The Walpolean

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboardmeeting 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 three members of the public in attendance.  

 

ERNIE VOSE; Re: Town Meeting:  Mr. Vose, Town Moderator, had talked to Mrs. Smith, Town Clerk regarding the ballot.  He agrees that they just block out the Cemetery Trustees ballot.  Candidates can have signs outside the Town Hall.  Mrs. Smith had talked with both Mr. Sheldon and Mr. Woodward.  She also talked with the gentleman at the State who told Mrs. Smith to just block that out but be sure she did not hit the circle as that is what gets counted.  Mr. Woodward had signed up to run as a Cemetery Trustee but then discovered his term was not going to expire. However, he had already been put on the ballot. Mrs. Pschirrer said Mr. John Sheldon is running for the vacant position.  She also mentioned there is a wrong date in a Planning Board Warrant Article; it states “2017” when it should be “2018”; it will need to be put back on the ballot next year. A Warrant Article that is on the ballot deals with the Highway truck; the trade-in value is $8,000 not $10,000.  The secondWarrant Article that needs to be amended is the one that deals with the Recycling Bobcat.  Ms. Mayberry will speak about this amendment.  Mrs. Downing had sent Mr. Vose the changes so he is aware of them.  Mr. Vose plans to attend the next Selectboard meeting in preparation of Town Meeting.  It was agreed that the Area Census Office Manager for the Census could have a table at Town Meeting where their documents can be distributed.      

 

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.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:40 PM.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:12 PM.

 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 28, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

GREATER KEENE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERSHIP:  Mrs. Cindy Westover advised the Selectboard had received a letter from the Greater Keene Chamber of Commerce.  They are supporting efforts to enhance the business environment in southwest New Hampshire.  From sole proprietors to multinational corporations there are nearly 500 organizations belong to the Chamber.  Mrs. Westover explained they want to include all the small towns, so they have made it extremely inexpensive for the small towns to join.  It is trying to disburse information to all the businesses and towns in the area.  There are a lot of great programs.  She left a folder with brochures, a map, etc.  Because Walpole is a small municipality, the annual dues would be $150.00.  They would get invited to all the functions.  If Walpole joins, Mrs. Westover would like them to host a function that would promote the town.  All programs are free to members.  The County is a member.   Mrs. Westover read the list of current Board members.  It is a good mix/group of people that are from all the different towns.  

 

TOWN MEETING – ELECTION DAY:  Mrs. Westover, Supervisor of the Checklist, reported they are prepared for the voting to begin at 7:00 AM on Tuesday, March 12, 2019.  There was discussion about having an article in the Walpole Clarion for clarification regarding School Ballot Article 8: To see if the district will vote to raise $150,000 for the purpose of hiring a qualified, non-partisan, third-party firm to conduct a study of the feasibility and suitability of the withdrawal of one or more districts from the cooperative school district under the provisions for RSA 195:25.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $62,484.16 for checks issued February 28, 2019.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

This amount includes a payment of $36,205.50 to the HealthTrust and $10,000 to the Fuzzy Bros, Inc. for winter sand.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending February 23, 2019, in the amount of $30,584.20for checks issued March 1, 2019, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $6,233.16.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes Police Detail payments; a majority will be reimbursed by the State.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 21, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of February 21, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – February 21, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 21, 2019, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

STAFF MEETING – February 21, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of February 21, 2019, as submitted.   Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

Ms. Mayberry reported the North Walpole Village Board of Commissioners did not meet on January 29, 2019 and February 5, 2019.  

 

REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #008-105-001:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot #008-205-001 in the amount of $27.90.  This is due to an overpayment of Fall 2018 taxes.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

MAP and LOT #029-048-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot #029-048-000 in the amount of $11.45.  This is due to an overpayment of Fall 2018 taxes.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Water / Sewer Receipts to Date:  The Water / Sewer Receipts to Date report was received from Mrs. Daigle.  As of February 27, 2019, 62.3% of Q4 billing has been paid.  

 

Map and Lot #004-014-000 Property Tax Abatement Appeal:  Mr. Sheldon Sawyer and Mr. Tom Sawyer reached a mediated agreement with Avitar Associates.  An abatement will be needed on the $36,000 for tax years 2017 and 2018.  The assessment will be updated for TY 2019. Therefore, no abatement would be needed for 2019.  The changes reduce the assessment to $165,000 and the Sawyer’s indicate this will settle the appeal.  

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Property Tax settlement with Mr. Sheldon Sawyer Sr. and Mr. Sheldon “Tom” Sawyer Jr. and to authorize the Chair, Peggy L. Pschirrer, to sign the agreement.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Winter Parking Ban and Related Procedure:  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that the Town has ordinances to deal with “Snow Removal and Ice Control Procedures”.  This includes a Parking Ban beginning on November 1 and continuing until April 1 between 11 PM and 7 AM. Otherwise, the vehicle will be ticketed or towed away at any time during a snow and/or ice storm at the owner’s expense and risk.  The ordinances need to be updated. People need to move their cars which will enable the Highway Department to do a better job plowing.  This ordinance has been in place for a number of years.  It needs to include paying a fine.  Mr. Dalessio explained the Police Department has to establish a policy in order for them to ticket.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like to have that done before next winter so we can ticket and start towing at the beginning of the snow season.  It is impossible to clean the streets properly if the plow trucks have to go in-and-out-and around vehicles.  It needs to be enforced.  Ms. Mayberry agrees as it is difficult in North Walpole with narrow roads/streets.  Mr. Dalessio said the Town ordinance is missing a section on ticketing; there has to be a process for appealing the ticket, a process for issuing the ticket, a location to pay the ticket and a process for depositing the money.  The Police Department will be notified that this ordinance needs to be established and adopted so it will be effective prior to Winter 2019-2020.      

 

NEW BUSINESS;

Cemetery Deed for Lots D558 and D559:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for the sale of Lots D558 and D559 to Carol and John Hubbard.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. 

 

Mill Pond Dam: Mrs. Pschirrer had looked through the Mill Pond Dam folder and asked Mr. Rau about any information he might have at the Highway Garage. His records only deal with the red-listed bridge not the dam.  When Mrs. Pschirrer met with Mr. Mark Houghton, Mr. Peska and the Fuss & O’Neill engineer, Brian Vincent, about the Reservoir Dam, the Mill Pond Dam was brought into the discussion.  Mr. Vincent had walked around the Mill Pond Dam.  Mr. Dalessio spoke to Mr. Mark Houghton about this. Mr. Dalessio feels the dam should be turned over to the consultant, Fuss and O’Neill. Both Mr. Rau and Mr. Houghton have more than enough work within their departments.  Mr. Houghton is the State’s emergency contact. It is called the bridge but actually is the dam.  Mr. Dalessio would like to be involved in conversations going forward.  His suggestion is to have Mrs. Jodi Daigle handle the calendar for dates of when dams need to be inspected and taken care of.  Ms. Mayberry pointed out that the contact and all communication from the State should be coming to the Selectboard. The Selectboard will then distribute information as appropriate.  Mrs. Pschirrer will contact Fuss & O’Neill to have them move forward with the Mill Pond Dam project.

 

Planning Board:  Mr. Dalessio attended the Planning Board Workshop yesterday.  They discussed building permit changes to cover solar.  A resident would like the Planning Board to have a Site Plan Review for Residential solar installations.  Mr. Dalessio said they are not allowed by statutes to do this. This recommendation has been taken care of.  Mrs. Mansouri wants the Town to have a bond from the owners on residential solar units. They have an equipment life of about 20 years. At that time people might not dispose of them properly. Mr. Dalessio has not heard of anything like this before on residential properties. A few other towns will be contacted to see if they have any ordinances/regulations on it.  Would they then require a bond on pools?  Commercial properties will be taken care of on the Site Plan Review.  The Planning Board will decide if a bond will be required.

 

State Grants:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned there was an article in the Eagle Times about two days ago regarding State Grants.  Claremont and Newport have received grant money from the State for projects such as sidewalk improvements, expansion of Recreation Centers, etc.  Claremont got about $600,000.  There is State money available to do these projects.  The Selectboard will do some research to find out what Walpole would have to do to obtain some of these grant funds.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:34 PM.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:11 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 9:12 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary:  

Opinion post from Lil

The Selectboard, the editor of the Clarion, and the School Board have all offered opinions on Article 8 of the school district warrant. As I have been involved with the Fall Mountain School District since 1965 it only seems fair that I might do the same here on The Walpolean.

I respectfully urge you to vote “NO”  on Article 8 for a number of reasons.

First:  The RSA sited for studying withdrawals makes no mention of a non-partisan third party Firm and instead REQUIRES participation from select boards and school board members. Since the school board and three of the five select boards have already made their positions known, I question that  “non-partisan” will apply in this case.

Second:  While $150,000 may not seem like a lot when compared to a $31,224,800 budget, voting no can save Walpole $33,330. Method 1 will be used to raise the revenue for this study as it is a School Board expense.  As a Town, our total cost would be 22.22% or $33,330. As a Taxpayer the cost is 10¢/$1000 Net Assessed Value. Given the today’s political climate of hearing only what you agree with, that seems like a poor investment. You have to wonder if any minds will be changed.

This is not the first time Charlestown has called for, and gotten, a withdrawal study. Withdrawal committees have been set up, their findings published and the conclusions have always been that withdrawal is not good for the district.  Why will this one be different?

Third:  The School Board mailing, emphasized the need to study the Articles of Agreement that created the district in the early 1960’s.  Is it possible that that argument might be a better starting point to address grievances? It would appear that those who wish to study the issue of withdrawal either wish to bypass them or don’t know about them. Article 8 does not address the Articles of Agreement at all.

Fourth:  Worst of all is that neither the warrant article, the Selectboard position statement, nor the School Board position statement mentions the fundamental issue – how will these actions benefit the education of our students?

Doesn’t apply to your phone or mine – town offices only. – Lil

There will be no phone service at the Selectboard Office on Friday, 3/8/19, starting at 8:30am. A new phone system is being installed.

Staff can be reached via e-mail at sdowning@walpolenh.us for Sarah Downing, rkreissle@walpolenh.us for Rich Kreissle and jdaigle@walpolenh.us for Jodi Daigle. The Selectboard Office window is open from 8am to 1pm on Fridays.

Thank you for your patience while this hardware update occurs. Once the new system is installed, the Selectboard Office will have active voice mail and will be able to take after-hours messages.

The Walpole Historical Society is planning an exhibit celebrating the Baby Boomers and the decades of the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s.  Rock Out, Be-In, and Get Your Groove On by helping us build our exhibit!  We need vintage items such as clothing (go-go boots, anyone?), toys, photos, small pieces of furniture, a phono-graph player, lunch boxes, or any other items of pop-culture from that era. The exhibit will run from June – October.  If you can lend any of these items, please contact:

Chris Sink: christopher.b.sink@gmail.com      or

Chris Burchstead: cburchstead@hotmail.com

Psychedelic, Baby!

 

Roll Call – Appointment of alternates if needed.

 

Minutes – Review minutes of the December 2018 meeting.

 

Old Business: 

Public Hearing: Joe DiBernardo: Lot Line Adjustment, Map 11, Lots 45, 51 and 59. Add two lots to the land of Michael and Katherine Nerrie, 507 March Hill Road. Taking 25.05 from Lot 45 and 12.79 from Lot 51 so that Lot 59 will be 74.54 acres. Road frontage is 226.95 on March Hill Road. Rural/Ag,Other lot owners are Alan and Linda Smith and Joseph and Barbara Jackson.

 

Public Hearing: Joe DiBernardo: Application for Tim Graves and Gretchen Fowler on Wentworth Road. Three Lot subdivision. Lot #1 = 5.95 acres with 203.36 feet of frontage (Existing home & Shop); Lot #2 = 22.95 acres with 456.84 feet of frontage (Vacant Farm Land); Lot #3 = 54.32 acres with 200.95 feet of frontage (Gravel Pit and Farm Land) All frontage is off Wentworth Road. This is the old George Graves Property. Tax Map No. 1 Lot #16. Physical Address is 831 Wentworth Road.

 

Subdivision – Ronnie Kingsbury on Kingsbury Road. Postponed indefinitely.

 

New Business

Community Solar Project at 310 Main Street – Chris Welcome and Chad Whitaker of Solar Clean Generation in Londonderry will be here to talk about the project at 310 Main Street and answer questions.

 

 

 

 

Workshop – Solar Ordinance – March 26, 7 pm

 

Next meeting April 9, 2019

 

Hello Team Walpole: Printed copies of the Town Report arrived late yesterday afternoon.  Copies are available at the Town Hall, Galloway Real Estate, Jakes Market and the Library.

Copies will be dropped off at the Drewsville General Store in a few minutes and at the North Walpole Village Commissioners Office as-soon-as-possible.

There will be a few handouts available at Town Meeting with a corrected MS-9 sent by Cambridge Trust and the MS 626 Budget overview report if approved by that date.

 

Happy reading to all!

Sarah

Selectboard Office

 

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

 

 

 

 

Report from Chair:

 

 

 

 

Members Present:

John Peska (Vice Chair), Lewis Shelley, Alicia Flammia (Chair), Steven Dumont, Jackie Kensen, Laura Hayes

 

Alternates Present:

Elaine Heleen, Myra Mansouri, Peter Palmiotto, Duncan Watson

 

Members Absent:

Gary Speed, Kelli Wilson

 

Others Present:

Cheryl Mayberry, Alex Barrett (Long View Forest Management), Michael Neerie, Eloise Clark 

 

Call to Order: Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:32 PM. 

 

Seating of Alternates: No seating of alternates required.

 

Review and approve minutes – January 7, 2019. John Peska was in attendance at the January meeting. John would like to add that a public hearing for the Walker Road Property would be held after the town meeting in March. Lew voted to approve as amended. John seconded. All in favor. Minutes approved as amended.

 

Public Business:

 

New Business: 

 

Old Business:

 

Other Business:

 

Adjournment: At 9:10 Duncan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alicia seconded. Meeting adjourned.

Next Meeting: Monday, March 4, 2019 at 7:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted; Steven Dumont, Recording Secretary

Note: These are unapproved minutes. Corrections, if any, will be found in the minutes of March 4, 2019.

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

 

Staff Present:Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Rich Kreissle (Manager of Finance); Police Chief Michael Paquette and Lt. Justin Sanctuary (Police Department); Michael Rau (Highway Department Manager/Road Agent); Sandra Smith (Town Clerk-Tax Collector); Ben Hoy (Manager of Recycling Center and Transfer Station)

 

Excused:Justine Fafara (Librarian); Justin Cassarino (Recreation Department Director); Eloise Clark (Hooper Institute Director)

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and welcomed everyone.  She was happy to see so many staff members present because many employees have been sick especially in the Highway Department.  This meeting is being recorded.

 

Mrs. Pschirrer noted when they cancelled the Staff Meeting in January, they asked each department manager to consider one or two 2019 goals.  What would they like to talk about in January2020; what have they accomplished.  

 

Police Department:  Police Chief Paquette advised they probably have about a dozen goals they would like to achieve but he will talk about three at this meeting.

Mr. Dalessio asked if there are panic buttons in the schools.  Ms. Mayberry said the schools have integrated their inter-com systems. Mrs. Pschirrer asked if the Active Shooter programs have been solely for teachers.  Lt. Sanctuary explained it is for teachers and then it is up to them to incorporate this training with their students based on age groups and physical limitations.  They want to make sure they are growing collectively with the schools and everybody else who is responding.  Chief Paquette said they are looking at blue prints of the schools that could be 50-60 years old; updates are needed as changes have been made over the years.  Do doors open in-or-out?  They continue to work with the teachers and Fire Departments.  This will be extended to the businesses in Town.  They want to know how to get into the buildings in emergencies so it is not a trap for them.    

Mr. Dalessio pointed out that if the town does not have an ordinance they cannot fine for a violation.  Chief Paquette mentioned the ordinances need a procedure on how and where to appeal a ticket.  Parking on the streets in winter makes it extremely difficult to plow.  He would like to increase the account line in the budget for part-time officers.    

They would like to get these numbers down to about half.  Putting the new machine out again will hopefully help reduce speed and crashes.  Unfortunately they got a huge cut in the State grants.  The Feds cut the State which in turn affects the towns.  Walpole did get some funds, but about two-thirds of their funding got dropped.   It is difficult this time of the year to put the speed monitoring sign out because of snow banks and plowing. It will be out again in the spring.

 

Mr. Dalessio asked about the D.A.R.E program.  Chief Paquette replied they have been talking about this.  There is a similar program to D.A.R.E.  Two part-time certified officers do these classes but he would like to send one of the other officers to be trained.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like to have another D.A.R.E. program in the Middle School; especially the 8th grade.       

 

Town Clerk – Tax Collector:  Mrs. Sandra Smith advised her first goal is to do the office renovations.  This year she will start to make a design.  The second goal is their web page.  They need somebody to work on that.  Emails are not going through.  

 

Following is the written report Mrs. Smith had submitted:  “Tax Collector has collected $168,974.93 since the last staff meeting.  They have an uncollected amount of $534,188.85.

 

She has been preparing to send Intent to Deed letters to property owners that have 2016 liens.  These will be mailed the 27th or 28thand property deeded April 24th if not paid in full.  Intent to Lien letters will also be mailed before March 1st.  Liens will be executed on April 2ndand this will increase the interest to 18 percent.  

 

They have received their ballots from LHS (their printer). Absentee ballots are available from their office to those that qualify.  She has not heard from the school regarding their ballots.  As soon as LHS prints the school ballots, then they can prepare their Memory Cards, mail them to us so they can test their ballot counting machines and they will be ready for the election!

 

They have received numerous calls regarding past due taxes. Also, people want to put their vehicles into trusts. This is a very busy time of year.

 

Finance Office:  Mr. Rich Kreissle reported the upcoming audit will begin on April 8th.  The auditors have been good in pointing out areas of improvement.  He will be working with them to find efficiencies but still maintain integrity.  Last year he attended a class on AccuFund.  They were training on Version 10; the Town is using Version 6.  He would like to revisit this after the audit.  There is another class he would like to take.  He would like to help out more with the office; for example, the new phone system.  He will be working on catching-up.  We should be ready for the auditors.  We have received good clean financial reports from the auditors.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned these auditors have been very helpful.      

 

Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau received one out of three permits from the State.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised the Town has red-listed bridges in accordance with the State for many years.  “Red” meaning they need to be repaired but are not in danger of collapse.  Mr. Rau explained the State wants the fish to be able to swim through everything.  If water is flowing under a bridge or through a culvert, the State feels there are fish there and the fish need fish-ladders.  The Houghton Brook Bridge has minimal traffic on it because there are 2-or-3 farms on the other side with a dead-end. However, a Wetlands Permit is required. Mr. Rau said one side of the March Hill Bridge was done.  Some work is being done on the other bridges.  Mr. Rau would like to do some ditching on the paved roads.  Some spots are done but it would be nice to do several miles.  A dry summer is needed to get that done.  Mrs. Pschirrer was asked what roads would be paved this year.  Someone asked about North River Road.  Mr. Rau advised that is not on the list. They have to do North Walpole from the bottom of Mountain View to the top; that development will be difficult to do.  They have to finish what was not done last year – River Road South, Black Jack Crossing, Wentworth Road and Old Keene Road.  Mr. Dalessio asked about the School Street box.  Mr. Rau has the design for the pipe; Mr. Mark Houghton is going to design the box.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned they have to put out an RFP for asphalt.  Mrs. Pschirrer said School Street was discussed when she met with Mr. Mark Houghton, an engineer and Mr. John Peska.  The Town was going to set aside the State Special Grant for $119,999 for School Street project and Alstead Center Road project.  Due to delays the Alstead Center Road project, that project will take most of that money.  Mr. Rau said equipment will be moved in tomorrow.  Ms. Mayberry wanted to be sure the North Walpole project would be coordinated with the North Walpole Village Commissioners’ Office and Water Dept.  Mr. Rau said the plans are being worked on.                   

 

Mr. Rau submitted the following written report from January 24, 2019 to February 21, 2019:

 

Recycling Center: Mr. Ben Hoy advised his main goal is going to be training.  He is working on other projects.  He just got his Operator’s Certificate.  There are other courses he would like to take; an example is with the NRRA.  He would like to improve their web presence.  Up–to–date information and news at the Recycling Center needs to be added. He would like to incorporate links to recycling discussion throughout the year. This would make it run smoother for everyone.  It would show upcoming events like Hazard Waste Days, etc.  Mr. Ryan Harrison and Megan Hughes will assist with the web page.  They are organizing a “Trash Talk” column to be in the Clarion.  It will keep the public informed of their activities.  He feels they have a good group of people working there.  Chief Paquette suggested a Facebook page as they have a lot of followers.  Ms. Mayberry noted the Recreation Department also has a Facebook page.  Mr. Hoy wants to improve what he can.  Copies of the “Daily Weight Report and 3 Year to Date Comparison” were distributed.

 

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing advised the internet is a big topic; it is also on her list.  Mrs. Beth Culley is interested in updating minutes of Town meetings and could keep the online website calendar updated.  They are behind in the posting minutes. One item on Mrs. Downing’s wish-list is having a notice system for water and sewer.  People have been giving Mrs. Daigle their email addresses.  She will maintain the list.  Users can be notified if there is a break in the water service, the dates for flushing, etc. Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to the Senior Group and she wants everybody to know that not everybody is online.  They need to be old fashioned in some respects.  Mrs. Downing added that paper notices will also go out

 

Mrs. Downing submitted the following written report dated February 21, 2019:

Town Meeting:

Assessing Update:

Water and Sewer:

Town Hall Facilities:

 

Walpole Recreation Department:  Mr. Justin Cassarino was unable to attend but submitted the following written report dated February 21, 2019:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised Mr. Cassarino’s goal includes implementing more community events for adults and children.  

Daddy & Me Dance

Mommy & Me Movie Night:

Basketball:

Spring Clinic:

 

Selectboard:  Mrs. Pschirrer asked the other Selectboardmembers if they wanted to add goals.  

Mr. Dalessio is working with the Planning Board on several issues including solar arrays.  Water and Sewer surplus funds should be transferred over to PDIP so users know how much money they have.  The last thing is to look at the physical structure of the Police Department building to decide whether to make improvements or do something else.   

Mrs. Pschirrer is being optimistic and trusts the Town will have a Brownfields Grant award in October.  When the announcement comes, she wants to have a committee to work on that.  She will be responsible for sending out RFPs to all the people involved with the clean-up of the old plating company site.  The Town will have three years.  If we do not get the $500,000 Grant, it means the Town would have to apply again in 2020. A goal is to see another garage built at the Highway Department for storage of equipment rather than have it at various locations.  She wants to evaluate the Town’s employee needs and where will we be in ten years.  We need something that brings in tax money.  She would like the tax rate not to continue to climb.

Ms. Mayberry would like to see recycling continue to grow with the transition of staff and to help support the goals of the other Selectboard members.  To continue to see the Selectboard as a resource and to give help and support in any way they are able to do that.  Also, to see if she can help keep the website up-dated and user friendly.

 

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that during the Selectboard meeting they will discuss a Resolution for the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  The Selectboard met last Monday evening with the Charlestown Selectboard, Mr. Lou Beam from Langdon, and some other folks who have been involved with school issues.  They all agreed to support Article 8 to fund a study on how a town could leave the FMRSD.  It is for all five towns.  The Selectboard wrote an article for the Clarion. Most people do not understand this Article. They feel it is time to have an independent study on how a town could leave the FMRSD.  Ms. Mayberry said the study does not mean anyone is leaving the FMRSD.

 

SWRPC Survey:  Mrs. Downing reported that the SWRPC is doing an Age –Focused Planning Initiative Study. Everyone in Cheshire County is encouraged to fill out the survey.  Mrs. Pschirrer talked to the Walpole Seniors about it; Mr. Cassarino and the Recreation Department have asked about sending a survey home with each student, Mr. Dalessio talked to the Community Grange. SWRPC needs data to complete their study.  They need a mix of age groups.  Mr. Dalessio said age is becoming a planning tool for communities.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that Walpole has the oldest population in the county.

 

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer declared this Staff meeting adjourned at 6:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboardmeeting 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 was one member of the public in attendance.

 

NEW BUSINESS:  

Mrs. Phyllis Daley:  Mrs. Phyllis Daley of North Walpole is concerned because the assessed value of her property does not agree with the letter she received or with the tax card. For 2017,the tax card states $206,100. She is questioning the 2018 tax bill as it has a value of $213,200.  Nothing has been done to her property to increase the value. An Avitar representative had asked her if the roof was going to be repaired. Mrs. Daley replied that it was not going to be yet. The tax card states the roof will be done in 2018. Mr. Dalessio pointed out the difference in value of $7,100 is within the realm of error.  Mrs. Daley had previously discussed this with Mrs. Downing in the Selectboard office. Mrs. Pschirrer explained the Town has a contract with Avitar Associates.  They were hired in 2018 to do a certain portion of the Town each year. Five years from now, they will not have to do a reappraisal of the whole Town all at once.  She recommended Mrs. Daley fill out an abatement application and get it into the Selectboard Office by the March 1st deadline. The Selectboard cannot make any adjustments. The abatement application will make Avitar Associates look at the property and their report again.   

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $27,917.97 for checks issued February 22, 2019.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The above amount includes a $5,000 transfer of NH EFT Funds – Moose Plate Grant to the Library for the Library Stack Room Restoration Project.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending February 16, 2019, in the amount of $29,101.07 for checks issued February 22, 2019 and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $5,980.37.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – February 14, 2019:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of February 14, 2019, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – February 14, 2019: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 14, 2019, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

 

BUILDING PERMITS:

RICHARD and KRISTEN HILL, 549 Wentworth Road, Map and Lot #005-002-010:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019-02 for Richard and Kristen Hill to erect a “705 Sq. Ft Ground Mount Solar Array” at 549 Wentworth Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

DUNCAN WATSON, 594 Cold River Road, Map and Lot #025-012-000   Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2019-03 for Duncan Watson to erect a “39’ by 14’Roof Mount Solar Array” at 594 Cold River Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Revised Recreation Revolving Fund Request:  Mr. Justin Cassarino and the Recreation Committee had previously submitted a request for $600.00 to pay for decorations for the Daddy and Me Dance.  They are now requesting that the amount be increased from $600.00 to $627.70.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve this revised request from the Recreation Committee to change their original request for $600.00 to $627.70 for decorations for the Daddy and Mr. Dance.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Water/Sewer Receipts to Date:  The Selectboardacknowledged receipt of this Water/Sewer Receipts to Date from Mrs. Jodi Daigle.  Currently 43.8% is paid of the total billing. The bills are due March 2nd.  

 

Water/Sewer Quarterly Receipt Comparison:  Mrs. Daigle had submitted the Water/Sewer Quarterly Receipt Comparison. 

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Selectboard Resolution – Re: FMRSD Warrant Article #8: Mr. Dalessio moved to adopt the Selectboard Resolution indicating the Town of Walpole Selectboard unanimously supports Fall Mountain Regional School District Article 8 as amended at the SB2 meeting held on February 6, 2019.  They urge voters to vote “yes” on the article to appoint a neutral consultant to lead a study of how any town can withdraw from the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.  

There was a consensus of the Selectboard to forward a copy of these Minutes to the other four towns in the FMRSD. 

 

Cemetery Deed D473:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for the sale of lot D473 to Mark Kingwell and Molly Montgomery.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

E.W. Salvage:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a copy of the Walpole Planning Board letter to Dennis Labby advising that since there will be no change of use in the E and W Salvage Company property that he plans to buy on Valley Road, he may continue to run a salvage business at that address as long as he keeps his permit up-to-date.    

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the transfer of the E.W. Salvage Yard Permit to Mr. Dennis Labby.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

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 (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:58 PM.  

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:05 PM.

 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of February 21, 2019, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio 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.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:10 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Downing will be out of the office on Friday, February 22nd and Monday, February 25th, 2019.

 

Grange:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Walpole Community Grange will be sponsoring a “Meet the Candidates Night” on Monday, March 4th, 2019 at 7:00 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:15 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary