The Walpolean

Thanks to Mr. Cassarino we have more information from the Walpole Schools. This group meets monthly so that staff and community can discuss and share topics of interest to all. – Lil

Walpole Site Base 1/4/23

I. Forum/Approval of Minutes:

● Minutes reviewed/accepted

II. Old Business

● Budget was presented to the School Board.

● Building updates were given in November. 

Superintendent Search

● Committee has been formed and has been meeting regularly.

● Applications are in front of the committee for review.

● We have developed a job posting and the tools for evaluating candidates.

        Safe Grants for Building Security: 

● We have received grant monies to do the following: 

● WPS–$51,100

*New interior doors, locks, film for outside windows

● NWS—$74,475

*new doors, locks, film for outside windows, alert lights

● WES–$45,175 

*locks and film for windows 

Grand Total– $170,750

*These projects start spring and/or summer

Budget Committee Proposals

● The group did a very thorough job looking at allocated funds, very involved and very committed to looking at the budget 

● Admin Budget proposal::  $33,546,492.97 with a decrease of $302, 836.18:  0.89% 

● Budget Committee proposal: $32,853, 492.97, representing an additional $995,836.18  decrease or 2.94%

● Budget CommitteeCuts:  $588,000 of teachers (3 CAA, 2 FMRsD, 2 WAA, 1 AAA)

● Specifically Walpole would cut one from NWS and combine for 1 2/ 3 grade,  1 second, 1 third grade and 1 combo 2/3 grade

● The Other Recommendations—6-8, cut  1 math teacher, or reduce WES to 1 ELA teacher 

● Reasoning: There is a decline in enrollment  that merits these recommendations from the Budget Committee.

Further Recommendations: 

● $100,000 should be reduced from the para line —-the unfilled positions could be eliminated  district wide 

● $33, 000 central office cuts 

● $28,000 put back into the budget—for student needs–$20 per student in each classroom to offset the personal monies spent by teachers on classroom supplies.

Questions from Community Guests/Site Base Team to Mr. Cassarino and Mr. Varone 

● Do we need to take this advice from the committee? No, they can’t insist on these cuts, they can give the final numbers

● Combination grades were questioned.

● Was there research on combination grades? Mr. Varone mentioned 30 years of Langdon’s efforts in this area. Mrs. Rowe said it went well.  Mr. Varone mentioned the drop in population. Justin agrees that we need to develop a long term plan. 

● Justin mentioned the double math blocks that have changed test scores positively at WES.  

● Walpole test scores are above the state scores and can we really look at what we are doing. It was mentioned that Walpole is above the district and state average. Why aren’t we looking at how this was accomplished? 

● One campus possibility? We should really look at that and make a long plan. 

● Question about state ratios for classes, and have these data points been looked at. Mr. Varone mentioned the changing grade combinations in Acworth and Langdon. 

● A discussion ensued about how students are broken up into class groupings. 

● Has the budget committee looked at student opinions? This has not happened.

● Question about the intention of the budget cuts. Are these strategic decisions? 

● Mr. Varone explains the origins of the budget committee and the idea of balancing the interest of the community.  35%-40%.  

● A lively discussion continued about Walpole’s ability to manage their own tax dollars. Mr. Varone explained how the apportionment works and the possibilities of managing our own tax dollars in other words what it would take. 

● Mr. Varone explained that the budget committee looked at the bottom line. 

● Nancy LeClair, Chairperson,  mentioned how  the Site Base needs to get the information out to all community members.

● It was  mentioned to possibly look at sports as a possible cut. 

● What are the next steps?

○ We need to get this information out there.

○ Site Base will  write a letter to the School Board suggesting that a reasonable 3-5 year plan needs to be developed rather than random cuts.

○ January 9th is the next School Board meeting. (This meeting will take place in Walpole).

○ Letter committee: Alejandra Pallais, Carolyn LeBail and Justin Cassarino. Thank you to this group for volunteering. 

○ Thank you to Mr. Varone for his willingness to come to our meeting and address questions. 

III. New Business–none

IV. Other Business–none:  

Adjourned:  7:30 PM       Next Meeting: February 1, 2023, 6:00 P.M.   

School Board Meeting: January 9, 2023

The venue for the Walpole Players’ auditions for Grumpy Old Men – The Musical on Sunday, January 8, has been changed. The top floor of the town hall is currently undergoing repair, so we will be meeting at St John’s church on Elm Street in Walpole. Starting time is still 2pm. 

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.

TREES ON THE COMMON:

Mr. Boas had seen in the December 5^th Selectboard Minutes a discussion about replacing two trees on the Common. There was a consensus that there was a plan to replace three trees. Mr. Boas wished to discuss the esthetics and funding of the replacement trees. Mr. Boas likes seeing activity on and around the Common. Mr. Boas recounted past Clarion articles related to trees on the Common. There was a discussion as to how many trees were removed since the summer. There were three trees removed on the east side, and one large tree on west side. A small, dead dogwood was also removed. Mr. Boas said if one squared off the Common, there are 6 trees on the east side and 5 trees on the west side. There is a tree across from 46 Elm Street in poor condition. Mr. Dalessio explained that the Town had hired an arborist. A staged process with removal and replacement was recommended.  Mr. Boas felt this plan was unbalanced and not pleasing. He would like to recommend planting 3 trees on the west side of the Common. Then there would be 8 trees on the east side and 7 trees on the west side of the Common.

Mr. Boas wished to discuss funding and quotes. Mr. Dalessio explained that they had terrible luck finding an arborist. The arborist hired provided a very good proposal. Mr. Boas was interested in the contractual procedures. There was a discussion if the funding would be sought through a warrant article. Mr. Boas suggested using the unassigned fund balance to purchase trees. He also felt that donations could be sought. Mr. Boas would be interested in donating money to a tree in his wife’s memory.

The Selectboard reviewed the quote for the replacement trees and the care of current trees. Ms. Mayberry commented that an arborist was hired for balance and continuity. Mr. Dalessio said that the Selectboard viewed this as a long-term project. Mr. Boas is interested in balancing out the trees on the Common. Mr. Dalessio said the three proposed trees were 2.5 inches in diameter and 10 -12 feet tall. Mr. Boas felt that the quote was too much money. The group reviewed the quote of $4,705 for purchasing trees, planting, transport, labor, compost, fertilizerand mesh protection. The quote to care for two Norway maples is $4,180. Ms. Pschirrer said that two tupelo trees and one Jefferson elm tree were recommended by the arborist. Mr. Dalessio asked if the arborist could provide a quote for the larger 4.5-inch trees. There was a watering plan included in the quote. Mr. Boas would like to see all the trees, for both sides of the Common, purchased at one time.

​

2023 TOWN BUDGET HEARING:  The Selectboard had planned the budget hearing for Thursday, February 9^th. However, there is a meeting conflict with the Fall Mountain Regional School District Deliberative Session night. There was a consensus to move the Town’s budget hearing to Wednesday, February 8^th at 5:30 PM with the Selectboard Meeting to follow.

Mr. Boas departed the meeting at 7:03 PM.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 24, 2022, in the amount of $30,747.28 dated December 30, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,470.35.  Seconded by Mrs.Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 22, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 22, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs.Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 22, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 22, 2022, 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:

The following reports were acknowledged by the Selectboard:

VETERANS’ CREDIT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Veterans’ Credit application for map and lot# 029-005-00. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the veterans’ credit was approved.

TIMBER INTENTS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Intent to Cut for:

• Map and Lot# 009-006-000

• Map and Lot# 009-008-000

• Map and Lot# 010-034-000

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs.Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

2022-50, Map and Lot# 003-077-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept Building Permit# 2022-50 for Map and Lot# 003-077-000 to add a 488 square foot roof mount solar array.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

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

Termination of Service Letter with The Standard: Ms. Mayberry moved for the Chair to sign the Termination of Service Letter with The Standard.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Cold River Riverbank Approval for Repair Letter: Ms. Pschirrer moved to sign the letter of approval to the NH DOS for the repair of the Cold River riverbank washout.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Walpole USPAP Review Report: There was a consensus that the letter from the NH DRA was a notice that everything was done correctly for report. No follow-up was needed said Mr. Dalessio.

Thank You Notes: From the Library Staff for their holiday gift cards, Peggy Pschirrer for get well flowers and the Nash family for a bereavement donation.

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 7:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

Dear Walpole community:

Thanks to so much generosity from so many people, the 2022 Community Giving Tree provided a brighter holiday season for almost 30 local families and almost 100 local children. 

We would like to thank The Congregational Church of Walpole, St. John’s Church, St. Peter’s Church, The Hungry Diner, Spencer’s Place, the Walpole and North Walpole Libraries, Mascoma Bank, and The Savings Bank of Walpole on Westminster Street for displaying tags and collecting gifts.  We would like to also thank the “Toys for Tots” program based at The Savings Bank of Walpole in the Shaw’s plaza for providing many extra toys so that parents could choose 2-3 more gifts besides those that they requested.  The staff at the Westminster St. Savings Bank of Walpole also provided wrapping paper and tape for the parents.  We thank everyone who sent us donations, as we purchased over $600 worth of gifts for tags that were not taken.  Finally, we want to thank EVERYONE who chose tags and purchased gifts.  A special thanks also to the “Women of Walpole” who chose many tags and purchased many gifts. 

This whole project is a perfect example of small town holiday spirit.  THANK YOU SO MUCH to all who helped in any way! HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours!  We hope that 2023 brings you peace, joy, and good health!

Thank you again,

Sincerely,Jeanne Cloues and Marcia Weil

Giving Tree Project coordinators

Good news! Thanks to the efforts of Marilou Blaine, Janet Chamberlin, and myself, we are able to resume AIM classes. Janet Chamberlin (you may know her from the clinic) will be our instructor. 

Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 AM downstairs at the Town Hall starting January 17th. The cost is $3.00 each time you participate. You will be asked to get a release form filled out by your doctor. That paper can be picked up in the 17^th or whenever you are ready to start.

Please share this news with your friends and neighbors. Many of you participated back in the Pre-COVID days and we hope to see you again. This is a fun way to build strength and flexibility and is designed especially for Seniors.

Selectboard Present:  Steven Dalessio, Chair was in the Selectboard Office with Mrs. Pschirrer participating by speaker phone.

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.There were no members of the public present.

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 6:30 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 6:58 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $650,329.89 for checks issued December 23, 2022.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. It included a $353,063.62 payment to All States Construction for highway asphalt.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 17, 2022, in the amount of $36,213.84 dated December 23, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $7,499.62.  Seconded by Mrs.Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 15, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 15, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs.Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 15, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 15, 2022, 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:

The following reports were acknowledged by the Selectboard:

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners’ Meeting – December 6, 2022;

REFUNDS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the following property tax refunds: 

• Map and Lot# 029-019-000 for $7.00 due to overpayment.

• Map and Lot# 012-024-000 for $3,266.00 due to a duplicate payment.

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the property tax abatements were approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT:

Map and Lot# 011-045-000, Op# 24-461-04-T: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Timber Tax Yield Certification and Warrant for Map and Lot# 011-045-000, Op# 24-461-04-T.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs.Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Motion was approved.

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the following Solar Energy Exemptions: 

• Map and Lot# 022-014-000

• Map and Lot# 012-044-010

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the property solar energy exemptionswere approved.

TIMBER INTENTS:

Map and Lot# 011-003-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot# 011-003-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Motion was approved. The intent to cut was for the Hooper Forest.

OLD BUSINESS:

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

NEW BUSINESS:

NH DOT One Time Bridge Payment: A payment of $100,849.86 was received. Mr. Dalessio recommended saving the monies to use as part of the matching funds to pay for the Houghton Brook Bridge. There was an agreement by consensus to this plan.

2023 Budget Hearing Date: The meeting must be before 2/17/2023. There was a consensus to hold the meeting on Thursday, 2/9/2023 at 5:30 PM. The snow date would be the following Thursday, 2/16/2023.

Community Forestry Survey: The Board requested the survey be sent to Alicia Flammia and Peter Palmiotto of the Conservation Commission for completion.

Legislative Delegation Meeting: The meeting is to be held in Keene on January 4^th at 6:30 PM stated Mr. Dalessio. Unfortunately, Mrs. Pschirrer has a meeting conflict that night. Both Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry plan to attend. An RSVP will be sent.

January 12, 2023, Selectboard Meeting: Mr. Dalessio requested that the January 12, 2023, Selectboard meeting be moved to Wednesday, January 11^th.  The Fall Mountain Budget Hearing is on January 12^th. Mr. Dalessio must attend the meeting since he is a committee member. There was an agreement to change the Selectboard meeting date to 1/11/2023 with the usual start time of 6:30 PM.

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 7:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore