The Walpolean

**NOTICE**

On Thurs., July 18, 2018

The Walpole Selectboard

will be holding a  Public Hearing Regarding

the Paving of the Dirt Portion of Old Drewsville Road

at 6:00 pm at the Walpole Town Hall

Selectboard Meeting to follow

August is the 8th month, not the 9th. Mill Pond Trail Work Day is in August, the 8th month!

Mill Pond Trail Work Day

When: Saturday August 17, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Mill Pond Trail Head

The Walpole Conservation Commission’s second trail work day of the year will focus on the trails around Mill Pond. These trails are very popular and are in need of work, including removing dead trees, pruning vegetation, removing trash, raking and regrading the trail if required.

No experience necessary and there will be an introduction to the work and a safety talk prior to working. Some tools are provided but rakes and loppers would be helpful if you can bring them. Gloves are recommended.

Open to everyone. Anyone under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

BELLOWS FALLS — On tour from Georgia and North Carolina, Nathan Evans Fox and Jane Kramer will co-headline Stage 33 Live, playing both separately and together. Local up-and-comer Nick Badaracco opens. This early evening listening event is on Monday, July 15 at 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls — door at 6:00 PM, music at 7:00. A suggested donation of $10 goes entirely to the performers.

Nathan Evans Fox is a multi-instrumentalist storyteller who blends his musical roots of country, rock, bluegrass, and hymns into landscapes that confront his cultural and religious heritage with quiet grief, incisive anger, and unexpected wit. Frequent themes of family, place, and love come out in ways that are both familiar and strange. His second full-length, Texas Dust, prompted a reviewer from Americana UK to write, “Nathan Evans Fox sounds like the truth.”

Jane Kramer has been described as “born to gypsy poets and raised by Emmylou Harris.” With deep roots in Appalachian musical traditions, culture, and lore, her introspective songs are gracefully gritty, poignant, and engaging. Grammy-nominated songwriter Mary Gauthier says Jane is “an artist on the rise,” and Dave Stallard of Blue Ridge Outdoors says she has “a voice that can only be described as one of the purest in modern Americana.” Her third album, Valley of The Bones, was released this March.

Door at 6:00 PM, music at 7:00 on Monday, July 15 — suggested donation of $10+ for the performers. Seating is limited to 40, first-come first-served; however, chairs front-and-center will be reserved for those who make their entry donation in advance online at stage33live.com. If the chairs have all been reserved, standing room is available. Attendees may bring their own seating if the chairs have all been reserved.

The performances will be recorded and filmed.

Stage 33 Live is a volunteer run nonprofit that invites the public to listening events of original material that are recorded and filmed for radio, TV, and the internet.

33 Bridge Street is ADA compliant. Fragrance note: The building is also home to several artists’ studios, including an artisan soapmaker; there may be mild scent if they’re in production.

– – –

High-res for Nathan Evans Fox: www.nathanevansfox.com/epk
High-res for Jane Kramer: www.janekramermusic.com/gallery
Stage 33 Live best contact: stage33@stage33live.com

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 8:00 AM 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 was one member of the public in attendance.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:05 AM.  

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $81,977.16 for checks issued June 28, 2019.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a $35,692.13 payment to the Village of North Walpole for a Payment in Lieu of Taxes from Great River Hydro, as per the signed agreement.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending June 22, 2019, in the amount of $31,228.91 and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,988.19.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES – June 20, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of June 20, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – June 20, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 20, 2019, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

STAFF MEETING MINUTES – June 20, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of June 20, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mrs. Pschirrer abstained from this vote as she was not present at this meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

BUILDING PERMIT:

JUSTIN KINGSBURY, 199 Kingsbury Road, Map and Lot #008-117-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019-22 for Justin Kingsbury to construct a “28’ x 22’ Roof Mount Solar Array” at 199 Kingsbury Road.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Town Hall Roof Repair – Quote Sent Earlier from Griffin Construction:  Mr. Dalessio advised they are beginning to see leaks in the Town Hall roof on the slate side.  Another leak developed this week on the east side of the Town Hall roof.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the quote of no more than $5,958.72 submitted by Griffin Construction to repair the Town Hall roof.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Paving of Dirt Section of Old Drewsville Road: Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Rau wants to pave a dirt section of the Old Drewsville Road.  Due to concerns expressed by several residents, he wanted to set a meeting date and suggested Thursday, July 18th at 6:00 PM.  A letter will be sent to the residents to notify them of this meeting to voice their concerns.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if the road is legitimately the right width; a section is very narrow.  Research had been done but there is a question as to if the Town ever accepted this section as a Class VI road.  Mr. Rau said the Highway Department has maintained it all these years. Therefore, that would grandfather it, by prescription, into a Class V road.  Mr. Dalessio noted the concern is safety and speed of young drivers.  He will ask Police Chief Paquette, Mr. Mike Rau and someone from the Fire Department to attend.  There are a lot of issues to be addressed.  Ms. Mayberry will check with Jane of the FMRSD about why school busses are using this road.    

NH-ENS:  Mr. Dalessio continues to work on the Emergency Notification System paperwork.

Tax Deeded Properties:  Mr. Dalessio put together a lengthy email to Attorney Hockensmith on some open issues that include tax deeded properties and Dexpart.  

Locked Gate on Old Stage Road:  Mr. Dalessio will draft the letter to the property owner and have the letter ready for next week’s meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Payment in Lieu of Taxes to North Walpole Village District: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the voucher request for the payment in Lieu of Taxes to the North Walpole Village District.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Great River Hydro Dam Tour:  The Great River Hydro has offered to do a tour and provide lunch on Monday, August 12th at 10:00 am.  This invitation was extended to Senator Kahn and other elected officials.  Ms. Mayberry sent the notice to all the North Walpole Village Commissioners.  Ms. Celeste Armand plans to attend.  Mr. Dalessio requested that a copy be sent to Mr. Mark Houghton and Ms. Dalbeck.  Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio plan to attend.  

Cold River Study: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the NH Department of Environmental Services that a study of the Cold River is being conducted beginning in 2019 and extending through 2020.  This study is required by the Rivers Management and Protection Program (RSA 483) and the instream Flow Rules (Env-Wq 1900).  

Ms. J. Clark – re: Cold River Study:  Mrs. Pschirrer received an email from Ms. Jeannette Clark.  The NH DES is willing to look at her bank erosion but need a request from the town.  The Selectboard agreed to give her a letter of support.    

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 9:25 AM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:34 AM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of June 27, 2019 be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, 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 #2.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:42 AM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Environmental Protection Agency:  Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Downing attended the EPA training for the Brownfields Grant.  The documents have to be in by July 10th.  For the July 3rd meeting, they want to have everything drafted so it can be reviewed.  If the documents look good, they will be sent to the Project Officer.  Mrs. Pschirrer will contact Mr. Steve Rickerichof Ransom Consulting to obtain some additional details that are needed.  The bottom line has to be $500,000.           

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 9:50 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

On Saturday, July 20th the Walpole Historical Society will open its doors and lawn from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for our first Summer Festival.  

There will be tours through the Museum’s collection with historian and author Ron Patch. Tours of the architectural highlights of downtown Walpole led by author Bill Ranauro. A Round Table discussion of the Good Old Days with a group of longtime Walpoleans.  

Everyone is invited to view the four new exhibits in the museum:  Life in the Valley, an illustrated documentary about life in and around the old Dodge Tavern about 1919;  Walpole Stories, a collection of amusing and telling anecdotes from the diaries of Edith Cole Tiffany; Walpole Architecture, an historical and stylistic study of buildings in Walpole; and BOOM!, a delightful collection of items and memorabilia from the ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s.

At least 20 organizations and individuals from Walpole and our area will be outside on the lawn with displays, information and items for sale.  Our Walpole Fire Department, Mazziott’s Savory Tarts , Pinnacle View 4 –H , Girl Scouts.  Our local Cub Scout Pack 299 will have grilled hot dogs and cold drinks for sale for your lunch, and 2 Chez will provide music intermittently throughout the day playing an eclectic mix of old time American jazz, classic and folk music.  There will be a wide variety of food, crafts, art and more.

Round Table discussion scheduled for 10:00 AM

Tours inside the museum scheduled for 11: 00 AM and 1:00 PM

Architecture Tours in the village scheduled for 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM

Mark your calendars and join us for this fun event! This will be rain or shine.

And beautiful pictures! Love to post Michael’s pages. – Lil

Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail eNews: July 2019

Summer is Finally Here!

And each day brings more flowers!

Rose Pogonia orchids (Pogonia ophioglossoides) are blooming in the cranberry bog at Distant Hill.

Our cool spring is but a memory, and the early season plants of Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail have all finished blooming. It’s time to move on and welcome summer, with its own long list of flowers to look forward to.

At the top of my list of favorite summer flowers is the Rose Pogonia orchid that is blooming now in our Cranberry Bog. In fact, many of my favorite summer blooms are found in the bog. This list of native wetland plants includes Virginia Marsh St.John’s-wort, White Water Lily, American Bur-reed, and the interesting but tiny carnivorous Round-leaved Sundew to name but a few.

Virginia marsh-St. John’s-wort (Triadenum virginicum)

White Water Lily (Nymphaea odorata)

American Bur-reed (Sparganium americanum)

See if you can find a Round-leaved Sundew when you walk the Bog Boardwalk on Distant Hill Nature Trail.

It’s not just the bog that has flowers galore to see. The main gardens are loaded with blooming shrubs and perennials too, such as Japanese Tree Lilac, a half dozen species of Roses, three varieties of Clematis, and lots more. I hope you get to visit us in July, and experience the beauty of summer at Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail for yourself.

Michael Nerrie

CEO (Chief Environmental Observer)

Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail

The beautiful Japanese Tree Lilac blooms in July at Distant Hill Gardens. This is your chance to see it for yourself!

July Events at Distant Hill

Two ‘Open Garden Weekends’ and Plant Sale in July

Saturday and Sunday, July 6th and 7th, 10am to 4pm

Saturday and Sunday, July 20th and 21st, 10am to 4pm

Learn More: July ‘Open Garden Weekends’ and Plant Sale

Free tours of the Cranberry Bog on Sundays, July 7 and 21, every hour on the hour from 10am to 4pm

And remember you can visit Distant Hill Nature Trail anytime. It’s open seven days a week, free of charge.

Be sure to check out the giant ‘Ironing Board Flower’ in bloom at the entrance to ‘White Rock Woods’ nature play area on Distant Hill Nature Trail.

These are unapproved Minutes. Corrections, if necessary will be found in the minutes of the July 10, 2019 meeting.

Present: Albert St.Pierre; Scott Bushway; Lucien Beam; Alan Dustin; Steven Dalessio; Joseph Levesque; Mary Henry; Frank Emig; William Stahl; Sarah Vogel

Chairman Mr. St.Pierre called the meeting to order at 5:36 PM

Motion to approve the minutes of June 12, 2019 meeting made by Mr. Emig, second by Mr. Dustin.  All members vote in the affirmative.

Mrs. Henry proposed waiting to post minutes until they are approved, as NH RSA 91-A:4.  Discussion of RSA and how school board and each selectboard publishes minutes.  The committee consensus is that the minutes will be posted with a disclaimer, prior to the next meeting.  

Report of Subcommittees

1  Methods of financing a single district and Methods of financing Co-op from withdrawal perspective

This committee met with Jim Fenn.  Mr. Beam passed out a rendering of the 2019/20 budget.  Included on this handout is a column of expenses for the budget of Charlestown only.  This budget as presented is felt to be fair and reasonable.  Mr. Beam notes that it must be viewed by the Charlestown Withdrawal Committee and both committees must work collectively on the recommended budget for 2021.   Included in the budget are all line items currently paid by Charlestown, plus the cost of three positions created to support the additional workload at the SAU when a separate Charlestown district is created.  FM and SAU will be two separate entities with two separate federal ids upon the withdrawal of Charlestown.  Current budget handout does not include revenue — revenue addition will be made when the subcommittee meets with Mr. Fenn on 7/3.   It is noted by Mr. Beam that there are many lines that the Charlestown Withdrawal Committee will have to determine a budget for, as they will no longer be determined by the SAU.  The Budget subcommittee will work with the Charlestown Withdrawal Committee to build the budget.

Information to come from Charlestown Committee to include:

Mr. Dalessio asked if the bottom line is accurate.  The opinion of the subcommittee is that this draft is 80% accurate.  Mr. Fenn will be double checking the numbers.  He is currently on revision number 2, which does show a decrease from the first draft.  A more finite budget with revenues included will be forthcoming at the next full committee meeting on 7/9.

Mr. St.Pierre stated that Charlestown will have different ideas about how to budget and what the taxpayers of Charlestown can afford — specifically budgeting for three additional positions at the SAU.  Mrs. Henry noted that the SAU has a lot of work and with another entity in the SAU, the workload will double and additional help will be needed.  Ms. Vogel stated that in order to support having a separate district, there needs to be a larger staff at the central office.  Mrs Vogel notes that more assistance is needed even if Charlestown doesn’t want that.  Mr. Stahl clarified that for the State to accept the plan, all pieces need to be in place.  Mr. Bushway asks if the people of Charlestown will get their needs met if the budget gets slashed?  Mr. Dustin clarified that all selectboards have to cut to make their town budget work, based on what the school board budgets — items such as infrastructure have to be slashed even if the selectboard doesn’t want to.  Mr. Dalessio voiced that the Walpole selectboard lets their townspeople know where the increases come from.  They no longer use unassigned funds to offset school district increases.  The voters in Walpole know exactly why the taxes are going up.  

METHOD 2:  not applicable 

METHOD 3: Mr. Dustin presented.  One full time maintenance person is estimated in the proposed Charlestown budget and Charlestown would need contracts for HVAC, trades and grounds.  $304,264.00 is given as a bottom line for the Charlestown budget.  The Charlestown Withdrawal Committee will need to contribute these numbers.  Mr. Dalessio notes that Charlestown does not have to contract with the SAU for these items.

METHOD 4: Mr. Levesque presented.  Langdon property taxes is a parcel of land housing a Bus garage.  The numbers are based on Charlestown contracting with current numbers.  Mrs. Henry gave the numbers based on the current 5 routes. 

METHOD 5:  Mr. Beam presented.  These amounts cover technology, and the purchasing and licensing.  Many items are a one time charge, with some annual fees after.  Charlestown withdrawal committee will need to look at this.  An amount of $85,000 contract service for network was listed in lieu of employees hired by the district.  Mrs. Vogel advises that staff and school employees must contribute ideas and needs to these line items. 

Mr. St.Pierre asks if 100% of what Charlestown pays now is how budget is temporarily created?  Are the current formulas used to create this budget?  Mrs. Henry notes that the factor for Charlestown’s portion of each method is used to create the FY20 Charlestown Only Budget.  For the FY21 Charlestown Only Recommended budget, the factor is what Charlestown will pay.  I.E. 36.2972% for SAU costs under method 1.  For all other methods, the cost is 100% Charlestown.   Mr. Dalessio asks, if schools don’t change, why wouldn’t Charlestown have a maintenance person at $56,438 instead of paying the school district the current budget amount of $122,230.42?  Mrs. Henry explained that she isn’t sure how many people are included in the number in the line item for current budget, or how many other factors go into that line.

Mr. Emig asks if Charlestown can use current town employees for these positions?  Mr. St.Pierre states  that they can, but that they would be using separate contractors.  Mrs. Henry asserts that this is the FM budget and what the School Board wants and needs.  Notes that you have musts and wants.  

Method 6:  Mrs. Henry presented.  Special Education costs.  Charlestown pays 45% currently.   This method includes OOD tuition and residential costs, paying tuition to SAU for preK to ELC.   Charlestown will have to decide on OT/PT, etc.   No revenues are included in the current recommended FY 21 Charlestown budget.  Mrs. Henry noted that CAT aid will be a small factor.  

Mr. Beam stated that this is a good starting point, and it includes some categories that may not have been considered by the Charlestown Withdrawal Committee.  Mr. Dalessio asked if Charlestown withdraws, then will the four remaining towns revert to current methods?  Mrs. Henry stated that yes, the four towns will be subject the current methods.  Mr. Dalessio said Walpole is hoping that the Article of Agreement committee finds new methods for each town to pay 100% of their own children.

2  Educational Impact

This committee has not yet met.  Mr. Beam notes that time is important.  Mr. Dalessio asked if Charlestown withdraws, how does it affect the other towns?   He feels that it will not affect the Walpole area schools as they will continue to have the same number of teachers and the same curriculum.  He does wonder what will happen at the high school level.  If Charlestown tuitions only 150 students, what will the high school be compelled to do for class offerings?  Should this committee be concerned with numbers or quality of education?  Mr. Stahl says it is about numbers.  Ms. Vogel states that the educational impact on Charlestown is an unknown without numbers.  Mr. St.Pierre expressed that Charlestown has issues to deal with that are unique — and that Charlestown citizens would like to fix the situations that are unique to Charlestown. 

Mr. St.Pierre asks what this subcommittee is focused on?  He suggests that the goal for this subcommittee should be to tell the committee: 

Mr. Beam noted that other towns researching withdrawal presented test scores to the State as a large part of the educational impact.

3  Disposition of Buildings

Mr. Bushway met with Jim Fenn.  195:27 states:

Mr. St.Pierre noted that “Jeanne Shaheen Kindergarten” money was used for 1998/99 addition on Primary school.  This included 55% state building aid.  The 65/35 split will need to take into account 55% state building aid received by the district.  In 1998, the district functioned under the old formula of 50/50 for capital improvements.  Mr. St.Pierre asked that more information be found.

Mr. Beam explained that a number of withdrawal proposals were denied by the State Board of Education due to how assets were allocated.   Mr. St.Pierre will check with the BOE on their preferred formula. 

Other Business

The Charlestown School Research Committee will be meeting Monday, July 1, 2019 at the Old Town Hall in Charlestown.  6 pm.  Mr. St.Pierre invited the Withdrawal Committee to attend and listen in.

Self insurance has been a money maker for the district.  Steve Varone put the plan in place in 1993.  The surpluses in the budget are because of the self insurance plan.  Mr. St.Pierre wonders why wouldn’t the SAU have a self insurance plan with all the towns and perhaps others joining?  Stop taking surplus out, but leave in.  Ms. Vogel states that this would be worth looking into.  Mrs. Henry does not feel that this surplus is present any longer.  

Mr. Dustin inquired of the Education Committee about whether they were meeting with the teachers union?  Not yet.  Mr. Beam asked if there is a concern that when the withdrawal occurs and a new district is formed, will the teachers/support staff want to be a part of Charlestown or the SAU?  Will there be opportunities for Charlestown teachers to move within the district?  What is the impact on the education of this want to be in Charlestown or the SAU?  Ms. Vogel stated that the teachers are a union, so movement is based on seniority.  Does this affect the districts remaining and the education?.  Mr. Bushway stated that this could impact the other towns if teachers with seniority move to other district towns.  RIFing rights would come into play.  All Charlestown teachers would be cut from the SAU, as the positions no longer exist.  Mrs. Henry would like to know if this is what would happen?    Mr. St.Pierre wonders if FM Teachers union can continue?  Can it represent all the teachers?  Ms. Vogel and the Educational Impact committee  will research why we could or couldn’t do that.

Motion made to adjourn made by Mr. Emig, second Mr. Beam, all members voted in the affirmative. 

Adjourn at 7:07.

Respectfully submitted, 

Alissa Bascom

Location and Time:  Walpole Town Hall, Downstairs Office at 7:30 PM.

Report from Chair: