The Walpolean

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 12, 2017

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

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

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

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

PAYROLL: 

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

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,963.77 for the week ending January 7, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

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

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – January 5, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of January 5, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

EXECUTIVE NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – January 5, 2017:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Executive Non-Public Selectboard Session #2 of January 5, 2017, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of Minutes of the following meetings:

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

BUILDING PERMIT:

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

VETERANS TAX CREDIT:

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

NOTICE OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:

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

OLD BUSINESS:

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

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

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

NEW BUSINESS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:  Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mr. Aldrich, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer, this meeting was recessed at 7:22 PM.

SELECTBOARD MEETING (Continued):

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

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Aldrich, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

JANUARY 5, 2017

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

Guest Present:  Cheryl Mayberry

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

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:06 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session #1 of January 5, 2017, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $55,206.82 for checks dated January 6, 2017.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

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

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,861.08 for the week ending December 31, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

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

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 29, 2016: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 29, 2016, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Aldrich and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

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

VETERANS TAX CREDIT:

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

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

BLIND TAX EXEMPTION:

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

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

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

OLD BUSINESS:

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

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

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

NEW BUSINESS:

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

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

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mr. Aldrich, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:24 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:29 PM.

EXECUTIVE NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:

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

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

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Aldrich, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:59 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 29, 2016

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

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

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

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

PAYROLL: 

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

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $5,928.37 for the week ending December 24, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

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

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

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

VETERANS TAX CREDIT:

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

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

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

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

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

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

OLD BUSINESS:

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

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

NEW BUSINESS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (d) Acquisition,. Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property:  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:56 PM.

The regular meeting resumed at 7:04 PM.

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

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:18 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

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

ADJOURNMENT:

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

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

TOWN OF WALPOLE SELECTBOARD

NOTICE OF PUBLIC

2017 BUDGET HEARING

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

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

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

TOWN OF WALPOLE

STAFF MEETING

DECEMBER 15, 2016

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

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

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

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing made the following report:

Assessing Update:

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

Water and Sewer Billing:

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

Department of Revenue Administration:

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

Town Hall Facilities:

The following repairs are in process:

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

Town Hall Rentals and Reservations:

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

Town Report of 2016:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Library:  Ms. Justine Rogers provided the following report:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1^st Grade:  Mashed potatoes;

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

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

1^st Grade:  Foraged for cones.

3^rd Grade: Foraged for white pine cuttings;

Projects = Ornaments using nature found items.

Pre-K and K – Balsam fir sachet

1^st Grade – Evergreen arrangement

2^nd Grade – Printed note cards

3^rd Grade – Evergreen centerpieces in tuna cans

4^th Grade – Swags of balsam fir.

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

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

• Public Safety Calls:

Emergency Calls – 29              Administrative – 45                 Citizen Assists – 54

• Motor Vehicle Calls:

Accidents – 11                         MV Stops – 65                         Traffic Safety – 17

• Criminal Investigations:

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

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

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

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 15, 2016

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

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

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1:

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

The regular meeting resumed at 6:37 PM.

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

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

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

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

PAYROLL:

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

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,924.05 for the week ending December 10, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

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

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

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

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

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

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

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

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

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

TIMBER YIELD TAX LEVY:

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

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

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

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

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

SEWER LEVY:  

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

OLD BUSINESS:

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

NEW BUSINESS: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:52 PM.

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

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:57 PM.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 8, 2016

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

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

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

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

PAYROLL:

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

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,411.27 for the week ending December 3, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

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

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• Walpole Conservation Commission – November 7, 2016.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

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

TIMBER YIELD TAX LEVY:

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

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:

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

NEW BUSINESS:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:20 PM.

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

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:24 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

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

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

DECEMBER 1, 2016

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this 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 approve the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $122,083.89 for checks dated December 2, 2016.  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 November 26, 2016, in the amount of $21,326.50 for checks dated December 2, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,458.55 for the week ending November 26, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 23, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 23, 2016, with the deletion of four words on page 2.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the minutes were approved.

WALPOLE STAFF MEETING – November 17, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Walpole Staff Meeting of November 17, 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 meetings:

• Walpole Planning Board Workshop – November 22, 2016;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – November 22, 2016;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – November 29, 2016.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for the overpayment of property taxes in the amount of $356.00 on Map and Lot # 015-029-000.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for the overpayment of property taxes in the amount of $13.79 on Map and Lot # 019-035-000.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Property Tax Refund for the overpayment of property taxes in the amount of $90.00 on Map and Lot # 008-050-000 .  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS:

78 WHITCOMB ROAD LLC, Map and Lot #025-009-000: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant this Property Tax Abatement for 78 Whitcomb Road LLC, for interest on 2016 taxes in the amount of $72.14.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

THOMAS D. BENTLEY, Map and Lot #003-068-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant this Property Tax Abatement for Thomas D. Bentley in the amount of $791.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Dalessio requested that Mrs. Sandra Smith, Tax Collector, provide an up-date on the Property Tax Agreements to see if everybody is making payments in a timely manner.

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT: 

CLIFFORD S. and WILHELMINA PETERS, Map and Lot #003-068-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant this Supplemental Tax Warrant for the second issue to Clifford S. and Wilhelmina Peters in the amount of $791.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Tax Collector Report:  Mr. Dalessio reported that Mrs. Sandra Smith, Tax Collector, collected $902,318.27 for Property Taxes for the period of November 1 to November 30, 2016.

Church Street Lights:  Mr. Dalessio advised there were street lights on Church Street in North Walpole but at some point-in-time the State decided they would no longer pay the electric bill.  The lights were kept on but now the State is asking the Town to pay the bill plus pay bills back to 2014.  Mr. Aldrich provided some history in that several years ago the State wanted to shut off some lights in Town to save money.  The Selectboard, at that time, advised the State that the sidewalk was on the south side of the bridge therefore people had to cross the bridge on the N.H. side; it is a safety issue as many people do walk in that area.  The State then agreed to leave them on.  When turning to go onto the bridge in North Walpole you have to be very careful of pedestrians because it is very dark.  Ms. Cheryl Mayberry, North Walpole Commissioner, noticed the lights were out but thought new bulbs were needed.  Mr. Aldrich felt the Selectboard should write a letter to the NH Department of Transportation explaining that not having any lights on Church Street presents a safety hazard for pedestrians including children.  It is a NH State bridge and a NH State highway.  There was discussion relative to inviting the State Representatives in to talk about this safety issue.  Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer would like the opportunity to look at this intersection when it is dark therefore this will remain on the Agenda until the meeting next week.

SAU Payment Schedule:  Mr. Kreissle had submitted some notes on the SAU Payment Schedule.  He is waiting for a call-back from Mr. Finn at the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  It indicates there will be an approximate $12,000 monthly increase.  Mr. Kreissle will continue to inquire about the reason for this increase.

Cash Objectives Diagram:  Mr. Kreissle gave the Selectboard a diagram on Cash Objectives through the end of the year.  It points out that tax payments are needed.  They are due December 19^th.

Broadband Research Feedback: An e-mail was received from Mr. Paul Looney who thinks they could meet with FairPoint and Comcast to negotiate for the expansion of Broadband and better coverage.  He would like to know if there is a newer contract since the 1950 one; a copy of the 1950 contract will be sent to him and Mrs. Downing will research to see if there is a more recent one.  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard will support Mr. Looney’s efforts.

Citizen Feedback Letter re: Elderly Tax Exemption:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from a resident regarding the Elderly Tax Exemption and her concerns regarding property tax increases.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Selectboard will be putting in a Warrant Article to increase the limits for the Elderly Tax Exemption.

Right-to-Know Law: Mr. Dalessio advised there is a need to come up with a fee schedule for making copies of recordings and documents, supplies, etc.  The Town is entitled to a reasonable reimbursement for expenses under the Right-to-Know rules.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned they cannot charge for staff time but can for providing copies of other documents.  Mrs. Downing will do some research on suggested fees.

Selectboard Postings:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to add the following statement to the bottom of the Selectboard Agendas:  “Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting”.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  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 Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:35 PM.

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

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:36 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:46 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

NOVEMBER 23, 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 no visitors present.

PAYROLL:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending November 19, 2016, in the amount of $22,391.25 for checks dated November 25, 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 $4,263.97 for the week ending November 19, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 17, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of November 17, 2016, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 17, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 17, 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:

• Walpole Cemetery Trustees Meeting – November 12, 2016;
• Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment – November 16, 2016.

Mr. Dalessio noted there were a number of people who attended the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting with Patricia Rodrigues and John Corduff residents of Westmoreland; non Walpole residents.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

PAUL GALLOWAY, Cochran Road, Map & Lot #006-017-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Paul Galloway, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Wage Review:  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to schedule a Non-Public Session on Monday, December 12, 2016, at 8:30 AM in the Conference Room at the E.E. Houghton building to discuss (a) Personnel.  The MRI invoice for the Wage Review will be put-on-hold until after this meeting on December 12, 2016.

NEW BUSINESS:

Right-to-Know Request: A request was received from Ms. Rodrigues for a copy of the tape and minutes from the Selectboard meeting of November 17, 2016.  It was noted that the Recording Secretary’s minutes do not have to be available until 5 business days following the meeting.  Ms. Downing was asked to call Ms. Rodrigues on Monday, November 28, 2016 to let her know the copy of the recording and meeting minutes will be ready to be picked up on a specific day at the Selectboard office.

Recording Devices for Board Minutes:  The Selectboard will research the best way to archive meeting minutes going forward.

Town Hall Rentals re: Board Members and Elected Officials:  Mrs. Downing had a request to hold a date for a Town Hall rental for a wedding in September 2017.  The Selectboard agreed to hold the date for a while but if another request is received for the same date Mrs. Downing will call this official and ask if they will use the Town Hall or not.

Onsite Drug Testing:  The Selectboard discussed a proposal from a company to do onsite drug testing.  The Selectboard agreed they would only be interested in the onsite drug testing if this company will do testing for the pool and Hooper employees all at the same time rather than having them go to Keene.  Mrs. Downing will also ask for a quote.

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 6:58 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:05 PM.

NEW BUSINESS: 

NH Municipal Conference:  Mr. Dalessio attended this conference.  It was mentioned there will be more State changes coming.

Warrant Articles: Mr. Dalessio pointed out that Warrant Articles add to the budget; might be 5-10% each year.  Voters need to look at the budgets for the County, Fire District and Schools.  The State education funding is going down.  There are many items the Selectboard cannot control.  They continued a conversation about the budget process and tax rates.  There is a need to talk about all this at the Annual Town Budget and Warrant Public Hearing.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:24 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio; 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 fifteen people in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

WHIPPLE HILL – Gravel Pit:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard invited Mr. Gary Patch, Cold River Materials, to give his perspective on the Whipple Hill, Gravel Pit, matter; what agreements are in place and what is the status of the property.  Mr. Patch said this property has been a resource enjoyed by many for generations.  Communities in the area had used it since Arthur Whitcomb owned it. It is a big unbroken block of wooded area between the Cold River property, LeClerc’s property and other abutters.  There are some accessible roads that run through the property.  It is used for hiking, biking, hunting, etc.  He has been in charge of the property for 20 years now. Presently he is plant manager of Cold River Materials and is responsible for this property.  Most of it was recently put into current use.

Recently a new neighbor, Mrs. Barbara Spivey, contacted the Walpole Police Department, Mr. Patch and the Walpole Selectboard about having problems with excessive shooting in the pit.  They rarely use the pit but still keep it active and permitted.  Mr. Patch asked Police Chief Paquette to have Mrs. Spivey call him.  Mr. Patch went down to the pit, he listened to her concerns and they talked about options.  He informed Mrs. Spivey that he had no intentions of posting all the property because it is a resource enjoyed by many people.  Mrs. Spivey told Mr. Patch that she was not against hunting but was against the shooting. He asked her to call him when there was excessive shooting and he would immediately come to the pit.  When he did an inspection during hunting season the shooting was not on Cold River property but rather LeClerc’s property.  Semi-automatic rifles were being used.  He then walked over to the pit and spoke to some people who were there.  He is trying to keep the peace with everybody as he understands Mrs. Spivey’s concerns.  He does not want a shooting range on this property.  There was some shooting in one of the two corn fields.  All of this excessive gun shooting may not be coming from this property.  Mr. Dalessio did inform the LeClerc’s about the shooting on their property and they were not aware of it but they will look into it.

Mr. Patch wondered why this went to the Selectboard meeting because the Town of Walpole has no governing power over what Cold River Materials does on their property.  Mr. Dalessio noted that this is correct but when there is a citizen complaint, the Selectboard likes to do their due diligence on it.  His concern was the combination of shooting and alcohol so they asked the police department to substantiate this. However, they have not observed a combination of both in that area.  Mr. Patch said in his 20 years as manager, he never had a complaint on shooting; maybe it has elevated.  Relative to alcohol, Mr. Patch has never seen a beer can in the pit.

Mr. McLaughlin said in his 25 years of living there, he has witnessed alcohol.  At the end of each hunting season, he goes around and picks up all the beer cans.  He thinks they can find a solution by working together.  There was a discussion relative to the type of rifles that are being shot there.

Mr. Anthony Frye said they are present at this meeting to find a solution.  It has been a family tradition to use the property for hunting.  Mr. Patch spoke to Mr. Ted Walski from the NH Department of Fish and Game about the rumors that Mrs. Spivey put a stop on the hunting of pheasants but she did not.  Fish and Game stopped stocking them because the pheasants are very expensive. Mrs. Spivey pointed out that they have nothing against hunters but are opposed to just shooting in the pit.  Mr. Dalessio noted that pheasant hunting is not an issue tonight and asked that the discussion cease.

Several people agreed that it was always a safe place to go ride a bike, shoot or use it for other recreational purposes.  Nobody wants to change that.  They never bothered anybody.  Mr. Dalessio summarized that this decision is up to the landowner.  The Town of Walpole does not have a specific noise ordinance.  Mr. Hewes clarified that the Police Department will respond if a property owner calls in but they cannot respond to third party callers.  Mr. Patch proposed to Mrs. Spivey that he would like to handle this himself.  If she has a situation, Mrs. Spivey should call him and he will immediately respond.  Mr. Dalessio felt the two landowners could work together to keep this under control.

Mr. Michael Beam advised that a landowner has put up a locked gate on the Old Stage Road.  Mr. Dalessio noted that the RSA is clear about locked gates on Class 6 roads.  They will take a look at it as they were not familiar with the gate.

PATRICIA RODRIGUES and JOHN CORDUFF:  Ms. Rodrigues, a resident of Westmoreland, asked the Selectboard if they had received their copy of the letter she had sent to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA).  She then distributed a copy of that letter, dated November 16, 2016, and read it for the record.  She has looked through the Walpole Ordinances and rules regulating excavation.  For clarification Mr. Dalessio stated that the Town of Walpole ZBA or the Planning Board does not issue any permits for blasting.  Ms. Rodrigues was to have been notified of any blasting by either the Police Chief or Fire Chief at least 24 hours in advance as mandated by law and this did not happen.  Mr. Dalessio said the Chief then talked to the owners.  Ms. Rodrigues will be notified in the future.  At least for now, the blasting has been resolved.  The Alteration of Terrain Permit gives the right to blast.  The Town of Walpole has no enforcement officers. The Selectboard is not qualified to go down into the pit and say they are blasting more than they should. They rely on the DES (Department of Environmental Services) to do their inspections in accordance with their permits. This information has been given to the ZBA; this is in their prevue; they will have to answer those questions, not the Selectboard’s.

Mrs. Rodriguez referenced Section 12 of the zoning ordinance that states that “it shall be the duty of the Selectboard”.  Part II says that the Selectboard are the enforcers. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that the Selectboard will ask the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA) to respond to this letter. If they find that this is all well-founded, correct, and if there is a violation, the Selectboard will take the necessary steps.  The experts in the Town of Walpole are the ZBA members. Ms. Pam Clark, a resident of Westmoreland, said this has been going on for over three years; it was presented to the ZBA and the Planning Board in this town.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that it is the Westmoreland side that sets the hours of operation.  They have a letter from Westmoreland that sets standards for this operation. Ms. Rodrigues replied that lately it has been on the Walpole side. Mr. Dalessio explained that this first became their issue about two weeks ago when Ms. Rodrigues and Mr. Corduff came in about the hours of operation. The Selectboard did inquire and got a letter from Westmoreland.  This is the first list of concise things that he has seen. A letter of deficiency does not necessarily require action from the Town of Walpole. Mr. Dalessio noted that they have taken action to clarify the tax cards.  The rail trail cut is a state matter.  Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that they received a copy of the letter, they will read it to verify the information and then they will talk to the ZBA. They will then respond to Ms. Rodrigues. Mr. Dalessio pointed out that they have her letter and the ZBA also has Ms. Rodrigues’ letter.  The Selectboard will ask the ZBA to answer all the questions, do their homework and they will come up with answers. It all has to be verified and researched before they can answer any questions. It could take a month or two as the ZBA only meets once a month.

Ms. Rodrigues said she had previously asked for the hours of operation in Walpole.  Mr. Dalessio replied that they got the hours from the Town of Westmoreland for her and the Town of Walpole hours are the same as Westmoreland’s.  If there is a violation of hours, Ms. Rodrigues should call the Police Department. Mr. Dalessio asked Ms. Rodrigues to please call Mrs. Sarah Downing to ask to be put on future Selectboard agendas.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $153,101.19 for checks dated November 18, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

(Note: This holds in abeyance the check to the Fall Mountain Regional School District until taxes come in.)

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll voucher for the week ending November 12, 2016, in the amount of $22,280.59 for checks dated November 18, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrrer moved to accept the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,680.90 for the week ending November 12, 2016.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 10, 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of November 10, 2016, with the following addition under Graves Gravel Pit: after “Mrs. Rodrigues” add “a Westmoreland, NH resident”.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Walpole Planning Board – November 9, 2016;
• North Walpole Zoning Board of Adjustment – November 10, 2016.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Veterans’ Tax Credit for Map and Lot # 007-008-000.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

ZBA Appointment RSA 673:12:  Mr. Dalessio advised that a change needed to be made to the October 27, 2016 motion under “Tom Murray – ZBA Appointment Notice” as follows:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Stelectboard acknowledge the ZBA appointment of Thomas Murray as a regular member for a period of five months beginning November 16, 2016 through the 2017 Town Meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Wage Review:  Mr. Dalessio would like to wait another week before signing this report.

NEW BUSINESS:

Health Trust – Summary of Benefits and Coverage Agreement:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Chair, Mr. Steven Dalessio, to sign the Summary of Benefits and Coverage Agreement for the Health Trust.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Avitar Tax Map Agreement:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve that the Chair of the Selectboard, Mr. Steven Dalessio, sign the Avitar Tax Map Agreement document for three years.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Highway Requests for 2016:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mr. Rau has enough money in the Maintenance Fund to build a shed that will be used to keep their yard in order and equipment under cover.

A bid came in from Mr. Barry Kilburn of Alstead for a shed at $8,200.  Payment will be made in mid-December.  The Highway Department has about $8,000 left in paving and they would like to spend it on gravel.  $10,000/year never gives them enough to do all the work.  Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Aldrich approved these requests.

Budget – Police Department:  Mr. Dalessio advised that when they built the budget they put in for a full time police officer.  He feels they can pull three months out of the full time officer line because they will not hire anyone until at least April 1^st, 2017.

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 8:05 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:09 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

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

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 17, 2016, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.   With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary