The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 26, 2017

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

CALL TO ORDER: Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:40 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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $6,342.74 for checks dated January 27, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending January 21, 2017, in the amount of $24,500.68 for checks dated January 27, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich 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 FICA taxes in the amount of $5,368.56 for the week ending January 21, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

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

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – January 19, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of January 19, 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.

STAFF MEETING – January 19, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of January 19, 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:

• Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment – January 18, 2017;
• Walpole Planning Board Workshop – January 24, 2017.

OLD BUSINESS:

Letter to Kathy Depasquale:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign the letter to Kathy Depasquale who has concerns on the intersection of Middle Street and Main Street.  The Selectboard asked Road Agent, Mike Rau, to mark parking places on Main Street and leave the required space from the intersection open.  Further, they can put a sign “No parking here to corner”.  Middle Street is a narrow street so parking should be on only one side as emergency vehicles must have easy access to the street.  They can also mark the street for limited parking.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Warrant Articles:  The Selectboard reviewed the Warrant Articles and made minor edits.  Mr. Dalessio will discuss the budget presentation with Mr. Kreissle.

NEW BUSINESS:

2017 Budget Summary and Detail Reports:  The Selectboard received and reviewed the 2017 Budget Summary and Detail Reports from Mr. Kreissle.  Mr. Dalessio will review this with him.

Correction Request re: Selectboard Minutes:  Referring to the January 12, 2017, Selectboard Minutes, on page 2, under Warrant Articles:  Mrs. Smith asked for clarification that there is only one Planning Board Warrant Article on Detached Dwelling Units rather than two Articles.  Mr. Jeff Miller, Chair of the Planning Board, will be submitting that Warrant Article and not Sandra Smith or Marilou Blaine.

Concerts on the Green for Summer 2017:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Savings Bank of Walpole announcing they are again sponsoring their Concerts on the Green series.  They will begin on Sunday, June 25, 2017 and continue every Sunday thereafter through August 13, 2017.  The first 2017 concert will be sponsored by the Boy Scouts for Old Home Day weekend.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the request from the Savings Bank of Walpole to hold their eight concerts on the Common Green in the summer of 2017.  The Town Hall will be used if there is bad weather.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Eloise Clark – Thank You Note:  The Selectboard received a Thank You note for the $25.00 Holiday gift card that went out to the employees.  Mrs. Pschirrer also got a Thank You from a volunteer.

Citizen’s Report re: Plowing:  A Citizen’s Report was received regarding the sidewalk plow leaving snow at the end of their driveway.  Mr. Rau talked to two people about this.

NH Ten Year Plan (TYP) for DOT:  Ms. Mayberry reported the Town does not have any projects on this NH Ten Year Plan.  There are some on a pending list.  The first week in February the Southwest Regional Planning Commission goes over the list in more detail.  They can submit projects.  It was noted that road conditions on South Street, Prospect Hill and County Road are in very bad condition and they are State roads that should be considered as major roads.  Ms. Mayberry advised that most of the roads in the surrounding area are Class 3 roads.

Primex Feedback re: Bio-hazard Claim: Mrs. Downing reported on a Bio-hazard clean-up claim the Town submitted to Primex.  The bill from ServPro was $2,500 was submitted to Primex who thought that price was high.  A new company was found who would not charge that much and can be used in the future.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned when they need a quick clean-up that department can use ServPro.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  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 7:10 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:51 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of January 26, 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 the 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 at 7:52 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:59 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 8:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 19, 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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $613,019.75 for checks dated January 20, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved.

(Note:  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 voucher for the week ending January 14, 2017, in the amount of $20,459.70, for checks dated January 20, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With three Selectboard members 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 $4,281.89 for the week ending January 14, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 12, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 12, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  Mr. Dalessio noted a change on page 3, Trust Funds, change “Mr. Dalessio looked at the Trust Fund” to “Mr. Dalessio looked at the Capital Reserve Trust Fund”. With three Selectboard members in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Walpole Planning Board – January 10, 2017;
• Walpole Fire District Budget Hearing.

Mr. Dalessio noted the Selectboard would make their suggestions for corrections directly to the Walpole Planning Board for their January 10, 2017, meeting minutes.

OLD BUSINESS:

Walpole Fire District:  The Walpole Fire District scheduled their Public Hearing on the Budget for Wednesday, February 8^th, 2017 at 7:00 PM at the Walpole Fire Station.

Warrant Articles:  Mr. Dalessio reported the Selectboard and Mr. Kreissle continue to make minor changes and need to finish editing.

Town Hall Rental Fall Mtn. Class of 1997:  It had previously been agreed that the Fall Mtn. Class of 1997 would be required to purchase TULIP insurance coverage for their rental of the Town Hall.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to charge them the Resident Fee.

Citizen’s “Complaints”:  Mrs. Edkins noted that previously Citizen’s “Complaints” were known as Citizen’s “Reports”.  The Selectboard agreed that this change be made to “Citizen’s Reports”.

NEW BUSINESS:

Recreation Committee – Request:  A request was received from Mr. Justin Cassarino, on behalf of the Recreation Committee, to purchase new uniforms for the Winter Basketball League.  The current uniforms are oversized and the screen printing is starting to peel off on both sides.  The total cost for the reversible uniforms is $1,347.  The Recreation Committee all agreed to ask if they could use the Revolving Fund to purchase these uniforms.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant permission for the Recreation Committee to purchase new uniforms, as described in their letter, for the Winter Basketball League for the amount of $1,347 and to use their Revolving Fund for payment.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved.

Public Hearing on Westberg Property:  The Public Hearing on the Westberg property is scheduled for Thursday, January 26, 2017, at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Mrs. Pschirrer received a letter from Attorney Mark Iacono, attorney for the Westberg Estate. She would like to send it to Attorney Jeremy Hockensmith to make him aware of this.

Parking Lot:  Mrs. Pschirrer has a copy of the lease on the parking lot from Mascoma Bank but no one has been able to find an up-dated lease that should have occurred in 2012 and now in 2017.  She will continue to pursue resolving this matter.  Mrs. Downing will be asked to start two files; one on the parking lot leases and the second one for the Warranty Deed on the Leaning House property that was given to the Town.

Zoning Board Letters Dated January 2017 (To and From Patricia Rodrigues):  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of several various documents from Patricia Rodrigues.  This is still a Zoning Board issue.  Mr. Dalessio advised the ZBA made a decision and Ms. Rodrigues (a Westmoreland resident) has the right to go to the Superior Court with it.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the ZBA has sent a letter to Ms. Rodrigues / John Corduff.

EFT Payroll Direct Deposit Dates:  Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Rich Kreissle will have to change the procedure for direct deposits of payroll.  They will now have to go in the bank for Friday deposits.  Previously bank deposits were made before paper checks were issued on a Friday.  Both have to be done on the same day.  It is a timing issue for direct deposits. The employees will be given a notice that this will be effective on Friday, February 3^rd, 2017.

Worksheet from USDA-NRCS:  Mrs. Edkins reported this document used to go to the Water Department and Mr. Mark Houghton would sign it and send it back.  Christian Gowdy now uses the area near the river well for organic farming.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to allow the Chair of the Selectboard, Steven Dalessio, to sign this USDA-NRCS form.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With three Selectboard members 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.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion.  With three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved at 7:03 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:56 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 19, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With three Selectboard members in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

JANUARY 19, 2017

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

Staff Present:               Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Linda Edkins (Assistant Manager of Administration); Michael Rau (Road Agent); Michael Paquette (Police Chief); Sgt. Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Paul Colburn (Recycling Center); Justine Rogers (Librarian); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); 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.

Mr. Dalessio wished everyone a Happy New Year.  He asked the Staff present to think about one thing they would like to accomplish in their group that will happen this coming year.  Mrs. Smith said “credit cards” in the coming year.

Hooper Institute:  Ms. Whippie distributed copies of the “Hooper Institute Journal of Lessons by Rebecca Whippie from August 2016 through December 2016”.  The report is from Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grade.  Also distributed was the “Director’s Report: Autumn 2016 – Fifth and Sixth Grades”.  Copies of these reports are available in the Selectboard office. Ms. Whippie reported they transitioned from every green and tree to mammals.  Mr. Dalessio asked if they thought about doing adult activities especially on education.  Ms. Whippie replied they did at one time do one-or-two week adult courses.  It is something they will think about.  They harvested rhubarb that she put into a cake.  The teachers said “Wow” that was good cake.  It was well received.  Someone commented that her child liked the Hooper part of the school day best.  The kindergarten class went out today to see if they could find tracks in the snow; dog, fox, squirrel, etc.  They did find and identify some.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that their programs are going in the right direction.

January Report of Town Clerk-Tax Collector:  Mrs. Smith has been very busy closing out 2016 and starting 2017.  Her books were all in balance.  She printed the MS-61 report for the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) and this is also her Tax Collector’s report for the Annual Town Report.  Mr. Kreissle put it into the Portal for DRA.  He is always very helpful.  We are very lucky to have him.  They used to mail these reports but the State changed the procedure.

Mrs. Smith gave Mrs. Downing her copy of the MS-61, her Town Clerk income report, and a short report for the Town’s Annual Town Report.  Mrs. Downing has been great to work with and they appreciate her calm manner.

Mrs. Downing was out this week and Mrs. Edkins understood that she could not make the staff report deadline, as she was working on the Tax Delinquency Notices.  She was great about letting Mrs. Smith in the office to make coffee to keep her going!

Wednesday, January 18^th, she printed 141 Delinquent letters also known as the Barrington Notices.  This is a nice low number, in the past they have mailed over 200 letters!  This is a State mandated notice to keep the property owners informed.  It provides the unpaid balance for the various warrants, liens, and interest due.  These letters generate a lot of phone calls.  Some people become very upset because it mentions Tax Deeding.  The notice explains that this only pertains to 2014 Liens but people do not seem to notice that.  Meghan and her stuffed the envelopes and she took them to the post office, this is off her “to do” list.  This usually brings in some payments as well as complaints.  They only have 20 parcels on the 2014 lien list.  She believes that most will pay in full before the Deeding date in May.

Intent to Lien Notices will be next month!  These notices have to be sent Certified Mail, return receipt requested, so that will be very time consuming.

Their uncollected property taxes are only $823,026.51 as of today.  They deposited $1,564,578.94 since the last Staff meeting.  They have collected $88,836.61 in January; they also collected $1,114.15 in interest due to late payments of taxes.

The Town Clerk Department has collected $50,239.00 since their last meeting.  Their dog tags should arrive any day.  Some dog owners like a low number and come in right after the New Year to purchase the tag.

The filing period for Town Officers begins Wednesday, January 25^th and ends on Friday, February 3^rd at 5 p.m.  Town Clerks have to be open 3-5 p.m. on the last day of filing.  She ran the ad in the Keene Sentinel on Saturday, January 14^th and it will run again today.  Monday January 30^th, she starts trying to contact board members to remind them the deadline is Friday.  She tries very hard to make certain that they do not have any “blanks” on our ballot as “write-ins” have to be hand counted and can really slow down the process.  She mailed the Memory Cards to LHS and as soon as the filing period is over, she will send them a copy of the upcoming ballot info so they print our ballots and send everything back in time for the March election.

This is a very busy time of year.  She will be glad when Town Meeting is over.   Mrs. Smith advised that she sends out the delinquent in different colors to identify them in different categories.  They have not foreclosed on any properties for a few years.

Library Report – January 2017:  Ms. Rogers, Librarian, reported that things are going along well.  They got new phones and now have a message machine.  They continue to work on barcoding.  North Walpole Library had the floors cleaned, furniture rearranged and some new furniture will be coming in (new table, desk and reading chairs).  There will be a new laptop for patrons to use.  The New Hampshire State Library report is due the end of February.

Walpole 2015 stats: Open 296 days, 14056 people, 22022 circ., 2627 people for programs.  AVG: 47 people, 74 circ per day.

Walpole 2016 stats:  Open 288 days, 18378 people, 26597 circ., 4715 people for programs, 2356 website visitors July-December.  AVG: 64 people, 92 circ per day.

Ms. Rogers noted that the Walpole Library has much more resources than the North Walpole Library therefore a lot of people come to the Walpole Library.  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged that she certainly is reaching out to people.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned there are no children’s programs in North Walpole.

Police Department:  The Walpole Police Department submitted the following report for the period of

December 15, 2016 through January 15, 2017.  The number of calls for service was 460.

• Police Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls – 31              Administrative – 69                 Citizen Assists – 63

• Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 18                         MV Stops – 192                       Traffic Safety – 26

• Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol – 21     Crimes Against a Person – 24  Crimes Against Property – 16

Chief Paquette reported that just before they came into the meeting a stolen utility truck was found; he has some officers working on that.  They are busy doing end of the year work and getting ready for a busy new year.  Mr. Dalessio would like to have a month-by-month report on what the trend is for different categories.  Is it worth continuing a program or discontinuing it?  It tells them something about the community.  Chief Paquette noted that through the grant they acquired from the State, they have to work the roads.  They started to ticket the people through “clip it or ticket” program.  They are enforcing the laws and are averaging one-to-two arrests on each detail.  Drugs are an on-going problem.  Some arrests require many hours of their time.

Recycling Center:  Mr. Paul Colburn presented the following report:

He referenced and explained the “Daily Weight Report and 5 Year to Date Comparison”.  The Annual Forecast for this year was 374/ton; the Annual Estimate is 429.01/ton.  He also referenced and explained the “Five Year Comparison to Recyclables”.  The Year Forecast is $30,000; Estimate for the Year is $38,412.  These numbers might be off a little on the average and forecast.  Cardboard is a big item right now. At the beginning of the year it was close to $80/ton but now is $110/ton.  Mr. Dalessio will meet with Mr. Colburn about changing the format of these reports.  He feels they only need to go back 3 years rather than 5 years.

Mr. Dalessio mentioned it would be nice to know what amount of revenue they expect in 2017.  Mr. Colburn does not yet have a goal.  He is in the process of changing the paperwork over from 2016 to 2017 and has been training the other employees on how to do the paperwork.  He expects it will take 4-to-6 weeks for the change-over.  The Highway Department has been coming in and sanding.  The new employee is doing well.  Mr. Colburn would like to have a lunch on Friday so everyone can stop and meet him.  The new company brought in their container to replace the one the Salvation Army took out.  The Center is busy and doing well.

Walpole Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent, advised the department employees put in more over-time in December than February through April last year.  He gets calls from people inquiring why a certain road was not plowed.  He listens to them and apologizes but they do their best. The crew has seven different routes and they go up to 12 miles.  Each route takes 3-1/2 to 4 hours to do and then the driver turns around and, during a regular storm, the driver goes over it again.  Pre-treating the roads takes about 2-1/2 hours. It is usually 3-1/2 to 5 hours for clean-up because they also do the intersections.  It takes longer to do the back roads.  Hopefully, the equipment does not break down.  If it does they have to split up that route.  Often they are driving 15-to-20 MPH or slower.  Since January 1^st they have been down one man.  Until someone else is hired Mr. Rau has been doing that route.  The Snow Plowing Policy was in the Clarion.  There have been some over-night vehicle parking offenders but the Police Department was notified and they assisted with contacting the owners.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned people are very pleased with the sidewalk plowing.   Chief Paquette pointed out they are doing a great job on the roads. Mr. Rau submitted the following report for the period of December 16, 2016 through January 18, 2016:

• Cold patching;
• Serviced trucks and equipment
• Fixed Truck #5 Spinner Solenoid and Starter;
• Fixed Truck #3 Plow Controls;
• Fixed Truck #4 Fuel Tank and Hooked-up the Trail Hitch;
• Scraped Old Drewsville Road with Grader; an average 300 vehicles go over this road every day;
• Winter Weather Call Outs – 17 days.

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Edkins was representing the Selectboard Office in the absence of Mrs. Downing who provided the following report:

Wellness Initiatives:

• A five hundred dollar ($500) check was received by the Manager of Administration from Health Trust at the January 9^th Wellness Coordinators’ Training to initiate a wellness program.
• Survey to determine focus of program will be distributed in January at Personnel Meeting on Tuesday, January 31^st.

2016 Town Report:

• Thank you to those who have sent committee, board, department and civic organization reports, photos and charts.
• Second reminder pending to those who have yet to send materials with firm cut-off date.

Veterans’ Tax Credit Audit:

• NH Department of Revenue (DRA) auditors visited the Selectboard Office on January 12^th. The audit for tax credits and exceptions was completed with no corrections required.
• Current Use files were reviewed by the DRA during the January 12^th Current Use files will require updates and corrections in regards to maps, recreation use credits and deed recording.  This will be a long-term project for the Selectboard Office.
• For those that claim a managed timber exemption under current use, an updated forestry plan will need to be submitted in order to receive the higher discount exemption credit.
• A request from the Selectboard to the DRA to move up the assessment audit to 2017 from 2021 in order to synchronize the tax credit and exemption audit year with the revaluation year has been requested. If granted, all corrections to property values would be completed in the same calendar year.

Assessing Update:

• Several new Veterans’ Tax Credit applications have been processed for 2017.
• The first round of Property Tax Abatement and Current Use applications have been received and are being processed by Avitar Associates on New England.
• The measurement and listing of properties continues after the holiday week break by Avitar assessors.

Public Hearings:

• January 26^th. First hearing for the Westberg Estate property, Westminster Street proposed donation to the Town at 6pm in the Selectboard Office.
• February 9^th. Second hearing for the Westberg Estate property donation to Town at 6pm in the Selectboard Office.
• February 16^th. Budget Hearing at 6pm in main room of Town Hall.

Finance Office:  Mr. Rich Kreissle has been working on all the end of the year documents.  In the next week or so he will print out the last Payroll Register for 2016.  Employees will be receiving their W2s.  If an employee feels something is wrong come in to see him.  1095s will be done.  He has to do a lot especially at this time of year to meet all the deadlines.

Recreation Department:  Mr. Justin Cassarino was unable to attend this meeting but submitted the following report:

Basketball:

1. Games are going well and every team has been competitive and enjoying themselves.
2. The Recreation Committee and he met with grade 3-4 parents before a game to discuss sportsmanship and being positive role models for the kids. There was an issue with a few parents criticizing our volunteer referees who were 12 and 13 years old.
3. They have entered three teams into the Westminster tournament.
4. Found a local screen printing company that has very good pricing that will work with us, so we do not have to purchase these items with the credit card. The company is Grizzly Graphix in Sheldon, VT.  We will be doing our staff apparel, soccer uniforms and basketball uniforms from this company.

Personnel Policy Handbooks:  Mrs. Pschirrer distributed copies of the revised Personnel Policy handbooks.  She requested the Department Heads read them.  The Committee will meet again on January 31^st at 8:30 AM.  After that meeting the handbooks will be given to the employees who will be asked to sign the page to acknowledge receipt.

2017 Department Goals:

Police Department – Chief Paquette would like the Town to go on their web-site to up-date and provide more information; he explained some of his recommendations.  He is thankful for the money received last year for roof repairs, cameras, impound area, etc. Mr. Rau helped a lot and Mr. Colburn took a lot of unused items away.  He appreciates all their help.  There is still more to do at the Police Station.  Sgt. Sanctuary would like mobile data terminals in the cruisers.  It will give them more detail.

Highway Department – Mr. Rau would like to do more ditching.  Water is one of their biggest issues.

Library – Ms. Rogers would like to see them acquire the land behind the Library.  The Library Trustees are working on it.

Finance Office:  Mr. Kreissle would like some new software.  Work more with Mr. Goins.

Hooper Institute: Ms. Whippie would like to have more teaching materials.  Hooper has land therefore she would like to see the trail expanded.

Town Clerk – Tax Collector:  Mrs. Smith would like to have a credit card machine.

Water and Sewer – Mrs. Edkins reported there are still problems with processing the water and sewer bills but it went better this time.  The system is old and should be up-graded.  Mr. Kreissle will talk to Mr. Mark Houghton about the Revenues and Expenditures.

Selectboard:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard is there to support them.  Everything seems to be moving forward in the right direction.  It is all good!

Adjournment:  Mr. Dalessio adjourned this Staff Meeting at 6:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 12, 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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $120,164.52 for checks dated January 13, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL: 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending January 7, 2017, in the amount of $26,389.55 for checks dated January 13, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich 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 FICA taxes in the amount of $5,963.77 for the week ending January 7, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 5, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of January 5, 2017, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – January 5, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of January 5, 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.

EXECUTIVE NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – January 5, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Executive Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of January 5, 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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of Minutes of the following meetings:

• Walpole Conservation Commission – December 5, 2016:
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – December 27, 2016.

BUILDING PERMIT:

HUNTINGTON REALTY OF WALPOLE, LLC, 9 Edwards Lane, Map and Lot # 012-004-003:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to renew  existing Building Permit #2012-20 for Huntington Realty of Walpole, LLC, 9 Edwards Lane, Map and Lot #012-004-003 to “Remodel existing 60’ x 40’ shop (no footprint change).  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERANS TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT # 003-022-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Veterans Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 003-022-000.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:

ROBERT INGRAM, 26 Old Stage Coach Road, Map and Lot # 003-027-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Original Warrant Yield Tax Levy to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for the Town of Walpole, and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed to the Department of Revenue Administration, for Robert Ingram / Mary Ingram in the amount of $91.55.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Warrant Articles: Mrs. Downing is waiting for a response from Sandra Smith (Town Clerk) and Marilou Blaine (Secretary Planning Board and Zoning Board) on two Articles.  Mr. Dalessio requested that copies of the draft be emailed to the Selectboard as soon as it has been completed so they can proof-read and then accept it.

Health Officer Appointment:  Mrs. Downing reported that Dr. Shaw will resign after he finds a replacement.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the appointment of Dr. Charles Shaw as the Health Officer for the Town of Walpole.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Walpole Fire Village District Notification:  Fire Chief Dick Hurlburt came into the meeting.  He advised the Commissioners had a meeting last night.  Mr. Dalessio explained they received a letter from the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) about the formation of the Walpole Fire Village District.  Mrs. Downing had written a letter in response to the DRA’s inquiry.  Mr. Hurlburt just wanted to make sure somebody was taking care of this matter.  He requested a copy of the letter for the Fire Department’s Minutes Book.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the letter to the DRA on behalf of the Walpole Fire Village District.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Request to DRA for Change in Assessment Review:  Mrs. Downing reported that the DRA Auditor was here and recommended the Town write a letter to Mr. Stephan Hamilton at the DRA requesting a change in year for our next assessment review.  Since Walpole had finished an assessment review in 2016, the Town’s next review would be in five years or in 2021.  However, in 2017, the Town of Walpole shall be completing a revaluation of the Town’s properties.  Given that we wish to have consistent property data we would like to request moving up the next assessment review to 2017.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the letter to Mr. Hamilton, Director of Municipal and Property Division, NH Department of Revenue Administration, to request an assessment review in 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich, Mr. Dalessio in favor, motion was approved.

Old Keene Road Citizen Complaint #2017-01:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a citizen’s complaint on the Old Keene Road that a large dead pine tree may fall into the road.  This will be forwarded to Mr. Rau, Road Agent, to look at the tree and report back to the Selectboard.

Middle Street Citizen Complaint #2017-02:  A citizen’s complaint was received to request there be a “no parking” zone on the west side of Main Street before Middle Street to increase the view of oncoming traffic.  Following a discussion the Selectboard felt this is a valid request. Mr. Rau, Road Agent, will be asked to go through the Village, evaluate all the intersections, and make a recommendation for “no parking” zones where needed for better visibility.  Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a response letter.

Event Insurance Waiver Request:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the request to waive the insurance requirement for renting the Town Hall on March 5^th, 2017, for a grandchild’s birthday party where no alcohol will be served.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Training Cancellation Request:  Mrs. Downing requested permission to cancel a one hour of Primex Training that would take three hours of travel time in order to attend.  This time is needed to complete editing of the Town Report.  The Selectboard approved this request.

Town Hall Rental:  A request was received to waive the insurance requirement to rent the Town Hall for a 20^th Class Reunion on August 19, 2017.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to deny this request per the Town’s Policy; it is not a school event.  They will need to obtain the TULIP insurance coverage.

Request for an Interest Waiver:  The Selectboard received a request from a property owner at 91 Church Street in North Walpole to waive interest on a sewer bill as he thinks his bill is too high.  Following a discussion the Selectboard agreed to deny this request.

Elm Street:  A letter was received from Mrs. Jen Palmiotto who requested the Selectboard look at the condition of Elm Street.  She is objecting to the speed and traffic on that road.  Trucks are going down the street and driving too fast.  Mrs. Pschirrer will check with Mr. Rau to see if any work is scheduled on Elm Street before Mr. Dalessio responds to Mrs. Palmiotto.

Notice:  Mr. Dalessio requested a notice be put out now to remind appointed members of the Boards / Commissions, with terms that are expiring, to send in a letter to the Selectboard office to request re-appointment or advise they no longer wish to be appointed.

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, this meeting was recessed at 7:22 PM.

SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued):

Trust Funds:  Mr. Dalessio looked at the Capital Reserve Fund reports and the amount of money we are earning as interest.  He asked Mr. Goins if the funds could be moved to another company.  Mr. Goins mentioned this to Mr. Bob Kimball who called the Cambridge Trust to alert them that the funds might be pulled out and they gave him the same rate as the other company that had been contacted.

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 7:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 5, 2017

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

Guest Present:  Cheryl Mayberry

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel, (c) Reputations and (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  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.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:06 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of January 5, 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 accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $55,206.82 for checks dated January 6, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending December 31, 2016, in the amount of $24,644.60 for checks dated January 6, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich 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 FICA taxes in the amount of $5,861.08 for the week ending December 31, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 29, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of December 29, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 29, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 29, 2016, 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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – December 13, 2016.

VETERANS TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot # 012-045-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Veterans Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 012-045-002, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 005-005-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Veterans Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 005-005-000, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BLIND TAX EXEMPTION:

Map and Lot # 028-091-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Blind Tax Exemption for Map and Lot # 028-091-000, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

Donald H. Wood, Jr. Trust, Alstead Center Road, Map and Lot # 015-018-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Donald H. Wood, Jr. Trust, Alstead Center Road, Map and Lot # 015-018-000.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Personnel Policy Handbook:  Mrs. Pschirrer will make the minor revisions as discussed.  She scheduled a meeting to take this back to the committee members who worked on the revisions from the beginning before bringing it back to the Selectboard for adoption. This meeting was scheduled for January 31, 2017.

Warrant Articles:  The Selectboard continue to work on the 2017 Warrant Articles.  Mr. Dalessio would like to have them done for next week.

Health Officer Appointment:  Mrs. Downing is waiting for Dr. Shaw to return her messages.

NEW BUSINESS:

2017 Budget Hearing Notice for Clarion:  The Selectboard approved the 2017 Budget Hearing Notice for the Clarion.

Town Report Timeline of Production:  Mrs. Downing had been asked to do a Town Report Timeline of Production.  It was reviewed and approved by the Selectboard.  Mr. Dalessio is in the process of drafting the Annual Selectboard Report.

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 at 7:24 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:29 PM.

EXECUTIVE NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:

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

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Executive Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of January 5, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

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 7:59 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 29, 2016

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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $139,248.57 for checks dated December 30, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL: 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending December 24, 2016, in the amount of $25,982.38 for checks dated December 30, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all 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 $5,928.37 for the week ending December 24, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 22, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of December 22, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 22, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 22, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD SESSION – October 24, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard Session of October 24, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

VETERANS TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot # 011-017-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Veterans Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 011-017-000:  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Map & Lot # 012-055-017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Veterans Tax Credit and Veterans Disability Credit for Map and Lot # 012-055-017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Map & Lot # 028-091-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Veterans Disability Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 028-091-000.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

Cummins Catherwood, Jr. and Tucker Gresh, 329 Maple Grove Road, Map and Lot # 009-006-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Cummins Catherwood, Jr. and Tucker Gresh, off 329 Maple Grove Road, Map and Lot # 009-006-000, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Cummins Catherwood, Jr. and Tucker Gresh, Maple Grove Road, Map and Lot # 009-008-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Cummins Catherwood, Jr. and Tucker Gresh, off Maple Grove Road, Map and Lot # 009-008-000, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Personnel Policy Handbook:  There was a consensus to keep the Personnel Policy Handbook on-hold until the next meeting.  It will be kept on the Agenda.

Draft Warrant Articles:  The Selectboard plan to finalize the Warrant Articles during the next regular meeting.  During the Planning Board meeting on January 10^th, 2017, the members should finish the Accessory Dwelling Unit Warrant Article.  After all the Articles have been received the Selectboard will organize the Warrant.

NEW BUSINESS:

HealthTrust Application and Membership Agreement:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the HealthTrust application and Membership Agreement.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair, Steven Dalessio, to adopt and sign the HealthTrust Certificate of Authorizing Resolution.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

HealthTrust Cobra Administrative Services Agreement:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the HealthTrust Cobra Administrative Services Agreement.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

HealthTrust Retiree Billing Administrative Services Agreement:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the HealthTrust Retiree Billing Administrative Services Agreement.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

FairPoint Pole and/or Buried Conduit Agreement:  Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent, agrees the FairPoint pole exists.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard sign the FairPoint Pole and/or Buried Conduit Agreement.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Veterans Memorial – Snow Clearing: A citizen filed a complaint regarding shoveling snow by the Veterans’ Memorial.  Mrs. Pschirrer will ask Mr. Rau to have someone shovel this area after all the other areas have been cleaned up after a storm.

Health Officer Appointment:  Mrs. Downing was unable to contact Dr. Shaw but left a message to ask if he will accept another Health Officer appointment as it has expired.

CDFA Notice of Block Grant Application Deadlines:  The Selectboard received a letter from the Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA).  Mr. Dalessio attended one of their meetings last year.  He suggested sending a copy to the Planning Board and to Mr. Mark Houghton at the Water/Sewer Department to see if they have an interest in applying for some of the grants being offered.

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 and (d) Acquisition,. Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property:  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:56 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:04 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 29, 2016, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to recess the Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:05 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:18 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

2017 Proposed Budget and Warrant Articles Public Hearing:  The 2017 Proposed Budget and Warrant Articles Public Hearing is scheduled for February 16, 2017, at 6:00 PM.  Prior to this Public Hearing the Selectboard will hold their monthly Staff Meeting from 5:00-6:00 PM.  Following the Public Hearing the Selectboard will hold their regular weekly meeting. There will be no Public Business.  The dates to file candidacy with the Town Clerk are January 25^th to February 3^rd, 2017.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

T’is the season!  Fall Mountain School District Budget Hearing is this Wednesday at 5:30 at FMRHS Library.  The Deliberative Session is 2/8/17 in the auditorium.

TOWN OF WALPOLE SELECTBOARD

NOTICE OF PUBLIC

2017 BUDGET HEARING

In accordance with the provisions in RSA 32:5, the Walpole Selectboard will hold a public hearing on the 2017 Town operating budget to solicit public comment on Feb. 16, 2017 at 6 p.m. in the Walpole Town Hall at 34 Elm Street.

The weekly Selectboard Meeting will follow with no public business to be discussed.

If you have special needs covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or are unable to attend and have comments and/or questions related to the budget, contact the Selectboard Office by phone at 603-756-3672 or by e-mail to sdowning@walpolenh.us

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

DECEMBER 15, 2016

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

Staff Present:               Sarah Downing (Executive-Manager of Administration); Michael Rau (Road Agent); Sergeant Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Paul Colburn (Recycling Center); Justine Rogers (Librarian); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); 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 that this meeting is being recorded.

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing made the following report:

Assessing Update:

• Assessors from Avitar Associates continue visiting properties in Walpole to measure buildings and other taxable features. They are now downtown.  They do not work in very cold weather so will be back on Monday.
• For those not at home during the initial visit by the assessors, a letter with Avitar Associates’ contact information will be sent to arrange appointments to view building interiors. They say it is going well and most people are allowing them to go into their homes.
• If property owners have questions or concerns, please call Selectboard Office for assistance.
• Walpole’s Equalization Ratio has been set at 104.5%. Dalessio explained the Equalization Ratio is the different between what properties are assessed for and what they are selling for.  Walpole properties are now selling 4-1/2% below the assessed value.
• The Selectboard Office is accepting Property Abatement, Veteran Tax Credit and Elderly Exemption forms now that the fall tax bills have been posted.

Water and Sewer Billing:

• Water and sewer payment processing was busy through the end of November into early December.
• Research work continues to provide documentation for the financial auditors.

Department of Revenue Administration:

• The NH Department of Revenue (DRA) auditors will be returning on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017 to finalize the audit of the Town’s Veterans Tax Credit files.
• “Current Use Criteria and Rules” workshop was held on Tuesday, Nov. 29^th in the Town Hall.

Town Hall Facilities:

The following repairs are in process:

• Dishwasher being installed in kitchen and hot water heater in the basement.
• Reorganizing and addition of new and existing plaques and framed notices in stairwell and hallway area outside the Selectboard office.

Town Hall Rentals and Reservations:

• For those wishing to hold yearly events, it is best to place these reservations a year in advance. The Selectboard Office will not hold dates without verbal notice and follow-up applications shortly thereafter.

Town Report of 2016:

• Department reports are due on or by Friday, Dec. 30^th.
• Written reports to be submitted as MS Word documents so they can be edited for grammar, spelling and other formatting corrections.
• We will accept pictures, however we cannot guarantee all photo submissions will be accepted.
• Excel and pdf files of charts are also expected from some departments, boards and commissions. Dalessio added they would like to keep the reports down to one or two pages.  Whenever possible show progress.  They need everybody’s cooperation to get reports in on a timely manner.

Town Clerk-Tax Collector: Mrs. Sandra Smith submitted her Report for December 15^th, 2016.

They have had a very busy month.  They mailed property tax bills, November 17^th, with the help of Terry Jo Terrell and Meghan, everything went pretty smooth.

Some bills were returned due to incorrect addresses.  The Post Office is pretty precise in what they consider an address.  This takes time to resend, etc.

They collected $70,005.91 for the Town Clerk Department – $68,558.41 was collected in auto registrations.  The balances are fees, vital records, dog licenses, a boat registration, and a bad check fee.  She does not believe they have any bad checks outstanding.

The Tax Department as usual, brings in the most of the Town’s income.  They have collected three million, three hundred eighty-eight thousand, one hundred twenty-three dollars and sixty-two cents!  This is not counting what they are posting today.

Their “Fall” Warrant was for five million, seven hundred seventy thousand, and four hundred eighty-seven dollars.  They have collected more than half of that.  Their balance as of today is approximately Two million, three hundred eighty-two thousand.  Their total uncollected as of Wednesday was Two million, eight hundred twenty nine thousand, five hundred ninety-two dollars and eight cents!

Mr. Dalessio explained that the Fall Mountain Regional School District takes $533,000+/month; every six months that is three million+/-.  It does not include money that will be going to the County of $1,144,000.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the State is continuing to push more and more expenses onto the towns in terms of education, highways, etc.

Mrs. Smith continued:  Taxpayers are complaining about the increase in taxes.

They have been working on checks not written correctly and processing refunds for over payments.  This is very time consuming.

Mrs. Smith will be glad when this year is behind us!

Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau provided the following report on work they have done.  Many of the items on the list they fixed themselves therefore very little work had to be sent out.

• Cold patching;
• Serviced trucks and equipment;
• Dug out culverts with backhoe to clean them before winter;
• Poured concrete around the water shut-off in North Walpole;
• Fixed Truck-1 – Water pump belt;
• Fixed Truck-3 and Truck-5 – Inner dump cylinders;
• Fixed Truck-5 – Spreader chain;

• Fixed Truck-4 – Air leak;
• Fixed Truck-3 – Plow Hydraulics;
• Viking fixed Truck-7 hydraulic valve body;
• Truck-2 went to Leon’s Auto Center to get front end work done;
• Truck-9 – Replaced the rear brake pads;
• Truck-8 – Fixed spinner late and replaced clutch for hydraulic pump;
• Truck-3 – Changed cutting-edge on plow;
• Put on spots on trucks;
• Winterized rollers and stored them;
• Installed chains on Kubota;
• Installed wheels and chains on ABEI;
• Prep work was done at the shop for the new shed;
• Moved the shed at the Police Department that will help with the plowing;
• New doors were installed at the shop and Old Town Shop;
• Rice Tree Services cut trees on Wentworth Road and in the park on Main St.;
• Graded Old Drewsville Road and Carpenter Hill Road;
• Ditched Green Road with the backhoe;
• Covered up graffiti at the Old Town Shop; it needs expensive paint to go over concrete;
• Worked on slide in sander;
• Put out winter sand out for residents; a pile is at Christian Hollow, Wentworth Road, the Old Town Shop, at the Shop, in North Walpole and at the Recycling Center.
• Sanded dirt roads on November 29;
• Salt and sanded roads on December 5;
• Plowed, salted and sanded during snow storm on December 12;
• Crushed dumpsters for the Recycling Center;
• Discussed loader and roadside mower pricing with Mr. Tom Goins who talked to sales people.

Mr. Rau will be tracking the storm for Saturday and possibly a mix on Sunday.

Library:  Ms. Justine Rogers provided the following report:

Nov 2015: 23 Days open, 1195 people, 1581 circ., 33 programs, 295 people for programs

2015 Jan-Nov Average 47 people & 75 circ. Per day.

Nov 2016:  21 Days open, 1430 people, 2264 circ., 32 programs, 316 people for programs, 312 website visitors

2016 Jan-Nov Average 64 people and 92 circ. Per day.

New Barcodes:  The State library required them to change over to 14 digit patron barcodes (new library cards) when they migrated to their system this past spring.  Somehow it was not communicated that we also have to change over to 14 digit material barcodes.  Thankfully they had the money left in our technology budget and she ordered 30,000 barcodes.  This is not a difficult task, but certainly a time consuming one.  The staff is willing to spend a weekend getting the majority of the collection done if there’s pizza and music involved!

New 2017 Programs:  They have been hearing from patrons that they would like to see some new programs next year.  They are working on a lunch time program where patrons can bring their lunch and they will stream an episode of The Crown on Netflix each week.  They are also looking at an evening fiction book club and a passive puzzle program where they will have a puzzle set up on the table in the front room for people to work on for 2 minutes or 2 hours.

They also have a Story Time series with the Grafton Museum lined up for 2017.  They had some grant money from the summer left over so they’ll be doing monthly themed programs for a few libraries in the area.  They will be here the last Wednesday of each month January through May at our regularly scheduled story time at 10am.

The North Walpole Library is getting their floors done today and tomorrow.  They will also be getting some new furniture that was donated.

Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of and read a letter from Mrs. Peg Dion to the Selectboard.  “It is the time of year to express gratitude for a good job well done and faithful service.  Since participating in the Walpole Leadership Academy her appreciation has grown for the service you all render to our town. She wanted to commend Paul Colburn and his crew at the Recycling Center for their hard work in keeping costs down while assisting us in all our recycling efforts.  Thank you to the Town officials and all the departments and a very Happy Holiday Season.”

Mr. Dalessio reported that all the students at the Walpole Leadership Academy were impressed with what the departments and boards were accomplishing.  Congratulations to all.

Recycling Center:  Mr. Paul Colburn presented the following report:

He referenced and explained the “Daily Weight Report and 5 Year to Date Comparison”.  The Annual Forecast for this year was 374/tons but the Annual Estimate as of the end of last month was 403/tons (about 28/tons more than forecast).  The figures show that they are doing pretty well compared to the prior five years.  They have not done tubes since 2011/2012 as the markets had dropped.  As of November they increased over the two previous years on what they took in. They are getting banana boxes back; two trailer loads were received on Tuesday.  Mr. Colburn mentioned it is strenuous on them being short one full time person but they have been doing what needs to be done.

Mr. Colburn referenced and explained the “Five Year Comparison on Recyclables”.  This report indicates they have been going up-and-down.  In November the returnables were $603.73 which is the lowest of the five years.  They are not slowing down on returnables but rather he has been unable to deliver them to the vendor and hopes to make a trip tomorrow.  He is paid on delivery.

They continue to be busy.  They are still getting young people in.  This is a service to get them back into society.  It has worked out well.  They had three deliveries of wood and there were three pick-ups.  The Walpole Recycling Center is now on Facebook.  There was an issue with the oil furnace; adjustments were made by a service person.  Avitar Associates was there this afternoon.  The Salvation Army took out their containers as they did not have enough volume but another company is putting in a container next week.  Everything will go over-seas.  A tire on the truck had to be repaired.  Mr. Colburn had a call from a company that wanted to know if they would take care of boxes of used office paper.  To-date about one-and-a-half ton was received; this is about one-quarter of the total; more will be coming. Mr. Colburn has been doing his own plowing.  Everything else has been going smooth.  They do have volunteers.

Hooper Institute:  Ms. Rebecca Whippie advised they have closed-up and winterized the Hooper Institute.  They do not plan on opening up until the spring.  She provided the following report.

Mrs. Eloise Clark is finishing up the soils unit and working on Conifers and Evergreens.

After the last meeting Ms. Whippie did a small program before Thanksgiving on the reintroduction of Eastern Turkeys to the State.  They were reintroduced here in Walpole, NH.  The students were excited about this.

1^st Grade:  Mashed potatoes;

4^th Grade:  They had a squash feast; they made pumpkin pancakes, squash muffins, pumpkin butter, maple butternut squash, spaghetti squash and fried zucchini squash.  There is adult monitoring but the students do everything themselves.

Evergreens and Conifers:  They played matching games; detectives with clues, searches outside for different evergreens, matching cones to conifer branches.  Ms. Whippie usually does all the cutting but the children did cut white pine on one sunny afternoon.

1^st Grade:  Foraged for cones.

3^rd Grade: Foraged for white pine cuttings;

Projects = Ornaments using nature found items.

Pre-K and K – Balsam fir sachet

1^st Grade – Evergreen arrangement

2^nd Grade – Printed note cards

3^rd Grade – Evergreen centerpieces in tuna cans

4^th Grade – Swags of balsam fir.

Mr. Dalessio pointed out they are doing all good things with the students.

Police Department:  Sergeant Sanctuary submitted the following report.  Number of calls for service for the period of November 16, 2016 to December 13, 2016 was 306.

• Public Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls – 29              Administrative – 45                 Citizen Assists – 54

• Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 11                         MV Stops – 65                         Traffic Safety – 17

• Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol – 26     Crimes Against a Person – 34  Crimes Against Property – 25

Sgt. Sanctuary advised their accidents were down.  During these last storms they had no calls resulting from accidents.  He reported on the number of recent drug related incidents.  They are getting Mrs. Clough more involved with criminal related activities.  She will be doing follow-ups and referring people to counseling, etc.  There are people coming in looking for help; she is pointing them in the right direction.  All this is very time consuming.  He met with Mr. Tom Goins to talk about budget related issues.  Mr. Kreissle has also been a big help to them on budgeting.  Mr. Dalessio feels it is good to have everybody working together and using their expertise as they move along.  It is support for the department heads.  Two officers are finishing up their annual training on mental health.

Adjournment:  Mr. Dalessio wished everyone a safe Holiday Season.  This Staff Meeting was adjourned at 5:52 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 15, 2016

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 #1:

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

The regular meeting resumed at 6:37 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of December 15, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $1,530,894.30 for checks dated December 16, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes one check for the County Tax in the amount of $1,424,623.00.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending December 10, 2016, in the amount of $23,252.06 for checks dated December 16, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all 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 $4,924.05 for the week ending December 10, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio mentioned Mr. Kreissle should look at the W-2 forms as the laws have changed.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 8, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of December 8, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 8, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 8, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 12, 2016:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 12, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Walpole Planning Board Meeting – December 13, 2016;
• Connecticut River Joint Commission, Wantastiquet Subcommittee Annual Report – 2016.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

DALE HUBBARD, Old Drewsville Road, Map and Lot #010-022-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Mr. Dale Hubbard.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DALE HUBBARD, 21 Levi Lane, Map and Lot #010-019-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Mr. Dale Hubbard.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER YIELD TAX LEVY:

ELISSE McGUIRK, 167 Valley Road, Map and Lot #013-015-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the Tax Year April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 for Elisse McGuirk in the amount of $3,396.36.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ELISSE McGUIRK, Valley Road, Map and Lot #012-076-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the Tax Year April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 for Elisse McGuirk in the amount of $724.72.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WARRANT – YIELD TAX LEVY:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Original Warrant, Yield Tax Levy, in the amount of $4,121.08.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

MAP and LOT #001-015-006:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $4,107.00 for the Tax Year 2016 for Map and Lot #001-015-006.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SEWER LEVY:  

TAX COLLECTORS WARRANT – Sewer Levy:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Tax Collectors Warrant, Sewer Levy, State of New Hampshire to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for Walpole, New Hampshire in said county in the amount of Four Thousand Ninety Dollars and 86 Cents ($4,090.86) and with interest at twelve (12%) percent per annum from December 15, 2015 thereafter all sums not paid on or before that date. And we further order you to remit all monies collected to the Town Treasurer, or to the Town Treasurer’s designee as provided by RSA 41:29, VI at least on a weekly basis, or daily whenever receipts total One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($1,500.00) or more.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

DRAFT WARRANT ARTICLE re: ELDERLY TAX EXEMPTION: This Agenda item was put on-hold until the next meeting to allow time for additional research.

NEW BUSINESS: 

2017 Town Budget:  Mr. Kreissle gave the Selectboard a package with up-to-date information on the 2017 Town Budget.  It includes monthly reports on the General Fund, Water/Sewer, Revenues, and the Hooper.  The total budget at this time is $3,919,563.00 which is a 4.61% increase and about a

.3% decrease over last year’s budget.  It does not include Warrant Articles.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the 2017 budget as presented.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Kreissle also provided a proposed list of Warrant Articles that was reviewed.  Total of Warrants as shown (assuming the leasing of loader) $470,700 ($458,700 assuming the purchasing of the loader is outright).  The Highway Loader (Capital Lease) Warrant will be sent to the DRA to be sure the wording is legal.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned if a new loader is not purchased the Town will be spending a lot of money on repairs as it should have been purchased about four years ago.

The Town will not need to apply for a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) as previously discussed.  Right now they are about 14% under budget.  The check in the amount of $513,448.73 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District will be released this Friday.

A $4,700 variance in sewer is holding up the Town’s audit.  The auditors suspect it goes back to a previous audit a few years ago. However they want to resolve it.

At the Public Hearing on the 2017 proposed Budget, Mr. Dalessio would like to show the increase on the planned budget vs the actual spending.  It is actually a zero based budget.

Cemetery Deed for Howard and Judy Putnam:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Cemetery Deed for Lot #474 to Howard and Judy Putnam.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Fire Warden Invoice:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and authorize the Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the Fire Warden Invoice in the amount of $753.00 to the State of NH for reimbursement of the fire on Elm Street on December 5, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Thank You Notes:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Thank You note to Mr. Charles Montgomery for his work on the Fall Mountain Food Shelf Advisory Committee and to the Women of Walpole for the Christmas wreaths.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Thank You Letter from FMEEA:  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of the Thank You letter from the Fall Mountain Educational Endowment Association.  They have re-booked the Town Hall for Saturday, November 18, 2017.

Thank You Note from Hurlburts and Lobers:  A Thank You note was received from the Hurlburts and Lobers.

Same Day Voter Registration Law: The Selectboard recognized receipt of a letter from the Jaffrey Town Moderator who wants them to talk about Same Day Voter Registration Law.    

Revaluation Meeting with DRA and Avitar:  The Selectboard asked Mrs. Downing to schedule the Revaluation Meeting the week of January 24^th, 2017, preferably in the evening or no earlier than 2:00-to-3:00 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:34 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:52 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the December 15, 2016, Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:57 PM.

ADJOURNMENT: Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:58.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 8, 2016

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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $39,756.33 for checks dated December 9, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending December 3, 2016, in the amount of $21,020.06 for checks dated December 9, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all 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 $4,411.27 for the week ending December 3, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 1, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of December 1, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 1, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting of December 1, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• Walpole Conservation Commission – November 7, 2016.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

Map and Lot # 005-028-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $454.25.  This overpayment of property taxes was made by the escrow company.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER YIELD TAX LEVY:

GALLOWAY REV. TRUST, Rapids Road, Map and Lot # 002-013-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Timber Yield Tax Levy in the amount of $2,997.63 for the Galloway Rev. Trust 2004.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:

HOOPER TRUST, 166 Prospect Hill Road, Map and Lot # 008-061-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Tax Collector’s Property Tax Supplement Warrant in the amount of $112.00 for the Meeting House West LLC golf course on the George I. Hooper property.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

2016 Equalization Process:  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged receipt of the 2016 Equalization Municipal Assessment Data Certificate from the Department of Revenue Administration.  The equalization rate came in at 104.5%.

Mr. Aldrich moved to give Avitar Associates permission to up-load the equalization data.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

1. Clark Abatement Appeal Settlement: The Selectboard received a letter from Avitar Associates advising that a settlement appeal has been reached with Mr. Patrick Clark. If the Selectboard concurs, an abatement needs to be processed for 2015 on the $84,066 value difference and for 2016 on the $84,100 value difference.  Mr. Clark has agreed to this settlement.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the settlement between the Town of Walpole and Mr. Patrick Clark as recommended by Avitar Associates in the amount of $84,066 for 2015 and $84,100 for 2016.  This property is on Valley Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Cash Objective Chart: Mr. Kreissle provided the Selectboard with an update on the cash assessment to the end of the year.

Fall Mountain Food Shelf and Friendly Meals Program:  Mrs. Pschirrer met with Mr. Charles Montgomery, the Town’s representative to the Advisory Committee, at his request. The Advisory Committee has been able to negotiate a lease so the Food Shelf will be able to remain in Langdon for five years.  The committee members are working to try to persuade the Board to be more active and positive in terms of where they will house the Food Shelf and not wait until the fifth year.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked him to put their annual request for funds in writing.  The Town has been giving them $2,000 for the Fall Mountain Food Shelf and $1,000 for the Friendly Meals Program.  They have numbers for the significant amount of people they see on a regular basis.  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked Mr. Montgomery for serving the Town on this Advisory Committee.

Women of Walpole:  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked the Women of Walpole for putting up holiday wreaths in Town.

Property Tax Payment Agreements: The Selectboard had asked Mrs. Sandy Smith to look into the payment agreements.  Mrs. Smith replied that both agreements worked out fine.

Multi-date Town Hall Rental:  A request was received from the Southern NH/VT Idol to use the Town Hall for five consecutive Saturdays in September into October 2017.  Mr. Dalessio noted that they give back to the community.  The proceeds would benefit the Walpole Historical Society, Fall Mountain Food Pantry and Our Place.  There will need to be insurance coverage for the five consecutive Saturdays.

Mudders:  Mr. Aldrich was approached by two residents who wanted to know about putting in a key lock box on Derry Hill Road to keep out the vehicles (pick-up trucks that are “souped” up) that destroy the road.   Mr. Aldrich told Mr. Franks he could put up gates but not lock them which will not solve the problem.  Derry Hill is classified as a Class VI emergency lane.  Mr. Aldrich noted these emergency lanes are maintained for that purpose but if we have these vehicles going in there and destroying the road/area the road cannot be accessed for emergencies.  Mr. Aldrich brought this to the attention of the Conservation Commission at their last meeting.  There is a need to catch these people and have them pay for the damages.  Mr. Dalessio will talk to Police Chief Paquette about this.  

Tax Anticipation Note:  Mr. Kreissle would like to send a letter to the Savings Bank of Walpole stating that the Town may be considering taking out a Tax Anticipation Note.

Mr. Aldrich moved to sign the letter of intent for a Tax Anticipation Note to the Savings Bank of Walpole.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Church Street Lights:  Mr. Dalessio looked at the lights on the bridge and they are on.  In 2012 it looked like the lights on the bridge should have been shut off but nothing happened since then.  Mr. Aldrich and Chief Paquette attended that DOT meeting in 2012.  Mr. Dalessio referenced the letter in 2012; it does not mention where the five original lights were.  He does not think the bridge lights were ever discussed with the State.  The only two lights the Town would have to take over would be the two on the corner; they are on a State road.  Mr. Dalessio felt they should notify Liberty Utilities that based on the information in the Selectboard’s possession the two lights are the responsibility of the NH Department of Transportation because they both are on State roads.  He will draft a letter to Liberty Utilities.

Selectboard Meeting:  The Selectboard will be meeting in a Non-Public Session on Monday, December 12^th, 2016, at 10:00 AM.  Mr. Kreissle will also be attending this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:05 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:20 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of December 8, 2016, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all 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 Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:24 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary