Category Archives: Uncategorized

Hooper Trustees Meeting Minutes – 5/7/20

Uncategorized 05/15/2020 Leave a comment

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:36 PM.  She advised that the Hooper Trustees are in three separate locations.  This meeting is being recorded.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, in the Walpole Town Hall, and Ms. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, by telephone at a separate location.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – April 30, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of April 30, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – April 30, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of April 30, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Hooper Scholarship Committee Oath of Appointment:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the re-appointment of Carol Malnatias a member on the Frederick H. Hooper Institute Scholarship Committee for a period of three (3) years, May 2020 through Town Meeting, March 2023.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Hooper Institute Scholarship Committee:  Mrs. Pschirrerreported an email was received from Mrs. Susan Wyckoff who has been on this committee for several years and has been a valuable member.  Mrs. Wyckoff has asked to be relieved of her contributions to this committee.  Ms. Mayberry noted this is a big loss.  Mr. Dalessio thanked Mrs. Wyckoff for all her services and contributions.      

Hooper Institute Board: Mr. Dalessio advised that the financial position in their bank account is good. Friends of the Hooper will be putting out a newsletter that will include a section for fundraising. Mrs. Becky Sethi is putting that together with help from other members. Mrs. Heather Brady had some good ideas. Members will be doing trail work. Mrs. Holly Gowdy will mark the trails. They are moving forward with the Internship Summer Program using a focus on Agricultural places first. Right now they have seven applications from students and two are pending. Rather than having the traditional summer programs, they are going to do one day events and limit the number of kids. Little kids will have family days. They are coming up with good ideas and trying to make it all work. Mrs. Dalbeck and Mr. Dalessio are working on the owl house project as a fundraiser. Mrs. Dalbeck is starting to evaluate what can be done to make the building usable year round. Mr. Dalessio will work with her.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting. The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion. There was none. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:48 PM.

Clarion Deadline – 5/21

Uncategorized 05/14/2020 Leave a comment

JUNE CLARION — CLOSING DAY – 21 MAY

by Ray Boas

Too fast, and almost time again to finish up and send your next edition of THE WALPOLE CLARION to the printer. As with last month, COVID has impacted our world, and there are essentially no activities, past or upcoming, to share on our pages, BUT, there are still stories to share, and some work arounds to share.

So, this is the one week notice I always give for your submissions for the next issue. The date again (and the sooner to me the better) is Thursday, 21 May. Thank you, yours, RAY

PS – The Flamingo invasion continues, and there will be more documentation in the June issue, but you can click on the link below to see over one hundred pink birds now in Town.

FLAMINGOS
WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE STYLE

An Invitation

Uncategorized 05/13/2020 Leave a comment

Join members of the First Congregational Church UCC and town folks for a “drive by” to welcome our new minister, Richard Malmberg and his wife Jane, who have just moved into the parsonage on 19 Washington Street. Line up on Union Street with your decorated cars at 5:45 p.m. on THURSDAY, May 14, and we will proceed down Main Street to Westminster Street, turning left onto Washington Street (with horns honking, of course!), and hang a right past the Common up towards the Town Hall. Shhhh!! This is supposed to be a surprise!

More Cancellations

Uncategorized 05/11/2020 Leave a comment

Marilou Blaine sent an alert that both the Planning Board and the Zoning Board have cancelled their May meetings – Lil

More Birds

Uncategorized 05/10/2020 1 Comment

So, Fran Imhoff tells me those crazy birds have made it to Langdon! – Lil

No snow there. I may have to join them!

100 Sightings!

Uncategorized 05/10/2020 1 Comment

From Ray Boas:

I had a goal today, and I achieved that goal. I needed to get out and find more flamingos to share, and bring that number to a hundred. As you settle down this evening you may enjoy taking a look at

FLAMINGOS
WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE STYLE

by just clicking on the link above.
Share this link for others to smile and enjoy, and if you see more of our friends as they are bringing joy and hope in these difficult times, send your pictures along. As always, yours, RAY

More From Lucy

Uncategorized 05/10/2020 Comments: 2

Some COVID-19 Testing is Now Available Without and Order

At long last, some COVID-19 testing is now available without a referral from a health care provider.  Testing comes in two types: COVID-19 testing, and antibody testing, and the two tests are accessed differently.

COVID-19 testing tests for the presence of live virus.  If you have the live virus, whether you have symptoms or not, you can pass the virus on to others, so you must self-isolate until the virus has run its course.  Bear in mind that this test only tells you if you have the active virus right now.  It does not tell you if you have already had it, and if you test negative, there is always the possibility that you may become infected at any time after taking the test.

Antibody Testing tests for the presence of antibodies, which are the body’s defenses against the virus.  There are a lot of qualifiers to bear in mind if you have this test.  First, the tests have been rushed into production, for obvious reason, but they are not as accurate as we would like them to be. There are a high number of false negatives, and a higher number of false positives.  This means that if you test positive for antibodies, it could be a false positive, and you may not have the antibodies at all.  Second, and this is important, even if you do have the antibodies, this only means that you have contracted the virus at some point.  It does NOT mean that you are now immune to getting the virus again.  The COVID-19 virus is so new that we just do not know yet if antibodies give you real immunity to the disease, and we certainly do not know how long that immunity lasts, if it does exist.  Only time will answer those questions.  In the meantime, if you take the test, please keep up your vigilance, and your distancing, and your masks.

Where do I go and what do I do?

COVID-19 Testing:  Convenient  MD has a state contract to offer the COVID-19  test.  The nearest test site is in Claremont.  To sign up for the test, go to the NH DHHS COVID-19 page, https://www.nh.gov/covid19/ and click on the COVID Testing Registration Form button on the right.  You qualify for testing if you meet any one of the following criteria:

  •  COVID-19 symptoms
  •   Healthcare worker
  •   60 years old or more
  •   Chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  •   Serious heart conditions
  •   Immunocompromised
  •   Obesity
  •   Diabetes
  •   Chronic kidney disease
  •   Liver disease

Once you fill out the form, you will be contacted about an appointment. Do not just show up at the test site.

Antibody Testing:  Clear Choice MD has a contract for antibody testing.  There are no specifications as to who may be tested.They do not take appointments, but you can reserve a place in line by going to their COVID-19 page. https://ccmdcenters.com/coronavirus2019  Clear Choice MD accepts insurance, and if your insurance does not cover the test, the CCMD offices in New Hampshire offices offer the test to NH residents at no charge.  Be aware that the nearest Clear Choice MD is in Brattleboro VT, so check with your insurance company before you go there.  If your insurance does not cover the test, the charge in Brattleboro will be $139.  Lebanon, Hooksett and Goffstown are the nearest NH offices, but the test will be free to NH residents.

Happy Mothers Day to all, and keep well,

~Rep. Lucy Weber

Friends of the Library Plant Sale

EVENTS, Uncategorized 05/10/2020 Leave a comment



When I checked with Jana Sellarole, she explained that plants could be dropped off anytime but please label them.  I did that and at the same time I picked up a couple of books!  When gardening tires me out I can sit and read.  Sounds good, doesn’t it? – Lil

 

 

Curbside Pickup at the Library

Uncategorized 05/09/2020 Leave a comment

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 4/30/20

SELECTBOARD, Uncategorized 05/08/2020 Leave a comment

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM.  She advised that the Selectboard members 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, by telephone at a separate location.

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.  Mrs. Downing will display the agenda.  That will be followed by documents as they are being discussed.  

Fall Mountain Region School District:  Mrs. Pschirrerannounced that Ms. Lori Landry, Superintendent of SAU 60 Fall Mountain Regional School District, is present to discuss the district and CARES funding.  Ms. Landry thanked the Selectboard for giving her the opportunity to provide an update on the FMRSD for the community.  She met recently with the FMRSD Board and, after a lengthy discussion, the Board made the decision that their last school day will be Friday, June 5th, 2020.  Notices were sent home to parents yesterday.  Teachers will continue to work until Wednesday, June 17th.  During this time they will hold different types of professional development and have closure for the year.  Remote learning is different.  With this closure, they can put an end to this year and look forward to the next year.  They are planning for the fall and what school will look like.  All the teachers have done a wonderful job.  They worked together and made remote learning successful.  There are a lot of unanswered questions but they are having those conversations now.  

Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that the Selectboard is pleased to have Mr. Justin Cassarino as the new Assistant Principal of the Walpole School.  Ms. Landry advised that Mr. Sam Jacobs will be back with us to mentor and provide guidance for next year.  It will be a good working relationship for everyone.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that colleges are thinking about remote learning next year.  Is that something the FMRSD is considering?  Ms. Landry said they do not know what will happen in the fall but they need to be prepared.  They are looking at what needs to be done between now and June.  What do they need to accomplishsuch as graduation, the Senior Prom and how do they celebrate the successes.  Every year they offer a Summer Program.  They do not know what will happen but are planning on remote learning as well.  For the fall they are hoping for the best.  The first thing is the safety of their students and they are concentrating on that.  The Commissioner of Education has put together a task force.  As she learns more she is more than happy to visit with the Selectboard and the community again.  The school district continues to hear from the Governor and the Commissioner of Education.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that we are all waiting to hear from the Governor tomorrow as we expect he will tell us how we will function through the next month or so.  Mr. Dalessio is hopeful that the school district is getting federal aid to help them through all this.   Ms. Landry said they were told that the CARES Act would provide additional assistance. They do not know what the dollar amount will be.  They hope to know more on Friday but are trying to be conservative.  It is a hard time for everyone.  Mrs. Pschirrersummarized that we are very grateful for her information.  She can come back at any time.  Ms. Landry left the meeting.                 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $59,345.26 for checks dated May 1, 2020.  This includes a $42,345.26 payment for the Police vehicle and equipment to MHQ.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was 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 April 25, 2020, in the amount of $26,280.59 for checks dated May 1, 2020, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,279.26.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – April 23, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 23, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – April 23, 2020: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 23, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.   Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

WARRANTS:

WALPOLE WATER FEES:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for the Collection of Walpole Water Fees in the amount of $40,319.04.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrerasked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

WALPOLE SEWER FEES:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for the Collection of Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $65,393.18.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.   Mrs. Pschirrerasked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NORTH WALPOLE SEWER FEES:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Warrant for the Collection of North Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $56,048.24.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMIT:

Permit No. 2020-11:  Sharon Doward, 53 North River Road, Map and Lot #018-012-002:  Mr. Dalessio moved to grant Building Permit No. 2020-11 for Sharon Doward to build a “40’ x 10’ Front Deck” at 53 North River Road, Map and Lot #018-012-002.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Police Vehicle and Equipment Purchase Orders:  These purchase orders were covered under warrants that were approved by the voters at the Annual Town Meeting on March 14, 2020.

Purchase Order No. 331079:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept Purchase Order No. 331079 in the amount of $38,569.20 for the Police replacement cruiser that was damaged and unable to be used.  These funds will be taken from the Police Capital Reserve Fund.  He crossed off “Cost not to exceed $42,000”.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Purchase Order No. 331080:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept Purchase Order No. 331080 in the amount of $1,703.00 for Police equipment in the replacement cruiser.  These funds will be taken from the Police Capital Reserve Fund.  He crossed off “Cost not to exceed $3,000”.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Purchase Order No. 331081:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept Purchase Order No. 331081 in the amount of $2,272.20 for equipment for the new Police cruiser.  These funds will be taken from the Town’s General Fund – Warrant Article #8.  He crossed off “Cost not to exceed $15,000”.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Letter to Trustees of Trust Funds:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the letter to the Trustees of Trust Funds requesting that they withdraw $40,272.20 from the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund for the replacement of the damaged Police cruiser and attendant equipment.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Dexpart Letter:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from Dexpart.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned the letter does not indicate how many lilac trees they plan to plant; the letter says “multiple”.  Mr. Dalessio reported they did a lot of work cleaning out cars.  He sees Mrs. Kara Dexter out on the roadsides collecting trash all the time.  She is doing a good job all over Town.  It is helping the community.  She deserves to be recognized for keeping Walpole clean.  Ms. Mayberry is impressed with the tonnage.  They removed 72 bags and 701 lbs. of litter on their first clean-up day that was April 20th.  They are sponsoring a two-mile section of highway on Route 12 in Walpole.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the Selectboard is very impressed with what they are doing to keep Walpole clean.    

Water and Sewer Receipts to Date 04/28/2020:  Mrs. Daigle mailed invoices for Q4 2019 on January 31, 2020; payments were due by March 1, 2020.  Total receipts for Q4 2019 Billed: $147,519.78 = 92%.  Total left to collect for Q4 2019 Billing: $12,740.75.

Broadband Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the Broadband Committee met again this week and worked out differences with Consolidated Communications Inc.  They do not have a final contract yet.  By email today they filed their application with the Bond Bank and a copy went to our bond attorney.  They are now in the system.  It required a lot of work from Mr. Jim Fenn, Mr. Rich Kreissle, Mrs. Sandra Smith, Mrs. Sarah Downing and Mrs. Jodi Daigle.

Pending Further Action:

Recreation Area Parking Lot: Lot Line Adjustment and Deed with Letter:  Mr. Dalessio recommended that Mrs. Pschirrer wait to draft the letter until after she goes to the Planning Board meeting.  The letter with the book and page number will then be attached to the deed and recorded.

Highway Equipment List:  Mr. Rau is in the process of creating the Highway Equipment List. It is not yet finalized.

Town Deeded Properties:  Mr. Dalessio would like to have Mrs. Downing finish the packets for the two Town Deeded properties and distribute them to the Selectboard for their review.  Mrs. Downing had this on-hold because of the situation with the economy and State restrictions.  They are almost finished.  

Lights re: Walpole, NH – Rockingham VT 42277 Bridge Renovation Project: Mr. Dalessio asked if there was an update on the lights on the Arch Bridge.  Mr. Trembley from the DOT wants to respond to us but is missing some email addresses.  This information will be forwarded to him.  Ms. Mayberry stated it would be great if the Department of Transportation (DOT) would support the lighting plus re-painting the lines.      

NEW BUSINESS:

Funding for Reservoir Dam – Request from the Conservation Commission:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they have received an official request from the Walpole Conservation Commission regarding funding for the Reservoir Dam repairs.  She will draft a letter from the Selectboard and have it ready for the meeting next week.  This had already been voted on.

Mill Pond and Beaver Activity:  The water from the Mill Pond is rising and moving closer to the John Davey home which abuts the pond.  When the beavers build their own dam, it floods his property.  Mr. Davey had been told to contact the Conservation Commission. However, Mrs. Pschirrer told him she would bring this up at this meeting.  There have been several emails between everyone involved.  Mrs. Flammia suggested looking at a website “Beaver Diverters”.  Mrs. Pschirrer feels it is our responsibility to call the company to see if this is a reasonable solution.  Mr. Rau will be asked to look into this.  Mrs. Pschirrerwill follow-up with Mr. Davey to let him know he should expect to hear from Mr. Rau.

2019 Total Equalized Valuations from the Department of Revenue Administration:  Mrs. Downing advised that the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) is using $436,733,601 as the basis for the State Education Property Tax.

Thank You Letters:  The Selectboard acknowledged thank you letters from Big Brothers Big Sisters of NH and Our Place Drop-in Center for the Town’s donations.  

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:10 PM.  

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:14 PM.

FACT-TV:  Mrs. Pschirrer announced that this concludes the regular Selectboard and Hooper Trustees meetings.  Both the Selectboard and the Hooper Trustees will be entering into Non-Public Sessions.  FACT-TV ceased filming and left the meeting.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Selectboard will enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:15 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:07 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 30, 2020, be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:08 PM.

The meeting resumed at 8:20 PM.  

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of April 30, 2020, will remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

OTHER SELECTBOARD BUSINESS:

Recycling Center:  Ms. Mayberry reported that they are pouring concrete for the foundation of the new Reuse Center.  Mr. Dalessio talked to Mr. Hoy. He may be able to start the framing in June.  It is dependent on the collection of property taxes.  Mr. Dalessio advised they should not spend any money they do not have until we see how property taxes are being paid due to the economy.

ADJOURNMENT:  Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mrs. Pschirrerasked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary