The Walpolean

Selectboard Present:​ Steven Dalessio, Chair; Peggy L. Pschirrer; 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 in attendance, Janet Clough.

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

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:48 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 29, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $40,399.45 for checks issued September 30, 2022.  This includes a payment in the amount of $21,022 to Bill Hatt Carpentry.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending September 24, 2022, in the amount of $33,473.29 dated September 30, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,368.65.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

INFRASTRUCTURE PUBLIC MEETING – September 20,2022: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Infrastructure meeting of September 20, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved. Ms. Mayberry abstained since she was not present.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 22, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 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 – September 22, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 22, 2022, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• North Walpole Village Commissioners’ Meeting – August 30, 2022

• North Walpole Village Commissioners’ Meeting – September 13, 2022

• Library Trustees Meeting – September 20, 2022

• Zoning Board of Adjustment – September 21, 2022

TIMBER INTENTS:

MAP and LOT# 002-013-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Intent to Cut for the owner(s) of Map and Lot#002-013-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT#s 002-009-000 and 005-036-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Intent to Cut for the owner(s) of Map and Lot#s 002-009-000 and 005-036-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING AND DEMOLITION PERMIT

Demolition Permit# 2022-42, MAP and LOT# 003-043-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Demolition Permit No. 2022-42for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #003-043-000 to remove a 10’ x 12’ deck, 20’ x 24’ paved driveway and a 15’ x 20’ brick patio”.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Building Permit# 2022-43 MAP and LOT# 004-044-002:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2022-43 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #004-044-002 to add a 34’ x 30’ roof mount solar array to a detached garage roof”.  Secosnded 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, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood,School and Union Streets Drainage Project, Letter to Jon MacClaren:

Trees on the Common: Two trees on the west side of the Common are to cut down at no cost to the Town by Asplundh on behalf of Liberty Utilities. The logs, which Asplundh does not remove, will be picked up by the Highway Department. The remaining stumps will be ground down in the near future.

Town Hall Roofing Project Update: Scaffolding to be installed next week. Town Hall neighbor to the west, Mr. Willard, has agreed to allow one side of the scaffolding to rest on the edge of his property.

Reservoir Dam: An email from the NH DES arrived on 9/28/22. A call with Emily Szmit of the Dam Bureau to discuss the offer letter and final application form is to be scheduled.

NEW BUSINESS:

MS-1: Summary of Inventory Evaluation:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve to sign the MS-1 Summary of Inventory Evaluation.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 008-015-007, BTLA 2021 Abatement Appeal Settlement Agreement: Ms. Mayberry moved for the chair to sign the BTLA 2021 Abatement Appeal Settlement Agreement form. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrers. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 008-015-007, Notice of Property Tax Refund: Ms. Mayberry moved to sign the Notice of Property Tax Refund for Map and Lot# 008-015-007 for $1,592.08. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Employee Training Event and HealthTrust Insurance Presentation: The Selectboard agreed that employees will complete the Harassment Awareness Training online module through Primex. They also agreed to a video presentation by HealthTrust regarding employee health and wellness benefits.

Christmas Luncheon for Employees: The Selectboard agreed that a lasagna lunch for employees could be hosted in December. Budgeted funds are available. Several volunteer cooks will create pans of lasanga.

HeathTrust Return of Surplus Notification: There will be no surplus this year.

Scarecrows on the Gazebo: The Selectboard gave permission to Pinnacle View 4-H to place scarecrows on the gazebo. The North Walpole Park has a scarecrow display too.

2023 Planning and Land Use Regulations Manual Order Form: Each Selectboard member would like a new manual.

NH Association of Assessing Officials Ballot: Mrs. Pschirrer moved for the chair to complete and sign the NH Association of Assessing Officials Ballot. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NH DES Notice for High Tension Line Pole Inspection and Treatment: Timber matts will be placed if needed. The authorization is active through 9/7/2023.

Recycling Articles for the Clarion: Ms. Mayberry stated that Mr. Hoy had been approached by the NRRA to reprint Mr. Hoy’s October Clarion article. Selectboard has requested that they be able to proofread all public notices or submissions before being sent out to the public.

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 8:22 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

SAVE THESE DATES

Scouting For Food 

Sponsored By : Walpole Cub Scout Pack 299

      &

Walpole Boy Scout Troop 299

Dates : Saturday November 5th, 2022 from 9 to12

          

We will be at the following locations handing out information tags:

Shaw’s

Tractor Supply

Walpole Post Office

Walpole Recycling Center

Saturday November 12th,2022 from 9 to 12 

We will be collecting food donations and monetary donations on this date at the above locations.

If people can’t come on Saturday November 12th we will also take food and monetary donations on November 5th.

All donations go directly to the Fall Mountain Food Shelf .        

Members Present:  Alicia Flammia, John Peska, France Menk, Peter Palmiotto, Laura Hayes, Steven Dumont   

Members Absent:  Lew Shelley

Alternates Present:  Kara Dexter

Visitors Present:  Kelli Wilson, Wendy and Will Grossman, Peggy Pschirrer and Cheryl Mayberry (Selectboard liaisons), Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary)

Call to Order:  Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. in Town Hall.  This meeting was

                         recorded.

Review and Approval of Minutes:  Peter asked that, in the fourth paragraph under the Gateway Update of the September 12 minutes, the last sentence be amended to read: Alicia said as soon as there is signage, Surepack, and a split rail fence, the gate will be unlocked  (rather than left open). John moved to accept the amended September 12 minutes.  Steven seconded, and all voted to approve the minutes.

Public Business

Report from the Chair:   Alicia reported that she sent an email to the Selectboard requesting a line item on the 2023 budget for the Rail Trail.

Alicia received an email from Samantha stating she is stepping down from her Alternate position on the Commission.  Alicia will forward the email to the Selectboard.  There is now an open position available for an alternate.

Treasury Report :                  Mason Expendable     $448,075.62

                                        Mason Non-Expendable.      $18,905.61

Alicia will forward the rest of the report to Jean when she receives the figures from Rich.

Correspondences:  Alicia received a copy of Supply Line from NH DES, which she passed along to the group. She received two letters, one related to a Utility Permit by Notification and the other a Forestry Permit by Notification in N. Walpole.  

New Business:  None at this time

Old Business

Hooper Forest:  Alicia has not yet heard from Alex Barrett regarding a contractor to do the logging.  She said she will contact him if she hasn’t heard anything by the end of the week

Commission Website:  Kelli Wilson attended the meeting to show the Commission the mock-up website that she has put together. She showed and described the various features she has created, especially the feature that enables commissioners to make comments. She has asked everyone to review the website and send comments by the next meeting.  She receives an email alert every time someone posts a comment. She also said commissioners can email their comments directly to her, if they prefer.

Kelli would like 2-3 commissioners to work with her on the website.  She will train them how to use Word Press to change content, add events, post pictures, and upload trail maps.

Wendy said trail committee members might also like to preview the site and make comments, but they don’t have logins like the commissioners do. Steven has a list of trail committee members and can send those to Kelli.

Wendy asked if the Town web page will have a link to the commission’s website.  Kelli said she will talk to Sarah Downing about creating one with good visibility.

France offered to take a new group picture of the commissioners for the website.

Peter asked about expenses so they can budget for this website.  Kelli answered that the cost of the domain name and hosting would be about $100/year. Kelli will find out the exact amount and email it to Alicia.

There was a discussion about including pictures and information about the easement properties, but Laura stressed that they can legally only include ones they own (unless they get permission of the property owners). Alicia said that gathering such information could be a good task for interns.  They could go through the conservation files to find it.

Kelli distributed hard copies of directions for making comments on the website. Alicia stated she thinks the trail committee should take on the page describing the trails, writing the content.  Kelli offered to help. France asked for deadlines.  Steven suggested, and Kelli agreed, that comments on the website as it stands and ideas for additional content should be made by the November 7 meeting. Kelli said she would email Alicia and Steven a list of tasks that should be completed that could be delegated or voluntarily done.

Gateway Update:   John will talk to Mark Houghton about the Surepack by the next meeting.

There was a brief discussion about the possibility of a rapid change in water level and the decision was made to post a warning about this both on the kiosk and at the turnaround.

Other Business

Trail Subcommittee Report:  Steven reported that Lew purchased the brush clearer. He also said that a few people are going to do a trail clean-up at Fanny Mason this weekend. 

Steven said he wants to make a work plan for the year at the next trail subcommittee meeting.

Easement Monitoring:  Alicia sent an email to the subcommittee, including Laura, John, and Peter, (and Alicia) about meeting this month to make plans to complete a few easements this year.  Steven suggested having an explanation of what a conservation easement is on the website. France suggested interviewing property owners to tell the the story of what they are doing with their land.

Reservoir Dam:  No update, though John learned from Steve Dalessio that there is 5 million dollars in grant money available from the state for dam repair.  Walpole has submitted a grant application for some of that money.

Other

3 interesting facts:

1. John saw someone with hay bales practicing archery at the Gateway.
2. Wendy and Will saw two bears on the Rail Trail between Hall’s Crossing and River Road.
3. Kara and her husband saved a duck caught in a fishing line on the Mill Pond.

At the November meeting the budget will be discussed.  Cheryl reminded Alicia that the budget needs to be in by the Selectboard budget meeting in December.

Alicia adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

The next meeting will be on Monday, November 7, 2022.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary ** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the November meeting.

The next “Great Decisions” public forum will tackle Climate Change! Are you hopeful or in despair? There is certainly an abundance of books and articles on this hot topic, and we welcome your observations. 

“Great Decisions” will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 17, in the Walpole Town Library. We will begin the discussion with a 20-minute “Master Class” video from the Foreign Policy Association. While the ideological divide in the U.S. on climate change has impeded governmental action, extreme weather events have made this inaction far less tenable.The Foreign Policy Association’s “Briefing Book” (magazine with the bright blue cover image, available at the library) presents an overview in the article “The renewed climate change agenda” by Ronald J. Bee. A copy of the article can be emailed to you upon request; please contact the library director: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org.

Also at the library are copies of a Foreign Affairs article, “Can Green Hydrogen Save the Planet?” by S. Julio Friedmann, published September 15, 2022. References to climate action would not be complete without mentioning “Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming,” edited by Paul Hawken, published way back in 2017. We will also examine the recent “Inflation Reduction Act” and its clean energy incentives, tax credits, conservation and forestry investment and air pollution mitigation.

There is much to consider. Please join us on Monday, October 17, 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 6:00 p.m. meeting: jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org.

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  He advised this meeting is being recorded and asked anyone wishing to speak to identify themselves for the record. One member of the public was present, Mr. Paul Looney.

WALPOLE ELECTRIC AGGREGATION PLAN UPDATE:

Mr. Looney was present to bring forward changes to the Electric Aggregation Plan (EAP) that was approved at 2022 Town Meeting. The changes relate to the City of Lebanon’s EAP that was accepted by the PUC (Public Utilities Commission).  The changes in the Walpole plan mirror the changes that were made to the Lebanon plan except for areas that we are not pertinent to Walpole such as solar and sustainability programs which Walpole does not have.

Mr. Looney said there are three types of changes/edits. They are grammatical/typo corrections, some are updates since there are more towns involved and new attachments added to meet PUC requirements.  The Selectboard and Mr. Looney went through each page to discuss the changes. Mr. Dalessio asked who made the changes to the copy being reviewed? Mr. Looney said it was the CCPNH (Community Power Coalition of NH) members and operations team with recommendations from consultants.

Mr. Dalessio asked if there can be CCPNH Board changes? Mr. Looney stated there could be changes and Walpole could lose a seat on the board. Pschirrer said that the agreement would need to be amendment if there is a change. There are now 18 towns that are part of CCPNH with another 35 towns interested in joining. There was continued discussion about the changes in wording. Mr. Dalessio commented there are several layers involved in providing electricity service. Mr. Looney stated once the EAP is submitted to the PUC and approved, then the plan can be taken to Liberty Utilities to get usage data. Whatever vendor the Town chooses, the data will give the vendor an idea of usage time and volume.

Mrs. Peggy Pschirrer moved to accept the amendment to the Walpole Electric Aggregation Plan (EAP) as presented at the Selectboard meeting of September 22, 2022.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Looney said that a cover letter needs to be created to accompany the amended EAP. A discussion of NH Electric Coop billing occurred. The coop uses portfolio managed process to buy power. It is different from Liberty Utilities’ or the brokers’ processes. NH Electric Coop is a non-profit.

Mr. Dennis Marcom entered the meeting at 7 PM.

Mr. Looney continued that CPCNH is also a non-profit and will be using a portfolio managed buyer process while Freedom and Standard will be using brokers. Mr. Looney thought if the Town could implement a small municipal solar project, this could help the Town with understanding what is involved for long-term sustainability. If the Selectboard supports the idea of adding solar to the Recycling Center roof, Mr. Looney would be willing to solicit quotes to find the best solution to implement. Mr. Looney said he understands that Mr. Dalessio has concerns with the rate of return. Mr. Dalessio said he had an issue with a 25-year rate of return. Mr. Looney stated it was 15 years. There was a discussion of the numbers on the report. Mr. Looney said that after 25 years, although the amount of power produced decreases, but power is still generated. Mr. Looney asked the Selectboard if they would support his research into the project at the Recycling Center. Mr. Dalessio had no issue with obtaining quotes. He is concerned that the roof cannot support a solar structure. Everyone agreed this was best to have a structural engineer (PE) to look at the roof. Mr. Looney said that if the roof passes the inspection, he would then get official quotes. The site is close to 3-phase power which is very beneficial. Mr. Dalessio recapped to say his two concerns are the structural integrity of the Recycling Center roof and the return on investment (ROI).

The Community Power Committee is going to meet on Oct. 4^th to discuss Community Solar. Charlestown has a project where people from Hanover purchase panels in the array. It’s a one-megawatt system with 500 panels. This is something outside the Town and not a municipal development. There would be income tax to claim for the shareholder. Mrs. Pschirrer said that NH has not made it easy for people to put together community solar projects. It’s much easier in Vermont.

There was a discussion about extending 3-phase power to Industrial Park Drive. There was a recommendation to look at Northern Borders funding. Mr. Dalessio said that the application is difficult but doable. Bensonwood would also like 3-phase power. Mr. Dalessio recommended working with Congresswoman Annie Kuster’s Office. He also recommended finding a professional grant writer. Mr. Dalessio mentioning contacting Nancy Merrill, the Director of Planning and Development in Claremont for assistance. Mr. Looney said that the cost to extending our 3-phase power is significant since there are upgrades that need to occur with the system. Ms. Mayberry recommended calling SWRPC to find a grant writer.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $84,918.74 for checks issued September 23, 2022.  This includes a payment in the amount of $37,933.44 to HealthTrust.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending September 17, 2022, in the amount of $31,036.73 dated September 23, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,110.13.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – September 15, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 15, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Dalessio abstained since he was not present.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – September 15, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 15, 2022, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the Minutes were approved. Mr. Dalessio abstained.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• .
• Conservation Commission Meeting – September 12, 2022
• Planning Board Meeting – September 13, 2022

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT #029-043-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Veterans’ Tax Credit for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #029-043-000.  An updated PA-29 form was required due to a change in ownership name. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

DEMOLITION PERMIT

Permit #2022-41, MAP and LOT #001-008-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Demolition Permit No. 2022-41 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #001-008-000 to demolish a home located on Seward Road”.  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, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Reservoir Dam, School and Union Streets Drainage Project, Letter to Jon MacClaren:

Election Results on the Town Website: There was a request from the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office to post election results on the website. There was a consensus that it is fine do the posting.

Updated Website Request from Town Clerk- Tax Collector’s Office: Mr. Dalessio said it would be part of the discussions for next year’s budget.

NEW BUSINESS:

Delegation of Deposit Authority Forms:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Delegation of Deposit Authority Forms.  The approved form allows the Tax Collector, Town Clerk and Selectboard Office to make deposits. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SWRPC Fall Meeting: Notice received that the meeting would occur in the Keene Public Library Annex on Oct. 11^th at 5 PM. Mrs. Pschirrer is planning on attending since she’s interested in housing.

Mr. Looney and Mr. Marcom depart the meeting.

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 and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:40 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:33 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 22, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

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 8:33 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore