The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

AUGUST 10, 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 no people from the public in attendance.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $36,628.66 for checks dated August 11, 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 Payable Register for the week ending August 5, 2017, in the amount of $29,381.04 for checks dated August 11, 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 $6,265.44 for the week ending August 5, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 3, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of August 3, 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 – August 3, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 3, 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 SPECIAL SELECTBOARD SESSION – August 3, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Special Selectboard Session of August 3, 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:

• Conservation Commission – July 10, 2017;
• Planning Board – August 8, 2017.

 

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

MAP and LOT # UTIL-UTIL-03a:  This was an over-charge for the Great River Hydro LLC.  Avitar Associates had originally recommended the Great River Abatement request be denied but when they discovered the property tax supplemental bill had included the State’s education portion they changed their recommendation to approve this Abatement refund.  This amount is $27,329.00 plus interest.

Mr. Dalessio moved to pay the Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $28,099.64 to TransCanada.  This money should come from money being held in PDIP for the supplemental tax.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SEWER ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT # 019-030-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Sewer Abatement for Map and Lot # 019-030-000 in the amount of $241.36.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NOTICES OF INTENT TO EXCAVATE:

HODGKINS AND SONS, 20 Industrial Drive, Map and Lot # 001-010-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Hodgkins and Sons at 20 Industrial Drive, Map and Lot # 001-010-000.  There will be no fee as it is under 1,000 cubic yards.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

HOGKINS AND SONS, 485 Old Drewsville Road, Map and Lot # 012-073-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Hodgkins and Sons at 485 Old Drewsville Road, Map and Lot # 012-073-000.  There will be no fee as it will be under 1,000 cubic yards.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Appointment Notice: A request was received from Laura Hayes of Walpole to be appointed as a member of the Walpole Conservation Commission.  Ms. Mayberry noted that during the last meeting of the Conservation Commission they were in favor of this appointment.

Ms. Mayberry moved to appoint Laura Hayes to the Walpole Conservation Commission for a period of three years.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Public Hearing:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they need to have a Public Hearing to accept the Highway Grant funds.  She suggested next Thursday, August 17^th at 6:15 PM.  This money is being given to the Town by the State but it needs to be accepted by the voters.  The amount is $119,999.51.

Water/Sewer Receipts to Date: Mrs. Pschirrer reported on the Water/Sewer Receipts to Date 8/1-/2017 as follows:  Total 90+ amount owned as of 7/12/2017 is $57,542.07.  Total receipts for 90+ day accounts was $11,345.60.  Total left to collect for 90+ day accounts is $46,196.47.  Sixty Day notice letters will be going out on Monday.

Notice of Impending Lien – Water and/or Sewer: The Selectboard reviewed the list of impending liens for Water and/or Sewer.  Mr. Dalessio will write the procedure. Reference was made to RSA 38:22.  On December 1^st they will Warrant the Tax Collector for the outstanding balances.  If unpaid she would lien the properties in April 2018.  There are specific deadlines that need to be met.  Mr. Dalessio will re-draft the two letters.  He asked if they want to disconnect and lien at the same time.  There was a consensus to give 90+ delinquent users 30 days after the 90 day notice to pay their bill or have a payment plan before being disconnected.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like Mrs. Daigle to make more notes/explanations on the delinquent lists.  Document everything.

Over 90+ Overdue Water and Sewer Locations Reports:  Mr. Dalessio advised that more research needs to be done on liens that were previously placed on properties.  This needs to be done for sewer users in North Walpole and for both water and sewer users in Walpole.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

MS-535: The Auditor completed the MS-535, it was reviewed by the Selectboard and then was sent to and reviewed by Ms. Jamie Dow at the Department of Revenue Administration.

Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the MS-535, Financial Report of the Town Budget.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Computer Purchases:  Mr. Dalessio noted that one notebook will be charged to the Highway Department and the second one will be for the office.

Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the purchase order for two notebook computers purchased throughTruNorth.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ACH Enrollment Change: Mr. Rich Kreissle recently discovered that the names of the two previous bookkeepers were still on this document.

Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair, Mrs. Pschirrer, to sign the ACH Enrollment change form to indicate Mr. Rich Kreissle as the primary contact person for the State Treasurer.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Junk Yard License: Mr. Dalessio reported that E.W. Salvage came in and paid for the renewal of their “Operating a Junk Yard” however the Selectboard did not sign the document.

Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the Junk Yard license for E.W. Salvage.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Primex CAP Programs for CY 2018-2020:  Primex is offering the Town a three year plan that will save them money.  This would replace a one year at a time renewal.  It would limit the increase to about 7% over the next three years for property and liability coverage and limit the Workers’ Compensation to an 8% fee increase for each year.

Mr. Dalessio moved to authorize the Chair, Mrs. Pschirrer, to sign the Primex CAP Program for the period of 2018 to 2020.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel, (c) Reputations and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:19 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:45 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 10, 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 7:46 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:53 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Town Common:  Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Colburn had a conversation about the recycling and trash on the Common. Mr. Colburn has concerns in that when the Highway Department does the pick-ups they have two employees because the containers are so heavy.  The Recycling Center does not have enough manpower to send two employees.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned there is one more concert this year; they will have a plan in place for next year.  They need to work together to keep the Common clean.

Middle Street:  Someone mentioned to Mr. Dalessio that there is a tree on the corner of Middle Street and Washington Street where the branches keep falling down.  Somebody should look at it; it might just need to be trimmed.  It is an old, huge tree about 3-feet in diameter.  Mrs. Pschirrer will bring this to Mr. Rau’s attention.

Old Drewsville Road:  Ms. Mayberry had a resident call her about the Old Drewsville Road and questioned why they were doing an up-grade; spending tax money for an engineer, etc.  She replied the work being done just to preserve the road and suggested the person call Mr. Rau to talk about what work was going to be done.

Drainage:  Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Eric Merklein had damage to his property from the Town’s plow.  He had flooding as the result of this but has had work done to avoid having it happen again.  He would like markers put up so the same thing does not happen again.  Mr. Dalessio suggested he contact Mr. Rau to work out a solution.

 

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 8:00 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 27, 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 three people from the public in attendance.

 

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, (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 6:32 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:30 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 27, 2017, 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 $70,721.27 for checks dated July 28, 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 July 22, 2017 in the amount of $26,568.10 for checks dated July 28, 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 $5,539.42 for the week ending July 22, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 20, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 20, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were accepted.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 20, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 20, 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 accepted.

 

STAFF MEETING – July 20, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of July 20, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were accepted.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• Zoning Board of Adjustment – July 19, 2017.

 

WARRANT YIELD TAX LEVY AND CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED: 

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Warrant Yield Tax Levy and Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed as follows:

• Map and Lot # 011-010-000 in the amount of $1,595.93;
• Map and Lot # 008-106-000 in the amount of $926.65;
• Map and Lot # 011-002-000 in the amount of $6,205.46;
• Map and Lot # 011-031-000 in the amount of $128.19.

The total is $8.856.23.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Warrant Yield Tax Levy and Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed as follows:

• Map and Lot # 013-016-000 in the amount of $1,701.80;
• Map and Lot # 003-011-000 in the amount of $501.65;
• Map and Lot # 006-013-000 in the amount of $1,641.96;
• Map and Lot # 006-017-000 in the amount of $689.03.

The total is $4,534.44.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SEWER ABATEMENTS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Sewer Abatements as follows:

• Map and Lot # 030-059-003 in the amount of $64.20;
• Map and Lot # 030-072-000 in the amount of $718.11;
• Map and Lot # 030-016-000 in the amount of $1,324.74.

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

 

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

Map and Lot # 003-059-001:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot # 003-059-001 in the amount of $2,956.00 as requested by the Tax Collector, Mrs. Sandy Smith.  This is due to an overpayment.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

BUILDING PERMIT:

Mascoma Savings Bank, 53 Main Street, Map and Lot # 020-047-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit No. 2017-21 for the Mascoma Savings Bank to “Construct a Drive Thru Canopy and renovation to existing building”, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Flooding Issues – Butternut Brook:  Last Tuesday, Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Mike Rau, Mr. Tenley an engineer from the USDA in Concord, 3-or-4 neighbors from Ford Avenue, Mr. Jeffries and Mr. Daley walked the Butternut Brook.  In 2007 this same engineer and department were involved with this brook and did a great deal of work.  Mr. Tenley mentioned similar work usually lasts about ten years; he is pleased with how it has held up however a lot of material has washed away or shifted.  On the left of the Dupuis house, the wall is holding up well.  They saw the wash-outs further up the stream.  It is a difficult walk.  Mr. Tenley’s assessment is it needs to be repaired but there is not enough damage to qualify for federal funds.  He thought they could work on the banks without a DES Permit.  The fish have virtually disappeared.  There is a huge culvert under Wentworth Road.  You can see where more trees will fall into the brook.  The DES representative, Ms. Laurie Sommers, felt they could make a good case for getting the ARMS Funds.  Mr. Dalessio suggested Mrs. Pschirrer call Mrs. Jen Palmiotto to ask if she would assist in writing this grant application.  Ms. Sommers dismissed the two dams because they want them to end up in a Conservation Easement.  The Reservoir Dam is already in a Conservation Easement held by the Monadnock Conservancy. Therefore Mrs. Pschirrer will write a letter to them to explain the deficiencies and ask how they will help the Town.  The North Walpole river banks would be outside their jurisdiction.  The Mill Pond Dam will soon be inspected; the results are unknown at this time.  Mrs. Pschirrer put together the following infrastructure projects:

The Highway Department did half of March Hill Road last year under a Notification Permit from the DES.  This will be taken care of by the Town.

Alstead Center Road – Mr. Rau feels this is critical but the Town does not have the money to work on it.  He suggested they consider using some money ($119,999.01) the Town will be receiving from the State Highway Fund.  It will cost about $70,000.00 to repair.  The danger is the road could collapse.  The DES has already examined the site.

School Street Culverts – Mrs. Pschirrer thought, if there is enough money, they could work on this.  Some engineering work needs to be done but a lot can be done with the Highway Department.  Mr. Dalessio would like to address this project this year.

North Road Ditches/Culverts:  Mr. Rau feels the Highway Department can do this project.

The Town will pave ten miles of roads beginning next week at a cost of $375,000.00.

Other projects on the list included: Houghton Brook Bridge, Mill Pond Bridge, sewer pipes under Vilas Bridge and Sawyer’s Bridge.

Mrs. Pschirrer will continue to do research for grant monies and work on the Aquatic Resource Mitigation Funds (ARMS Fund).

Mrs. Pschirrer felt the Westberg property should be added to the list.  She is going to a meeting of the Brownsfield Committee.  A lot of the testing is complete.

Mr. Dalessio will talk with Mr. Mark Houghton to see what the water and sewer users will be faced with in the next few years.  The pumping stations are 20-to-30 years old.  There have been water line breaks.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Telephone Pole Assessment:  A letter was received from Avitar Associates regarding the Telephone Pole Assessment Law.  The legislature enacted a new law effective this year in which it sets forth the procedures for assessing Telephone Company poles and conduit.  Mr. Gary Robarge, Contract Assessor, put together a process for how they assess telephone poles every year and how we tax them.  Back in 2015 Mrs. Downing found documentation that was adopted back in 2015 after a Public Hearing so we meet one of his requirements.  His new approach is we can get rid of all the lawsuits if the Selectboard signs the copy of his letter dated July 20, 2017.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Selectboard sign the Telephone Pole Assessment as recommended by Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Appointment Notice:  Mr. Dalessio moved to appoint Ms. Kim Lewis as a member of the Hooper Institute Scholarship Committee.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer, the motion was approved.

 

Basketball Sponsors Thank You Letters:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign Thank You letters to Mr. Jayson Dunbar of Jancewicz & Son, Ms. Kristyn Wallace of Applied Bolting and Ms. Sarah McClellan of Chroma Technology Corp, on behalf of the Recreation Department, for sponsoring the Basketball Program.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Water and Sewer Receipts:  Mrs. Jody Daigle submitted the Water/Sewer Receipts to Date 7/27/2017 report.  The total receipts were $276,348.97; Total Left to Collect $48,952.69.  Since final notices went out the total receipts for over 90 day customers was $2,926.75.

 

Water Service Disconnect Notice and Notice of Impending Lien:  The Selectboard reviewed the Water Service Disconnect Notice and Notice of Impending Lien letter suggested by Mrs. Daigle.  There was a consensus to hold this agenda item until the meeting next week.

 

Tobacco Free Facilities Policy for Recreation Department:  Ms. Mayberry moved to adopt the Tobacco Free Facilities Policy for the Walpole Recreation Department.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The Selectboard asked Mrs. Downing to research and up-date the 1997 “No Smoking in Town Buildings” policy so it is in compliance with RSA 155:66.

 

Youth Volunteer Service Statement and Agreement:  This was approved by Primex.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Youth Volunteer Service Statement and Agreement, as presented.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Citizen Comment:  Mrs. Downing received an email from Mr. Ray Boas about use of the Town Hall.  He would like a Town person to observe what is going on.  Mrs. Downing received a Citizen’s Report Form from Carole Cramer that the Selectboard are allowing groups who use the Town Hall to make too much noise, they are loud and people are allowed out of the building.  She would like to see current guidelines for use of the Town Hall that includes a provision for a reasonable level of noise; a better cut-off time for DJ’s.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the Selectboard can stipulate that bands/DJs cannot play beyond a specified time and request the renters to respect the neighbors.  Other options were mentioned.

 

Town Common:  Mr. Dalessio recommended they purchase 6 Industrial heavy-duty plastic containers so Town bags can be put in them for use on the  Common during concerts.  The Boy Scouts could take the bags out and bring the containers inside.  The bags could be picked-up by someone from the Recycling Center each Tuesday.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like people to recycle on the Common.  Purchasing 3 large recycling bins was suggested.  Mrs. Downing will get more Town bags.

 

Town Employee Events:  Mrs. Downing suggested some dates for upcoming events/trainings:

• Sunday, Sept. 10^th – Appreciation BBQ at Whitcomb Park or Town Hall
• Friday, Oct 20^th – HealthTrust Update Presentation to benefitted Staff;
• Friday, November 3^rd – Harassment Awareness Training.

She would also like to schedule a Wellness event and is wondering about early December or early October date as another option.  Mr. Dalessio would like to invite the North Walpole employees to the training events.  The Selectboard approved Sunday, September 10^th as the date for the Appreciation BBQ.

 

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 8:36 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:42 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:42 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

AUGUST 3, 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 three members of the public in attendance.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Cheney Hill Realty LLC, Sawmill Lane, Map and Lot # 013-034-005:  Mrs. Myra Mansouri advised that Mr. Ben Northcott came before the ZBA when he was buying the sawmill property.  Even though he planted trees so the equipment will not be visible from the road, he wants to excavate that area so the equipment is lower than it is now.  He has filed a Notice of Intent to Excavate.  Mr. Dalessio explained when this went through the Planning Board there was concern about the equipment being seen from the road.  Mr. Northcott has already put up trees.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Excavate for Cheney Hill Realty LLC.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION – RSA 91-A:3 II:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel, (c) Reputations, and (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:38 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:18 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 3, 2017, 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 $22,512.49 for checks dated August 4, 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 July 29, 2017, in the amount of $26,488.72 for checks dated August 4, 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 $5,790.99 for the week ending July 29, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 27, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 27, 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 – July 27, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 27, 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 SPECIAL SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 27, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Special Selectboard Session of July 27, 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:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 18, 2017;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 25, 2017; and
• Planning Board Workshop – July 25, 2017.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Water Service Disconnect Notice and Notice of Impending Lien:  Mr. Dalessio approves the Water Service Disconnect Notice but not the Notice of Impending Lien.  He would like more clarification on the lien process.  The Selectboard looked at the lists provided.  They marked off the property owners that will not get delinquent water/sewer disconnect notices if a recent payment or payment plan was made.  Payments will be due 30 days after the date of the letter.  Delinquent bills are 90+ days over the due date.  A friendly reminder letter will be sent to owners who are 90+ days overdue but have been making payments.  There was a consensus to confirm the last payment date indicated on the list prior to sending out disconnect notices.  More research will be done on liens.  This will be an agenda item for next week.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Water Service Disconnect Notice.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry asked to have Mrs. Jodi Daigle email an explanation on what the notes are on the North Walpole Sewer list.

 

Letter to Carole Cramer:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the letter to Carole Cramer.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Murtha Property: Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of a letter from Attorney Hockensmith regarding the issue over two properties and explained the past history of the discrepancy.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the recommendation of Attorney Hockensmith to revoke the tax Deed on the Tiffany property and transfer it back to Murtha.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to revoke the tax Deed on the Murtha property and transfer it to the Britton property.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the tax cards need to be changed and cancel the Deed on the Murtha property that is on the Britton property.       

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Highway Department – Alstead Center Road Culvert:  Mrs. Pschirrer had sent a copy of the report Mr. Rau received from the CLD engineer to the Selectboard.  He would like to go ahead and begin the engineering plan for restoring the Alstead Center Road.  It may be next year before it gets done because we will have to hire someone to do that work.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve having Mrs. Pschirrer, Chair, sign the agreement between the Town of Walpole and CLD Consulting Engineers for the work on the Alstead Center Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Water and Sewer Receipts: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Water/Sewer Receipts to Date – August 3, 2017.  Since final notices went out, the total receipts for over 90 day customers was $6,776.05.  The total 90+ day amount owed is $57,542.07.

 

Primex Training:  Mrs. Downing has been approved to attend the “Primex Supervisors’ Academy” in Lebanon in September.  It is a three day session.

Mrs. Downing might also attend the “Essentials of Primex” program in Concord on August 31, 2017.  It will be on Unemployment Compensation, Workers’ Compensation and Best Doctors plus Property and Liability and P3 Overview.

 

Highway Department – Seminar:  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned getting a notice today about a seminar she thought would be helpful to Mr. Rau.  It is on Stopping Erosion and Ditching.  He could also take one or two other employees with him.  It will be an all-day seminar at the Stone Hill Farm.

 

Police Department:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Police Department will be putting together drug handling equipment.  It is a big concern.  There is a new change in the Police Policy.  An officer can no longer do a search of a vehicle by themselves because a lot of people/dealers in stopped vehicles are throwing “stuff/drugs” at the officers to try to get them away from the vehicle. There will be a spike in over-time.  Some immediate things need to be done for safety.

 

School Street – Culvert:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they are talking about doing this project this year.  Mr. Rau and Mr. Houghton are going to work together and we will do this work ourselves.

 

Next Agenda – Public Hearing:  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that for the next agenda they have to post a Public Hearing to accept the $119,000.00+/- additional Highway Fund money.  Mr. Kreissle received guidelines from the Department of Revenue Administration on this.  If it is over $10,000 they have to have a Public Hearing to accept the money.

Mrs. Pschirrer said they also received $42,000+/- as the first quarterly payment of the Highway Block Grant funds.

 

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 8:04 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting was resumed at 8:19 PM.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING CHANGE:

The regular Selectboard meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 12, 2017, will be re-scheduled to Wednesday, October 11, 2017, at 8:00 AM.

 

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 8:20 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 20, 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 person from the public in attendance.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Ford Avenue Surface Water Drainage:  Ms. Jennifer Jones lives on Ford Avenue.  With the recent storms she had some water run-off damage, took pictures and drew a diagram of the area.  She explained the flow of water into her yard/garden.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they have talked with several property owners, including some who live on Ford Avenue, who attended a previous meeting.  Ms. Jones had talked with her neighbor about putting in a stone lined ditch on their side of the property line so the water flows straight down and into the road.  She had Dig-Safe come in to check her property before doing anything and they discovered something electrical in her yard which she identified on the picture.  Not much can be done on her own property because of the ledge and trees.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned Ms. Brown and Ms. Stewart have been working with the USDA about the stream that runs underneath Prospect Hill Road and surfaces in the Jeffries’ yard.  Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Rau will be meeting with a USDA representative to walk the property to see what can be done to prevent flooding in the future.  They are trying to determine if some of these areas qualify for federal funding because a lot of engineering will need to be done.  The Town cannot do anything in the streams without permission from the State.  Ms. Jones will talk to her neighbors again about the ditch.  She will also talk to Ms. Brown and Ms. Stewart as they are working to avoid future flooding in that neighborhood.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned she should document what they are proposing to do.  The Selectboard is concerned about several areas.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $626,515.99 for checks dated July 21, 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 Regional School District.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending July 15, 2017 in the amount of $25,803.97 for checks dated July 21, 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 $5,433.48 for the week ending July 15, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 13, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 13, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were accepted.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 6, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 6, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.

Seconded by Ms. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were accepted.  Ms. Mayberry abstained as she was not present at this meeting.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 13, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 13, 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 accepted.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 5, 2017;
• Planning Board – July 11, 2017;
• Hooper Institute Committee – July 11, 2017.

 

BUILDING PERMIT:

PETER and KIMBERLY KING, 46 Dearborn Circle, Map and Lot #012-055-022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit No. 2017-20 for Peter and Kimberly King to “Construct a 24’ x 12’ deck” on Map and Lot #012-055-022.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

INTENT TO EXCAVATE – Avanru Development Group, Red Barn Lane, Map and Lot #012-013-003:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Intent to Excavate for Avanru Development Group Ltd.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Finance Reports:

MS-535:  Mr. Kreissle advised that this form was prepared by the auditors and he reviewed it.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the MS-535 form.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  This form helps set the tax rate.

 

Auditor’s Bill:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the invoice from the Town’s auditors for 2016 in the amount of $12,500.00.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Deficiency Worksheet:  The Selectboard received a Control Deficiency Worksheet from the auditors.

Mr. Dalessio moved to sign the acknowledgement page that the Selectboard received and read this Deficiency Worksheet.  Mrs. Pschirrer is authorized to sign on behalf of the Selectboard. .  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Knowledge of Fraud:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve this Governance form as requested by the auditors.  Mrs. Pschirrer is authorized to sign this form.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Mrs. Pschirrer met with the Auditors two-or-three times while they were in the office.  Mr. Kreissle met with them frequently.

 

Aquatic Resource Mitigation Funds: Mrs. Pschirrer recommended this be an agenda item for the next meeting.

 

Water and Sewer Invoice Payment Policy: Ms. Mayberry moved to adopt the Water and Sewer Invoice Payment Policy.   Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Water and Sewer Invoice Collection Procedure: Mr. Dalessio moved to adopt the Water and Sewer Invoice Collection Procedure.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Water and Sewer Income Report:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Water/Sewer Receipts to Date 7/20/2017.  Total Receipts were $267,502.57 or about 82.22%.  The Total Left to Collect is $57,799.09 or about 17.78%.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned that Mrs. Barbara O’Brien wants to know how the Town calculates the sewer bills.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Police Department:  A purchase order was received from the Police Department for installation of equipment in the interrogation room in the amount of $649.00 under Warrant Article No. 5.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to send it back as it is not building maintenance and therefore does not fit the Warrant Article.

 

MS-1 Extension Request Form: Mrs. Downing advised they want to meet the September 1^st deadline but might not be able to do so because the Revaluaton Update Report from Avitar Associates  must be accepted before completing the form.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the MS-1 Extension Request form.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Hooper Institute Youth Workers Personnel Form: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Hooper Institute Youth Workers personnel form.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Recreation Department Revolving Fund Request:  A request was received from the Recreation Department that they would like to purchase twelve Walpole Recreation shirts for the current staff.  The total cost is $121.60.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the request from the Recreation Department to purchase twelve Walpole Recreation shirts for the staff in the amount of $121.60.  This will be taken out of the Recreation Department Revolving Fund.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Hooper Institute Appointment Notice:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the appointment of Mrs. Heather Brady to the Hooper Institute Board.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

North Walpole Village Volunteers: Ms. Mayberry provided some history on the North Walpole Park area.  The Town owns the Park.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Selectboard will accept the North Walpole Village Park land as a part of the Town of Walpole therefore the same agreements and forms will apply. It will be covered under the Town’s insurance coverage.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

2016 DRA Property Assessment Review:  Mrs. Downing reported that the Town failed to meet the DRA’s Current Use and Land Use Change Tax standards.  There should be a procedure in place to follow-up on these deficiencies.  Mrs. Pschirrer said some time will be set aside to work on this.

 

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, (c) Reputations and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:52 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 8:06 PM. 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 20, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Bar Set:  Mrs. Downing would like to advertise and sell the patio bar set that is in the basement for $200.00.  The price new would be about $350-to-$400.  The Selectboard approved this request.

 

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 8:10 PM. 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 825 PM. 

 

OTHER BUSINESS (Continued)

Highway Department:  The Selectboard reviewed the proposal received from the CLD engineer.  Ms. Mayberry suggested obtaining a break-down on the individual projects.  Mr. Dalessio feels some of the work could be done by Town employees.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned they need an engineer for dams and bridges.  The Reservoir Dam has a deadline.  They will continue to look into the Mitigation Funds.  Mrs. Pschirrer will talk to Mr. Rau about this engineer; maybe he could write a report of their meeting.

 

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 8:32 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

JULY 20, 2017

 

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

Staff Present:  Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration), Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance), Michael Rau (Road Agent), Sgt. Justin Sanctuary (Police Department), Paul Colburn (Recycling Center), Justine Rogers (Librarian); Justin Cassarino (Director-Recreation Department; Eloise Clark (Hooper Institute)

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

Mrs. Pschirrer welcomed Mrs. Lindsey Guyette who is the Administrative Assistant working for the Highway Department.  She will be assisting Mr. Rau, answering the phone, handling invoices, catching up on reports, and will also be a flagger, when needed.

 

Finance Department:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that no later than September 1^st the Selectboard would like to have the first draft of the proposed 2018 budget from all Department Heads.  They would also like to have proposed Warrant Articles so they will have an idea of what is being contemplated.  Mr. Kreissle is pretty much on target. The Department Heads received their budgets. The only 2017 Warrant Article still open is the one for maintenance of Town buildings and the Library.  Mrs. Justine Rogers said they got their air conditioning system but Houghton put them on a schedule for the other two items.  Mr. Mark Houghton will be contacted as the Town needs to have their invoice for the Library.  Mr. Rau noted the garage roof is finished.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that we are essentially a little more than six months into the year; 54% of the budget has been spent but we are doing well.  Paving will begin the first part of August and that will take a good part of the budget.  Mr. Dalessio is pleased at this point.  He is concerned with the building maintenance warranty because some work has not yet been done. We do not want to over-run that Warrant.

 

Recreation Department:  Mr. Justin Cassarino, Director, submitted the following report as of July 18, 2017:

Pool:

• The pool has been very busy with a lot of new swimmers. The Bellows Falls pool was shut down for maintenance, so their daily swimmers came to us.  There were a lot of birthday parties this year.
• The new swimming instructor is doing a great job and the kids are really enjoying his upbeat personality during each lesson. He is getting feedback from the parents about what they would like to see to help improve our levels.  All of the Session Two classes have participants and some signed up for Session Three as well.
• They had their safety training with the Walpole Fire Department on July 6^th. Everyone was very impressed with how the staff handled the situations and said that this was a very good crew.  Jane Skantze and Kate McNally, who work for Coalition for Tobacco Free Communities, will be doing a staff training on August 1^st on how to deal with patrons that are smoking/vaping on the park and will not leave.

Basketball:

• Season is going very well and game nights are always a busy day at the park.
• They have been having an easier time finding people to referee the games this season.
• Sam Jacobs has given them permission to use the Walpole Elementary School Gym on days that it is raining so they do not have to reschedule the games.

Soccer:

• They are meeting on July 29^th with the league to discuss the upcoming season.

Upcoming Events:

• Candy Bar BINGO (August 2^nd or 4^th). They are leaning toward August 4^th as there is a family event in the Town Hall.
• Bubble Soccer (August 19^th) but they are still exploring this.

 

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Fafara submitted a report dated July 20, 2017.  At the top of her report are the Stats as follows:

June 2016 Stats:                                               June 2017 Stats:

26 Days Open                                                  26 Days Open

1638 People                                                     1665 People

2207 Circ.                                                        2228 Circ.

43 Programs                                                     36 Programs

216 Kids                                                          184 Kids

28 Teens                                                          40 Teens

257 Adults                                                       161 Adults

June 2016 Avg. 63 ppl & 85 circ per day                    June 2017 Avg. 64 ppl & 86 circ per day

12 people per program                                     11 people per program

Jan-June 2016 Avg: 60 ppl & 86 circ              Jan-June 2017 Avg. 62 ppl & 91 circ

11 people per program                                     12 people per program

614 distinct active users (15% of pop.)               703 distinct active users (18% of pop.)

There are 100 more active users than last year.  Things are growing.  This summer a lot of people got new Library cards.  Their air conditioners arrived just in time as it was quite warm.  The lighting project and disassembling the old air conditioning system are the other two pieces they are waiting to have done.  She was told they are on the Houghton list.  Summer reading is going well. Sixty-five kids registered for the summer reading program.  Their biggest program of the summer was last Thursday, Wildlife Encounters brings some zoo animals for the kids to learn about and hold. Thirty-two kids and 16 adults attended.  They had a program today and made Super Hero caps.  Next month they will have an individual talk about butterflies and they will make t-shirts with butterfly stencils, etc.

Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Rogers to share information on the expansion of the building at Staff Meetings.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Library Board is talking to Mr. Dan Scully, architect from Keene, using the property that is available to them.  They have to talk to their neighbors about using some space when a truck needs to come in, for a dumpster, etc.  Mrs. Rogers has no office; the children’s programs are growing significantly, and there is a need to re-organize the space they have.  They will also have a community room.  The biggest challenge is the roof line; the problem is water coming off the roof.  Mrs. Pschirrer confirmed they would bring drawings, etc. to the Staff Meeting as their plans move forward.  They need to raise their own money to do this so there will be a fundraiser in the future.

 

Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau submitted a report for the period of June 15 to July 19, 2017.  Mr. Rau reported the flooding took about two weeks of repairs and cleaning-up.  They are still finding a few areas that need repairs.  Two culverts needed to be replaced this week.

• Did Cold Patching;
• Serviced trucks and equipment;
• Met with CLD Engineering for flooding; they looked at five of the major sites. A proposal was received.  The Selectboard will look at it during their regular meeting tonight.
• Replaced catch basin in North Walpole;
• Dug out culvert ends;
• Cleaned off catch basins;
• Fixed washouts from 6/19/17 flooding;
• Cleaned out catch basins with vacuum truck; it was time as some had not been done in about eight years;
• Put out and took care of trash cans for Old Home Days; Mr. Rau would like earlier communication with the committee for the next Old Home Days event. Dalessio recommended he send a note to Ms. Kelly Hicks so it will be on their list of things to do.
• Fixed Valley Road for paving;
• Put up street signs;
• Did road side mowing; the tractor is working great. They will stop doing this during the paving work but then will finish doing it.
• Replaced culvert on County Road and North Road.

Mr. Dalessio would like to have a trash can put on the Drewsville Common.  It has been requested that two more cans be put on the Town Common during the band concerts.  There are two cans but four cans are needed.  Mr.Rau said the North Walpole Park people have been coming in regularly asking for items.  Mr. Rau has been giving them stone, grass seed and a few other items to help out.  They are looking to get a bench.  They will do their own bike racks.  One will be at the Library and the second one at the Park.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the flooding led to a lot of over-time for the Highway Department.  Mr. Rau and Mrs. Pschirrer are meeting with representatives from the USDA and will walk an “unknown name” stream that flooded Ford Avenue.

 

Recycling Center:  Mr. Paul Colburn would still like to have the ash removed.  Mr. Rau will take care of that.  Mr. Colburn mentioned making some changes in his hand-outs and they are not finished yet.  They are cutting the information back to 3 years instead of 5 years.  Mr. Colburn explained the “5 Year Comparison to Recyclables” and the “Daily Weight Report and 3 Year to Date Comparison” worksheets.  He noted that Hubbard’s rotates their bulbs so they got a big shipment of bulbs in 2016.  The Year Forecast was $30,000; to-date the figure is $24,745.  The weather also affects the Recycling Center; people choose not to come in if it is raining or snowing.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that Mr. Kreissle provides a monthly report on the Recycling Revenues.  As of July 19, 2017 the Budget figure was $166,350.00; the Actual is $93,815.66.  The Annual Forecast for Recyclables was 374.00/ton; the Annual Estimate is 411.84/ton or a 9.6% increase.

Green Mountain Railroad came to the Recycling Center and gave them several items.  TransCanada has done a similar thing.  Other commercial entities have brought in various items including office paper and cardboard.  They started a trailer program with the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  They bring in trailer loads of recyclables to the Center.  School teachers have come in for various items for classroom projects.  They also will take back any extras that were taken and not used.  They have three young Hooper students working this summer.  The FMRSD gave the Center about 45 lockers.  If anyone would like some let him know because they will eventually be crushed.  Mr. Colburn has had several 18 and under-age people willing to volunteer but he does not have a way of doing that.  Mrs. Pschirrer said it could be done but would take some time to put together a program similar to what the Hooper Institute uses.  Let’s talk about developing something for the future.

Mr. Colburn reported they lost power for a few hours so took the opportunity to hold a class on operating the Center.  They had a truck in the Old Home Days parade, there were problems but they made it.

 

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Eloise Clark reported they had more than 100 kids involved in the summer programs. One group is for the 1^st through 4^th grades; another group is 5^th grade through the 8^th grade and the High School programs continue through the summer.   The mentors where the kids are working are great.  Mr. Dalessio encouraged everyone to attend Hooper Institute meeting when the students report on their scholarships and accomplishments in college.  The trust money is well worth the investment in these young adults.

 

Police Department:  The Police Department submitted a report for the period of June 15, 2017 through July 15, 2017.  Sgt. Justin Sanctuary distributed and explained the reports.  The total number of calls for service was 455.

• Public Safety Calls -169:

Emergency Calls – 54              Administrative – 41                 Citizen Assists – 74

• Motor Vehicle Calls – 174:

Accidents – 6                           MV Stops – 140                       Traffic Safety – 18

• Criminal Investigations – 112:

Drugs/Alcohol – 50     Crimes Against A Person– 42      Crimes Against Property -20

Sgt. Sanctuary reported that Drugs and Alcohol are up.  They are still doing the extra patrols through the Safety Grant.  The department had a lot of vacation time in July and will have more in August.  They will pick up their new cruiser tomorrow.  Houghton will be there the week of August 7^th to do some building maintenance.  They finished Narcon training.  There were two robberies; one in Walpole and one in North Walpole.  There were four deaths in the last month that they continue to work on.  It takes a lot of time.  The towers on Fall Mountain have had more activity so more alarms have been going on.  They are looking for creative ways to get up there.  Mrs. Pschirrer said New England Power is concerned about the poles; they are supposed to notify the Selectboard Office when they start to work up there.

 

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing submitted a report dated July 20, 2017.

Water and Sewer:

• Water and Sewer bills were posted on 6/14/17. Payment processing and customer service requests have been very high for the past month.  Over 130 users came to the Selectboard Office to hand-deliver their payments.
• Reminder Notices, Demand of Payment Notices and Final Notices Before Lien/Disconnect will be posted to overdue accounts by the end of the week (7/21/2017).
• A Water and Sewer Invoice Payment Policy from the Selectboard and Water and Sewer Invoice Collections Procedure have been created and are being reviewed before final acceptance.

Assessing Update:

• In late August, a letter will be sent to property owners with a link to a draft tax card which can be reviewed online and be downloaded to print. Owners can also query the system to view comparable properties.  We are encouraging all property owners to review their draft cards.
• If there are questions with how assessments were arrived at or if you believe your property tax card contains inaccurate physical data, residents should call to arrange for an informal hearing with one of the Avitar Assessors. The hearings will be held at the Town Hall following the phone call process.
• The fall tax bill will reflect updated property values.

Town Hall Facilities:

• The top of the Town Hall foundation is receiving a new coating of sealant. Landscaping clean-up and spot painting of problem exterior spots is also occurring.

Appreciation Gathering for Town Employees and Volunteers:

• A date and type of get together is needed so that planning can move forward with reserving a space and hiring a caterer. Feedback from the Selectboard and Department Managers is being sought.

A decision was made to have a similar BBQ as last year.  Mrs. Downing will work on a date so arrangements can be made for a space and caterer.  More information to follow.

 

Town Clerk – Tax Collector:  Mrs. Sandy Smith was unable to attend but submitted the following report for the period of June 15 to July 19, 2017:  This has been a very busy month as the due date for property taxes was July 3^rd.  It is amazing how many people love to come in the last day!  Then they have the property owners that put the check in the mail and then call to see if they have received it. They collected $6,517,527.77 in taxes and interest as of July 19^th.  Of that they collected $3,985,147.44 just since the last staff meeting!  Their uncollected is $410,133.49 for the spring bills and just $728,200.00 total uncollected.

They are now busy answering questions from realtors regarding “closings”, people checking to make certain that their mortgage companies have paid their tax.

The Clerk Department has collected $5,507.50.  $5,327.00 for motor vehicle registrations; approx. 500 registrations each month.  They receive lots of calls requesting estimates for auto registrations.  The caller does not have all the information that they need so it can be time consuming.

They have only collected $55.00 in dog licenses.  Meghan has been telephoning delinquent dog owners and it is bringing in a few payments.  Some just forget and with a reminder they are happy to come in and then we have the others with NO intention to pay!  They don’t feel this is a tax they should pay as their dog never leaves their yard.  They explain that this is mandated by the State of New Hampshire and they still say they will not pay.  They say the dog died, but you drive by and the dog is there.  They also say that the dog that you see in their yard is NOT their dog!  Most towns and cities have these same problems with dogs.  At least we don’t have very many dog complaints. Much easier to collect taxes than dog fees!

 

Adjournment:  Mrs. Pschirrer closed this Staff Meeting at 6:08 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 13, 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 members of the public in attendance.

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

SOUTHWEST REGION PLANNING COMMISSION (SWRPC):  Mr. J. B. Mack and Mr. Henry Underwood from the SWRPC were present.  They handed out copies of the NH Department of Environmental Services Wetlands Bureau Aquatic Resource Mitigation Fund Program (ARM) and to provide an explanation.  Mr. Mack advised they have taken an interest in this program as they are involved with a lot of stream crossings around the region.  They want to be sure this region understands this resource and they have resources to help.  DES has presented this as a grants program.

During the 2006 legislative session, the General Court enacted Senate Bill 140, known as Aquatic Resource Compensatory Mitigation.  The law became effective on August 18, 2016 and the DES adopted rules for operation of an aquatic resource mitigation fund on June 20, 2007.

This program has been created as an additional compensatory mitigation option available to applicants for impacts to wetlands and other aquatic resources.  This mitigation option is available for use after avoidance and minimization of impacts to these aquatic resources has been achieved.  The department is authorized to collect mitigation funds in lieu of other forms of wetland mitigation as part of a wetlands application.  DES holds and manages funds to be offered as grants for potential projects that will accomplish long-term environmental results.  These projects must consider the service area goals and replace and/or protect wetland and other aquatic resource functions and values that were impacted by development projects in the service area.

ARM Fund payments are collected according to nine service areas in the State.  The Town of Walpole is in area “6”.  A map showing the NH ARM Fund Boundaries was distributed.  The key to success is the long-term protection of those wetland functions that are restored or enhanced.

The SWRPC is still trying to get additional information from the director of this program.  The function of values might change.  The State has one idea of how to use these funds; adding onto the Fall Mountain Region conservation land.  The DES is anxious to hear from the Town of Walpole and Town of Charlestown on their priorities.  Mr. Dalessio advised the Town of Walpole has a priority and it is the Reservoir Dam.  Mrs. Pschirrer said it is in terrible shape therefore needs to be repaired or removed; both are very expensive.  Mr. Peska felt the DES’s own letters noting the deficiencies indicate the urgency to do something.  It is about a 2-1/2 acre reservoir area that was used primarily as surface water storage for the Village but has not been used since 1910.  It is an earthen dam.  There is a great recreational interest in maintaining this area.  The Conservation Commission is involved with its maintenance that includes the trails and parking area.  It was last drained about 20 years ago.  Nothing but brush clearing has been done since then.  The Reservoir dam could benefit from these funds.

It was mentioned there is concern from property owners about their wells in connection with the Route 12 Project along the Connecticut River.  Mr. Mack is aware of bank erosion concerns along the river.  There was discussion of the DOT informational meetings on the Route 12 Project.  Great River Hydro is in the process of repairing their Pier 4; the structural integrity of the dam is a safety concern.  Mr. Mack noted the dam presents a second Issue, as it is not connected with the Reservoir Dam.

Mr. Dalessio mentioned another project the Town would like to address is the Vilas Bridge. The Town’s sewer line runs underneath it to the Waste Water Treatment Facility in Bellows Falls, VT.  The bridge is deteriorating. Therefore, if something breaks that line it would be catastrophic.  Mr. Mack is aware of this bridge problem.

Mrs. Pschirrer has a concern with the recent heavy rains and streams that have washed away berms, etc.  DES does not even allow them to remove trees that have fallen into the streams without their permission.  The Town needs help taking care of this.  It involves entire neighborhoods.  Mr. Mack said stream restoration is also one of the priorities.  There are five different project areas; 1) Land/Wetland Acquisition/Legal Protection; 2) Wetland Restoration/ Creation; 3) Stream Restoration; 4) Culverts/Dams; and 5) Invasive Species Management.

Mr. Underwood advised they are talking about funding that does not have a formal grant application round.  The ARM program is an annual round; information distributed was from the last round.  In 2017 there was no grant application round.  The next formal announcement will be for 2018.  There will be a two page proposal due at the end of April.  Ms. Laurie Sommer is the coordinator.  As a part of the application process, they will be looking for the NH Wildlife Action Plan.  Mr. Underwood distributed copies of the “2015 Highest Ranked Wildlife Habitat by Ecological Condition” plan.  This is a piece of evidence relevant to certain projects.  Areas have various habitat assessments.  It shows areas held under conservation.  This is a resource for purchase of easements, etc.  Mr. Underwood also distributed copies of a “Restoration Plan for Aquatic Connectivity to High Quality Waters of the Ashuelot River Watershed.”  This is an existing study about the quality of the length of streams that could be improved.  It is part of a larger effort of the DES and NH Ecological Surveys to assess stream crossings wherever they are.  He asked if the Town of Walpole has a Conservation Plan that might be a reference for a source of ideas.  Mr. Peska replied the Conservation Commission has an antiquated one and are in the process of doing a new plan.  A new Town Forester was just hired. They will be conducting reviews of all forests and recreational areas.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned they will include all the conservation land the Town owns as well; they are working on some now that will expand this acreage.  Overall the Town will have a great deal of land in conservation.  Mr. Peska said one member is working on a corridor from the Merriam Farm area to the Connecticut River; it will go across the southern section of Walpole.  Mr. Underwood said there might be money available to put more land into easements.  Mr. Mack noted they just want the Town to be aware of these resources.

Mr. Underwood suggested they come up with three or four project ideas that will be presented to the DES, DOT and/or Ms. Lauri Sommer to get an idea of what they will support.  The Selectboard and Mr. Peska proposed the Reservoir Dam as the number one priority.  Mr. Mack pointed out the SWRPC will assist.  Mr. Underwood referenced the Town’s Hazard Mitigation Plan as well.

Ms. Rebecca Brown was representing the residents on Ford Avenue.  The Selectboard agreed this would be another project.  Taking care of the stream would save Ford Avenue from being flooded.  There is an abundance of wildlife in that area.

 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel, (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 7:20 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:48 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 13, 2017, 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 $40,516.38 for checks dated July 14, 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 July 08, 2017 in the amount of $29,949.41 for checks dated July 14, 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 $6,616.81 for the week ending July 08, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 6, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 6, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Ms. Mayberry abstained as she was not present at this meeting.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• Walpole Conservation Commission – June 5, 2017.

 

SEWER ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT # 028-124-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Sewer Abatement in the amount of $216.10 for Map and Lot #028-124-000.  This sewer user was charged twice in October 2016 and it had not been corrected.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

BUILDING PERMIT:

GRIFFIN and ANDREA VICKERS-SIVRET, 56 Old Keene Road, Map and Lot #018-018-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve Building Permit # 2017-19 for Griffin and Andrea Vickers-Sivret to “Construct a 24’ x 24’, 1 Story Garage” at Map and Lot #018-018-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NEW BUSIENSS:

Aquatic Resource Mitigation Fund Program (Continued):  Mrs. Pschirrer felt they need to meet with the Conservation Commission about this program.  There was discussion about submitting four preliminary projects: 1) Reservoir Dam, 2) Stream on the Old Keene Road / Ford Avenue; 3) Connecticut River Bank Erosion in North Walpole; and 4) Mill Pond.  They will then wait to see if there will be support for any of these projects.

Hooper Institute Youth Workers Personnel Forms:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign two Hooper Institute Youth Workers Personnel forms.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

TrueNorth Scope of Work Agreement:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Scope of Work agreement with TrueNorth for two Dell lap top computers for the amount of $2,556.72.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Tax Collector Report:  Mrs. Sandy Smith, Tax Collector, submitted the following report:  The new Property Tax balance due is $422,747.02 for the 2017 spring bills.  The total uncollected for all accounts including the above is $756,303.96.  Mrs. Smith said this is spectacular compared to other towns.

Water and Sewer:

• Income Report: Ms. Daigle provided the following Water/Sewer Receipts to-date 7/13/2017:  Total Receipts $241,254.79 and the Total left to Collect $84,046.87.  This represents 74% paid and 26% still outstanding.
• New Policy and Procedure: This will be an Agenda item for the next meeting.
• Quarterly Billing Plan: This will be an Agenda item for the next meeting.

New England Power Co./National Grid – Map and Lot #026-010-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer and Mrs. Downing met with Mr. Bob Watjen regarding National Grid’s request to regain ownership of Map and Lot #026-010-000.  Mrs. Pschirrer worked with Attorney Hockensmith to discuss the research and history of this parcel.  In 2010 the North Walpole Tax Collector took land she believed was owned by Boston and Main Railroad who had not been paying taxes on these two parcels.  New England Power Co./National Grid is now selling this off to another corporation.  They discovered there is this parcel of land in their records that they believe they own and found a Deed but in the Cheshire County Land Records the Town owns it.  A part of the confusion is the State of NH did not tax the railroad land at that time.  In summary: Mrs. Pschirrer explained the land belonged to the New England Power Company/National Grid.  They now need to do work on that land.  She requested that Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry authorize the transfer of #026-010-000 from the Town of Walpole to New England Power Co./National Grid.  The Town will then calculate what they would have received for a tax bill for the spring 2017.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the return of the land, Map and Lot #026-010-000, back to the New England Power Co./National Grid.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer will have Attorney Hockensmith process all the documents for this transfer.

Letter from Bennett Daviss:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Mr. Bennett Davis.  Recently, a group of Walpole residents came before the Selectboard to introduce the idea of building a community solar energy array on the town’s closed dump site.  The solar array would provide electricity to the grid that would be credited against the town’s electric bills, thus benefiting the residents of all three villages.  Mr. Daviss is requesting two figures from its most recently completed operating year: the total number of kilowatt-hours of electricity the town consumed and the total amount of money the town paid for that electric power.  These figures will enable consultants to give them realistic estimates of the size and cost of the array that state regulations would permit them to building.  The Selectboard approved this request.

Thank You note from Fall Mountain Cross Country Ski Team:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a Thank You note from the Fall Mountain Cross Country Ski Team for their help during Old Home Days.

Thank You Note from Old Home Days Committee:  A Thank You note was received from the Old Home Days Committee who expressed their appreciation for the Selectboard’s help during the Old Home Days celebration.

 

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 8:28 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:40 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 8:42 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 6, 2017

 

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  The absence of Ms. Mayberry was noted.  She advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were no members of the public in attendance.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $56,544.33 for checks dated July 7, 2017.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Recreation Department Accounts Payable check register dated June 30, 2017, in the amount of $80.00 for the basketball referees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending July 01, 2017 in the amount of $28,546.37.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $6,096.25 for the week ending July 01, 2017.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 29, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of June 29, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the minutes were approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – June 29, 2017:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 29, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – June 20, 2017.

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Selectboard is going to notify the Commissioners that they have not changed anything on the formula or the printing on the sewer bills.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Summer Recreation Youth Workers Personnel Forms:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign two revised Summer Recreation Youth Workers Personnel forms.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

 

Letter to Barbara O’Brien, North Walpole Village Commissioner:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept and sign the letter dated July 6, 2017 to Mrs. Barbara O’Brien, Chair of the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners, regarding the Arch Bridge.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Letter to Manager of Shaw’s Supermarket: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the letter dated July 6, 2017 to the Manager of Shaw’s Supermarket in reference to non-service dogs in the grocery store.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Recreation Oath of Appointment Form:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the Appointment Form for Mr. Andrew Buswell as a member of the Recreation Department for a three year term.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Hooper Institute Youth Workers Personnel Form:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign one Hooper Institute Youth Workers Personnel form.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Recreation Revolving Fund Request: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the request from the Recreation Department to purchase ten lifeguard suits and two adult, child, and infant CPR masks using their Revolving Fund.  The total cost with shipping comes to $360.40.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Tax Collection Report:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a Tax Collection Report from Mrs. Sandy Smith, Tax Collector.  To date, $484,147.40 has not been collected on the Property Tax bills.  We are doing great.

 

Water and Sewer Report and Letter:  Mrs. Jodi Daigle submitted the Water/Sewer Receipts to date as follows:  Total Receipts = $179,639.67.  This represents approximately 55% of the billing which has a due date of July 12, 2017.  The Selectboard approved the sample letter, as submitted by Mrs. Daigle, to be mailed on July 21, 2017 to property owners who have not paid their bill.

 

NH DOT Aquatic Resource Mitigation Program:  Mrs. Pschirrer will call Mr. J.B. Mack from the Southwest Regional Planning Commission to invite him to attend the next Selectboard meeting to talk about the NH DOT Aquatic Resource Mitigation Program.

 

Primex:  The Selectboard approved having Mrs. Downing register to attend the 2017 Primex September Supervisors’ Academy from September 12-14, 2017.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call with Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:48 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:55 PM.

 

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 6, 2017 be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.   

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:56 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:04 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Conservation Commission Meeting:  Mrs. Pschirrer will attend the next Conservation Commission meeting on Monday, July 10^th as Ms. Mayberry will be unable to attend.

 

Quarterly Water Bills:  Mr. Dalessio will be putting together a schedule for the next water meter readings.  This should be done the first week in January 2018; it will be a four month bill.  Mrs. Downing explained some issues that have come up with the four quarterly bills and accruing interest.  Mr. Dalessio will draft a policy that states all bills will have to be paid within 30 days; there will be a different policy for collections if that does not happen.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JUNE 29, 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 seven people in attendance.

 

FLASH FLOOD YARD DAMAGE – North Road:  Mr. Wayne Wallace and Mrs. Brenda Wallace of North Road and Mr. Roland Caskin of Colonial Drive were present.  Mr. Wallace advised they were present at a meeting a few years ago on a similar mission.  Now they are back with the same problems but even worse.  What the Town has done between then and now has been ineffective and even aggravated the problem.  He displayed pictures of the recent flooding damage to their properties, explained the flow of water coming down the hill and location of the culverts.  Mr. Caskin had about six inches of water in his basement plus damage to the driveway.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted it was an intense rain storm.  They have pictures of damage all over town and are collecting those pictures.  Unfortunately the Town cannot work on private property.  Mr. Wallace has contacted an engineer and talked to an attorney.  He mentioned we now have a new normal of about 20 years as opposed to the 100 year floods.  We might have another heavy rain tomorrow.  Mr. Wallace explained in both New Hampshire and Vermont many culverts are being replaced with much larger ones.  The catch basin is inadequate not only because of size but also debris that comes off the hill.  Their repairs will cost more this time than before; they need the Town’s help.  There is a way to accommodate the run-off on North Road for several properties.  What the Town has done in the ditches there is only making matters worse because the ditch is filled with loose stones that roll.  His engineer looked at the area and advised it is possible to leave the water on the north side of North Road, make the culverts big enough to take the water flow.  They would need three-foot culverts and a four-foot clear ditch on the north side of the road.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the Town has an engineer coming tomorrow to meet with Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent, to look at all the problem areas starting with Prospect Hill, Union and School Streets.  There are streams on Old Keene Road that went into Ford Avenue.  The Town cannot touch those streams without permission from the NH Department of Environmental Services (DES).  South Street is owned by the State; they came in on Monday and dropped some stone in that area.  The Town’s contracted engineer will also look at North Road.  The Selectboard had previously walked and looked at the North Road area; options were discussed.  Mr. Wallace’s legal advisor said it was illogical for the Town to dump water onto private property knowing it is going to damage private property which is what the Town knows they are doing.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted the Town is not doing it deliberately.  Mr. Wallace said now the Town knows there is a solution.  There is a place to put the water; it is in the conservation area below the Hubbard house as there is a pond there.  They would need permission from the owner.  Mrs. Pschirrer will check into which of the conservation commissions owns the property.  Mr. Dalessio felt research should be done to see if there were any building permits on these two properties.  North Walpole also has water problems.  Mrs. Pschirrer said their concern is always what is happening to the next property down the road.  The engineering will be a major expense to the Town. After the engineering is done, they have to think about other infrastructure problems in Town that includes the water and sewer systems. The Selectboard will keep them informed but need some time.  Mr. Wallace noted they would be happy to assist the Town with the engineering.

 

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, (c) Reputations and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mr. Dalessio seconded and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:04 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:45 PM.

 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 29, 2017, 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 $25,264.39 for checks dated June 30, 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 June 24, 2017 in the amount of $26,973.88 for checks dated June 30, 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 $6,023.39 for the week ending June 24, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 22, 2017: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of June 22, 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 – June 22, 2017: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 22, 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:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – June 6, 2017;
• Walpole Cemetery Trustees Meeting – June 10, 2017;
• Walpole Planning Board Workshop – June 27, 2017.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Non-Service Dogs in Food Establishments:  This agenda item was put on-hold until the next meeting.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Abatements – Water and Sewer:

MAP and LOT # 024-029-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Water Abatement in the amount of $161.83 for Map and Lot #024-029-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Hooper Institute Youth Workers Personnel Forms:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Hooper Institute Youth Workers Personnel Wage Forms.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Summer Recreation Youth Workers Personnel Forms:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Summer Recreation Youth Workers Personnel Wage Forms.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Warrant Article #5 Purchase Order: Ms. Mayberry moved to authorize Mrs. Pschirrer, Chair, to sign the purchase order for repairs to the Police Station under Warrant Article #5.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Info Technology and Website:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned the Town’s website.  Mrs. Downing is waiting for the person who is working on the update to forward her a link.  Mrs. Pschirrer is anxious to get it up-and-running as soon as possible.  Ms. Mayberry said the school administrator asked if the Town would be willing to put a link on the Town’s website to the SAU website.  Mr. Dalessio continues to work on the website until the new person takes it over.

 

Mr. Dalessio has been talking with Mr. Mike Rau about preserving their old computers for possible use as extras, if needed. They also discussed updating to newer, state-of-the-art equipment and operating systems.

 

Water and Sewer Department Revenue Report:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Water/Sewer Receipts to Date 6/29/2017 received from Mrs. Daigle.

 

Recreation Committee – Note of Interest:  A letter of interest in being appointed to the Recreation Committee was received from Mr. Andrew Buswell.

Mr. Dalessio moved to appoint Mr. Andrew Buswell as a member of the Recreation Committee for a three year term.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Conservation Commission – Note of Interest:  A letter of interest was received from Ms. Laura Hayes who is requesting an appointment to the Conservation Commission.  This letter will be forwarded to the Conservation Commission.

 

Cemetery Lot D454 Sale to Kenneth H. and Paula P. Patterson:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Cemetery Deed for the sale of Cemetery Lot D454 to Kenneth H. and Paula P. Patterson.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Unregistered Dog Listing:  A list of dogs that have been registered in the past was submitted by Meghan Hansson, Deputy Town Clerk and Tax Collector. There was some response from owners of the unlicensed dogs but not a lot. The report listed 278 unlicensed dogs, as compared to 347 dogs that are already licensed. The Town Clerk’s office is required by the RSA to submit this list to the Selectboard for their review.

 

Band Concert Use of Town Hall:  A request was received from Mrs. Terri Jo Terrell about using the Town Hall for band concerts on the Common if it rains on a Sunday night.  Are they allowed to use the second floor?  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the band concerts are sponsored by the Savings Bank of Walpole.  This is not a Boy Scout issue. However, he has no problem with them coming in to use either floor of the Town Hall provided there are no other events.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they just need to be told to not go behind the curtains.

 

 

Conservation Commission:  Ms. Mayberry will be unable to attend the next Conservation Commission meeting on July 10^th.   Mrs. Pschirrer and/or Mr. Dalessio will try to attend.

 

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 8:22 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:44 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 8:45 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JUNE 15, 2017

 

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:05 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 six people in attendance.

 

POLICE DEPARTMENT:  Mr. Dalessio has seen several emails over a period of time between the Finance Office and Police Department. He thought it best to get Mr. Rich Kreissle, Mr. Tom Goins, Mrs. Janet Clough, Police Chief Michael Paquette and Sgt. Justin Sanctuary together to discuss the most efficient way to process paper work between the Police Department and Finance Department.  Everybody has done a good job to try to make it smoother but they have to make these processes simpler and work more efficiently.  Mrs. Clough wanted to know what the Police Department could do to help this office.  She has worked a lot with Mr. Kreissle this past week on several things. Mr. Dalessio said nobody should guess at anything.  A purchase order should have all the information on it otherwise it should be sent back to the department for clarification.  All invoices should have the purchase order number on them.  It needs to be made clear where something should be deposited, charged to, etc.  Mr. Kreissle mentioned sometimes there is confusion with transferring paperwork between each other so they set up a system whereby they will communicate weekly.  Ms. Mayberry saw three separate issues: accuracy of time sheets and payroll, where to send funding/deposits and making sure purchase orders were done.  Mrs. Clough noted there is a Purchase Order Policy. When a department orders something, the purchase order is to be sent to the Manager of Finance that same day.  Some days it is difficult for her to bring that PO to the office. Therefore she has been scanning a copy to Mr. Kreissle. This creates the possibility of duplication.  Chief Paquette noted another problem is getting mail.  He would like everything to come to their station.  Ms. Mayberry said if mail goes to them, it should be put in their box for them to process to avoid duplication.  Mr. Dalessio asked Mr. Kreissle to work out an internal procedure for all departments.  Mr. Goins and Mrs. Clough worked out a procedure for the disbursement side involving the Revolving Fund.  She makes sure they have sufficient funds to cover the purchase.  After Mr. Goins has all the Revolving Fund paperwork and gets approval from the Selectboard, he gets a bank check to the vendor.

 

NON-PUBLIC 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 vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:28 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:59 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 15, 2017, 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 $573,203.79 for checks dated June 16, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

This amount includes the monthly payment in the amount of $535,300.00 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

 

 

PAYROLL: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending June 10, 2017 in the amount of $22,541.91.  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 $2,525.70 for the week ending June 10, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – June 8, 2017:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selctboard meeting of June 8, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

BUILDING PERMITS:

WILLIAM and LYNNE REED, 60 Main Street, Map and Lot #021-046-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit #2017-12 for William and Lynne Reed to “Build a 7’ x 3’6” Covered Entry” at 60 Main Street.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

WILLIAM and ELIZABETH SILVERSTEIN, 70 Reservoir Road, Map and Lot #010-033-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit #2017-13 for William and Elizabeth Silverstein to “Build a 24’ x 32’, 1.5 Story – Timber Frame Barn” at 70 Reservoir Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

VETERANS TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT #008-028-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Veterans Tax Credit for Map and Lot #008-028-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Police Department Revolving Fund Request:  This Agenda item was put on-hold at the last meeting.  Mr. Dalessio spoke to Chief Paquette.  The Walpole Police Department is the only one in the county that does not have laptops in police vehicles. Laptop computer purchases will come through a different source of grant money.  This request is to purchase laptop cradles, mounting hardware and antennas for Walpole fleet cruisers plus installation for the amount is $5,834.29 from their Revolving Fund.  It is a safety issue.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve this request as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Beer and Wine Endorsement with Additional Permissions:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard had given permission to Chris and Caitlin Casserta to obtain a beer and wine license for their Eat Well Culinary Group, LLC, d/b/a The Hungry Diner.  They are now asking if they can serve beer and wine in their court yard.  When the Liquor Department representative was there they discussed adding a fenced-in area in front of the building on the lawn that abuts NH Rt. 12.  Some shrubbery will add screening from the road.  A covered pavilion area has been approved for building at a future date within this same area.

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the expansion endorsement of the Eat Well Culinary Group, LLC, d/b/a The Hungry Diner to serve beer and wine in their court yard.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

Mailbox Issue Response:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a response letter from Mr. Lewis with reference to his mailbox.

Brewery Road Health Issue:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the Brewery Road health issue still exists.  They need to clarify the assessing issue on the dwellings/buildings.  Mrs. Pschirrer will check to see if the property taxes are being paid.

Old Drewsville Road:  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that last night at a meeting she was reminded that a property on the Old Drewsville Road was still in need of a clean-up.  There are unlicensed vehicles on the property.  Would this be considered a Junk Yard?  She will draft a letter to the owner and bring it back to the next meeting for review.

Arch Bridge Lights:  Ms. Mayberry was at the North Walpole Commissioners meeting on Tuesday.  They would like the Selectboard to consider keeping two lights on the bridge because it is a safety issue.  They would like to continue the discussion with the Selectboard. She suggested they put their request in writing.  Mr. Dalessio feels the State should turn off the lights first so the past bills will go away.  The Selectboard would like to keep the lights on.  After the lights go off the Selectboard can decide if and how to get them turned back on.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Water and Sewer:  Mr. Kreissle generated a copy of the aging report for water and sewer.  It was reviewed and will go to Mr. Mark Houghton.  This report includes everybody who owes anything.  Mr. Dalessio would like it re-run with information on 90 days and over; prior to May 30, 2017.       

Health Trust Visit:  Mrs. Downing noted the Health Trust representatives are open to setting a date to visit during July or August.  They will talk about changes in coverage and benefits.  Mr. Dalessio recommended it be scheduled when all employees can attend.  Mrs. Downing was asked to find a week when employees were not on vacation and schedule it then.

Warrant Article:  Mr. Dalessio discussed the Warrant Article with Chief Paquette as they would like to use some of the Warrant Article funds to get needed work done on their building.  He will remind them to process a purchase order.

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Library Board had voted to hire Dan Scully, architect, to do the schematics on this building.  They have a $10,000 donation from an estate and will use some of their own money. He is anxious to do this work.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess the Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:36 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:54 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Auditors:  When Mrs. Pschirrer met with the auditors she also told them about the Town’s lawsuits but she did not believe there would be financial impacts.  They also talked about Current Use.  The auditors said we are not recording it properly because Current Use is based on collection. Therefore when something is billed in 2015, but is not collected until 2016, we should not be recording it in 2015.  After the audit is over, Mr. Dalessio would like to talk to Mr. Kreissle about separating the water and sewer funds out of the general fund and separate the PDIP account into smaller sub-accounts.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the auditors will be finished tomorrow.

 

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 7:58 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

JUNE 15, 2017

 

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

Staff Present:               Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration), Rick Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Michael Rau (Road Agent), Police Chief Michael Paquette and Sgt. Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); Paul Colburn (Recycling Center); Justine Rogers-Fafara  (Librarian); Justin Cassarino (Director Recreation Department); Eloise Clark (Hooper Institute); Jodi Daigle (Water/ Sewer and Administrative Assistant)

Call to Order:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and welcomed everyone.  She advised this meeting is being recorded.

Mrs. Pschirrer reported we are almost six months into the 2017 Budget so we have updated material from Mr. Kreissle.  By September 1^st the Selectboard would like to see the first draft for their 2018 Budget in addition to any proposed warrant articles.  On July 6^th at 8:30 am she will be meeting with those who met and worked on the new Personnel Manual to do a review.

 

Recreation Department:  Mr. Cassarino provided the following report:

Pool:

• Pool is clear and they are starting to clean the pool house;
• Staff is in the process of getting drug tested;
• Hired Aqua Blue to assist with the pool last week as Mr. Cassarino did not have any guards available to help open the pool. The Recreation Committee agreed it was a good idea with all of the events coming up next week – Field Day, Graduation, 6^th and 7^th grade swim, and Old Home Days;  Filters needed to be cleaned at least twice a day;
• He only has ten lifeguards so is still looking to add two more; it is posted on the Town web-site and on the Recreation Department Facebook page.
• They will be open no later than Friday, June 23^rd.

Basketball:

• 74 total players, which is more than last year;
• Started practices this week;
• Received 4 sponsors to purchase the kids uniforms; Chroma Technology, Applied Bolting, Jancewicz and Son, and Bowman Dental;
• Games start on June 26^th.

Other:

• Need to get their “No Smoking” signs put up; Mr. Rau will do this.
• Purchasing equipment for the pool to make it look more updated and easier access for guests to get equipment;
• Looking into helping North Walpole purchase a volley ball net for their park. There has been vandalism at the park.  People have worked really hard to clean it up and make improvements; it looks nice.  They just did some flower beds. Mr. Dalessio felt if about 30-40% of the youth in North Walpole participate in the Recreation Department activities Mr. Cassarino should be able to use some Revolving Fund money.  Cassarino felt the percentage is at least 30-40%.  Mr. Dalessio recommended a meeting of Mr. Cassarino, Chief Paquette, Mr. Mike Rau and himself to discuss what can be done to help with the vandalism problem.  He feels the area looks great.

 

 

Highway Department:  Mr. Rau submitted the following report for May 15, 2017 to June 15, 2017.

Culverts were done on Walpole Valley and Cheshire Turnpike.  They have done more culverts in a month than were done in an entire year in the past.  They have been paved in.  They have been measuring and are trying to get the roads back to where they were so no pavement is being wasted.  Mr. Rau rented an excavator for the month.  The new loader is here; it will work out well.

• Cold patched;
• Serviced trucks and equipment;
• Graded Old Drewsville Road;
• Replaced 23 culverts;
• Cleaned-up trees from wind storm;
• Paved-in cuts for new culverts;
• Opened the fountain;
• Mowing;
• Fixed backhoe’s wrist cylinder;
• Met with CLD Engineering for culvert repair on Alstead Center Road; they will do a proposal.
• Swept roads to be paved;
• Cleaned-up tree debris behind Town Hall;
• Crushed dumpsters at Recycling Center;
• Painted crosswalks and parking areas including Middle Street and Main Street; Chief Paquette mentioned they can now starting giving out “No Parking” tickets.
• Paving preparations;
• New 9-1-1 maps were received Tuesday. They went through Town and checked everything.  A lot of new things were added.  He has a copy for the Selectboard Office and Fire Station.  Pschirrer thought the Police Department should have a copy as well. The last update was in 2007.

There will be an informational meeting on the Route 12 Project by the Department of Transportation on Wednesday, June 28^th at 7:00 PM at the North Walpole School.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mr. Rau to attend.  Ms. Mayberry also plans to attend.

 

Town Clerk/Tax Collector:  Mrs. Sandy Smith submitted the following report:

They have been very busy during the last month.  They executed tax liens in May.  They processed the intent to Deed properties.  They only had to Deed one property; it has been abandoned for years.  Mrs. Smith made phone calls to remind property owners of the deadlines and everyone paid except the one owner.  These properties were three years behind in their taxes and are charged 18 percent interest.  They pay costs for the certified notices that they have to send.  They also pay for searching the Registry for outstanding mortgages and notification of the mortgagees.  This procedure is also done for the delinquent properties that they executed a “Lien” on this year.  Both procedures are now completed.  They do this every year and some of the same properties are always on the list.  Sometimes, they do not even have a mortgage.

They mailed a couple of gravel tax bills.

Sarah completed work on the warrant early! She did a great job.  This is the earliest that they have ever received it!  The Selectboard signed May 11^th.  State law says they should receive it by May 15^th.

They could not start work on the spring taxes until they had finished the deed procedure on Wednesday, May 17^th.  As soon as they executed their deed, they started work on the billing.

With the assistance of Terry Jo, they imported the warrant, printed the bills and were able to mail them on Friday, May 19^th.  She wanted this done as soon as possible, as some people pay as soon as they receive their bill.  This was a wild couple of days.  Meghan was kept very busy tending the phone, registering vehicles and fielding questions. She also assisted in stuffing the bills when she was not busy.

Taxes will be due Monday July 3^rd.  They have collected $1,224,004.59.  The warrant is for $5,611,877.00.

The Town Clerk Department has collected approximately $51,985.00. This includes $369.99 in dog licenses and $212.44 in boat registrations. Auto registrations were $49,958.00.  Meghan has been sending letters reminding people to license their dogs.

They are closed on Wednesday to attend the spring workshop for City and Town Clerks held in Jaffrey.

 

Recycling Center:  Mr. Paul Colburn submitted five sheets of data.

He explained the “5 Year Comparison to Recyclables”.  They are up from last year and almost up to two years ago.  They have done real well with revenues.  The furniture factory brought in about 30 mattresses which brought in a lot of money.  If the mattresses are able to come apart they capture the steel but the rest goes into the trash.  It is a quick process; not a lot of time is spent doing this.  Mr. Kreissle did the Recycling Revenue figures as of June 14, 2017.  Some months they do more than others.  Another graph shows the categories; what was budgeted and the actual to-date.  The total budget was estimated at $166,350.00; the Actual to-date is $74,672.23.  Metals will be up next month as they just made a shipment; they are waiting to ship plastics.

An open-top container that had been missing for months was found. It will be painted before it is returned and the vendor has given them a container to use in the meantime.  The Department attended the NRRA conference for continued education and a better understanding about how Walpole is connected to other areas.  Their computer was serviced; it was not done is almost four years. They took compost to the North Walpole Park for their flower beds.  They will have five (5) Hooper kids this summer.  Relative to the Walpole Clean-up they collected 155 pounds of metal; 53 TVs, 7 tires, 1614 pounds of trash for a total of 78 bags.  After that, people cleaned-up by the dam by the river and collected another 13 pounds of metal plus other items.  Because they collected some Sure Pack, they were able to fill in some potholes. Chip Wood dropped off less than a cord of wood to be given out. The intent was that the wood be given to someone who needs it.  They need to remove ash from the burn pit.

 

Police Department:  Police Chief Michael Paquette distributed copies of their report for the period of May 15 through June 14, 2017.  The number of calls for service was 371.

• Public Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls – 49              Administrative – 34                 Citizen Assists – 41

• Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 7                           MV Stops – 124                       Traffic Safety – 20

• Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol – 20     Crimes Against a Person – 54  Crimes Against Property – 22

Sgt. Sanctuary reported that some calls were medical calls.  Pistol permits can still be issued but now citizens do not need them so the Administrative number is down.  Drugs and Alcohol is up.  There is a lot of property damage and thefts.  Chief Paquette spoke at the Senior Lunch about Senior Identity Fraud.  They will post this on their web-page and Facebook page.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended something be put in the Clarion again.  Sgt. Sanctuary mentioned that Drug Take-Back was held at the Fire Department; they collected over 60 pounds;  so it went well.  Chief Paquette said someday they hope to have a box at the Police Station.  There was discussion about drugs and the kinds/ mixtures being found in this area.  Packaging keeps changing. Law enforcement is getting attacked; officers could be put in a life threatening situation. Mrs. Pschirrer thanked them for the hard and dangerous work they are doing.

 

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Sarah Downing submitted the following report:

Water and Sewer:

• Jodi Daigle has joined the Selectboard Office as the Water and Sewer Clerk and Administrative Assistant as of Tuesday, May 30^th.
• Meter readings were completed very quickly by Bryan Wetherby of EE Houghton and were downloaded into AccuFund on Wednesday, May 31^st.
• Ongoing training on AccuFund billing processes has been occurring;
• Water and Sewer invoices were posted in the mail on Tuesday, June 13^th.
• Payments are beginning to be received and deposited.
• Water and sewer user calls are occurring due to the effect of rate increases, usage increases due to late billing and the sewer bond fee. A Question and Answer (Q & A) Sheet for water and sewer inquiries has been created and is being distributed.

Assessing Update:

• Letters were sent by Avitar to property owners who missed internal inspections of their homes/buildings. Appointments were scheduled and visits were made in May through early June.
• For those who missed making an appointment for an internal inspection or have questions, will have another opportunity to meet with Avitar Assessors. In August, draft property cards will be available online to view and download.  Additionally, dates for making appointments with Avitar assessors will also be featured in the letter.  Dalessio encouraged all owners to look at their property cards for accuracy and if discrepancies are discovered notify the Selectboard Office.
• The Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) visited on May 26^th to gather information for auditing property exemptions and credits.

Town Hall Facilities:

• The Town Hall has been very busy with various functions. It will be off-line for rentals while the Walpole Players production is occurring in June.

Appreciation Gathering for Town Employees and Volunteers:

• A date and type of get together is needed so that planning can move forward with reserving a space and hiring a caterer. Feedback from the Selectboard and Department Managers is being sought. Mrs. Pschirrer suggested setting a date at the next meeting.  Last year it was a BBQ.

 

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Eloise Clark provided the following report.  It is time to change from the schools back to the Institute.  Mrs. Clark reported they will be finish up at the schools on June 23^rd.  They will be finishing up the winter part of the garden and aim for fall crops for the students so they can harvest them when they return in September. It is time to move into their Summer Programs.  About 80 kids from K through 8^th Grade signed up.  They will be working on farms and some will be at the Recycling Center.  They are paid minimum wage.  Mentors like Mr. Paul Colburn help them learn job skills.  In addition they learn about plants and animals and work on how to manage their money.  The Hooper Institute is not supported by taxpayer dollars. They had a successful fundraiser and businesses in Town sponsor them.  They received a generous donation from the NH Charitable Trust.  A workday was held on May 13^th with Mr. Lew Shelley; a new trail was created on the northwest side of the hill.  Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Clark to send a copy of their Bi-Annual Report to Mrs. Downing so it can be distributed.  It would be good for people to see the great work they are doing in the schools.

 

Manager of Finance:  Mr. Rich Kreissle had distributed copies of his monthly reports.  The auditors will be here this week.  It is going well.

 

Library:  Mrs. Justine Rogers-Fafara distributed copies of their Summer Reading 2017 at the Walpole Town Library entitled “Build a Better World”.  It lists dates, activities and times.  Lots of exciting things are planned for this summer. In May of 2017 they were:

• Open 26 days;
• Served 1503 people;
• Circulated 2211 materials;
• Offered 35 programs which served 372 people.

Their average daily people served has gone down from last May by about 5 people and average daily circulation has gone up by about 8 items daily.

Last May, they were circulating fewer Videos (20% of circ) and more Non-Fiction (10% Adult, 4% Kids) but otherwise percentages are very similar.

The Library Board of Trustees is working diligently on an expansion plan.  At their meeting Tuesday night they voted to hire an architect, Dan Scully, to best use their space and land they own.

The Library will have a table at Old Home Days on Saturday.  They will be passing out library brochures as well as summer reading information and book sale/sorting information.

The Friends Book Sale is scheduled for October 27-29^th.  They are accepting donations and sorting has started.  They have two bays beside the old R.N. Johnson building.  Sorting and drop off is Wednesday mornings 9-10am and Thursday afternoons 3-4pm.

One of the 7^th & 8^th grade teachers sent his reading list over so they can be sure to have those books available.  They are working on a display for them so they are easy to see when someone first walks in.

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Library is a busy place; there are lots of people plus kids who are sometimes doing their homework.

 

In conclusion, Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard appreciates every employee and the hard work they do.  The next meeting will be on Thursday, July 20^th at 5:00 PM.

 

Adjournment:  Mrs. Pschirrer closed this meeting at 6:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary