The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

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

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 four people in the audience.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Health Trust Dental Insurance Proposal – Melissa Hopf of Health Trust: Ms. Hopf of the Health Trust is the Health Benefits Advisor covering the Town of Walpole for medical coverage.  She was present to focus on the dental coverage.  Delta Dental is headquartered in Concord.  Keene is their nearest location. Mr. Dalessio explained that the Town employees are now covered under a dental policy through the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Ms. Hopf picked five options that they offer and explained the coverages.  They have many other plans that the Selectboard could look at.  She had left a booklet of information and went through several sections. If the employees are enrolled in this plan they would have a Delta Dental card to show the dentist, have their treatments and the dentist will submit his bill to the company.  Some plans have a deductible, some do not.  Dental coverage rates for 2017 will be decided at the Board of Directors meeting on October 18^th.  She feels they will be close to the 2016 rates.  Information would be provided to each employee on how the plan works.  Health Trust has a web-site where enrollees can access information.  Delta Dental also has a web-site.  A list of dentists in this area is available.

The Wellness Program goes along with the health coverage.  The Town of Walpole has access to it now.

• The Slice of Life is an incentive program for people to participate in healthier activities. It opens with a health assessment; a 15 minute health questionnaire, done on-line, that is confidential.  This program continues with other incentives.
• Health Awareness Program covers any classes (yoga, nutritional, etc.) an employee takes and reimburses them $100.00/year. Families could get up to $200 for children under age 18 for the similar programs.
• Smart Shopper is a tool that can be used to shop for more cost effective facilities for procedures (mammograms, MRIs). The incentives are different per procedure.
• Live Health On-Line is one of the newest programs. People can do virtual visits with board-certified doctors and licensed therapist.  It is great if people are on traveling and not familiar with health facilities, doctors, etc. in that area.
• Life Resources is the employee assistance program for referrals to free consultations with legal, financial and social services experts, caregiver support and educational resources through online and in-person trainings. Anybody affiliated with the Town can use this.

Ms. Hopf pointed out that all the benefits will be discussed during their Health Trust Benefits Overview Presentation meeting with the full-time employees on Friday, October 21^st from 1-2:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Playground Building Update:  Mr. Sam Jacobs, Principal of Walpole School, reported that school is running smoothly so far.  It is very busy.  The wooden fence by the pool belongs to the School.  Mr. Jacobs has been in the Walpole School District for 37 years.  He is always amazed at the support they get.  They are getting ready for the new playground.  About $88,000 has been raised for this project.  Some equipment has arrived and the rest should arrive on Thursday.  A part of the fence was taken down to make room for the large truck that will be making the delivery so it does not run over the soccer field.  LaValley’s has donated about 150 bags of concrete and patio blocks.  He has a very active group of parents and community members who are excited about this.  A group of volunteers will be there on Friday, September 30^th and also Saturday, October 1^st which is the day it will go up.  The PTG will take care of the food but other groups will be donating food including the Women of Walpole.  Mr. Jacobs provided pictures of what the playground will look like when completed.  Some employees from Bensonwood will lay out the boundary of the playground.  Mr. Mark Houghton and his crew have been clearing out brush at the edge of the woods and will dig down about 8-inches for the mulch.  They are looking good; it is coming together.  Every day the students have a count-down.  (Mr. Whitney Aldrich came into the meeting.)               

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $35,927.16 for checks dated September 23, 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 September 17, 2016, in the amount of $20,381.95 for checks dated September 23, 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 in the amount of $4,235.02 for the week ending September 17, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 15, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of September 15, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – September 15, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 15, 2016, with a correction.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

STAFF MEETING – September 15, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of September 15, 2016, as submitted.  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 Cemetery Trustees Meeting – September 17, 2016.

Mrs. Pschirrer will talk to Mr. Dale Woodward regarding two Trust Funds as mentioned in these meeting Minutes.

OLD BUSINESS:

Water and Sewer Liens:  Mrs. Linda Edkins is very busy right now with prepping for the next water and sewer billings.  Mrs. Downing asked that this be put off for a while plus Mr. Mark Houghton is busy.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that the Selectboard put this off but that it be done before the 2017 Town Meeting.

Selectboard Meeting –September 22, 2016- Page 3

Personnel Policy Handbook Up-date:  Mrs. Pschirrer had finalized the draft.  She will email the other Selectboard members to let them know what sections she feels they should look at.  Large portions remain exactly the same.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they have to send it to a legal attorney to review it.

Boston Post Cane Celebration Date and Time:  The date was set for the presentation of the Boston Post Cane for Thursday, November 17^th at 5:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  There will be light refreshments.   

Short-term Disability & Medical Coverage:  Mr. Dalessio did some research on other towns and this will be a unique benefit for Walpole.  If an employee does not use their vacation or sick time the Town will pay for the medical coverage.  However if the employee elects to use their vacation or sick time the Town will not pay for the medical coverage because they will be getting their full pay.  Mrs. Pschirrer will add this to the Personnel Policy Handbook Up-date.

Salary Survey: Mr. Dalessio reported that they have a proposal.  It will take four weeks to get it done.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the proposal from MRI to do a salary survey for the amount of $3,000.00 and to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Mr. Dalessio, to sign it.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Pleasant Street: Mr. Jack Neary removed his sign because Mr. Mike Rau gave him the idea that the Selectboard would not have a problem moving it.  Mr. Rau was concerned with the two signs; Mr. Neary’s sign and the “No Parking” sign.  Mr. Neary has another proposal for the location of his sign where it would be very visible and only about 50-feet away from where he had proposed to put it in the first place.  He wants the “Pedestrian–Slow” sign to be very visible.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that once they made the decision on where the signs would go they dropped it. Mr. Dalessio stated that the decision on location of the signs will be up to Mr. Rau as he is qualified to do that.

NEW BUSINESS:

Citizen Thank You:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a Thank You note from Mr. Rich Boudreau.  He wanted the Selectboard to know how kind and professional Police Chief Mike Paquette and his officers have been to them.  They appreciate it very much.

Commercial Brush Disposal Fee Change Request:  A letter was received from Mr. Paul Colburn, Solid Waste Manager.  He suggested a fee of $20.00 to $30.00 per load from landscapers and other commercial entities who bring their brush to the Walpole Recycling and Transfer Station.  As one load may be heavier than the next the price would be at the discretion of the attendant.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept this recommendation from Mr. Colburn to have a fee of $30.00 per load from landscapers and other commercial entities who bring their brush to the Walpole Recycling and Transfer Station.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Forest Fire Bill:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Mr. Dalessio, to sign the Forest Fire Bill in the amount of $1,001.52 to the State of New Hampshire for responding to a brush fire in the Town of Acworth.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Citizen Complaint Re: Whipple Hill Road:  A Citizen Complaint form regarding Whipple Hill Road was turned over to Police Chief Michael Paquette.

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, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:42 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:58 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 22, 2016, 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 8:15 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

SEPTEMBER 15, 2016

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

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 $570,812.55 for checks dated September 16, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a monthly payment in the amount of $513,448.73 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending September 10, 2016, in the amount of $22,151.42 for checks dated September 16, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  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 in the amount of $4,679.04 for the week ending September 10, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 8, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 8, 2016, with the correction on page 3, under Proposed Budget, to delete the “n” on Mr. Dalessio’s name.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• Walpole Planning Board – September 13, 2016.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

ROBERT and MARY INGRAM, 16 Old Stage Road, Map & Lot #003-027-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Robert and Mary Ingram.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  

JASON J. WILKINSON, 1049 County Road, Map & Lot #003-011-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Jason J. Wilkinson.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Town Hall Facilities Policy:  The Selectboard continued to review the proposed Town Facilities Use Policy.  Following a discussion on insurance coverage, Mr. Dalessio suggested moving the second sentence in Section 3, sub-set #2 “The Selectboard reserves the right to waive insurance coverage if deemed to be in the best interest of the Town” to No. 3, sub-set #4.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to take the second sentence from Section 3, sub-set A.2 and make it sub-set #4. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

A small box will be put on the top of the rental form to indicate if insurance is required or not.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended that a Waiver for Liability should also be signed.

Water and Sewer Liens:  Mrs. Edkins did not have an opportunity to work on this policy as she did payroll and other routine work this week.  Mrs. Downing noted that a few people that received notices have paid their bills.

Employee Policy Handbook Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer and the committee continue to work on the Employee Policy Handbook Update.  They will be meeting again on September 20^th.

NEW BUSINESS:

Employee Health Care Coverage:  The Selectboard discussed an employee having vacation and sick time and paying medical coverage when he/she is out on Workers Compensation / Disability coverage.  Should the Town pay the employee’s portion of the medical coverage while they are out on Short-term Disability?  There is a need to be consistent; there should be a policy.  The Selectboard agreed that more research needs to be done.

Tri-Fold Brochure and Selectboard Office Hours:  Mr. Dalessio suggested putting another page in the tri-fold brochure with the hours for the various departments.

Mr. Aldrich came into the meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:01 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:14 PM.

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

OTHER BUSINESS:

Highway Department:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that since an employee has been out the Highway Department has been short-handed therefore they are running behind schedule.  Mr. Rau would like to continue with the same hours until October 17^th because they feel they get more work done in 10 hour days.  The Selectboard approved this request.

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 at 7:16 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:20 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS (Continued):

Heating Oil Contract:  The Selectboard looked at the quotes received for heating oil from several companies.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to renew the contract with Allen Bros. for heating oil for the coming season.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio suggested they ask Allen Bros. if they can give the same price to Walpole residents.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

SEPTEMBER 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. There were five people in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Westminster Street Parking Striping: Ms. Joan Balla has quite a few older customers coming into the bakery. The parking in front of the Walpole Tavern and her business is very limited. People do not seem to park to the end of the curb but they park in-between so quite often her customers cannot park in front or in back of other vehicles/trucks. Some handicapped customers need to have one of those front spaces otherwise they end up stopping in front of her business to drop off the handicapped person and then have to find a parking space. She spoke to the tenants that used to park there all day/night and asked them to leave those spaces free during the day and they have been doing that. Other people park there for 2-to-3 hours. She asked Mrs. Pschirrer if it would be possible to paint lines to designate the parking spaces so people will know where the parking spot starts and ends. There would be no in-between parking. People parallel park on Westminster Street all the time. There was discussion about having a handicapped parking space as well. Mr. Dalessio spoke to Police Chief Paquette about this. His concern is that there is no parking ordinance in Town therefore the Police officers could not enforce the parking violations. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that the Highway Department would like to stripe parking spaces on Elm Street because many times vehicles park too close to the “Stop” sign.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to stripe both sides of Westminster Street from the beginning of Main Street down to Elm Street and Elm Street on one side only from Westminster Street to Main Street. A handicapped parking space will be added on Westminster Street. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that they need a Parking Ordinance. People will then start parking appropriately.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $37,113.35 for checks dated September 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 September 3, 2016, in the amount of $22,618.70 for checks dated September 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 $4,818.98 for the week ending September 3, 2016. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

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

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – September 1, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 1, 2016, as presented. 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 meetings:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – August 16, 2016;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – August 30, 2016.

BUILDING PERMITS:

RICHARD S. FRANCIS, 257 Ramsay Hill Road, Map & Lot #011-007-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit #2016-34 for Richard S. Francis to “Construct a 15’ x 10’ screened porch”. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

JAMES and MARY SUOZZI, 644 County Road, Map & Lot #005-033-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit #2016-35 for James and Mary Suozzi to “Add a 2^nd story shed dormer to allow for additional bathroom and two bedrooms”. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Town Hall Facilities Policy: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign the Town Hall Facilities Policy that was discussed and approved by the Selectboard last week. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

This policy will be numbered as “SB 101”.

Town Dental Coverage: Mrs. Downing reported that Ms. Melissa Hopf will be here on Friday, September 16^th to visit with Mrs. Downing and Mr. Kreissle and give them a proposal to review. She will then return on Thursday, September 22^nd to make a presentation to the Selectboard.

Water and Sewer Liens: The Selectboard had received a draft of the Water and Sewer Liens policy. Mrs. Linda Edkins continues to work on it. Mr. Dalessio wants to meet with Mrs. Edkins and Mr, Mark Houghton when it is ready to be finalized.

Employee Policy Handbook Update: Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the committee will be meeting on September 20^th to continue their work on the handbook update.

NEW BUSINESS:

Police Grants: Mr. Dalessio reported that the Police Department applied for and received three separate grants from the NH Department of Safety. The first Grant is a “Distracted Driving Patrol Grant. This was designed to enforce the NH’s Hand-Free Electronic Device Law. The second Grant is the “DWI Patrols” Grant. This Grant was awarded to the Department to assist with the impaired driving problem in our community. The final Grant awarded is the “Sustained Traffic Enforcement Patrol (STEP) Grant / Operation Safe Commute”. This Grant has been awarded to the PD to combat the problem of speeding motorists on roads traversing in and through Walpole. Chief Paquette said the matching funds are within his budget. Mrs. Pschirrer’s concern is the time involved with the paperwork, etc.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair of the Selectboard, Steven Dalessio, to sign these Grants and to initial each page. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Recreation Department Request: Mr. Cassarino submitted a request that through the earnings of the Recreation Programs, they would like to propose that they purchase four new soccer goals, two pairs, to replace the old ones for the 7/8 year old league. The goals have been in the league for many years and were purchased by the Beliveau’s when they were running the league. The poles/frames are starting to bend and are no longer straight. These new goals will be a huge upgrade to the program. The total cost for the four goals with shipping costs is $3,977.98.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to permit the Recreation Department to order four goals and use their Revolving Funds of $3,977.98 for the soccer program. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Bond: Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Kreissle and Mr. Goins are looking into the details for taking out a bond. The Town has some major expenses that are coming up; there are several red-listed bridges, culverts and possibly if they do the diversion of the waste from the Vilas Bridge to Green Street in North Walpole and then cross over the new Arch Bridge. Conceptually bonds are at their lowest interest rate so it may benefit the Town to take a bond now rather than later. Typically bonds do not have to be spent for three years. We have a number of projects in the planning stages at this time. They need to get the planning done and then make some decisions.

Highway Department: Mrs. Pschirrer advised that an employee will be out for several weeks.

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 at 7:05 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:17 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Department Head Budgets: Mrs. Downing was asked to remind the Department Heads that their budgets need to be turned in as soon as possible.

Proposed Budget: Mr. Dalessio passed out the base line budget to Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich with things they are aware of.   He felt they might want to look at the aging infrastructure. Mr. Dalessio recommended that they schedule an all-day meeting toward the end of October to talk with the Department Heads about their proposed budgets (Highway, Recycling, Police and Mr. Mark Houghton). He will give out information and instructions at the next Staff Meeting. Mr. Kreissle will be asked to get prices for oil and propane from Irving Oil. Other companies were asked for the same information.

Salary Review: Mr. Dalessio is waiting for a quote. The company now has all the job descriptions.

Railing and Gazebo Repair Projects: Mrs. Downing reported that both projects have been done. She is waiting to hear from the Handyman, who was hired as a contractor, for the other projects.

Town Hall Kitchen: Mrs. Downing talked to Mr. Mark Houghton about installing the dish washer in the Town Hall kitchen. Mrs. Pschirrer noted that they need to spend the money before the end of this year or lose it.

Employee and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic – September 25: Mrs. Downing is checking with people to see if they will be attending or not. Mr. Dalessio wanted to be sure the North Walpole Village employees are also invited.

Horse Thieves: Mr. Dalessio mentioned that the annual meeting is September 27^th.

Playground: Mr. Aldrich advised that they got the funding for the new playground. The committee plans to build it on September 30^th and October 1^st.

Boston Post Cane: The Selectboard would like to do the presentation of the Boston Post Cane on a Thursday before the regular meeting from 5:30 to 6:00 PM. Relatives and friends will be invited to attend.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:34 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

SEPTEMBER 1, 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.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $116,971.84 for checks dated September 2, 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 August 27, 2016, in the amount of $25,118.63 for checks dated September 2, 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 $5,327.17 for the week ending August 27, 2016. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 25, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of August 25, 2016, as submitted. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – August 25, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of August 25, 2016, as submitted. These Minutes will remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – August 25, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of August 25, 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 Planning Board Workshop Meeting – August 23, 2016

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Mr. Bill Daher: Mr. Daher inquired about zoning requirements that would apply to his property off Route 12 if he were to consider some remodeling to a portion of his barn. It would not change the foot-print. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that it is a Commercial District so there are no restrictions. Unless the project is more than $10,000 he might not have to go before the Planning Board for Site Plan approval but it would be a neighborly gesture to have an informational consultation with the Planning Board to make them aware of his plans. It would be subject to a Building Permit from the Selectboard when the time comes.

SUMMARY INVENTORY OF VALUATION:

MS-1: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the MS-1, 2016 Summary Inventory of Valuation, document for prevue only. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

MS-IV – Walpole Fire Village District and North Walpole Village: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to allow Mrs. Sarah Downing to sign the MS-VI for the Walpole Fire Village District and the MS-IV for the North Walpole Village. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Selectboard feel the “Walpole Fire Village District” should be clarified as the “South Walpole Fire Village District”.

TAX ABATEMENTS:

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Church Street / Rt. 12, Map & Lot #027-005-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Abatement for Property Taxes for the State of New Hampshire, Department of Transportation, as they do not pay LUCT bills for property taken out of current use by eminent domain from a prior owner in the amount of $320.00. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SONYA A. KISSEL, 1 Hogan Lane, Map & Lot #016-005-MH01: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Abatement for Property Taxes for Sonya A. Kissel in the amount of $72.40 plus any interest accrued. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Employee and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic – Sept. 25: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to allow the Open Container Permit for the consumption of alcoholic beverages to be waived at the Employee and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic to be held on September 25, 2016, from Noon to no later than 6:00 PM. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved. .

Abatement Permission to Rescind. Mr. Dalessio advised that during the July 21, 2016, meeting the Selectboard moved that Mrs. Sarah Downing be given permission to sign all Abatements under $100.00. Mrs. Smith pointed out that in accordance with State law the Selectboard cannot allow the Manager of Administration to sign all Abatements under $100.00.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to withdraw this approval for the Manager of Administration to approve all Abatements under $100.00 but to allow her to sign only the Water and Sewer Abatements under $100.00. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Town Dental Coverage: Mrs. Downing reported that Ms. Melissa Hopf, Representative from the Health Trust, will be able to visit with the Selectboard to make a presentation. Mrs. Pschirrer would like to see something, in writing, preferably ahead of her visit.

Boston Post Cane: Mrs. Downing was asked to do a follow-up with Ms. Charmian Trundle to see if she is willing to be the participant of the Boston Post Cane. If so, ask her what date she would prefer to attend a Selectboard meeting at 6:15 PM. Mr. Ray Boas will be notified of this date and asked to attend to take a photo.

Building and Demolition Permit; Water and Sewer Rate Posting: Mr. Dalessio had no problems with the rates. The Building and Demolition Permit is still a work-in-progress.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve posting the Water and Sewer rates. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved. .

708 Main Street: The Selectboard agreed to take this off the agenda until there is some activity on the property.  

Thornton and Associates Compensation Survey: There was a consensus of the Selectboard to not participate in this Thornton and Associates Compensation Survey as it is lengthy and a lot of it does not pertain to the Town of Walpole.

Mary McMahon – Abatement Appeal: Mrs. Pschirrer had put together a time line with some facts and figures on this Abatement. The Selectboard would like to make arrangements to set the date for the mediation for October 27, 2016.

Sewer Liens: Mrs. Edkins is working on a note regarding the Sewer Liens for the Selectboard. Mr. Dalessio would still like to schedule a meeting with Mrs. Linda Edkins, Mr. Mark Houghton and Mrs. Sandra Smith.

Revised Town Hall Rental Information and Rental Agreements: Mrs. Pschirrer had provided a list of all the not-for-profit groups. Mr. Dalessio noted that they should have the flexibility to add and subtract groups/people on the list. Scheduling of Town facilities goes through this office. Preference should be given to regular and appointed Boards. All renters must complete and sign a Rental Agreement.   The Selectboard reviewed the document for Definitions of User and Renter; Scheduling of Town Facilities; Rental Agreement and Insurance. Under Insurance, number 2, it was agreed to change “request” to “waive” insurance.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the policy on Rental Agreements for the Town of Walpole with the condition that under Insurance, number 2, that “request” be changed to “waive” insurance. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Leases and Contracts: One more contract has been submitted to the Selectboard office. Mr. Dalessio recommended that this now be turned over to Mr. Kreissle as it is a finance function. Mrs. Pschirrer would like someone to find a copy of the Parking Lot Agreement as it comes up for renewal in 2017.

Primex Renewal – January 2017: Mr. Rich Kreissle is working on this Primex renewal.

Town Hall Handyman: This will now be taken off the Agenda as a Handyman has been hired. Quotes for various projects are being worked on.

Ramp Repair Update: This will now be taken off the agenda as a contractor has been awarded the project. Mrs. Downing will do a follow-up with Keene Construction on Friday as it needs to be repaired prior to Primary Election Day. The ramp is a handicapped requirement.

Employee Policy Handbook Update: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the committee is meeting on September 20^th to continue work on the Handbook Update.

Draft Warrant Article – Elderly Tax Exemption: The Selectboard will work on drafting a Warrant Article for the Elderly Tax Exemptions to be voted on at the next Annual Town Meeting.

Town Seal: This will be removed from the agenda until more research can be done.

NEW BUSINESS:

Walpole Old Home Day Funding Request: The Walpole Old Home Days activities will be held in 2017. Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Walpole Old Home Days Committee request for $2,500.00 subject to Mr. Kreissle, Manager of Finance, reviewing his budget and making a recommendation on which budget line it will be taken from. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Court Appointed Special Advocates Funding Request: This request from CASA will be given to Mr. Kreissle to be put in the file for the next budget.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations. Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:44 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:59 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 1, 2016, 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 Mr. Dalessio. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:15 PM

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:16 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

AUGUST 18, 2016

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

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

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.

Police Department: Police Chief Michael Paquette and Sergeant Justin Sanctuary were present. Chief Paquette recognized that both Sgt. Sanctuary and Mrs. Clough put together their new monthly stat report. This report is from July 16, 2016 to August 15, 2016. There were 414 calls for service. They are broken down as follows:

• Public Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls – 48              Administrative – 59                 Citizen Assists – 93

• Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 13                         MV Stops – 112                       Traffic Safety – 33

• Criminal Investigations:

Drugs/Alcohol – 15     Crimes Against a Person -13    Crimes Against Property – 28

Having 414 calls in one month is quite a lot. Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that this is a very nice graph but it does not show all the time they actually spend on different calls / investigations; certain offenses require more time than others.   Chief Paquette said Mr. Dalessio has been discussing time; it is difficult to put a figure on everything they do but they can work on that. For example: they may spend ten minutes with one person on a certain incident yet spend a half-hour with another person. Mr. Dalessio noted that the only time that is logged in is at the scene; the other time they spend on this same incident is not logged. They have to figure out how they get that number without people actually sitting at their log books. Another responsibility adds up more time. Time is the next element. Chief Paquette agreed in that it does not log the time they spend after they go back to the station and process the paperwork, etc. They might be working on that when the phone rings and they have to leave to respond to another call; they are quite often in-and-out. When they come back in they have to finalize everything from the first call. It is difficult to keep track of all the time. Mr. Dalessio felt there are techniques they can try. It could take 10-or-12 man hours to process a DWI arrest. Sgt. Sanctuary said it sometimes takes longer as they have to keep coming back to it for little pieces. Chief Paquette and Sgt. Sanctuary can get data from the Dispatch Center. Mr. Dalessio said the new graph looks very good.

Chief Paquette thanked Mr. Rau and the Highway Department crew for doing the fencing at the Police Station and for removing some trees. It was a lot of work. Mr. Dalessio noted the new fencing looks good.

Town Clerk / Tax Collector: Mrs. Smith reported that they have been busy with election issues. Voter registrations, absentee ballot requests, UOCAVA ballots for voters that are overseas. This has been time consuming. They received the absentee ballots on Thursday. They also had the HAVA State Law Election Training here at our Town Hall. Everyone seemed very impressed with our beautiful Town Hall and what a lovely village we have.

They mailed out bills for the Land Use Change Taxes, Gravel Taxes and Yield Taxes. Money has been coming in slowly. They send reminders of small balances that are due because tax payers paid after the due date, they have collected $819.63 in interest and a total collected for the past month of $72,780.15. Interest is always paid first so any balance due can go to lien.

They collected $48,737.00 in vehicle registrations, 342 vehicles were registered, and this is average for this time of year.

Vital Records brought in $68.00; this is for certified copies of Births, Deaths or Marriages. They had three Marriage Licenses the Town receives $7.00 for each license, and this procedure can take from one half to an hour to complete. The State received $43.00 per license.

Dog licenses brought in $107.00 and Meghan is still sending out delinquent notices. A new person in town came in to register her vehicle and brought in the Rabies Certificates for her two dogs, so they registered her vehicle and her dogs! New comers are usually very good about wanting a Dog License.

They registered eight boats in the last month, this brought in $122.28. The larger boats pay more but they tend to have the smaller boats in Walpole. Next year we should do better, we do not make very much money but the customers appreciate the convenience.

They have spent hours trying to register a vehicle for a new resident. They were still working with the lien holder but it finally came in today.

The foot traffic always keeps them busy as do all the phone calls. The property taxes are almost all in. Vehicle registrations might not be as good this year; it runs in cycles.

Primary election is September 13^th. Don’t forget to vote! People can register on Election Day.

Highway Department: Mr. Michael Rau, Road Agent, submitted the following report for July 22, 2016 to August 18, 2016. They started their roadside mowing; that will be taken care of in the next two weeks. They need to recertify some of the crew for culvert replacements.

• A section of the new roof at the Highway Garage is done; it came out good.
• Replaced culverts under Cold River (this took two days), Merriam and Scovill Roads;
• Graded the Drewsville Road (it has heavy traffic – 500 vehicles might go over it on a Saturday)
• Asked by the Commissioners to cut brush on Center Street in North Walpole;
• Cleaned a pipe and catch basin in North Walpole;
• There was a wash-out on March Hill Road by Alice Smith Road that required ditching and grading – the guardrail is back;
• Work was done on Pleasant Street; it should be paved next week;
• Cold patching was done;
• Trucks and equipment were serviced;
• Cleaned catch basins;
• Crushed dumpsters for Recycling Center;
• Did Mowing;
• Cleared brush and trees in the Police Station Yard and did the fencing;
• Cleaned the ditch at the Cemetery;
• Moved books from the Town Hall to North Walpole;
• There will be flashing electronic signs and signs out on Main Street as they will be replacing the culvert that goes across the road and three catch basins near Hicks Machine (Mill Pond). Vehicles will be detoured to go through Houghton’s parking lot. They hope to start August 30^th. Mr. Dalessio asked Mr. Rau to get a notice in the Clarion and Walpolean. It will also be on-line.

Mr. Rau contacted Mr. Randy Rhoades to talk about the bridge by Black Jack Crossing. Mr. Rhoades will send his report to Beaver Tracks who will look at it. He has been working on the Permit by Notification for the March Hill Road and called the DES but they have not responded. Mr. Dalessio thought the Selectboard should make some inquiries to DES.

Library: Ms. Justine Rogers submitted the following report. Things have been going good and they have been very busy.

Summer Reading: 65 kids participated in the reading program. So far 8 have “finished” by reading 20+ hours. This is the last week we’ll be counting hours.

New Library Cards: The new cards have arrived today and they are beautiful. They are working on a services and programs brochure to hand out with new cards to all of their new and existing patrons so they have a better idea of what they offer. They have to coordinate everything with the State Library.

Bookworms Book Club: A few of the 4^th grade boys who come into the library weekly have requested a book club. Their first meeting is next Thursday! So far they have 4 kids interested and the boys who are “in charge” have been hanging flyers up around town.

The roofing company had told her they would begin work at the end of August or early September; she will check with them to confirm their start date.

Stats:

July 2015: 26 days open, 1403 people, 2149 circ, 25 programs, 341 people for programs.

July 2016: 23 days open, 1663 people, 2385 circ, 39 programs, 400 people for programs.

Jan-July 2015 Average: 84 circs per day and 48 people per day.

Jan-July 2016 Average: 89 circs per day and 62 people per day.

Recycling Center: Mr. Paul Colburn submitted reports for the month of July. He referenced the “Daily Weight Report and Year to Date Comparison”. There was an increase in steel cans over the other five years. Some lines are a little off due to various reasons. For example: they now did glass once a week instead of daily which has increased productivity. They no longer take in tubes; in 2012 they had about 2-1/2 tons but they haven’t taken them in for about two years because of the market. OCC/Chip is down a fair amount. Our biggest supplier is commercial but they found other ways to deal with it which is a better deal for them. A good thing is that the markets are up for cardboard; they are now getting the best price in 1-1/2 years. The Annual Forecast is down quite a bit. Mr. Colburn explained the “Five Year Comparison on Recyclables”. The biggest increase is commercial. They have taken in a lot of fluorescent bulbs from TransCanada as they are making a change but this will go down drastically next month. There are a lot of electronics these last two months. July has usually been a good month. Mr. Dalessio noticed an increase in the sale of bags.

Mr. Colburn had two Hooper helpers who are done this week. He did the exit interviews. It was great to have them. They still have compost that is screened and ready to go. He will be meeting with the Walpole Grange Leadership Academy students on Monday, August 29^th at 6:00 PM. They will do a review of what gets done at the Recycling Center. Mrs. Pschirrer noted that they will be at the Highway Department the following week at 6:00 PM. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they want to do a session with the Library and the Police Department.

Mr. Colburn attended the Cheshire County meeting on August 3^rd. This is a monthly meeting but he does not usually attend all of them. He might go to half of the NRRA meetings. A bus trip is coming up that will go around to the various facilities. If anyone is interested let Mr. Colburn know. They signed the MSW and C+D contract for the next three years and a copy was given to the Selectboard office. He discovered a dead tree between the re-use trailer, the fence and Route 123; he will talk to Mr. Rau about addressing that. He sent in forms to get re-certified. The scales were re-certified today; it needs to be done annually. The WRAP Committee will be putting an ad in the Walpolean and Clarion for new members. They picked up the wood from the Mill Pond area that the Boy Scouts had cleared from the trails.

Chief Anashownee of the Raven & Wolf inter-tribal group, a Native American Group, is looking to set up another clean-up in September at the same place as last time. They want this clean-up to be open to everyone. Mr. Joe Aldrich had looked into who owned that area and found out that it is the Town of Walpole. Chief Paquette said at one time they talked about closing off a part of that area so vehicles could not drive there. Any parking would have to be in the designated lot. Chief Paquette would like to attend the planning meeting with the other parties involved including the Connecticut River Watershed Council and TransCanada. Mr. Colburn pointed out that it costs the Town about $75.00/ton for all the trash that is picked up and then needs to be disposed of. Mr. Dalessio suggested that they move forward with the meeting with Chief Anashownee.

Selectboard Offfice: Mrs. Sarah Downing made the following report:

Meeting with a NH Dept. of Revenue Administration (DRA) – Municipal & Property Division auditors last Friday, 8/12, for several hours. A review of Elderly Tax and non-profit property tax exemption audit work and files was conducted. Training regarding the upcoming MS-1 Report was also conducted.

5 Year Requalification of Veterans’ Tax Credits and Elderly and/or Disabled Exemption:

• Next steps were decided upon for the Elderly Tax Exemption audit. The Selectboard will finalize paperwork at the 8/18/16 Selectboard meeting. This will close out the Elderly Exemption section of the audit.
• For the Veterans’ Tax Credit, the state requires that veterans who have their properties held in trusts or life estates complete a PA-33 form. There are 43 veterans who will be receiving a notice of this change and the form. All veterans who have handed in their forms to date will be receiving their 2016 tax credit; the new form will be required for the 2017 tax year.
• Three non-profit property owners were to be reminded to send in A-9 and one also owed an A-12 financial form and report per the DRA auditors. Calls and e-mails were sent. Only one non-profit educational group owes information as of 8/17/16. Forms must be submitted by 8/24/16 or the exemption shall be removed.
• The DRA auditors will return in late September to review the Veteran’s Tax Credit audit and to start work on updating Current Use files.

MS-1: Follow-up work is underway to finalize any valuations that have changed from the audits being conducted along with property lot line changes and properties being granted a current use before the April 15^th deadline. The MS-1 is due to the state on or before Sept. 1^st. Current Use rates are being updated in Avitar with a software update pending. This form starts the process to set the tax rate by the DRA.

Timber and Excavation Tax Warrants: Reporting for 2015-2016 has been closed out. The tax collector has been sending out billings. One Timber Tax Warrant for 2016-2017 has been posted.

Town Hall Facilities: The ramp and gazebo repair should occur in less than 4 weeks. The ramp should be repaired before the Sept 13^th Primary Election Day. One application has been received for a Town Hall handyman. Several jobs including adding a hand rail and hanging a new projection screen are on the list of things to be installed.

Notices of Pending Sewer Lien: Notices were created by Linda Edkins and signed by the Selectboard. The notices were sent to property owners with outstanding balances. The Selectboard is researching next steps to recover monies owed to the Town.

Tri-fold Flyer: Was finalized and then recently updated. New copies of the flyer are being distributed.

Health Trust Benefits Overview Presentation: Friday, Oct 21^st from 1 – 2 pm in the Town Hall. “All full-time employees are expected to attend”

Sexual and Other Forms of Harassment Training: Scheduled for Friday, Nov. 4^th from 1-2:30 pm for all regular full and part-time employees in the Town Hall. “Attendance is expected. There will be a sign-in-sheet”

Town of Walpole – Employee and Volunteer Appreciation BBQ: The date has been set for Sunday, Sept. 25^th with the event starting at noon in Whitcomb Park. Pit Stop Smokehouse will begin serving lunch at 1pm. An electronic invitation is forthcoming. The rain location will be the main location of the Town Hall. The Planning Committee is seeking the loan a croquet set, bocci balls, and corn hole game with bean bags.

Manager of Finance: Attended a NHMA sponsored webinar entitled, “Federal Overtime Rule and Municipal Governments” with a Selectboard member on Weds., 6/17/16.

Walpole Recreation: Mr. Justin Cassarino was unable to attend this meeting but submitted the following report dated August 18, 2016.

Pool:

• State Inspector came and said everything was great. Chlorine level was high, but explained that we dumped in three 5 gal. tubs of shock the night before because of all of the rain that we had for four days straight. The rain brings the chlorine down, so we needed to get it back up quickly. She said that it wasn’t a problem. Gave a few recommendations, but overall was very happy.
• Head lifeguards have been holding a training every Sunday to practice injury situations. Kids enjoy volunteering to be the “victims”, so they can be strapped to the backboard.
• Community Day was rained out, but for the first hour and a half we had 75 patrons come to the pool. We are rescheduling for Friday, August 19^th. We still have Athens Pizza coming down with their truck to sell food and we are collecting non-perishable food items for the Fall Mountain Food Shelf. Patrons have free access to the pool when they bring in an item. We will also be playing games with prizes and showing a movie at night.
• Pool cover was shipped out on August 18^th, so they can get the proper measurements and create a new one for us.
• Tennis courts will be done at the beginning of September (hopefully), as long as the weather cooperates.

Basketball:

• Season ended last Friday.
• Had a great turn-out for the championship game.
• Players received a free piece of pizza, played a game at halftime, and watched a great championship game.
• Awards were given to the players, parents and coaches were thanked for their commitment to the league, and companies that sponsored a team received a plaque with a team photo to thank them again.

Soccer:

• Will start lining the fields next week.
• Sign-ups will begin the week of Labor Day at the school.
• Had a league meeting with all of the towns that participate in the league to discuss rules and other topics/concerns from last year.

Manager of Finance: Mr. Rich Kreissle handed out a Consolidated Statement of Activity – MTD and YTD as of August 17, 2016 and a Consolidated Statement of Activity – MTD and YTD for 12/31/16.

Proposed 2017 Budget: Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard would like to have proposed budgets (at least the first round) submitted by the next Staff Meeting on September 15, 2016. In the beginning of October the Selectboard will meet on one day to work on all the budgets. In November they will work on capital spending. The goal is to finish by the middle of November. Mr. Kreissle will give the Department Heads worksheets.

Guests: Two guests from the Walpole Grange Leadership Academy attended this meeting.

Adjournment: Mr. Dalessio adjourned this Staff Meeting at 6:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

AUGUST 18, 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 four people in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

PARK IN NORTH WALPOLE: Mr. Bill Gallagher and Mr. Don Provencher are residents of the Village of North Walpole and also volunteers for the Village. There is a piece of property off Main Street and Center Street that the Town owns but has authorized the Village to build a park. They put in a volley ball game many years ago but there was vandalism and nothing else happened. It was, once again, overgrown with shrubs and grass so they cleaned it out again. There are other things they want to do but need authorization from the Selectboard and maybe get a little help from the Highway Department. They would like to level off a bumpy part, put grass seed down plus fill in an old cistern. They are looking for guidance before moving ahead. They displayed pictures of the park area. Mr. Gallagher mentioned there is an old stone foundation closer to Center Street; they thought about reusing the stones by putting them around the trees; it would hold the bark mulch in place. There are two kiosks by the tunnel that the Town was supposed to maintain as per a 2003 agreement on the tunnel with the railroad. They should be able to maintain this area. There was discussion relative to asking the Road Agent about the culvert and cistern and to look over the area. See if he has any suggestions about clearing around the kiosk. The Selectboard had no objections to Mr. Gallagher and Ms. Provencher contacting Mr. Rau and moving forward but would like them to keep the communication open.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $28,411.40 for checks dated August 19, 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 August 13, 2016, in the amount of $24,152.31 for checks dated August 19, 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 $4,979.33 for the week ending August 13, 2016. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 11, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of August 11, 2016, 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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Trustees of Trust Funds – February 17, 2016;
• Trustees of Trust Funds – April 22, 2016;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – August 9, 2016;
• Walpole Planning Board – August 9, 2016;
• Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment – August 17, 2016.

BUILDING PERMIT:

ROBERT and MARY JANE NARDONE, 104 Barnett Hill Road, Map & Lot #009-053-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit #2016-32 for Robert and Mary Jane Nardone to “Construct a 32’ x 50’ new home and 28’ x 36’ garage” at 104 Barnett Hill Road. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE LAND USE CHANGE TAX (LUCT) WARRANTS:

KENNETH L. BURNS, 388 North Road, Map & Lot #008-076-003: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Land Use Change Tax for Kenneth L. Burns for the amount of $6,500.00. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Tax Collector’s Land Use Change Tax Warrant to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for Walpole, NH in said county for Kenneth L. Burns. Map & Lot #008-076-003, in the amount of $6,500.00. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE APPLICATIONS:

LANE CONSTRUCTION, CORP., Whipple Hill Road, Map & Lot #003-002-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for Lane Construction Corp to put 121.3 acres into Current Use. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

EUGENE and GAIL CRAY, Cray Road, Map & Lots #027-010-001 and #027-010-002: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Current Use application for Eugene and Gail Cray to put 36.15 acres into Current Use. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ELDERLY and BLIND TAX EXEMPTIONS:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to deny the following Elderly and/or Blind Exemptions from the property tax credit:

• Map & Lot # 029-045-000;
• Map & Lot # 028-119-000;
• Map & Lot # 016-005-000;
• Map & Lot # 020-037-000;
• Map & Lot # 010-043-000;
• Map & Lot # 029-010-000;
• Map & Lot # 028-131-000;
• Map & Lot # 012-050-000;
• Map & Lot # 025-031-000;
• Map & Lot # 028-103-000.

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the following Elderly and/or Blind Tax Exemptions for the property tax credit as follows:

• Map & Lot # 028-132-000;
• Map & Lot # 008-002-000;
• Map & Lot # 025-006-000;
• Map & Lot # 028-094-000;
• Map & Lot # 013-028-000.

Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The Selectboard will review and compare income guidelines with other comparable towns to see if the Town of Walpole limits are too low as they have not been changed in quite a few years.

OLD BUSINESS:

Caskin Letter: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the letter to Mr. Roland Caskin on Colonial Drive concerning the water drainage issue. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

2016 Revised Estimated Revenues – 2016 MS-434: Mr. Kreissle had left a packet of various Financial Documents for Review that included the MS-434. These are his best estimates and are based on a 5% decrease. The Selectboard will consider a 7% decrease. Mr. Kreissle checked with both Mrs. Smith and Mr. Colburn about their Revenues. The Selectboard will look at the other numbers. This will be kept on the Agenda and finalized at the next meeting.

Leases and Contracts: One contract came in recently. All the Department Heads have been asked to forward copies of any leases and/or contracts they have so there is a file in the Selectboard Office.

Boston Post Cane: This will remain on the Agenda until the cane is presented to the oldest Walpole resident.

Revised Town Hall Rental Information and Rental Agreements: Mr. Dalessio reported that some towns have created exemptions to the Primex rules. They are giving the authority to the Selectboard to make decisions on rentals. Mr. Dalessio will continue to research and have more information soon.

Town of Walpole DOT Drug Testing Policy: Mrs. Pschirrer will send a new revised version of this policy for the other Selectboard members to review.

708 Main Street: There have been no new developments on this property.

Volunteer Service Statement and Agreement: Mr. Dalessio recommended that they refer to the RSAs on Volunteer Service.

Employee and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic – September 25, 2016: Mrs. Downing reported that the Pit Stop Smoke House is doing the catering. She is looking for games they can use; a croquet set, bocci balls, corn hole game with bean bags, etc.    

Building and Demolition Permit and Water and Sewer Application Forms: Mrs. Downing has been doing research on the Fire Marshall and fire codes. Mr. Dalessio will send this link to the RSAs and other information to her.

Employee Policy Handbook Update: Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the committee is meeting again in September to go over other sections in the handbook. They will have to make decisions on over-time and comp time.

Town Seal: Mrs. Downing displayed a piece of art work of the north end of the Town Hall. It appears to have been used as a part of a Town Seal at one time. They will continue to do research.

Wage Review: This item will be kept on the Agenda for the next meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Sub-delegation of Deposit Authority Policy: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Sub-delegation of Deposit Authority Policy. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mary McMahon Abatement Appeal: The Board of Tax and Land Appeals have mandated that the Town meet with Mrs. McMahon to mediate this Appeal. The Selectboard agreed that in the past they have gone with Avitar’s property assessments.

Water and Sewer Bill Collection: Mrs. Pschirrer looked at the RSAs and found that they have three options to handle Water and Sewer Bill Collections. The Selectboard have been discussing the collections of sewer bills in the Village of North Walpole. Mr. Dalessio suggested that they obtain a list of the property owners that have liens on them now and a list of the ones who have made special arrangements. A meeting should be scheduled with Mrs. Linda Edkins and Mr. Mark Houghton for his opinion.

Sexual Harassment Training Certificate: Mr. Justin Cassarino will be excused from attending the Town’s training as he has been certified through the school system.

Town Hall Handyman Application: This was tabled until the next meeting.

Town Construction and Building Repair Contracts: Mr. Dalessio advised that a Certificate of Insurance will be required.

Drug Testing Vendor Proposal: This will remain on the Agenda for future discussion.

Dog Waste in Trash Barrels on Common: At the Safety Committee meeting an employee brought up the fact that when they are emptying the trash barrels on the Common they are now finding dog waste in them. Mr. Dalessio stated that if someone gets it on their hands they need to report it to the office. Plastic bags are not used in these barrels because they fill up with water. Mr. Dalessio told Mr. Rau that the employees should wear gloves when doing this job. The barrels will be removed soon as they are not on the Common during the winter.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mfr. 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 at 8:07 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:17 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Assessing: Mrs. Downing would like to attend the Assessing 101 Training Session on Wednesday, August 24^th. She will be gone a half day. Mrs. Edkins will be on out of the office; Mr. Kreissle and Mr. Fafara will be in the office. The Selectboard urged her to attend this class.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting. Seconded by Mr. Aldrich. With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

AUGUST 4, 2016

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; Joseph 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:  Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $552,277.04 for checks issued August 5, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a monthly payment of $513,448.72 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PAYROLL: Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending July 30, 2016, in the amount of $26,731.79 for checks issued August 5, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,829.95 for the week ending July 30, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 27, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 27, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Abstained: Mr. Aldrich as he was not present at this meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Cold River Advisory Committee – May 26, 2016;
• Walpole Cemetery Trustees – July 23, 2016.

BUILDING PERMIT:

WILLIAM and ELIZABETH SILVERSTEIN, 70 Reservoir Road, Map & Lot #010-033-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2016-30 for William and Elizabeth Silverstein to “Construct a 22’ x 22’ Great Room Addition” pending receipt of the Energy Audit approval.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICES OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

ELISSE McGUIRK LIVING TRUST, Valley Road, Map & Lot #012-076-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to grant and sign the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Elisse McGuirk / Elisse McGuirk Living Trust off the Valley Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ELISSE McGUIRK LIVING TRUST, 167 Valley Road, Map & Lot 013-015-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to grant and sign the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Elisse McGuirk / Elisse McGuirk Living Trust off the Valley Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT and YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:

RONNIE KINGSBURY, 125 Kingsbury Lane, Map & Lot #008-120-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for Ronnie Kingsbury in the amount of $866.94.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to submit the Original Warrant Yield Tax Levy to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for the Town of Walpole, NH, for Ronnie Kingsbury in the amount of $866.94.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT LAND USE CHANGE TAX (LUCT) WARRANTS:

KIMBERLY BOGAR, 286 Old Keene Road, Map & Lot #007-025-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Land Use Change Tax (LUCT) Warrant for Kimberly Bogar in the amount of $85.00.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

JOSHUA and JAMIE DRUKE, 171 Reservoir Road, Map & Lot #010-028-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Land Use Change Tax (LUCT) Warrant for Joshua and Jamie Druke in the amount of $400.00.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, Church Street, Map & Lot #027-005-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the Tax Collector’s Land Use Change Tax Warrant to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for Walpole, NH, for the State of New Hampshire in the amount of $320.00.  They removed 1.86 acres from Current Use.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

North Road:  The Selectboard discussed options regarding the water problems on North Road.  Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a letter to Mr. Caskin outlining the Selectboard’s decision on North Road.

Credit Card Use Policy:  The Selectboard signed this Credit Card Use Policy that was approved during their meeting last week.

South Entrance Handicap Access Railing Repair and Gazebo Repairs Contract: The Selectboard signed the contract with Keene Commercial Construction to do both of these projects.

Revised Town Hall Rental Information and Rental Agreement; Sample Agreement from Primex:  The Selectboard reviewed their revised Town Hall Rental Agreement and the sample agreement received from Primex.  They discussed the Indemnity clause.  Renters will be required to have their own rental insurance; coverage can be obtained from Primex.  Proof of rental insurance will have to be submitted to the Selectboard office before renters are given the key to the Town Hall.  Mr. Dalessio recommended asking Primex about the groups that do not get charged for using the Town Hall; do they still need to carry the insurance.  What if they do not have separate insurance.  Mrs. Downing was asked to formulate the Selectboard questions and submit the list to Primex.  Mr. Dalessio noted that after they receive answers they will have to notify the users of the Town Hall.           

Boston Post Cane Response Update: Mrs. Downing reported that they still have inquiries out to the public for the oldest Walpole resident.

Town of Walpole DOT Drug Testing Policy:  Mrs. Pschirrer has a draft proposal.  There are two existing policies: 1) the Walpole Substance Abuse Policy for non-DOT employees and 2) the Walpole Substance Abuse Policy for DOT employees.  They are almost verbatim in accordance with the federal regulations.  She is proposing that they have one policy and reference the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT) policy because it affects people with CDL licenses.  It details drug testing.  This applies mostly to the Highway Department and Recycling Department.  It also covers people who are on a drug that was prescribed for them which affects their physical ability to work but this must be reported to their supervisor.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that this draft policy be sent out electronically to the Selectboard to review and a decision will be made at the next meeting.

Building and Demolition Permit and Water and Sewer Application Forms:  Mrs. Downing had sent these forms out electronically to the Selectboard for their review.  Mr. Dalessio requested that a copy of the Water and Sewer application form be sent to Mr. Mark Houghton for his input.

708 Main Street:  Ms. Cheryl Mayberry reported that the North Walpole Board of Commissioners talked about this proposed donation to the Town at their last meeting.  The Fire Chief was going to inquire as to whether or not there was any interest in this property and will report back to the Commissioners.

Dog Bite Report:  Mr. Dalessio advised that this dog bite is being handled by the appropriate people.

Volunteer Service Statement and Agreement:  Mrs. Pschirrer will review this Volunteer Service Statement and Agreement and research it in the RSAs.

Employee and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic – September 25^th; need to e-mail a ‘Save the Date’ and Then Quickly Create Invitations: Mrs. Downing is working on the Employee and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic.  The Selectboard will look at the Open Container Ordinance before the picnic.    

Employee Policy Handbook Update: Mrs. Pschirrer has a draft Employee Policy Handbook that will be distributed to the Selectboard for their review.

Leases and Contracts: Mrs. Downing has not heard from the Library as the Librarian has been away.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they should keep working on this.

Town Seal:  Mrs. Downing will continue to work on the Town seal.

NEW BUSINESS:

Complete Streets Update:  Ms. Cheryl Mayberry reported on a Transportation Advisory Meeting she attended last Monday.  They went over the Route 12 South corridor.  The Ten-Year Plan was approved by the DOT.  She met with Mr. J.B. Mack of the Southwest Regional Planning Commission as Mary was not in the office.  Their plan is to visit with the Planning Boards to go over the Complete Streets up-date and see if they want to add it to their Town Plans.  Ms. Mayberry attended a meeting that was held in Troy.  The towns need to consider the following; if the crosswalks are in appropriate places, the sidewalks, bicyclists and pedestrians, visibility; should they have a bike path or not, etc.  Consider all flows of transportation and think about changes to their roadway in a complete way.  Swanzey just wrote a Complete Streets Plan; they are about the size of Walpole.  Some wording and policy issues are considered across the board.  Ms. Mayberry plans to attend the Walpole Planning Board meeting when it is scheduled.

2016 Revised Estimated Revenues – 2016 MS-434:  This form needs to be turned into the DRA in September.  Mr. Dalessio thanked Mr. Kreissle for doing a draft for them in August as it allows time to study and make changes if required.  Mr. Kreissle was asked to talk to Mrs. Smith about the Town Clerk’s office and Mr. Paul Colburn about the Recycling Center as it appears revenues are going down in these two departments.  Mr. Dalessio would also like Mr. Mark Houghton to review the Water and Sewer portion of this report.  The Selectboard will look at this again before it is sent into the DRA.  This form helps set the tax rate.

Cemetery Deed for Lots D403 & D404, James and Patti Neal:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for the sale of lots D403 and D404 to James and Patti Neal.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Town of Walpole Investment Policy and PDIP: Mr. Dalessio advised that this Town of Walpole Investment Policy and PDIP are well written.  He will talk to Mr. Goins about remembering to make changes when the RSAs are amended.  He will also discuss numbering these documents so they can begin indexing them.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Town of Walpole Investment Policy and PDIP as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Welfare Reports:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to have Mrs. Clough submit written quarterly Welfare reports.  They would like to have her come in once a year at budget time; October would be a good time.

Wage Review:  Mr. Dalessio reported that Municipal Resources, Inc. did a study on organizational issues for the Town a few years ago.  He encouraged Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Aldrich to read this report that is in the Selectboard office.  He feels MRI is the best choice to do this new Salary Review.  They will match up Walpole to other towns of similar size.  It will be a thorough review.  Mr. Dalessio suggested that the study be done for 10-to-15 employees.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended contacting Primex about doing the study as it might be less expensive than the per person quote from MRI.  Perhaps a labor attorney should be consulted as there are so many new edicts.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that they do their own internal study first and then make a decision on what direction they want to go.  He now has copies of all the job descriptions so will send them over to MRI and have them submit a proposal.

Strength and Honor Foundation Karate:  A request was received to use the Town Hall for classes from the Director of the Strength and Honor Foundation Karate.  There was discussion about the Town Hall being very busy now.  The Selectboard felt it needs to be denied at this time.  Mr. Dalessio suggested having Mrs. Edkins handle this.

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 all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:07 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:16 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 all in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:23 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 4, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Water Rationing: Mr. Dalessio had received calls about water rationing in Cheshire County.  He contacted Mr. Mark Houghton who advised that this is not an issue in Walpole at this point.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:24 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Sarah Downing also asked that I advise everyone that:

“This coming Selectboard Meeting (Aug. 11^th), the public can attend but there will be no discussion of items with the public since one Selectboard member will be absent this week.  The meeting will start at 5:45.” – Lil

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 27, 2016

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; (Absent: Joseph 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 four people in attendance.

BUILDING PERMIT:

HASLAM, 54 Colonial Drive, Map & Lot #021-033-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2016-29 for Michael and Anita Haslam to “Construct a 12’ x 9’ greenhouse” at 54 Colonial Drive.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $119,295.73 for checks issued July 29, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Register for the week ending July 23, 2016, in the amount of $26,219.70 for checks issued July 29, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  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 in the amount of $5,464.45 for the week ending July 23, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 21, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 21, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD STAFF MEETING – July 21, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard Staff Meeting of July 21, 2016, as submitted.  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 Conservation Commission – July 11, 2016 *;
• Zoning Board of Adjustment – July 20, 2016.

*Referring to these meeting minutes, Mrs. Pschirrer will talk to the golf course members who have been using pond water for the course.

NOTICE OF INTENTS TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER – Supplemental:

WILLETT, Ramsey Hill Road, Map & Lot #011-010-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that on April 14^th the Selectboard approved a Notice of Intent to Cut for Kelly and Marcum Willett but they have now submitted a supplemental Intent to Cut as they want to increase the cut from 20 to 30 acres.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Supplemental – Notice of Intent to Cut for Kelly and Marcum Willett.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANTS and YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:

Simonds, 15 Sawmill Lane, Map & Lot #013-034-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for Rita Simonds in the amount of $4,456.24.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Garland Lumber Company, Reservoir Road, Map & Lot 011-002-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for Garland Lumber Company in the amount of $121.03.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mark and Brooke Houghton, Blackjack Crossing, Map & Lot #004-044-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for Mark E. and Brooke Houghton in the amount of $10.50.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Original Warrant Timber Tax Levy that will be given to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for the Town of Walpole, NH for Rita Simonds, Garland Lumber Company and Mark E. and Brooke Houghton for a total tax amount of $4,587.77.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD LETTER TO BE SIGNED:

Women of Walpole (WOW) Thank You Letter:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the Thank You letter to Andrea Goins, President of the Women of Walpole, for the microwaves that are in the Town Hall kitchen.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

North Road:  The Selectboard had received an email from Mr. Rau on the North Road costs.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that there were times when the Town provided labor but not materials however they were not for a project this large.  There was a consensus to table this until the next Selectboard meeting when Mr. Aldrich is present.

It was noted that Liberty Utilities took down the “dead” tree by the Johnson House.  The electric company will take down trees when it endangers their lines or they feel it will hit a house when it is near their power lines.

Town Directory Tri-fold:  The Selectboard looked over a revised copy of the Town Directory Tri-fold.  They continue to make changes.  Mr. Alex Fafara has been working on this.  Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer felt this copy looked good.  Mrs. Downing will have one more draft done tomorrow.  They will always be changing and up-dating it.  That is the reason why they will make a limited number each time they print it. There will be an insert of the civic people.

South Entrance Handicap Access Railing Repair / Gazebo Repairs:  Keene Commercial Construction has agreed to do both of these projects for $4,500.00.

Leases and Contracts: Most of the Department Heads have replied that they do not have any.  Mrs. Downing was asked to check with the Library to see if there is something that needs to be renewed year-after-year.  She will continue to work on this.

Clarion Advertising: The Selectboard reviewed the information received on advertising rates in the Clarion.  Mr. Dalessio felt the Town’s rate would be on a case-by-case basis.

Revised Town Hall Rental Information and Rental Agreement:  The Selectboard reviewed the revised Town Hall Rental Information and Rental Agreement.  There will no longer be an additional charge for the tables and chairs.  Mrs. Pschirrer said the prices seem to be okay.  Renters will still have some options.  Mr. Dalessio wanted the agreement to state that renters will not be reimbursed for their deposit if there is damage to the gazebo and they will be responsible for any damages above their deposit.  Mrs. Edkins is doing the edits on this document.  A copy will be sent to Primex for their review.

Boston Post Cane Article:  This is on-hold for a few weeks.

Employee Policy Handbook Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on this.

Town of Walpole DOT Drug Testing Policy:  Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on this.

Building and Demolition Permit Application Information and Form:  Mrs. Edkins has been working on this revision.

Town Seal:  Mrs. Downing did not have an up-date on the Town Seal.

NEW BUSINESS:

Complete Streets Update:  Ms. Cheryl Mayberry expected to be present for this discussion; however she was unable to attend. It will continue to be an agenda item.

Water and Sewer Lien Discharge, 47 Church Street:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Water and Sewer Lien Discharge for the property at 47 Church Street in North Walpole.  The Chair is authorized to sign this Lien Discharge.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Water and Sewer Lien Discharge, 55 North River Road:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Water and Sewer Lien Discharge for the property at 55 North River Road.  The Chair is authorized to sign this Lien Discharge.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Water and Sewer Lien Discharge, 4 Bank Drive:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Water and Sewer Lien Discharge for the property at 4 Bank Drive.  The Chair is authorized to sign this Lien Discharge.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Dog Bite Report:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of letters from Mrs. Sandra Smith and Dr. Shaw regarding a dog bite on July 25^th involving a child.  Mr. Dalessio will follow-up with the Police Department tomorrow.

708 Main Street: The Selectboard will consider the offer from Champlain Oil to accept 708 Main Street as a gift.  Mr. Dalessio will check with Mr. Houghton and the North Walpole Commissioners to ask if they foresee any use of the building.

Credit Card Use Policy: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Credit Card Use Policy.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.  

Volunteer Service Statement and Agreement: Primex had sent a draft Volunteer Service Statement and Agreement.  They recommended that after the Selectboard edits it that they have legal counsel review it.  Mr. Dalessio will look at the RSA and this will be an agenda item for next week.

Employee and Volunteer Appreciation Picnic:  The Selectboard suggested that the picnic be held on Sunday, September 25^th or October 2^nd.  Mrs. Downing mentioned that the Town Hall will have to be available in the event it is a rain day.

North Walpole:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Highway Department does not have enough money to put in concrete sidewalks therefore they will have to be asphalt.  Mr. Rau is working on this with the North Walpole Commissioners.

Mr. Dalessio mentioned that on the corner of Vine and Killeen Street (near Speedy Steve’s Laundromat) there is a big pot hole that opened up recently; it should be taken care of.  Mrs. Pschirrer will bring this to Mr. Rau’s attention.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer 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 7:34 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:52 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

If you sometimes wonder just what our town employees do, these notes from the last Staff Meeting describe it well.  i, for one, would like to thank them all! – Lil

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

JULY 21, 2016

Select Board Present:  Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy Pschirrer; (Joseph Aldrich – late)

Staff Present:               Sarah Downing (Executive – Manager of Administration); Rich Kreissle (Executive – Manager of Finance); Justin Cassarino (Recreation Department); Michael Rau (Road Agent); Paul Colburn (Recycling Center); Sergeant Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Justine Rogers (Librarian)

Staff Absent:               Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); Eloise Clark (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.

Employee Appreciation Picnic:  Mr. Dalessio noted that in past years the Employee Appreciation Dinner was held in December. He asked if the Department Heads want to continue with a dinner in December or have a picnic in the summer?   Mrs. Downing and Mrs. Smith are busy with tax bills and payments in December.  Mr. Rau mentioned that quite often the Highway Department cannot attend the dinner in December due to a storm.  Mr. Kreissle said people quite often have cabin fever in the middle of winter; we could have something then.  Most employees are busy with the holiday season.  Mr. Dalessio suggested having a picnic at the pool area from 5:30 to 8:30 pm.  He put this in Mrs. Downing’s hands to form the committee and work out the details.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended that it be catered.  Suggestions were a pig roast plus a variety of other options including vegetarian options.  The pool will be open plus there will be badminton, croquet and other fun activities.

Job Descriptions For Salary Survey: Mr. Dalessio thanked everybody for getting in their job descriptions.  This gets the Select Board closer to their goal of doing a salary study this year.

Health Trust Benefit Review – October 21, 2016:  Mrs. Downing reported that the Health Trust is coming in on Friday, October 21^st at 1:00 PM in the Town Hall and they will bring in packets for everyone.  The Select Board would like 100% attendance; all eligible employees should try to come in.  Even people that are not covered are welcome to attend.  Mrs. Downing had brochures on the “Spice of Life” and “Wellness” flyers.

Credit Card Use Guidance:  Mr. Kreissle had been asked to develop a Credit Card Policy that was handed out at this meeting.  It includes the responsibility of using and documenting the information.  They were doing a lot of this but it was not written down.  This will insure that the credit cards are being used properly and that documentation is being provided to him on a timely basis.  If there is a dispute the responsible person for resolving that is the Department Head themselves.  Mr. Kreissle would not know the particulars of that purchase.  He continued to explain the terms/conditions in the policy.  He talked about the issue they had recently developed with the First National Bank of Omaha and how it was resolved.  The Town’s limit is $10,000 spread out over six cards.  The program allows the Town to maintain controls over amounts and types of purchases.  Mr. Dalessio explained that the purpose of the credit cards was so the Department Heads would not have to use their personal credit cards and then have to wait to be reimbursed if there was an emergency on a week-end or they needed to purchase supplies at a grocery store where the Town did not have an account.  They were not meant for everyday purchases.

Safety Committee Meeting – August 18^th at 4:00 (Just Before Staff Meeting):  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that there is a Safety Committee meeting on Thursday, August 18^th at 4:00 PM before the Staff Meeting.

Staff Reports:

Walpole Police Department:  Sgt. Justin Sanctuary provided the monthly status report for the period June 16, 2016 to July 21, 2016.

Department Business:

• They appreciate all the Community Support they have been receiving considering the police issues happening throughout the country. People have sent in emails telling the officers how much they appreciate them and they have dropped off coffee and donuts.
• Security cameras have been partially installed; they are up-and-running.
• Received permission from North Walpole Commissioners for the perimeter fence; this will start in August;
• Westminster Bridge project has been pushed out, possibly this fall, no start date yet;
• They did a walk through the Abenaki Spring Building. It was good to get the lay-out of the land.

Calls / Investigations:

• Calls for service: 308;
• They have water safety equipment in the cruisers; it is good to have that available. Recently there was an incident with a kayaker.
• Request for speed enforcement, primarily on the newly paved sections of road;
• Worked with US Marshalls capturing wanted subject;
• There were two commercial burglaries;
• Warrants were issued for theft and driving offenses.

Training:

• Conducted annual Stop-Stick training.

Questions:

• Purchase Order Procedures? Kreissle replied that they need to work on that.

Handicap Parking Sign Posting (265:73-a):

• Sanctuary pointed out that there are two handicapped spots; the one by the Town Hall has a sign but the second one by the church does not have a sign. They cannot enforce who parks there unless there are signs.  Mr. Rau will put the missing sign up.  It was noted that by St. John’s Church they also need two signs as the markings are just on the street.

Mr. Dalessio would like to look over the pie-chart before it goes to the Clarion for publication.

Highway Department – Mr. Rau submitted the Walpole Highway Department report for the period June 16, 2016 to July 21, 2016.

• Did Cold Patching;
• Serviced trucks and equipment;
• Cleaned catch basins;
• Crushed dumpsters for Recycling Center;
• Did Mowing;
• Worked on Pleasant Street;
• Paved the Police Impound area;
• Paved the Wentworth Road Cut;
• Fixed Truck-5 – Water Pump and Broken Ramp;
• Put bridge closed signs up on Seward Road and several other signs; he will take pictures that need to be sent to the State;
• Fixed the dam on East Street in North Walpole to avoid leaking;
• Fixed loader steering column;
• Worked on chloride spraying system;
• Paved 6 miles of road in North Walpole and Walpole combined.

Mr. Rau was asked to do a Road Paving Evaluation.  Following is his report:

The last time the roads were paved in North Walpole was in the late 80s to early 90s when the sewer was put in.  He would estimate that the roads will not have to be paved again for 15 years.

In Walpole they paved several different roads.  Some have been paved within the last 7-to-10 years.  Drewsville Road and Phipps Road should last 6-to-8 years.  North Road should be paved in 4-to-6 years due to the heavy traffic.

Meetinghouse Road and Wilson Road were paved about 15 years ago.  These are low traffic roads that should last 10 years, possibly more.

Most of the roads in Town do not have a good road base so that affects the surface.  By paving the way they we’re just trying to preserve what we have and maintain safe travel because to rebuild the road from the bottom up would cost a considerable amount of money.

They have around 60 miles of paved roads in Walpole and North Walpole combined; they try to pay about 6-or-7 miles a year but that can fluctuate with the cost of asphalt.  It would take them at least 10 years or so to pave every road in Town.  This year he hopes to do about 8-miles due to the low cost of asphalt.

It is hard to predict how long a road will last due to the different traffic counts and patterns that change over the years.  Weather and other factors are also considered; if we have a considerably bad winter roads are affected in different ways.

Mr. Rau wanted to acknowledge the help they have been receiving from the Town of Alstead and Town of Westmoreland with the use of their trucks to help pave.  This has worked out well.

Mr. Rau also submitted an “Equipment Evaluation”.  It includes information on the Make, Model, Year, Miles/Hours and Replacement date.    Responding to a question by Mr. Dalessio, Mr. Rau replied that he will look into if there is a certain way they can determine a way to keep their trucks/equipment for a certain length of time.

Mr. Rau advised that they will be starting their roof repair; they will be able to add-on with the less expensive quote.  Mr. Dalessio said to make sure they have the roofer’s Certificate of Insurance.

Recreation Department – Mr. Justin Cassarino provided the following report:

Pool:

• Staff and committee members helped clear the broken canopy frames;
• They were able to get one new canopy top under the warranty;
• Purchased three small canopies to put around the pool;
• Lifeguards participated in a training with Mr. Mark Houghton and the Fire Department last Thursday. The staff practiced the proper way to remove patrons from the pool under certain circumstances, CPR, etc.  This will be run by the Head Lifeguards and supervised by Mr. Cassarino.  Staff is required to attend at least half of these for the rest of the summer. Mr. Cassarino will be holding situation training for the staff every Sunday at 6:00 pm; this will be run by him.
• Pool has been VERY busy and everyone has been expressing how clean the pool and facility is looking;
• Continuing to do employee of the week to push the staff to go above and beyond;
• Thank you to the Highway Department for cleaning up the inside part of the pool area and taking the fallen tree branch.
• Wanted to thank the Recycling Department for coming in every Thursday to take away all the recycling and trash, etc. They continue to give them more bins, as needed.
• Need to get signs for the handicap parking. Cars are just driving all around the park, which makes it unsafe for the kids that are running around that area.  More directional signs are needed because folks see it as a big loop.  Roping off the area was suggested by Mr. Rau.  Sanctuary felt they could check the area periodically.
• Tennis players would like handicapped parking by the courts.

Basketball:

• This is going great; they had 75 participants;
• Full of excited kids, coaches and fans.
• August 12^th is Championship night (pizza, music, games);
• Possibly doing a movie night to go along with the Championship night.

Mr. Alex Fafara did a great job with their chart; different categories have been separated.  They have been extremely busy.  Their money from fees, food and beverages is going into the Revolving Fund.

Selectboard Office – Mrs. Downing provided the following report:

• 5 Year Requalification of Veterans’ Tax Credits and Elderly and/or Disabled Exemption: A mailing to approximately 50 veterans requesting DD214 or other discharge forms was sent with high response from 6/23-30/16.  There are 7 veterans who have yet to submit all forms; final reminder sent.
• A meeting with a NH Dept. of Revenue Administration – Municipal & Property Division auditor is to occur on Friday, August 12^th at 9:00 am.
• The Timber Tax Appraiser visited the Selectboard Office on Friday, 7/15. A review of the Timber Intent, Report and Tax Warrant process was conducted.  They were cleaning up the 2015 reports.
• Town Hall Facilities. Two large microwaves were donated by the Women of Walpole (WOW) to the Town Hall kitchen.  This will be a feature in the Clarion.  The dishwasher will be installed at a later date.  The search for bids related to gazebo and entrance ramp repairs continues.  A request to adopt donated file cabinets in the basement has been given.  Do any departments need additional metal filing cabinets?
• Cemetery Lot Sales: Have been brisk with Linda Edkins processing 5 deeds within a two week period (6/30 – 7/14/16).
• Tri-fold flyer: Several drafts and proofs of a flyer listing contacts for town departments, boards, committees and civic organizations have occurred. We are asking department managers to review the flyer to ensure a thorough proofing before we print copies for public distribution.  Mayberry mentioned that they do not have the Selectboard meetings on the schedule.  Ms. Rogers pointed out that the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts are on the flyer but the Girl Scouts are not.  They will be added. Mr. Dalessio recommended that Mrs. Downing check to be sure the contact people are correct.  Also the Library Staff Meetings do not need to be on the flyer; it will free up space for something else.
• Health Trust: The Benefits and Wellness advisors visited the Select Board Office on Monday, 7/18/16.  The following has been proposed and agreed to at the Personnel Meeting:  “One hour presentation on October 21^st beginning at 1pm in the Town Hall to explain health care benefits that are available to Town employees.  ** All full-time employees are expected to attend**
• Primex: A 1.5 hour training is being scheduled for all (part and full-time) employees to attend in early November or December. The training will cover all forms of harassment.  **Attendance is expected with an RSVP being required**.  Dalessio noted that a sign-up sheet will be required.  Mrs. Pschirrer said to schedule it on a Friday in November or December.
• Staff Meeting Handouts: Going forward, department reports that are received on or by noon the Wednesday before a Thursday Staff Meeting will be sent as a pdf for attendees to print or view on their mobile devices.
• Manager of Finance: Will be reviewing the draft Town of Walpole Credit Card Use Policy.

Library – Ms. Justine Rogers submitted the following report:

• Summer Reading: Going strong! 60 kids are participating by keeping track of time spent reading and earning prizes.  Some programs have been well attended, like our traveling maker space program, and others not so well attended, but that’s a norm for summer.
• Summer Program: Today they had a Wildlife Encounters  program today.  About 63 kids and 20 adults attended.  The Walpole Village School brought in their students; their theme for the week was Exploring the Jungle so this program was perfect for them.
• Cook Book Challenge Group: Our first lunch last month was a hit! They had 12 chefs and a delicious meal.  Their next lunch is the 26^th at 11:30 am and they will be doing a dinner in August.
• New Library Cards: Voting for the photo contest ends today (the 21^st). They had 14 submissions.  They will count up the votes tomorrow morning and announce a winner.  Rogers will order the new cards on Monday and hopefully they will have them in a few weeks.  They are also working on a brochure to hand out to patrons with their new cards that explains some of their services and programs.
• Web-Site: Their web-site is up and running but still a work-in-progress.  In June 3 people got from the Town’s web-site to the Library web-site.
• Book Sale: The Book Sale will be on Halloween week-end.  They will happily take books, videos, etc. but no encyclopedias.  They are sorting on Wednesday mornings from 9-10:00 am.

Stats:

June 2015: 26 days open, 1233 people, 2138 circ, 25 programs, 205 people for programs;

June 2016: 26 days open, 1639 people, 2316 circ., 42 programs, 501 people for programs;

Jan-June 2015 average: 84 circs per day and 47 people per day;

Jan-June 2016 average: 86 circs per day and 60 people per day;

June 2016 North Walpole: 30 hours open, 72 people, 246 circ.

June 2015 North Walpole: 68 people, 210 circ.

Recycling Center – Mr. Paul Colburn submitted the following report:

Mr. Colburn reported that this was an average month.   He referenced the “Daily Weight Report and 5 Year to Date Comparison”; the total year-to-date is 32.78/tons.  Although they have been declining this month indications are that the percentage is less than in the past.  They used to have tubes from LenTex but there is not a good market so they stopped taking that in.  Mr. Dalessio noted that it is declining because of the change in the market.  With reference to the “Five Year Comparison on Recyclables” Mr. Colburn advised that electronics is up.  They took in just under $1,600 on fluorescent lights; most of this came from Hubbard’s.  Commercial is a big part of what they do with Revenue and Recyclables.  There has been an increase in cardboard; metals hit a plateau but they are going up a bit.  Hopefully the trend will turn around.

They had visitors from Cypress; one from the Turkey side and the other from the Greek side.  He gave them a tour and they did some recycling as they are interested in recycling.  They have two Hooper Institute youth; they each have 100 hours.  Hopefully the building repairs will start next week.  They have access to fire proof file cabinets; if anyone needs any contact Mr. Colburn.  (Mr. Aldrich came into the meeting).  It is vacation time.  The baler does not like the heat so they are looking at putting a cooler on it.  Compost has been selling at about $15/cubic yard; total to-date is about $200.00.

Tax Clerk / Tax Collector – Mrs. Sandra Smith was sick and unable to attend but submitted the following report:

They are still trying to catch up.  Taxes were due July 1^st, bills are still being paid.  They are still answering questions, a few people did not notice the due date, and therefore, their payments were not correct.  They are sending letters to let them know the outstanding balance.

From June 16^th to July 19^th, they collected $3,337,594.50 on our Spring Warrant.  They have $400,527.45 outstanding – which is very low!  Our 2015 Tax Lien has an uncollected balance of $208,092.57.  Year to date they have collected $5,472,332.83 in taxes and $62,334.63 in interest!

The Town Clerk has collected $78,267.53 since our last staff meeting.  $75,647.41 for registration fees, $168.12 in boat registrations, $400.50 in dog license fees.  Vital records $52.00.  They processed 5 marriage licenses, the town received $35.00 and the State of NH will receive $215.00.  The Town’s share is $7.00 and the State receives $43.00 of each Marriage License, approx.. 45 minutes for each license.

Working on Job descriptions, took quite a bit of time.  She had samples from other towns and modified theirs.  They kept our descriptions to two to four pages as other towns have done.

Meghan has sent out new dog registration reminders; these are new dogs to Walpole.  We receive copies of Rabies Certificates from the NH vets and Meghan is keying into our system and following up with letters.  They are still receiving calls regarding deceased dogs and other dogs that no longer reside in Walpole.

They are already working on the upcoming elections.  They will have Election Law Training, Thursday, August 11^th here in Walpole.  Meghan is working on absentee ballots for Servicemen.  There are two Saturdays that they have to be in the office to check on e-mail requests from UOCAVA voters, these are Military personnel and oversea citizens.

Adjournment:  Mr. Dalessio adjourned this Staff Meeting at 6:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 21, 2016

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  Prior to this meeting the Selectboard had a monthly meeting with the Staff.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $85,014.20 for checks dated July 22, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending July 16, 2016, in the amount of $24,987.00 for checks dated July 22, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA in the amount of $5,260.34 for the week ending July 16, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 14, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 14, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 14, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 14, 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 meetings:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 12, 2016;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – June 28, 2016.

REFUND – PROPERTY:

DUNCAN WATSON, 594 Cold River Road, Map & Lot #025-012-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $3,482.00 for Duncan Watson.  This is the result of a double payment.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DUNCAN WATSON, Cold River Road, Map & Lot #025-012-001:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $470.00 for Duncan Watson.  This is the result of a double payment.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

REFUND – WATER and SEWER:

DENNIS PELLIGRINO, 40 Main Street, Map & Lot #021-013-000:  Mr. Aldrich moved to approve the Refund for Water in the amount of $50.00 and Sewer in the amount of $50.00 for Dennis Pelligrino.  This is the result of an overpayment.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Town Directory Tri-fold:  The Selectboard had reviewed the draft of the Town Directory Tri-fold during the Staff Meeting.  This will be kept on the Agenda.

South Entrance Handicap Access Railing Repair: One quote was received from Keene Commercial Construction in the amount of $950.00.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they tried to get more than one quote but they were unable to do so.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the quote from Keene Commercial Construction to repair the South Entrance Handicap access Railing Repair in the amount of $950.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Gazebo Repairs: Two quotes were received as follows:  1) Peter Kenney in the amount of $3,722.00 and 2) Keene Commercial Construction in the amount of $3,950.00.  Mr. Dalessio suggested that they offer Keene Commercial Construction the projects for the Gazebo repairs and the South Entrance Handicap Access Railing Repair for the total amount of $4,500.00.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to offer Keene Commercial Construction the two jobs for a total of $4,500.00.  Should they reject this offer he will be asked to only do the South Entrance Handicap Access Railing Repair.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they still need to find an on-call handy-man for small projects.

Pool Deposit Procedure and Draft Office Deposit Procedure:  Mrs. Downing reported that this procedure is still being worked on.  Copies will be emailed to the Selectboard when it is finished.  Mr. Dalessio can come in to test the procedure when complete.

Leases and Contracts:  Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Downing to email out a memo to Department Heads asking if they have any leases and/or contracts and, if so, when will they expire.  A copy should be provided to the Selectboard office.  He asked that either Mr. Kreissle or Mrs. Downing find out if the Town is allowed to do a multi-year lease.  The voters approve the budget at the Annual Town Meeting.  It could be a non-lapsing article.  The Selectboard would like to know what they have to do if a decision is made to pursue a lease-purchase agreement.

Clarion Advertising:  Mrs. Pschirrer wants to be clear as to what is advertising and what is considered Town news.  Mrs. Downing will contact Mr. Ray Boas on his return.

Revised Town Hall Rental Information and Rental Agreement:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mrs. Edkins has the forms and is working on them.  It should be finished by next week.

Boston Post Cane Article: The article on the Boston Post Cane will be in next month’s Clarion.  A decision on the recipient will be the first week in September.

Employee Policy Handbook Update: Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the committee met on July 19^th but they did not finish the things they wanted to talk about.  They will meet again on September 20^th.  One issue they looked at was the holidays.  They want to continue to list the holidays but there was discussion about a floating holiday.  The group decided they would like to take off Martin Luther King Day / Civil Rights Day.  Some departments feel they do not have equal treatment because the federal government has mandated all these holidays on a Monday.  There are budget implications for some departments.  Mr. Dalessio noted that at the beginning of each year the Selectboard sets the floating holiday for that year.  It could be the Friday after Thanksgiving Day.  He recommended asking other towns for their holiday schedules for comparison purposes.  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested to the Department Heads that the Selectboard Office would be putting out a calendar, probably in December; it will indicate when these holidays would fall.  It would also include the dates for committee meetings, etc.  Meetings are always subject to change but they would have a guideline.  Mrs. Pschirrer will deliver this message to the Department Heads on September 20^th.

Town of Walpole DOT Drug Testing Policy:  Mrs. Pschirrer is working on this Drug Testing Policy.

NEW BUSINESS:

Authorization to Approve Abatements Under $100 to Manager of Administration:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Manager of Administration be given permission to approve Abatements under $100.00 and in her absence the permission is given to the Manager of Finance.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Welfare Report from Janet Clough of Edson Grout, LLC:  Mr. Dalessio expected that Mrs. Clough would be present at this meeting to submit a Welfare Report.  Mr. Dalessio talked to her and Mrs. Edkins and they feel there is an increase in applications.

Building and Demolition Permit Application Information and Form:  Mr. Dalessio has no issues with the changes that were made to the Building and Demolition Permit application to get it up-dated to current standards.  He is uncomfortable with having the water rates in the Building Permit.  Mrs. Pschirrer agrees in that it is not applicable.  There could be a separate sheet with this information, include sprinkler systems, water and sewer hook-ups, etc.  Mrs. Pschirrer feels the water and sewer rates should be posted in the hallway.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that the document state that all commercial buildings are subject to the Planning Board Site Plan Review before a Building Permit will be issued.

Town Seal: Mrs. Downing found a Town seal.  Mr. Rau found an old Town decal in the garage.  Mr. Dalessio asked if it has to go through the State; is there a process for establishing a Town seal or can they just be made up by the Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested having a contest similar to the Library; people voted on various pictures.  Local artists could submit something.  Mrs. Downing was asked to set up a contest.  She will check with Mr. Boas to see if he can find something in the past history of the Town about a Town seal.

Sexual Harassment Training:  Mrs. Downing mentioned that Primex asked if they are requesting this training because of some kind of history.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied that the Personnel manual states this will be done every year.  It will be on general harassment and will be mandatory for all employees to attend.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer 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 at 7:22 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:32 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Cemetery Lot Sales:  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that the 2016 budget still indicates $2,000 for the Cemetery Lot sales yet the Selectboard had approved several sales of cemetery lots earlier this year.     Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Downing to bring Mr. Kreissle and Mrs. Edkins together to ask if all the vouchers for the Cemetery Deeds have been posted since the first of the year.    

CHANGE DATE FOR NEXT SELECTBOARD MEETING:

The Selectboard agreed to change the date for their next Selectboard meeting from Thursday, July 28, 2016, to Wednesday, July 27, 2016, at 6:30 PM.  This is due to a conflict with another meeting.

Mrs. Pschirrer will be unable to attend the Selectboard meeting on August 11, 2016.   There will be no Public Business at this meeting.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary