The Walpolean

Jana Sellarole just forwarded a “plea for plants”.  It’s hard to have a plant sale without plants after all. They are looking for, and accepting, donations until Thursday, May 14th.  They welcome annuals, perennials, vegetables. herbs, house plants, small shrubs and ground cover.  Please label your planst by type and color.  You can also donate garden related items, like decorative pots, ornaments, hand tools, seeds and bulbs. Please call Carol Malnati at 756-9537 for more information. Can you help?  Let’s hope that this week’s weather has brought people out of the house and into the garden! – Lil

A New Novel in Verse by Walpole Resident

Pam Bernard

            Fusing a poet’s voice with a novelist’s narrative craft, Pam Bernard’s ESTHER (CavanKerry Press; April 2015; $18.00, paperback), is an affecting novel-in-verse that tells the harrowing and transcendent story of a young woman’s struggle against violence and loneliness.  Set before a vividly-drawn backdrop that sweeps across the American landscape and recreates a particularly vibrant time in our history, this daringly original work—from an acclaimed poet whose work has appeared in TriQuarterly, Spoon River Review, Prairie Schooner, Salamander, and many other journals—is about family, place, incest, love, hate, survival, and salvation.

“Rather than rely primarily on plot to tell this story, I have developed characters who embody the failings as well as the beauty of the human spirit,” explains Bernard. “ESTHER begins in the early 20th century on the American prairie, and follows the journey into adulthood of a young girl who, in order to endure the dangers of family, escapes early on into the mysterious world of words. And in the broader sense, human time set against geological time serves to frame Esther’s extraordinary experience—stark human reality recast against Steinbeck’s sentient earth, where wind cried and whimpered over the fallen corn.”

Esther is raised on a farm in Kansas, the eldest child of a troubled marriage. When she is still a child, her angry father, Aaron, begins to molest her as her helpless mother, Bessie, turns a blind eye. The country girl accepts her hardscrabble existence, getting lost in her own head, taking refuge in the natural world that dictates the rhythm of life, as well as the pages of the encyclopedia. Her life is sequestered. Then, Aaron announces that he has accepted a temporary job at a logging camp in Colorado. He will take only one member of the family with him: Esther.

As they travel by train across the Prairie, Esther discovers a wondrous landscape. And in the mountains, so discovers something new—love—in the guise of Raymond, a shattered WWI veteran who is haunted by his experiences as Esther is, in her way, by her own. Together, they vow to escape Aaron’s grasp, and when they dare to take flight, unimaginable events unfold. En route to California, Esther disappears into the desert for two days to expunge her body of the vestiges of Aaron’s sins, finding a mystical form of healing along with a devastating sense of loss. In Los Angeles, bustling with nascent possibilities, Esther and Raymond begin to mend, but the fates prove unforgiving. Only by confronting the past will Esther find comfort in the future.

Exquisitely wrought and profoundly moving, ESTHER is a singular book-length poem about memory, loss, and redemption, and how language, incremental and pure, can hold the key to the truths that help us live.

Bernard’s launch reading will be at the Walpole, NH Library, Main Street, Walpole, Saturday, May 9^th at 4 PM.  tel: 603.756.9806

~~~

About Pam Bernard

Pam Bernard, a poet, painter, editor, and adjunct professor, received her MFA in Creative Writing from Warren Wilson College and BA from Harvard University. Her awards include a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Poetry and a MacDowell Fellowship. Ms. Bernard lives in Walpole, New Hampshire, and teaches at the New Hampshire Institute of Art and Franklin Pierce University.

Spring has sprung!

It was a very long winter but the sun is finally shining.
Just a reminder we do go outside everyday. Please apply sunblock to your child prior to school, if your child stays all day and you would like us to apply sunblock you will need to provide it. Please be sure it is clearly labelled with your child’s name and that it has not expired. Be sure to do daily checks for ticks, we have not seen any yet this Spring but we have had issues in the past. Unfortunately there is not much we can do other than just be aware and check children often.
Children need to have proper footwear for the playground, as they should be free to climb, run and jump. Sweatshirts are good to have in their cubbies for chilly mornings.

Our 2015 graduation will be a little different than in years past. Due to the number of children attending other programs as well as ours, we are breaking up the graduation to best accommodate families.
Our plan is as follows:
Pre-K Graduation will be May 14 following the play.

AM Preschool will graduate on June 15 and June 16 at 10:30 AM (your child will come to school at regular time and have a regular morning here at Walpole Village School, your child’s graduation day is dependent on which days they attend. M/W/F children will graduate on Monday June 15 and T/Th children will graduate on Tuesday June 16). The teachers will provide a special snack for the children prior to graduation. Parents are invited to join us at 10:30, weather permitting we will have graduation outside.

Family Referral Policy
Remember to take advantage of our Family Referral Policy, word of mouth is the best advertising and we are hoping you can help spread the word about how great Walpole Village School really is. If you refer a family to us and they enroll their child for the 2015-2016 school year, we will wave your registration fee. This is a $45 savings to your family.

What to do:
1. Refer a family to Walpole Village School
2. Send an e-mail to: director@walpolevillageschool.org with the potential family name, and your child’s name. Once the family enrolls and pays their first month’s tuition you will be notified and your account credited as necessary.

If your child is already fully enrolled and your registration fee has been paid, we will credit your next statement $45.00.

Requirement:
A family can refer as many families as they wish. A $45 credit will be applied each time, once the following requirements have been met:
The family has paid their first month’s tuition
You cannot refer a family that has been enrolled at Walpole Village School within the past 12 months.

Important Dates:
May 12 Concert 6 PM
Walpole Town Hall

May 14 Pre-K Play/Graduation 6 PM
Walpole Village School

May 19- Open House 6-7 PM
For incoming families

June 15- AM Preschool Graduation 10:30
Walpole Village School

June 16- AM Preschool Graduation 10:30
Walpole Village School

June 18- Last Day of School
Early Release- closing at 3:30 PM

June 20-Summer Kick Off
First Congregational Church,
more details to come

August 15- WVS Benefit Golf Outing
Hooper Golf Course,
more details to come

Summer Camp
July 13-17- Young Artists
July 20-24- Fun in The Sun
August 10-14- Terrific Trees/Camping
Open to children ages 5-8
8:30-3:30
There are a limited number of spots available, so sign up early if you are interested.

Enrollment for 2015-2015 School Year
Paperwork will be available by May 8, if you have a returning child, you will receive a packet of paperwrok. If you have a younger sibling that you would like to enroll, please let me know and I will get a packet to you as well. Please keep in mind we only have 4 slots for 2 year old children, those spots are going quickly.

Play Group was such a success last summer we have decided to continue it this summer as well. Join us on Thursdays mornings from 9-11, June 25, July 2, July 9 and July 30. Parents/ caregivers are asked to stay with their children. We will have art activities, snacks, books and songs, there is no cost to attend.

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 23, 2015

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Whitney Aldrich, Peggy Pschirrer

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were three people in attendance.

These are unapproved Minutes.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $39,673.78 for checks dated April 24, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending April 18, 2015, in the amount of $15,523.87 for checks dated April 24, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,747.18 for the week ending April 18, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 16, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 16, 2015, as presented.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – April 16, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 16, 2015, as presented. The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed the Minutes of the following meetings:

• Zoning Board of Adjustment – April 15, 2015;
• Planning Board – April 14, 2015, and
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – April 14, 2015.

BUILDING PERMITS:

JOSIAH BEER, 139 Old Keene Road, Map & Lot #016-014-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-09 for Josiah & Mary Beer to “Construct a 14’ x 10’ garden shed” as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ROBERT PALMER, 42 Barnett Hill, Map & Lot #009-048-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-10 for Robert & Margaret Palmer to “Construct a 12’ x 10’ wood frame storage shed” as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PALIOCHA, LLC., 118 March Hill, Map & Lot #009-023-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve Building Permit No. 2015-11 for Paliocha, LLC to “Construct a 1-1/2 story barn and seasonal camp”.  This is a renewal of a previously issued permit.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

“PAST DASH” RUN, WALPOLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Walpole Historical Society to advise that they would like to sponsor a 5K Run, the “Past Dash” on Saturday, May 30, 2015.  It is the first day the Historical Society opens for public hours.  The run would begin and end on the lawn of the Historical Society.  The course would be on the roads of Walpole, the exact route to be determined in consultation with Police Chief Paquette.  They will abide with the Police Chief’s recommendations.  They will obtain their own insurance for the event.

Mr. Aldrich moved to grant permission to the Walpole Historical Society to sponsor a 5K “Past Dash” Run on Saturday, May 30, 2015.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

LETTERS TO BE SIGNED:

WELLHEAD PROTECTION OVERLAY:  Mr. Dalessio explained that as part of the Wellhead Protection program the State has adopted a “Best Management Practices for Groundwater Protection” for companies located in the Wellhead Protection Overlay District area.  It is a voluntary program where they would like the facilities opened up for inspection by Granite State Rural Water Association.  The Walpole Water Department asked the Selectboard to send a letter asking each company to voluntarily open up their facility to them.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the letters to the following companies /farms:  1) Brookfield Farm; 2) Malnati Farm, 3) Britton Farm; and 4) Pinnacleview Equipment.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SHAW’S:  Mrs. Tara Sad had asked the Selectboard to send a letter to Shaw’s General Manager to advise that Walpole’s Clean Up Day is Saturday, April 25, 2015.  They are requesting that Shaw’s provide them with a gift card that will enable them to have coffee, milk, sugar and water to give their volunteers.  They have been generous in the past and the Town of Walpole is very grateful for their continuing generosity in supporting the Walpole Community.

Mr. Aldrich moved to approve and sign the letter to Shaw’s as presented.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR MAGGIE HASSAN RE: Town’s Vote on Political Spending:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the letter from James Butler, Policy Advisor in the Office of Governor Maggie Hassan, in response to the Selectboard’s letter advising of the Town of Walpole’s vote to support Article No. 13 related to political spending.

REP. PAUL BERCH RE: Town’s Vote on Political Spending:  A letter was also received from Representative Paul Berch in response to the Selectboard’s letter advising of the Town of Walpole’s vote to support Article No. 13 related to political spending.

Mr. Dalessio requested that Mrs. Clough send copies of these letters to the two Petitioners of this Article.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Mr. Aldrich seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:19 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:32 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS:

FAIRPOINT COMMUNICATIONS:  Mrs. Pschirrer received a call from Mrs. Carole Cramer who is disturbed about the generator being outside the FairPoint Communications building.  It was her understanding it was supposed to be there during the winter months if they needed it but now they informed her that it is not their intent to move it.  She asked if the Selectboard could investigate if FairPoint Communications intends to move their generator that has been outside their building since mid-winter.  It represents a distraction for all the events on the Common.  Following a discussion the Selectboard agreed to look into this concern.

MAINTENANCE OF TOWN BUILDINGS:  Mr. Dalessio mentioned that a lot of little things need to be done in terms of maintenance on Town buildings. The Selectboard discussed having a handyman available on hand as needed basis.  He will have Mr. Kreissle look at the department budgets to see if there is funding for building maintenance.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mr. Aldrich moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:38 PM/

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:45 PM.

OTHER BUSINESS (Continued):

INSURANCE COMMITTEE: Mr. Dalessio advised that Mr. Dave Westover agreed to join and provide guidance to the Insurance Committee.

KITCHEN COMMITTEE:  Mrs. Pschirrer and Mrs. Clough will form the Kitchen Committee to work on the Town Hall kitchen renovations.

VACANT BUILDINGS:  Mr. Dalessio is looking into what the Selectboard can do legally with vacant buildings.  He hopes to provide a report soon.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:52 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

I suppose you might say this little guy is cute but I like Mike’s pictures of the flowers better.  How about you? – Lil

Like in Third Annual Vernal Pool Walk at Distant Hill Gardens Distant Hill Gardens will be hosting its third annual Vernal Pool Walk this coming Saturday, May 2nd, from 10 am to noon. It will be led by Jeff Littleton, owner of Moosewood Ecological, and an adjunct professor at Antioch New England. On this easy walk, we will be exploring a number of these unique wetlands. You will get to examine the eggs of two species of Mole Salamander, (the Spotted Salamander and the Jefferson Salamander), eggs of the Wood Frog, and with any luck the hard to find Fairy Shrimp. Spotted Salamanders and their spermatophores (the white dots), in one of the vernal pools at Distant Hill. CLICK OR TOUCH THE PHOTO to learn more. NOTE: Please bring binoculars if you have them. It will make it much easier to see many of the items of interest in the pools. Visit www.distanthillgardens.org for more information and Directions There is a $5.00 suggested donation for this event.

Ben Daviss forwarded a corrected date for E-Waste Collection.  Please change your calendar to 5/16/15. – Lil

E-WASTE COLLECTION ON MAY 16

The Great River Co-op will hold its annual e-waste collection on Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the site of the co-op’s future home on Route 12 in Walpole across the street from Shaw’s supermarket, between Carol’s Scoop Shop and Pinnacleview Equipment.

We’ll take anything electrical or electronic.  Each item we collect will be disassembled by the professional E-Waste Recyclers company in Jaffrey.  Re-usable elements will be recycled; other parts will be disposed of responsibly.  The hard drives on all computers will be erased before processing.

Small disposal fees apply to each item.  For a list of fees, call 603-445-2200, e-mail info@ greatriverfoodcoop.com, or visit http://www.greatriverfoodcoop.com/e-waste-charges.  All proceeds will support the development of the co-op as we approach the final phase of our funding campaign.

Can’t come that day?  No worries.  Contact us and we’ll make arrangements with you to come pick up your electronic trash in the Keene-Brattleboro-Charlestown-Saxtons River region.  Call 603-445-2200 or e-mail info@greatriverfoodcoop.com to schedule a pick-up.

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 16, 2015

Selectboard Present:     Steven Dalessio (Chair); Whitney Aldrich; Peggy Pschirrer

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were three people in attendance.

These are unapproved Minutes.

BUILDING PERMITS:

AVANRU DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LTD:  Mr. Aldrich moved to renew the following three Building Permits for Avanru Development Group, Ltd:

• Permit # 2015-06 – 2014-14 Renewal, Main Street, Map & Lot #012-013-000; “Construct a 2 story 104’ x 63’2” Commercial Building as approved by the Planning Board on October 6, 2011”;
• Permit # 2015-07 – 2014-10A Renewal, Main Street, Map & Lot #012-013-000; “Construct new Multi-family Housing as approved by the Planning Board, November 13, 2012 for up to 67 multi-family units within approved building”;
• Permit # 2015-08 – Main Street, Map & Lot #012-013-004; “Construct new Multi-Family Housing per the approval of the Walpole Planning Board, August 10, 2010”.

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $599,059.56 for checks dated April 17, 2015.  This includes a monthly payment to the Fall Mountain Regional School District in the amount of $488,319.18.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending April 11, 2015, in the amount of $20,947.89 for checks dated April 17, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $4,684.59 for the week ending April 11, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 9, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 9, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – April 9, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of April 9, 2015, as submitted.  The Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meeting:

• Conservation Commission – April 6, 2015.

ABATEMENTS:

HASTINGS REVOCABLE TRUST, Barnett Hill, Map & Lot #009-060-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement for the Tax Year 2014 as submitted by Sandra Smith, Tax Collector, for the Hastings Revocable Trust in the amount of $19.05.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

LIDDLE, 34 Laclair Road, Map & Lot #013-043-003:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement for the Tax Year 2014 as submitted by Sandra Smith, Tax Collector, for Donna M. and Darrell D. Liddle in the amount of $19.00.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NNETO (Fairpoint), Town-Wide, Map & Lot #UTIL-FAIR-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept Avitar Associates recommendation to deny the Abatement for NNETO (Fairpoint) utilities.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Mrs. Clough will send NNETO (Fairpoint) a copy of the Avitar Associates letter that states if they provide the information specified Avitar will take the time again to re-review their request.

WESTOVER, 238 Kingsbury Road, Map & Lot #005-011-003:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the recommendation of Avitar Associates to deny this Abatement request for Dave and Cindy Westover.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WESTOVER, 656 Valley Road, Map & Lot #011-034-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the recommendation of Avitar Associates to deny this Abatement request for Dave and Cindy Westover.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WESTOVER, 447 Old Keene Road, Map & Lot #004-017-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the recommendation of Avitar Associates to deny this Abatement request for Dave and Cindy Westover.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENT / REFUNDS:

MAURICE ANDRE & SUSAN HOWARD, 15 Macri Lane, Map & Lot #013-007-022:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Abatement Refund in the amount of $155.92 with the check being made to the Steven Brode Trust as they were the owner at the time the tax payment was made.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT & CERTIFICATION OF YIELD TAXES ASSESSED:

KELLY & MARCINE WILLETT, 336 Ramsay Hill, Map & Lot #011-010-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Warrant for the Timber Tax Levy and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the Tax Year April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 in the amount of $356.04, Operation # 14-461-11-T, for Kelly and Marcine Willett.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

WALPOLE D&D, INC., Map & Lots #008-015-001, 008-015-006, 008-015-007 and 008-015-008:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Warrant for the Timber Tax Levy and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the Tax Year April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 in the amount of $308.27, Operation # 14-461-10-T, for Walpole D&D, Inc., Randy Daniels / Fred Dill.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.           

WALPOLE D&D, INC., Map & Lot #008-015-009:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Warrant for the Timber Tax Levy and the Certification of Yield Taxes Assessed for the Tax Year April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 in the amount of $776.54, Operation # 14-461-15-T, for Walpole D&D, Inc., Randy Daniels & Fred Dill.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The Selectboard announced that checks for Timber Tax Levies will be processed once a month.

NEW BUSINESS:

LETTER FROM PLT: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of an email from the Property-Liability Trust (PLT) to advise that they will not offer new coverage beginning July 1, 2016.  PLT provides property liability, workers’ compensation and unemployment compensation coverage to the New Hampshire public sector.  They will continue to service all valid claims eligible under the Member Agreements for policy periods up to and including FY2016. Mr. Dalessio recommended forming a committee consisting of Mrs. Clough, Mr. Kreissle, himself and an insurance agent to research other companies.  They will report back to the other members within three months.

Mr. Aldrich moved to form a committee to look into Workers Compensation, Property Liability and Unemployment Compensation coverage.  They recognize that the Property Liability Trust (PLT) will no longer be writing insurance starting July 1, 2016.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

FRIENDS OF THE HOOPER INSTITUTE:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Friends of the Hooper Institute will be holding their first annual meeting on April 28^th at 7:00 PM at the Hooper Institute.  They would like the Selectboard to attend.

WALPOLE LIBRARY:  The Library has formed a Search Committee for a new Librarian because the present Librarian is moving out of state.  Mrs. Lil DeCoste will chair this committee.  Mrs. Pschirrer, other Board members and a staff member will be on that committee.  They will begin meeting on Friday, April 17^th.

VILAS BRIDGE:  Mrs. Tara Sad plans to meet with the Selectboard on April 30^th to talk about the Vilas Bridge because she has been doing a lot of research on what happens if pieces fall off and they break the Walpole sewer system.  What will the impact be for Walpole?

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:39 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:46 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION:     

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 6:51 PM.

NEW BUSINESS (Continued):

ELM STREET: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Mr. Jim Terrell had looked at the cracks and dips on Elm Street and said they have been there almost every year.  He has not heard anything from the School Board.  That area is due for new sidewalks this year.  Mr. and Mrs. Palmiotto had previously pointed out that when the High School bus goes down Elm Street about 6:00 AM it rattles their house.  Mr. Dalessio will contact the person in charge of school bus transportation to see if the bus could go around a different way.

DEPARTMENT HEAD MEETINGS:  The new schedule for the Selectboard to meet with the Department Heads is on the third Thursday of each month.  The first meeting will be on Thursday, May 21^st at 5:00 PM.  If the Department Head is unable to attend Mr. Dalessio would like to have them send their second-in-command.  The first half hour of the meeting will be on their reports and the second half hour will be an open discussion.  Mr. Dalessio will invite Mr. Mark Houghton to attend these meetings.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY:  Mrs. Pschirrer has been doing research on a Conflict of Interest policy.  Each department will probably have a variation.  She will be attending the meeting for new Selectboard members on April 25^th.  In addition, Mrs. Pschirrer is also working on other personnel and performance evaluation issues.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 6:59 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

MEETING OF THE SELECTBOARD

APRIL 9, 2015

Selectboard Present:   Steven Dalessio (Chair); Whitney Aldrich; Peggy Pschirrer

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised that this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record.  There were five people in attendance.

These are unapproved Minutes.

PUBLIC HEARING – Pole License Agreement:

Mr. Dalessio called this Public Hearing on the Proposed Amendment to the Pole License Agreement to order at 6:02 PM.  He read the notice that was duly published and posted as follows:

“Pursuant to RSA 231:163 and 43:2, the Selectmen will hold a public hearing to consider amending all existing pole licenses to include language regarding taxation pursuant to RSA 72:23.  The hearing is being held to determine if it is in the best interests of the public good to amend the pole licenses so that they are consistent with the property taxation statutes (RSA 72:23).

This hearing is scheduled to be held on Thursday, April 9, 2015, at 6:00 P.M. at the Walpole Town Hall, located at 34 Elm Street, Walpole, NH.”

There was no public comment regarding this proposed amendment.

Mr. Dalessio closed this Public Hearing at 6:05 PM.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

WALPOLE FIRE DEPARTMENT – Dick Hurlburt:  Fire Chief Dick Hurlburt is interested in the dispatching change that will begin in Charlestown on July 1^st in that they are withdrawing from the Southwest Fire Mutual Aid System to do their own fire dispatching.  At some point they will be released from the SWFMA which will require them to sign individual mutual aid agreements with the surrounding communities.  He requested that the Selectboard do not sign any agreements until he gets a formal proposal.  The Walpole Fire Commissioners discussed this at their meeting last night and they would like to have their agreement in place before Charlestown comes to them.  Mr. Dalessio agreed that the Selectboard will notify the Walpole Fire Department if they are contacted first by the Town of Charlestown.

WALPOLE RECYCLING CENTER – Paul Colburn:  Mr. Colburn distributed copies of the Revenue for the month of March and explained the numbers.  It compares the last five years with this year.  Returnables is at the height of the five years.  In 2010 and 2011 they were getting paid as the recyclables were picked-up.  Now that they are no longer picked-up and the Recycling Center has another avenue of getting them to the vendor they get paid quarterly; that is why it is higher at this point.  As the years go by that will even out; it just gives an idea of where they are.  At this time they are close to the forecast.  It was slow this winter due to the weather.

Mr. Colburn distributed copies of the Five Year Comparison – Recyclables Report and explained the numbers.  This is for both the public and private sectors.  Last year this brought in approximately $180,000.  The bulk of this is the bags.  At the end of each year Mr. Colburn reviews the figures; it was a little over $100,000 last year.  He checks the costs for the trucking, the tipping/disposal, the maintenance and what the cost is for going back-and-forth.  They charge for accepting electronics but have to pay to dispose of it.  There is no charge for fibers, glass, aluminum, plastic, etc.  Their total tonnage for the year is lower by about 40 ton.  Historically they are continuing to go down.  One reason is that a commercial entity is bringing in less than in the past.

Mr. Colburn reported that there are a lot of changes happening with recycling.  He distributed copies of an article that deals with plastics but it incorporates a lot of the other commodities.  This is a world-wide issue.  It has to do with the strong dollar.  Exports are down.  Oil prices are down so it is cheaper for them to use raw materials from petroleum based products to make the plastics than it is to buy the recyclables.  There is a problem with over-supplies.  They are restricting contamination in the products or they can reject the load or pay a cut-rate.  It has happened in other NH municipalities.  This has major ramifications throughout the entire recycling process.  In some communities it is cheaper to go to a landfill than it is to recycle.  Mr. Colburn explained some changes they have implemented to meet the new requirements as they need to have a better quality product to stay within the competitive market.  The public will need to be educated on these changes.

The Walpole Green-Up Day is April 25^th.  They keep track of what comes in.  Blue bags are given to the people that ask for them and the Recycling Center does not charge when they come back in.

Relative to a solar up-date; they are looking into getting panels.  The roof will not hold them so another location is needed.  Mr. Ed Spoon who takes their recyclables will stop doing it at the end of this year.  They are looking into doing it themselves as they get between $12,000 and $13,000 a year for this.  Relative to the Re-use Center they are having trouble getting enough volunteers therefore it may only be open on Tuesdays.  Saturdays are very busy therefore Mr. Colburn is suggesting that the Food Shelf might have some volunteers as they get all the money; it was about $200.00 last year.  Mr. Colburn asked Mrs. Clough to check with the insurance carrier to be sure that the volunteers are in compliance.

Mr. Colburn sent in the paperwork for the Oil Grant.  They should be reimbursed; it covered the annual cleaning, filter crusher and a part that was needed plus the gathering towels that absorb any spills.

Mr. Paul Clark will be in charge while Mr. Colburn is on vacation. They should be all set with volunteers.  Most of the shipments have gone out.

The Highway Department is going to help him with the burn pit cage; probably in June.  He would like to do something to show their appreciation.  It is good team work.  Mr. Dalessio suggested buying lunch.

1. JACK FRANKS: Mr. Franks provided an up-date on his projects. He had Building Permits from last year; one for the condominiums and a second one permit for Building D (it would face Route 12).  Mr. Franks pointed out that the Building Permit on the condominiums was technically started because of the dirt movement therefore that one needs to be up-dated.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to extend these Building Permits for a year.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Accounts Payable check register and manifest in the amount of $43,560.91 for checks dated April 10, 2015.  This includes two Abatement refunds that were approved on April 02, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Payroll voucher for the week ending April 04, 2015, in the amount of $26,316.84 for checks dated April 10, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the electronic transfer for the 941 Employer Taxes for Withholding, MEDI and FICA taxes in the amount of $6,305.70 for the week ending April 04, 2015.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 2, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the regular Selectboard meeting of April 2, 2015, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – March 26, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session of March 26, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #1 – April 2, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session #1 of April 2, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION #2 – April 2, 2015:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard session #2 of April 2, 2015, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.  Mr. Aldrich abstained as he was not present at this meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard received and reviewed Minutes of the following meetings:

• Hooper Institute Committee – March 31, 2015; and
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners – April 7, 2015.

ABATEMENTS:

HOWARD & JUDITH PUTNAM, 62 River Road, Map & Lot #007–010-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the recommendation of Avitar Associates to deny the Property Tax Abatement for Howard and Judith Putnam at 62 River Road.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

CLARK, 602 Cold River Road, Map & Lot #015-015-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2015-04 for Jeannette Clark to “Construct a 8×12 chicken coop” at 602 Cold River Road, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

LA BURDICKS CHOCOLATE, 47 Main Street, Map & Lot #020-070-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit No. 2015-05 for LA Burdicks Chocolate to “Remodel existing kitchen” at 47 Main Street, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

GRAVEL TAX WARRANT:

GEORGE R. GRAVES REVOCABLE TRUST, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #001-016-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Warrant for Gravel Tax Levy for the Tax Year April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015, for the George R. Graves Revocable Trust, Operation #14-461-03-E, in the amount of $69.48.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

INTENT TO EXCAVATE:

GEORGE R. GRAVES REVOCABLE TRUST, Wentworth Road, Map & Lot #001-016-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Excavation Tax Assessment for the Tax Year April 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015, for the George R. Graves Revocable Trust, Operation #14-461-03-E, in the amount of $69.48.  The intent is to excavate an estimated 4,000 cubic yards of sand, gravel, loam, stone products and other earth products.   Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer advised that the check for the Fee Tax to the State of NH was attached.

OLD BUSINESS:

APPOINTMENT – CONSERVATION COMMISSION:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to re-appoint John Peska to the Walpole Conservation Commission for a period of three years as a regular member.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

APPOINTMENT – WRAP COMMITTEE:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to re-appoint David Adams to the WRAP Committee for a one year term.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE VACANCIES:  A letter was received from Mr. Sheldon Sawyer who is not seeking a re-appointment to the Walpole Conservation Commission.  Mrs. Clough reported that the posting is up.  Mr. Dalessio recommended giving the vacancies another week to see if somebody submits a letter of interest.

ARTICLE #13 LETTERS:  Mr. Dalessio advised that the Selectboard’s task was to write a letter to the congressional officials following the town vote on Article #13.  The wording in the letter is exactly the same as the Article except for the first line “The Town of Walpole, New Hampshire at the March 14, 2015 annual town meeting voted in favor of Article 13”.     

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the letters and to move them forward.  She requested that a copy of the letters be sent to the Petitioners.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

The letters will be sent to:

• President Barack Obama;
• Governor Maggie Hassan;
• NH State Senate, Molly M. Kelly;
• Congresswoman Ann M. Kuster;
• NH State Representative, District 1, Tara A. Sad;
• NH State Representative, District 1, Lucy M. Weber;
• NH State Representative, District 1, Paul S. Burch;
• NH State Representative, District 1, Michael D. Abbott.

FLOATING HOLIDAY: Mrs. Clough distributed copies of a graph indicating how the departments will take their 2015 floating holiday.

• The Executive Department will work on Monday (June 29^th), Tuesday (June 30^th), Wednesday (July 1^st) and Thursday (July 2^nd), Friday will be a holiday (July 3^rd) and Monday (July 6^th) will be the floating holiday.
• The Road Department will work on Monday (June 29^th), Tuesday (June 30^th), and Wednesday (July 1^st). Their holiday will be on Thursday (July 2^nd).  They will be off Friday, Saturday and Sunday; Monday (July 6^th) will be their floating holiday.

• The Recycling Department will work on Tuesday (June 30^th), Thursday (July 2^nd) and Tuesday (July 7^th). Their holiday will be Friday (July 3^rd) and their floating holiday will be Saturday (July 4^th).
• Police Department: Dalessio spoke with Police Chief Paquette and it is not practical for everybody to be off so he will schedule that in.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the calendar of holidays as presented.  Seconded by Mr. Aldrich.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

SELECTBOARD OFFICE HOURS:  A memo was received from Mrs. Clough to advise that the office staff would like to propose the Selectboard Office hours to be changed to Monday, Tuesday and Thursday they will be open from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Wednesday and Friday they will be open from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM starting Monday, April 27, 2015.  Mr. Dalessio recommended that they remain open until 1:00 PM on Wednesday and Friday to give people an opportunity to come in during their lunch hours and to start this schedule the week of May 4th.  Mrs. Clough was agreeable to these changes.

Mr. Aldrich moved to accept these revised Selectboard office hours.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved.

DEPARTMENT HEAD MEETINGS: Mr. Dalessio proposed that they start having Department Heads attend a meeting starting with the third Thursday of each month.  These meetings will start in May at 5:00 PM and will be open to the other town officials.  The first half hour will be to discuss individually what is going on in their departments and the second half hour will be a round-table discussion.  The regular Selectboard meetings will begin at 6:00 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Aldrich moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 1I to discuss (a) Personnel and (e) Pending Claims or Litigation.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded the motion and, on a roll call vote with all in favor, the motion was approved at 7:35 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:59 PM.

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:07 PM.

OLD BUSINESS:

TOWN HALL KITCHEN RENOVATIONS:  Mr. Dalessio talked with Mr. Mark Houghton who will get a quote on an Ansel system.  They talked about forming a committee that Mrs. Clough will Chair.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Aldrich moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With all in favor, the motion was approved at 8:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Contra Dance – sponsored by Walpole PTG – Friday May 1^st

Come make memories with your family and catch up with neighbors

Featuring local caller and musicians: Kathy Torrey, Randy Miller and Gordon Peery

Time: 6:30-8:30

Cold drinks will be available

You do not need to know how to do Contra Dancing to participate!