The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

MARCH 16, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Whitney Aldrich

 

Staff Present:  Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Michael Rau (Road Agent); Sgt. Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk-Tax Collector); Paul Colburn (Recycling Center);  Tom Burt  (Recycling Center); Rebecca Whippie (Hooper Institute); Justin Cassarino (Director-Recreation Department)

Guest:  Cheryl Mayberry

Call To Order:  Mr. Dalessio called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised this meeting is being recorded.  Justine Rogers, Police Chief Michael Paquette and Mr. Rich Kreissle were unable to attend this meeting.

 

Recycling Center:  Mr. Paul Colburn introduced Mr. Tom Burt, the new Operations Foreman.

Mr. Colburn reported there are three charts.  A new chart as of March 10, 2017 is the “2017 Recycling Revenues – Detail”.  It shows the various Categories, Budgeted amount and Actual amount to-date.  They sell bags to about 11 different stores who make $.02/bag.  The 2017 Budget is $166,350; Actual to-date is $35,235.  Mr. Dalessio recommended Mr. Colburn meet with Mr. Kreissle as he has been working on revisions to the charts.  For clarification they will go back 3 years rather than 5 years on the charts.

Mr. Colburn explained the “5 Year Comparison to Recyclables”.  The years are up-and-down.  The weather has not been favorable this year; there was one day when they did not take in anything.

Mr. Colburn explained the “Daily Weight Report and 5 Year to Date Comparison”.  Year-to-date they are actually up slightly from 2016.

Mr. Colburn and Mr. Burt attended a NRRA meeting.  It was to give Mr. Burt a better picture of what happens to the materials they dispose of.  He needs to meet people from other states and towns.  They took 5,000/lbs of batteries, copper, brass, etc. and made a stop at Schnitzer Steel which was on the way to the meeting.  Cardboard is at $200/ton which is twice what it was last year.  They were going to stop taking apart electronics but now the market turned around so they will continue to do so.  A lot of the work is done by volunteers and students from the schools.

The Annual Facility Report that goes to the State is due by the end of the month; that is being worked on.  Yesterday while plowing the yard to get it ready for today he thought about the fact that this Town facility is only one of two that does not get plowed out by the Town.  The Highway Department helps with sanding.  Thursday is a busy day as North Walpole brings their bags in.  He was short one employee and had only one volunteer.

 

Town Clerk – Tax Collector:  Mrs. Sandra Smith submitted the following report for March.  They have been very busy preparing for the Town election and Town Meeting.  Town elections and meetings always create phone calls and this year is no exception.  All the preparation work has been coming along great.

They collected $447,647.36 in property taxes.  The Town Clerk department collected $55,333.64 since their last staff meeting.

The timber tax bill was printed and mailed.

Mrs. Smith mailed 20 Intent to Deed certified notices, return receipt requested to the property owners that still have outstanding 2014 taxes.  It went along quicker as they used the postage machine in the Selectboard Office rather than stamping the envelopes individually.  These liens were placed in May 2015.  She sent 2014 lien amounts to Total Notice.  They research the Registry of Deeds and notify the Lien Holders that these properties will be deeded on May 17^th if taxes are not paid in full by that date.  All costs of the search and certified notices were added into the amount that these delinquent tax payers have to pay to redeem their properties.  They have also been charged eighteen percent interest since the lien was placed in 2015.

Certified mail with Intent to Lien notices have been sent to approximately 87 tax payers with unpaid 2016 taxes.  These liens will be executed April 19^th for any unpaid 2016 taxes.  At that time the interest changes from 12 percent to 18 percent.  She then sent the information to Total Notice and they do a search of mortgagees and send the mortgage companies notifications within 45 days of the lien being placed.  These procedures and interest amounts are mandated by State law and are very time consuming.  They receive numerous phone calls when they send these notices.

It is important to have all these completed before we begin the new tax billing cycle in May.  Tax bills and envelopes have been ordered so they will be ready for their Warrant.  Their uncollected is very low at $591,194.31.  This figure includes $52,648.71 interest payable to the Town.

 

Recreation Department:  Mr. Cassarino made the following report.

Basketball:

• New uniforms for next season are in.
• Old uniforms will be donated to the Walpole Schools.
• The Rec. Dept. will be meeting with Justin Parrott to come up with a code of conduct for players and parents to sign for all recreation sports.

Pool:

• They have heard from most of the staff that they are coming back.
• He met with the Recreation Committee and they discussed getting rid of the desk help position and making it required to have a lifeguard certification. This will help when there are a lot of swimmers and we can add another guard on deck without calling anyone in.
• Raising the starting rate to $9.50 to compete with local businesses to attract and hold onto workers. This will also help bring their staff together as a team.
• They are looking to do small weekly activities with the community over the summer. Some examples: kickball, wiffle ball, floor hockey, bike rides, etc.
• Community has expressed interest in a pickle ball court. He will get in touch with Wilson and Lawrence to see if they can paint the lines.  They are also looking to add horseshoe pits again.

Summer Basketball:

• They are trying to find people that are interested in refereeing.
• Hoping to add another team this year, since the league has grown each year.

 

Highway Department:  Everyone present gave Mr. Rau and his crew a round of applause for the amazing job they did during the blizzard.  Mr. Rau made the following report for the period of February 16 to March 15, 2017.  He thanked his crew for working up to 28 hours straight during the recent blizzard.  He also thanked Mr. Ryan Melendez from Catamount HD Parts for getting them parts to fix a truck during the storm; that was a big help.  The store was closed but he went in to get them the parts needed to get the truck repaired.  He always treats the Highway Department very well.  Mike, Jim and Mr. Rau have done storms like this one before.  Everyone stepped up-to-the-plate to help out.

When trees come down on wires they do not touch them but do notify Liberty Utilities.  They then clean-up the brush.  They plowed out the boat landing on Route 12 for the Fire Department to do some training but then the power company opened-up the dam so they were unable to do it.

They have also done the following:

• Cold patching;
• Service trucks and equipment;
• Fixed Truck-5 radiator hose and tightened spreader chain;
• Fixed Truck-8 spinner controls, wing, front brakes and chloride tank;
• Fixed Truck-3 spreader chain;
• Fixed AEB1 fuel leak;
• Truck-4 to Reed’s to fix rear springs and air leak;
• Wing snow banks back with grader;
• Cleaned-up the shop yard; flattened out the yard;
• Wind storm of 3/9; they cleared trees from the roads and chipped brush and tree debris;
• Winter weather calls outs: 2/24, 3/3, 3/9, 3/10, 3/14 and 3/15.

Mr. Rau has been getting prices for hot-top for 11 miles but the prices are going up.  Mrs. Pschirrer said even with the increased prices they will try to do at least 10 miles.  Mr. Rau plans to work on Colonial Drive and Cold River Road (by Aubuchon’s Store) this summer.  Cold River Road is less than a mile; it has old pug-mix on it and has big holes.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out it is a heavily travelled road.  Mr. Rau had plans to start to look at culverts but then the storm came.

Mr. Dalessio mentioned responsibility for the lights on the Arch Bridge is still pending.  Mr. Rau has an on-site meeting on Monday. The power company is having a tech turn-off the power so they can determine who is responsible for the lights; the State, DES or Town.  The Highway Department plowed-out the Hooper today.  Mr. Jim Terrell brought in some pizzas for the crew during the storm; it was very much appreciated.

 

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing made the following report:

Town Meeting:

• Town Meeting will resume at 1pm on Saturday, March 18^th.
• A slide show of department photos shall be occurring before and after the meeting on the new LCD projector. This will include photos that did not make it into the Annual Report and other extra pictures.
• Cake and decaf coffee will be served at the conclusion of the meeting.

Revaluation Update:

• Property owners that were not available when Avitar assessors visited will be sent a letter in May. This will allow property owners to schedule a time for an Avitar assessor to visit and view the inside areas of their property.
• Phase 3 will be the mailing of a “Notice of Preliminary Assessment Values” to property owners. This notice will be sent in the summer.

There will be several dates that property owners will be able to schedule an appointment to discuss updated property assessments with an Avitar assessor.

• The revaluation will be finalized in the fall. Changes to valuation will be reflected in the fall tax bill.

Town Hall Facilities:

• The display case for the Boston Post Cane was mounted to the wall near the map table. A recognition plaque has been ordered.
• Sorting of materials in the vault in the basement is almost complete. The Historical Society may be able to incorporate several antique ledgers and books into their collection.  They will be seeking grant money to recondition the paper based items.

Water and Sewer:

• Mrs. Linda Edkins made a decision to retire therefore the Water and Sewer Department is being reorganized. Preparation has begun for the next round of water and sewer billing.  The target spring water and sewer billing date is May 1^st per Mr. Mark Houghton.

Human Resources:

• Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability benefited summary sheet will be distributed to all full-time employees by department managers for review and reference.

 

Hooper Institute:  Ms. Becky Whippie advised there are not many things going on in the schools this time of the year by both she and Mrs. Clark.  They have been meeting in the High Tunnel.

Mrs. Clark and the 6^th graders are still working in the High Tunnel and recently harvested spinach. Some things are planted in the fall, they go dormant but when it warms up they continue to grow.  The High Tunnel is a remarkable structure and in a perfect spot. They planted pea sprouts; the sprouts can be snipped off and can be put in their salads.

Ms. Whippie mentioned it is maple sugaring season and she has been talking about this with the Pre-K, Kindergarten, 3^rd and 4th grade students.  On Tuesday the 4^th graders will be going to see Ken McGill’s Sugar House.  To wrap-up their winter mammal unit on how they survive, the 1^st grade students have also been tracking these mammals on maps they created.  In the 2^nd grade they have been talking about big and small farms and chickens.  This week she started working on birds, migration is happening again.  It is all a fun unit.

The Songbird Presentation is coming up in April. Posters are up and tickets are for sale.  Tickets will be for sale at the Town Meeting.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned this is a fundraiser sponsored by the Friends of the Hooper.  Mr. Chris Remer is the speaker.  He is a world class birder.  This presentation is on how to protect our song-birds.

Ms. Whippie and Mrs. Clark are fine for now but will probably open up the Hooper Institute in April.  There will be an organizational meeting for the Community Gardens in mid-April.

 

Police Department distributed copies of their report for the period of February 16, 2017 through March 15, 2017.  The number of calls for service was 334.

 

• Police Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls – 42              Administrative – 43                 Citizen Assists – 51

• Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 20                         MV Stops – 62                         Traffic Safety – 18

• Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol – 15     Crimes Against a Person – 55  Crimes Against Property – 28

 

Sgt. Sanctuary reported that this is the time of year when calls for service volume are down. This is Officer Landry’s second week.  They are talking to the Sheriff’s Department about grants for drug work.  During the Blizzard they had a few slide-offs that were primarily on State roads.  The new law takes some burden off them for Pistol Permits.

 

New Selectboard Member:  Mr. Dalessio advised that Ms. Cheryl Mayberry is present and will be the next Selectboard member replacing Mr. Whitney Aldrich.  She will be excellent as a member of the Selectboard.

 

Adjournment:  Mr. Dalessio adjourned this Staff Meeting at 5:50 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PUBLIC HEARING

MARCH 16, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Whitney Aldrich

Others Present:             J.B. Mack (Southwest Regional Planning Commission); Karen Crowley (Walpole Foundation and representing an abutter); Cheryl Mayberry (Commissioner in Village of North Walpole); Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Regina Borden (Recording Secretary)

Call To Order:  Mr. Dalessio called this Public Hearing to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He announced this Public Hearing was advertised and duly posted that “The Walpole Selectboard will be holding a Public Hearing Regarding the Donation of Map 20, Lots 65 and 66 from the Estate of Niles Westberg (former site of Central Plating) to the Town of Walpole at 6:00 pm at the Walpole Town Hall”.

A large map of the area was on display.  Smaller copies of the map and minutes of previous public hearings held on January 26, 2017 and March 2, 2017, were available.  Mr. Dalessio turned this public hearing over to Mrs. Pschirrer as she was the first Selectboard member contacted by the Westberg Family and is in charge of this project.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that in 2002 the Town of Walpole adopted “RSA 41:14-a” which enables the Town to accept this property provided they hold two Public Hearings and have meetings with both the Conservation Commission and Planning Board to get their approval. The Selectboard has done this.  Both the Conservation Commission and Planning Board will write letters of support to accept this project.  Two weeks after the conclusion of this second Public Hearing, the Selectboard can vote as to whether or not to accept this property being offered to them.  This offer came to the Town from the Westberg Estate; they would be happy to give it to the Town for $1.00 as it would enable them to close the Estate.  This is a “Brownsfields” property because of the past contamination.  If the Town takes control of this property, it will blend into the village area.  After all the testing is done and if it meets the requirements, the Town will apply for federal grants to have this property cleaned-up. The area will be refilled with clean soil and put to good economic use by the Town because more parking is needed in the center of town.  That land is basically land-locked at this point. A right-of-way was given to the Walpole Foundation who would like to have discontinued for the safety of their tenants.

Mr. J.B. Mack explained the plan from his perspective.  He thanked everyone for having him attend this public hearing.  He is not a scientist, so any questions about chemistry and other similar items he might have to get back to the Selectboard with answers.  SWRPC has had a Brownsfields Program since 2003.  They have worked with about 15 towns in this region on close to 50 different sites during this time period.  This is a site they were looking at.  Typically when they work with a site they want to see if there is a plan.  They were originally approached by a private entrepreneur in Town who had an interest in purchasing this property for an office building.  He invested a lot of his own money on Phase I and Phase II assessments. But after the Phase II assessment, the State came back and advised there were still some things that needed to be done.  He came to the SWRPC about doing another Phase II assessment but then decided to drop the project.  They worked with Ransom Environment Engineers and Scientists on this Brownsfields Assessment Program including the various monitoring wells and test pits, the locations of those that were tested and sent to laboratories that understand soils and groundwater.  The outcome of those tests was the Phase II environmental assessment. The Town of Walpole has a copy of that report.

They basically found a few things. There is chromium contamination in a confined area.  The State is probably going to require that a future owner remove this.  They also found some nickel and arsenic but not as much as the chromium where the electro-plating was being done on the property. In addition they found some petroleum contaminants on the property in the groundwater.  It was determined during their Phase II assessment that these were associated with the Sunoco gas station on the corner abutting the property.  That is the responsibility of the owner to work with the State to improve those conditions and they have been monitoring them.

Ms. Crowley noted the owner of the gas station just recently did another monitoring well to the west and behind Murray’s building.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the owner of the Sunoco is fairly active in monitoring this.  Mr. Mack said after the consultants finish their Phase II assessment, they will make a recommendation to the Brownsfields Advisory Committee to give them a better understanding of the chromium situation.  This information will tell them how much money would be necessary to remove and replace it with clean fill.  Ransom Consulting presented a new scope of work to the Brownsfields Advisory Committee.  He noted on the map that they plan to do another test pit in a different area to better define the chromium between the two buildings.  Because there is some groundwater contamination, they are proposing it is possible the property will have a Groundwater Management Permit just like the gas station owner.  The sump pumps will also be tested.

Mrs. Pschirrer has a copy of the new scope of work document.  When the Advisory Committee heard the scope of work, and Mrs. Pschirrer was in attendance, they were supportive.  The Advisory Committee wants to be good stewards of their federal dollars. They want to have some sort of assurance that the Town is serious about looking at this property and using the resources they have through the SWRPC to attain one of their goals.  They heard from Mrs. Pschirrer that it would be a parking lot; an asset to the Town.  The Advisory Committee recommended they go through the public hearing process and have letters confirming they would like to move forward with this project.  The SWRPC would then contact Ransom Consulting to move forward with this work as well as develop a Mediation Action Plan that will have alternatives.  It would give the Town an idea as to whether or not the grants would cover their costs.

An EPA grant is typically $200,000 per parcel and, in the past, have been available annually.  SWRPC does this program because there are a lot of Brownsfields properties in this region.  After clean-up, these properties would go back on the tax rolls, provide spaces for new facilities, clean-up the environment, and improve health conditions.  This is a tool towns can use to achieve their goals.  In addition to the scope of work the Advisory Committee is likely ready to approve paying for the Phase I Assessment. The Town would want this completed before they take possession of the property. It would protect the Town from any federal liability associated with the property.  The document has to be less than six months old.  In terms of State liability, they have their own program.  There is an application that SWRPC and/or the State will assist the Town in filling it out at no fees.  This assures the Town they are protected from State liability provided they meet conditions.  It could be a Groundwater Management Permit.  It would require the Town to continue monitoring otherwise they breach the contract.  The State wants to see these things work.  Mrs. Pschirrer feels the DES representative at the meetings seems supportive of this project.

Ms. Crowley asked why the present owners are not responsible for the clean-up of their property.  Mr. Mack said it is because they are not doing anything on the land.  Eventually the State would go after them and require they have a plan to clean-up the property.  The State has limited resources for enforcement.

Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the Selectboard has two weeks before they vote on the project.  They will immediately send a letter with their decision to at SWRPC.  Mr. Mack noted the Advisory Committee recommends they conditionally vote for acceptance of the property based on the results of the reports.  Mrs. Pschirrer confirmed this will be an Agenda item for their meeting on March 30^th.  Mr. Mack mentioned it is really conditional on Phase II.  Phase I is basically for federal protection for liability.

Ms. Mayberry knows that chromium is a metal that is isolated to the center area but it is not water soluble. By removing the soil, they will be removing the metal.  Mr. Mack confirmed this.  She asked about the groundwater contamination in Phase II and if any are above the federal level.  She assumes some are; for example; contaminants from the gas station.  Arsenic is inorganic.  Mr. Mack read a portion of the Scope of Work that addresses this issue.  Ms. Crowley noted the level of petroleum products was not significant from the gas station.

Mr. Dalessio confirmed the Selectboard is positive about moving forward with this project.

Mr. Dalessio announced that Ms. Cheryl Mayberry is the newly elected Selectboard member who will be replacing Mr. Whitney Aldrich who is retiring.

Mr. Mack mentioned at the last Public Hearing on March 2^nd it stated that SWRPC added $5,000 to their budget for testing on Felicia Phillips property. That figure should have been $500.  He asked Mrs. Pschirrer to obtain permission, in writing, from Ms. Phillips to allow this testing on her property.

 

There being no other public comments, Mr. Dalessio closed this Public Hearing at 6:35 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

MARCH 9, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Whitney Aldrich

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

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $53,135.13 for checks dated March 10, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll register for the week ending March 4, 2017, in the amount of $21,000.90 for checks dated March 10, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,403.65 for the week ending March 4, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 2, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of March 2, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING – March 2, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of March 2, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

PUBLIC HEARING FOR WESTBERG PROPERTY DONATION – March 2, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Public Hearing for the Westberg Property Donation of March 2, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – February 28, 2017;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – March 2, 2017.

In the February 28, 2017, Minutes, Mr. Dalessio noticed that Commissioner Kiniry mentioned there is concern from some residents that a shooting range is being operated on the Fall Mountain area in the power line area.  Concerns are; is it on private property, who is using it and is it a licensed facility?  Mr. Dalessio advised the Police Department had checked on this; it is on private property. The date for the North Walpole Village Budget Hearing is Thursday, March 02, 2017, in the Commissioner’s Office.  The Village Meeting date is Thursday, April 6, 2017, at St. Peter’s Church.

 

CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED and TIMBER TAX LEVY:

Donald H. Wood, Jr. Trust, Alstead Center Road, Map and Lot #015-018-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed in the amount of $118.12 for Map and Lot #015-018-000.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Timber Tax Levy in the amount of  $118.12 for Map and Lot #015-018-000.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

BUILDING PERMIT:

Peter Stolley and Christine Holtz, 36 Colonial Drive, Map and Lot #021-036-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2017-02, for Peter Stolley and Christine Hultz to “add a woodshed to the rear of the garage”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Preliminary 2015 Financial Statements and Auditor’s Opinion:  The Selectboard had received and read the Preliminary 2015 Financial Statements and Auditor’s Opinion.  Mr. Dalessio talked to Mr. Tom Goins and Mr. Rich Kreissle about them.  There was discussion pertaining to the Significant Audit Findings.  Some issues were boiler plate and others were already implemented.  The Selectboard will continue to work on resolving the remaining recommendations.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deeds for Lots D387, D388, D444, D445, D446 and D449:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the sale of Cemetery Deeds for six lots: D387, D388, D444, D445, D446 and D449.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Conservation Commission Appointment Letter from Lewis Shelley:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Appointment Letter from the Conservation Commission regarding Lewis Shelley for a three year term.  This letter will be held until after Town Meeting as that is when the Selectboard customarily makes appointments to the various Boards/Commissions.   

 

Town Hall Rentals:  Mrs. Downing asked for clarification for three Town Hall rental requests:

1. Employees Renting the Town Hall for business event: The Selectboard agreed that an employee can use the Town Hall for family use, at no charge, but not to run a business.
2. School District employees or spouse of SAU employee renting Town Hall for a retirement party. The Selectboard approved rental of the Town Hall for this retirement party.  This is for a Walpole resident.
3. Earth Day Group’s request for non-profit use of the Town Hall to show a free film presentation on April 22^nd. Members of this group are Walpole residents and they usually do a clean-up on this day.  There will be no charge for use of the Town Hall.

 

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mr. Aldrich, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 6:52 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:59 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 9, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:06 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Wood:  Mr. Paul Colburn asked the Selectboard to recognize Mr. Ben Daviss as he originally made the suggestion and donated wood that can be picked-up by people in need.  This is now in the second year at the Recycling Center and it is working out well.

 

Walpole Town Library:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Library wants to expand.  Someone who works at the Library found a copy of a design by expanding on the property they currently own.  Mrs. Downing also found a set of drawings.  This is the direction they will plan on going as they have land to expand.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they have a lot of programs.  They need another bathroom, meeting room and office space.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out when they are ready to move forward they should consider going to the Planning Board with their plans as a courtesy but as a Town building they do not have to do so.  A Building Permit will be required.

 

Adjournment:  Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Aldrich, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:18 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

February 23, 2017

 

Selectboard Present: Steve Dalessio (Chair), Peggy Pschirrer, Whitney Aldrich

 

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were no people in attendance.

Accounts Payable:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $10,936.05 for checks issued February 24, 2017. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

Payroll:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll Register in the amount of $24,335.53 for checks dated 2/24/17 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,537.82.  Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes:

1. Pschirrer moved to approve the Selectboard Minutes of February 16, 2017. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor. Mr. Dalessio abstained.
2. Pschirrer moved to approve the 2017 Annual Budget and Warrant Articles Public Hearing which was held February 16, 2017. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor. Mr. Dalessio abstained.
3. Pschirrer moved to approve the Staff Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2017. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

 

Committee Reports:

The Selectboard acknowledges receipt of the minutes of the Conservation Commission Meeting of February 6, 2017. The Board recognizes the Planning Board minutes of February 14, 2017. It should be noted that Bensonwood renovation on the Edwards Lane property was approved and will include a Farm to Table restaurant to be operated by the Casertas. The Planning Board discussed Mr. Gay’s petition that would amend the North Walpole District Zone Board Ordinances. A Public Hearing will be held on March 14, 2017. The Selectboard also recognizes the Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting minutes of February 15, 2015.

 

Property Tax Abatement – Refund:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the property tax refund for Map and Lot# 020-021-000 in the amount $9.20.  Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

 

Veterans’ Tax Credit:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the application for the Veterans’ Tax Exempt Credit for Map and Lot# 008-110-000. Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

 

Building Permits:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Building Permit 2017-01 for Map and Lot#012-004-003 as amended.  Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor.

 

New Business:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Sidewalk Poetry by Alice Fogel.  Mr. Aldrich seconded, but the vote was 1 Yes, 2 No so the motion did not carry.

 

Non-Public Business:

Motion to enter Non-Public Session was made by Mr. Dalessio seconded by Mr. Aldrich for reason of RSA 91A:3, II (a) (d) at 6:41 PM.

Public session reconvened at 7:05 PM.

 

Recess Selectboard Meeting:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor at 7:05 PM.

The Regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:14 PM.

 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Mr. Aldrich seconded, and the motion passed with all in favor at 7:14 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine Heleen, Acting Recording Secretary

 

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

FEBRUARY 16, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Whitney Aldrich

 

Staff Present:               Sarah Downing (Executive-Manager of Administration); Rich Kreissle (Executive-Manager of Finance); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); Michael Rau (Road Agent); Michael Paquette (Police Chief); Sgt. Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Paul Colburn (Recycling Center); Justine Rogers (Librarian); Rebecca Whippie (Hooper Institute)

 

Call To Order:  Mr. Dalessio called this Staff meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised this meeting is being recorded.

 

Personnel Policy Handbook:  Mrs. Downing distributed copies of the Personnel Policy Handbook, Revised 2017.  The Department Managers were asked to distribute copies to the employees in their department.  After they have read the document there is an Employee Acknowledgement sheet on the back that all employees need to sign and have it returned to the Selectboard office.  Mr. Dalessio advised employees should read the document but it does not mean they have to agree with it.  If employees would like to have Mrs. Pschirrer attend a department meeting to answer questions she will be happy to do so.

 

Highway Department:  Mr. Rau submitted a report for the period of January 19, 2017 to February 15, 2017.  They have been doing the following work:

• Cold patching;
• Servicing trucks and equipment;
• Fixed Truck-5 plow, tarp arms and starter;
• Fixed Truck-8 Wing and Spinner light;
• Truck-3 had electrical problems;
• Replaced the hydraulic hose on the loader;
• Fixed Truck-3 Oil Pan;
• New air lines in shop;
• Pressure washed all equipment;
• Fixed ABIE Hdy Lift Cylinder;
• Mixed Winter Sand;
• Picked up snow in the Walpole Village as the intersections were getting dangerous;
• Brought signs to the Town Hall for the Boy Scouts;
• Sanded the Recycling Center;
• Crushed dumpsters at the Recycling Center;
• Put up signs at the Police Department;
• Winter Weather call-outs on: 01/22-01/23; 01/24-01/25; 02/01; 02/13-02/14; 02/15.

The department has been short-handed.  They are now plowing and sanding at the Hooper Property and around the Mansion; this had not been a part of their plowing in the past.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Highway Department had not been asked to nor had they plowed at the Hooper property until she recently asked them to do so.  Mr. Rau has been checking on mail boxes to make sure they are the right height and distance from the roadway in accordance with the Ordinance.  If the boxes do comply but the trucks hit them they will be repaired.  The wings are supposed to be able to go underneath them.  Mrs. Pschirrer said this should be put in the Clarion.  Relative to the Town parking lot, Mr. Rau advised there are too many cars in there day and night.  When there are too many vehicles they leave it and take care of it when they can.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned the plowing looks good.  Mr. Rau noted the guys have been doing a great job with very little sleep.  Ms. Rogers asked if the guys could do the back stairs to the Library when they are doing other clean-up as it is their emergency exit. Mr. Rau said they would do that.

 

Police Department:  Police Chief Michael Paquette distributed copies of their report for the period of January 16, 2017 through February 15, 2017.  The number of calls for service was 405.

• Police Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls – 30              Administrative – 59                 Citizen Assists – 52

• Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 24                         MV Stops – 105                       Traffic Safety – 40

• Criminal Investigations:

Crimes Against a Person – 39  Crimes Against Property – 40  Drugs/Alcohol – 16

 

He thanked Mr. Rau for cleaning out the back area; everything looks great.  This past month has been up-and-down.  Drug cases were down slightly but there is a new “cocktail” out there therefore they expect more activity.  They already came close to losing someone.  They had a few drug arrests this past week.  The cases consume a lot of their time with investigations and paperwork.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out they have one of the highest conviction rates.  The department is losing an officer as he has taken a position in another town, Dean Wright, but they acquired Roger Landry who has been working part-time and now has accepted the full-time position. Mr. Dalessio mentioned other towns are now recruiting our officers.  With the holiday week-end the State is requiring them to do more radar patrols; cell phone violations, etc.  They continue to be busy as usual.  Sgt. Sanctuary spoke about the increase in burglaries; most of them are due to needing money.  Last night Officer Landry prevented a male from jumping off the bridge.  Mr. Dalessio noted the Selectboard will sign a letter of commendation.

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Town is still arguing with Liberty Utilities about the lights on the bridge.  The bridge, lights and sidewalk clearly belong to the State.  It is a safety issue.  He will contact Representative Lucy Weber to see if she will intervene.  Mr. Dalessio is concerned that someone will slip or fall off the walkway onto the road.  Chief Paquette noted there are two crosswalks in that area.  There was discussion pertaining to extending the sidewalk up around the bend/corner.

 

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing provided the following report dated February 16, 2017.

Town Report:

• Electronic file sent to the printer on Tuesday, 2/14/17. Reports to be shipping on or before March 1^st.
• Copies of the Town Report will be available at the Town Hall and other locations such as Jake’s Market, Drewsville Store, Walpole Library, Town Hall plus there is a list of other locations.

Town Meeting:

• Warrant has been posted for Tuesday, March 14^th – ballot voting day for Articles 1 and 2. Polls open at 8am and close at 7pm.  Town Meeting begins at 1pm on March 18^th.
• A slide show of department photos shall be occurring before and after the meeting.
• Cake will be served at the conclusion of the meeting.

Revaluation Meeting:

• On January 25^th, the Selectboard met with the Town’s Department of Revenue (DRA) district supervisor and a representative from Avitar to review the Property Revaluation process.
• In January, Avitar completed measures of properties in Walpole.
• A review of sales information and new building/property improvements is now occurring. The review includes site visits.  This is the second phase of the project.
• Phase 3 will be the mailing of a “notice of Preliminary Assessment Values” to property owners. This notice will be sent in the summer.
• There will be several dates that property owners will be able to schedule an appointment to discuss updated property assessments with an Avitar assessor.
• The revaluation will be finalized in the fall. Changes to valuation will be reflected in the fall tax bill.

Town Hall Facilities:

• The display case for the Boston Post Cane will be mounted within the next few weeks. A plaque is to be ordered with recipient names and other info inscribed.
• Sorting of materials in the vault in the basement has begun. Recycling of non-essential paperwork will happen.  The vault space lacks air circulation which has caused papers and books to be coated with white mold.  Colburn and a number of other people were there to assist.

Water and Sewer:

• B has become the Administrator for Water and Sewer payments and billing. Linda continues to be the coordinator for cemetery lot sales and info.
• Linda will be in the office on Tuesdays and Fridays with increased office hours during high demand periods, i.e. when billings are sent and received.

Wellness Initiative:

• The Town received a $500 check from HealthTrust to be used to offset expenses related to a Wellness Program.
• A Wellness Program Interest Survey will be handed out at the Staff Meeting. If managers could distribute the survey to benefitted employees and return to the Selectboard Office, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

Mr. Kreissle is working on the 1095s.  Employees should have received their W2s.  Mr. Dalessio advised that direct deposits will now be going in on Fridays (which is the regular pay date) rather than Wednesdays.

 

Library:  Ms. Justine Rogers submitted the following report dated February 16, 2017.

• Open 22 days;
• Served 1350 people;
• Circulated 2097 materials;
• Offered 21 programs which served 298 people.

Their average people served for the month of January is the same as last year, but the average circulation is up from 87 per day to 95 per day.

Their Circulation in January was displayed with a colored chart as follows;

• Adult Fiction 33%
• Videos 30%
• Kids Fiction 16%
• Adult Non Fiction 8%
• Kids Non Fiction 4%
• Audio Books 4%
• Magazines 4%

They had a lot of people donate movies this year.  People are appreciative of them. Relative to a statement from Mr. Dalessio about expanding in North Walpole; Ms. Rogers replied that North Walpole does not have a video collection at all.  That is an option.  Both Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer expressed an interest in seeing North Walpole Library open more hours and to expand with computers, etc.

Next Tuesday, February 21^st they are showing Trolls, a new kids’ movie at 11am (since its winter break).

March 14^th they have a screening of the documentary Alice’s Ordinary People at 6:30pm.  The film is about Alice Tregay who was a “heroine of the Civil Rights Movement.”  The Director will also be here to talk about the film.  Mr. Dalessio suggested Ms. Rogers contact Mr. Jack Pratt to let him know about this documentary as he was active during the Civil Rights Movement and might be interest in seeing it.

Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Colburn have talked about putting up a bulletin board at the Recycling Center so Town events/activities can be posted.  He would like to move that along for this spring.  They could even post Town reports.

 

Recycling Center:  Mr. Paul Colburn provided the following report:  It was a slower-than-usual month.  Weather has played a role in this.  People are not coming in with products they charge for.  They are on par for the projections for the year and basically are holding their own on recyclables.  He distributed and explained copies of the “Daily Weight Report and 5 Year to Date Comparison”.  Looking at the Annual Forecast and Annual Estimate they are both pretty close.

With reference to the “5 Year Comparison to Recyclables” they are having an average year.  They now get paid when they take recyclables in as opposed to a few years ago when they would take in recyclables and have to wait for the check.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned at the last budget meeting they talked about budgeted revenue.  Maybe before the next Staff Meeting they can meet with Mr. Kreissle to have something to look at in terms of revenue and the budget.  It helps for the forecast.

Mr. Colburn mentioned they had so much snow they had to shovel off the storage trailers.  He will be taking a class on February 28^th on fluids, maintenance, repairs.  Plowing has been an issue at the Center.  He came in for about five hours on Monday to do it.  Overall things are going well.  They are appreciative of all the Volunteers.

 

Town Clerk-Tax Collector:  Mrs. Sandy Smith provided the following report.  At the last meeting Mrs. Pschirrer asked what “LHS” stood for – Lynn Haas was the original owner and he did municipal billing, etc.  Now LHS sells and maintains ballot counting machines!  LHS = Lynn Haas Systems.

The Town Clerk has been busy this month. Feb. 3^rd was the last day for filing for Town office.  Then they had to send the info to the printer.  They are now waiting for the ballots.

From the last Staff Meeting they collected $86,950.00 for the Town Clerk’s Department.  During that same period they collected $214,091.04 in property taxes.  They now have an uncollected of only $620,280.98.  This is a very small amount.  Our warrants totaled over eleven million dollars.  She just sent out a supplemental bill to TransCanada for the dam.  She did not include that amount in these figures.

Monday, Feb 20^th she will be open 7 A.M. to 10 A.M. for property taxes only!  When she mailed delinquent notices she failed to realize that the 20^th is a holiday!  10 A.M. is the deadline to avoid the lien process.  The intent to lien procedure adds additional fees to the tax amounts.  The tax liens will be executed in late April if not paid in full by that time.

The State of NH Dept of Motor Vehicles is installing a new computer program “Vision” so motor vehicle processing will be “down” State wide from Friday 17 to Wed Feb 22^nd.

Mr. Dalessio explained the supplemental bill to TransCanada for the dam.  Avitar Associates noticed a fairly large disparity in the TransCanada assessment as compared to the DRA assessment.  As per Avitar’s recommendation this supplemental bill was issued as the Towns can go back one year.  TransCanada lawyers are already requesting additional information.

 

Hooper Institute:  Ms. Becky Whippie provided the following report:  There have been a lot of snow days.  Mrs. Clark is working on the same inside activities as her last report.  Ms. Whippie has continued to work with the snow that has included mammals in winter with the 3^rd Grade.  The 4^th Grade visited the Northcotts Woodturning shop to study forest related products.  They also talked about sugaring conditions; cold days and warm nights.  One sugaring house was making maple syrup in January because the conditions were right.  The 2^nd Grade talked about the various types of farming and domestic animals.  Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1^st Grade talked about snow; the temperatures, season, how snow crystals form, hexagon, six branches.  Karen Galloway is on the Hooper Committee and is doing a “Saving Our Songbirds” presentation on April 21^st at 7:00 PM to benefit the Hooper Institute students.  Tickets are $15/each.  Tickets will be available at Galloway Real Estate and other locations in the Village.  Mr. Dalessio will check with Brenda at the Drewsville Store to see if she is willing to sell the tickets.  Checks are to be made out to Friends of the Hooper Institute.  Mr. Dalessio is glad they are doing well.

 

Recreation Department:  Mr. Justine Cassarino was unable to attend but provided the following report:

Basketball:

• Finishing up this week;
• Entered three teams into a tournament in January. Two finished in 1^st place and one finished in 3^rd.  Great sportsmanship and effort from all players, coaches, and fans.
• Purchased new uniforms for next season.
• Old uniforms are going to be donated to the Walpole Elementary School. Toni McDougle (PE Teacher) is going to use them for practice uniforms and for kids that don’t have clothes to change into for class.
• Discussing some new ideas for next season to get kids started at an earlier age. Possibly doing a camp/league for K-2^nd

Pool:

• Send an email out to staff to see who will be returning.
• Will be meeting with the Recreation Committee at the end of the month to discuss wages for WSI instructors. Needs to be higher to get people interested in teaching lessons.  Lessons are very popular to the public, but staff is not willing to pay the cost to become certified and not get much in return.

Other:

• Speaking with Jane Skantze about signage about tobacco free areas for our recreation park.
• Skating rink has been very busy with a lot of happy community members.

 

Adjournment:  Mr. Dalessio adjourned this Staff Meeting at 5:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary                                       These are unapproved Minutes.

 

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 16, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Peggy Pschirrer; Whitney Aldrich; (Absent: Steven Dalessio)

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 7:12 PM.  Prior to this meeting the Public Hearing on the 2017 Annual Budget and Warrant Articles was held.  Mr. Dalessio is absent due to a family matter.  She advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were two people in attendance.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $581,261.81 for checks dated February 17, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich 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: 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending February 11, 2017, in the amount of $24,408.62 for checks dated February 17, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,540.58 for the week ending February 11, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 9, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of February 9, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – February 9, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of February 9, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

TAX ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT # 008-062-00A:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant this Property Tax Abatement in the amount of $5.82 for Map and Lot # 008-062-00A for the Tax Year 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.

 

TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT # 011-037-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant this Property Tax Refund in the amount of $396.89 for Map and Lot # 011-037-000.  This is the result of an over-payment of 2016 Fall property tax.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.

 

MAP and LOT # 015-035-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant this Property Tax Refund in the amount of $44.98 for Map and Lot # 015-035-000.  This is the result of an over-payment of 2016 Fall property tax.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SEWER ABATEMENT – REFUND:

Map and Lot # 028-080-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Sewer Abatement Refund in the amount of $165.65 for Map and Lot # 028-080-000.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.

 

VETERAN’S TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT # 012-044-011:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant this Veteran’s Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 012-044-011.  This credit is for a surviving spouse.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.

 

BUILDING PERMIT:

Huntington Realty of Walpole, LLC, 9 Edwards Lane, Map and Lot # 012-004-003:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit # 2017-02 for Huntington Realty of Walpole, LLC to build a “Porch addition, outdoor pavilion, parking lot”.  This Site Plan approval was given by the Planning Board at their last meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the Building Permit was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Letter to Ms. Jean Robinson:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign her response letter to Ms. Jean Robinson regarding the burying of line utilities and removal of telephone/light  poles around the Common.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed for Lots D502 and D503:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the sale of two Cemetery lots D502 and D503.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.

Citizen’s Report Form from Charles Criss:  The Selectboard discussed the Abatement request for interest on 2016 taxes for Mr. Criss in the amount of $9.20.  This is the result of a mailing issue.  He provided copies of the two envelopes.  The Tax Collector will create an Abatement form.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve this Abatement request for Mr. Cross but it needs to be on the appropriate Abatement form which Mrs. Downing will process.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich in favor, the motion was approved.

Delinquent Water and Sewer List:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Selectboard will postpone decisions on the Delinquent Water and Sewer list provided by Mrs. Edkins as they want to discuss this with Mr. Mark Houghton.  A copy of this list should be sent to him.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:  Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Aldrich and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:40 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:47 PM.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Aldrich and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:48 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

 PUBLIC HEARING

2017 ANNUAL BUDGET AND WARRANT ARTICLES

FEBRUARY 16, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Peggy Pschirrer (Acting Chair); Whitney Aldrich; (Absent: Steven Dalessio)

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer, Acting Chair, called this 2017 Annual Budget and Warrant Articles Public Hearing to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She welcomed everyone.  Mr. Dalessio is not present as his wife is just coming out of surgery for her shoulder following a fall on ice.

 

Proposed Budget:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised it is important for everyone to understand this budget as it is a different type than usual.  The Selectboard started to work on this budget in October meeting with every Department Manager after they had submitted a budget.  They had two full-day meetings. The bottom line was higher than expected.  It is not just the Town budget that impacts the Town’s property taxes but it is also the County taxes (who had their Public Hearing quite a while ago), Fire District and Fall Mountain Regional School District.  The Fire District had their Public Meeting on February 8^th.  On that same night the FMRSD budget was being presented; they represent a big portion of the Town’s tax bill.  There were not many Walpole people there.  The Selectboard have been pretty consistent in giving a 2% increase to employees each year.  A Salary Study was done this past fall because the Selectboard felt we were behind some other communities.  It represents an increase for some Police Department officers, Librarian and Highway Director.

 

Mrs. Pschirrer referenced the “Expenditure Comparison Summary” handout.  The operating fund is $3,729,595 but that figure includes $130,000 an unfunded mandate by the State. This will come from the unassigned fund balance.  It has been ten years since the Town had a full assessment and we are in the process of that revaluation.  Mr. Goins questioned the big increase in Police Special Detail; the 2017 proposed is $20,290 or an increase of 276.93%.  Police Chief Paquette replied that was mostly due to the State funded grants for the radar and extra patrols.  The State gave us quite a bit of money.  The Town pays the officers; they bill the State and the Town gets reimbursed.  It is pretty much a “wash”.  Mr. Kreissle noted this money goes into a Revolving Fund.  Mrs. Pschirrer explained at the last Town Meeting two Revolving Funds were adopted; the Police Department and Recreation Department.  When they want to use those funds they submit a request to the Selectboard.  The Recreation funds come from selling snacks, etc. in the summer time.

 

Mrs. Pschirrer advised this budget includes increases for the insurances.  Liability and Property coverage went up 4.5%, workers compensation is up 5.4%, health insurance is 6%.  Relative to dental coverage, the Town allows $1,000/year for employees and their families. But they do not budget this amount for everybody because past experience shows not all of it is used therefore this has been taken into account.  This is a plan we share with the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Auditing services, computer up-grades and maintenance for trucks and equipment are included.  The Town now has two people certified to fix brakes and conduct other maintenance on vehicles. We are fortunate to have much of our vehicle repair work done in-house.  There is an increase in the Cemetery budget because some headstones need repairs.

 

Responding to a question from Mr. Ray Boas on the Police Department, Mrs. Pschirrer responded there is a drug problem which requires a tremendous amount of time.  Each time they deal with a juvenile or drug case it could take up to 60 hours of paperwork and transport time plus the officers work their usual shift.

 

All paperwork has to be ready to go to the court each Monday morning.  In Walpole several people have over-dosed. There were two deaths since September as the result of using drugs.  There are constant new “mixes” on the streets.  This opioid problem is all around us.  They also deal with gangs.  The Town will be hiring another police officer.  We cannot expect the Chief and three officers to continue to keep up with everything.  Two police officers have to go with a juvenile when being transported to Manchester.  The court is in Keene.  We need to recognize we have a problem and need to work to resolve that.

 

2017 Warrant Articles:

Article 1.  “To elect the necessary Town officers for their respective terms.”

 

Article 2.  “Are you in favor of the adoption of a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit zoning ordinance as proposed by the Walpole Planning Board for the Town of Walpole’s Zoning Ordinance as follows:”  (Note: A copy of this proposal will be posted at the polls. A copy of this proposal can be obtained at the Selectboard Office during regular business hours.)

 

Article 3.  “To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectboard to enter into a long term lease/purchase agreement in the amount of two hundred twenty-seven thousand four hundred forty-seven dollars and seventy-two cents ($227,447.72) payable over a term of thirty-eight months in four equal payments, for a new John Deere loader for the highway department and to raise and appropriate the sum of fifty-six thousand, eight hundred sixty-two dollars and sixty-eight cents ($56,862.68) for the first year’s payment for that purpose.”

**2/3 ballot vote required**

 

Mrs. Pschirrer explained it seems as if this Article is out of order. However, the Department of Revenue Administration said they should talk about this before the budget.  We have needed a new loader for the last 3-to-4 years but the Selectboard chose to postpone it.  It gets older and continues to need more repairs.  The Selectboard would like to enter into a lease-purchase agreement with the dealer for 38 months to buy the loader at an interest rate of 3-1/2%.  This article does not have an escape clause.  It is important to understand this as it needs a 2/3 ballot vote.  The State DRA refers this to a bond rather than lease.  Mr. Goins negotiated a good deal getting $38,000 for the old loader.  John Deere offers a discount to municipalities plus a municipal interest rate.  The Town will save money in the long run by doing this.  If the Town voters reject this Article it will probably cost close to $50,000 in repairs for the old loader if they do not get the new one.  We need better equipment.  Nortrax / John Deere has always given the Town good service.  If this article passes it will then become a part of the annual operating budget.

 

Article 4.  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of four million two hundred nineteen thousand three hundred five dollars ($4,219,305) which represents the three million seven hundred twenty nine thousand five hundred ninety five dollars ($3,729,595) Town Operating Budget of which one hundred thirty thousand dollars ($130,000) to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance and three million five hundred ninety nine thousand five hundred ninety five dollars ($3,599,595) to be raised from general taxation, one hundred eighty two thousand one hundred thirty dollars ($182,130) for the Water Fund Operating Budget and three hundred seven thousand five hundred eighty dollars ($307,580) for the Sewer Operating Budget for the general government of the Town.  Such sum does not include special or individual articles or bonds as otherwise found in the warrant.”

 

This article does not show that there is money coming into the water and sewer departments.  The budget shows expenses but not revenues.  Mr. Aldrich pointed out that water and sewer are paid for by users only.  Because the Water and Sewer Departments are contracted, the Town has to include them in the budget according to the State.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned there will be an increase in the sewer fees this year to start planning ahead for projects.  It includes a part of the bond for the sewer treatment plant in Bellows Falls.  We continue to pay our agreed upon share for the operation of the BF Wastewater Treatment Plant.  We have to start to think about how we are going to move our sewer pipes off the Vilas Bridge and install them on the new Arch Bridge.  We have an aging water infrastructure system.

 

Mr. Boas advised there is a 7.15% increase in the operating budget.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted this is with the $130,000 as that pushed up the total increase.

 

Article 5:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of seventy thousand dollars ($70,000) for the repairs and maintenance of Town buildings.  The said funds to come from Unassigned Fund Balance.”

 

Mrs. Pschirrer explained this is to cover another portion of the roof at the Highway Department as only a portion was done last year; some interior work at the Police Department to bring it up to code; the Library needs to replace the air conditioner that no longer functions (this is absolutely necessary for the protection of books, etc.)  plus some new lighting.

 

Article 6:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of seventy-seven thousand dollars (77,000) to purchase a (used) New Holland Tractor/Side Mower for use by the Walpole Highway Department for roadside mowing.”  (Funds to be raised through general taxation)

 

As we drive around Town in the summer time we all see tall invasive plants at every intersection.  In past years we rented equipment to cut it at a cost of $12,000-to-$14,000 for two weeks in the summer. However, we could not schedule in those two weeks.  We are proposing to buy a used tractor that can be used year-round to control the weeds, etc.  It will be money better spent.

 

Article 7:  “To see if the Town of Walpole will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $31,950 for a vehicle for the Walpole Police Department, and to authorize the issuance of not more than $31,950 through a promissory note with the Savings Bank of Walpole in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33) and to authorize the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon.  Further to raise and appropriate the sum of ten thousand nine hundred seventy five ($10,975) for the first year’s payment.”

**2/3 ballot vote required**

 

Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned we put a lot of hours on our cruisers.  We are trying to save money by borrowing money.  Mr. Goins worked with Chief Paquette and Sgt. Sanctuary on this. They took a different position than in the past. There is a fleet of five cars; some with low and some with high mileage.  They came up with a rotational plan.  The first car could be leased through Ford Motors; their interest rate is 6%.  Mr. Goins checked with the Savings Bank of Walpole; they will do a loan for $30,000 with a promissory note with 3 payments at 3.25% interest.  We would have a new car, then another new car the next year and so forth.  It will take 5 years for five cars but this would be a start.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned if the 2/3 ballot vote is approved the cars would be a part of the operating budget the following year. Chief Paquette said about $16,000 was spent on repairs this year.  A lot of the equipment can be moved into the newer car.  We will have qualified vehicles.  After about 4-1/2 years they will still have good cars to trade.  Mr. Vose’s question was; this year we will lease a car and another year we will lease another car so next year will be double.  Chief Paquette said they will be doing some trade-ins.  They may hold one car as a detail and transport car.  In the past they asked for $15,000/year but it was underfunded to buy a cruiser.  Mr. Goins said under the Capitol Reserve Fund after three years they would have enough to buy one car but there are other cars that need maintenance.  They need reliable cars.  By doing this we would be able to flatten out the payments; in the 9^th year cycle they would be caught up.

 

Article 8:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to purchase a cage, console, other necessary information and installation in the new police car.  This article is contingent upon the passing of warrant article 7.”

 

This article will outfit the cruiser.  A cruiser must have ancillary items.  It will be moot if Article 7 does not pass.

 

Article 9:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to be deposited in the Town of Walpole Highway – Capitol Reserve Fund Account previously established for the purpose of highway equipment.  The said funds to be raised through general taxation.”

 

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mr. Mike Rau keeps track of the equipment age and usage.  The next time we need a big truck, we will have some of the money.  Their goal for next year is to return to basic highway maintenance.  The Town has 70 miles plus we plow some State roads that are South Street, Prospect Hill, and a large portion of County Road.  These State roads are in rough shape.  We need to remind the State there is a southwestern portion in the State.

 

Article 10:  “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of seven thousand dollars ($7,000) to be deposited in the Police Vehicle – Capitol Reserve Fund Account previously established for the purchase of a police vehicle.  The said funds to be raised through general taxation.”

 

Replying to a question, Mr. Goins said there is $38,000 in this account now.  Chief Paquette stressed they do need a new car now.  If Article 7 does not pass the Police Department would have to wait until the next Town Meeting to use the funds in Article 10 unless they call a special Town Meeting.  Mr. Aldrich advised they would have to go to the Superior Court and convince the Judge it is an emergency.”

 

Article 11.  “To see if the Town will vote to modify the elderly exemptions from property tax, based on assessed value, for qualified taxpayers, to be as follows:  for a person 65 years of age up to 75 years, $25,000; for a person 75 years to 80 years, $40,000; for a person 80 years of age or older $50,000.  To qualify, the person must have resided in this state for at least 3 consecutive years preceding April 1 in the year in which the exemption is claimed, own real estate individually or jointly, or if the real estate owned by such person’s spouse, they must have been married for at least five years.  In addition the taxpayer must have net income of not more than $25,000, or if married a combined net income of less than $40,000; and own net assets not in excess of $75,000 excluding the value of the person’s residence.”

 

Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that this year the Town was audited by the State. A number of elderly residents lost their exemption as they no longer qualified because of an income that was a little over the guidelines.  The existing amounts were adopted in 1997.  This is a reasonable increase. Some of these residents who lost their exemption will be able to reapply and qualify.

 

Article 12.  “To see if the Town will vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 72:28-b, All Veterans’ Tax Credit.  If adopted, the credit will be available to any resident, or the spouse of surviving spouse of any resident, who (1) served not less than 90 days on active service in the armed forces of the United States and (2) was honorably discharged or an officer honorably separated from service and is not eligible for or receiving a credit under RSA 72:28 or RSA 72:35.  If adopted, the credit granted will be $500.00, the same amount as the standard or optional veterans’ tax credit voted by the Town under RSA 72:28.”  Mr. Aldrich noted this will not have a big impact on the tax rate.  Many communities all over the State are looking at adopting this warrant article.

 

Article 13:  “To transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting.”

 

There were 13 people in attendance.

 

Adjournment:  There being no other discussion, Mrs. Pschirrer declared this Public Hearing adjourned at 7:05 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

 

_______________________              __________________                        __________________

Steven Dalessio, Chair                         Peggy L. Pschirrer                    Whitney R. Aldrich

 

 

(Note:  These are unapproved Minutes.  Any corrections will be found in the Minutes of the February 23, 2017, Selectboard meeting.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 9, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Whitney Aldrich

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

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

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

The regular meeting resumed at 6:50 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 9, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $43,783.51 for checks dated February 10, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll Register for the week ending February 4, 2017, in the amount of $21,389.98 for checks dated February 10, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,534.80 for the week ending February 4, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 2, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of February 2, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – February 2, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of February 2, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – February 2, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of February 2, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

 

PUBLIC HEARING – Westberg Property – January 26, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Public Hearing on the Westberg Property of January 26, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – January 10, 2017;
• Trustees of Trust Funds – February 1, 2017.

 

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:

TransCanada Hydro Northeast, Map and Lot # UTIL 00UTIL 00003A:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard sign the Tax Collector’s Property Tax Supplement Warrant, State of New Hampshire, for TransCanada Hydro Northeast in the amount of $364,269.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio advised that Avitar Associates noticed a fairly large disparity in the TransCanada assessment as compared to the DRA assessment. As per Avitar’s recommendation this supplemental bill was issued. TransCanada lawyers are requesting additional information.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

MS-636:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adopt the budget and sign form MS-636 for the year 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Warrant Articles:  The Selectboard discussed the order of Articles on the Warrant following a review by the Department of Revenue Administration and their recommendations.  Reference was made to the RSAs. Mr. Dalessio will provide a detailed explanation of Articles 3 and 4 at the Public Hearing on the proposed 2017 Budget.  Mrs. Smith will be asked to contact the Secretary of State for clarification on the placement of these Articles.

 

Article 1 – “To elect the necessary Town officers for their respective terms.”

 

Article 2 – “Zoning Ordinance on Detached Accessory Dwelling Units.”

 

Article 3 – “To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Selectboard to enter into a long term lease/purchase agreement in the amount of two hundred twenty-seven thousand four hundred forty-seven dollars and seventy-two cents ($227,447.72) payable over a term of thirty-eight months in four equal payments, for a new John Deere loader for the highway department and to raise and appropriate the sum of fifty-six thousand, eight hundred sixty-two dollars and sixty-eight cents ($56,862.68) for the first year’s payment for that purpose.”

**2/3 ballot vote required**

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Article 3.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Article 4 – “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of four million two hundred nineteen thousand three hundred five dollars ($4,219,305) which represents the three million seven hundred twenty nine thousand five hundred ninety five dollars ($3,729,595) Town Operating Budget of which one hundred thirty thousand dollars ($130,000) to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance and three million five hundred ninety nine thousand five hundred ninety five dollars ($3,599,595) to be raised from general taxation, one hundred eighty two thousand one hundred thirty dollars ($182,130) for the Water Fund Operating Budget and three hundred seven thousand five hundred eighty dollars ($307,580) for the Sewer Operating Budget for the general government of the Town.  Such sum does not include special or individual articles or bonds as otherwise found in the warrant.”

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Article 4.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Article 5 – “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of seventy thousand dollars ($70,000) for the repairs and maintenance of Town buildings.  The said funds to come from Unassigned Fund Balance.”

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Article 5.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Article 6 – “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of seventy-seven thousand dollars ($77,000) to purchase a (used) New Holland Tractor/Side Mower for use by the Walpole Highway Department for roadside mowing. (Funds to be raised through general taxation).

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Article 6.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Article 7 – “To see if the Town of Walpole will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $31,950 for a vehicle for the Walpole Police Department, and to authorize the issuance of not more than $31,950 through a promissory note with the Savings Bank of Walpole in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Finance Act (RSA 33) and to authorize the municipal officials to issue and negotiate such bonds or notes and to determine the rate of interest thereon.  Further to raise and appropriate the sum of ten thousand nine hundred seventy five ($10,975) for the first year’s payment.”

**2/3 ballot vote required**

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Article 7.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Article 8 – “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to purchase a cage, console, other necessary equipment and installation in the new police car.  This article is contingent upon the passing of warrant article 7.”

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Article 8.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Article 9 – “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to be deposited in the Town of Walpole Highway Capitol Reserve Fund Account.  The said funds to be raised through general taxation.”

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Article 9 with the addition noted below.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Article 9 will be written to match the wording in Article 10 – add “previously established for the purchase of Highway equipment”

 

Article 10 – “To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of seven thousand dollars ($7,000) to be deposited in the Police Vehicle – Capitol Reserve previously established for the purchase of a police vehicle.  The said funds to be raised through general taxation.”

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Article 10.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Article 11 – “To see if the Town will vote to modify the elderly exemptions from property tax, based on assessed value, for qualified taxpayers, to be as follows: for a person 65 years of age up to 75 years, $25,000; for a person 75 years to 80 years, $40,000; for a person 80 years of age or older $50,000.  To qualify, the person must have resided in this state for at least 3 consecutive years preceding April 1 in the year in which the exemption is claimed, own real estate individually or jointly, or if the real estate owned by such person’s spouse, they must have been married for at least five years.  In addition the taxpayer must have net income of not more than $25,000, or if married a combined net income of less than $40,000; and own net assets not in excess of $75,000 excluding the value of the person’s residence.”

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Article 11.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

The Selectboard concurred that the first sentence in Article 12 be changed from “Shall the Town vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 72:28-b, All Veterans’ Tax Credit?” to “To see if the Town will vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 72:28-b, All Veterans’ Tax Credit.”

 

Article 12 – “To see if the Town will vote to adopt the provisions of RSA 72:28-b, All Veterans’ Tax Credit.  If adopted, the credit will be available to any resident, or the spouse or surviving spouse of any resident, who (1) served not less than 90 days on active service in the armed forces of the United States and (2) was honorably discharged or an officer honorably separated from service and is not eligible for or receiving a credit under RSA 72:28 or RSA 72:35.  If adopted, the credit granted will be $500.00, the same amount as the standard or optional veterans’ tax credit voted by the Town under RSA 72:28.”

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Article 12.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Article 13 – “To transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting.”

 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Warrant Articles as corrected.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Decline of Reappointment:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from Tom Beaudry advising that when his term expires this year he will not be seeking reappointment to the Conservation Commission.

Town Hall Rental re: Thanksgiving: Mr. Dalessio feels whoever has been renting it for years should be given the first option.  Mrs. Downing noted there has been a precedent for years that anyone using the Town Hall on Thanksgiving Day can do so at no cost.  Therefore this Walpole family who has used the Town Hall for years on Thanksgiving Day can continue to do so this year at no cost.  Another party also inquired about using the Town Hall on that day.  They will be advised that it is already reserved.

Town Meeting:  The Selectboard approved having a cake and coffee at Town Meeting.  They also authorized buying the LCD projector.  There will be a slide show beginning a half-hour before the meeting and it will run after the meeting is adjourned.  A notice of the meeting will be in the Clarion.

Town Report Update:  Mrs. Downing is almost done with the Town Report.  It is in the process of being proof-read.  Next week the annual Public Hearing on the 2017 Budget will be held on Thursday, February 16^th, at 6:00 PM.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mr. Aldrich and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:43 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:49 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Aldrich, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:50 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

FEBRUARY 2, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; (Absent – Whitney Aldrich)

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

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:50 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of February 2, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $89,589.70 for checks dated February 3, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending January 28, 2017, in the amount of $23,983.24 for checks dated February 3, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICIA taxes in the amount of $5,294.46 for the week ending January 28, 2017.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 26, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 26, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 26, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 26, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Walpole Conservation Commission – January 9, 2017;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – January 17, 2017.

Mrs. Pschirrer did a presentation, at the Conservation Commission meeting, on the proposed donation of the Westberg property to the Town.  She will be sending a few changes to the Minutes to the Secretary.

 

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #028-013-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $12.87 for Map and Lot #028-013-000.  This is an over-payment of the Fall property tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #003-083-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $22.68 for Map and Lot #003-083-000.  This is an over-payment of the Fall property tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #012-055-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $103.27 for Map & Lot #012-055-002.  This is an over-payment of the Fall property tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #019-022-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $51.02 for Map and Lot #019-022-000.  This is an over-payment of the Fall property tax bill.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Thank You Note from Kathy dePasquale:  Mrs. Pschirrer read the following note received from Kathy dePasquale:  “Thank you for your reassuring reply – and solution – to the “Middle St. exit issue”.  We look forward to safer days ahead.  We are fortunate in this wonderful town to have such diligent guardians of the public trust. Attention to these things means so much. Warm wishes, Kathy dePasquale.”

Personnel Policy Handbook:  Mrs. Pschirrer went over this Handbook with the Department Managers and there were a few typo changes but no substantive changes.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Personnel Policy Handbook.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer reported that every Department Manager was asked to distribute the Personnel Policy Handbook to their employees.  She will attend a department meeting if there are questions.  There was discussion relative to the Life Insurance coverage.  A list of the employees covered by the Term Life insurance was received.  Unfortunately one employee was not added when hired but it will go back to his date of employment.  After age 65 it decreases in value. Mr. Dalessio would like to have a representative of the agency come in to make a presentation to the Selectboard and full-time employees and to answer questions or, at least, have them provide brochures.

Town Budget:  The Selectboard reviewed the 2017 proposed Town Budget.  Mr. Dalessio will double check on the numbers with Mr. Kreissle. This Warrant Article will be written by Mr. Kreissle.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept $3,729,595.00 as the Operating Budget.  This includes $130,000.00 for Avitar Associates.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio advised this represents a 3.41% increase in the budget.

Warrant Articles:  Following a review of the 2017 Warrant Articles the Selectboard made a decision to vote on whether or not to accept them next week.  The Warrant Articles will be sent to the Department of Revenue Administration for their comments.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt No. 12 needs to include all the information rather than the shortened version.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Shane O’Keefe, Interim Municipal Manager of the Town of Rockingham/Village of Bellows Falls:  Mr. Dalessio talked to Mr. O’Keefe.  There was some misinformation that the Vilas Bridge was being discussed with Southwest Regional Planning Commission.  Mr. J.B. Mack at SWRPC is not aware of anything new on the Vilas Bridge.

Release of Information Letter for Financial Auditors:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Mr. Steve Dalessio, to sign the Release of Information Letter for the Financial Auditors.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NH License to Sell Pistols and Revolvers for Eric Frink:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant and sign the NH License to Sell Pistols and Revolvers for Eric Frink.  He has received permission from the Zoning Board of Adjustment.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Police Revolving Fund Request for Expenditure:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Request for Expenditure from the Walpole Police Department to purchase (1) Decatur Scout, Handheld Radar Unit for the sum of $999.00 from their Revolving Fund.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot #026-010-000 Ownership re: National Grid:  Mr. Dalessio recommended this be put on-hold until more research on the matter has been done.   Mrs. Pschirrer suggested this be sent to Attorney Hockensmith for his review.

Citizen Report #2017-6 re: Town Common Utility Poles:  A resident would like to see all telephone poles put underground on the Town Common.  Mr. Dalessio noted it is a good idea but is financially impracticable for the Town to undertake.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:20 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:28 PM.

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

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:29 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PUBLIC HEARING

JANUARY 26, 2017

 

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Whitney Aldrich

Others Present:             Steven Rickerich, Cheryl Mayberry, Ray Boas, Raynie Laware, Karen Crowley; Sarah Downing, Regina Borden

 

Call To Order:  Mr. Dalessio called this Public Hearing to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He announced this Public Hearing was advertised and duly posted that “The Walpole Selectboard will be holding a Public Hearing Regarding the Donation of Map 20, Lots 65 and 66 from the Estate of Nils Westberg (former site of Central Plating) to the Town of Walpole at 6:00 pm at the Walpole Town Hall”

Mr. Dalessio introduced Steven Rickerich of Ransom Environment, Consulting Engineers and Scientists, who will be doing the testing. Mr. Rickerich displayed a large map of the area and distributed smaller copies.  He explained the lay-out of the area.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that in 2002 the Town of Walpole adopted “RSA 41:14-a” which enables the Town to accept this property provided they hold meetings with both the Conservation Commission and Planning Board to get their approval and the Selectboard has done this.  This is the first of two Public Hearings the Selectboard will hold.  This offer came to the Town from the Westberg Estate. They would be happy to give it to the Town for $1.00.  This would enable them to close the Estate.  This is a “Brownfields” property because of the past contamination.  There is a Town easement into the property (driveway beside the former Murray’s Restaurant). Leaning House LLC has an agreement for a right-of-way in another area of Town property.

On January 3^rd, 2017, the Southwest Regional Planning Commission (SWRPC) held a Brownfields meeting in which they agreed to accept this project. They hired Mr. Rickerich to continue doing the research that actually was started a few years ago but then discontinued.

Mr. Rickerich is a professional geologist.  Sanborn had done Phase I and did some work on Phase II.  There concerns were identified at that time and reported to the Department of Environmental Services (DES).  They identified a chromium problem about 13-to-15 feet below grade and also discovered there was nickel on the property.  The nickel area is small about 10 feet.  There were some petroleum contaminants. There was a wastewater pre-treatment facility and from there it went to the Town’s sewer line. It appears to be migrating a little off-site.  There is a groundwater problem. The DES asked for more detailed work but that is when the project ceased.  The soils are sand and then they get into a clay soil.  The water table is above the clay.  The chromium does not appear to be sinking.  They will do borings in different locations.  The sumps are still in the ground and need to be cleaned out.  The Central Plating building is now gone.  They are going to do an investigation and prepare a Remedial Action Plan.  Different options will be considered.  In this case it is mostly dig it up, haul it off and dispose of it. After that is done the Town will have a choice as to whether they want to proceed or not.  He would not recommend the Town take the property over until the State has reviewed and approved the Ransom Environment work.  The DES will over-see it.  They will look at the cost for continued groundwater monitoring.  Approval from the DES will be by letter.

Residential Lot 63 on the plan is the Walpole Foundation property.  Ransom Environment would also need to get permission from them to do some of their work.  The types of contaminants in the groundwater will not affect their building.

Mr. Rickerich mentioned they will be looking for a suite of PFCs (hydrophobic) contaminants that became regulated over the past summer.

There is an opportunity to seek additional funding through the EPA.  There is a Clean-Up Grant and the Town can get up to $200,000 for each of the two sites.  The Town will need these grants and will apply with the assistance of the SWRPC.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if the sewer lines will be capped off.  Mr. Rickerich replied that is a good question because those lines are not being used any more.  Mrs. Pschirrer questioned after the work is done how do they get the approval of the State and Federal Government?  Mr. Rickerich said that grants are not guaranteed.  They usually fund clean-up grants; if they are not approved the first time, the Town could apply again.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted this is right in the middle of the downtown business area.  There is an economical reason why they need the parking lot.  Mr. Rickerich felt a parking lot is good but if it is a part of a development that would help toward receiving a favorable grant review.

Ms. Karen Crowley, Walpole Foundation, asked what the time line will be.  Mr. Rickerich replied at the SWRPC January 3^rd meeting, they got approval to move forward.  They will now do a Site Specific Quality Improvement Plan; it lays out their Scope of Work.  This will now get run by the DES and they will respond with their comments.  After that Ransom has 30 days to review it.  They would start their work probably in March after the snow is gone and generate a report in 4-to-6 weeks.  They expect to be done in July.  That will go to the State and they have a month or two to provide comments.  It could be the end of summer or early fall.  There is another step the Town will have to do, a Phase I, an Environmental Site Assessment.  It would protect the Town from the Federal Government going after the Town.  Phase 1 has to be done within a six month period which is the shelf-life of the Phase.  Ransom Environment will do Phase 1 again before the Town acquires the property.  DES was okay with them doing Phase II now.  It is always possible they will find something Sanborn missed but he is confident of their work.  Mrs. Pschirrer said after that is done the grant period begins in October.  Mr. Rickerich noted they cannot apply for the grants unless they are the owner.  An announcement on the recipients of the grants might not happen until April 2018. In July, Rasom will start the Phase I process. The Selectboard should be conducting some out-reach to get support for the donation from community organizations.

There being no other public comments, Mr. Dalessio closed this Public Hearing at 6:38 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary