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Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 6/25/20

SELECTBOARD, Uncategorized 07/06/2020 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 in the Walpole Town Hall.  She advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were eight visitors in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

SALE OF BALLOT COUNTING MACHINE:  Mr. Jack Wozmak was present to ask permission to sell one of the two ballot counting machines that they no longer use.  Mrs. Pschirrerexplained the Selectboard gave approval last year but the prior sale did not occur.  Now they have another town that would like to buy the machine that is of no use to us for $600.  

Ms. Mayberry moved to sell the machine to the Town of Stratham for $600.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mr. Dalessio amended the motion to allow the Moderator to sell the second voting machine to whoever they want to for $600.  Ms. Mayberry accepted the amendment.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any other questions or comments.  There were none.  (Mr. Vose came into the meeting.)  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion and amendment were approved.

MAP AND LOT #026-014-000 AND TRASH DUMPING:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of letters from Mrs. Kara Dexter and Mrs. Jazmine Breslend:  Photos were previously sent by Mrs. Kara Dexter.  She explained that in late April her husband, Peter, noticed a considerable amount of trash in the woods across Route 12 from Aubuchon Hardware and brought it to her attention.  She went to the site, no one was there except there was lots of trash.  On April 26th, she and her friend backed their truck and trailer down the old railroad bed to do a clean-up.  They documented, in pictures and videos, the substantial amount of refuse that appeared to be from someone living there.  They filled their trailer to the brim with lots of trash; it took several hours.  They spent an hour at the Recycling Center unloading the trailer, weighing everything; the total weight was 897 pounds.  She was upset by the complete lack of respect. Therefore, Mrs. Dexter decided to add this location to her list of spots to check frequently.  On June 3rd, a few friends informed her that the same person, who had been camped on this site, was back in the same RV as last year.  Later that day, she walked down the path to see for herself and recognized the RV seen around town the previous year.  There is a generator plus propane tanks, etc.  She flagged down a Walpole Police officer who listened to how much litter she had cleaned out of there recently. Mrs. Dexter asked if there was anything they could do about the occupant.  She was advised that the Police Department could not do anything because that person was on private property.  Over the next couple of weeks she rode by the lot every couple of days and saw the GMC RV parked in the lot nearly every time.  She also saw a white car through the trees.  Mrs. Dexter was upset because this person is trashing the place,yet the property belongs to the Town of Walpole.  What can we do to deter this person from continually trashing what is our landor make him go away?  She would like to keep the land open for people to use, but not to trash.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that Mrs. Brett Breslend also wrote a letter. Mr. Breslend’s first interaction was last year when he brought his dog to the area. Hwas met by another dog that was snarling at them and there was a guy in the RV, so he left.  About a week ago he drove down, could see the trash, parked his truck and walked down.  He knew the area had just been cleaned up.  The RV was not there, but when he went back to his truck, the RV was in back of his truck.  The guy told him rudely to get away from his stuff; Mr. Breslend called the Police so he could exit. The RV had blocked him in.  Mrs. Pschirrer explained they are on a section of land that is on the railroad line but it belongs to the Town of Walpole.  It is not private land.  She talked to the Police today.  They know who he is; he has moved around to different places.  They discussed what their options wwere.

One is posting a “No Dumping” sign.  This gives the Police the authority to at least fine people.  They cannot forbid him from parking on public land at this point.  This is an issue because they have discovered people are camping in other locations in Town and have left evidence behind.  It is an issue they have to discuss as a group.  There are people in Town who want no ordinances that forbid people from camping on public property.  Mrs. Dexter does not have a problem with this person camping on this land but does have a problem with his attitude and trashing the area.  Mr. Dalessio commended her for her efforts in cleaning-up trash all over Town. He understands the trash issue. But, there was a confrontation and that is a different issue.  It is a public way.  This person has taken over this entire area that should be open to other people.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted it is a common place for people to dump all kinds of trash.  Mrs. Dexter said it will be checked regularly.  Mr. Shelley asked if there were signs of fire.  Mrs. Pschirrer replied one was reported but it was on Reservoir Road.  Mr. Shelley said the Walpole Conservation Commission has been discussing this and have talked about no camping areas.  Mrs. Dexter is always ready to assist with a clean-up if someone contacts her.  People have asked Mrs. Pschirrer why the rubbish containers are no longer on the Common.  It is because people were disposing of their trash bags and, at times, the containers were over-flowing.  Any ordinance that would be written would have to go to Town Meeting.  Signs for “No Dumping” are helpful and it holds people accountable.  When camping, it is important to remember that what you carry in, you carry out when you leave.  Mr. Dalessio is expecting more issues with homeless people especially with this economy.  Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that the Selectboard thank Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dexter, a friend, Paul, and Mr. and Mrs. Breslend for coming in to discuss this problem.  They are grateful for all the clean-up that Mrs. Kara Dexter does.  Mrs. Dexter stated there are a lot of people in Town that are helping pick-up trash.  The Selectboard will keep them informed of what they are able to do.                

OFF HIGHWAY RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (OHRV) LAWS:  Mr. Lew Shelley has been a member of the Walpole Conservation Commission for 30 years.  He is also a concerned resident after seeing increased activity and damage to both roads and private property by Off Highway Recreational Vehicles (OHRV).  He is here to present his findings.  Class VI (6) roads have always been of interest to him.  He spoke about a new property owner who had a UTV they rode late at night.  He confronted one individual.  He learned from Fish and Game that any ATV is not allowed on any Class VI road in the State of NH unless the Town permits it.  There has been an increase with off the road ATVs over the last year.  Because of COVID-19 people want to get out.  He thinks people are not aware that this is not legal.  Mr. Shelley provided the following information.    

NH State laws (Chapter 215-A Off Highway Recreational Vehicles and Trails, Section 215-A:6) do not allow any OHRV (Off Highway Recreational Vehicle) use on any road, including Class VI roads, primarily because of safety.  This includes all ATVs, UTVs and any other non-registered off highway vehicle.  The only exception would be if the OHRV has a special commercial plate when used for agricultural or industrial purposes only and even then they have to meet certain requirements of lighting, reflectors, etc. to be on the road.  These plates do not cover recreational or casual use of any kind.  Snowmobile clubs are totally different in that they get permission from the towns to use the roads and landowners on private property. Obviously there’s no damage to roads and trails are covered under insurance policies, signed, patrolled, etc.

If a town votes to open their roads including Class VI roads to OHRVs then law enforcement falls the town’s Police Department and not NH Fish and Game.  In this area, towns are already stretched thin on officers and enforcement. Adding that additional responsibility of enforcing OHRV laws and landowner issues can be stressful especially when the Police Department must now be equipped with an OHRVequipment, beproperly trained, add extra patrols/officers, etc.  Mrs. Pschirrerreported they had complaints about Derry Hill Road; she was told from the Police that it was okay because they were registered.  Mr. Shelley feels that somehow the public needs to be educated.  Fish and Game has said it is hard to monitor this.

When the Selectboard talked about Derry Hill Road a few meetings ago, Mr. Shelley was reminded that even with registered vehicles there is a way to stop that problem.  They can change the road to a Class A Trail.  Mr. Shelley pointed out that designating Class VI roads as Class A or B trails is a way to limit certain activities and uses.  These are typically used to create trails for certain users while still allowing access for abutting landowners.  Class A trails allow such access while Class B trails do not.  In most cases Class A trails would make the most sense in Walpole.  These designations require a town vote and can always be reversed by another vote in the future.  Another option is to permanently discontinue Class VI roads which also requires a town vote.  Some sections of roads in Town are beyond repair and would likely cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair. Mrs. Pschirrer noted they get a lot of complaints about Whipple Hill Road.  She asked Mr. Shelley what roads he would suggest to discontinue.  Mr. Shelley mentioned doing some research but would consider Cochran Road to the bottom section in Christian Hollow, ScovillRoad down to the Emergency Lane, and lower end of Merriam Road.          

Travel on private property requires the permission of the landowner.

There are other laws that relate to age restrictions, driver’s licenses, speed limits, crossing streams and wetlands, etc.  All of these regulations may be seen in the Chapter 215-A NH laws related to the subject.

Any person violating the provisions shall be guilty of a violation for the first offense and shall be guilty of a misdemeanor for any subsequent offense.

Over the next many months, the Conservation Commission will work with the Selectboard to help educate and monitor OHRV use in town with an eye on potential Class VI roads that could be designated for limited uses.

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that more appropriate signage is needed throughout Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that the Selectboard will continue to work on how they will deal with several issues that have recently been brought to their attention.        

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel, (b) Hiring and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any questions or comments.  There were none.  On a roll call vote with Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:25 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:16 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 25, 2020, will be 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 motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $412,633.88 for checks issued June 26, 2020.  This amount includes three payments to Walpole Fire District Capital Reserve funds of $175,000 for heavy equipment, $75,000 for building renovations, and $75,000 for Walpole Fire District Operating Expenses.  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.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending June 20, 2020, in the amount of $29,021.40, for checks issued June 26, 2020, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,617.72.  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.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – June 18, 2020:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 18, 2020, as submitted.  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 Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – June 18, 2020: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 18, 2020, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain 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 Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• Hooper Institute Board Meeting – June 3, 2020;
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – June 17, 2020.

OLD BUSINESS:

Walpole Pool Opening Proposal:  Kraig Harlow and Justin Cassarino had submitted the Walpole Pool Opening Proposal with new procedures and set-up.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Walpole Pool Opening Proposal.  The middle block of pool time will be available for residents of Walpole and non- residents of Walpole.  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.

Discretionary Easement for Hooper Golf Properties LLC: This was discussed at the last Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard signed the PA-36 form at this meeting.  It will be recorded with the Easement Deed that is to be created by the property owner.

Letter from Zoning Board of Adjustment re: Feather Flags: The Selectboard received a letter from the ZBA in reference tothe Selectboard’s letter of April 23rd.  The feather flags have been removed by the Jiffy Mart.  ZBA members are still concerned about the flags and have requested the Selectboard write a letter to every business displaying a feather flag that they are in violation of the regulations.  Mr. Dalessio requested that the Selectboard table this until the meeting next week.  Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer agreed to do so.

Hitching Post Area by Walpole Grocery:  Mrs. Pschirreradvised that the Warranty Deed to Burdicks and Burns property was found.  Mrs. Downing is continuing the research to find the survey.  This will remain on the agenda for next week.

NH DOT Pavement Markings at Church and Killeen Streets. The Selectboard discussed their observations of the NH Department of Transportation (DOT) pavement markings at Church and Killeen Streets in North Walpole.  There was a consensus to wait until the bridge project is finished before talking with the NH DOT about the markings.

Central Plating Brownfields Site Update: Mrs. Pschirrerreported that Ransom Consulting was in Town last Tuesday.  They started disposing of some items left in the red building.  The two mowers were offered to Mr. Rau and Mr. Hoy.  There are still filing cabinets and two tables with chairs, etc.

Broadband Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Paul Looney attended the Town of Langdon Select Board meeting and discussed their Broadband project.  The Select Board was appreciative of their information.      

Pending Further Actions:

The following items will remain on the pending Agenda list:

• Recreation Area Parking Lot: Lot Line Adjustment and Deed with Letter;
• Town Deeded Properties;
• Houghton Brook Fish Ladder;
• Mill Pond Beaver Activity;
• NH DOT New Arch Bridge Lighting (no agreement has been received).

NEW BUSINESS:

Police Revolving Fund Request:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the purchase order from the Walpole Police Department to purchase (6) Gas Masks with Canisters for the total sum of $1,800.00 to be withdrawn from the Walpole Police Revolving Fund.  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.  

Mr. Dalessio noted this is protective gear for the Police Department.

Pole Licensing Agreements:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept and sign three Consolidated Communications Pole Petition and Licensing Agreements as approved by the Road Agent.  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.

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 were any questions or comments.  There were none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:40 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:43 PM.

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 was adjourned at 8:44 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Town of Walpole Staff Meeting – 6/25/20

Uncategorized 07/06/2020 Leave a comment

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

Staff Present:​​Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Michael Paquette (Chief Police Department); Justin Sanctuary (Lt. Police Department); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director); Justin Cassarino (Recreation Director – resigned July 19, 2020); Kraig Harlow (New Recreation Director – hired June 15, 2020);

Excused:​​Sandra Smith (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Department); Justine Fafara (Library Director)

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and welcomed everyone.  This meeting is being recorded.

Mrs. Pschirrer was pleased to welcome a new employee.  She asked Mr. Cassarino to introduce Mr. Kraig Harlow who will be taking over as the Recreation Director.  He hopes to get the pool ready for use on Monday, June 29th, 2020.  

Mrs. Pschirrer displayed a thermometer; one was purchased for every department.  They are to be used every day when employees come to work.  They can do it themselves or the department directors can assist.  It is suggested that everyone wear their masks during working hours.  Unfortunately, thisvirus is with us for the long haul.  We are expecting a second surge of COVID-19.  People are dying on a regular basis.  There is the potential in all states that the governors will re-think their re-openings if the number of cases continues to go up.  

Recycling Center:  Mr. Ben Hoy had submitted and reviewed a written report and revenues as of June 24th.  It has been tough working in the high heat and humidity.  They asked the public to give them some leeway and time when providing assistance.

• Volunteers will be coming back in.  This will increase their sorting ability that will bring in more revenue.
• Greg Given retired after several dedicated years at the Recycling Center.  A thank you was extended to Greg for the hard work and his invaluable trade knowledge.
• Jake Velazquez has taken over Greg’s position for the summer.  He has already learned to make bales, and is contributing well in Greg’s absence.
• The Recycling Center is looking for a full time replacement to take over the open recycling attendant position.
• Hooper Institute workers Ian Gould and Ruby Frithsen (who spoke at Town Meeting about plastic bags) are working 100/80 hours respectively at the Recycling Center this summer.
• Cardboard prices are up to $90/ton.  Prices were at $20/ton before this COVID-19 epidemic.  Mr. Dalessio asked what the driver is.  Mr. Hoy felt more stimulus and online shopping.  A lot of their cardboard comes from Mr. G’s.  Mr. Dalessio said it appears a lot of people are refurbishing as there are many appliances at the Recycling Center.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they are getting a lot of Amazon boxes.    
• Spare compactor trailer was repaired and is ready for use.  No more overflow rubbish issues.

Mr. Hoy mentioned that Saturday is the July 4th holiday.  They are usually open on Saturdays.  Mr. Dalessio noted Friday, July 3rd is the holiday for the Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer summarized that the Selectboard will continue this discussion on what day the Recycling Center will observe this holiday.  

Recreation Department:  Mr. Cassarino submitted a written report dated June 25, 2020, and reviewed the following.

Pool:

• Justin, Stephanie, Cheryl and Kraig met to come up with the guidelines and protocol to open the pool.

*Reviewed the state requirements and looked at what other facilities were doing;

*Created a plan with strict guidelines that will be presented to the Selectboard to discuss and make any changes that they feel necessary.    

• 10 ft x 12 ft Pods were created around the pool to help with social distancing.  

*Up to four people, from the same household, can occupy one pod.

​*Another Pod will be assigned if there are more than four people from the same household.

• Changed the age requirement to be dropped off alone from 10 to 12 years old.

*They felt like with all of the requirements and guidelines, it was important to make sure that kids, who were being left alone, to be able to understand what was being expected of them.

• Worked with Sarah on getting a COVID-19 Aquatics Waiver form.

*Will need to be signed in order to use the pool.

• There will be a staff meeting to go over the approved guidelines, in detail, with the lifeguards before the pool opens on June 29th.
• They feel like these guidelines are necessary to keep their staff and community members safe.
• A thank you was extended to Mike Rau for taking the time to remove the diving board and diving blocks from the pool.

Mr. Cassarino advised there would be 14 pods.  He recommended using field marking tape, at this time, to mark the pods.  People have to call to reserve a pod.  Mr. Mike Rau took out a lot of items left behind from other years and Mr. Hoy took them away.  There is a lot more space and it looks nice.  The pool area capacity is for 54 people.  They will be keeping track of people with a daily log.  There will be a lot of strict guidelines some of which the public might not like.  Staff employed by the Town will still have free access to the pool but they need to call to reserve.

Tennis:

• They have two companies, VT Tennis and Wilson and Lawrence, coming down to give them quotes on minor repairs to the courts.
• New benches for the courts should be arriving next week.

North Walpole Park:

• A flag pole was donated to the park.
o The park will be holding a special flag ceremony on July 4th at 9:00 am;
o Invited the Selectboard to attend.

Basketball Clinic:

• Kraig is considering a basketball clinic over the summer.

Waiting to see if more regulations will be lifted in the next few weeks.

Police Department:  Police Chief Michael Paquette and Lt. Justin Sanctuary were present.  Chief Paquette had submitted a report on Canine Calls for Service from January 1, 2020 through June 15, 2020.  There was a Total of 63 Canine Calls.  

Calls By Location:

​Walpole, 40, 63%​​North Walpole, 18, 29%​​Drewsville, 5, 8%  

Time of Calls:​8:01 AM to 4:00 PM – 28 – 44%     12:00 AM to 8:00 AM – 6 – 10%​

4:01 PM to Midnight – 29 – 46%

Chief Paquette is working on the Town Ordinance for canines running at large.  The court system is slowly opening but they are backed-up several months in arraignments.  Mrs. Pschirrerclarified that there already is an ordinance but they are working to amend it.  Chief Paquette reported they are assisting the Highway Department on Watkins Hill and both Highway and Water Departments on Main Street.  They will also help during the paving.  Their lobby is now open.  It was closed since mid-March due to COVID-19.  They are getting data from the traffic speed unit on County Road and North Road.  Vehicles were traveling over 20 plus miles over the speed limit on County Road.  The machine identified repeat offenders and when they are traveling on the road.  The department has their new cruiser but is waiting on two pieces of equipment.  They hope to have both new cruisers on the road in a few weeks.  Lt. Sanctuary spoke to Mr. Rau about an old cruiser.  Officer Prince is back on duty.  Business has not slowed for them, but their cases are a little different; fraud, investigations, etc.  Mr. Nash comes in two days a week to clean-up; they are grateful for this service.  Sometimes they have to have people inside the Police Station. Mr. Dalessio asked how many canines were licensed.  Chief Paquette is not sure.  A part-time person could track all that.  A lot of towns have their own canine investigation person.

Administrator of Finance:  Mr. Richard Kreissle submitted the following written report that he discussed at this meeting.  .

GOFERR Covid-19 Expense Reimbursement Submission:  Concord rejected the labor and loss of revenue submissions.  Brad’s extensive labor in disinfecting the Town Hall and labor associated with updating facilities to make it as hands free as possible was rejected. They felt it was within his normal realm of duties.  Any claims for loss of revenue are not allowed within the parameters as established by the government.  He is working with Mark Houghton for any expenditures related to the Walpole Fire District (WFD).  He also contacted North Walpole for the same.  WFD has lost revenue on ambulance calls.  Specifically, as it relates to the WFD, Elizabeth Gilboy of the NH Department of Safety-Homeland Security believes we should be able to include radios so the Town Hall can be an alternate emergency operating center.  The next deadline is July 15th.  Mrs. Pschirrer does not believe the Town will be able to collect $91,000+ which is the amount they were allocated. The State is not allowing for much of what we have submitted.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned submitting items needed to open the pool such as the tape, signs, sanitizers, etc.  We can try.  Mr. Kreissle said this is an on-going project.  

The annual audit: The field audit was done remotely this year, and, in some ways, it was busier for him than when they were onsite.  When they are onsite, he could give them the records for the library, Trustees, etc. and let them go through those records to find the documentation they need.  This year the onus was on him.  At the end of the day, he was actually grateful for this for he got a greater awareness of those other areas and, depending on their findings, may add to his record keeping to faciliatatesubsidiary schedules for future audits.  Another example of how it was busier for him were the credit card accounts.  Each statement for each of the five departmental cards we have are two pages.  He had to scan and forward to them a year’s worth of statements for them to do their testing; that’s 24 pages for five departments for a total of 120 pages that had to be scanned.  To do that each statement had to be unstapled, scanned, then stapled back together after they selected the charges they want to verify!  When they’re on site, he can just give them each department’s credit card folder and do the leg work.  It was very different this year.

He developed a subsidiary schedule of tax collections against the Spring Tax Warrant to allow us to determine whether tax collections are being affected by the pandemic.  As compared to this time last year the town is slightly ahead.  His personal concern has been the cumulative collections (Spring and Fall Tax Warrants) as the town always has a seven-figure obligation for the county portion of taxes due in mid-December.  So far, so good.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised they have collected $3,000,000 out of the $5,000,000 property taxes coming due.  There is a lot to think about in this economy.   She talked with the Town’s Welfare Director.  The Governor had said there would be no eviction notices issued back in mid-March or early April with COVID-19.  Mrs. Clough anticipates she will be over-come in the next couple of months when that order runs out and people who have not been paying their rent will start coming in for assistance from the Town.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that this represents issues for any town.  

As always, Mr. Kreissle is available to address any concerns, questions or suggestions.      

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Helen Dalbeck submitted and read the following report dated June 25, 2020.

School Gardens and Community Outreach:  Gardens are growing.  Donations of fresh produce and herbs begins again on 6/29/20.

Summer Programs:  27 students, grades 1-8 participated in their new at home and in the field version of Camp 2020.  Usually summer camp has 60 to 80 kids.  It was an enormous amount of work for Becky Whippie and her, but people were happy.  It was very positive.  Owl nest box building will happen in July.  Tenstudents and their families have signed up so far.  Pre-registration is required; $30/kit to make one box.  For families, there is an open invitation to come to the Hooper Institute andwalk our trail, make shelters and fairy houses.  “Shelterwood and Fairy Houses” Staff will curate but this activity is self-guided.  They invite you to visit them anytime during through the summer.  Mr. Dalessio said that Becky Whippie did a video and built a kit for every project. It was awesome.  

Summer High School Work Program:  Nine students were interviewed and accepted, eight have been placed on three farms (Malnati Farm, Abenaki Spring Farm and Alyson’s Orchard) and the Recycling Center.  They are all set to begin working with one exception.  Her paperwork is incomplete and still pending.

Walpole Community Garden:  The garden members are very happy and active this year.  It is a beautiful sight.

Building and Grounds:  Anyone know a good roofer, tree surgeon, and handyperson?  Mrs. Pschirrer will email her some suggestions.

Governance:  The HI Board met 6/1.  The Hooper Scholarship Committee work is ongoing.

Marketing:  School-Teacher-Parent email network as well as Facebook and The Clarion.

Fundraising and Grants:  Ongoing via Friends of Hooper Institute and her office.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that they have done remarkably well considering the limitations that were placed on them this spring and summer.    

Manager of Administration:  Mrs. Sarah Downing distributed and reviewed a written report dated June 25, 2020.

Town Hall Update:  

• The Town Hall has reopened to the public including public meetings and events.  Today there will be three Town related meetings held in the Town Hall, with the Safety Committee, Staff and then Selectboard Meetings occurring with people in attendance. There had been no meetings since March 19th.  
• All meetings will be set-up with social distancing applied for seating.

• Visitors continue to call Town Hall offices to set-up appointments.
• During the last several months, painting projects have been occurring.  The main meeting room walls were painted along with the Men’s and Women’s Bathroom walls.  The trim has yet to be painted.
• Koala Baby Changing Stations have been installed in the larger bathroom stalls in both the Men’s and Women’s bathrooms.
• The western steps onto the Common’s gazebo are no longer safe due to rot.  The area has been taped off.  The steps are to be fixed in July.  There are no Concerts on the Common planned for this year which lowers the use of the gazebo for this summer.

Water and Sewer:

• Water bills were due at the end of May.  Thirty and 90-day notices have been sent.
• Meter readings will start in the first half of July for 2ndquarter use.
• There has been a water break at the junction of Prospect Hill, Wentworth, South and Main Streets.  Since pipes and values date to the early 1900’s, the repair has expanded in scope due to unforeseen issues.  Additional work is required with traffic being detoured.  Mr. Dalessio said they would be back to work on this project over the weekend.

Seasonal Office Activities:

• Summer Hiring for Hooper and Pool Lifeguards; both a bit later than usual due to COVID-19 situation.
• Insurance Exposure Update for Primex includes a listing of buildings, vehicles, and other equipment and structures to be insured against loss.

Chief Paquette reported that the first house on Prospect Hill/Wentworth Road will be having a tree taken down.  The company will be there for about half-a-day.  He will give Mrs. Downing the exact date.  

Mrs. Dalbeck asked about the drought.  Mrs. Downing replied that it is definitely dry but the office has not yet been given any orders or direction on conservation.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that people on wells are very conscious of it.  The Town wells have not gone dry but we should not use the water wastefully.            

Highway Department:  Mr. Rau was unable to attend this meeting as it is his daughter’s birthday but he had submitted the following written report dated June 24, 2020.

“This past month, highway has been taking advantage of the dry weather and has been doing roadside ditching for drainage, approximately 4 miles so far.  We have also repaired 13 catch basins and replaced 6 insufficient culverts.

The new drainage was installed last week for Maple St.  This road should be ready for paving in the next few weeks.”

Beginning next month, they will start their paving projects.  Starting with reclaiming a portion of the Old Drewsville Road as well as milling Main Street from Wentworth Road to the Walpole Middle School.  After that is done, paving will begin.

Town Clerk / Tax Collector:  Mrs. Sandra Smith was unable to attend this meeting but had submitted the following written report dated June 25, 2020.

“First a big Thank You to Sarah for coming in Wednesday to remind her!  She had been so busy collecting taxes and keying them into the system, that she forgot all about the meeting.  She is totally exhausted, so will not be attending.

She did have her “Million Dollar Day” yesterday!  Core Logic, a tax service, sent checks for almost $900,000 and then with payments from the property owners has completed her quest.  This took steady keying all day to complete all the deposits.  She deposited over $100,000.00 today and the checks keep coming!

They collected $82,885.00 on motor vehicle fees since the last Staff Meeting.  

She collected $3,465,389.15 in taxes – most of this is for the new bills due July 1st.

Working by appointments is going quite well.  If someone wants to pay taxes, she runs outside, gets their check and then brings their receipt out to them.  That way they only have one transaction in at a time.  

She will be taking some time off in July to recover!”

Walpole Library: Mrs. Justine Fafara was unable to attend this meeting but had submitted a written report.

“May Updates:

• Julie has continued creating tutorials for their digital resources which are all on their website at walpoletownlibrary.org/tutorials.  She’s been maintaining their Facebook page, hosting weekly story time and now weekly Wiggle Time on Facebook, monitoring emails and creating new library cards for new patrons.  Julie has also been reading and writing book reviews.  She finished her Story Time class and received her certificate.  She’s spent a great deal of time setting up the new Summer Reading software, READSquared, provided for free from CARES money via the State Library.  It looks very promising and they are excited about the new platform!
• Chris has continued cataloging new books, cleaning up old catalog records, reading and writing book reviews, and attending relevant webinars.  She’s done a number of Ebsco hosted webinars on book displays, readers advisory and collection development.
• Kelli has been creating marketing materials for their services and their book reviews.  Both Kelli and Julie have been exploring the new LibraryAware software.  The three of them are very pleased with it and she is planning to purchase a year’s license.
• Fran and Carolyn have been reading and writing book reviews.
• Justine has been attending 4 weekly video calls: three with the state library and one with the coop, as well as weekly new book previews hosted by publishers.  She has been maintaining and updating the website, working on the book awards she chairs for the state library association, answering lots of emails, creating new patron cards, hosting weekly staff calls, continuing communication with the staff, the board and the public, researching more digital tools and services to help the staff and our community, creating and editing a phased reopening plan, reading, writing book reviews, watching the governor’s press conferences, communicating with other local libraries to help inform her reopening plans.  She is working with the State Library and YALS (young adult library services) to create a Summer State Wide Read and a Fall State Wide Read.

Service​​April 2020​​May 2020​​May 2019

Overdrive​​615 checkouts​​542​​​423

Hoopa​​42 new patrons​​8   new patrons

​​​87 checkouts​​75 checkouts

​​​$129.45 spent​​$137.24 spent

Curbside​​​​​191 check outs -4 days

Their Facebook stats continue to be high.  They have over 2,500 video views, and they are reaching over 3,000 people per month.”

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer thanked everyone for attending and wearing their masks.  She adjourned this Staff Meeting at 5:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Are You Curious?

Uncategorized 07/04/2020 1 Comment

I thought I was the educator,  but along came Ray!  Interesting information in case you wanted to know more. – Lil

 

WHAT DO VIRUSES EAT ??? – DID YOU EVER WONDER ABOUT IT ???

by Ray Boas

Well I did, and a Googling away I went. Viruses don’t eat I found out, but in my search I found a wonderful website with all the answers about how viruses act and react. I recommend you visit VIRUS WARS: ANTIBODIES STRIKE BACK – which was an exhibit at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition in the UK in 2013.  Following is what I found fascinating from the site. “Knowledge is Power,” and with reading what follows you will be better prepared to understand not only COVID-19, but all viruses. Do viruses eat, and are they alive? The answer is near the end.

Every day you breathe in over 100,000,000 viruses.

Antibodies help your immune system fight back.

Viruses are deadly. They kill twice as many people as cancer does – around 15 million people every year. Vaccines have saved many lives, but for most viruses there is no cure. Understanding how viruses work and learning how the human immune system deals with them is critical to finding new treatments.

What is a virus?

All viruses are very simple, they are made up of an outer shell of protein which carries the virus’ DNA (or RNA) – the genetic code with the instructions for making new copies of the virus. Some viruses have an extra layer around the shell, but that’s about it. Despite being so simple there are many different types of virus that can cause diseases from the common cold and flu to chicken pox and AIDS.M

Viruses are all around us – everyday we each breathe in over 100,000,000! Most of these are harmless, but some can make us sick. Viruses are tiny agents that invade the cells of our bodies and hijack the microscopic machines inside our cells to produce millions of copies of the virus, assembling a viral army which bursts out of the cell, spreading the invasion through the body.

Viruses aren’t actually alive – they don’t grow or move themselves, or eat or use energy, and they can’t reproduce on their own. This is why they must invade our cells – so that they can take advantage of the complex machinery, nutrients and energy in our cells, and force the cell to make millions of copies of the virus using the genetic blueprint carried in the virus.

Fascinating facts about viruses

  • You are constantly exposed to viruses – in the air you breathe and things you touch and water you drink.
  • Viruses can cause a huge range of diseases. From viruses that give you a cold to viruses that quickly kill you (rhinovirus – common cold; flu; VZV – chicken pox; SARS; Ebola;)
  • During an infection viruses invade your cells in order to reproduce.
  • Each cell becomes a virus factory, which eventually bursts, releasing 10,000 new viruses which can go on to infect other cells (adenovirus).
  • During an infection you may have several million viruses in every millilitre of your blood.
  • The human body makes use of antibodies to fight disease. You have ~3×107 unique antibodies.
  • The shape of the antibody determines what it can bind to. Because you have so many different antibodies, almost any shape can be recognised.
  • After recognising an invading virus, the cells (B-cells) that produce the individual binding antibody are stimulated to divide.
  • Each antibody producing cell can produce 2000 antibody molecules per second. After 4-7 days, antibody (IgG) is detectable in blood.
  • Antibodies bind to viruses, marking them as invaders so that white blood cells can engulf and destroy them.
  • Until recently, antibodies were thought to protect on the outside of cells. TRIM21 binds to viruses on the inside of cells.
  • TRIM21 sends viruses to the cell’s recycling system (the proteasome) where the virus is destroyed.
  • An antibody is 1,000 times smaller than a virus particle (adenovirus)
  • Two antibodies per virus are enough for TRIM21 to send the virus for destruction.
  • Understanding how TRIM21 and antibodies work may help scientists devise new therapies for virus infection.

Antibodies strike back!

Antibodies are one of the key weapons against viruses in our immune system’s arsenal – they are molecules made by our white blood cells to fight off invaders and keep us healthy. Each of us has more than 10 billion different kinds of antibody – that means there are more different antibodies inside you right now than there are people in the world.

Although antibodies all have the same basic ‘Y’ shape (see picture), they can have any shape at their ‘ends’, so for every shape of virus, there is an antibody to match. Antibodies with the right shape for a virus will stick onto it and alert your cells to destroy the virus. This also turns the cell that is making the right shaped antibody into an incredible antibody-making factory, churning out 2,000 antibodies every second!

Antibodies, Antigens and Antibiotics

They may all start with ‘Anti’, but they mean very different things…

Antibodies are proteins that recognise and bind parts of viruses to neutralise them. Antibodies are produced by our white blood cells and are a major part of the body’s response to combatting a viral infection.
Remember me by: Antibody – Body protection

Antigens are substances that cause the body to produce antibodies, such as a viral protein. Antibodies bind antigens very specifically like a lock and key, neutralising the virus and preventing its further spread.
Remember me by: Antigen – Antibody Generator

Antibiotics are substances that kill bacteria. They are not able to neutralise viruses. Bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics, so misusing them for non-bacterial infections could have serious consequences rendering the antibiotic ineffective.
Remember me by: Antibiotic – Antibacteria

Are viruses alive?

This is actually a really hard question to answer. Viruses are much simpler than other organisms that we definitely consider alive. For instance, you have about 25,000 genes, whereas HIV has eight. But simple doesn’t necessarily mean not alive.

Viruses must also use a host cell – and all its complex machinery – in order to replicate. This means that a virus can’t replicate without a host. But then you could say the same thing about a head louse, and we would definitely call a louse alive. So where do we begin?

First of all, you have to be really clear by what we mean by alive. Some of these discussions border on philosophy, but the easiest way is to list characteristics that all living beings share. Coming up with a list that includes all recognised life forms but excludes other replicating things (like fire) is tricky. However, here is a commonly used list of features that most accepted living beings share:

  • Growth
  • Reproduction
  • Metabolism (extracting food from the environment and turning it into self)
  • Homeostasis (keeping a regulated internal environment)
  • Responding to stimuli
  • Organisation (having some kind of internal structure, like cells)
  • Evolution

Humans do all these things but viruses do, at best, four of them. Viruses do not grow, metabolise or maintain a constant internal environment. So by this definition, viruses are not alive.

Viruses are the ultimate freeloaders – they sneak into our cells, eat our food and rely on our homeostasis (their favourite temperature just happens to be body temperature!)

Vaccination – Giving your immune system a head start

Have you ever wondered what exactly is in the needle when you get a vaccine, or how that works to protect you against a disease?

A vaccine against a virus actually contains virus – usually either a dead, weakened, or slightly different version of the virus it protects you against. Deliberately injecting a virus may seem like a very strange approach to preventing infections, but is a really effective strategy, because your immune system reacts to the vaccine and makes lots of specific antibodies with the right shape for the vaccine virus. Once you’ve made antibodies to a target, your immune system ‘remembers’ the shapes of antibodies that were effective. This means that if you’ve had the vaccine and then get infected by the real virus, your immune system has a head start and quickly makes lots of the right kind of antibodies, which destroy the virus before it has the chance to spread through your body and make you sick.

The first successful vaccine was developed in 1796 against the smallpox virus, which killed about 500 million people in the 20th century. The vaccine was extremely good at protecting people from infection, and was given to people around the world, so that in 1979 smallpox was officially declared to be extinct. This is an amazing example of how powerful vaccines and antibodies can be in protecting us against infection.

I also discovered a YouTube presentation that you may find useful:

Please remember: WEAR YOUR MASK and exercise SOCIAL DISTANCING, and WASH YOUR HANDS.

I hope you found this of interest. Thank you for getting through to the end, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher, THE WALPOLE CLARION.

 

Browse for a New Book at the Library

Uncategorized 07/02/2020 Leave a comment

This is what you’ve been waiting for!  Time in the library to browse for your next good read! – Lil

 

Monday begins our browsing appointments!

 

Follow this link to make a 15-minute appointment to browse the books we’ll have in the front room. All of our new books for adults, kids, and teens will be in the front room along with new movies and audio books. We’ll also have our staff picks available. You can make one appointment for everyone in your household. Please wear a mask when you come to the library and sanitize your hands before browsing (we have plenty of sanitizer!). Email Justine if you have any questions: jfafara@walpoletownlibrary.org

 

https://calendly.com/wtlappointments/15min

 

We will continue offering curbside pickup as well. You can make an appointment for that here:

https://calendly.com/walpoletownl…/curbside-pick-up-drop-off

Sad/Happy News from the Walpole Library

Uncategorized 07/01/2020 Leave a comment

This week Justine Fafara, our amazing Library Director for the last 5 years let me know she would be leaving The Bridge Memorial Library to further her career at the Richards Free Library in Newport, NH.  Justine came to our library in 2015 and has fearlessly led the library through expansion of our programming and our building. Less visible to the public was her collaboration with other state and local libraries to increase access to e-books and programs.  Justine also kept the staff busy and the community served during a global pandemic.  We will miss her dearly, but look forward to seeing her visit often as a patron!

The trustees will be assembling a committee to lead the search for a new Library Director.

Justine’s last day will be on July 29th.  Until we hire a new Library Director, Chris Burchstead and Julie Rios will be dividing the leadership duties with support from the board of trustees.  Julie will be the main point of contact for you.

I know you will join me in congratulating Justine on her new position in Newport. Please let me know if you have any questions.  I can be reached through email at amyh294@gmail.com.

Thank You,

Amy Howard

Chair, Board of Trustees

Kudos to Walpole Creamery Ice Cream

Uncategorized 06/30/2020 1 Comment

Check out this excerpt from Yankee Magazine’s New England Today.  If you are planning to travel to other New England states and love ice cream, here is the link so you can find all the best ones. – Lil 

https://newengland.com/today/travel/new-england/the-best-ice-cream-in-every-new-england-state/

 

Best Ice Cream in New Hampshire
Walpole Creamery

Using milk from local farms and a base mix made from scratch, the super-premium and all-natural ice cream churned by the folks at Walpole Creamery is the ultimate scoop. The real maple walnut is a personal favorite, but there’s also Fijan ginger, black raspberry, udder joy (coconut ice cream with chocolate chunks and crunchy almonds), and seasonal specials like fresh peach in late summer and pumpkin spice in early fall.

Honorable mention: Annabelle’s Natural Ice Cream

COVID-19 Case in Walpole

Uncategorized 06/28/2020 Comments: 7

Ray Bias posted this on The Clarion. Not sure how many of our “Followers” are duplicates but wanted to reach any of you that don’t also subscribe to The Clarion. – Lil

 

 

This morning, Sunday 28 June, Walpole’s Health Officer, Dr. Chuck Shaw, shared that the first Covid-19 case has been reported in Walpole. No further details have been shared.

The facts for your safety are clear, and not to be disputed. WEAR YOUR MASK – SOCIAL DISTANCE – WASH YOUR HANDS. Your life, everyone’s life depends on these simple actions. Stay safe, and be well. Yours, Ray Boas, Publisher

July Clarion is On-Line

Uncategorized 06/27/2020 1 Comment

JULY 2020 CLARION NOW ON-LINE

by Ray Boas

The July twenty page issue of the CLARION is now on-line. The content of the June and July issues, of necessity, shifted from relating past events, and highlighting upcoming events. With COVID-19, events have been cancelled, thus nothing to report to you. However, in both the June and July issues, I was pleased to bring to the CLARION’s pages a number of feature articles/pieces to inform and entertain you. June included articles on: Walpole water; a welcome parade; Kiniry’s Barn; and, Abingdon Spares. The July issue, sadly, has articles relating to the murder of George Floyd, and Walpole’s response. August (and possibly the rest of 2020) could also lack past and future news events. So if you have an idea of something you would like to read about in the CLARION, send me your idea. Or, better yet, send an article for publication consideration.

CLICK ON THIS LINK TO SEE THE July 2020 ISSUE

Feel free to share this post and issue with friends, neighbors, and out of town family and friends. THE WALPOLE CLARION is also on Facebook, and updates occasionally posted, so “Like Us” there. And, I encourage all to sign up on the CLARION website to receive post updates. In addition, I encourage you to visit The Walpolean.org and sign up there also for emails with area information.

Thank you, stay home or keep a “social distance” and be well, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Hooper Trustees Meeting Minutes – 6/18/20

Uncategorized 06/26/2020 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 7:15 PM.  She advised that the Hooper Trustees are in three separate locations.  This Zoom meeting is being recorded.  All votes will be taken by a roll call voice vote by the Hooper Trustees present.  

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – June 11, 2020:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of June 11, 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 HOOPER TRUSTEES SESSION – June 11, 2020: Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Hooper Trustees Session of June 11, 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.  

HOOPER BUSINESS:

May Reimbursement from the Hooper Educational Trust to the Town of Walpole:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the May reimbursement from the Hooper Educational Trust to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $9,063.77.  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 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 7:19 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

New Program for Self-Employed Bussiness Owners

Uncategorized 06/26/2020 Leave a comment

Are You a Self-Employed Business Owner?

There’s a New Program for That.

 

Today, Governor Sununu outlined a new program designed to help self-employed people whose businesses did not qualify for the Main Street program because they have no employees other than the owners.  The program is called SELF (Self Employment Livelihood Fund.)

 

Here is how he described the program:

 

  • The business must be a NH business
  • The owner or owners are the only employees of the business
  • The business is a for profit business
  • The business is not intending to close permanently; but businesses that had to close temporarily due to COVID-19 may apply
  • The business is not in bankruptcy
  • The business had less than $1,000,000 in gross receipts in 2019
  • The business owner or owners may have received unemployment benefits, but the amount you receive from the fund may be adjusted to offset unemployment benefits.
  • The application period opens July 6; the application period will; close onJuly 17.

 

The information is not yet up on the web site of the Governor’s Office for Emergency Relief and Recovery (GOFERR) so check the site often for a link.   https://www.goferr.nh.gov

 

Keep your distance.  Wear a mask.  Wash your hands.

Keep safe.

 

~Representative Lucy Weber

lwmcv@comcast.net

603-499-0282