Members Present:  Alicia Flammia, John Peska, Lewis Shelley, Laura Hayes, France Menk, Cheryl Mayberry (Selectboard Liaison), Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary)

Members Absent:  Jackie Kenson, Steven Dumont

Alternates Present:  Myra Mansouri, Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Liaison),

Call to Order:  Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:35 via Zoom

Review of Minutes:  Lew wanted to clarify the minutes of March 2 (under Other Business) regarding the water level of the pond at the Hooper Golf Course. He stated that it is his understanding that the dam was built to create wildlife habitat. Therefore the WCC monitors the water level in the pond. As that is affected by the golf course, they cannot draw more water than would lower the level and disrupt the habitat, especially during dry times when sprinklers would be needed. Also some of this water may be needed by the fire department.

John moved that the March 2 minutes be accepted with Lew’s clarification, and Lew seconded. All voted in favor.

Treasury:  No report tonight; Alicia will get an update from Tom Goins.

New Business:  Three invoices were received.

1.  Long View   $1593.75 for Rapid Assessment

    John moved: France seconded payment from Forestry Account

    John moved; France seconded payment from Walker Road Account

    France moved; Laura seconded payment from the Forestry Account

A discussion was held about camping on town forest land. The commission is against it but the Monadnock Conservancy states that the easement says nothing about camping.  Myra recommended having a zoning ordinance against it; John and France agreed. John asked what the process would be, and would the town need to vote on it. Myra stated that someone from the WCC would need to make a presentation to the Zoning Board explaining why camping should not be allowed on town forest land. France offered to do this. An ordinance would need to be written then voted on by the town.

John asked if there could be an interim measure to stop the camping; Myra said the commission could approach the Selectboard to create a temporary or interim ordinance.    

Lew suggested printing and hanging No Fires No Camping signs. John offered to talk to Mike Pacquette about this.

Peggy said the town can write an ordinance for all properties owned by the town, to be passed by the town voters. Laura said she worries about losing the vote to people who don”t understand the reasons behind it.

Alicia stated that the No Fires No Camping signs should be hung ASAP. All agreed. She said she would write to the Selectboard to request the signs (100).  Lew said he would ask the Conservancy if they could do something to revise the easement.

Cheryl asked if there is a timeline for the ordinance; Peggy will look that up.

Old Business:  John reported that Houghton completed the depth survey. The information was sent to Fuss and O”Neill. They have received it and are reworking the data in order to get the permit to have the culvert realigned.

In response to a call from Mark Houghton, John stated that there is a padlock and cable across the access to the Connecticut River on Walker Road and the WCC has the key. Mark Houghton wants access to the property for the fire department should there be an emergency on the river. A knox lock was suggested. John said the key would be accessible to those who need it, including Christian Gowdy and the WFD.

Lew said there will be new signs on the kiosk asking people to respect local farmers and No Fires No Camping.

Lew expressed concern about damage on Derry Hill due to the increased volume of utility vehicles. John said there is an increase in off-road motorbikes and other unregistered vehicles.

Alicia said the commission will try to meet in person in July.

The meeting adjourned at 8:16.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved by the Commission in July.

The Latest Update

The Governor has issued a number of modifications  to his emergency orders, and testing is now not only available but encouraged for everyone.  Here are links to the latest updates:

Testing:  Testing is now available to everyone, and is being encouraged as a way of monitoring asymptomatic transmission. The new name is the Asymptomatic Spread Assessment Program, fondly known as ASAP,  and there are test sites in both Keene and Claremont.  The link to make an appointment is here: https://prd.blogs.nh.gov/dos/hsem/?page_id=8479

Another week, another web site.  The latest is Stay at Home 2.0, and the main page is here: https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov There are links there to various activities, each of which has its own set of requirements related to reopening.

Outdoor Activities:  The guidance relates to outdoor activities in recreational or natural settings that occur individually, or in small groups of 10 or less.  This applies tocenters for biking, canoe and kayak rentals, mini-golf, outdoor driving ranges, outdoor shooting ranges, small fishing charters, paint ball, outdoor guiding services (fishing, hunting, hiking), and other small group outdoor activities that are able to follow the guidance below.

Additionally, this guidance shall apply to outdoor and nature-based experiential attractions and businesses, including but not limited to: agro-tourism, outdoor walking trails, tours and paths, batting cages, zip lines, chairlifts, ropes courses/aerial parks, disk golf, open off-road vehicle tours (no enclosure), natural science centers, garden tours, diving tours and lessons, caves, petting zoos, balloon rides, helicopter and plane rides (groups fewer than 5) and white water rafting.  https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt381/files/inline-documents/2020-05/guidance-attractions.pdf

Beaches:  The Seacoast beaches are now open to the usual beach activities, but your group of under 10 must maintain the six foot distance from all other individuals or groups.  The tricky part here will be finding a parking space, and parking remains limited, and certain streets, usually open for parking, are now allowing parking. https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt381/files/files/inline-documents/guidance-beaches.pdf

Golf:  Golf has its own new set of comprehensive but less restrictive guidelines.  I’m not a golfer, so you are on your own on this one.

https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt381/files/files/inline-documents/guidance-golf.pdf

Lodging Industry:  Hotels, motels, B&B’s, cabin communities, private cottages/condominiums/homes, and similar accommodations open to the public, including short-term rentals, may now open to NH residents.  They are open to non-NH residents as well, but non-residents must either self-quarantine for 14 days or certify that they have been self-quarantining in their home state for 14 days before coming here.  Larger establishmaents are generally restricted to 50% or capacity; smaller establishments may be able to open at 100%, but there are numerous wrinkles, so work your way carefully through the document.  https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt381/files/inline-documents/2020-05/guidance-lodging.pdf

Food Services, as of June 15:  Indoor seating will be allowed as of June 15^th, but how it is done depends on where you are.  In Cheshire County, as well as Belknap, Coos, Carroll, Sullivan and Grafton, restaurants may open at full capacity but tables must be six feet apart and for parties of no more than six.  This means that some restaurants will still not be able to lopen at full capacity, depending on their floor space.  In the four most populous counties, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham and Stafford, where the rates of COVID-19 are higher, indoor seating is allowed art only 50% of capacity. https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt381/files/files/inline-documents/guidance-restaurants.pdf

Summer day camps/playground programs, as of June 22:  As of June 22, day camps and local programs can open subject to a host of precautionary measures.  https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt381/files/inline-documents/2020-05/guidance-day-camps.pdf

Resident/Overnight Camps as of June 28,2020:  Sleep-away camps may open on June 28, subject to their own set of precautionary measures.

https://www.covidguidance.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt381/files/files/inline-documents/guidance-overnight-camps_1.pdf

As always, you can keep up with the latest NH statistics and information here:  https://www.nh.gov/covid19/

Remember, as you head out for newly reopened activities, that there is still a significant amount of active COVID-19 in this state and elsewhere.  Wearing a mask, staying 6 feet away from everyone except those in your own household, and frequent handwashing, or if handwashing is not possible, hand sanitizing are the most important tools to keep you and others safe.

Stay safe out there.

~Rep. Lucy McVitty Weber
217 Old Keene Road
Walpole  NH  03608

Cell: 603-499-0282
lwmcv@comcast.net

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:03 PM.  She advised that the Hooper Trustees are in three separate locations.  This meeting is being recorded remotely by FACT-TV.  It is available for viewing on the internet.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, in the Walpole Town Hall, and Ms. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary at a separate location.  All votes will be taken by a voice roll call vote.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised there will be no public comments at this meeting.  Comments are to be emailed to Mrs. Downing at the Walpole Town Hall.  

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – May 21, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of May 21, 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:

Main Street Relief Fund Application:  Mr. Dalessio referenced page 2 of the Prequalification Application.  He feels it is worth submitting this prequalification application for a grant.    

Ms. Mayberry moved to authorize Mr. Steven Dalessio to submit this Main Street Relief Fund Prequalification Application on behalf of the Hooper Institute.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Hooper Meeting:  Mr. Dalessio will be meeting with Mrs. Helen Dalbeck tomorrow about 1:30 PM.  Mrs. Pschirrer sent her information on the NH Charitable Trust.  Mrs. Dalbeck had already sent out information applying for a grant for a small amount of money.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned on June 5th the NH Charitable Trust will be issuing all the directives on how to apply for the money that is available for not-for-profitgroups/organizations.  

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees 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 7:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Pease be assured that if, like me, you are concerned that you won’t be able to get back up after you kneel down for those 8 plus minutes, it’s okay to bring a chair or simply stand.  The important thing is to show your support for racial justice, not your physical condition.

Marilou Blaine wanted to be sure that everyone realizes that this month’s Planning Board Meeting has been cancelled due to the Governor’s continuation of the stay-at-home order.

I guess this says it all.  No need for comment. – Lil

This post was forwarded to me by my friend, colleague and fellow Cheshire 01 Representative, Paul Berch of Westmoreland.

~Rep. Lucy Weber

About Absentee Voting

Representative Paul Berch

This will be a non-political post about voting. No matter whom you support, I encourage you to vote in our Primary in September and the General Election in November. But, due to COVID-19, it is likely to be more complicated this year. I recently “attended” a Zoom conference with State experts on this subject – and I expect to provide more information as events progress.

We are all familiar with the usual processes – modest lines at our Town Halls; some folks registering and voting at the same time; voters showing ID and otherwise identifying themselves and some voting by absentee ballot. If we are going be operating under our social-distancing rules, these practices will be more difficult. Registering to vote at the polls usually takes some time with face-to-face conversation, production & inspection of documents, etc.; showing a drivers license or other ID usually means being close enough for the ballot clerk to check the ID; lines will need to space individuals six feet apart.

That brings me to absentee ballots – which are going to make the process much easier on everyone IF they are widely used. The Secretary of State and the State Attorney General have issued a policy statement – supported by the Governor – which states anyone can vote by absentee ballot if they are concerned about exposing themselves or others to COVID-19 in the voting process. It is expected that large numbers of individuals will choose this method, as opposed to potentially exposing themselves, their neighbors and ballot officials to possible infection. AND – if you want to vote the traditional way, you certainly will be able to do so.

Two final notes for today: (1) It is important that you decide what to do as soon as possible – if you are going to apply for an absentee ballot, the sooner the better. Be in touch with your Town Clerk. I am posting some additional information below; (2) we are in a changing environment. What is true today may not be true in September. You can be in touch with your Town Clerk, the Secretary of State’s Office ( on-line or by phone) or by contacting your local State Representative.

Paul

The First Congregational Church UCC is looking for an executive-style wooden desk and chair for the pastor’s study. Please contact Pat Kingsbury, Office Administrator, 756-4075. Also welcome would be area rugs for the parsonage.