in they will be billed for the service.  Mr. Dalessio felt they should start enforcing the policy for every business in Town.

There were two young men in Town who found a wallet that was stolen in Bellows Falls and returned it to the Walpole Police Department.  Chief Paquette would like to draft a nice letter to thank them for what they did and give them a gift card.  He wants to recognize them.

They had to use After Math to clean one of the cruisers of the bio-hazards.  They responded within two hours and did a really good job.

Town Clerk / Tax Collector:  Mrs. Smith was unable to attend but submitted the following report dated October 19, 2017.

She took a couple of vacation days.  They need to take them now, as TAXES will be coming soon and then no time off until the money is in!  She will be back on Friday to attend the HealthTrust presentation.

They have accomplished quite a bit this month.

On October 2^nd they changed to the “ONE CHECK SYSTEM”.  The customer only writes one check payable to the Town of Walpole.  Previously they needed to write two checks, one for the Town and one for the State of NH.  They now deposit all monies into a Town Account and Rich sends the State money to the State electronically.  Rich and she have spent hours preparing for this change.  Tom Goins also was very involved with this change; he worked very closely with Savings Bank of Walpole.

State of NH Department of Motor Vehicles successfully installed their new software program “VISION”.  This mandated that all town clerks and motor vehicle sub stations must be closed October 6^th until October 11^th.  There were a few small issues but except for running a little slow everything seems to be working.

October 26^th they should receive their Credit Card Machines!  Customers have been asking for them.  They will be able to process Debit and Credit cards, scan them or use the chip.  This will just be for the Town Clerk’s department.  Property taxes may come at a later date.

They also have shipped boxes of old records to be shredded; they are cleaning out their store room.  Sarah found a great company and soon they will have this project completed.

October has been a very exciting month.  Tax Collection is slow; they collected $75,008.04 for the period of 09-21-17 to 10-13-17.  The Town Clerk’s department collected $39,521.70 town income and $13,510.29 for the State MV Department.

Library:  Mrs. Justine Fafara was unable to attend this meeting but submitted the following report for the Walpole Town Library, dated October 19^th, 2017:

September 2016 Stats:                                     September 2017 Stats:

23 Days Open                                                  23 Days Open

1588 People                                                     1450 Prople

2187 Circ                                                         2146 Circ

33 Programs                                                     34 Programs

181 Kids                                                          91 Kids

25 Teens                                                          53 Teens

142 Adults                                                       152 Adults

September 2016 Avg: 69 ppl & 95 circ/day     September 2017 Avg: 63 ppl & 93 circ/day

11 people per program                                     9 people per program

North Walpole Stats:

September 2016                                                           September 2017

196 circ                                                                       223 circ

69 people                                                         85 people

16 computer                                                    3 computer

6 video circ

We will notice a large decline in the number of kids who attended programs this September compared to last September.  Part of this is that some of the patrons we categorized as “kids” last year are now “teens” and we will notice that number increased.  The other reason for the decrease is the number of kids participating in soccer, and soccer practice for middle school kids is every day after school, as opposed to once a week for the younger kids.  They expect these numbers to be back up once soccer is over.

Mrs. Fafara will be in Burlington, VT for a New England Library Association Conference next week, the 22^nd to 24^th.

They met with Barry Bellows, their builder, and Dan Scully, their architect, about the library expansion project and the budget for the project yesterday, the 18^th.  Hopefully she will have fabulous drawings to show the Selectboard soon.

Their volunteer appreciation dinner is scheduled for November 7^th at 6:00 pm in the Town Hall.

They have some great programs coming up at the library including a workshop on buying and selling houses this Saturday and family movie night next Thursday.  All their programs are advertised on their Facebook page and their website.

The Friends of the Library Book Sale is next weekend.  Friday is a preview night with a $20 charge.  This is meant mostly for book sellers and dealers.  Saturday and Sunday are free and open to the public.  Cash and checks are accepted.

Walpole Recreation:  Mr. Cassarino was unable to attend but submitted a report dated October 19, 2017.

Soccer:

1. Very busy season this year
2. Kids are enjoying themselves and learning a lot;
3. Coaches are doing a great job of holding practices and making sure the kids are learning the skills necessary.
4. Have had a few parents ask to set up a Soccer Committee;
5. He told them that he did not want to have a separate committee from the Recreation Committee;
6. Encouraged them to attend the next Recreation Committee meeting in November to share their ideas;
7. Spoke with two parents and they have some great ideas to help continue to improve the program
8. Asked for their help in developing a soccer camp/clinic during the spring.

Basketball:

1. Have started getting everything together for the season.
2. Trying to see if it is possible to do a clinic for the younger kids on the weekends (still working on this).

Other Business:

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that on November 16^th the three Selectboard members and Mr. Rich Kreissle will be attending the NH Municipal Association meeting.  There will be no Department Manager’s meeting in November but monthly reports can still be submitted.

Adjournment:  Mrs. Pschirrer closed this Staff Meeting at 6:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Sara Downing thought these meetings might be more interesting than usual because of the upcoming auction. – Lil

TOWN OF WALPOLE

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

OCTOBER 4, 2017

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:19 PM.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – September 28, 2017: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of September 28, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Letter to Jeff Miller.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. Jeff Miller with regards to the Hooper Golf Club.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned when Mr. Ron Rosko attended a meeting a few weeks the Hooper Trustees indicated they would let him know if they found anything about the Hooper Golf Club owing the Hooper Trust money.  She suggested writing a letter to advise the Hooper Golf Club owes $5,900.00 to the Trust to complete their 2015 lease obligations.  Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry agreed writing this letter would be appropriate.

Mansion Furniture:  Mrs. Pschirrer will be meeting at the Mansion with Ms. Sharon Boccelli and another antique appraiser to look at the furniture.  Mrs. Pschirrer will also contact two other people who expressed an interest in some of the furniture.

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 8:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

OCTOBER 4, 2017

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 that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were nine members of the public in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

FAIRPOINT REQUEST:  Ms. Stephanie Hosking and Ms. Jane Miller were present.  Ms. Hosking had previously spoken with Mrs. Downing about a concrete pad site to set up their equipment cabinet.  This site is on a pull-off across from Walpole Interiors/entrance to Whitcomb Road/ Route 123 on the west side or Rt. 12.  Ms. Hosking was at the site with a NH DOT engineer who has given approval to go through their easement area to connect with the pad site.  The Town of Walpole owns the strip of land to the west of Route 12 over the old railroad bed down to the Connecticut River.  The existing pole would be replaced to allow them to get five (5) feet higher.  They have copper and fiber-optic cables.  She explained that cables run across both the Arch Bridge and Vilas Bridge to make their connections.  There are currently sites and plans being made to expand to other areas. They are working on step one of their long-range plan.  Ms. Hosking would like the Selectboard’s permission to put the pad there.  They have staked the site.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they need permission but do they also need a legal easement.  Ms. Miller mentioned in other towns they sometimes do a license or an easement.  It would be a one-time license; the easement runs with the land.  Poles are licensed.  The Selectboard would prefer a license.  Mrs. Pschirrer will forward the license to the Town Attorney for a legal opinion.  Ms. Miller said before they put a shovel in the ground they call Dig Safe and contact the Town.  Ms. Mayberry felt they would need a building permit as the land is located in North Walpole.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Fairpoint’s request to put a concrete pad in the pull-off directly across from Walpole Interiors for the purpose of having an equipment cabinet placed on it.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mrs. Downing to send a copy of her email to the North Walpole Commissioners for their information.

PROPERTY LINE DISPUTE:  Mrs. Barbara Chabot, Mr. Jeff Aldrich, Mrs. Kim Surles and Mr. Scott Surles were present.  Mrs. Kim Surles and Mr. Scott Surles own the property on 164 Wentworth Road.  In March of 2015 they put their house on the market.  Shortly thereafter Mrs. Chabot asked her if she could cut some trees on the Surles’ property.  Mrs. Surles said “no” as the trees provide privacy.  In August of 2016 Mrs. Chabot asked Mrs. Surles again if she could cut some trees.  Mrs. Surles again said “no”.  Mrs. Surles began documenting the small trees and brush cuttings.  In October 2016 she confronted Mr. Aldrich who said he was on his own property and had every right to clean up and cut brush in that area.  She told him where the stakes were; he needed to stop and get off her property.  When Mr. Aldrich continued to cut Mrs. Surles went to the Police Station and filed a report.  Chief Paquette told Mrs. Chabot not to cut any more trees and get off the Surles property.  In August 2017 their realtor asked Mrs. Surles to clearly stake the property along Wentworth Road because a potential buyer wants to know where the lines are.  Mr. and Mrs. Surles had Mr. Joe DiBernardo come, locate and stake pins.  About a week later the stakes were taken down and thrown in a pile on her property so she reported it to Sgt. Sanctuary.  On September 27^th, 2017 Mr. Aldrich was there again cutting trees and weed whacking so Mrs. Surles called the Police Department again.  Chief Paquette came and told Mrs. Chabot and Mr. Aldrich to not cut anymore until they know where their stakes are and until they have this meeting with the Selectboard.  Mr. Aldrich threatened Mrs. Surles with physical harm twice; there were two witnesses.

Chief Paquette told Mrs. Surles not to confront Mr. Aldrich at all. The next day they were mowing on her property again.  The Surles are going to have the surveyors come back again next week to put the pins in again and clearly marked.  Mrs. Surles wanted this to be on the record.  What does she have to do to protect her property?

Mrs. Chabot thought this meeting was to discuss where the stakes are and where the property line goes.  She knows where the line is on the Wentworth Road and then it goes into a stake that Mr. Aldrich found and put a red tag on it.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if Mrs. Chabot has a survey of her property.  Mrs. Chabot does not.  Mr. Aldrich saw the stakes.  He said all Mrs. Surles had to do was knock on his mother’s door and tell her where they were.  Mrs. Chabot only has the deed and a map given to her by the office staff.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they share the boundary line between the two properties.  The Selectboard has no authority to settle property line disputes.  If Mr. Aldrich crosses that property line he is trespassing.  Mr. Dalessio suggested when Mr. Joe DiBernardo comes back to re-stake the property that Mr. Aldrich and Mrs. Chabot walk the line with him so they will know where it is.  They can run twine between the stakes to be sure where the line is.  Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that Mrs. Surles will give Mrs. Chabot a copy of the survey and it will be recorded.

NEW CIVIC GROUP:  Ms. Meghan Hughes is making a request for a new civic group, Fall Mountain Alliance, to use the Town Hall to do public presentations.  A waiver of cost and insurance is requested.  They are a non-partisan group. They plan to host a voter education event to allow voters to get acquainted with who represents them at the state level and to find out about what issues the state legislature will address in January 2018.  Ms. Joanne Andros explained they will invite elected State officials. Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the Town has a policy for non-profit organizations to have access to the Town Hall free of charge.  Ms. Hughes said they are a local group of people; the leadership is from Walpole.  Their request is to use of the Town Hall on December 6^th, 2017.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the request from the Fall Mountain Alliance to use the Town Hall on Wednesday, December 6^th, 2017, at no charge.  The insurance coverage is waived.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $69,416.54 for checks dated October 6, 2017.  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 September 30, 2017, in the amount of $24,459.56 for checks dated October 6, 2017.  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 $5,624.28 for the week ending September 30, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 28, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of September 28, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved. 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – September 28, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 28, 2017, 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 REPORT:

The Selectboard received and reviewed minutes of the following meeting:

• Trustees of Trust Funds – August 22, 2017.

OLD BUSINESS:

Landfill Closure Monitoring:   Mrs. Pschirrer reported four bids were received to do the landfill closure monitoring.  Sample gathering and reporting plus lab fees and the total were reviewed.  The Selectboard requested a note be placed on the purchase order stating the vendor is responsible to meet all Department of Environmental Services (DES), State and Federal reporting standards.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the McKibben Environmental LLC proposal for the Landfill Closure Monitoring.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the McKibben Environmental LLC contract.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Complete Streets Recommendation List:  Ms. Mayberry requested the Planning Board go back and officially do the Complete Streets Recommendations in a public meeting.  The Planning Board will meet again on Tuesday, October 10^th.  This will be an agenda item for next week.

NEW BUSINESS:

Town Hall Rental:  The Saxtons River Art Guild rents the Town Hall every year.  They want to use it on October 7^th and 8^th, 2017 and use both floors.

Ms. Mayberry moved to waive the insurance requirement for the Saxtons River Art Guild for using the Town Hall on October 7^th and 8^th, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Lien Discharges:

Sewer Lien Discharge:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Lien Discharge for sewer usage at 40 Center Street in North Walpole.  Seconded by Mr. Dalesssio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Thank You Letters: 

YMCA:  The Selectboard acknowledged a Thank You note from the Town’s continued support of the YMCA for Camp Takodah.  They are requesting that this appropriation be included in the 2018 budget.

Community Travel Service:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported this service has drivers in Walpole and they service Walpole therefore they are asking for the Town’s continued support.

SAFETY COMMITTEE and PRIME Discount from Primex:  Mrs. Downing attended a Primex meeting recently.  The Town could receive an insurance discount from Primex if they meet the requirements.  Only one Safety Committee meeting was scheduled to date in April 2017.  Mr. Dalessio explained the make-up of the Safety Committee and their responsibilities. Mr. Paul Colburn was to be the first Chairman of this committee but the Chair should be rotated every six months.  There should be four quarterly meetings each year.  A Vice-Chair can be elected. Mr. Dalessio mentioned there are two important things that need to be done: 1) a full-inspection, and 2) for each area there needs to be an inspection of fire exits.  The next meeting will be scheduled by Mr. Colburn.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 81-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:01 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:18 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 4, 2017, 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.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:40 PM.

Audit Letter:  Mrs. Pschirrer would like to find a time when they can meet with Mr. Kreissle and Mr. Goins to discuss the audit letters.  There are some things to do that are not difficult.  Mr. Dalessio suggested meeting on Thursday, October 26, 2017, at 5:30 PM.  Mrs. Pschirrer will let Mr. Kreissle and Mr. Goins know this meeting has been scheduled.

Joint Meeting:  Mr. Edkins from the Town of Charlestown has not yet confirmed the meeting date and time for the Selectboards from the five towns to have a Joint Meeting to discuss the proposed Fall Mountain Region School District budget.

Next Selectboard Meeting:  The next Selectboard meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11^th at 8:00 am.  There will be no public discussion.

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 8:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

SEPTEMBER 28, 2017

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 that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There was one member of the public in attendance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $67,326.01, for checks dated September 29, 2017.  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 September 23, 2017 in the amount of $23,800.16 for checks dated September 29, 2017.  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 $5,141.28 for the week ending September 23, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 21, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of September 21, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – September 21, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of September 21, 2017, 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.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – September 21, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of September 21, 2017, 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.

STAFF MEETING MINUTES – September 21, 2017: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of September 21, 2017, as submitted.  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 meetings:

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners – September 19, 2017;
• Walpole Planning Board Workshop Session – September 26, 2017. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio attended this Workshop.

BUILDING PERMITS:

WALPOLE HOMEMADE CHOCOLATES, LLC, 35 Main Street, Map and Lot #020-080-000: 

Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-33 for Walpole Homemade Chocolates, LLC to add an “8’ x 6’ Covered Porch Entrance” at 35 Main Street.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ROBERT and MARILY COHEN, 223 Watkins Hill Road, Map and Lot #005-055-000:

Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-36 for Robert and Marilyn Cohen to add a “22’ x 36’ New Kitchen, Laundry & Sitting Room Addition” at 223 Watkins Hill Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

RENEWAL, AT & T, 88 Scovill Road, Map and Lot #003-082-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant a Renewal of Building Permit No. 2016-36 for the University of New Hampshire, AT & T to “Upgrade existing facility per prior permit #2016-36” at 88 Scovill Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

BRUCE LaBELLE:  Mr. LaBelle lives on County Road and was concerned as he had not heard anything about his appeal. Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard Office was trying to reach him by phone to schedule a hearing but he was not responding.  Mr. LaBelle was having a problem with his phone messages.  Mrs. Loren Martin from Avitar Associates is required to attend.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended trying to have Mrs. Martin attend this hearing on October 19^th or October 26^th.  The response to the State is due November 4^th.

RECREATION REVOLVING FUND REQUEST – Volley Ball Net – North Walpole Park:  Mr. Bill Gallagher and Mr. Don Provencher came into the meeting.  Mr. Gallagher had talked with Ms. Mayberry about security with the North Walpole Park.  They had talked about lighting for the “subway” area as it is very dark there so there have been some issues.  Ms. Mayberry noted this concern is shared with Police Chief Paquette.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned when the request for a volley ball net came in he remembered that in the past nets had been cut down and poles broken.  Mr. Gallagher explained this time they were looking at sturdy galvanized poles and the net itself would be removal so it could be stored somewhere else.  As a group they felt this would work.  Mr. Provencher mentioned more adult people are visiting the park; there is a bench and picnic table.  Younger children are coming in with their parents.  Mrs. Pschirrer heard that Mrs. Nancy Shepard had ordered 50 daffodil bulbs; some to be planted in the North Walpole Park and some will be for the Town Village area.  Mr. Gallagher feels lighting in that “subway” area will be a help.  They would also like to have that area cleaned-out; they do not want the building to become deteriorated therefore they will paint it.  They would also like to set up a camera and have talked to Chief Paquette about this.  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested they talk to Mr. Mark Houghton to see if the wires to the pole are viable.  They can also talk to Mr. Mike Rau to see if the Highway Department would clean-out the area near the “subway”.  Ms. Mayberry asked about storage for the net.  Mr. Dalessio noted Chief Paquette had suggested a secured job box with a lock on it in the park.  Mr. Gallagher mentioned they are trying to recruit more help.  Moving forward they are talking about a horseshoe pit and a small sand box area for young children.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the purchase of the volley ball net and poles in the amount of $1,238.10 to be taken out of the Recreation Department Revolving Fund.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Gallagher stated they have to keep moving forward so people see the progress.  They thanked Ms. Mayberry for getting the bike racks for them.

ABATEMENT – PROPERTY TAX:

MAP and LOT #013-035-000:  The owners of Map and Lot #013-035-000 reached an agreement with Avitar Associates at an assessment meeting during the week of September 12^th.  The property owner will sign off on the Board of Tax and Land Appeals form if the Selectboard agrees to the new assessment.  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Abatement of $302.20.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE ADMINISTRATION FORM:

MS-1:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the MS-1 form, Summary Inventory of Valuation.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Westberg Property:  Mrs. Pschirrer received a note with recommendations from Mr. J.B. Mack at Southwest Region Planning Commission; she responded to his note.

Letter to Andrew Lewis:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. Andrew Lewis regarding his assessment.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Letter to Fred Ernst:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. Fred Ernst regarding the moving of parking lines on Westminster Street.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

WRAP Appointment:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the appointment of Mr. Paul Happ to fill a vacancy on the WRAP Committee.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed – Lot #D505:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the sale of Cemetery Deed D505 to Mr. William Therrien and heirs.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Cheshire County Tax Assessment:   The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from the Cheshire County Treasurer advising that Walpole’s portion of the County Tax Assessment is $1,483,424.00 to be paid on or before December 18, 2017. The late penalty is 10% per annum and will be strictly enforced.

Walpole Site Based Committee Letter:  A letter was received from the Walpole School Site Based Committee regarding a “Proposed Regional Middle School”.  Ms. Mayberry reported the FMRSD Board has taken no action.

CT River Bank Erosion Issue:  Mrs. Downing received a call from Mr. Preston Young in Governor Sununu’s office today regarding the John Foster property on Marshall Street and the potential problem of increased bank erosion along the Connecticut River north of the Residential area of North Walpole due to the Route 12 project.  Mrs. Downing forwarded this information to the North Walpole Village Commissioners.  An email was received from Mr. Gregg Comstock at the Department of Environmental Services regarding Draft 401 Certification for NH DOT Route 12 Reconstruction Project. Written comments are being accepted.  Mrs. Downing was asked to forward this information to Mr. Foster, Mr. Powers and Mr. Polselli.

Complete Streets Recommendations:  An email was received from Mrs. Marilou Blaine regarding the Planning Board’s recommendations regarding the Complete Streets project.  The Selectboard agreed that the Planning Board should bring this discussion on recommendations before a Public Hearing. People should know what is being decided on in the Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer clarified that the ownership of the gas station is not changing hands.  The owner will be only changing the supplier of the gas.  Ms. Mayberry will respond to Mrs. Blaine.

Thank You Letters:  Two Thank You notes were received.  The Monadnock Conservancy thanked the Selectboard for all their support and guidance for their Annual Celebration event on Saturday, September 16^th.  It was a huge success.  A Thank You letter was received from the Children’s Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock for their recent gift from the Town of Walpole in memory of Elizabeth “Betty” M. Snide.

Department of Revenue Administration Trainings:  Mrs. Pschirrer is planning to attend the DRA Current Use training.  Mrs. Jodi Daigle will go to the Exemption and Timber Tax training in Keene.  Mrs. Downing would like to attend the Exemptions training in Bradford.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned each one costs $10.00.  Mr. Dalessio plans to attend the NH Municipal Association Annual Conference on November 15^th and 16^th in Manchester.  Mrs. Pschirrer will also attend.                       

ACH Payment:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised there is an agreement with the Savings Bank of Walpole that needs to be signed by her and Mr. Tom Goins.  It is to handle the credit card.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the ACH Payment Agreement at the Savings Bank of Walpole to accept credit cards and to authorize Mrs. Pschirrer to sign the form.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING:  Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard meeting pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel, (b) Hiring, (c) Reputations and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  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 7:48 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:25 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 28, 2017, 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 8:26 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:34 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Boy Scouts:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned the Boy Scouts are going to be in need of service projects.  They need a specified number of service hours for programs.

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio was at the Reservoir Dam and thought it was very well maintained.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned Mr. Mark Houghton is in charge of the dam and there is someone who goes there to cut brush, mow the lawn, etc.  Mr. Mark Houghton was told to go ahead and hire someone to have some additional work done as the Walpole Conservation Commission agreed to pay for it.  He just needs to organize it.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

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 that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were five members of the public in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

PAUL McGUIRK:   Mr. McGuirk was present at this meeting with questions regarding his new assessment especially on his land on County Road. He did some research.  The valuation on his land alone went up 31%.  Is that average or high compared to the whole town?  His residence went down approximately $100.00.  He does not feel the letter from Avitar Associates is clear.  He asked for the listing of the new assessments mentioned in the letter as he does not have a computer.  He would like to compare some of his neighbor’s property values to his.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied the Town does not yet have that complete listing; she did have a copy of his new tax card.  Mr. McGuirk noted the letter does not tell the residents if they did not have any satisfaction after they made the appeal, they could make an appointment to meet with the Selectboard members.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the Selectboard usually has property owners appeal directly to Avitar.  When Mr. McGuirk met with the Avitar representative he asked Mr. McGuirk if he could get the price of his appraisal if he were to sell the property.  What bothers Mr. McGuirk is the assessments on commercial land.  He checked on three properties he had looked at five years ago, in addition to looking into properties in the Tractor Supply area; residential and commercial.  He does not yet have the new assessments.  Residential property turns over faster than commercial property.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted with this assessment a lot of land value went up yet the assessment on a house either stayed the same or went down.  She heard one answer; a lot of land was sold in Town so that is how they compared values.  Mr. McGuirk stated a property owner can appeal to the Selectboard, then to the Board of Tax and Land Appeals and, if necessary, to the Superior Court but that is expensive.  Mrs. Pschirrer explained an appeal goes to Avitar. It then comes back to the Selectboard to either approve or deny their recommendation.  Mrs. Downing advised the list of the new assessments will arrive in the office next Wednesday.  Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that the Selectboard cannot answer all his questions tonight but they will do their homework and research and get back to Mr. McGuirk.

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 at 6:44 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:59 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 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 7:00 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:42 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of September 21, 2017, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $562,378.21 for checks dated September 22, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $535,300.00 to the Fall Mountain Region School District.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending September 16, 2017 in the amount of $21,739.45 for checks dated September 22, 2017.  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 $4,624,53 for the week ending September 16, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 14, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of September 14, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – September 14, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 14, 2017, 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 meetings:

• Planning Board – September 12, 2017;
• Cemetery Trustees – September 9, 2017;
• North Walpole Village District Commissioners – August 29, 2017;
• North Walpole Village District Commissioners – September 12, 2017
• Hooper Institute Committee – September 12, 2017.

BUILDING PERMITS:

Walpole Handmade Chocolates, LLC – 35 Main Street, Map and Lot #020-080-000:

Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-33 for Walpole Handmade Chocolates, LLC to add a “8’ x 6’ Covered Porch Entrance” at 35 Main Street.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio advised when a contractor comes in for a Building Permit the Selectboard still need a letter from the property owner. This Building Permit was made out for Burdicks however they no longer own this building; it is Walpole Homemade Chocolates, LLC.  Mr. Dalessio recommended the owner re-do this application.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved the Selectboard rescind their previous motion to approve Building Permit No. 2017-33.  This building is no longer owned by Burdicks.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Tom and Cheryl Patty, 124 Upper Walpole, Map and Lot #012-047-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-34 for Tom and Cheryl Patty to “add a “16’ x 18’ Bedroom Addition” at 124 Upper Valley Road, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Donna and Edward Karmen, 232 Upper Walpole Road, Map and Lot #012-031-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit #2017-35 for Donna and Edward Karmen to add a “36’ x 26’4” 1^st and 2^nd Floor Addition” at 232 Upper Walpole Road, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE:

Map and Lot #001-016-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Land Use Change Tax for Map and Lot #001-016-000 as requested.  Reclaimed land is being moved back into Current Use.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

Gowdy Living Trust, Old Drewsville Road, Map and Lot #001-016-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for the Gowdy Living Trust, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Lane Construction Co., Access through Westmoreland, Map and Lot #003-002-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Lane Construction Company, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Westberg Property:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported today is the day Southwest Region Planning Commission wanted the Selectboard to give them a decision on the Westberg property as they are holding money for this Walpole project.  Mr. Mike McClosky expected the DES would begin their sampling today.  It will be October 6^th before they have test results.  The next meeting of the Brownfields Committee is on November 21^st.  The Selectboard have to let them know as soon as possible if they want to move forward with Phase I. Everyone agrees they will not be able to complete everything in order to apply for the November round of grants.  It would be in the Town’s best interest for the Selectboard to advise they want to proceed with Phase I and have the SWRPC hold the funds but not start Phase I until the middle of winter. In the meantime Mrs. Pschirrer communicated with the executor of the Westberg estate.  Mr. Dalessio feels they should go ahead with Phase I with the understanding that we have no obligation to take the property.  Ms. Mayberry said if they have time to get the sampling results then she is okay with moving forward.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to continue to pursue acquisition of the Westberg Central Plating property from the Westberg Estate and request funding from Southwest Region Planning Commission for funding Phase I with the understanding that the Town expects liability protection from the federal government and the State of New Hampshire.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio would like to know if the Town can still hold Westberg Estate liable for this. Mrs. Pschirrer said it is a good question to ask Attorney Hockensmith.  Mrs. Pschirrer will send this motion to Mr. J.B. Mack at SWRPC.

Letter to Andrew Lewis:  Acknowledgement was made of the letter from Mr. Andrew Lewis.  His property is on Blackjack Crossing and he is concerned with the assessment on his property but does not want to enter into an appeal process.  He hopes the Selectboard will intervene with Avitar Associates.  Mrs. Downing was asked to contact Avitar Associates to ask for a letter as to why the land portions have gone up so much.  It is the Town’s common complaint.  It will be nice to have the answer in writing.

Recreation Revolving Fund Request – Volley Ball Net:  Ms. Mayberry would like to table the Recreation request for a volley ball net for North Walpole as Mr. Gallagher will come to the Selectboard meeting next week to talk about the park.  They are all concerned about the vandalism.

NEW BUSINESS:

Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT):  Mrs. Pschirrer attended this Public Hearing; it was an interesting hearing on the 10-year Plan starting 2019.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned there is an article in the Keene Sentinel on the Vilas Bridge.    

Water and Sewer Receipts to Date: Water and Sewer collections continue and the delinquent amount continues to be reduced each week.

Recreation Revolving Fund Request:  A request was received from Mr. Justin Cassarino and the Recreation Committee to purchase soccer uniforms for the players ages 4-11.  They will be purchasing their items through Grizzly Graphix.  The total cost is $1,260.50.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve this request by the Recreation Committee to purchase soccer uniforms for the amount of $1,260.50 from their Revolving Fund.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

A-5 Land Use Change Tax Form:

Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the A-5 Land Use Change Tax Form which goes back to 2015 as requested by Mrs. Smith.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer signed the document.  Ms. Mayberry abstained from the vote as it was prior to her being a Selectboard member.

Health Trust HRA and FSA Option: The Selectboard received a letter from the Health Trust regarding their introduction of “HealthTrust Benefit Advantage”.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like to have the HealthTrust representative, Teresa Williams, schedule a meeting to talk with the Selectboard.

Calendar:  Mr. Dalessio suggested having a calendar posted with all the dates and deadlines for end of the year 2017 and start of 2018.  The dates are needed when various documents need to be in.  Mrs. Downing was asked to print one to share with the Selectboad and Mr. Kreissle.

Parking on Westminster Street:  An email was received from Mr. Fred Ernst who lives on Westminster Street. There is marked parking with lines on both sides of the street.  There is no parking space directly across from Mr. Ernst’s driveway because of the fire hydrant.  Mr. Ernst would like the Town to remove all the parking spaces on the opposite side of the street from his driveway.  Mrs. Pschirrer will write him a note to advise the Selectboard declined his request.

Conservation Commission Recording Secretary: The Conservation Commission will need a new Recording Secretary due to the resignation of Regina Borden.  This will be advertised and posted.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION #2:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 to discuss (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 8:35 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:48 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of September 21, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Commonwealth Property in North Walpole:  Ms. Mayberry clarified some on-going issues with the new building on the Commonwealth property in North Walpole following the Walpole Planning Board meeting.  She encouraged the Commissioners to have either Mr. John Foster or one of the Commissioners attend these Planning Board meetings when a property in North Walpole is on the agenda.  Therefore, she asked that copies of agendas and minutes be forwarded to the North Walpole Commissioners.

Mr. Dalessio recommended that copies of agendas and minutes be forwarded to all elected officials; there should be a distribution list.

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 at 8:54 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:03 PM.

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 9:05 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary