Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio, Alternate Travis Adams. 

Facilitator: Lisa Murphy, Senior Planner Southwest Regional Planning Commission.

Topic: Master Plan Chapter – Natural Features. This is a new chapter being added to the Master Plan.

Ms. Murphy presented several maps about Walpole’s natural features and four pages of definitions and explanations about the maps. Those pages also included pie charts classifications by acres.

The maps were titled: 

​Steep Slopes

​Soil Classification – 5 maps – gravel, road fill, topsoil, farmland and sand

​Water Resources and water bodies including aquifers

​Wetlands

​Topographic map including insets of North Walpole and the Village

​Shaded Relief Areas

​Wildlife Action Plan – 2 maps – Habitat Land Cover and Highest Ranked Habitat by Ecological ​Condition

Suggestions to Ms. Murphy were make the definitions and refine the legends. Legends are on a map listing and explaining the symbols. 

Ms. Murphy will be back on the 4^th Tuesday of April or May with the finished product.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Recording Secretary

Walpole Planning Board

Walpole, NH

The Planning Board feels there needs to be some clarification on the recently posted Town Warrant Articles for the upcoming Town vote and meeting regarding Article 3, a proposed zoning amendment by petition regarding formula businesses.

After a public hearing in January, the Planning Board voted to Not recommend this zoning amendment.

The Women of Walpole will be meeting Wednesday, March 15 at 6:30pm (this is one of our two evening meetings during the year).
Location:  Traditions Real Estate Office, 73 Main Street, Walpole, NH
Hosted by: Robyn Sanctuary

Our guest speaker for this month’s program is Don Caruso, CEO of Cheshire Medical Center who will be presenting information on the status of health care in our community.  Members will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about taking care of our health.

Selectboard Present:  Steven Dalessio, Chair; Peggy Pschirrer and Cheryl Mayberry

Others Present: Dale Woodward, Steve Varone

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery and Green Burials: Mr. Woodward commenced a discussion regarding green burials. He stated that this past summer the library hosted a speaker from NH Funeral Resources. He stated that after this meeting, a couple of residents from Walpole spoke to him about moving forward with green burials. Mr. Woodward explained that green burials are such when there are only flat markers at the site, no embalming, and all materials used are compostable. Additionally, revisions to the by-laws permit green burials, but the question is “where” these type of burials will be located. Mr. Woodward stated that 3 ½ feet is the depth for green burials. It was suggested that the western boundary be used for green burials. The Cemetery Trustees are suggesting a 4’ x 10’ lot. Mr. Woodward stated a new access road would need to be put in. Mrs. Pschirrer asked where the funding for this new green burial site would come from. Mr. Woodward read the by-laws and said he would develop the pricing. He indicated that a warrant article would need to be written. Mr. Woodward would work on this over the summer. Mrs. Pschirrer said the Selectboard would be willing to contact the Office of Charitable Trusts on behalf of the Cemetery Trustees. Mr. Dalessio suggested that the by-laws be revised to state 7% of the lot fee be deposited into the general fund and 93% be deposited into Cemetery II Fund which is held by the Trustees of Trust Funds. Mr. Dalessio suggested to Mr. Woodward that he acquire more than one quote for each of the jobs needed for the completion of the green burial cemetery area. The Selectboard commented that creating the green burial area would be a 2024 warrant article.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a):

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 7:05 p.m. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. These minutes will be sealed.

The meeting reconvened at 7:34 p.m.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $72,039.19 for checks issued February 24, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. This includes a payment of $38,891.30 to HealthTrust.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Check Register in the amount of $28,325.46 dated February 24, 2023, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,449.94.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 16, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 16, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – February 16, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of February 16, 2023. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed. 

STAFF MEETING– February 16, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of February 16, 2023.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, and Mr. Dalessio abstaining, the motion was approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The following reports were acknowledged by the Selectboard:

• Planning Board Meeting- February 14, 2023

BUILDING PERMITS:

2023-04, Map and Lot# 007-020-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a building permit# 2023-04 for Map and Lot# 007-020-000 to install a 34’ x 13’10” ground mount solar array.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pool Repair: Ms. Mayberry stated that Rich Kreissle researched using the ARPA county funds to connect the Rec. Park to the sewer system. After the ARPA Funds were applied, this would leave the Town short $2,317.08 to complete the project. Mr. Dalessio requested that the remaining funds come from general maintenance and repair in the Recreation Dept. budget. There was a consensus with the Selectboard to move forward with the pool repair project.

Mailboxes and Structures in Town Right of Way Policy: Mr. Dalessio stated he added a graphic to the policy. Mrs. Downing stated also that she changed the wording in the policy from “avoid” to “do not use” to clarify what is not permitted. Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Mailboxes and Structures in Town Right of Way Policy. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting at 7:46 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion. There was none. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Ray Boas

Feb 27

I just returned from the printer and the post offices, and your March CLARION should be delivered to Walpole, North Walpole, and Drewsville postal recipients hopefully tomorrow, February 28th. Another 20 page paper with much to read about what you will see on the ballots Tuesday March 14, and coming at Town Meeting on Saturday March 18. But, now it is on-line for you to begin reading.

I continue to get nice compliments when I see friends, neighbors, and even strangers when they find out I am the publisher of “your local paper.” It even happened at an event yesterday in Dummerston. Thank you, I appreciate your kind words, but bringing you the CLARION is simply something I should do for the community. But also too, making your community publication possible are the advertisers, so thank them as well. Tell them you saw their ads, and maybe even give them some business. 

 So just click on this link, or the cover below to see the March issue. Yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

“Great Decisions”

War Crimes

“Great Decisions” will resume on Monday, March 13, 6:00 p.m., in the Walpole Town Library. Our first topic of the year is “War Crimes,” and the discussion will be moderated by Adrian Basora, former United States Ambassador to Czechoslovakia and subsequently to the Czech Republic. Adrian is currently a trustee of the Foreign Policy Research Institute and chairs its Eurasia Program. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and is on the international advisory board of the Auschwitz Institute for the Prevention of Genocide and Mass Atrocities. During his 33 years in the U.S. Foreign Service, Adrian served in former Soviet Bloc countries and helped develop American programs in support of their transitions to democracy. He has followed events in Ukraine with particular concern.

The Foreign Policy Association (fpa.org) publishes an article in their annual magazine on each “Great Decisions” topic. Now available at the library: “War crimes: What are they? How can they be prosecuted?” by Francine Hirsch, describing the history of international attempts to codify and prosecute war crimes. A copy of the article can be emailed to you upon request: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague was founded in 1998, but neither Russia nor the U.S. have ever joined the ICC. Can Russia’s leaders be charged with crimes of aggression? Does the United Nations have a role to play? What kinds of ad hoc international tribunals are being considered? What authority has Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office assumed? Ukrainian and E.U. investigations have identified over 50,000 crimes against humanity.

This will be the first of two examinations of War Crimes: We will follow-up on April 3 with expert commentary from the Honorable Patricia Whalen, former judge at the Bosnian War Crimes Tribunal, and Dr. James Waller, Cohen Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Keene State College, director of academic programs at the Auschwitz Institute, widely-recognized scholar and author. You won’t want to miss either of these events!

Please join the discussion at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 13, either in person in the Hubbard Meeting Room at the Walpole Town Library or via Zoom. For the Zoom link, contact Jane Malmberg, Library Director, in advance of the meeting: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org.

Sue Kibbe and Ron MacLachlan

Selectboard Present:  Steven Dalessio, Chair; Peggy Pschirrer and Cheryl Mayberry

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:32 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $736,617.16 for checks issued February 17, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. This includes a payment of $700,531.13 for Fall Mt. Regional School District.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Payroll Check Register in the amount of $30,493.74 dated February 17, 2023, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,044.62.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2023 ANNUAL BUDGET– February 8, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Public Hearing of February 8, 2023.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – February 8, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of February 8, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – February 8, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of February 8, 2023. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The following reports were acknowledged by the Selectboard:

• North Walpole Commissioner’s Meeting 12.20.2022
• North Walpole Commissioner’s Meeting 12.27.2022
• Trustee of Trust Funds Meeting 1.27.2023
• Cemetery Trustees Meeting 2.13.2023

SUPPLEMENTAL TAX WARRANT:

Map and Lot# 012-012-004:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a supplemental tax warrant for Map and Lot# 012-012-004, of $11,617 for a property in the Low Income Housing Tax Credit Program Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

REFUND:

Map and Lot# 019-061-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a property tax refund for Map and Lot# 019-061-000 for $90.44 for the overpayment of interest.  Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 003-034-008 and 028-131-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a property tax refund for Map and Lot# 003-034-008 and 028-131-000 for $24.19 for the overpayment of interest.  Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Interest vs. No Interest Refunds:   The Selectboard discussed property owners’ abatements that originated from spring estimated tax payments being more than the final tax bill. Ms. Mayberry stated her opinion not to pay the interest on the refunds. Mr. Dalessio stated that the DRA states that the Town should pay the interest, and the DRA is the highest authority. However, the matter has not been settled by the DRA, Avitar and the Tax Collectors’ Association.

Ms. Mayberry motioned to sign the abatement reimbursements for the refunded amount for the abatement only, not to include interest for Map 4 lot for $67; map 6 lot 7 for $22; map 9 lot 28 for $23; map 10 lot 34 for $103; map 11 lot 50 for $18; map 16 lot 5 sub-lot mh04 for $1; map 24 lot 38 for $303. Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ALL VETERAN’S TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot# 013-052-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve an All Veterans’ Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 013-052-000, as the applicant met the requirement by serving over 90 days of active duty and was honorably discharged. Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Reservoir Dam: Mr. Dalessio stated that the executive council approved the grant of $740,000 for the Reservoir Dam. Paperwork and contracts will be coming up for that. He stated the procurement policy would need to be reviewed since this will be a requirement for the grant.

Pool Repair: Mr. Dalessio commenced a discussion regarding the pool. Ms. Mayberry informed the Selectboard that the total repair cost for the pool is $90,000. We only have $52,000-$53,000 left in the warrant. The leak repair itself is $7,000, and this needs to be scheduled now to prepare for pool opening in June. The Selectboard reached consensus to move forward with repairing the pool leak for $7,000. Mr. Dalessio advised speaking to Mr. Kreissle to determine if the count ARPA funds could be utilized to complete the entire pool repair project.

Mailboxes and Structures in Town Right of Way Policy: Mr. Dalessio stated that he will have a draft prepared for next week for a decision. Mr. Dalessio stated to remove “avoid” and to place “not permitted” in the wording of the policy concerning mailbox structures in town to demonstrate it is a directive. Mr. Dalessio stated that the new policy would be ready to sign next week.

Mascoma Bank Parking Lot Light: Mr. Dalessio stated the Town has received another complaint for Light 159-2. He confirmed that this light is owned by the Town. Ms. Pschirrer stated the issue with the light is that it is too bright and is shining into the house two doors away. Mr. Dalessio stated the manufacturers of the light are being consulted to see if the light can be dimmed.

NEW BUSINESS:

MS-636: Mr. Dalessio commented that the MS-636 was ready to sign. Ms. Mayberry motioned to sign the MS-636. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed: Ms. Pschirrer motioned to approve the cemetery deed for lots E-886 and

E-887. Mrs. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a):

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 7:14 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into the Hooper Trustees meeting at 7:55 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting at 8:04 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Mayberry.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion. There was none. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Present:   Peggy L. Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry       Excused: Steve Dalessio

Staff Present: Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Jordan Cannon (Recording Secretary); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director); Jane Malmberg (Library Director); Meghan Hansson (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); Mike Rau (Road Agent); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Justin Sanctuary (Police Chief)

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Pschirrer called the staff meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. There were no members of the public present. She introduced the new Recording Secretary, Jordan Cannon to the staff members in attendance.

Ms. Pschirrer called upon Mr. Kraig Harlow to give his departmental report.

RECREATION:

Hockey Rink

• The hockey rink extension was delivered on 2/7/2023.
• Unfortunately, due to the warm weather all winter we asked the highway department to store it for us until spring.
• He discussed the winter weather being warm, and thus not good for hockey.

Soccer

• Recreation Committee approved the purchase of 4 new soccer goals for $3,280 to replace the old goals that are 15-years old.

Age in Motion

• Recreation Committee endorsed the support of Age in Motion program. Classes begin 2.2.2023 in Town Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 10am.
• We had 34 people attend the first week and 24 people attend the second week.

Winter Basketball

• We had 90 children who signed up for basketball from grades 1st-6th grade. This is almost 40 more children than last year.
• Our last game was held on Monday, 2/13/2023 with most teams having wrapped up their season on 2/11/2023. All participants received a certificate and medal for their participation.
• We had Diamond Pizza, EE Houghton, ServPro, Hubbards LLC, Home Away From Home, Kelly Lawn Care, Latham Electric and WW Building, all sponsoring teams this season. All of the sponsors received a plaque with their team photo.

  Pickleball/Tennis

• Recreation is working with David Kuniholm and Toni McDougal on ways we can expand the use of our facilities to include more pickleball courts.
• The recreation committee agreed to paint two pickleball courts on the already existing tennis courts.
• We are currently discussing times and usage for both tennis and pickleball for the upcoming summer and a sign-in to collect data on who is using the courts.

  Recreation Committee

• The recreation committee last met on Saturday, 2/11/2023.
• We’ll be hosting another meeting in March; the time and date is still to be determined.

FINANCE:

Mr. Kreissle highlighted items from his report:

• He stated that all employees should have received their W-2s.
• Accounting software (AccuFund) updated promptly in the 1^st week of January with the intention of getting employees W-2s out shortly thereafter.
• He stated there was a software problem involving organizations who issue W-2s to two states. This problem wasn’t resolved until the weekend of 1/28-1/29. AccuFund had to be updated on 1/30 before it could be successfully run.
• 1095s: Information return simply showing that employees have health insurance for the year. No tax implication. Due 3/2/23. AccuFund is trying to figure out why I can’t run the 1095s.
• Entered the Town’s budget into the Department of Revenue’s portal. Fixed all issues as indicated by the DRA.
• Worked on the exposures for Primex for unemployment and workers’ compensation. They go towards the determination of future rates.
• Dental: All questions involving dental claims should now come to Richard Kriessle.

RECYCLING:

Mr. Hoy stated that the Walpole Recycling truck passed inspection. The Bobcat is going to be serviced this month. Slow business at the recycling center in the winter, so we are catching up on some interior painting, cart repair, and basic machinery maintenance.

   Northstar Pulp and Paper in Springfield, MA was purchased by Casella. They provide us with extra pallets    

   and gaylords on top of what Mr. G’s can give us. We have a large stockpile of gaylords and pallets, enough.       

   where we can use them as sleds for the Hooper kids’ program.

New York City artist, Michael Albert is putting on a crafting experience open to the public at Walpole Reuse Center on Saturday, 3/4/2023. Mr. Hoy stated they were shipping plastics load to TABB plastics this month in Michigan. Metal prices are going up, as aluminum is up to .45/lb. Last year we were able to ship aluminum at $1.08/lb. Cardboard prices are down, we are currently making $1,000 per baled truckload of cardboard to APC Paper in Claremont. Last summer our cardboard truckload was going out for $4,500 per truckload.

Our Walpole trash bag order from Boxes and Bags Unlimited is going to be available soon.

LIBRARY:

Mrs. Jane Malmberg presented her report.

Building and Grounds: A letter was sent to Mark McGill informing him of the Selectboard’s cancellation of our agreement/request for the return of our deposit, due to his not completing the work in a timely manner. The check was received this week and remitted to Town Hall. The building subcommittee reached out to Terry Cox, Adam Vose, and Grant Taylor to invite them to submit proposals for a new door. Terry Cox submitted a proposal, but Grant Taylor declined to submit. Adam Vose submitted a revised quote.

Donations: We received a donation of Kindle from a patron that we hope to be able to circulate to patrons. A patron from the North Walpole Branch has donated two books in memory of her neighbor’s dog who died recently.

Programming: Saturday, 2/4/23 was “Take your child to the library day”. We had special goodie bags to hand out to kids in celebration of the day. One of our patrons, Bob Grenier, will be leading a singalong program featuring 20^th Century French songs on 2/15/23. We are hoping this will be the first in a series. The library will host a virtual Roblox program for kids in grades K-5 during winter break on 2/24/23. Our stress reduction program was rescheduled to 2/13/23, due to snow.

We are running a Winter Challenge in February and March. Patrons can pick up a bookmark with a list of library related challenges: attending a program, reading a newspaper from NewsBank, borrowing a museum pass, taking a class through Universal Class, etc. Anyone who completes all of the challenges will win a gift certificate for a hot chocolate at Burdick’s.

Staff: The Library staff have begun to work on their self-evaluations. I expect to have them all in hand by the end of the week and to finish up the evaluation process by the end of February/beginning of March.

TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE:

Mrs. Meghan Hasson presented her report.

• Abatements from negative tax bills due to reassessment have proven to be complicated in terms of proper procedure. Much research has been done and much discussion with veteran tax collectors and with the following people weighing in on the topic: Loren of Avitar, Jamie Dow of DRA, and Bernie Campbell attorney for NHTCA.
• Delinquent notices were sent out 1/25/2023, which brought in a lot of payments.
• Of the 2022 fall tax warrant, only about 224K remains to be collected, which is about 3% of the warrant. For ALL warrants the amount outstanding is 506K.
• There is steady interest in being able to pay taxes with a credit card.
• Next important tax date is 3/30 when we send out the Intent to Lien notices.
• Since our last meeting, the Town Clerk has collected over 98K, 75K belonging to the town and 23K belonging to the State.
• We have processed about 63 online registrations since the last meeting.
• So far this year we have licensed 84 dogs. By this time last year, we registered 78, and the year before that 53.
• We continue to prepare for the upcoming election 3/14/23. The Accuvote card has been sent back to LHS for programming for the Town Election. We have had several absentee ballot requests so far.

 

HOOPER INSTITUTE:

Mrs. Helen Dalbeck gave a recap which included the following activities.

School Programs and School Gardens: To date in gr. 5, winter wildlife has been featured with the three strategies for survival plus a lesson on the three true hibernators we have in NH. Black Bear study was next with a comparative look at life cycle, anatomy, natural history of the other two North American bears, the brown bear and polar bear. The natural history of raccoon and opossum, fisher and porcupine was taught. The weasel lesson focused on river otter, mink, and ermine plus we created in class a wiggly weasel craft. NH wild dogs were this week’s classes. Sixth grade has been all about the Earth Sciences with the study of the 4 earth spheres, a geological timeline, earth origins and modeling plate tectonics with wooden blocks and Oreo cookies. Most recently we made super continent party flags and Pangea puzzles which brought home the work of Alfred Wegener (continental drift theory) and plate tectonics. Exploring the difference between an island and a continent was the lead into the amazing drift of the Indian plate into the Asia plate, creating the Himalayan Mountains lo these 50 mya.

Becky Whippie has been focusing on winter animal behavior (hibernating, migrating, being active or dormant), bear studies in pre-K, farming in K, 2, and 4th with a 4th grade visit to Malnati Farm 2/2/23. There have been tracking activities in 3rd and 1st plus butter making in K and 4th. Soon she will be tapping a maple tree or two at the Primary School and visiting a Sugar House with 4th grade. Lucky students!

Outreach and Marketing: Clarion, flyers, Facebook, school newsletter, school posters, Town Report

Administration: Ongoing, in every way. Our 2023 budget has been Board and Trustee approved. Two new board members are pending as we wait for their letters of interest (Brad Nash and Will Grossman). Liz Collinsworth is completing her term on both the Hooper Scholarship Committee and the Hooper Institute board this March. She will be missed. The TOWN REPORT article for the Hooper Institute was submitted as well as some fun photos from the year. My theme for 2022 was gratitude.

Special Events, Programs, Scholarship and Friends: Winter Fun Day, February 11, 2023 @ 2pm – 5pm. We had 50 or so people attend, with lots of young children and their parents. Board members and volunteers helped with refreshments, sled making, the sled hill, judging and awarding prizes. Cardboard was delivered thanks to the Recycling Center. Duct tape was provided by the Walpole Parent/Teacher Group. The popcorn maker was loaned from the schools and all else donated by Hooper board and staff members. We had a sunny day, a bluebird sky, sufficient snow, with moderate temps. The day was a success! Thanks to all.

NEW!: We are planning to be a community partner with the Walpole Library this fall as they host a BIG READ around the novel “The Bear”. The Hooper Institute has offered to teach a bear-based natural history program for adults and a children’s program with crafts. More details to follow.

Planning prep has begun for the 2023 Flower CSA and school gardens, the high tunnel repair project and the high school work program. My plan for the high school program is to hire students for Malnati Farm, Abenaki Springs, and Hooper Camps and introduce a new opportunity for a Garden Assistant to help with the school gardens and the Flower CSA. I’ve reached out to Carol Malnati and Bruce Bickford to gauge interest and I’m sure I will hear from them soon.

Development/Fundraising: Lend a Hand gifts and some end of year 2022 donations spilled over into 2023. I am gearing up to begin again with a spring campaign in April. Looks like we will host a Dahlia Day in May at the Hooper Institute to celebrate GL Hooper’s Birthday and support our programs. This is a community led project with up to 100 pots of dahlias grown to be sold.

Scholarship The total awarded for the school year 2022-23 is $15,000.

Other news: Our building was closed on Dec. 22 for the winter and will reopen late March, weather dependent. I’ve noticed some of the trim is lifting off the east side of the building, right below the roof line; an upcoming maintenance project.

HIGHWAY:

Mr. Rau stated this year there has been minimal snow. On l/20, 1/23, 1/26, 2/7, there were winter weather call outs. The following was also included in his report:

• Winter weather call outs: 1/20, 1/23, 1/26, 2/7.
• Winter vehicle maintenance and repairs: Throughout winter operations, vehicles and equipment experience excessive workloads and harsh conditions. After most winter call outs, there is usually the need for repairs of all types and sizes. We do our best to care for these repairs in the shop. Each unit is also routinely maintained after use which includes greasing to help prolong the life of the truck or piece of equipment.
• Cold patching: As winter continues, we see an increase in potholes in various locations in town. We care for these holes with a special mixture that we obtain as needed that can be applied to the road at any temperature. When patching is needed, we do our best to pick dry and sunny days to help the material cure correctly and help the mix set and harden. Unfortunately, the cold patch is a temporary fix.
• Roadside brush, tree, and debris chipping and clean up: After heavy winds, the need to clear and chip brush on roadsides was needed. This keeps ditches clear and creates more room for snow plowing when the time comes.
• Fixed gravel roads experiencing muddy conditions. With warming conditions during the day, gravel roads are becoming muddy in areas that receive a lot of sunlight and then freeze at night. This causes less than desirable driving conditions.

 

 

SELECTBOARD OFFICE:

Facilities Update

• A solar power light for the flagpole was ordered to reduce light pollution to residences bordering the Common. A strapping kit was ordered since the pole is wider than the strapping provided with the lighting package. The current floodlight will be shut off as soon as possible. The request was made to Liberty Utilities
• The card reader scanner for Elm Street door was replaced.
• The painting of the Town Hall hallway has been completed. The map table height was adjusted since the floor is now higher after the new tile was installed.
• The Town Hall’s elevator failed its inspection due to a lack of a “flashing hat” sensor. This violation will be corrected as soon as possible. There is a new State elevator inspector.

Assessing

• The deadline for filing property tax abatements is approaching quickly. The deadline for filing is March 1st
• • The Selectboard Office is expecting increased submission activity as the deadline approaches.
• There are two warrant articles for changes to the Elderly Property Tax Exemption and the Veterans’ Tax Credit.

Human Resources

• Paid Family Medical Leave or PFML open enrollment ended on February 15th. There was low interest in the optional insurance.

Town Meeting

• Town Meeting is being held on March 18, 2023, at 1:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. Department managers are expected to be in attendance.
• The Town Report is almost ready to be sent to the printers. The goal is to have printed copies on or before March 7th.

POLICE DEPARTMENT:

Mr. Sanctuary presented his report.

• Increase in mental illness calls. We try to watch someone until services can be utilized.
• A parade was held for a deceased K-9 this past week at Drewsville and ended at the Charlestown Animal Shelter.
• The K-9 program has been voted down in Bellows Falls, Vermont.
• Ms. Pschirrer stated butts of cannabis are being consumed by dogs and this is affecting their health.
• Ms. Pschirrer stated that she was told by a resident that the police were visible in town where people were speeding.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 6:01 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary