The Walpolean

Saturday is the day for the big annual Yard Sale on North Main Street. Multiple households will be set up from 8-3 and Early Birds are welcome. There is also a sale at 37 Colonial Drive on the same day.

I am in the process of downsizing and have a lot of furnishings that have to go. With these other sales happening, it seemed like a good day to set up shop! So, please stop by 48 Elm Street on your way in or out of Walpole.

Thought I would put the word out early in case other folks have been thinking, “I really should have a Yard Sale.” Join us. Share the fun! I’m more than willing to add other addresses so people will know. – Lil

Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair, and Steven Dalessio

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Payroll

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $30,937.20 dated 5/31/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,526.87.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – May 23, 2024: This is tabled until the next meeting for the appropriate Selectboard members are available to sign.

Committee Reports

Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

• Recreation Committee Meeting – April 19, 2024

• Planning Board Meeting – May 14, 2024 (Note: there are several errors in these minutes that need to be corrected at their next meeting.)

• Library Trustees Meeting – May 14, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

Current Use

Map and Lot # 003-007-002:    The original application was submitted before April 15, 2024.  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the current use application for Map and Lot # 003-007-002.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Demolition Permit

2024-17, Map and Lot# 024-020-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve Demolition Permit #2024-17 for Map and Lot # 024-020-000 to remove a 15’ x 15’ raised deck. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Old Business

Pending Further Action:  Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, and Reservoir Dam

New Business

Recycling Solar Installation Ribbon Cutting:  The ribbon cutting for the new solar installation at the Recycling Center will be Friday, June 14^th, at 3:00 PM.   Ray Boas confirmed the Clarion has the correct date which was changed at the last minute.

SWRPC Annual Meeting Invitation:   The SWRPC Annual Meeting will be Tuesday, June 11^th at the Keene Library beginning at 5:30 PM.  Ms. Mayberry will attend the SWRPC Annual Meeting.

8^th Grade Awards Night Invitation:   The 8^th Grade Awards Night will take place Tuesday, June 11^th at 6:00 PM at the Walpole Elementary School.  Both Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio are unable to attend due to prior commitments. Mr. Dalessio will be attending the Planning Board Meeting that night.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 6:39 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Great Decisions: Monday, June 10

“Risky Science Across Borders”

Our next topic for “Great Decisions” is “Risky Science Across Borders” which explores research into atmospheric geoengineering, such as Solar Radiation Modification and other controversial solutions to the climate crisis. Our meeting will be on Monday, June 10, at 6:00 p.m. in the Walpole Town Library. All are welcome to join the discussion. 

The relevant reading from the Foreign Policy Association is their article, “Risky Science Across Borders,” by Mila Rosenthal, co-founder of Planet Reimagined, a climate solutions nonprofit, and executive director of International Science Reserve at the New York Academy of Sciences. This article is available from the library upon request: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

I also recommend Elizabeth Kolbert’s “Under a White Sky,” specifically the entertaining final section entitled “Up In the Air.”

Despite assurances, the NH Healthcare Workers for Climate Action does not have an available speaker. Therefore, we will begin with the Master Class, which lasts about 20 minutes. Those joining via Zoom should wait until 6:25 to join. If you wish to  participate on Zoom, please contact Jane Malmberg for the Zoom link: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

Come to “Great Decisions” on Monday, June 10, at 6:00 p.m. for an open discussion on climate solutions. Atmospheric geoengineering, diamond dust in the sky, stratospheric balloons spraying chalk…who decides? What could possibly go wrong?

Sue Kibbe

And in my opinion it is really good news! We have many more days to make our book donations. Should be much easier to remember Wednesday morning from 9:30-10:30 than it was the limited times available last year! Thanks, Eryn. – Lil

We are excited to share some updates regarding the Friends of the Library fall book sale coming up in October . . .

This years book sale dates: last weekend of October, 26 and 27^th

This years book sale hours: Saturday 8-10 (dealers), 10-4 (public) Sunday 9-1 (public)

Details to follow. 

Book sorting starts the third Wednesday of June (6/19/24). Join us every Wednesday morning throughout the summer from 9:30 to 10:30 at the chicken coup behind The Hungry Diner. We welcome all to help with this task!

Public drop off of book donations are welcome every Wednesday during this sorting time through the summer to end of August. Those unable to make Wednesday can drop off at re-use on Saturdays.

As always, we are very grateful for all the community support of the library! Funds raised by the Friends of the Walpole Library are used to buy books and other materials and equipment, in addition to library programs.

The Memorial Day Parade starts at 11:30 AM on Monday. Those in the parade are to meet at 11:00 AM at the Unitarian Church.

The current weather forecast is for showers/rain on Monday. If the weather is too inclement, the parade will be cancelled.

Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair; Steven Dalessio and Carolyn Vose

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Guests Present: Tom Dupell, Peter Graves

Call to Order: Ms. Mayberry called the Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

Peter Graves’ Questions:  Mr. Graves put in a request for a 2023 property tax abatement on a mobile home but has not heard anything. Sarah Downing explained that all the requests were given to Avitar on or before March 1, 2024.  Avitar will review each property with an abatement application.  The assessor will make an appointment with the owner to view the interior of the home. The assessors have until August to give a recommendation to the Town.  Mr. Graves also said he is hearing stories about the paving to be done this year.  Mr. Dalessio said Arlington Paving will do Main Street.  The other paving contracts have not yet been awarded.

Mr. Graves and Mr. Dupell left the meeting at 6:45 PM.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $440.36 dated 5/10/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $95.96.  Ms. Vose corrected the date from 5/10/2024 to 5/17/2024.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. This payroll was for a terminated employee.

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $31,180.20 dated 5/17/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,331.61.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – 5/9/2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of 5/9/2024. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Non-Public Session – 5/9/2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public meeting of 5/9/2024, with the minutes to remain sealed. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Committee Reports

Ms. Vose brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:

• Police Building Committee Meeting – April 30, 2024 

• Walpole K-8 Research Committee Meeting – May 8, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

Building Permit

2024-16, Map and Lot# 005-005-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit #2024-16 for Map and Lot # 005-005-000 to construct a15’ x 20’ addition to the back of the home. Seconded by Mrs. Dalessio. With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.    

Old Business

Pending Further Action:  Parking Policy, Generators, Old North Main and High Street Bridges/Culverts, Houghton Brook Bridge, and Reservoir Dam

Vachon Clukay’s Tax Collector Audit Agreement Letter:   Mr. Dalessio moved Ms. Mayberry, Chair, sign the Tax Collector Audit Agreement Letter with Vachon Clukay.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved, and the agreement was signed. The Tax Collector audit will cover 2023 activity up through today.  Mr. Kreissle has started uploading document for the audit to a secure site. The agreement needs to be sent to Vachon Clukay tomorrow. They hope to have the audit completed in a week or week and a half.

2022 Financial Audit Status: Ms. Mayberry spoke with Jennifer Dorr of Vachon Clukay.  They will complete the Tax Collector audit before they finish the 2022 audit.

Letter to NH DOT Region 4:  Ms.  Vose moved that the Selectboard sign the letter to NH DOT Region 4regarding drainage issues in North Walpole.  The letter has already been signed by North Walpole Village Commissioners and the Road Agent.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Vose, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was passed, and the letter was signed.

Response Status from FMRSD – SAU  60:   No response has been received to the inquiry sent earlier in the week.  The due date is tomorrow. It was a deadline set by FMRSD which gave them an extra month to respond.  Mrs. Downing will send an email asking for a response tomorrow at noon and copy the Selectboard.

Purple Heart Community:  One current and one recently deceased Purple Heart medal recipients were identified in Walpole.   The Town will not be purchasing signs, etc., but we will recognize the recipients ar the Memorial Day ceremony.    A ROTC cadet will be the speaker on Memorial Day.  

Walpole Schools Withdrawal Study Committee:   The Committee members are Francesca “Jo” Cowgill, Stan Hutchings, Jean Kobeski, Tom Ronning, Chas Street, Steve Varone, and Diana Watson Petrie.  Ms. Vose updated the Selectboard.  The Committee met yesterday, and each team member has a job to come back with specific information for the meeting next week. The Committee meets at 6:30 PM on Wednesdays in the Town Hall.  The meetings are public.

New Business

Conservation Commission Letter of Interest:  John Peska, the current co-chair, would like to serve as a commission member for another three years.  Peter Palmiotto, the Conservation Commission co-chair, is to confirm that the Commission supports Mr. Peska’s renewed membership.

ARPA Grant Funds:  Funds need to be committed by the end of the year or returned.  Mr. Dalessio and Mark Houghton are preparing recommendations for water and sewer projects that can use ARPA grant funds.

DES Violation Report:  Because of erosion issues related to a timber harvest off County and Merriam Roads, the DES has started an investigation.  The property owner is aware of the notice.   Lew Shelley is to visit the area since he used to live on the property.  The Selectboard Office has been called by the DES for information.   The Town needs to keep a copy of all the information that is submitted with the DES Violation Notice.

DOL Safety Notice:   There was a Department of Labor boiler inspection issue at the Police Station. Combustible materials cannot be stored around the boiler.  The issue has been corrected.

Town Hall and the FMRSD Prom: The Advisor from FMRSD was told they need to cleanup on Sunday, but instead they put the key card under the door Saturday night.  The Town Hall was cleaned up Monday after a scheduled morning meeting.  There was also damage when one young woman used the wrong stairs and fell down the stairs.  She fell onto the velvet rope and pulled it out of the wall.  The consensus is that in the future, the Town will require a deposit for cleaning & repairs.  We will charge $500 for groups over 50. The deposit check will be returned if the Town Hall is cleaned on time and there is no damage.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:35 PM.  Mr. Dalessio seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Ms.  Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:57 PM.

Non-Public Business RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) 

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) at 7:57 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:33 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Non-Public Session Minutes be sealed. Seconded by Ms. Vose. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:33 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Present:  Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, Bill Ranauro, Tim Lester, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director), Carolyn Vose (Selectboard Liaison)

Amy called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m. in the Main Library.  This meeting was recorded.

Approval of Minutes: Susan asked that the April minutes reflect the 4:30 p.m. rather than 4:00 start time. With that correction, Gail moved to accept the April minutes.  Amy seconded and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Carolyn Vose entered the meeting at 4:06. Amy welcomed her and Board members introduced themselves.

Treasurer’s Report:   Kathy sent the Treasurer’s Report to the Board prior to the meeting. She reported that the bank account is balanced and we have a “very healthy” checking account. She said expenses included the children’s bookshelves and grant-reimbursed purchases.

Bills:  Jane sent a copy of the Bills prior to the meeting. She reported that part of the DVD and CD bills from last month were added together with this month’s because they had been overlooked. With no further discussion, Gail moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills. Amy seconded and all voted in favor. Motion carried. 

Old Business Progress has been made on several projects:

​• The front stoop was repaired and invoice was paid.

​• Installation of Community Room cabinets should take place in early June.

​• Houghton identified the grinding noise in the basement as the dehumidifier. They are looking for parts, though it may be better to replace it with a new one ($3250) 

​• No start date given for side of building repair, just that it will be this summer.  Jane reports that John Willette expressed interest in future pointing projects.

​• Jane is looking into purchasing a new drop box (for N. Walpole) and how to get rid of  the old one.

​• The old sign outside the library was removed. The group brainstormed ways to  dispose of it;  no decision was made. 

New Business:  Jane reported that she has learned from several webinars on book challenges and banning, etc. that library policy should state that residents, not patrons, of the town where challenges are being brought may bring book challenges. The board agreed that our policy should be amended to use the word residents. Jane will revise our policy and present it at the next meeting for approval.

Operations:

​• Sarah shared a Toddler Bag, one of several Julie has assembled with varying themes  and activities for children, using grant money she has secured.

​• There is a new Cheshire Children’s Museum Pass available to patrons, as well as as Bandwagon Series (Putney) tickets.  These and other passes are made available to library cardholders. 

​• Summer Reading starts soon. Jane announced that Monadnock Falconry will be coming to the library and Grafton Museum will come weekly.

​• The Cemetery Sleuth program was very successful.  We had a full house.  Jane said she may invite the speaker back to do some other programs in the future.

Buildings and Grounds:  There was a discussion about the patch of high grass in the front yard near the bench.  Carolyn said she would look into who might cut that.  Kathy suggested taking out that section and covering it with stone.  Amy suggested extending the garden.  Tim said he would talk to Jennifer about it. 

The board decided to find a replacement tree for the side yard near the picnic table.  It could only be put on library land or on the neighbor’s property, with his permission.

Jean suggested moving the Moose Plate “Thank You” plaque from the space next to the front door to a spot inside the library, now that we are well past the renovation. The Board agreed.

Friends of the Library:  Jane reported that the Friends will start sorting books for the book sale soon.  They will sort each Wednesday during the summer for an hour and people will be welcomed to drop books off at the chicken coop at that time.  No time has been set yet.

Pam Baucom is sewing blackout curtains for the Community Room to be used during the Thursday Lunch and a Movie program. 

Adjournment: With no further business to discuss, Gail moved to adjourn the meeting.  Tim seconded and all voted in favor.  Amy closed the meeting at 4:42 p.m.

The next meeting will be June 11, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. in the Main Library.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the June 11, 2024 meeting.