The Walpolean

Great Decisions” will meet tonight at 6:00 p.m. in the Walpole Town Library. All are welcome to our discussion of renewable energy, its environmental impacts, international competition for climate technology and the race to net-zero. Joining us will be Steve Grenier, VP of Electrical at E.E. Houghton Co., whose knowledge of green energy, heat-pumps and the transition to renewable energy locally will provide answers to many of our questions.

We begin with a 25-minute “Master Class” video prepared by the Foreign Policy Association. The relevant reading is the second article in the “Great Decisions” 2024 Edition: “Global Trade and Green Energy” by Bud Ward, environmental journalist and educator. This article is available at the library or via email by contacting Jane Malmberg, Library Director: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

For those wishing to join via Zoom, you must request the Zoom link from Jane Malmberg. Please note that we are unable to show the “Master Class” on Zoom, so we suggest you join the meeting at 6:25 p.m.

Join us at the library tonight — 6:00 p.m. on May 6 — to consider renewable energy and its challenges. 

Saturday, May 4, 2024, 9 am – 12 pm

This is a reminder that the Walpole Trail Committee’s 2nd Annual Help Our Trails (HOT) Day is this Saturday, May 4. Volunteers should meet at Town Hall between 8:30 and 9 am.  There will be donuts and coffee.  Our Trail Committee members have identified a number of HOT Day projects throughout the Town.  Volunteer trail workers will divide into small teams and go out to tackle these maintenance projects on Walpole’s trails.

Please dress for trail work and bring your own water, bug repellant, work gloves, and hand tools (clippers, loppers, hand saws, etc.) if you have them.  Metal rakes and shovels will be needed for some projects. Do not bring chain saws or power tools.  Litter bags will be provided.

There will be trail work available for anyone who comes to Town Hall Saturday morning. However, if you haven’t signed up yet and plan to attend, it is recommended that you RSVP to walpoletrailhelpers@gmail.com, so that you will receive any last minute information.

We look forward to seeing you on Help Our Trails Day!

​Wendy Grossman & Kara Dexter

​Walpole Trail Committee

 WALPOLE UNITARIAN CHURCH SPRING FOOD SALE

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)
Amy called the meeting to order at 4:32 p.m. at the North Walpole Branch.

Approval of Minutes: Amy made a motion to accept the March minutes as written. Gail seconded, and all voted in favor. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report: Kathy explained she added a line under income for the grant money Julie secured. Another grant has come in, so she will add another line next month to make it easier to track expenditures.

We received the new book shelves and thank the Friends or paying for them.

Kathy explained that the line at the bottom of the report for Capital Expenses is Adam Vose’s deposit money.

Bills: The magazine bill is big because we pay for all magazines at the same time, once a year. Literacy kits were paid for with grant money.

Amy moved to approve the Treasurer’s Report and Bills. Gail seconded, and all voted in favor. Motion carried.

Old Business
Front Steps: Jane spoke with John Willet about the repair of the front steps. He asked which days would be best to close the library for a day. Jane said Tuesdays or Thursdays are best. He said he would contact her as soon as good weather is predicted for one of those days. She warned that it might happen with little advance notice.
Side Wall: Jane contacted Don Newcombe about the repair of the side wall. He said he cannnot give her a date yet but will contact her as soon as he can.
Community Room Cabinets: Jane reached out to Adam for a date for cabinet installation in the Community Room but has not heard back yet. She thinks it will probably be in May some time. The library will not need to close for that work.

New Business
Election of Officers: The following were reelected to offices on the Board of Trustees:

Amy Howard – Chair
Kathy Nerrie – Treasurer
Jean Kobeski – Recording Secretary

Operations: Jane stated she gave out all the eclipse glasses, distributing as follows:

Walpole Schools – 450

Home Schoolers – 30

General public – 520

Jane will collect the glasses for recycling. They will be sent to students in South America where there will be an eclipse in October.

Hoopla usage has increased 60% over last year.

Jane said the library will manually count visits and checkouts in North Walpole rather than try to do it on the computer. She thinks stats in the future will be more accurate that way.

Buildings and Grounds: Jane stated that Brad has removal of the old sign in the front yard on his to-do list.
Jane asked Jennifer Burr for suggestions of trees that could be planted in the yard to replace the cherry that was removed during renovation. Jennifer suggested Zelkova, Elm, Catalpa, Maple, or Sargent’s Cherry. Kathy questioned whether the tree would, in fact, be on library property. Jane said she could discuss this with the next-door neighbor. Sarah recommended replacing the cherry with another cherry, since the original was a donation. She suggested trying to find out who the donor was, so that we could notify them of our intentions. Jane will ask Jennifer for a price quote for both tree and installation.

Friends of the Library
Jane reported that the Friends elected the following to offices on their Board:

Bevin Mitchell – Chair
Pam Baucom – Vice-Chair

Eryn Sellarole – Secretary
Jane stated she asked for $15,000 from the Friends this year, a $5,000 increase from last year because the drop box needs to be replaced. The Friends approved and will give the library $17,000. She also reported that the Friends will start plans for the annual book sale in early May. They will also look for ways to sell really valuable books that have been donated.

Other Business- Jane spoke to Christie Winmill about the chairs in the Community Room. Christie said the Historical Society will take them back if someone from the library takes them up to the Historical Society. Paperwork explaining the transfer needs to be signed by a Board member. Bill Ranauro volunteered to take care of that.
Artwork is still in Jane’s office. Board members need to take a look at these pictures to determine how to disperse them.

Adjournment: The Board meeting was adjourned to enter into non-public session at 5:03 p.m. The next meeting will be May 14, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at the Main Branch.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary
** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the May, 2024 meeting.

Great Decisions” meets one week from tonight!

“Green Energy Confronts Geopolitical Challenges”

On Monday, May 6, “Great Decisions” will meet again at 6:00 p.m. in the Walpole Town Library. All are welcome to join the discussion which will focus on renewable energy, its environmental impacts, international competition for climate technology and the race to net-zero. 

The transition to clean energy will be neither smooth nor global, and just at a time when the world urgently needs cooperation, climate nationalism will rear its hideous head. The mining of rare earth minerals – bauxite for aluminum, lithium for batteries, cobalt from the Congo, to mention only a few – rarely calculates the adverse environmental costs. How will nationalism impede access to these essential elements? What trade agreements should be put in place to attain a net-zero carbon-emissions world?

We begin with a 25-minute “Master Class” video prepared by the Foreign Policy Association. (The Master Class is available at the library on DVD.) The relevant reading is the second article in the “Great Decisions” 2024 Edition: “Global Trade and Green Energy” by Bud Ward, environmental journalist and educator. This article is available at the library or via email by contacting Jane Malmberg, Library Director: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

For those wishing to join via Zoom, you must request the Zoom link from Jane Malmberg. Please note that we are unable to show the “Master Class” on Zoom, so we suggest you join the meeting at 6:25 p.m.

Join us at the library on May 6 at 6:00 p.m. to consider renewable energy and its challenges from a global perspective. 

   A MAYPOLE ON THE COMMON

   The Walpole Unitarian Church is inviting folks to join in Maypole fun at  the Walpole Common on Sunday, May 5th, beginning around 11:15.  Kathy Torrey of Alstead will be there with the Maypole and music (her accordion or guitar) and will teach people of all ages some of the simple steps of traditional dance related to wrapping the ribbons around a Maypole.  All are invited to join in on the fun, either as participants or as observers. 

Selectboard Present: Cheryl Mayberry, Chair, and Carolyn Vose

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

Guests Present:  Pat Kiniry from the North Walpole Village Commissioners and Meghan Hansson, Town Clerk

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

North Walpole Speeding and Church/Killeen Street Condition Issues:   Ms. Mayberry moved this item to the beginning of the meeting because a guest wished to speak to it.  Pat Kiniry from the North Walpole Village Commissioners described safety concerns in North Walpole:  especially at the corners of Oak and Church (can only see about 150 feet), Maple and Church (trees on private property obstruct the view), and Pine and Church (can’t fix this intersection) where visibility is limited.  This problem is exacerbated by speeding cars and big trucks in the Village.  Speeding vehicles have caused a lot of accidents at Mr. G’s.  Route 12 has not been resurfaced in twenty years. There are storm drains with holes and two washouts.  Letters will be written and signed by the Selectboard and the North Walpole Village Commissioners to try to resolve the issues. The Commissioners are also in contact with the Police Department about the speeding.  

Pat Kiniry left the meeting.

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

Ms. Vose moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (b) at 6:59 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 7:51 PM.

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

Note:  Meghan Hansson left the meeting during the Non-Public session after she spoke about her topic.

Accounts Payable

Ms. Vose moved to approve Accounts Payable totaling $894,384.86 dated 4/19/2024.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  This included a $462,732.58 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District (FMRSD) and $238,182.92 payment to the North Walpole Village District for their portion of 2023 taxes. Ms. Mayberry is to contact FMRSD to ask why the payment amount has dropped significantly.

Payroll

Ms. Vose moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $49,653.43 dated 4/19/2024 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $11,687.02.  This payroll includes retroactive pay to 1/1/2024 to employees for wage increases.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Selectboard Meeting Minutes

Selectboard Meeting – April 11, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 11, 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Selectboard Non-Public Meeting – April 11, 2024:   Ms. Vose moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public meeting of April 11, 2024 and the minutes remain sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Committee Reports

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

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – March 12, 2024

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – March 19, 2024

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – March 26, 2024

• Conservation Commissioners Meeting – April 1, 2024

• Planning Board Meeting – April 9, 2024

Ms. Mayberry acknowledged these minutes.

Timber Yield Taxes Assessed and Warrant

Op # 23-461-01, Map and Lot # 002-013-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Timber Yield Taxes Assessed and Warrant for $868.51.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Op # 23-461-02, Maps and Lots # 002-009-000 and 005-036-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Timber Yield Taxes Assessed and Warrant for $3,897.25.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Gravel Tax Warrant

Op # 23-461-03, Map and Lot 014-013-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Gravel Tax Warrant for $89.08.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Op # 23-461-04, Map and Lot 015-011-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Gravel Tax Warrant for $2,085.32.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Elderly Exemption

Map and Lot 022-013-000: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Elderly Property Tax Exemption on Map and Lot # 022-013-000.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Timber Intents

Map and Lot # 011-039-004:  This property had an intent for 2023 that did not occur.  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Intent to Harvest Timber for Map and Lot # 011-039-004.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Excavation Intent                      

Map and Lot # 014-013-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Intent to Excavate for Cold River Materials at Map and Lot # 014-013-000.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot # 015-011-000:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the Intent to Excavate for Cold River Materials at Map and Lot # 015-011-000.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Building Permit

2014-10, Map and Lot# 012-013-004:  Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit # 2014-10 for Map and Lot # 012-013-004 to construct the third building at Abenaki Springs.  This permit is a renewal.Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

2023–6, Map and Lot# 005-031-002:  Ms. Vose moved to approve Building Permit # 2023-06 for Map and Lot # 005-031-002 to construct a 32’ x 30’ storage barn. This permit is a renewal.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Ms. Vose 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

NH PUC Form to Liberty Utilities: Ms.  Vose moved that Ms. Mayberry, Chair of the Selectboard, sign the form which is related to the solar installation at the Recycling Center.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved and the form signed.

Response Letter from Fall Mountain Regional School District:   Ms. Mayberry stated that FMRSD replied to the Selectboard late and did not sign the response letter. The District wrote they would send an answer no later than May 17th.  FMRSD claims that since the Town approved the budget, Walpole cannot reclaim money that was spent elsewhere.

Walpole Schools Withdrawal Study Committee: Ms. Mayberry announced that the seven selected members of the committee have all agreed to serve.  The committee will be invited to the Wednesday, May 1^st Selectboard meeting.  The committee will be given their mission and goals. The committee will select a chair and determine their meeting schedule.

New Business

Cemetery Deed # D469:  Ms. Vose moved to approve the sale of Cemetery Deed # D469.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Appointment Notice: Ms. Mayberry moved to appoint Tom Beaudry as an alternate on the Conservation Commission.  Seconded by Ms. Vose.  With Ms. Mayberry and Ms. Vose in favor, the motion carried.

2024 Summer Concerts on the Common: Ms. Vose moved to approve the Concerts on the Common sponsored by the Savings Bank of Walpole.  They will start June 16^th and the last concert will be August 11^th.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Vose and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion carried.  The Board thanked Savings Bank of Walpole for sponsoring the concerts.

Hooper Trustees

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:31 PM.  Ms. Vose seconded.  With Ms. Mayberry and Ms.  Vose in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 8:35 PM.

Adjournment: Ms. Mayberry declared the meeting adjourned at 8:35 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sue Bauer, Recording Secretary

Help Our Trails (HOT) Day

Saturday, May 4, 9 am – 12 pm

Walpole’s 2nd Annual Help Our Trails (HOT) Day is less than 2 weeks away! The emerging spring flowers signal that it’s time to prepare the town’s trails for the hiking season.  You can help by signing up for HOT Day, the Walpole Trail Committee’s town-wide trail work day.  Help Our Trails Day will be held in 2024 on Saturday, May 4, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.

All HOT Day volunteers should meet at the Walpole Town Hall, 34 Elm Street, by 9 am.  Participants will divide into small teams and go out to work on maintenance projects at designated trail locations around Walpole.  Volunteers are needed to trim back vegetation, clear fallen branches, pick up litter, and tackle some other interesting projects on trails at Mill Pond Sanctuary, Fanny Mason Forest, the Cheshire Rail Trail, and elsewhere in Walpole. 

Please dress for trail work and bring your own water, work gloves, and hand tools (clippers, loppers, hand saws, etc.) if you have them.  Do not bring chain saws or power tools.  Litter bags will be provided. No dogs, please.

We strongly encourage all Help Our Trail Day volunteers to sign up in advance by sending an email towalpoletrailhelpers@gmail.com.  This will enable us to contact you with additional HOT Day details.

Please join us on Help Our Trails Day, Saturday, May 4th, from 9 am to noon. Rain date is Sunday, May 5th.  

​Wendy Grossman and Kara Dexter

​Walpole Trail Committee