The Walpolean

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.There was one member of the public present, Mr. Ray Boas.

PUBLIC HEARING: Pursuant to RSA 31:95-b, the Selectboard will hold a public hearing to receive public comment regarding the acceptance and expenditure of unanticipated revenues from the special one-time bridge payment from the NH Department of Transportation (DOT) in the amount of $100,849.86. Ms. Mayberry asked what is the requirement for the expenditure of these monies? Mr. Dalessio confirmed that the monies would be used for the Houghton Brook Bridge Project. Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard accept the one time bridge payment from the NH Department of Transportation in the amount of $100,849.86. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. Dalessio closed the public hearing for the one time bridge payment at 6:32 PM. The regular Selectboard Meeting followed, beginning with new business.

PROCUREMENT POLICY: When the Selectboard reviewed the draft warrant articles last week, Mr. Boas had some concerns with some of the monetary articles and how the figures were developed. Mr. Boas confirmed that the Purchase Order Policy of 2022 and Purchasing Directive, updated in 2012 were emailed to him as requested. Mr. Boas recounted his work history with the Navy in procurement which is why he is interested in how tax dollars are spent. Regarding the Recycling warrant article, Mr. Boas thought this would be a perfect project for a Request for Proposal (RFP) since it appears the type of storage area has not been decided upon. The Selectboard confirmed that the Police Department vehicle and associated equipment numbers were based on a State contract. Mr. Boas was comfortable with this situation since tax payers are getting the right price and service. For the Middle Street paving project, Mr. Boas thought this should involve a competitive bid process. Mr. Boas asked if the 6-wheel truck purchase was a State contract? Mr. Boas wondered if we are buying equipment that is larger than needed. Mr. Boas requested to view the purchasing file for the trailer used to move the sidewalk snowmachine. He thought that an RFP should have been used. Mr. Boas has reviewed what was involved with a competitive purchasing process. He visited the NHMA website for information regarding the guidelines for a purchasing policy and reported his findings. Mr. Boas was worried that the Town was not saving taxpayers’ dollars by not using an RFP process. Mr. Boas was willing to work with the Finance Manager to create a sample procedure. Mr. Dalessio stated that the Selectboard would take some of Mr. Boas’ ideas under advisement. The Selectboard currently requests 2-3 bids for warrant article purchases from department managers. It is not a formal bid process. For Warrant Article #8 for storage at the Recycling Center, quotes were obtained. The Town may need to wait another year for the article to be included in the warrant. Mr. Boas was not against the creation of storage at the Recycling Center. The Middle Street project had quotes provided but not through a formal process per Mr. Dalessio. The Houghton Brook Bridge rebuilding project will include an RFP. Mr. Dalessio said it would be at the Finance Manager’s discretion if assistance was needed with creating the policy.

WALPOLE 2022 LANDFILL CLOSURE REPORT: Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any recommendations regarding the closure report. Mr. Dalessio said there were none. Ms. Mayberry moved for the Chair to sign the 2022 Landfill Closure Report. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $1,016,607.03 for checks issued January 20, 2023.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. This includes a $700,531.13 monthly payment to the Fall Mountain Regional School District and a $223,610 payment to the North Walpole Village District for their portion of tax monies collected.

Mr. Boas departed the meeting at 6:50 PM.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 14, 2023, in the amount of $30,549.76dated January 20, 2023, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,765.88.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 11, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 11, 2023, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – January 11, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of January 11, 2023, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to acknowledge the following board/committee/commission meeting minutes:

• Conservation Commission Meeting – January 9, 2023;

• Library Trustees Meeting – January 10, 2023;

• Planning Board Meeting – January 10, 2023

The chair so recognized.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the property tax refund for map and lot# 008-087-000 for $4,408.00 due to a double payment. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER INTENTS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the timber intents for map and lot# 012-068-000 for a property off of Old Drewsville Road and map and lot# 008-062-000 for a section of the Hooper Golf Property. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

The application for map and lot# 007-021-000 was tabled. Additional information was required regarding the building’s dimensions in relation to square footage. An additional sketch with an elevation view of the garage is needed.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pending Further Actions:  Generators, School and Old North Main Bridges/Culverts, School Street Drainage Project, Phase 3 Power for Industrial Drive and Bensonwood, Houghton Brook Bridge

Streetlights on Kilburn, Spruce and Old North Main Streets: Mr. Dalessio said that he is working with Liberty Utilities in regard to installing light shields. He is trying to find the right contact person.

2023 Draft Warrant Articles: There were no changes to articles 1-2. For article three, the Planning Board did not recommend the article. The numbers are to be changed with 1 yes and 6 no to match the text in the warrant.  Article 4 for the 2023 Town budget, it needs the updated numbers from Mr. Kreissle per Ms. Mayberry. For article 12, the $150,000 will be reduced to $115,000 per Mr. Dalessio. The text was discussed and finalized by the Selectboard for article 12 regarding the Middle Street project.

Walpole Community Power: Paul Looney has volunteered to be the contact for media and public relations for Walpole Community Power per Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Hooper Trustees Meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:05 PM.

The Selectboard Meeting resumed at 7:13 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel at 7:13 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. These minutes are to remain sealed.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:45 PM.

The Selectboard discussed the need for a purchasing procedurefor grant applications. Separate procedures for federal and town funds may be required.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

Ray Boas

Jan 26

And, at the post offices tomorrow for delivery to Walpole, North Walpole, and Drewsville hopefully on Saturday. Back up to 20 pages with past events, news, and some “fun reads.” Please note on page 3, AGE IN MOTION. Submitted incorrectly, and not caught, it starts THURSDAY, February 2. Please remember that it is our advertisers that make it possible to get your hardcopy CLARION into your hands, so please thank them with your words or business.

Catch you next month – it comes too quickly – click on this link, or the cover below to see the February issue. Yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio, Board Member Joanna Andros.

The meeting started at 7 pm.

Mr. Miller discussed writing an ordinance about condominiums in the commercial district to be presented to the public in 2024. Should it be a short addition to the current zoning, such as Article VI Commercial District, Part C under Uses Permitted? Or should it be longer such as in the Peterborough and Claremont ordinances? Expect future workshops on this topic.

Regarding the issue that came up at the regular meeting about separate ordinances for the village precinct and Route 12,  Mr. Miller said he wanted to see what happened in March.

The meeting ended at 8 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary

Watch the Hooper Forest Timber Harvest – as it happens!!!

Monday, January 30, at 3pm

The Walpole Conservation Commissioninvites members of the public to watch the cut as processed. Ask questions and tromp around in the snow. (Need we suggest snowshoes? ;-))

Our town forester, Alex Barrett of Long View Forest, has made this learning experience possible.

Hikers, mountain bikers, and others who use the trails in Hooper Forest, are especially encouraged to attend.

Participants should meet at the end of the maintained portion of Reservoir Road. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.

Proceeds from the timber harvest will benefit the Hooper Institute.

We hope to see you there on Monday!!

France Menk WCC and WTC

Roll Call: Present: Chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc, Vice-Chair Judy Trow, Clerk Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes, Tom Winmill. Alternates Don Sellarole and Myra Mansouri. Absent: Alternates Carolyn Vose, Dave Edkins and Shane O’Keefe.

Recording: Secretary Marilou Blaine. These minutes were recorded and are unapproved. They will be reviewed at the February 2023 meeting for corrections, additions or omissions.

Called to order: Ms. Galloway-Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7 pm. A full board was present so an alternate was not needed to fill in.

Minutes of November 2022: On page 2, the paragraph before the section on unsealing minutes, Ms. Barnes said the number of the RSA is 91. Ms. Trow made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Old Business:

Updating Bylaws 

The updated Bylaws are a combination of the previous ZBA Bylaws and suggested rules of procedure by the State of New Hampshire. The Board worked on these Bylaws at the November meeting and Ms. Trow recorded all the changes. After adding them to the working updated bylaws document, she sent them to the Board for corrections. When the corrections were made, the Board, member by member, read the edited version aloud. 

Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the members provided that such amendments are read at two successive meetings. A final vote will be taken at the February 2023 meeting.

Reviewing sealed minutes

Beginning in October 2022, the ZBA began reviewing sealed nonpublic minutes to see whether or not they could be unsealed. Tonight, after making and passing a motion to go into nonpublic session, the board considered unsealing two previous sealed minutes –  the unsealed nonpublic minutes of April 17, 2019, and the unsealed nonpublic minutes of June 17, 2020. After a short discussion of each of the minutes, the Board voted to come out of nonpublic session. In individual motions, Ms. Trow made two separate motions to continue to keep the sealed minutes sealed to protect the reputation of the participants mentioned in the minutes. Ms. Barnes seconded both motions and both motions carried.  

Mr. Murray made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Ms. Barnes and the motion carried. It was 8:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine



 On January 4th the Walpole Community Power Committee recommended that the Walpole Select Board move forward with Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH). It was recommended  over other vendors because  the committee feels that CPCNH is a better long term opportunity. On January 11th the Select Board unanimously  agreed with the committee’s recommendation and signed the necessary documents to move forward with CPCNH.    

CPCNH will be negotiating the purchase of power and setting rates between January 30th and February 16th.  Our Energy Aggregation Plan approved at the 2022 Town meeting  requires that we only launch Walpole Community Power if we can meet or beat the Liberty default rate, that is still the requirement. 

We have scheduled a informational meeting at Town hall on 2/22/23 @ 6:30.

We will provide the next update in the March Clarion and on the Walpolean

Notice to Walpole Residents

(Walpole, North Walpole, Drewsville)

Town Officers to be elected on Tuesday, March 14^th, 2023:

Number               Officer                                Term Length

1                            Selectman                          3 years

1                            Trustee of Trust Funds    3 years

1                            Treasurer                            3 year

1                            Zoning Board                    3 years

2                            Planning Board                  3 years

1                            Cemetery Trustee             3 years

3                            Library Trustee                 3 years

Filing period for these offices is January 25 through February 3rd, 2023.

Please file during office hours at the Walpole Town Clerk’s office.  Per state law the Town Clerk’s office will be open on Friday, February 3, from 3 pm to 5 pm, for filing only.

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.There were three members of the public present including Dennis Marcom, Paul Looney and Ray Boas.

WALPOLE COMMUNITY POWER: Mr. Looney said that the committee felt it was a long and not short-term decision. They felt that the broker model was a short-term decision. The process is creating competition with communities seeking lower rates. Mr. Looney is confident that someone will eventually come out with a lower rate than CPCNH. It will be easy for residents to opt out of the CPCNH. For the Town to leave CPCNH is more complex.

Mr. Jarod Walters joined the meeting at 6:32 PM.

The Town will always have input to the CPCNH board even if the Town doesn’t have a board member. There will be a maximum of 21 board members, stated Mr. Looney. There will be a few bumps in the process. The first one is that the utilities are saying they cannot provide net metering information. Mr. Dalessio commented that this would affect customers with solar arrays. Mr. Marcom and Looney agreed. Mr. Looney believed in the next couple of weeks he will be able to provide information about net metering. The Town attorney reviewed the cost sharing agreement. Mrs. Pschirrer questioned the last line in the opinion that the agreement should be taken to Town Meeting. She has written to the attorney since Mrs. Pschirrer believes this an extension of the Electric Aggregation Plan (EAP) that was approved last year at Town Meeting. Mr. Looney said that the next step in the process is for the Selectboard to approve and sign the Cost Sharing and Services Agreements. The Board would also give voting authority to Mr. Marcom and Mr. Looney on January 30^th at the CPCNH meeting. The Wave 1 towns will decide whether to proceed ahead with CPCNH. Mr. Marcom stated that CPCNH cannot establish rates until they know how much power is being collectively being requested. This is the next step if there is a positive vote. The pie chart was reviewed from the handout. Mr. Looney said that the actual rates will not be set until after the finance and risk committees meet. Mr. Dalessio asked what happens if CPCNH cannot buy power cheaper than the utilities? Mr. Looney said that it would then be a “no go”. The aggregation plan states that the CPCNH rate must meet or beat the utility rate.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize the Selectboard chair to enter into the Cost Sharing Agreement and Member Services Contract for the Complete Service Bundle with the Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH) with Dennis Marcom and Paul Looney as the Authorized Officers and with elections on page 19 of the Agreement being “Yes” and BE IT FURTHER MOVED, that the Walpole Selectboard hereby 1) approves CPCNH’s Data Security and Privacy, Energy Portfolio Risk Management, Rates and Financial Reserve Policies; and 2) approves the amendments to the Electric Aggregation Plan for Walpole Community Power as presented in tonight’s agenda packet.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. Looney noted that the Town Clerk needs to sign the agreement. Mr. Looney and Mr. Marcom thanked the Selectboard for the opportunity to work with CPCNH.

TREES ON THE COMMON:  Mr. Boas recounted that he attended the Dec. 29^th Selectboard Meeting after reading the December 5^th Selectboard Meeting minutes. At that time, it was mentioned that the Selectboard had a hard time finding an arborist to come up with ideas for the Common. Three or four years ago Mr. Boas brought forester names to the Selectboard. Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry confirmed that Alex Barrett of Long View Forest was the contracted forester and not an arborist for the Conservation Commission. Mr. Boas had concerns regarding comments made about the arborist in the December 5^th minutes. By definition an arborist is a tree surgeon. Mr. Boas appreciated being provided the arborist’s report which contained more detail. There were some things in the report that were troubling to Mr. Boas. He noticed in the three proposals; the only contact information is a phone number. The arborist does not have a website and filed his LLC in 2021. The arborist is 39 years old.  At the Dec. 29^th meeting, Mr. Boas remembered the need for an arborist and that the current Norway maples are an invasive species. From Mr. Boas’ research, the Norway maples are invasive in a forested landscape. The Town Common is not a forested landscape. From one of the proposals, Mr. Boas wondered where the two Norway maples were located on the Common and their age since any surgery done to them may not be worth the cost if the trees are aged. New trees may be more cost effective. Mr. Boas felt that the Town would do better with larger trees.  The drip system and the tree guarantees were also not satisfactory to Mr. Boas. Mr. Boas investigated Liberty Utilities’ website regarding the replacement tree program which he could not find. In Mr. Boas’ opinion, the recommended landscape architect did not have the proper experience and only recently formed an LLC. He felt a landscape architect was not needed. Mr. Boas agreed with the proposal that an inclusive plan was needed. Mr. Boas contacted a three-generational landscaping firm. He sent 4 questions to the firm. Mr. Boas shared the emailed response with the Selectboard. Mr. Boas felt there was more work needed to develop a full plan. Mr. Dalessio thanked Mr. Boas for his research. The Selectboard will take it under advisement. Mr. Walters commented that the sugar maples do well and live for a long time.

Mr. Marcom left the meeting at 7:06 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $917,030.30 for checks issued January 13, 2023.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. This includes a check for $700,531.13 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.

PARKING ORDINANCE: Mr. Walters had a question regarding the Parking Ordinance that has been listed under Old Business. Some time ago, there were people camping down by the river across from Aubuchons. When he spoke with the Police Department at that time, it was mentioned that people could park and camp on Town property such as in the recreation area parking lot for long periods without any legal way to block them from doing so. Mr. Dalessio said that there had been a similar situation on a commercial property. The Town needs to post signage that no overnight parking is allowed. Mr. Walters had safety concerns about children being in that area. Mr. Dalessio said this will be added to the agenda.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 7, 2023, in the amount of $30,214.78 dated January 13, 2023, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,713.28.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 5, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 5, 2023, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – January 5, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of January 5, 2023, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

ALL VETERANS CREDIT:

Map and Lot# 013-006-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the All Veterans Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 013-006-000. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The applicant served over 90 days of active service, was honorably discharged and served during a time of non-conflict.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pending Further Actions:  Generators, School and Old North Main Bridges/Culverts, School Street Drainage Project, Phase 3 Power for Industrial Drive and Bensonwood, Houghton Brook Bridge

Hooper Forest Timber Sales Contract: Mr. Dalessio stated that Chris Ricci will be the logger and Alex Barrett of Long View Forest is the forester for the Hooper Forest cut. Ms. Mayberry moved to approve and sign the Hooper Forest Timber Sales Contract. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. Dalessio said that the proceeds from this cut will go to the Hooper Institute.

Sewer Easement Signature Page: A replacement signature page was signed by the Selectboard. The original motion was made on October 22, 2022.

2023 Draft Warrant Articles: The Selectboard did a second review of the draft warrant articles. The Planning Board votes for Articles 2 and 3 need to be added. Mr. Dalessio said that Article 2 was recommended by the Planning Board. Article 3 for “formula business” was not recommended. The question whether the Selectboard should recommend the ballot warrant articles will be researched. Non-lapsing must be kept or added to the six-wheel truck, police vehicle and equipment for the police vehicle due to delivery issues. For Article 8, the wording is to be changed to “construct storage at the Recycling Center”. Mr. Dalessio explained that the 3 storage trailers are now unsafe. Article 12 needs to be rewritten by Mr. Dalessio. There was a discussion of the wording for Article 12 related to work to be done on Middle Street.

Mr. Walters departed the meeting at 7:30 PM.

NH DRA 2019 Cyclical Monitoring Report: The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the report. Nothing was found of any significance.

Mr. Looney and Mr. Boas departed the meeting at 7:36 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel (c) Reputations and (e) Legal at 7:36 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. These minutes are to remain sealed.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:10 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore