The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 30, 2015

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 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.

These are unapproved Minutes.

BUILDING PERMITS:

PALMER, Valley Road, Map & Lot #013-008-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mr. and Mrs. Palmer meet all the set-backs for their home.  Currently they are living above the garage.  An email had been sent to Mrs. Mansouri, Chair of the ZBA, who then sent it through to the ZBA members who had no objections to this application as it meets all the Zoning regulations.  Mr. Palmer hopes to build the house within two years.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-31 for Douglas Palmer to “Construct a 38’ x 70’ 2 Story Home” with the following conditions:  Permission has been granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment (7/29/15) to allow the owner to live in the existing apartment / garage while the home is under construction.  Pictures of the apartment are to be submitted to the Zoning Board prior to construction of the home.  Pictures of the unoccupied apartment space to be supplied to the Board upon completion of the home.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer recused herself from the following Agenda item.

PEGGY M. PSCHIRRER FAMILY TRUST, Old North Main Street, Map & Lot #020-042-000:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-30 for the Peggy M. Pschirrer Family Trust / Peggy M. Pschirrer, Trustee, to “Move existing barn door and build a cover over walkway from the house to the barn”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  Mrs. Pschirrer had recused herself from this vote.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $158,127.46 for checks dated July 31, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending July 25, 2015, in the amount of $24,311.06 for checks dated July 31, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,362.35 for the week ending July 25, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 23, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 23, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING #1 – July 23, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting #1 of July 23, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD MEETING #2 – July 23, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard meeting #2 of July 23, 2015, 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 the Minutes of the following meetings:

• Walpole Conservation Commission – July 6, 2015; (see note below from the WCC Minutes)
• Walpole Town Library, Board of Trustees – July 14, 2015;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 28, 2015.

Note:  Peter Bergstrom, Rockingham Conservation Commission, was present to give more information regarding the waterfall next to the Village of Bellows Falls.  The Abenaki name “Kitchee Pontegu” means Great Falls.  The VT State Library Board must approve any name as well as the US Board of Geographic Names.  Mr. Peska will check with the Walpole Historical Society to be sure that they approve “Great Falls” as well.

OLD BUSINESS:

RECREATION CENTER HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the discussion is on-going with Hubbard Farms regarding the handicapped access to the Town pool.

MUNICIPAL WORK ZONE AGREEMENT; Westminster Bridge Project: Mr. Dalessio advised that this Municipal Work Zone Agreement on the Westminster Bridge Project is the document that the Department of Transportation wanted the Town to sign to allow the State to use flaggers rather than local police.  Police Chief Paquette is not in favor of signing this agreement as he feels the State should talk to the Town when they are ready to start.  He is concerned about the traffic lights as people are not used to seeing them there as they will be close to the bridge.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that they have to communicate with Mr. David Scott about the safety issue involving the location of the lights and the traffic volume.  Mr. Dalessio will follow-up with an email to Mr. Scott to advise that the Selectboard will send him a letter with their concerns.  Mr. Dalessio will draft the letter for the Selectboard’s consideration at the next meeting.

PROSPECT HILL INTERSECTION: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from Ruth R. Venezia, dated July 24, 2015, expressing her concern about having a sign and visible barriers installed at this intersection.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that Mr. Terrell has ordered a “No Right Turn” sign but is waiting for it to arrive.  The Selectboard are waiting to respond to Ms. Venezia until after they have received and reviewed the Police Report that they expect soon.

ASSESSING INFORMATION FEE SCHEDULE:  Mrs. Clough had prepared her recommendation for Pricing for Assessing Information plus broke the prices down into various categories.  They have the capability to print-out different reports.  People want specific information rather than the whole Warrant.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the recommendations on pricing for the assessing information.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

MEETING WITH TRUE NORTH NETWORKING:  The meeting with True North Networking is scheduled for Friday, August 7th at 11:00 AM.

TERRA MAP’S:  The Terra Maps should be received soon.

TOWN HALL RENOVATIONS:  Mrs. Clough has been trying to find someone to do the foundation work but has not received a call-back.  Mr. Travis Kemp is going to look at it and, if it a project he is able to do, he will provide a quote.  Mr. Dalessio requested that “Do Not Force Open” signs be put on the upstairs windows that could not be opened.  Mr. Kemp has been at the Police Station building doing maintenance work.  He will pressure wash the Gazebo and repair the lattice work.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that a light bulb needs to be replaced in the Gazebo.  He asked Mrs. Clough to keep track of Mr. Kemp’s time on the Gazebo as it should come out of the Maintenance Fund for the Gazebo.

TOWN ORDINANCE, PROCEDURE AND POLICY MANUAL:  Mr. Dalessio read through the Policies.  Starting next week he will take out 4-or-5 for the Selectboard to start the process of going through them.  They are considering a numbering scheme for better organization.    

BOARD OF SELECTMAN OPERATION GUIDELINES:  Mr. Dalessio will email the third draft of the Board of Selectman Operation Guidelines for Mr. Aldrich and Mrs. Pschirrer to review.

PIANO:  Mr. Colburn and Mr. Terrell are discussing removal of the piano from the second floor.

NEW BUSINESS:

GROUNDWATER MONITORING RESULTS – Walpole Landfill: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the “April 2015 Groundwater Monitoring Results on the Walpole Landfill” from Brackett Geosciences.  There are no concerns.

CEMETERY DEED: Hicks – Lot D475:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Samuel and Dianne Hicks for the Walpole Cemetery, Lot #D475.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

FALL MOUNTAIN FOOD SHELF:  Mrs. Clough advised that a Selectman from Langdon and a Selectman from Alstead will be coming to a meeting in August to discuss the Fall Mountain Food Shelf.  They also plan to attend a meeting in Charlestown

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:50 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:59 PM.

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 at 7:00 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:22 PM.

OLD BUSINESS (Continued):

Town Credit Cards:  Mrs. Clough obtained the credit cards and they have been distributed to the Department Heads. Mr. Dalessio will write a Credit Card Policy that the Department Heads will have to sign.  It will be ready for the next Staff Meeting.  Mrs. Pschirrer requested that Mrs. Clough attach a list of where the Town has charge accounts as the individual credit cards will not have to be used there.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:28 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 23, 2015

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 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.

These are unapproved Minutes.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $170,739.88 for checks dated July 24, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending July 18, 2015, in the amount of $28,484.58 for checks dated July 24, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $6,547.09 for the week ending July 18, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD /STAFF MEETING – July 16, 2015: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Selectboard/  Staff Meeting of July 16, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Edkins to distribute these Minutes to the Staff.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 16, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 16, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – July 9, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 dated July 9, 2015.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – July 16, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of July 16, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – July 16, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of July 16, 2015, 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 the Minutes of the following meetings:

• Zoning Board of Adjustment – July 15, 2015;
• Hooper Institute Committee – July 14, 2015;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 21, 2015.

OLD BUSINESS:

TERRA MAP’S:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Terra Maps have not yet been received but should arrive soon.

TOWN ORDINANCE, PROCEDURE AND POLICY MANUAL: Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on the ordinances, procedures and policies.  The Selectboard reviewed the list of ordinances Mrs. Pschirrer has researched to-date.  Mr. Dalessio would like to start with the policies and then do the ordinances and procedures.  Mrs. Pschirrer recommended that after they are re-formatted and re-adopted they be put into categories and be posted in a designated area so citizens will have access to them.

SELECTBOARD OPERATION GUIDELINES:  Mr. Dalessio distributed a draft of the Selectboard Operation Guidelines for review.  He incorporated the recommended comments that Mrs. Pschirrer brought up last week.  This will be an agenda item for the next meeting.

PIANO:  Mrs. Edkins advised that both Mr. Paul Colburn and Mr. Jim Terrell are working together on removal of this piano.

RECREATION CENTER HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY: Mr. Dalessio left a message at Hubbard Farms but did not yet receive a reply.  He looked through the standards for handicapped parking; none of them talked about parking on dirt or grass.  He talked to Mr. Jim Terrell about putting up signs for handicapped parking between the two signs both in the parking lot and by the pool.  Hopefully, this will not be an issue with Hubbard Farms.

PROSPECT HILL INTERSECTION FOLLOW-UP – Ruth Venzia and Bruce Blanchette:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the temporary sign was put up.  Mr. Terrell ordered the sign for “No Right Turn”.  The open issue is if the Town will pay the bill for towing but they are waiting for the Police report.

LETTER FROM THE KEENE SENTINEL – Re: Distribution of Weekly Advertising Flyers:  It was noted that the Keene Sentinel is still distributing flyers.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Keene Sentinel recommended that people with complaints call the Keene Sentinel Circulation Department.  There was a consensus to put the whole letter received from the Keene Sentinel in the Walpole Clarion.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard send the Keene Sentinel letter to Mr. Paul McGuirk who called their attention to the fact that advertising from the Keene Sentinel was being thrown in people’s driveways.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Edkins was asked to get the Keene Sentinel letter to Mr. Ray Boas tomorrow and to attach a copy of the Selectboard’s letter to the Keene Sentinel.

LETTER – Re: Batting Cage on Wentworth Road:  Mrs. Pschirrer drafted a letter, based on the minutes of the Zoning Board meeting of July 15^th, to respond to Mr. Steve Markiewicz and his wife regarding the batting cage.  She noted in the letter that Mr. Markiewicz was at the ZBA meeting so he heard and participated in the discussion.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to send this letter in response to Mr. Markiewicz contacting the Selectboard about the batting cage on Wentworth Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

VACATION SCHEDULE FOR SUPERVISORS: Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Clough to put together a vacation schedule of the Department Heads so the Selectboard can set a meeting with them to talk about the traffic data that was collected.  Mrs. Edkins provided a schedule of vacation time to-date.

NEW BUSINESS:

MEETING WITH TRUE NORTH NETWORKING: Mr. Dalessio advised that there will be a meeting with True North Networking on August 7^th at 11:00 AM to focus on the scope of work to have the Town Clerk’s office ready for conversion onto the State’s new computer software by September 1^st.  True North is recommended by the Motor Vehicle Department to do this work.  They will try to have the work done before August 31^st, well before the NH DMV date of 09/20/15.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:36 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:48 PM.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:07 PM.

OLD BUSINESS (Continued):

Internet Signs:  Mr. Dalessio tracked down the “800” number that was on the Internet signs all over Town.  The company, Hugh’s Net, advised that a local representative was putting up the signs and they will take care of stopping it.

NEW BUSINESS (Continued):

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard have an extra handicapped space marked in front of the Walpole Library so that they will have two handicapped spaces rather than just one.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

This will be forwarded to Mr. Jim Terrell.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:  Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:16 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:28 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 16, 2015

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 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 seven people in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

PAULA GALLAGHER – Handicapped Parking:  Mrs. Paula Gallagher and her daughter, Ms. Erin Gallagher, were present.  Mrs. P. Gallagher recently had an incident when she parked near the pool as she is unable to walk from the parking lot.  Mr. Cassarino spoke to her granddaughter and advised that parking was not allowed by the pool; a few days later a lifeguard told her the same thing.  Mrs. Gallagher then called Mrs. Pickering who said it was only used for emergencies.  When she contacted Fire Chief Hurlburt he stated that there is enough room for a vehicle that has a handicapped plaque.  Mr. Dalessio advised that this was previously discussed with Mr. Cassarino.  The Selectboard is not opposed to having her park there but they have to research the road situation as the Town does not own that road.  He is not sure what the terms of the agreement are that were made many years ago with the Hubbard family.  Emergency access has never been an issue.  If they opened up that space it would have to be restricted and kept under control.  The Selectboard will get back to Mrs. Gallagher after the research has been done.  Ms. E. Gallagher explained that her mother’s car is parked close to the fence.  She displayed pictures of other employee’s cars parked in that area; they would be blocking the emergency access.  Mrs. Gallagher also feels that the ramp is not ADA compliant.  Mr. Dalessio said they would also check on the ramp.  In the meantime the Selectboard felt she could park in that area.

BRUCE BLANCHETTE– Re: Main Street and Prospect Hill Junction:  Mr. Blanchette had submitted an email regarding an accident his friend, Ruth Venezia, had at the intersection of Main Street and Prospect Hill; it is a cut-through that was recently paved.  It is very hard to see the ditch when you are in a vehicle and there is no indication that it is there. He displayed some pictures.  Mr. Dalessio acknowledged that the Selectboard did receive an email and also his letter.  Mr. Blanchette is aware of at four other vehicles that have gone into that ditch.  Ms. Venezia was parked on the south side of the connector road from about 5:00 to 8:00 PM.  Mrs. Pschirrer explained that they discussed this with Mr. Terrell of the Highway Department.  He had signs there before but they disappeared.  A decision was made that he will put more signs up to mark the culvert plus a distinct new sign that says “No Right Turn”.  That cut-off was designed so people could avoid the intersection by coming down Wentworth Road or the Old Keene Road and turning right to go up Prospect Hill or for the people to come down Prospect Hill and cut over to Wentworth Road or Old Keene Road.  It was never meant for anybody to come around to the Main Street intersection.  Mr. Blanchette feels this is a fine solution.  Mr. Dalessio advised that they are waiting for a copy of the Police report, after that they will have another discussion about it and will let Ms. Venezia know what their decision is relative to payment of her damages.

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:  Mrs. Myra Mansouri reported that there is no zoning violation with reference to the batting cage matter.  It is in a Residential A Zone and it is not a permanent structure.  It was placed there as it is a level section on the property.  Both property owners were present at the ZBA meeting.  Mrs. Pschirrer requested that Mrs. Mansouri write a response letter to the Selectboard to acknowledge that this matter was brought up at a ZBA meeting and to state what their decision was so the Selectboard can write a letter to the neighbor who brought this to their attention.

Mrs. Mansouri advised that another issue is the painter signs and the internet signs that are around Town but do not conform to the zoning regulations.  They are occasionally picked up on Route 12 but a few days later the signs are back again.  It was suggested that the Town pick up a few on the Town roads and contact the advertiser to request that they pick up their signs.  There are phone numbers on the signs.

Mrs. Mansouri will be on the Agenda for the next meeting to discuss an issue in a Non-Public Session.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:28 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:56 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $567,139.01 for checks dated July 17, 2015.  This includes a payment in the amount of $488,319.18 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending July 11, 2015, in the amount of $23,771.99 for checks dated July 17, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,305.73 for the week ending July 11, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 9, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 9, 2015, as submitted.  This includes the attachment for the NH Department of Transportation meeting on the Westminster Bridge.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2– July 9, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of July 9, 2015, as submitted.  The Minutes will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – July 7 and July 14, 2015;
• Walpole Planning Board – July 14, 2015.

BUILDING PERMIT:

McGILL, 530 Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #004-047-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-29 for Kenneth McGill and Hope McGill to “Construct a 34’ x 20’  1 Story Bedroom, Bathroom and Playroom Addition”, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

TERRA MAP’S – The Terra maps are expected to arrive soon.

TOWN ORDINANCE, PROCEDURE AND POLICY MANUAL:  Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on this manual.

BOARD OF SELECTMEN OPERATION GUIDELINES:  Mr. Dalessio will have a draft ready for review at the next meeting.

PIANO – Town Hall: Mr. Dalessio reported that they need to have both the Highway Department and Recycling Center get the piano down from the second floor.  It will cost $.30 a pound to dispose of it.  They will ask Mr. Terrell and Mr. Colburn to work together on this project.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they need to move the other piano away from the light switches.

NEW BUSINESS:

“CHICKENS ON THE LOOSE” 5K REQUEST: A request was received from Ms. Emily Frithsen and Ms. Sarah Manning of the Walpole Parent Teacher Group, requesting that they be allowed to hold their 2^nd annual “Chickens on the Loose” 5K run on Saturday, October 17^th, 2015 at 10:00 AM.  This is the main fundraiser for the group and it was very successful last year.  They provided their course directions and will contact Police Chief Paquette and the Walpole EMS for their assistance that day.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the request from the Walpole Parent Teacher Group to hold their “Chickens on the Loose” 5K run on Saturday, October 17^th, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NORTH WALPOLE REQUEST FOR FUNDS:  A request was received from the North Walpole Village District for $150,000.00 from the Town’s General Fund.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the North Walpole Village District’s request for $150,000.00 for deposit into the General Fund account to cover their operating expenses.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

GRANT WRITING SEMINAR:  Mr. Kreissle expressed an interest in attending a Grant Writing seminar.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard that they appreciate his interest in attending this seminar however they would prefer to put this on his list for next year as he still has not gone through a full financial cycle for the Town.

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 at 7:13 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:35 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  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 7:55 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:57 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

PUBLIC HEARING

NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

WESTMINSTER BRIDGE

JULY 9, 2015

 

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Public Hearing on the Westminster Bridge to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  This meeting was scheduled by the State of New Hampshire, Department of Transportation, and it is a combined Public Officials/Public Information meeting.  He then turned the meeting over to Mr. David Scott, P.E., In-House Design Chief, Bureau of Bridge Design.

1. DAVID SCOTT, PE, NH Department of Transportation – Westminster Bridge Project: Mr. Scott advised that the intent of this meeting will be to present details for the project scheduled to rehabilitate the bridge deck in Walpole, NH carrying NH 123 over the Connecticut River (BR # 132/062) (a/k/a Westminster Bridge).  The work will require up to 16 weeks of one-lane alternating two-way traffic day and night.  Historical properties may exist within the project area.  This meeting is to present citizens and public officials with information regarding the proposed project and to solicit public input in order to ensure that project decisions meet public transportation needs, community goals, and protect and enhance the environment.  Accordingly, NH DOT assures that this project will be administered according to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and all related statutes to ensure nondiscrimination.

This bridge is approximately 462 feet long and is 31-1/2 feet wide.  During construction the bridge lanes will be narrowed to 11-feet but trucks will be able to pass through well.  After one lane is finished the traffic lane will be changed over.  There will be traffic signal lights and flaggers to control the traffic. The bridge is in good condition as their inspectors rated it as a “7” but it is in need of deck maintenance.  State engineers look at each bridge every two years.  This bridge was constructed in the early 1900s; the deck was replaced in 1989.  The average life span is 25 years.  They want to keep salt from getting down to the abutments from the expansion joints. Requests for bids will go out this year but they will not begin construction until the spring of next year.  Cost of the project is anticipated to be $750,000.00.  It is being split as follows: NH – 92% and VT – 8%.

State Representative Tara Sad questioned the research they did into the amount of traffic.  How long will the wait be at the light?  Mr. Smith pointed out that about 8,600 vehicles cross the bridge per day.

Someone in attendance expressed a concern that at some point in the future there will be two bridges that cross the Connecticut River that are going to be under construction: Westminster Bridge and Cheshire Bridge in Charlestown.  The third bridge, the Vilas Bridge, is closed to traffic and pedestrians.  That leaves only the former Arch Bridge in Bellows Falls.  Mr. Scott noted that this bridge project will not affect the other bridges.  It might be a nuisance crossing at busy times.

Ms. Mary Ellen Hawthorne from the Bellows Falls Downtown Development Association questioned the back-up.  Mr. Scott will check on the numbers again but he does not believe there will be a significant back-up to the bridge. There was discussion about the traffic flow. They do not anticipate any long delays.

State Representative Lucy Weber felt the other issue is there are quite often 4-to-5 vehicles waiting to go under the railroad bridge and then there will be the issue of the lights at the Westminster Bridge.  We have all seen the traffic back-up in this area.  She questions if there will be enough room for back-up traffic especially for vehicles from Route 12 turning onto the bridge.  Mr. Scott will verify that this will not affect the railroad tunnel traffic or cause a safety concern.

Mr. Russell Hodgkins, Westminster Town Manager, asked if there will be any night work.  Mr. Scott confirmed that there will not be any night work.

State Representative Lucy Weber pointed out that on occasion trucks start across on Route 123 and find out that they cannot get through the railroad tunnel.  Mr. Scott advised that they will do additional signage for this.

Mr. Paul Banik, Westminster Selectboard, Vice-Chair, advised that this is a critical bridge between NH and VT for the emergency services.  Will there be any provisions for this apparatus.  Mr. Scott will be sure this is taken care of.

Mr. David Deen, Connecticut River Watershed Council, asked if there will be special protection for the River.  How are they going to keep all the decking and metals out of the River?  Mr. Scott said there will be no metals.  As they are doing the full deck there will be a catch system to catch the debris.  This is something they are capable of doing.  Mr. Kevin Belanger and Mr. Dan Landry from the NH DOT were present and provided answers to several issues that were brought up.

State Representative Tara Sad is concerned with frequency of the lights.  How will they accommodate for traffic volume at different times of the day.  Mr. Scott believes they will put loops into the pavement to control that.

Mr. Scott advised that there are towns that have regulations relative to when anyone is doing work in the roadway the Town will supply their own police.  The NH DOT understands State statute that when they are doing a project they are responsible for the traffic control therefore they ask the Selectboard to enter into a Work Zone Agreement.  They can do traffic control at a lower cost by using flaggers but in certain instances they contact the local police. Mr. Dalessio advised that a notice went out to Walpole’s various Department Heads regarding this agreement so it will take another week or so before they have their input.  It is clear what the State wants to accomplish.

Mr. Deen mentioned that down-stream of the bridge on the Vermont shore there is an area where the river is eating into the land.  NH could ask the VT people to take a look at that area; he would urge them to do so.  Mrs. Annette Spaulding, Connecticut River Watershed Council, does diving in that area under the bridge therefore is familiar with this area.  She would be happy to show NH divers where it is. Mr. Scott advised that every bridge gets looked at every two years and divers look at them every five years.

State Representative Tara Sad asked where the staging area will be.  Mr. Scott responded that the contractor has to make their own arrangements.  This project will go out for bid on either August 25^th or September 1^st.

There were twenty-one people in attendance.

There was no other public comment therefore Mr. Scott adjourned this Public Hearing at 5:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

 

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JULY 9, 2015

 

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 5:45 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  Prior to this meeting the Selectboard attended the Public Hearing on the Westminster Bridge deck project that was scheduled by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation.  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.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  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 5:59 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $125,890.55 for checks dated July 10, 2015.  This includes a check in the amount of $125,111.89 for F.W. Whitcomb for paving materials.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio will talk to Mr. Kreissle about a procedure for reimbursing the Town monthly for Hooper Trust bills that have been paid by the Town.

PAYROLL: 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending July 4, 2015, in the amount of $27,875.82 for checks dated July 10, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $6,230.60 for the week ending July 4, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – July 2, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of July 2, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – July 2, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of July 2, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6 :07 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:15 PM.

WARRANTS:

PROPERTY TAX SUPPLEMENTAL:  Map & Lot #008-061-000, Hooper Golf Course, leased by the Hooper Golf Association: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Supplemental Tax Warrant, Tax Year 2015 1^st Issue, Town of Walpole, State of New Hampshire, to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for Walpole, to collect the sum of $4,252.50 with an interest of 12% per annum from the due date and on all sums not paid on or before that day.  This is for the Hooper Golf Course at 166 Prospect Hill, in the Town of Walpole.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Supplemental Tax Warrant, Tax Year 2015, 1^st Issue, Town of Walpole, State of New Hampshire, to Sandra J. Smith, Collector of Taxes for Walpole, to collect the sum of $4,233.00 with an interest of 12% per annum from the due date and on all sums not paid on or before that day.  This is for the Hooper Golf Course at 166 Prospect Hill, in the Town of Walpole.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

TERRA MAP’S:  Mrs. Clough had nothing new to report on the Terra Maps.  They are expected to be here in mid-July.

TOWN ORDINANCE, PROCEDURE AND POLICY MANUAL:  Mrs. Pschirrer continues to work on the Town Ordinance, Procedure and Policy Manual.

BOARD OF SELECTMAN OPERATION GUIDELINES: Mr. Dalessio had drafted a “Board of Selectmen – Operation Guidelines” document.

Mrs. Pschirrer made the following recommendations:

(6) – “Voting to reaffirm the Town of Walpole Code of Ethics” – Mrs. Pschirrer would like to see this include a “Conflict of Interests Policy”;

Under Duties of Selectmen

(7) The Selectmen need to be sure they have an official viewpoint.

Page 3:

Top:  “The Board’s primary duty is to “manage the prudential affairs of the Town”.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt they should look at the RSAs – could “prudential” be changed to “prudent credentials”.

Public Sessions:  Mrs. Pschirrer will check the RSAs.

Page 5:

Disqualifications:  Mrs. Pschirrer felt this is where the “Conflict of Interests” comes in.  She has been working on the language.

Job Descriptions:  Reference is made to Job Descriptions therefore they need to have all of them.

Page 6:

1. Political Issues: Mrs. Pschirrer would like to talk about this. How will they define what political issues will impact the Town and to what level.  There was a consensus to delete the word “political”.
2. Appointments Of Town Officials: Delete the word “ideology”.

Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that in a number of places it talks about the Town Manager.  That should be deleted.

Code of Ethics:  There is one in the Policy Book that Mrs. Pschirrer is working on.  It could be a separate policy.

Page 7:

Selectmen’s Meetings:  (8) Mrs. Pschirrer will re-write this section.

Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mrs. Clough to obtain a copy of the Peterborough “Operational Guidelines” for their information.  Mr. Dalessio will make corrections to this draft document and they will continue to work on it.  This will help new Selectmen when they come on-board in the future.

NEW BUSINESS:

“MINIMUM EXPEDITED PERMIT:  Copies of the “Minimum Expedited Permit – Solar Project for Kenneth L. Burns” that was prepared by Beaver Tracks were distributed. This will impact the wetlands to bury the cables; Mr. Burns will restore the area.  Mr. Dalessio gave the copies back to Mrs. Clough who will research where they came from and to see if the Selectboard has to take any action on it.

RECREATION DEPARTMENT:  Mrs. Clough advised that Mr. Justin Cassarino is having EMS training at the pool for the lifeguards and receptionists.  The question will come up that if you are a Town employee you and your family are given a free membership to the pool.  The Fire Department and EMTs have been asking if they are given this free membership as they are also employees of the Town.  At this time there was a consensus to have Mr. Cassarino respond that he has to check with the Selectboard.  Mr. Dalessio will check with Mr. Houghton to see what the history has been.

TOWN HALL – Second Floor: Mr. Dalessio met with Mr. Ray Boas for a walk-thru that included going behind the curtain on the second floor.  Mr. Boas would like to lock the power panel with a cage to stop people from using things they should not be using; it would be for protection of the Players expensive equipment.  Mr. Dalessio can understand their concern but he is concerned with locking that power panel is that if the circuit breaker goes while an event is going on someone will have to come in to re-set it.  Under no circumstances should the Town Hall be rented with the use of those lights unless the Walpole Players specifically approve the use, in writing.  If someone wants to use the lights the Players should have somebody present and the renter will have to pay for that person to be there.  The rental rates would need to be adjusted accordingly.  Mrs. Clough explained that extra space was made available to the Players so they could store their equipment off stage so it could be used for bands.  There is not enough room in front of the curtains.  There was discussion relative to renters having to clean-up and put things away properly.  There are a lot of things involved with rentals including keeping things in good condition or else they should be disposed of, etc.

Another issue is the two pianos upstairs.  The one in the hallway / closet should be scrapped.  They want to keep the one by the stage.  Mrs. Clough will get a price on disposing of the one piano.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:58 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:15 PM.

NEW BUSINESS:

PUBLIC HEARING: Mrs. Pschirrer reminded everyone that there will be a Public Hearing for the Avanru Development Group scheduled for Monday, July 13^th at 7:00 PM in the Town Hall.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary