The Walpolean

Be sure and read all the way to the end to see the good news posted from Ernie Vose! – Lil

Present: Board members: Chair Jan Leclerc, Vice-Chair Myra Mansouri, Clerk Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes. Alternates: Don Sellarole and Judy Trow. Absent: Dave Edkins and Ernie Vose.

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the November 2020 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions. 

Meeting Opened: Ms. Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7 pm. 

Roll Call: Alternate Judy Trow agreed to fill in for the absent board member.

Minutes: Ms. Barnes made a correction on page three, section Appeal to Zoning Board section: change the word “want” to past tense and add the word “to.” Ms. Trow made a motion to approve the amended minutes. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Old Business:

Public Hearing for a Variance: Michael Nerrie – 507 March Hill Road – Map 11, Lot 59, Rural/Agricultural District – DADU – building is more than 150 feet and not more than 175 feet from the main structure. Structure is 900 square feet. Article IV – General Provisions O.

Mr. Nerrie wants to add a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit to his property to build a home for a caretaker for Distant Hill. Distant Hill is a 125-acre garden and natural space that is usually open to the public. Distant Hill has nature-based classes and workshops and research projects as well as trails. The plans Mr. Nerrie presented at the September meeting changed slightly because of the need to relocate the septic system. The building is still within the 175 feet from the main house that the board agreed to last month. 

Mr. Nerrie pointed out on the map where March Hill Road and the main house were and where the new building was going to be. He originally thought that because a corner of the building was within the 150 requirement, he did not need a variance. However, the board said the entire building must be within the 150-foot requirement. The original building site has been changed slightly because the septic engineer dug two holes and found them unsatisfactory for a septic system. 

Following are Mr. Nerrie’s answers to five questions to the variance criteria and questions Mr. Nerrie answered after reading the comment.

The comments in italics are comments on each criterion from board members after the Public Hearing had been closed.

The proposed use would not diminish surrounding property value:

Being that the setback of the proposed DADU will be 100 feet from the nearest property boundary, that the building will be in keeping with the architectural style of the nearby home and outbuildings and that its construction will allow the owners to better maintain their property, the surrounding property values will not be diminished.

Ms. Barnes said I think there would be a strong public interest in having a public garden.  

Ms. Trow said it supports keeping a large area as green space.

Granting the variance would be of benefit to the public interest:

The construction and occupancy of a DADU on the property will allow the owners to better maintain their property and Distant Hill Nature Trail, a public wheelchair-accessible trail network on the property.

Mr. Nerrie said the building allows us to have a caretaker to reside on the property and help him take care of the property. There is a public garden and public nature trail on the 125 acres. The nature trail is open all year, seven days a week and it’s getting to the point where Mr. Nerrie feels he won’t be able to maintain it. He and his wife have friends who have a son, living in Pennsylvania, and the son wants to move back to New Hampshire where he has family. He’s very capable and he’s a woodworker, Mr. Nerrie said.

Mr. Murray asked if the caretaker would be on a payroll. Would it be commercial? Mr. Nerrie said no. There is no payroll. The land is going into conservation easement, which is almost completed, and Distant Hill is a nonprofit.

Mr. Sellarole asked if this means the caretaker gets free room and board. Mr. Nerrie said the arrangements haven’t been worked out yet.

Ms. Trow said the site is not so far outside the requirements. 

Ms. Barnes asked why the number 150 feet was determined in the ordinance. The purpose, Ms. Leclerc said, is to keep the new building as close to the main house so it’s an accessory building as opposed to having a separate building somewhere else on the property and having two separate houses on the same property. Ms. Mansouri added there is an ordinance that says you can’t have two homes on one lot. 

Denial of the variance would result in unnecessary hardship to the owner:

Randy Rhoades of M&W Soils Engineering in Charlestown has examined the soils on the property and found no site completely within 150 feet of the main residence that would work for the proposed building and the required septic system except the one shown on the map.

Mr. Nerrie said without a variance, he can’t build a house and he doesn’t know how he would maintain the property in the future.

Granting the variance would do substantial justice because:

The location for the proposed building may be just outside the 150-foot maximum distance to the principle residence, but granting a variance would be just and fair, as it is the best, and only site recommended by the septic designer for the building.

Mr. Nerrie said the aerial view shows the space near the stone circle that is designated for the building. There is a fence and a garden between the main house and the building. The well, marked “W” on the map, is on the other side of the house from the septic system. 

Mr. Sellarole asked if the application was complete. The answer was yes – certified letters had been sent to abutters and a public notice was in The Keene Sentinel on October 1, 2020.

Ms. Barnes said it would be otherwise a loss to the general public. Ms. Mansouri said it will not impede any neighbor. 

The proposed use would not be contrary to the spirit of the ordinance because:

The residents of the Town of Walpole voted to allow construction and occupancy of DADUs for just the proposed use of this building, fulfilling the spirit of the ordinance.

Mr. Sellarole asked, “When will you start building?” Mr. Nerrie said in the spring after the septic goes in. Mr. Nerrie was going to build a manufactured building but he didn’t like the quality of the material. So, he said, he has asked a local builder to do the work.​

Ms. Mansouri made a motion to accept the variance as presented and for the reasons that were in the explanation of the variance criteria. Mr. Murray amended the motion to include Nerrie getting a building permit and septic approval. Ms. Mansouri made a motion to accept the amended motion. Mr. Murray seconded the amended motion and the motion carried unanimously.

New Business: Cindy Westover. Ms. Westover did not come to the meeting.

Old Business:

Collect Gravel Pit Inspections Assignments: Cold River Materials – Board members turned in their gravel pit inspection forms. During the month of September, board members visited all four currently operating gravel pits in Walpole. They reported no problems at any of the gravel pits sites. The secretary will send a letter to all the gravel pit owners: Cold River Materials – Gary Patch and Eurovia; Graves Gravel pit on Wentworth Road – Tim Graves; Hodgkins gravel pit on Old Drewsville Road; and Cold River Bridges gravel pit, formerly Hodgkins, in the Industrial Park. Whipple Hill and Joe Sawyer’s gravel pits were closed in October 2019.

Exempt signage. At the September meeting, the board discussed a list of exempt and temporary signage that might be added to the current Walpole Zoning Ordinances. The members chose the ones on the list to keep, changed a couple, eliminated some or put together others. They also looked at a few tweaks to current ordinances. The board approved the document.

At tonight’s meeting Ms. Barnes wanted to add information from the NH Municipal Association about signage. It’s based on a document titled “Municipal Sign ordinance after Reed vs. Town of Gilbert – Dos and Don’t s. Ms. Barnes and Ms. Mansouri will work on combining information from both documents into one document that can be presented to and approved by the ZBA in November. Then it will be sent to the Walpole Planning Board for review in December and a public hearing held in January so it can be put on the 2021 warrant.

Short-term rentals: The Board unanimously voted to include short-term rentals to the “Bed and Breakfast” ordinance stated in Article IV, L of the Walpole Zoning Ordinances. Short-Term Rentals are commonly sought through such sites as Airbnb, Expedia and TripAdvisor. 

The ordinance will now read in General Provisions Article IV, Section L. “Bed and Breakfast and Short-Term Rental Establishments. So called bed and breakfast and short-term rental establishments for the accommodation of paying, overnight guests may be maintained in all districts provided that the number of rooms for rent in any one establishment shall not number more than four, and that breakfast may be the only meal provided, and only to bona fide overnight guests. The conversion of a single-family residence or other building to a bed and breakfast or short-term rental establishment shall require Site Plan approval by the Planning Board.”

This change to this ordinance now goes to the Walpole Planning Board for its review at its next regular meeting in November and for a Public Hearing in December.

Appeal of Signs at 8 Prospect Hill: Jim Jones of North Walpole asked the Select Board to ask the owners of 8 Prospect Hill to remove all the signs not for their content but “to prevent sight pollution in our village.” The Select Board refused and Select Board member Peggy Pschirrer noted in a Select Board meeting that Mr. Jones could appeal their decision to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

However, there are certain requirements of a person or persons making an appeal to the Zoning Board. According to Stephen C. Buckley, Legal Services Counsel at the NH Municipal Association, “If the Select Board refuses to take action to enforce an ordinance, and the complaining party had​ standing, they can appeal that decision to the Zoning Board.  However, not all citizens in towns have standing to appeal decisions by the Select Board on zoning enforcement questions. To be entitled to appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment a person must demonstrate that he/she is a “person aggrieved,’ by showing a “direct definite interest in the outcome of the proceedings.” Casperson v. Town of Lyme, 139 N.H. 637, 640 (1995).”​ 

Mr. Jones and the Chair of the Zoning Board, Jan Leclerc, have exchanged several emails with Mr. Jones still pressing the Zoning Board to appeal the Select Board’s decision. But the simple fact is that the Zoning Board must abide by the legal opinion of Mr. Buckley. Mr. Jones does not have standing because he lives in North Walpole, a distance from where the signs are. If the ZBA board were to grant him an appeal, then someone with “standing” could not appeal to the board. More information on the matter of standing may be found in RSA 677:4 in a copy of “New Hampshire Planning and Land Use Regulation.”

Ernie Vose update: Board member, Mr. Vose, had open heart surgery recently and board members have been concerned about his welfare. Here’s a short note from Mr. Vose. “Hi, I am feeling pretty good but  tired.  I go to see my surgeon Friday and then I will be able to drive again. I will start pt in a couple of weeks. Everyone that has had open heart surgery recommends it highly. I now have a FitBit to watch my progress.  I am trying to keep steps up to 10,000 per day. See you next month. Ernie

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine 

ZBA Secretary

Scouting for Food 

Walpole Cub Scout Pack 299

&

     Walpole Boy Scout Troop 299 

         We will be doing Scouting for Food this year on the
following dates :

NOV 7th ——— Distribution of information hangers.

We don’t go door to door anymore. We will be at the following locations handing them out. All locations are from 9am to 12pm.
                          Walpole Post Office, Walpole Recycling
                          Center, Discount Food Shelf, and Tractor 
                          Supply 

NOV. 14th —— We will be at the above locations from 9am to 12pm to collect food and monetary donations. All donations are going directly to the Fall  Mountain Food Shelf .
          There are directions on the tags of what can and can’t be donated . We also ask that when thinking about food you can also donate pet food. If people can’t feed their pets they will often feed them their food.
          Please mark these dates on your calendars 

Selectboard Present:​Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting to order at 6:05 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She introduced Ms. Cheryl Mayberry and Mr. Steven Dalessio, the other two Selectboard members.  Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, are also in attendance.  This meeting is being recorded.  There were three employees in attendance.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a roll call voice vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrerin favor, the motion was approved.

The Selectboard had recessed the Non-Public SelectboardSession.  The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:58 PM.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

ERIC GALLANT:  Mr. Gallant questioned if the Town has a contingency plan regarding COVID-19.  They are limited to what the State allows them to do at the Town level.  Would he be better off going to the State level because we should not have to continue to have restrictions to make the residents lives a little harder in terms of appointments, etc.?   A lot of residents have limited time to make an appointment to register a new car.  He would like to know if there are more ways to get online or if there was a kiosk; is there any contingency plan in place? Mrs. Pschirrer explained that anyone who purchases a vehicle must go in person to register it.  It is a State requirement.  If you have renewal, the registration can be done online.  Mr. Dalessio pointed that when you have an appointment, he can set the time to his schedule.  We follow the guidelines of the NH Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Mr. Gallant was told there were no appointments that first day.  Later he was told there was an appointment at 2:30pm but he could not make; then he was given another date.  Mrs. Pschirrer explained this appointment plan was started at the end of March and it appeared to be working quite well.  All the computers are aligned with the State computers.  Mr. Gallant said the first day he came to the office he waited outside for about an hour.  There were four or five people ahead of him.  People are not going to want to wait outside when the colder weather arrives.  Mrs. Downing mentioned that some people were coming to just drop off their absentee voting ballot.  They do not have appointments, but need to wait to hand them in.  Mr. Gallant said the two people ahead of him were waiting to register to vote; not sure if they had appointments.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $794,929.32 for checks issued October 16, 2020.  This includes a monthly payment of $615,232.00 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending October 10, 2020, in the amount of $30,423.99 for checks dated October 16, 2020, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,173.53.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – October 8, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of October 8, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – October 8, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 8, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• Walpole Fire District Commissioners Meeting – September 9, 2020;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – September 29, 2020;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – October 6, 2020;• Walpole Conservation Commission Meeting – October 5, 2020;• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – October 7, 2020.

WARRANT TIMBER TAX:

MAP and LOT #009-012-002:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve and sign the Original Warrant Yield Tax Levy and Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed in the amount of $2,200.48 for Map and Lot #009-012-002.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit #2020-43; MAP and LOT #007-020-001:  Mr. Dalessio moved to put Permit #2020-43 On-Hold until the next Selectboard meeting pending receipt of additional information.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit #2020-44; MAP and LOT #020-014-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-44 for the owners of Map and Lot #020-014-000 to construct a “26’ x 24’ Garage”.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

WALPOLE ESSR Funds re: Walpole Schools:  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of invoices for high school or district level purchases for COVID-19 supplies and equipment totaling $23,618.29 from Mr. Jim Fenn at the FMRSD.  They would like the Town to add this to our CARES Act Funding request.

Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mr. Kreissle intends to include salaries for Police Officers doing COVID-19 hours and if we do, we will have spent all our money.  She will talk with Mr. Kreissle tomorrow and go over the spreadsheet numbers.  Mrs. Pschirrer will write a letter to Mr. Fenn if Mr. Kreissle is submitting our request for the balance of the Town’s CARES funds.  

North Walpole Park:  Ms. Mayberry reported that Mr. Tim Long gave Mr. Harlow an estimate to replace the roof on the shed in the North Walpole Park.  He felt the metal roof would be best.  The Selectboard had talked about the fact that it could be part of the 2020 Warrant Article so it could be done now.  Mr. Harlow had talked to Mr. Kreissle about encumbering the amount to replace the pool building roof and the tennis courts. 

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the replacement of the shed roof with a metal roof in the North Walpole Park for an amount not to exceed $2,200.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

Pending Further Actions:

Reservoir Dam Repairs:  Mr. Dalessio spoke with Fuss & O’Neill.  They will have a report for our next meeting.  They will give us a magnitude of costs for the Reservoir Dam repairs and let us know where they are on the other projects.  There is concern about Mill Pond and the 100-year flood.

Town Street Lights:  A letter was received by the Selectboard regarding Town streetlights.

Sewer Bond Fee:  Mr. Dalessio is ready to discuss this.  It will be an agenda item for next week.

Houghton Brook Bridge Repair and Grant:  Mr. Dalessio advised this is on-hold.

NEW BUSINESS:

MS-535: Financial Report of Budget:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept and sign the MS-535 Financial Report of the Budget for the Town of Walpole to be submitted to the Department of Revenue Administration.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Health Trust 2021 Transmittal:  There is a 6.4% increase.  Mrs. Downing explained that after mid-March with COVID-19 people were not having as many procedures and/or surgeries. Health insurance use dropped dramatically. These delayed medical treatments are now moving forward.

Mr. Dalessio moved to allow the Chair of the Selectboard, Peggy L. Pschirrer, to sign the Health Trust 2021 Transmittal.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole Library Board of Trustees Appointment Notice:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mr. Fred Ernst resigned from the Walpole Library Board of Trustees.  Mr. Tim Lester has been an active volunteer and is interested in the appointment as a Walpole Library Board of Trustees.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Appointment of Mr. Tim Lester as a member on the Walpole Library Board of Trustees for a period of five (5) months, October 15^th, 2020 through Town Meeting, March 2021. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.

There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed for Lot D496:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Cemetery Deed for Lot D496.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

Cemetery Deed for Lots D594 and D595:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Cemetery Deed for Lots D594 and D595.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Highway Block Grant Funding:  Ms. Mayberry advised that a question came up at the last Staff Meeting about how they can use the Highway Block Grant Funding.  She decided to go online to find out what the money can be used for. She located the Highway Block Grant Aid document issued by the NHDOT and in the first paragraph it states that “funds can only be used for construction, reconstruction and maintenance of each municipality’s Class IV and V highways” and “towards equipment to maintain the local roads.”  This means we can buy a new truck.  She suggested we get on the list to order the truck now.  Mr. Dalessio is in favor of getting on the list.  We can also put in a Warrant Article.  If the Warrant is approved, they can use the Block Grant money for something else.  Does Mr. Rau have any thoughts on other projects that should be done but he has been holding back?  The Town has the red listed bridges.  Fuss & O’Neill can use their best cost estimates.  Houghton Brook could be as much as $270.000.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to tell Mr. Rau to place the order for the new truck.

Recreation Department Grant: Ms. Mayberry reported that when Mr. Justin Cassarino was Recreation Director he applied for a State Farm Insurance Support Grant.  The Rec Dept was awarded $500.00 from this grant.  The check will be for $485.15.  Mr. Cassarino said his application was not for anything specific, just for recreation.  The Selectboard agreed to put this donation in the Recreation Department Revolving Fund. 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:52 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:55 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION (Continued):  

The Selectboard had recessed the Non-Public SelectboardSession earlier in this meeting.  At this time they resumed this Non-Public Selectboard Session at 7:56 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:07 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 15, 2020, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:08 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

​​​​​

Selectboard Present:  Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio

Staff Present:  Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Michael Paquette (Chief Police Department); Justin Sanctuary (Lt. Police Department); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Department); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Jane Malmberg (Library Director)

Excused:  Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector)

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and announced it is so nice to see everyone here.  It was a beautiful day.  Hopefully some people got out to enjoy the weather.  We do need rain!

We have a new person present at this meeting.  Mrs. Jane Malmberg is the new Library Director and has been working for the Town for four weeks.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked the Department Managers to go around the room to introduce themselves, mention their department and what they do.

Mrs. Pschirrer explained the staff and Selectboard meet monthly.  There will be another 2021 Budget all-day meeting in December.  As the Department Managers give their reports tonight, she asked them to mention what they think they will need that will require a Warrant Article.  They have scheduled the 2021 Annual Town Meeting for March 13, 2021.  It will be held in the Walpole Elementary School Gym because we can be more socially distanced there.  She assumes we will still be wearing masks and social distancing in March.  Today there was a new announcement by Representative Lucy Weber that we have a new COVID-19 case in Town.  We do not know who. That information is kept confidential.  Cheshire County has seen an increase so we are now a “pink” county.  If anyone feels they have been exposed, they should get a test.  If your doctor orders the test, HealthTrust will pay for it.  Don’t let money keep you from getting a test.  That is important.

Police Department:  Police Chief Michael Paquette and Lt. Justin Sanctuary were present.  Chief Paquette had distributed copies of Police Stats for the period of September 16, 2020 through October 14, 2020.  They had 382 Total Calls during this period of time.  Total Motor Vehicle Calls were 95; Public Safety Calls were 193; and Criminal Investigation Calls were 94.  They are now collecting traffic data on Watkins Hill and are getting some good stats.  If the Selectboard would like them to do another report similar to the one submitted last month, they will do another one.  It included times of day, etc.  The speed monitoring sign was on Main Street in North Walpole.  There is a problem on Mountain View with one or two people.  Mr. Dalessio would like to see this information “boiled down” so it could be put in the Clarion.  Chief Paquette noted if people are going below the speed limit, the speed unit will not come on.  County Road was done last summer.  Chief Paquette mentioned they had an air quality test but did not hear about the results.  Mrs. Downing replied that there was no test; UV lights and filters were installed in air vents to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19. The Town Hall, Library, Police Station and a few other locations were done.  Chief Paquette said the radios are being programmed; he hopes they will be able to distribute the radios to the officers in the next few weeks.  The new vests came in.  Their generator needed to be fixed. Mark Houghton ordered the part and took care of it.  There has been a good deal of vandalism through the Village especially to political signs of both parties.  South Street had some derogatory messages on signs.  There have been paintings on the roads.  NH DOT took care of South Street.  He continues to see some vandalism in yards but recently they have not had anything further.  They are doing some stationary and regular patrols on North Road as someone had been yelling obscenities at night. The department is still very busy.  There are on-going investigations with drugs, alcohol, simple assaults, domestic arguments, etc.  People are still cooped up.  Lt. Sanctuary wanted to thank the Fire Department for two fire extinguishers.  The department had put out a fire in a train car that had people involved.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned they will want a new cruiser which will be a part of their vehicle rotation.

Recycling Center:  Mr. Ben Hoy had submitted the Walpole Recycling/Reuse Center Staff Meeting Report.• Grand Opening of the new Reuse Center on Saturday, October 10^th was a huge success!!  Michael Nerrie informed him that more donation revenue was made on their first day than what was typically made in one month at the old Reuse Center.  • It was unique that they used the old tree when building the new Reuse Center.  The Ribbon Cutting ceremony was a lot of fun.  The Reuse Center means there will be more work for the employees.   • Donation money to be split 50/50 between the Fall Mountain Food Shelf and Fall Mountain Friendly Meals.  All checks to be made out to the Town of Walpole at the new Reuse Center.• Friends of the Library received several donations at the Reuse Center grand opening.  All hardcover books are $2/$1 for other books.  Donations to benefit Friends of the Walpole Library.• Thank you to all of the wonderful community minded volunteer support in stocking shelves to prepare for the opening of the Reuse Center.• Michael Neerie is coordinating volunteer Reuse Center sign up shifts.  Please check out their Walpole NH Recycling Center website, and email Michael with questions pertaining to volunteering.  They need volunteers to keep the new Reuse Center open!!  Reuse Center is now open year round!!

Mrs. Pschirrer advised it is an incredible new Reuse Center.  Everyone should take a look at it.  It is clean, new and spacious.  There are all kinds of good items in it.  

Mr. Hoy worked with volunteers, some from the Savings Bank of Walpole, on a clean-up to pick up tires.  They picked up 125 tires. It was a fun time.  He thanked all the volunteers that helped.  He noted that Mrs. Kara Dexter deserves recognition for being a dedicated volunteer for all the clean-up work she does in the entire Town.  She will stay at a site all day long to make sure the job is finished.  They are staying very busy.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if Mr. Hoy is thinking about what he will want next year.  He will start thinking about it. 

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Jane Malmberg had submitted the following written Library Report for October 2020:

There are no updates to service at the library at this point.  They have noticed a slight uptick in the number of library users visiting the library and checking their materials this past month.  Downloadable books and audiobooks continue to be popular. The library has seen an increase in visits to their website and Facebook page.

Julie continues to offer Wiggle Time and Story Times outside, weather permitting, and via Facebook Live on stormy days.  She has also begun to offer a Virtual Code Club activity via their website.

The library will be offering a Walpole Area Adventure Hunt for all ages in October as well as an adult make-and-take activity.

Thanks to the generosity of Michael and Kathy Nerrie, they now have a more permanent and aesthetically pleasing installation for their Story Walk at Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail.  A new book will be featured each month.

Jane has joined a committee tasked with making a plan for opening the North Walpole branch of the library. They have had several meetings and are developing plans for upgrading the library’s computers, cataloguing the collection and expanding the hours of operation.  She is working on plans for upgrading computers at the main library as well.  Mrs. Pschirrer feels this is good news for North Walpole.  They will promote this so people in North Walpole know the Library will be open more frequently and have some evening hours.

Patrons have been very happy to be able to reserve materials once again via ILL.  It does take a bit longer to process these requests as the state now requires that these books be quarantined for 5 days.

Mrs. Malmberg also provided numbers for September 2020 and September 2019 for the following:• Library Visits & Hours Open• Check Outs• WiFi & Computer Use• Programs & Attendance• Website Email, Social Media• Database Usage

She also became aware that their Ancestry shortcut on the public pc was not working correctly.  This may have led to the inactivity this past year (in addition to their being closed).  She has corrected this.

Walpole Recreation:  Mr. Kraig Harlow had submitted the following Walpole Recreation Update 10/15/2020.  He feels that everything is going very well.  

Pool:• The pool cover has been put on the pool• Houghton has shut off the water to the pool and pool house.• They are looking into estimates to get the pool roof repaired by the end of the year.

Soccer:• The soccer season is ending Saturday, October 17^th.• Teams were made of Drewsville, Walpole, and North Walpole residents-only and had 64 total kids sign up.• The program generated a little over $1,150 dollars for the program.• Teams were sponsored by local businesses this season and t-shirts were provided to each player.• Teams practiced once a week and played a scrimmage against each other every Saturday for the six weeks at North Walpole School.• Every coach followed the COVID-19 guidelines we provided at the beginning of the season and they did not have to shut down for the season.• Middle School practices were held at Walpole Elementary School on Friday nights.• Thank you to Fall Mountain for allowing them to continue to use the soccer fields.

North Walpole Park:• Diane held an alternative fall get together event on October 3^rd, where families and businesses dropped scarecrows at the park.   Mrs. Pschirrer advised there are rows of scarecrows along the entire fence; it is fun to see.   • Currently, they are looking into quotes right now to replace the shed roof at the park. The current quote through Long’s General Contracting & Roofing is a shingle roof for $1,580 or $2,150 for a metal roof.

Tennis:• They have decided to go with Wilson & Lawrence to repair the tennis court.• The estimate for repairs to the tennis court was $5,795 dollars.  This would be covered under the Repair & Maintenance Fund.• Due to the drastic change in temperature the past couple of weeks repairs cannot be done this fall but Walpole Recreation is the first in line for spring.• The court should not see significant damages through the winter even without a repair.

Basketball:• They have purchased 12 thermometers through the CARES Act for the possibility of having a basketball season.• The Recreation Committee will be meeting on October 25^th, to discuss options for basketball this winter.

Community Events:• The Recreation Committee plans on meeting and discussing possible community events for the winter and spring.

Mr. Harlow understands that High School sports will not start until after the first of the year 2021.  This is dependent on COVID-19.

Highway Department:  Mr. Michael Rau had submitted the following October 2020 written report.

They have finished roadside mowing for the season in both Walpole and North Walpole.  It took about 2 months to complete.  They have been receiving many phone calls and emails with positive feedback with how it came out.  Michael Symonds continues to do a great job with the use of the tractor and roadside mowing equipment each year. We appreciate his effort.  Before they bought their own equipment they rented it; it was expensive and quite often they did not have enough rental time to do the entire Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer said it is nice people are noticing positive things.

Poirier Guidelines came and line painting was completed on Main Street, Drewsville Road, Valley Road, March Hill Road, Maple Grove Road, North Road, and Barnett Hill Road.  Lines are painted at night to avoid traffic and to ensure good, quality results.  Thank you to Paul Clark for coming in on this night to oversee the project.

Catch basin cleaning was done in both Walpole and North Walpole Villages.  They cleaned about 200 catch basins. They will be doing ditching of the dirt roads.  The average is two feet deep but many roads are different.  They ditch every year usually in the fall.  They are getting a new air compressor.  All dirt roads were graded, raked, and rolled. They are prepping them for winter.

Mrs. Pschirrer has noticed all the roads that have been painted with lines and she approves of that.  The lines really help especially where there are no lights at night such as on Barnett Hill Road and March Hill Road.  

Mr. Rau mentioned that next year he would like to get a new truck.  Ms. Mayberry reported that under the Highway Block Grant funds the Town can buy a new truck to be used on the highways.  Mr. Dalessio said the advantage is they can purchase the truck six months earlier than waiting for approval at the next Town Meeting.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they hope to get their new tax rate next week and they will know what their Unassigned Fund balance will be.  Mr. Rau estimates the cost of the new truck would be approximately $200,000.  

Mr. Rau clarified that if a sign is in their way, they pick them up, keep them at the Highway Garage for about a week but if they are not picked up, they get rid of them.  Sometimes people ask where they can put signs.  At this time, there are a lot of political signs.

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Helen Dalbeck submitted the following Director’s Report – October 15, 2020:

School Programs:  They are mostly teaching outside in the school gardens, woods, high tunnel and school yards.  Their topics are focused on harvesting, beginning the preparation of beds for the winter, and planting in the high tunnel for winter greens.  The student lessons cover migration, soils, and trees in autumn, botany, insects and the mammals that are challenging their garden skills…the meadow voles, chipmunk, deer and one very fat groundhog.

Outreach and Marketing:  Facebook, school based email, The Clarion and Walpolean, Friends of Hooper Institute.  A new Hooper Institute logo is in development with local artist Laura Dunbar.  Mrs. Dalbeck is excited about this.

Facility:  The sugar maple tree is nearly all removed.  Main building roof repairs are scheduled for early winter as well as full shed roof replacement.  A renovated alarm system with some new bells and whistles will be installed this fall by Countryside Alarm.  Field mowing was done on Sept. 29.  Kevin Healey has begun to tackle some odd jobs, such as taking apart the street sign for a new coat of paint and rotten ladder repair in their crawl space, to name a few.

Administration:  Budget for 2021 in process.  Board met 10/5/2020.

Walpole Community Garden:  An all member clean-up is scheduled for October 31, 10 am – 12 pm.

Wreath Making:  Mrs. Dalbeck has started preparing for a Wreath Making class.

Respectfully submitted and thanks to all for your support, Helen Dalbeck.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised it has been a busy time of the year for them making preparations for the winter and for winter plantings.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned Mrs. Dalbeck has several wishes for next year but he suggested she explore heating the building year-round.  Mrs. Pschirrer feels the Maintenance Fund can take care of that.  They can prepare a good argument for the Office of Charitable Trust to request a heating system for the building.  The next thing would be to make it handicapped accessible.    

Finance Office:  Mr. Richard Kreissle reported the Town received $24,000+ from the CARES Act that they submitted on September 14^th.  Mark Houghton will install the radios in the Town Hall that will be used when it becomes an alternate Emergency Operations Center.  Some money will go back to the Fire Department for hazardous pay and to Brad Nash for the sanitizing overtime.  They are working on pushing the tax rate along.  We are just waiting for figures from the Fire Department and Fall Mountain Region School District.  We should have the preliminary tax rate next week.  Mr. Dalessio asked how close are we to the allocated amount for the Cares Act.  Mr. Kreissle advised we might be able to use it all.  He has to calculate some numbers.  Mr. Kreissle thanked the Selectboard for purchasing a laptop for him to work at home in case he has to go into quarantine.  He will be working on the next submission of approximately $21,000 to CARES on October 30^th.  

Selectboard Office: Mrs. Sarah Downing provided the Report to Selectboard and Staff – dated October 15, 2020:

Town Hall Update:• Prep work has begun for the Nov. 3^rd elections.  Brad Nash has been very busy.  A temporary ramp has been ordered for the Westminster Street entrance to the Town Hall.  It will be installed a week before Nov. 3^rd.  Those that decline or medically cannot use a mask will be voting in the north lobby inside the Town Hall.• The ADA approved stair handrails have been ordered.  They are to arrive between the end of this week or the beginning of next week.  They are to be installed into the Elm Street steps.  A platform to mitigate the set-down outside the Elm Street door has also been built and will be installed prior to Nov. 3^rd.  A plastic windbreak will also be installed at this exit.• Ultraviolet lights have been installed within the heating output air vents.  Filters with grill overlays have been placed in the intake vents.  Both projects were paid with CARES Act funding for unexpected purchases related to COVID-19 virus prevention.  Thanks to EE Houghton for quickly completing this project which included similar installations at several Town buildings.• An emergency radio is being installed in the Town Hall.  It would be used when the Town Hall becomes an alternate Emergency Operations Center (EOC).  They are climbing through the cupola with wiring.  The primary emergency center is the Walpole Fire Station.• The search for a craftsperson and/or company to rebuild the wheels on the cannons on the Common is ongoing. Hopefully they will find somebody local.  • Much thanks to Brad Nash who has worked on or helped organize the above projects while keeping Town buildings clean and disinfected.

Water and Sewer:• Water and sewer readings are completed for the 3^rd quarter of 2020.• Third quarter billing will be posted on the 30^th of October.

Human Resources:• The Employee Appreciation Box Lunches will be dropped off on Tuesday, Oct. 27^th by Joanie Joan’s Eatery.  Sandwich wrap selection orders by department are due 10/15/2020.• A reminder that all department managers are required to complete the online Harassment Awareness Training module by the end of 2020.  Visit nhprimex.org to register for online training and the course.• Annual notices will be either sent directly by Health Trust or the Selectboard Office within the next month.  The open enrollment period to make changes to health insurance coverage will be sent out in first part of November.• The Selectboard will be reviewing the new rates for health insurance coverage at the 10/15/2020 Selectboard Meeting.• Employee funded/optional insurance options meetings will be happening in November.  Small groups with COVID-19 protocols in place will be meeting with the AFLAC agents in the Town Hall.• Department managers are to encourage employees to consider taking flu shots.  For those that have not had flu shots in the past, this is the year to take the vaccine which will help reduce potential strain on medical services created by the COVID-19 virus.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector Office – Staff Report October 15, 2020: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mrs. Smith was unable to be with us at this meeting. She has been very busy.  Mrs. Smith is retiring on January 2^nd, 2021, after working 38 years for the Town of Walpole.  

Town Clerk has collected $64,940.50 since the last Staff meeting.  

The Municipal Agent fees were $1,173.00.

They also collected $106.50 in dog licenses.

They also collected $20,359.30 for the State’s share of the registrations.

Tax Collector has only collected $28,073.68.

$8,508.10 was for the 2018 lien.  $8,244.40 was for the 2019 Lien.

$11,191.42 on the 2020 Spring tax bills.

These figures include interest and penalties, they also have a credit of $129.76.

They are just waiting for the Tax Rate to be able to print tax bills!

They have had approximately 500 ballots requested, most have been mailed and some given at the time they receive the request.

The phone keeps ringing for appointments and election questions.

Meghan had last week off for a well-deserved vacation.  Mrs. Smith is taking Wednesday afternoon and Thursday off; trying to use some of her vacation time before she retires in January.  She will check in on Friday.

She would also like to thank Krystyna Marcom for all her help with these absentee ballots, she has been great!  Mrs. Smith will not be at the Staff meeting.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer thanked everyone for attending this meeting.  Stay Healthy!!  Wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your distance.  Mrs. Pschirrer adjourned this Staff meeting at 5:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted, 

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Sarah noted a couple of timely items that were decided at last night’s Selectboard Meeting. – Lil

Two things of interest to you that were approved. One is that the 4-H Pinnacleview group is creating scarecrows that will be placed around the gazebo. That build/install should happen on Sunday. It will be up for a week to be removed the Sunday after Halloween.

Also, we hope to be able to display a landscape LED rotating light Halloween themed light on the side of the Town Hall. It will be on from 6 – 8 PM through Halloween. We need to order it and I’m not sure we can get it in-time.

Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Jeff Colley, Joanna Andros, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. 

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the November 2020 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions. 

Roll Call: Mr. Miller opened the meeting at 7:02 pm. The entire board was present.

Minutes: Mr. Marcom made one correction to the minutes. On page 2, Gorham property, capitalize the word Crafts to indicate that it is the name of the appraisal company. Mr. Perron made a motion to approve the amended minutes. Mr. Harrington second the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Master Plan: Mr. Miller talked to Lisa Murphy, senior planner at Southwest Regional Planning Commission, about the sections of the Master Plan the board has already worked on. Ms. Murphy responded that the SWRPC staff is giving a final look to these sections. Those sections that have been updated this year are population, natural features and transportation. Mr. Miller would like to get the final draft of these sections to the board by the November meeting so a Public Hearing could be held by December. The land use, community facility and services and economic development and infrastructure sections will start to be updated after the March Town Meeting if the funds for completion of the Master Plan, $10,730, are approved by the townspeople.

New Business: Voluntary Merger: Karin and Carl Gravina would like to combine lots 2 and 3 on their property at 41 Lennon Lane, Map 8, Lots 88-3 and 88-2, rural/agricultural district. 

Mr. Gravina was not at the meeting but Mr. Gravina had a discussion with Chair Jeff Miller about the voluntary merger of the two lots. The Board voted to accept the voluntary merger on the conditions that the voluntary merger application be filled out and notarized. The notarized application will be accompanied by a letter from the mortgage-holding bank approving the voluntary merger. Two checks – one for $25 made out to the Town of Walpole, which is the fee for the application, and a second check for $12 made out to the Cheshire Country Registry of Deeds – will accompany the application. The application will be signed by the chair and vice-chair of the Planning Board. The secretary will register the Voluntary Merger.

Mr. Dalessio made a motion to approve the voluntary merger with those conditions. Mr Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Lot Line Adjustment: Jeddadiah R. and Lila D. Pellerin, 115 Brewery Lane, Tax Map 14, Lots 11 and 11-1, Residential B. Transfer .2 acres from Lot 11, owned by James F. Mort and Marilyn D. Dooley, 109 Brewery Road, to Lot 11-1, owned by Jeddadiah and Lila Pellerin. The .2 acres has the well and septic tank for the 115 Brewery Lane property on it. 

A motion was made by Mr. Perron to hold a Public Hearing for the Lot Line Adjustment at the November Planning Board meeting. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

DOT Grant for sidewalk from Walpole school to North Meadow Plaza: In two of the updated sections of the Master Plan, there is mention of wanting the desire for a sidewalk from the Walpole School to North Meadow Plaza. With this goal in mind, the Board looked over a possible grant suggested by the Southwest Regional Planning Commission. The grant that the Board looked at was called Transportation Alternatives Program from the District Department of Transportation.

The following are some of the comments and questions regarding whether or not this grant should be completed.

This is a daunting project. You have to a have project manager who has had experience dealing with grants from the federal government.

You would need to hire a project manager. 

There has to be a detailed budget.

Is the grant available every year? Yes.

The town needs to pay in advance for the work on the project, but that doesn’t guarantee you will be awarded grant money.

Towns applying for funds probably have a larger staff than Walpole does, so for those towns, there probably isn’t that outside cost of having to hire a grant writer to complete the application work.

The cost of grant for the work on the Houghton Brook project was $15,000 and that included studies from a structural engineer and work from the Department of Environmental Services.

Is there an alternative funding source?

Does the grant have to be completed by spring of 2021? 

We’d would have to get approval of money for the project ahead of time and the only time that is possible is in March. 

The acquisition of land would be minor.

The plan is for a sidewalk that would go from the school to the former RN Johnson property or where Houghton’s company is. Then there would be a crossover to the Walpole Fire Station. The sidewalk would continue along Main Street, possibly go through the field to the ball park, where a sidewalk would be built along the east side of Upper Walpole Road. Another crossover would go to North Meadow Plaza.

Is this really feasible? Is this a matching grant? If the town is awarded this grant, the town would be responsible for 20 percent of the total cost of the project.

The final decision was to go back to SWRPC and Lisa Murphy and see if there is someone there who could help the town. Is there someone who could act as project manager? Mr. Miller said he would do this and report back to the board.

Adjournment: Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

Secretary

A number of people have asked me about Halloween. The Selectboard Meeting Minutes said:

“Halloween:  When Mrs. Pschirrer talks with the Keene Sentinel reporter tomorrow about Halloween in the Town of Walpole, the Selectboard agreed to have her state that they will encourage families to stay together; will recommend the hours to be 4:00-to-7:00 PM; wear a mask, stay in your neighborhood; keep the recommended distancing, distribute only wrapped candy.  Please stay safe!“

For what it’s worth, at my house I am putting out a bowl of candy and will have the light on until it isn’t gone. Our neighborhood may not have Trick or Treator’s in residence, but I don’t want to disappoint those who come here because they live in an area without a neighborhood! At the same time, it is hard to pass out candy while maintaining a social distance. Again – stay safe!

Selectboard Present:​Peggy Pschirrer (Chair); Cheryl Mayberry; Steven Dalessio

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting to order at 5:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She introduced Ms. Cheryl Mayberry and Mr. Steven Dalessio, the other two Selectboard members.  Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, are also in attendance.  This meeting is being recorded.  There were no members of the public in attendance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $91,533.46 for checks issued October 9, 2020.  This includes a payment of $36,000 to Ambrose Equipment for the Highway Department.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending October 3, 2020, in the amount of $31,821.11 for checks dated October 9, 2020, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,376.61.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – October 1, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of October 1, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – October 1, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 1, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – September 3, 2020;• Walpole Cemetery Trustees Meeting – September 16, 2020;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – September 8, 2020;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – September 15, 2020;• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – September 22, 2020

BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit No. 2020-40, 35 High Street, Map and Lot #021-023-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-40 to install a “30’ x 8’ Ground Mount Solar Array” at 35 High Street, Map and Lot #021-023-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit #2020-41, 1405 County Road, Map and Lot #003-038-003: Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-41 to add a “37’ x 17’6” Roof Mount Solar Array” at 1405 County Road, Map and Lot #003-038-003.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

Permit #2020-42, 224 Wentworth Road, Map and Lot #008-009-007:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-42 to build a “20’ x 26’ Detached Garage” at 224 Wentworth Road, Map and Lot #008-009-007.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Notice to Dog Owners:  Mr. Dalessio moved to adopt the Notice to Dog Owners, dated October 8, 2020, with the intention of bringing it to Town Meeting with a Warrant Article.  This replaces the existing Dog Owners Notice.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Recreation Area Parking Lot Deed and Sales Agreement: Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the Recreation Area Parking Lot Deed and Sales Agreement, as the purchaser of the property, with the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  This is for 1.46 acres of vacant land located on Main Street in Walpole, Map and Lot #022-005-001. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

Mrs. Pschirrer noted they will sign the letter to the FMRSD after the Deed is recorded.      

Recommendation Relative to Face Coverings:  Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the Recommendation Relative to Face Coverings and to have it distributed and posted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

ARM Grant Site Visit:  Mr. Dalessio reported the site visit went very well.  The engineering estimate is $520,000 to replace the bridge.  We applied for an ARM Grant of $250,000.  There is about a 75% chance we will receive it.  There were about a dozen people present from various agencies at the site.  They spent most of their time down in the river bed.  It is all about the protection of aquatic species.  

Response Letter from DOJ, Department of Charitable Trusts:  Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged receipt of the response letter from Thomas J. Donovan, Director of Charitable Trusts. He reported there is now relief available for the Hooper Trusts.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out the preparation it will take to petition the court to adopt the provisions will be significant.

War Memorial Repair Update:  Mr. Brad Nash is researching what firm might be able to rebuild or re-store the wooden cannon wheels.  Mr. Whit Aldrich, on behalf of the American Legion, is going to send the Town an additional $5,000 toward upkeep of the Memorial site.  In the meantime, we may need to store the cannons while the wheels are shipped out to be rebuilt.

AFLAC Enrollment Meetings:  Mrs. Downing has had follow-up discussions with Mr. William Hill of AFLAC.  He would like to have in-person meetings with interested employees.  Meetings can be held outside with a canopy/tent, plexiglass separators, masks and with other precautions.  The Selectboard suggested bringing employees in to the Town Hall main meeting room by departments.  Groups will be kept as small as possible.  Mrs. Downing noted they have free services that need to be chosen.  Two are Telemedicine and Wellness benefits the Town receives through the HealthTrust.  The Selectboard chose Financial Fitness.      

Reservoir Dam Repairs:  Mr. Dalessio reported the amount of engineering work is going up.  There are still a lot of options.  The Department of Environmental Services (DES) came and looked at the work.  They keep opening up more and more questions.

Pending Further Actions:• Town Street Lights;• Sewer Bond Comment Letter.

NEW BUSINESS:

November 3, 2020 Voting Warrant:  Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the November 3, 2020 Voting Warrant.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, motion was approved.   

EMPG Reimbursement Request Letter:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the NH Department of Safety, Homeland Security, and Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) in the amount of $4,000.00 for the Walpole LEOP Update Project.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Exercise Class Request for Use of Town Hall:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Tai Chi classes have been going on Wednesday mornings on the Town Common.  Now that the weather is changing, they have requested coming into the Town Hall on the second floor every Wednesday morning.  Mr. Daviss stated masks are difficult for some of the older students when they are moving. They definitely will mask coming and going but some may not be able to breathe well enough if they are masked during the class.  Ms. Mayberry noted in specific cases and during voting, some people are excused from wearing a mask for medical conditions.  Mr. Dalessio is not opposed but feels they have to follow Town Hall rules.  The Selectboard was willing to allow them to use the second floor on Wednesday mornings provided they come in and leave with masks on and socially distance on the second floor.

Pinnacleview 4-H Reimbursement/Donation Request:  A request was received from the Pinnacleview 4-H to be reimbursed for plantings around the Fountain in the amount of $81.55.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the 4-H drops off a lot of miscellaneous items to elderly and disabled people in Town.  

Mr. Dalessio moved to donate $200 to the Pinnacleview 4-H for their work doing plantings around the Fountain and Town Hall.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

2021 Planning and Land Use Regulation Manual Order: There are new 2021 Planning and Land Use Regulation manuals.  Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer would like to have a new copy. 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:22 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:30 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 8, 2020, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.    

OTHER BUSINESS:

HealthTrust:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the refund in the form of a check from the Health Trust in the amount of $21,330.26.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Halloween:  When Mrs. Pschirrer talks with the Keene Sentinel reporter tomorrow about Halloween in the Town of Walpole, the Selectboard agreed to have her state that they will encourage families to stay together; will recommend the hours to be 4:00-to-7:00 PM; wear a mask, stay in your neighborhood; keep the recommended distancing, distribute only wrapped candy.  Please stay safe!  

Farmer’s Market:  Mrs. Downing mentioned there has been discussion relative to having a Farmer’s Market in the Town Hall on the weekend before Thanksgiving Day. There have been no official requests.  

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 6:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

SELECTBOARD MEETING

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (a)

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $794,929.32 for checks issued 10/16/2020

PAYROLL• Payroll Register totaling $30,423.99 dated 10/16/2020 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,173.53

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES• Selectboard Minutes – October 8, 2020• Non-Public Selectboard Session – October 8, 2020

COMMITTEE REPORTS• Walpole Fire District Meeting – September 9, 2020• North Walpole Village Commissioners Meeting – September 29, 2020• North Walpole Village Commissioners Meeting – October 6, 2020• Conservation Commission Meeting – October 5, 2020• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – October 7, 2020

TIMBER TAX WARRANT• Map and Lot# 009-012-002 with Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed and Timber Warrant

BUILDING PERMITS• 2020-43, Map and Lot# 007-020-001• 2020-44, Map and Lot# 020-014-000

OLD BUSINESS• Walpole ESSR Funds re: Walpole Schools

Pending Further Actions

Reservoir Dam Repairs, Town Street Lights, Sewer Bond Fee, Houghton Brook Bridge Repair and Grant

NEW BUSINESS• MS-535: Financial Report of Budget• HealthTrust 2021 Transmittal• Walpole Library Board of Trustees Appointment Notice• Cemetery Deed for Lot D496• Cemetery Deed for Lots D594 & D595

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES• Hooper Trustees Meeting – September 17, 2020

HOOPER BUSINESS• September 2020 Reimbursement from Hooper Education Trust Fund to the Town of Walpole

HOOPER NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II

SELECTBOARD MEETING – continued

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II (a)

**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**