The Walpolean

In trying to provide a larger font, I lost the links from the previous post.  Here is the same message but it includes the links.  Thanks for being tolerant of my “technological challenges”! – Lil

Health care workers all over the country have run dangerously low on personal protection equipment (PPE). My ER doc nephew, for example, is now limited to 1 proper N-95 mask per four of his 12 hour shifts! Many health officials have put out a call for people who sew to make face masks. Fabric masks are better than no masks.

Your loved ones working in health care facilities and our local health care heroes do already or will soon be needing them. I understand Maplewood is already hoping for some. Perhaps someone can let us know who else has current urgent needs.

Patterns
There are two common styles. Both are exceptionally easy to make.
Pleated. I find this video the easiest to follow. Printed instructions here.
Curved. You can download both the pattern and the instructions here.

Fabric
Recommendations vary. A balance between protective and breathable is necessary. Researchers at Cambridge University concluded that among fabrics likely to be found at home, that balance is best struck by one layer of pillowcase fabric and one layer of cotton T-shirt fabric.

Others recommend a heavy non-stretch fabric such as denim, duck cloth, canvas, twill, or other tight woven fabric for the outer layer and
another thinner, softer cotton non-stretch fabric for the inside layer.

Elastic
Recommendations vary: 1/16″ round cord or  1/8″ to 1/4″ braided elastic. Absent elastic, bias tape, fabric or sturdy ribbon can be used.

It’s time for all hands on deck, using whatever we can put our hands on!

Jill Robinson asked if the following post was appropriate for The Walpolean?  My answer?  Sure enough. – Lil

Health care workers all over the country have run dangerously low on personal protection equipment (PPE). My ER doc nephew, for example, is now limited to 1 proper N-95 mask per four of his 12 hour shifts! Many health officials have put out a call for people who sew to make face masks. Fabric masks are better than no masks.

Your loved ones working in health care facilities and our local health care heroes do already or will soon be needing them. I understand Maplewood is already hoping for some. Perhaps someone can let us know who else has current urgent needs.

Patterns

There are two common styles. Both are exceptionally easy to make.

Pleated. I find this video the easiest to follow. Printed instructions here.

Curved. You can download both the pattern and the instructions here.

Fabric

Recommendations vary. A balance between protective and breathable is necessary. Researchers at Cambridge University concluded that among fabrics likely to be found at home, that balance is best struck by one layer of pillowcase fabric and one layer of cotton T-shirt fabric.

Others recommend a heavy non-stretch fabric such as denim, duck cloth, canvas, twill, or other tight woven fabric for the outer layer and 

another thinner, softer cotton non-stretch fabric for the inside layer.

Elastic

Recommendations vary: 1/16″ round cord or  1/8″ to 1/4″ braided elastic. Absent elastic, bias tape, fabric or sturdy ribbon can be used.

It’s time for all hands on deck, using whatever we can put our hands on!

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 7:27 PM.  He advised this meeting is being recorded.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – March 5, 2020:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of March 5, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Scholarship Committee:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the Scholarship Committee met on March 9th, 2020. They had a good discussion about the future.  

Appointment Notice – Elizabeth Collinsworth:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the appointment of Elizabeth Collinsworth as a member on the Hooper Institute Board and its representative on the Hooper Scholarship Committee for a period of three (3) years, March 2020 through Town Meeting, March 2023.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Trustee Of Trust Funds Letter:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the letter to the Trustees of the Trust Funds to close the Hooper Cottage Escrow Account and roll it into the new Hooper account they have established for the Hooper Institute at the Savings Bank of Walpole.  The amount is $704.62 plus any interest accrued at the closing of the account.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  The Hooper Trustees will return to the Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were two visitors in attendance.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $148,149.25 for checks issued March 13, 2020.  This amount includes a $108,271 partial payment for a new Highway Department Dump Truck.  This was a 2019 Warrant Article.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer had reviewed the E.E. Houghton bills for work on the pump houses and testing that was done in the Connecticut River.

FACT-TV:  Mr. Staats from FACT-TV came in to film this meeting.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending March 07, 2020, in the amount of $25,035.49, for checks issued March 13, 2020, and the electronic fund transfer for Employer Taxes in the amount of $4,946.37.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – March 5, 2020:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of March 5, 2020, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) RE: WALPOLE:  Dr. Charles Shaw, Walpole Health Officer, distributed copies of his Fact Sheet – Update #1 – as follows:

This is a new virus to humans.  It is transmitted into your mouth, eyes or nose by your hands (assuming an infected person doesn’t cough in your face).  An infected person can appear healthy for about five (5) days before exhibiting the symptoms of fever, cough and fatigue.  Older people are higher risk as are men and people with pre-existing health conditions.  There is no vaccine or drug specifically for COVID-19.  The longer you are with an infected person the higher the chance you will become infected.

HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN DO

1.Keep calm and carry on.  Don’t wear a mask unless you can’t keep your hand away from your face.

2.If you are sick, stay home, drink small amounts of warm fluids frequently.

3.Maintain a distance of three (3) feet from others (some are advising six (6) feet).

4.No handshaking.  Use a fist bump, elbow or bow.

5.Open doors with your closed fist, hip, sleeve pulled over your hand or gloved hand.

6.Use only your knuckle to touch light switches, keypad buttons, etc.

7.Lift the gasoline dispenser handle with a towel or glove.

8.Wash your hands, Wash your hands, Wash your hands.  20 seconds each time (sing the Happy Birthday song twice – that takes 20 seconds).  

9.Use disinfectant wipes in stores for handles and cart seats.

10.Have sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol) available with you AND when you get home.

11.Cough into a tissue and discard.  Cough into your elbow sleeve if no tissue is available.

12.Stock up on medicines, lozenges containing zinc, hand sanitizer and gloves (latex, nitrile or cloth).

Mr. Ernie Vose, Town Moderator, was present.  Mr. Dalessio stated they are all in agreement to go ahead with Town Meetingon Saturday, March 14th at 1:00 PM.  They have taken adequate steps.  Mrs. Pschirrer added that other towns have been holding their Annual Town Meetings.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and

Walpole Town Meeting

Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 1 PM

To prepare for Town Meeting:

NH State Health Officials are recommending the following per NPR for NH citizens:

Use your personal discretion whether you should attend Town Meeting.  Those with health concerns may not wish to attend.  

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENTS and REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #030-064-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $764.02 for Map and Lot #030-064-000 for a home that was damaged by fire.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #008-061-001:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant this Property Tax Refund in the amount of $3,471.24 for Map and Lot #008-061-001.  This is the result of a change in assessment.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.    

Mr. Dalessio recused himself from this one Agenda item.

MAP and LOT #015-016-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the recommendation from Avitar Associates to deny this Abatement Request and to urge the applicant to Appeal.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE:

MAP and LOT #013-009-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve this Application for Current Use Assessment to add land in current use to a property that had a lot line adjustmentfor Map and Lot #013-009-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

MAP and LOT #010-024-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve this Application for Current Use Assessment to add an adjacent lot to land already in Current Use for Map and Lot #010-024-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

MAP and LOT #013-052-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Timber Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #013-052-000 for property located off Valley Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Consolidated Communications’ Master Services Agreement: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the Broadband Committee met last night and talked about asking the Selectboard to sign this agreement on March 19th.  However, Mr. Rob Koester asked that we wait as this is not the correct copy.  It does not have to be signed until close to bonding time. They will wait to find out what the changes will be.  The committee members are prepared to make the presentation on Saturday during Town Meeting.  Bond articles have passed in the other towns.

Pending Further Actions:

Lights re: Walpole, NH – Rockingham VT 42277 Bridge Renovation Project:  Mr. Dalessio has not yet heard from the State of NH regarding the lights on the Arch Bridge.

Joint Meeting Request from the Village of Bellows Falls Board of Trustees:  The Village of Bellows Falls Board of Trustees have not yet scheduled a date and time for their Joint Meeting.

Town Deeded Properties: Mrs. Downing is working on the Town Deeded Properties Sale packets.

NEW BUSINESS:

TrueNorth Message re: Working from Home:    The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of an email from True North Networks regarding employees working at home.  Mr. Dalessiodid not feel we had any issues at this time. However, if a staff employee should be quarantined, they will address it.  

Letter re: Glyphosate Herbicide:  Ms. Mayberry advised that the Conservation Commission had talked about how to treat invasive plants.  Ms. Jill Robinson read the minutes of this meeting and subsequently wrote a letter in response regarding Glyphosate – Another Inconvenient Truth. Mrs. Pschirrerexplained that Ms. Robinson is very concerned and there is a great deal of controversy in the environmental world with the use of Round Up.  This is one of the things they were testing our wells for, but they did not find any.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned that Laura Hayes, Conservation Commission member, brought up some good points.  Ms. Mayberry summarized that there has been no approval to do any treatment, but the Conservation Commission will have a deeper conversation on this.  Mrs. Pschirrer will draft a response letter to Ms. Robinson for the Selectboard’s signatures next week.      

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  On a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:00 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:25 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of March 12, 2020, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio, the motion was approved.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:38 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

TOWN MEETING:  The Selectboard reviewed the 2020 Warrant Articles and agreed to present them to

the voters as follows:

Warrant Article #2 – ​“Fiber to the Premises” Network –Mrs. Pschirrer

Warrant Article #3 – ​2020 Town Operating Budget – Mr. Dalessio

Warrant Article #4 –   Town Buildings – Ms. Mayberry

Warrant Article #5 – ​Highway Department Truck – Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Rau

Warrant Article #6 –​Highway Capital Reserve Fund – Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Rau

Warrant Article #7 –​Police Department Cruiser – Mrs. Pschirrer, Chief Paquette and Lt. Sanctuary

Warrant Article #8 –​Police Cruiser Equipment – Mrs. Pschirrer and Chief Paquette

Warrant Article #9 –​Police / Motorola Dual Band Portable Radios –Mrs. Pschirrer and Chief Paquette

Warrant Article #10 –​Police Capital Reserve Fund – Mrs. Pschirrer and Chief Paquette

Warrant Article #11 – ​Police Station Study – Mr. Dalessio

Warrant Article #12 –​Plastic Bags / Petition – Mr. Dalessio, Ruby Frithsen and Sidney Curven

Warrant Article #13 –​Wilder, Bellows Falls and Vernon Dams – Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Tom Beaudry      

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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