The Walpolean

WOW will be starting our 20-21 season with a gathering on the Walpole Common near the gazebo, this Wednesday September 16th at 2:00 pm.   Bring a chair, a snack and good weather if you like. We will be practicing social distancing and masks are encouraged. This has been a challenging time, but we hope to encourage all to:

•  enjoy some social time, 
•  dues will be gratefully collected ($35), 
• bring your GOOD news to share,

And plans on how we can go forward during this time will be discussed. Please feel free to invite a friend or two!

From the Board of Trustees for the Walpole Town Library

September 11, 2020

Please join us in welcoming Jane Malmberg as the new Library Director in Walpole.  Jane was selected from a competitive pool of candidates to lead the library.  Jane’s first day will be September 21^st.

Jane comes to Walpole with over a dozen years of leadership in libraries in Massachusetts and Illinois.  She has a track record of developing and implementing innovative programs and services. Her collaborative and thoughtful approach will serve her well in her role here in Walpole.

Jane received her Master of Science in Library and Information Science from Simmons College in Boston and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Jane lives on the common in Walpole with her husband Richard and dog Fletcher.  They are thrilled to be back in New England close to their two grown children who live in the Boston area.

Jane will be reaching out to the community to get to know you and so that you can get to know her better.  Welcome Jane!

• 

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this meeting of the Walpole Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She introduced the other two Selectboard members, Ms. Cheryl Mayberry and Mr. Steven Dalessio.  Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, are also in attendance.  This meeting is being filmed by FACT-TV in Bellows Falls, VT.  It is available for viewing on the internet.  There were seven visitors in attendance.  

NOTICE OF SALE OF TAXED DEEDED PROPERTIES BY SEALED BIDS:  

Notice of Sale:  This notice was posted on July 30, 2020.  Mrs. Pschirrer read the following:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, in accordance with the provisions of RSA 80:80 (ll), the Town of Walpole, as owners of certain properties acquired by Tax Collector’s Deed, hereby provides notice of sale by sealed bids on the Town’s interest in the following real properties:

Map 7 Lot 11

1.38 Acres

Located at 63 River Road

Minimum Bid: $30,000

​and

Map 24 Lot 5

.52 Acres

Located at 24 Homestead Avenue

Minimum Bid: $30,000

Persons interested in purchasing these parcels shall submit a sealed bid delivered or certified mailed to the Selectboard Office, PO Box 729, 34 Elm Street, Walpole NH 03608 by 1 PM on September 3, 2020.  The bids will be opened and read aloud in public on September 3, 2020 at the Selectboard Meeting at or about 6:30 PM.  The outside of the envelope containing the bid must be labeled Prospective Buyer’s Bid for Tax Deeded Property.  It must be accompanied by a bank check in the amount of $5,000 payable to the Town of Walpole as a bid deposit.

The properties are sold as-is, where is, and as shown with no warranties or guarantees expressed or implied.  The Town will execute a QTheuickclaim Deed without Covenants to the successful bidders.  The successful bidder must pay the balance of the purchase price within thirty (30) days from the date of the bid opening or forfeit the bid deposit.  Payment will be by cash or bank check.

A bid package may be obtained from the Town website, www.walpolenh.us or at the Town Hall.

Town of Walpole, NH

BY ITS Selectboard

July 30, 2020 

Opening of Sealed Bids:

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that sealed bids were kept in a sealed envelope in the office safe.  Two bids were received as follows:

63 River Road – Tax Map 7 Lot 11

Bidder’s Name(s)​​​Bid Amount​​​Deposit

Roy and Donna Homan​​

Chester, VT 05143​​​$46,100.00​​​$5,000.00

Kenneth and Lori Thompson

Westmoreland, NH03467​​$41,100.00​​​$5,000.00

24 Homestead Avenue – Tax Map 25 Lot 5

No bids were received for 24 Homestead Avenue.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised there were two bids for 63 River Road, Tax Map 7, Lot 11.  The highest bid for this property is $46,100.00.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the sale of 63 River Road, Tax Map 7, Lot 11 to the highest bidder, Roy and Donna Homan for the amount of $46,100.00.  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 pointed out that the sale will have to be completed within 30 days of this date.  The payment needs to be by cash or a bank check.  

Mrs. Pschirrer noted the Selectboard will need to make a decision on how to proceed with the sale for the property at 24 Homestead Avenue.  It will be announced at a future date.

Walpole Congregational Church:  Reverend Malmberg is planning a gathering on the Common on Friday, September 18^th, 2020.  The plan is to show a documentary outdoors on the 13th Amendment.  It will begin at 7:00-or-7:30 PM and will last under two hours.  He is expecting 20-to-40 people.  Wearing a mask and social distancing will be observed.  The plan would be to gather near the gazebo and set up a screen/projector. It will require some amplification. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned electricity is available at the gazebo but the office needs to know if it is needed so it can be turned on.  Reverend Malmberg will check to be sure no other events are scheduled on this date. The Selectboard had no objections but requested that they be keep informed.    

Masks Requirement for Election Days:  Mr. Jack Wozmak, Moderator, is supportive of wearing masks at the voting locations. If they require masks, they need to have an alternative for the right to vote.  If they do not have a requirement to wear a mask, then the alternative is not present.  Mr. Wozmak pointed out that in North Walpole there are some limitations.  They do not have an accessible exit to allow a handicapped/disabled person to exit separately from voters coming in.  They would have to work with the flow of voters.  If a voter cannot wear a mask for medical reasons, Mr. Wozmak will invite them in because people have the right to vote. However, we have to make some accommodations.  He has worked with the Supervisor of the Checklist.  He wants to plan for contingencies because of the Attorney General’s guidelines.  In November there might be fewer options because of the weather.  We do not have the physical space inside for special accommodations.  There are more absentee ballots than in past elections.  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested in November if there is a voter who does not want to or cannot use a mask, the front hallway space can be used.  Entrances and exits that can be used safely for this Election Day and the November election were discussed.  Mrs. Downing was asked to make arrangements to rent a temporary handicapped ramp for the November election. The cost might be covered under the CARES Act.   Mr. Wozmak will be setting up in the Town Hall on Sunday night, September 13^th.  On Monday Mr. Nash and Mr. Wozmak will be working here.  Monday, September 14^th, there will be a “rehearsal” at 6:30 PM in Walpole.  There will be no “rehearsals” in North Walpole.  Mr. Wozmak talked to Mr. Nash about having four “pop-up” tents (about 10’x10’).  He talked to Mrs. Sandra Smith, Town Clerk, and Mrs. Meghan Hansson, Deputy Town Clerk. Mr. Dalessio noted that COVID-19 has been a challenge for everyone.  They will do the best they can under the circumstances.                 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $31,674.55 for checks issued September 4, 2020.  This includes a $17,046.23 payment to E.E. Houghton.  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.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Mask Ordinance: Dr. Charles Shaw did some research on Mask Ordinances for towns with populations of less than 10,000.  Plainfield, NH has a population of 2,700 people and they have a Mask Ordinance.  He had a copy but recommended not including No. 7 which is a Penalty Clause.  He would be happy to submit a similar ordinance next week for the Selectboard’s consideration.  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked him for finding this ordinance.  She will read it and report back next week.  Dr. Shaw will check back in a week.   

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the two Payroll Check Registers (one for employees except for the Police Department and one for only the Police Department – the latter included police detail wages) for the week ending August 29, 2020, in the amounts of $21,057.96 and $12,785.19, for checks issued September 4, 2020, and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,947.94.  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 – August 27, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 27, 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.

Mr. Dalessio complimented Mrs. Borden for doing an excellent job with these complex minutes.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – August 27, 2020: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 27, 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 report:• Safety Committee Meeting – August 27, 2020.

Mr. Dalessio would like to see the specs for the Police Department’s Ionic Breeze Units before they are purchased.

BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit 2020-33; MABEL, LLC, 73 Main Street, Map and Lot #020-052-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-33 for Mabel, LLC to build a “26’ x 6’ Covered Porch” at 73 Main Street, Map and Lot #020-052-000.  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 2020-34; LEVI HUBBARD and DALE HUBBARD, 141 North Road, Map and Lot #010-022-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-34 for Levi Hubbard and Dale Hubbard to erect a “42’ x 42’ Ground Mount Solar Array” at 141 North Road, Map and Lot #010-022-000.  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.

OLD BUSINESS:

Water/Sewer Receipts to Date:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the Water/Sewer Receipts to Date 9/02/2020, from Mrs. Daigle.  Total left to collect for Q2 2020 Billing is $33,402.52.  The collection rate has been quite good.

Reserved Parking Signs at Town Hall:  The Selectboard had received an email from Mrs. Daigle displaying a 12”x18” custom sign to be placed in front of the Town Hall for “Reserved Parking – Town Hall Business – Monday-Friday – 7am – 7pm”.  The cost is $39.99/each.  Mrs. Pschirrer’s concern is that the Town Offices are not open every night to 7pm on Monday-Friday.  A 3-Pack of 8’ sign posts is $76.21.  Total cost for three signs and posts is $196.18.  

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve these Reserved Parking Signs with the elimination of the time.  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:  Attorney Hockensmith now has the survey and is working on the deed.  

Pending Further Actions:

Reservoir Dam Repairs:  The Grant application has been submitted.  This is the next priority for Fuss & O’Neill.  

Houghton Brook Bridge and Fish Ladder:  The Town’s Grant application was submitted on Monday.  Some letters of support still need to be submitted by September 14^th.  As soon as Mr. Dalessio gets the official wording he will contact the Conservation Commission and Planning Board.  Fuss & O’Neill is taking care of the other letters as required.  

NEW BUSINESS:

Tree Trimming for Common:  The office received a call from Asplundh Tree Service who want permission to do minimal pruning of branches of trees on the west side of the Common in order for the new fiber-optic cable to be run for Broadband.  Both Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry expressed concern with what Asplundh considers minimal as opposed to what the Town considers minimal.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned there needs to be some parameters.  Mrs. Pschirrer said it should be a cosmetic trimming.  In addition to Mrs. Downing calling Dan from Asplundh Tree Service tomorrow, Mrs. Pschirrer would also like her to call Mr. Dennis Marcom. 

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve cosmetic trimming as necessary on the west side of the Common to accommodate the Broadband fiber-optic cable project.  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.     

NH DOT Permit Amendment Notice re: Route 12:  A letter was received from the NH Department of Transportation (DOT) informing the Town that they will be changing the size of a cross pipe due to a change in design on the Walpole-Charlestown Route 12 Project.    

Election Grant Funding:  Mrs. Pschirrer explained the Town was supposed to have received this quite some time ago but we were not aware of it until the State called to ask why we had not applied.  The State is accepting late applications.  This refers to the fact that there are more absentee ballots than in the past.  

Mr. Dalessio moved to allow the Chair, Peggy L. Pschirrer, to sign the Election Funding Grant document.  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.  

Employee Social Security Tax Deferral:  Following a discussion there was a Selectboard consensus that the Town of Walpole will not participate in the Tax Deferral Program.

Request to Borrow Speaker Microphone:  Mrs. Pschirrer recused herself from this agenda item as she is an active member of this Church.  She asked Ms. Mayberry to Chair this item.  A request was received from St. John’s Episcopal Church to borrow the portable speaker and two microphones for their first outside service for Sunday, September 6, 2020.  The sports field next to the church may be used for seating.  The church is planning this outside service and may hold another for the following week, weather permitting.  

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the St. John’s Episcopal Church request to use the field next to the church and they can borrow the portable speaker and two microphones for their outside services on Sunday, September 6^th and, if there are no problems or negative feedback, on Sunday, September 13^th, 2020.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer had recused herself from the vote.    

FACT-TV:  Mrs. Pschirrer announced that this concludes the regular Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a Hooper Trustees meeting and a Non-Public Selectboard Session. FACT-TV discontinued their filming and left the meeting.  

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 7:46 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:58 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session 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 voice roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:59 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:41 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 3, 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:

Invoices:  Mr. Dalessio moved that all Consolidated Communication, Inc. (CCI) invoices be processed through the Finance Office effective immediately.  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.    

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  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 meeting adjourned at 8:44 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:46 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  This meeting is being recorded.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – August 27, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of August 27, 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.

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Hooper Institute Board:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the Hooper Institute Board met last night via Zoom.  The alarm system update is a few hundred dollars more than anticipated but Mr. Dalessio told the Board it is alright as it needs to be done.  Mrs. Dalbeck asked for permission to approve/proceed with small unplanned repairs such as toilet problems. She called E.E. Houghton.  The members set a limit of $500.  They approved having Mr. Tim Smith do the roofing on both buildings.  The chimney on the shed was going to cost another $3,000 for repairs. A decision was made to lower it to the roof line as it is not used.  They are still waiting for Rice Tree Service to take the damaged maple tree down.  They are giving a lot of food to the Food Shelf from both the Hooper and School gardens.  

There will be a “5K – Hooper 90s” run online.  Donation is $5.00.  The Hooper Institute received two Grants:  1) $500 from the Savings Bank of Walpole; and 2) $500 from the Women of Walpole.  

Their newsletter resulted in bringing in 16 new members and some donations.  They are talking about doing another one the first part of 2021.  Newsletters were mailed to all the addresses in Walpole but Mr. Dalessio will check to see if it included addresses in North Walpole.  The Board members are going to re-visit the logo again.  They want to move that forward.

Mrs. Dalbeck met with Mr. Justin Cassarino and Mr. Sam Jacobs.  It is a big commitment to keep Hooper involved in the Walpole School programs.  It is a big plus for the Hooper. 

The Hooper budget will be ready in November.  Mr. Dalessio told Mrs. Dalbeck that she will be invited to the day of budget sessions with department managers.  There are lots of good positive signs and news.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting.  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 meeting was adjourned at 7:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Comes to the Common

The Walpole Players will be presenting a staged reading of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, this Saturday, September 12, at 5:00 PM, on the Walpole Town Common. 

This witty comedy about the trivialities of late Victorian society is sure to be a lot of fun!  The performance is free and open to the public, but please remember to bring your choice of seating (lawn chair, blanket, etc.).  

Since this performance is outdoors, we will be using a sound system so that the actors can be heard more easily.  Since this is a staged reading, the actors will be in costume and will move around in the designated stage area, but they will be using their scripts.

In case of inclement weather, the performance will take place the following Saturday, September 19.  If there is any question regarding the weather, a decision will be made by 2:00 PM on the day of the performance and will be posted in our website:  TheWalpolePlayers.org. 

Please note that all social distancing requirements and guidelines will apply at the performance.  Family/friend groups should seat themselves at least six feet from other groups; if it is not possible to maintain a six-foot separation while seated, masks must be worn.   If attendance reaches 100 people or more, per the governor’s Emergency Order #63, masks must be worn.  Audience members will be responsible for following these guidelines.

Please email WalpolePlayers@gmail.com for further information, or call (603) 756-2535.

GIRL SCOUT AND CUB SCOUT REGISTRATION NIGHT 

DATE :  TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 15th, 2020
TIME : 6 to 7pm

PLACE : WALPOLE TOWN COMMON 

            We are also looking for Leaders for both. Girl Scouts is Grades
K thru 8 and Cub Scouts is Grades K thru 5.

           If you can’t come but would like to sign your daughter up for Girl Scouts and/or your son up for Cub Scouts you can reach out to me –

Debbie Pawelczyk
603-445-5475 or mdjpawel@comcast.net

MASKS ARE REQUIRED AT REGISTRATION NIGHT

Just have to share an aside from Lucy as we sat around outside on Election Day – “Women are saving a lot by not having to wear lipstick. Why bother when your face is covered with a mask?” I hadn’t considered that but she is right! – Lil

I haven’t reported on the COVID-19 numbers for a while.  That’s because the numbers have been, well, confusing.  But there were 56 new positive tests reported in NH today, which is a lot, so I thought I would take another look at the numbers.

COVID-19 Numbers, September 10

The numbers of positive tests in the state are trending upwards.  Some of this is attributable to the intensive testing done on college students and on the testing attendant on the opening of schools.  But though numbers are on the rise, the 272 active cases in the state today are well below the 403 active cases on August 1^st.  There are only 7 people hospitalized statewide, fewer than the 22 hospitalizations on August 1st.  Two Granite Staters have lost their lives to COVID-19 in the first 10 days of September, but the average in August was just over 1 death every 2 days.

And the numbers have been bouncing up and down a bit in Cheshire County, too.  We have had 11 new positive cases in the county since September 1.  Some of these cases were associated with Keene State College and Franklin Pierce University in Rindge.  KSC has reported 2 cases, with 1 having recovered and 1 still active.  Franklin Pierce has reported 10 cases overall (some of these may have been in August) with 9 having recovered and only 1 still active.  

As of today, there are only 9 active cases in Cheshire County, which is lower than at any time since August 1^st.  (It is probably lower than it was for some time before that, too, but August 1^st was when I started taking careful daily notes on some of these statistics.)

As of today, I am pleased to report that Walpole has no active cases.  Keene currently has 6 active cases, and Swanzey, Winchester and Rindge are all in the 1-4 range, but I am pretty sure that if there are 9 total cases in the county, and Keene has 6 of them, that the other three towns currently have 1 each.  So there is reason to be encouraged.

There is a lot more information out there than there used to be, so if you want to explore, here are the links I use.  First, the NH DHHS has its main COVID page here. 

https://www.nh.gov/covid19/

At the bottom of the page are links for maps and links to active cases and cumulative cases by county.  These maps and statictics are updated daily.  New cases are not reported by town, but if you keep your eye on the numbers for each town on the cumulative cases map, you can usually work out where the new cases are.  If you want more information than that shown on the main page, click on the News link at the top of the page, and then on Updates, for a daily report with much more information in it.  And DHHS has archived these daily reports, so you can refer back to old reports if you want to compare.

Another new NH web site is the NH Schools Dashboard.  https://www.nh.gov/covid19/dashboard/schools.htm  Here you can find the COVID numbers for every school in NH.  If you click on the Interactive Map link, you can look at all kinds of metrics by county, health care region, or town.

Finally, for a site that will allow you to compare NH with the other states and countries around the world, try the Harvard Global Health initiative site:

https://globalhealth.harvard.edu/key-metrics-for-covid-suppression-researchers-and-public-health-experts-unite-to-bring-clarity-to-key-metrics-guiding-coronavirus-response/  NH usually has the lowest numbers of any state except for Vermont, but when we have a spike like today, we jump up to third or fourth lowest.  Note that the postings on this site lag behind by two days.

Wear your masks, keep your distance, wash your hands, and keep well.

~Representative Lucy Weber

lwmcv@comcast.net

603-499-0282

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

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

Roll Call: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order a 7 pm. A full board was present.

Minutes: Approval of August minutes and August workshop minutes: Mr. Marcom made three corrections to the regular August minutes. On page two, at the end of paragraph seven, he wanted it noted that Mr. Ruggiero assented to the hours of operation at the Ruggerio Processing Facility in the Industrial Park mentioned by Myra Mansouri. At the bottom of the page two, the lot number should be 3-1 not 13-1 on one of the lots in the Laura Madden lot line adjustment application. On page three, the third last paragraph should read Mr. Marcom “moved to approve the request.” There were no corrections to the workshop minutes. Mr. Perron moved to approved the amended minutes. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Public Hearing No. 1

Wellstone Associates LLC: Lot Line Adjustment: Tax Map 24, Lot 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, commercial/residential B. Rearrange three lots into two lots. Lot 14-1 will be .55 acres, with 170.25 feet road frontage; 14-3 will be .39 acres with 150 feet road frontage. Lot 14-2 will be eliminated.

Surveyor Joe DiBernardo represented Wellstone Associates. He pointed out on the map where the day care center was, the middle lot and a third lot, which had a mobile home on it close to the property line. Mr. DiBernardo said the owner is eliminating lot 14-2, the middle lot. This lot, 14-2, will be cut in half and half will be added to lot 14-1 and half will be added to lot 14-3. All the lots are non-conforming lots. In Residential B, lots require a minimum of 25,000 square feet with 150 feet of road frontage. Even if the Wellstone lot line adjustment is approved, the lots will still be non-conforming. Mr. DiBernardo said they are grandfathered from the subdivision created by Heman Chase years ago. 

Steve Corey, an abutter, asked about the middle lot. He wanted to know if it will remain vacant. The answer was that the middle lot is being eliminated. Then he wanted to know about the third lot, 14-3. Mr. Corey asked if someone were to build on lot 14-3 now, would they have to be 20 feet from the property line. Mr. Miller said they would have to abide by the current setbacks, which are 20 feet from the property lines in the rear and on the sides.  

How many acres are they now? Mr. Miller asked. Lot 14-1 is now .55 acres and 23,000 square feet and lot 14-3 is .39 acres and 16,903 square feet, Mr DiBernardo said it doesn’t change anything. The lots are still non-conforming, but the situation is better. There’s not much more you can do.

Mr. Marcom asked if these are grandfathered lots and you move them closer to meeting the ordinance, are the lots still grandfathered? The answer was yes.

Mr. DiBernardo said you not creating a new non-conforming lot. But you are getting rid of one. The lots are grandfathered.

With no further questions, Mr. Miller closed the public hearing.

Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the lot line adjustment as presented. Mr. Perron seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

Houghton Bridge Project: Letter for support from the Planning Board.

Select Board Representative Dalessio asked Board members to read a Select Board letter and then comment on the culvert project. The Select Board letter to Road Agent Michael Rau asked the Planning Board to support the project. The culvert project is part of the “proposed expansion of wildlife habitat for eastern brook trout and other aquatic organisms, replacement of a deteriorated and undersized culverts and enhancement of habit diversity in a riparian corridor that is a headwaters tributary to the Connecticut River.”

Mr. Perron made a motion to approve and support the restoration project. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Master Plan Contract for 2021: In August, at the WPB workshop meeting, Ms. Lisa Murphy, senior planner at Southwest Regional Planning Commission spoke about the 2021 contract to complete work on the Master Plan. The total cost for the work on the Master Plan for 2021 would be $10,730. Ms. Murphy said that was for her work and the work of the people at the Commission. The secretary sent a copy of the contract to each Board member.

At this meeting, Mr. Miller asked if everyone had a chance to look over the contract. Board members said yes. Mr. Miller asked if they approved the amount of the contract for 2021 and Board members said yes. The contracted amount will be put on the March 2021 warrant on which the townspeople will vote.

September Workshop: There will no workshop this month.

Gorham parcel on Main Street: Mr. Arol Charbonneau is a real estate appraiser with crafts Appraisal in Bedford. He has been retained by the Monadnock Conservancy to estimate the value of the easement or the development rights of the 7-plus acres that were subdivided off of 569 Main St. last month.

He emailed the Board asked for its opinion on the value of the property. Mr. Charbonneau pointed out in his email that the property was in a floodplain; drops off significantly from the frontage; and access comes from a right of way across the 2-acre parcel and there is no curb cut.

However, it was noted by Mr. Miller and Mr. Dalessio that the land is in the commercial district and with some time and money it could be developed. Chair Miller will call Mr. Charbonneau and talk to him about the matter.

Mr. Perron made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Harrington seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary

St. John’s Episcopal Church in Walpole, NH, is holding outdoor worship services led by our new priest-in-charge, Pastor Duncan Hilton.  We will continue to meet outside on Sundays at 10 AM while the weather is agreeable. We are fortunate to have the benefit of live music by our organist, Chris Evatt, as well as excellent acoustics provided by a sound system. Cancellation due to rain will be posted on the church’s website (www.stjohnswalpole.org).  

In addition, the website will have information about future Sunday services as it becomes available as well as links to the service leaflets and any web based (YouTube) recordings of the service.  

Bringing your own chair and mask will be helpful as our ushers seat every family group or individual six feet apart.  Our church is located at the corner of Elm St. and Westminster across from the Walpole Town Hall.  We meet in the field next to the church. We welcome all to join us.