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Conservation Commission Agenda – 1/7/18

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WALPOLE CONSERVATION COMMISSION MEETING

January 7, 2019

 

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

 

1. CALL TO ORDER

 

2. SEATING OF ALTERNATES

 

3. REVIEW and APPROVE MINUTES – December 3, 2018

 

4. PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Report from Chair:

A. Treasury Report.
B. Correspondence.
5. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Community Farming Initiative.

 

6. OLD BUSINESS:
A. NHACC Membership dues.
B. Walker Road Property – Update
C. Great Brook/Boggy Meadow Farm – Letter of Agreement Update.
D. Reservoir Dam Work – Update.
E. Town Easement Report & Maps – Update.
F. Peter Graves Easement: Final Update.
G. Fanny Mason Feasibility Study – Update.
H. Champion Black Oak, Mill Pond Reserve; signage.
I. Open Position Advertisement: CRJC & CRLAC.
J. Trail Work: February.
K. Barry 4-H Conservation Camp: Update.
L. Watershed Town Forest Management Plan: Update.
M. Hooper Forest Rapid Assessment: Update.

 

7. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Community Farming Initiative.
B. Brownfield Cleanup.

 

8. ADJOURNMENT

Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – 11/5/18

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Members Present:

Alicia Flammia (Chair), Steven Dumont, Lewis Shelley, Jackie Kensen, Duncan Watson

Alternates Present:

Peter Palmiotto, Kelli Wilson, Elaine Heleen,

Members Absent:

Gary Speed, Myra Mansouri, John Peska (Vice Chair), Laura Hayes

Others Present:

Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Representative)

Call to Order: Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:28 PM. 

Seating of Alternates: No seating of alternates required.

 

Review and approve minutes – November 5, 2018. Peter made a motion to approve as written. Duncan seconded. All in favor.

 

Public Business:

1. Treasury: Alicia did not have balances for the local accounts. As of Oct. 31, the expendable portion of the Fanny Mason account is $445,451.13. The non-expendable fund is $15,566.16.
2. Correspondence:
a. NH DES Drinking & Groundwater Newsletter.
b. Monadnock Conservancy Newsletter.

 

New Business: none.

 

Old Business:

1. Walker Road Property: Alicia wrote the letter to accept the land and dropped it off. Alicia also submitted a request to the trustees of the trust funds for up to $100,000 from the expendable Fanny Mason account. Alicia also submitted the request for $9,000 from the Mason fund, to go to the Monadnock Conservancy, for the conservation easement for Peter Graves land. Peter noted that we may not need the total $100,000 from the Mason fund for the Walker Road Property, and wondered if it comes back to the conservation commission. Alicia stated that she needed to submit a number, so she requested the full amount. Steven presented a printout of the Go Fund Me page for the property. Steven pointed out that he was concerned that there may not be incentive to raise over the $280,000 if the fundraising reaches that amount, and so the Mason fund may not get back money. Also he asked how the page works, as Go Fund Me takes out a very small portion of every donation and a percentage of the total donations. Peter said that there have been lots of discussions within the fundraising group, and they do believe they will raise over $280,000 regardless. He also believes we need to be honest about the total amount we have raised. He stated that direct donations to the town do not have fees taken out by Go Fund Me, and that the majority of the funds raised have not been through the website. The fundraising has been successful so far and they are pushing to get more donors. Peter has been speaking with multiple people, including Ryan Owens from the MC, as well as the head of the NH Association of Conservation commissions, about the best way to protect the land. The consensus seems to be that because the deed to the town discusses conservation, and because some of the funds used to purchase the property came from a fund that is to be used for conservation, the land is protected enough. Peggy noted that there are other RSA’s that protect the land as open space, and there is not a need for a conservation easement.
2. Peter Graves Easement/MC: Alicia submitted $9,000 request for funds from Fanny Mason, and will request $1,000 from the conservation fund via Rich Kriessle. Alicia notified Stacy and let her know they are coming.
3. Great Brook/Boggy Meadow Farm: Alicia updated the lease agreement with input from the last meeting. She also updated the agreement with information from Marcus and is meeting him on Thursday to finalize the agreement. Alicia included Marcus’s lease agreement with his tenants. Alicia would like to finish this off but is looking for final input. There was some concern about the language in Marcus’s agreement about clearing out the outlying woodlands, specifically “encroaching timbers”, and what is maintenance vs. what is small logging. The agreement does mention that the maintenance be done annually. Alicia will discuss the the specifics with Marcus and report back if it needs further clarification.
4. Reservoir Dam: John is not in attendance but the WCC had approved invoices from last meeting. There has been some communication between the engineers and Mark Houghton which John would understand more fully.
5. Town Conservation Report/Maps: Laura not in attendance but Peter reminded us that there is a shared Google document that has the easements listed. Peter mentioned there are acquisition dates added which can help us track progress. He presented a wall map again, which he would like to update annually. Peter has added roads and waterways, and also conservation lands around Walpole. The background parcel map is a little out of date but is the best that can be done. They have also added school, cemetery, and town owned land to the map. Peter mentioned there is some missing information from North Walpole that Gary had discussed at the last meeting. It is a larger plot of land off Main Street. There is also the North Walpole Village Park which could be added. Steven mentioned that if we have some town owned land on the map, we should include all. Peter asked that if anyone has any information to reach out to him or Laura and it can be added. Steven volunteered to track down lands in North Walpole. Duncan made a motion to pay Antioch for the amount of $330.50. Lew seconded. All in favor.
6. Fannie Mason Feasibility Study: Lew has completed the study and handed out copies. It is feasible to build trails on the property. Lew split the property into three different areas. There are some existing trails that would be easy to piece back together. On the southern end there are some larger streams which would be more difficult to cross. Lew’s biggest recommendation is to focus in the trails that are there for now with an eye towards expansion at a later date. Lew would like to see an adjacent property, the Whitcomb property, be included. Alicia presented an invoice from Lew to the WCC in the amount of $850. Duncan made a motion and Steven seconded. All in favor. Lew will send out a PDF copy electronically. Steven to leave the study on the agenda to discuss what to do now that we have a plan.
7. Forest Society Easement Monitoring: Jackie submitted the reports. 
8. Champion Black Oak, Mill Pond Signage: Kelli went to visit the tree. She posted some pictures and mentioned that there was quite a bit of interest from other residents. She thinks the sign might be a good idea. Lew made a motion to purchase the sign. Steven seconded. Steven will contact the Big Tree Program to have the sign made.
9. Nelson Town Forest Easement Monitoring: Rebecca from the MC walked the easement. Did not notify the WCC so no assistance was needed.
10. Open Positions: Connecticut River Joint Commissions, Cold River Local Advisory: Positions still open. Sarah may have publicized somewhere. Alicia will reach out to Lil and Ray for publication in the Clarion and the Walpolean. Kelli suggested that the CRLAC and the CRJC do the legwork in regards to getting the information to publishers. 
11. Trail Work: pushed out until February.
12. NHACC Membership dues: put off voting and submission for payment until January.
13. Barry 4-H Conservation Camp: no update. John to reach out to student from last year and see if he’s still interested. 
14. Watershed Town Forest Management Plan: Alicia has baseline easement documentation and some other information but does not have a forest management plan, which has been requested from the MC as part of their easement documentation. She is also not sure where any files went regarding the recent timber harvest. Alex from Longview Foresters is looking for that information. Peter P. will call Peter R. and see what he has. 

 

Other Business:

1. Alicia just got the rapid assessment report for the Hooper Forest. She handed out copies. Longview is looking for review and comment, and if the assessment is ok, they will send an invoice for payment. Peter noted that there is a grid of points on the assessment map and he was unsure of what they are for. He would like to know more about them for the next assessment. Lew and Jackie described where they went. Steven thinks it is a well written assessment and a great document to start off with for a relatively small amount of work. Alicia will ask about what the points are used for and ask him to describe what his methods. Peter would also like to know if we go ahead with management, what the next steps are and what the efforts would be. Peter remembers a rapid assessment being a good start but was wondering if we now have a full management plan done or do we stick with the assessment, and if/when we would do logging. Steven pointed out he has included some dates and sections which could be logged. Alicia will follow up the questions.
2. Steven found some paperwork from Peter Rhodes regarding the logging of the Watershed Town Forest. There is a letter from January 2018, mentioning Peter mailed the final stumpage payment to the selectboard office. The final payment brings the total timber harvest value to $56,000. It mentions a letter from April 2017 with other details about the harvest. It also reminds the WCC to contact Peter as he has a large number of files which can go to the next forest manager. Peter P. to track down.
3. Peter P. asked if anyone could name the dairy farms in Walpole. Jackie named the five dairy farms still in town. Peter mentioned that the conservation plan discusses active farms, and is wondering if the WCC should lead discussion and protection of the dairy farms. Alicia recommended that we expand it to all farms and farming activities. Peggy mentioned Stacy from the MC focuses on farms and helping farmers keep their properties. Alicia can speak with Amanda Littleton who is involved with the Monadnock Farm & Community Coalition. Someone from their organization may be able to come and do a presentation to a broader audience, not just farmers. Elaine mentioned the Hooper Institute is also a good resource. Duncan mentioned the High School could also be involved. Further discussion at the next meeting.
4. Brownfield Cleanup: Peggy briefly discussed the process and grants being applied for at the brownfield site in downtown Walpole. Alicia offered help in reviewing/drafting the grant paperwork. Peggy to discuss more at next meeting.

 

Adjournment: At 9:12 Duncan made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Alicia seconded. Meeting adjourned.

Next Meeting: Monday, January 7, 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 January 7, 2019.

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/27/18

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboardmeeting to order at 6:30pm in the Walpole Town Hall.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were no members of the public in attendance.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $220,773.07 for checks issued December 28, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With MsMayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The amount includes a transfer of $107,152.88 from the Walker Road PDIP account and $67,200 to the Walpole Fire District for operating expenses.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 22, 2018, in the amount of $31,656.54 for checks issued December 28, 2018, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $7,379.45.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 20, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of December 20, 2018, as amended.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrerin favor the Minutes were approved as amended.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 20, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Non-Public Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 20, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the Minutes were approved. The minutes remain sealed.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – December 19, 2018;

 

ALL VETERANS’ TAX CREDITS:

MAP and LOT #020–077-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the All Veterans’ Tax Credit to the owner of Map and Lot #020–077-000 as the application meets the requirements.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:  

Map and Lot #009-001–000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #009-001-000 for a property located off of Ramsey Hill Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

Map and Lot #009-002-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #009-002-000 for a lot located adjacent to 009-001-000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Westberg Estate Properties re: Brownfields Project: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the signing of the Sale and Purchase Agreement for the Estate of Nils Westberg Properties.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

A pdf of the signed document is to be sent to Atty. Reimers, Atty. Hockensmith and Peter Adams who represents the Westberg Estate.

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (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 6:38 PM.

 

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 27, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:54 PM.

 

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. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 6:54PM.

 

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:56 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 6:56PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

         

Public Hearing – 1/17/19

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Walpole Selectboard

Notice of Public Hearing

Regarding Proposed Brownfields Cleanup Grant

 

The Selectboard of the Town of Walpole will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 17, 2019 at 6:00pm in the Selectboard Office of the Walpole Town Hallat 34 Elm Street for the purpose of reviewing a draft proposal for a 2019 EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grant. The Proposed Brownfields Cleanup Grant is for Map 20 Lots 65 and 66, the former Central Plating site formerly owned by the Nils Westberg Estate, now owned by the Town of Walpole, NH. Residents may read the draft proposal at the Town Hall during regular business hours prior to the public hearing. Copies of the proposal will be available at the hearing. Comments on the draft proposal will be recorded. Attendees will be requested to sign-in.Individuals having special needs covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act should notify the Selectboard Office at least seven days prior to the hearing by calling 603-756-3672 or e-mailing sdowning@walpolenh.us

 

Sarah Downing

On behalf of the Walpole Selectboard

Planning Board Agenda – 1/8/19

Uncategorized 12/29/2018 Leave a comment

Roll Call – Appointment of alternates if needed.

 

Minutes – Review minutes of the December 2018 meeting.

 

Old Business: 

Public Hearing No. 1.

3. Are you in favor of revoking and rescinding the amendment to the Walpole Zoning Ordinance, adopted and approved as Article 4 N at the annual Town meeting held on March 12, 2016, regarding Recycling and Transfer Stations? Town legal counsel advised it is not enforceable under New Hampshire law.

 

Distribution of Minutes 

 

Photo for Website.

 

Workshop on solar ordinance Tuesday, January 22, 2019

 

 

Next regular meeting Tuesday, February12, 2019 

 

 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/20/18

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboardmeeting to order at 6:30pm in the Walpole Town Hall.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were no members of the public in attendance.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $410,127.76 for checks issued December 21, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With MsMayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The amount includes a payment of $278,630 to the North Walpole Village District for tax monies and $25,000 transfer of Land Use Change Taxes to the Conservation Commission.

 

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 15, 2018, in the amount of $24,437.89 for checks issued December 21, 2018, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $4,990.73.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 13, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 13, 2018, as amended.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the Minutes were approvedas amended.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 13, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Non-Public Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 13, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the Minutes were approved. The minutes remain sealed.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners’ Meeting – December 4, 2018;

 

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #021-021-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot# 021-021-000 for the amount of $2,085.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The refund is due to an overpayment of taxes.

MAP and LOT #003-084-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot# 003-084-000 for the amount of $4,757.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The refund is due to an overpayment of taxes.

 MAP and LOT #030-075-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot# 030-075-000 for the amount of $23.00.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The refund is due to an overpayment of taxes

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Q-3 Water/Sewer Receipts to Date:  The Selectboardacknowledged receipt of the Q-3 Water/Sewer receipts to-date from Mrs. Daigle.  As of 12/19/18, 91.4% of bills had been paid.

NNETO Notice of Property Tax Refund: Ms. Mayberrymoved to pay the NNETO Property Tax Refund for the amount of $5,047.000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

602 Cold River Road re: River Erosion: An e-mail from Jeanette Clark was received. Mrs. Clark was asking the Town to apply for grant money to remediate the Cold River erosion issue on her property. Mr. Dalessio said that this issue goes back many years. He gave a recap of what occurred when the Cold River flooded back in Oct. of 2005. The house has been raised up so that it will not longer be flooded. The Board felt that she could apply for a grant without Town assistance. It is private property. Mrs. Pschirrer is to send a note to Mrs. Clark. A property tax abatement form will be mailed to the property owner.

Walker Road Land Conservation Property Deed: Mrs. Pschirrer distributed updated copies of the draft deed for the Walker Road Conservation property. Several changes were recommended by Peter Palmiotto and applied. An additional set of changes were submitted which Mrs. Pschirrer read to the Board. One concern was the blanket use of no motorized vehicles on the property. The Board was concerned that additional changes could jeopardize meeting a closing date before the end of the year.  The Board felt that specifics in the deed could be limiting. The authority for the management of the property should be with the Conservation Commission. The Board reviewed the Assignment document that transfers the ownership of the property to the Town of Walpole. The Board requested that the closing be held at the Town Hall.

Westberg Estate Properties re: Brownfields Project: This is a carry-over discussion item from last week. Mrs. Pschirrer stated there are time limitations on the Phase 1 and the proposals for remediation. The Town must own the property and have the deed recorded before the 6th of January. Mrs. Pschirrer proposed that the closing be on Jan. 3, 2019. She was in a conference call with J.B. Mack and Steve Rickerich today. Mr. Dalessiocommented that the liability letter from the Attorney General’s (AG) Office is needed for the closing. Per Mrs. Pschirrer the DES is very interested in helping the Town own and clean up this area. Four other letters will be sent by Mike McCloskey of the DES. One will be about the DES giving the Town $100,000 toward the remediation project. Mr. Dalessio would like a commitment in writing from the Westberg Estate as to when they shall fence in the property. He felt that the owner was responsible to do this before the Town purchases the property. Mrs. Pschirrer will follow-up on this request. Several government agencies and a non-profit have already spent a great deal of money on this project.

Sewer Agreement with North Walpole Water: Ms. Mayberry asked if the Board would be speaking with the North Walpole Village Commissioners in January regarding an agreement. Mrs. Pschirrer agreed that the Board should do this. Mr. Dalessio is drafting a letter regarding this request. Ms. Mayberry confirmed with the Commissioners that this is legally permissible to form an agreement to shut off water to users who have 90 days+ of sewer debt. The Commissioners understood that unpaid accounts affect all users on the system.

 

NEW BUSINESS:

Walpole Fire District Request for Operating Expenses: There had been some confusion regarding the original amount requested per Mrs. Pschirrer. The manager of finance, Rich Kreissle, researched the request and found an error which was corrected. The Fire District rewrote the request for the remaining portion of their operating expenses for $67,200.00.

The Board discussed the approval process for departmental purchases. The expense account is to be noted on the invoice. Mr. Dalessio stated if something is incomplete or incorrect on a time sheet, purchase order, invoice, etc., the document will be sent back to the manager.

3rd Zoning Amendment: The Board reviewed the text to rescind a past article that could not be legally defended. The article topic was transfer stations. Mr. Dalessio noted that this article could not be sent to the Town Clerk until after the public hearing. 

FEEMA Thank You: The Board received a thank you from the Fall Mt. Educational Endowment Association. They raised over $10,000 at this year’s event. A tentative date for next year’s fundraiser is Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019.

Whitcomb Recreation Area Parking: Ms. Mayberry asked Jim Fenn of FMRSD if the school district was still planning on awarrant article selling the parking lot that is next the recreation area to the Town. Mr. Fenn confirmed that this article is still planned. The sale amount would be one dollar. The new deed would need to be created by the Town. 

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) employee compensation and (c) reputations. Mr. Dalessio seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 7:37PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 20, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:02 PM.

 

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. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:02PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:14 PM.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

Hooper Trustees Meeting Minutes – 12/20/18

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

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Hooper Trustees meeting to order at 8:02 PM.

 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES:

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING – December 13, 2018:  Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the Minutes of the Hooper Trustees meeting of December 6, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved.

 

HOOPER BUSINESS:

Summer Internships: The Trustees reviewed the job description for the Turf Management Intern. Patrick Neal created the job description. Mr. Howell was sent a message regarding the labor law that those under 18 years of age cannot use mechanized equipment. However, youth workers can use hand tools.

 

Mr. Dalessio felt that parents should be made aware, in writing, that their child could be handling chemicals of any type. Consumer available chemicals would be used. Mr. Dalessio recommended having the NH DOL review the job description.An age limitation may be required.

 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Hooper Trustees meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:14 PM. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

 

 

Duo Dan and Faith Performance – 1/17/19

Uncategorized 12/27/2018 Leave a comment

BELLOWS FALLS, VT — Multi-instrumentalist folk duo Dan and Faith will give an intimate Stage 33 Live performance at 33 Bridge Street in Bellows Falls, Vermont, on January 17 at 7:00 PM in advance of touring the midwest and south. Their writing and delivery conjure the urban coffeehouse folk scene of the ’60s and ’70s — progressive, thoughtful, friendly. Dreams and everyday life inspire their original songs. Suggested $5 minimum donation. Seating capacity is 40, plus standing room.

Short slots with a casual, open-mic vibe are available for local performers and presenters starting at 6:00 for original music or spoken word. Must be FCC-safe (i.e., rated PG). Original works only, no covers. RSVP to reserve stage time by emailing stage33@stage33live.com or voicemail / text 802-289-0148.  Slots are limited.

Stage 33 Live documents performances and presentations on a simple stage in a former factory building for downstream audiences — the homegrown love child of Tiny Desk Concerts, Ted Talks, Science Friday, Midnight Special, and The Little Rascals. All performances are recorded and filmed. The “3rd Thursdays @ 33” series runs through May. Find more info about Stage 33 Live, the series, and other events at www.stage33live.com

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Stage 33 Live contact: Mark Piepkorn, stage33@stage33live.com

Clarion Now Online

Uncategorized 12/27/2018 Leave a comment

The January Clarion is now online. If you are not yet a Follower, here is the link. – Lil

http://thewalpoleclarion.com/2018/12/26/january-2019-clarion-now-on-line/

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 12/13/18

Uncategorized 12/21/2018 Leave a comment

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.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  

 

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public SelectboardSession pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (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 6:30 PM

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 6, 2018, be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:47 PM.

 

Two members of the public joined the meeting.

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable check register in the amount of $1,734,820.77 for checks issued December 14, 2018.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms.Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.                                                                                                                  Within this amount is a payment to Cheshire County of $1,721,171.00 for 2018 county taxes.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 8, 2018, in the amount of $24,431.63for checks issued December 14, 2018, and the electronic fund transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes in the amount of $4,899.63. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 29, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of November 29, 2018, as amended.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrerin favor the Minutes were approved as amended.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – November 29, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Non-Public Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 29, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the Minutes were approved. The minutes remain sealed.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 6, 2018: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboardmeeting of December 6, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrerin favor the Minutes were approved.

An additional original copy was created and notarized for the SAM application

 

 NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 6, 2018:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Non-Public Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 6, 2018, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the Minutes were approved. The minutes remained sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners’ Meeting – November 27, 2018;

 

WARRANTS

Walpole Water Tax Lien: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Walpole Water Tax Lien for the amount of $1,477.54.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved

Walpole Sewer Tax Lien: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Walpole Sewer Tax Lien for the amount of $1,733.22.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved

North Walpole Tax Lien: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the North Walpole Sewer Tax Lien for the amount of $19,695.82.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved

 

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #012-046-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant the Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot# 012-046-000 for the amount of $3,945.19.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The refund is due to an overpayment of  2018 property taxes.

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:  

Map and Lot #009-006-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #009-006-000 for a property located off of Maple Grove Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot #011-007-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lot #011-007-000 for a lot located off of Ramsay Hill Road.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

 

OLD BUSINESS:

Q-3 Water/Sewer Receipts to Date: The Selectboardacknowledged receipt of the Q-3 Water/Sewer receipts to-date from Mrs. Daigle.  As of 12/5/18, 88.8% of bills had been paid.  Mrs. Pschirrer commented payments are doing pretty well with $19,901.68 remaining to collect.

Quarterly Receipt Comparison for Water and Sewer: The report was sent earlier by Ms. Daigle.

Letter from Atty. Bradley re: 392 Watkins Hill Road: Mrs. Pschirrer confirmed the Board received a letter from Atty. Bradley confirming that Mr. Barcome’s lodger had moved to the apartment. It seems the property owner is complying with the zoning ordinances.

North Walpole Tax Monies Request: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the tax money request from North Walpole in the amount of $278,630.00 for the 2018 tax year. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrerin favor, the motion was approved.

NNETC dba Consolidated Communications Settlement Agreement: Ms. Mayberry moved that Peggy Pschirrer sign the NNETC dba Consolidated Communications Settlement Agreement for $5,047.00 on behalf of the Selectboard.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessioand Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Warranty Deed for Map and Lot# 010-002-000, Walker Road Conservation Property: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that thereare two documents for review that could be tabled to next week. Also, a closing date needs to be set. The first document was Assignment to Property that arrived late today. The other item is the deed.

Mr. Dalessio’s only concern in the deed is that no snowmobiles be allowed on the property. The Board can challenge this wording. The Board is not opposed to snowmobile use of this property. Mrs. Pschirrer’s name was also misspelled in the document. This item will be tabled for additional discussion atthe next Selectboard Meeting.

Westberg Estate Properties re: Brownfields Project: Mrs. Pschirrer stated it was a tight schedule considering it’s the holiday season. Mrs. Pschirrer related her experiences at the training session in Manchester. She is following up with Mr. McCluskey of the DES. The approval notice has not been received for the Town’s Covenant application from the Justice Dept. The total cost potential is $737,000. The grant will be for $500,000 with an additional grant from the DES for $100,000. The deed suggests that the Westberg Estate will give the Town $170,000. The deed should state this money can be used for remediation, matching or continuing monitoring. Mr. t that there will be no refund of these monies; a buffer is needed. A letter that DES supports this project is being created. The question of whether the Town has received a grant before was discussed. Mrs. Pschirrer did not know of any prior EPA grants. Mr. Dalessio stated there was a prior sewer system federal grant. Grant history affects beneficial points toward grant awards. The Economic Justice section of the application will not be applicable. It is a complicated process. The writing of the grant will be shared between Peggy Pschirrer and Steve Rickerich of Ransom Consulting. A draft proposal must be done no later than January 17th. A public hearing must be held to allow the public to look at the proposal. Staff Meeting will be moving to Jan. 24th to allow time for the public hearing. A copy of the notice must be printed in the newspaper and minutes need to be recorded. If an award is given, the work must go to bid. The Town must close on the property at the end of December or on the 3rd or 4th of January. The covenant must be granted before this date for liability purposes. The area should be fenced in.

NEW BUSINESS:

Town Hall Use as Temporary Library Space: Mrs. Justine Fafara was attending the meeting with a request for the use of the 2nd floor of the Town Hall as a temporary location for the library. An official plan is needed. Construction at the library is to start May 1st. Mostly newer items that would be moved to the 2nd floor. After reviewing the Town Hall Reservation Calendar, it was found that existing reservations for the FMRHS Prom and the Village School’s Mom Prom are planned for first two weekends in May. The Board agreed to reserve the 2nd floor of the Town for the Library from mid-May through the end of October. Mrs. Fafara mentioned that 20 children had attended a cookie decorating program at the library today.

Walpole Players – Wood Floor Damage: Mrs. Bryan had received an e-mail note on Wednesday morning that the Town Hall custodian reported that the second floor had deep scratches in the floor. In order to remedy the issue, Mrs. Bryan cleaned and buffed the area to remove the marks. Mrs. Mayberry asked that the Players be mindful that while working, not to scratch the floor. Mr. Dalessio commented that ladders should be secured to the wall. Also, the stairs behind the stage were not connected to anything and needs to be fixed. Mrs. Bryan said that the Players would take care of whatever needs to be fixed. Mr. Dalessioasked that carpeting to be added to the bottom of the ladders in the main room.

Emergency Management Director Resignation: A letter was received from Richard Hurlburt giving his resignation effective January 1, 2019. Per Mr. Dalessio, Mark Houghton will be become the new director.

Equalization – Preliminary Analysis Report: The Board discussed the property sales listed on the report. Mr. Dalessiomoved to accept the Preliminary Analysis Report created by Avitar Associates. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved

Highway Department: The Walpole Highway Department is considering a trade of an unusable plow for sand and gravel from the Westminster Highway Dept.

Fire District Warrant Requests: The Board reviewed the requests which will be given to the Trustees of Trust Funds for action. A prior payment request will be reviewed by the Manager of Finance to ensure it was correct.

 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Dalessio moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved at 8:04 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:09 PM.

 

OTHER BUSINESS:

Department Budget Meetings: The first meeting starts at 8:00am tomorrow morning per Mrs. Pschirrer. Mr. Tom Goins will be part of the meeting. A rough draft of warrant articles was distributed. 

Town Hall 2nd Floor Windows: When Mr. Dalessio looked at the windows at the back of the stage, he felt that closing them over may be better. The Players put cloth over the windows. The quote to replace will remain in the warrant article for further discussion. Another option would be put in standard windowsand board up the space around them.

Highway Garage: Monies left in prior budgets have been used to start work on a new garage. The Board discussed funds remaining in Warrant Article #5 for municipal building repair.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore