The Walpolean

Selectboard Present:​ Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy L. Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and via Zoom.  This meeting was being recorded.

Mr. Dalessio called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Peggy Pschirrer was present; Cheryl Mayberry was present; and Steven Dalessio, Chair, was present.  Also present was Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration and Regina Borden, Recording Secretary via Zoom.  There were no members of the public in attendance.   

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $172,452.24 for checks issued September 2, 2022.  This includes a payment in the amount of $50,000 to the Walpole Fire District per Warrant Article #5 for operation expenses.  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 August 27, 2022, in the amount of $33,322.57 dated September 2, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of      $6,346.81.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 25, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 25, 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 – August 25, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 25, 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 REPORT:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee report:

• Walpole Power Committee Meeting – July 27, 2022.

CURRENT USE:

MAP and LOT #003-001-002:  Ms. Mayberry moved to authorize the Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the Notice of Change in Current Use Assessment for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #003-001-002.  This is for an adjustment of land category that was noted during the reval field review.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MAP and LOT #003-043-002:  Ms. Mayberry moved to authorize the Chair, Steven Dalessio, to sign the Notice of Change in Current Use Assessment for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #003-043-002.  This is for an adjustment of land category that was noted during the reval field review.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

BUILDING & DEMOLITION PERMITS:

Permit #2022-38, MAP and LOT #010-046-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2022-38 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #010-046-000 to add a “44’ x 18’ Roof Mount Solar Array”.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit #2022-39, MAP and LOT #012-031-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to grant Building Permit No. 2022-39 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #012-031-000 to add a “24’ x 24’ 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, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Reservoir Dam:

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio reported they are still working on the engineering.

School and Union Streets Drainage Project.  Mr. Rau, the Department of Environmental Services (DES), three people from Fuss & O’Neill and Mr. Dalessio met yesterday.  They walked well above Kevin Healy’s property.  The next decision is what type of stream is it.  That determination will dictate what they are allowed or not allowed to do.  They have different criteria.  DES was very cooperative about ideas.  They encouraged us not to apply for a permit as more work needs to be done by Fuss & O’Neill.     

Houghton Brook Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio reported that this is now a non-public discussion with attorney client privileges being invoked.

Two Solar Powered Radar Speed Signs:  Mr. Dalessio advised the two solar powered radar speed signs have been received along with the poles.  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign the purchase order for the two solar powered radar speed signs for the amount of $8,491.19.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  This will be paid for out of the Highway Block Grant Funds. 

Mr. Dalessio reported that one unit will go up in North Walpole by the School.  The second unit does not yet have a designated location.

Trees on the Common:  Mr. Dalessio and Mr. Rau do not recall any historical discussion regarding burying lines underground.  Ms. Mayberry felt that Heather Greene, Liberty Utilities, needs to be contacted.  They are willing to consider it but need to know what the cost will be.  Mr. Dalessio feels more details are needed.  

Tai Chi Classes in Town Hall:  Mrs. Downing explained there was discussion relative to a donation but Mr. Daviss would like an actual dollar amount.  There was a consensus to ask for $2/person.    

Town Hall Hallway Paint Color:  It was agreed to continue with the dark blue until they run out.  More paint will need to be purchased.

Regina Borden’s Last Meeting:  Mr. Dalessio announced that this will be Regina’s last meeting with the Selectboard.  Ms. Mayberry noted they understand her resignation and support her.  They will send her the Zoom links so she can listen in and talk to them.    

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed E884:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Lot E884.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Cemetery Deed E885:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Cemetery Deed for Lot E885.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

John Hansel Letter:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from John Hansel and thanked him for contacting them.

Preliminary 2023 Budget:  Mr. Dalessio announced that the Selectboard would be having a preliminary 2023 Budget meeting on Friday, September 9^th, 2022.  He requested moving the start time from 8:30am to 10:30am.  Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry were agreeable with this change of time. 

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 6:51 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:14 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 01, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:15 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 7:16 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Walpole Demographics, Refugees, Immigration

“Great Decisions” will resume on Monday, September 12, in the Hubbard Meeting Room at the Walpole Town Library. The public forum will begin at 6:00 p.m., and Zoom participation will continue to be available from Library Director Jane Malmberg. 

We will begin our “Great Decisions” discussion with a short video entitled “America is Failing its Refugees and Itself”, produced by Ken Burns and his UNUM team. This film is available on Ken Burns’ UNUM educational website, a digital resource which explores the intersection of history and current events, providing historical perspectives on issues affecting us today, combining film footage, interviews and commentary. 

Following the video, Peggy Pschirrer, our doyenne of local demographics, will present some startling statistics. How have Walpole’s demographics changed over the past 50 years? What has happened to our farms, industries, housing and youth? And what are the implications of all these changes? 

The suggested reading (copies of which are available at the library) is a Foreign Affairs article: “America’s Refugee Revolution: How Ordinary Citizens are Taking the Lead in Resettling Newcomers” by Gregory Maniatis (July 27, 2022). Also recommended is a Noah Smith interview with Leah Boustan, research economist, describing the misconceptions we all have about immigration, which is available on Substack (and also at the library): https://noahpinion.substack.com/p/interview-leah-boustan-economist

What are your views of immigration in the United States today? We will examine the various pros and cons and misconceptions surrounding this sensitive issue. Does this have any relevance to our community? You must draw your own conclusions. We welcome your participation either in person or via Zoom at 6:00 p.m. on September 12, 2022. For the Zoom link, please contact Jane Malmberg in advance of the meeting: 

jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

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

Staff Present:    Jodi Daigle (Water & Sewer Clerk and Administrative Assistant); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director); Meghan Hansson (Town Clerk/Tax Collector)

Excused:           Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Director); Jane Malmberg (Library Director); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Justin Sanctuary (Police Chief)

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and via Zoom.  This meeting was being recorded.

Mr. Dalessio reminded the Department Managers that their preliminary budgets should be submitted to Mr. Kreissle on-or-before September 6^th, 2022.    

Hooper Institute:  Helen Dalbeck, Hooper Institute Executive Director, presented the following report for July and August 2022: 

School Programs and School Gardens:  They are getting ready for the school year.  Three school gardens plus the high tunnel have been maintained throughout the summer, growing produce for the fall school kitchen, fall classes, flowers for the Flower CSA and lots of plants for pollinators.  They are in touch with teachers, preparing classes and curriculum.  Becky Whippie teaches Pre-K – 4, Helen Dalbeck 5^th and 7^th Sept-Nov then she picks up 6^th grade in December.

Summer Camps:  They led four weeks of camp; Hooper Day Camp, Adventure Camp and Woodworking.  47 kids attended.  Special appreciation and thanks to Steve Dalessio for leading Woodworking and donating his time and materials for the fun projects.  Also thanks to the three high school leaders that were at the heart of the Hooper Day Camp weeks, with Becky Whippie.  She would like to thank Annie Monette, Becky Sethi and Chloe Pittman for their help and assistance during Adventure Camp.  They had a ton of fun exploring the Academy Ravine, Hooper Forest, Gateway/Connecticut River in Walpole then over to the Bellows Falls Fish Ladder, Visitor Center plus their forest trail, labyrinth and petroglyphs by the falls.

High School Work Program:  The work sites are Walpole Veterinary Clinic, Alyson’s Orchard, Walpole Recycling Center and the two Hooper Institute Day Camps.  There are four students that have worked 258 hours as of today 8/17.  They were collectively awarded 390 hours.  More reporting will follow in September.

Outreach and Marketing:  July and August Clarion submissions plus many Facebook posts, posters; Old Home Days tents, interpretation, being with the people with Walpole Community Garden by their side.  It was a really fun day.  They had a special offering of large alumni books created by posters made over the years by Eloise Clark.  They were enjoyed by many Hooper “kids”!

Walpole Community Garden:  There are 16 members and 43 beds in the community garden.  These folks have been successful gardeners even in a drought.  Well worth a visit.

Administration:  Ongoing, in every way.

Special Events, Programs, Scholarship and Friends:  The Flower CSA happened and was a joyous success.  (Nine subscribers, 11 bouquets for 6 weeks plus 1 make up week) – July 27 there was a Presentation Night featuring their scholarship recipients and the students awarded hours during the Summer Work Program.  It is an inspiring evening, this year attended by 3 university recipients, 1 high school student, all with their families.  Four students wrote in about their experiences.  Board and Committee members Seth Andrews and Liz Collingsworth helped with the evening.

Their next special event preparation and planning has begun for the 2^nd Annual Fall Festival, September 24 at the Hooper Institute.

Development/Fundraising:  This has been “The Year of the Hooper Institute”.  They have raised $53,000 thus far with plans to continue with the 2^nd Annual Fall Festival, a Fall Annual Appeal, Giving Tuesday and an end of the year push for donations.  The fall campaign’s working title is “Lend a Hand to the Hooper Institute”.

Other News:  The new Hooper Institute logo cloth tote bags are available, yours for a $20 donation.

Annual Fall Festival:  Their next event will be the 2^nd Annual Fall Festival on September 24^th.  This kicks off their Annual Giving Appeal.  

Walpole Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office:  Mrs. Meghan Hansson, TC/TC, had submitted the following August 18, 2022 Report:

• The Spring Warrant was for $5,891,363 and only $201,000 remains to be collected, which is about 3.4% of the total.  This is only 103 invoices and fewer actual property owners.
• They will be sending reminder/informational notices to those individuals who have 2020 liens on their property that without payment by June of next year, their property will be up for deeding.
• As there was no meeting in July, she mentioned that on June 27^th, they had the DMV Auditor in their office checking their records and inventory.  The visit was a positive experience, and the auditor was happy with their office.
• June 30^th was the last day of the DMV’s year; so, they needed to close a couple hours early that day and scramble to get the money of the day deposited and the receipt to Rich for the electronic transfer to be made to the State the same day.
• The first week of August was 2022 Certification Training for her Deputy, Vicki Gohl, and her.  They each attended a full schedule of classes offered through the NH City and Town Clerk Association and the NH Tax Collectors Association.  The training took place at the NH Municipal Association building in Concord.  Speakers included the Secretary of State, the Head of the Department of Vital Records, the Certified Trainer for DMV, and several people from NHMA, including Government Affairs Counsel and Government Finance Advisor.  The week of class is followed up by a lengthy test that they must all take, pass in, and it will get graded.
• The State Primary Election will be Tuesday September 13^th.  They have been registering new voters and taking requests for Absentee Ballots.  Per the State, this year Covid will not be allowed as a reason to request an Absentee Ballot.
• Municipal Records Committee exists whether the members meet or not.  The members are the Board of Selectmen, or their designee, the Clerk, the Treasurer, an assessor, and the Tax Collector.  They do have responsibilities for the records.

Administrator of Finance:  Mr. Rich Kreissle had submitted his report dated August 18, 2022.

Budget Worksheets created and e-mailed to department managers;

• They are due to him on Tuesday, September 6^th;
• Once received, he will create the 1^st draft of the budget for the Board in time for their regular meeting on September 8^th.

Put the final touches on reformatting the budget spreadsheet he uses to create the budget and submit to the Board;

• Based upon their feedback, warrant articles voted in from prior years will be shown separately from the operating budget in order to better present the actual increase in the budget.

The 2021 audit has begun.

The MS-434 – Estimated Revenues – due to the Department of Revenue Administration on 9/1 – thus begins the calculation for the new tax rate.

Friendly reminder to submit credit receipts/PO’s after making a purchase sooner rather than later.

Walpole Recycling Staff Meeting Report August:  Mr. Ben Hoy was unable to attend this meeting but had sent in the following report:

Cerys Gascoyne worked at Walpole Recycling through the Hooper Institute summer program this summer.  She learned all about recycling, and participated in a “recycle right” virtual conference through the NRRA Reagan Bissonette, Executive Director of the NRRA, and several other industry leaders discussed recycling with Cerys at the meeting.  They hope to have Cerys back as a volunteer at Walpole recycling!

Phil Burgess is leaving Walpole Recycling upon his return from the Recycling Conference in Austin, Texas next week.  (Tom Donovan will be returning to Walpole Recycling at the end of August).  Phil was an exceptional “fill in” hire for Walpole Recycling.  He is an acclaimed machine expert whose expertise helped them improve their recycling operation exponentially. – Thanks Phil!

Recyclable storage situation has become an area that needs to be improved.  This is sure to be a strong consideration when addressing the warrant article proposal for 2023.  Installing a new and improved recyclable storage area would further enhance their capability to properly recycle everything that can be recycled.  With limited space they are reduced to limited recycling options as their commodities must be under cover and handled in a safe environment.  The trailers that they are using for storage have been in since 1992.  The optics of the storage area reflect its age, especially with the many improvements that have been made at Walpole Recycling.  The Highway Department’s salt shed represents an area of coverage that would properly suit their recyclable storage needs at Walpole Recycling.  He would like to steer away from trailer storage going forward if possible.

He is looking forward to the Recycling Conference in Austin, Texas next week!  The list of speakers and recycling personnel attending the conference is impressive.  There is much to learn at this conference, and he hopes to bring back some innovative recycling strategies to Walpole Recycling.  He will be joining NRRA Executive Director Reagan Bissonette at the conference.  He will also be running a times mile at the University of Texas track.  (That portion of the trip might not be pretty).  Thanks again to Keefe Harrison and the Recycling Partnership for the opportunity to learn from the best in the recycling industry. 

Walpole Recreation:  Mr. Kraig Harlow was unable to attend this meeting.  Following is his report update of August 18, 2022.

Pool:

• The pool will be closing on August 26^th with their staff going back to college and high school.
• Brad Nash came and fixed all of the lights and globes down at the pool this summer. 
• Pool filtration motor blew up on July 15^th and they quickly were able to repair it within a week with the help of E.E. Houghton;
• They were over Pool Chemicals again by $1,557.28 this season due to the increased price in chemicals and blown filtration motor.

Pool House:

• Associated Concrete Coatings LLC finished the concrete non-slip surface on August 1^st at the price of $15,450.  The repair was paid through the warrant article.

Summer Basketball:

• Summer Basketball ends on August 18^th.
• The program had 74 children sign-up for this program which generated roughly $1850 in revenue.
• They had three teams and games were every Tuesday and Thursday this summer with coaches scheduling one day for practices.
• They had three companies sponsoring teams: Cold River Materials, Bowman Dental, Chroma Technology.

Soccer:

• Soccer sign-ups started August 15^th through August 19^th from 5pm to 7pm.  Additional days maybe added if sign-ups are low.
• They are expecting the program to have 50-60 sign-ups for ages 4-11.
• Teams are broken into four groups of U4, U6, U8 and U11 with practices taking place at North Walpole School, Walpole Elementary School, and Westminster St. field.
• They will have 8 companies line up to sponsor soccer uniforms.
• Allards Portable Toilets will place a toilet at North Walpole School for players and parents to use.

Community Events:

• They have held three movies over the summer:  Space Jam; A New Legacy; Sonic and Clifford the Big Red Dog.
• They are having roughly 30-50 members of the community show at each movie.
• Their next movie will be Encanto and will be at Whitcomb Park on September 9^th.

Recreation Committee:

• The Recreation Committee will meet August 24^th at 6:00 pm to talk about next year’s budget and ways they can improve the recreation program.

Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau was unable to attend this meeting but submitted the following report:

• Replaced insufficient culverts:  1 on Homestead Road and 2 on County Road. 
• Sight inspections with FEMA have started for the 2021 July flooding.  Inspections were done on the High Street bridge and the Old North Main bridge.  More dates are scheduled within the next few weeks to inspect other damaged locations.
• Meeting with DES is scheduled to discuss the drainage issue on School Street.
• The car counter has been set out to gather data on volume and speed on Maplewood Circle.
• Multiple trucks have had failures or breakdowns that have required extensive repairs or servicing.

Selectboard Office Report:  Mrs. Sarah Downing was unable to attend this meeting but provided the following report dated August 18, 2022.

Facilities Update:

The vintage chairs from the basement that were sold by donation raised $785 towards a new tree for the Common.  Thank you to Peggy Pschirrer for hosting the last chair sales effort at the multi-family yard sale on Old North Main Street in July.

The Selectboard Office is almost finished being “refreshed” with new paint and carpeting.  New desks for Jodi Daigle and Rich Kreissle were purchased.  Much thanks to Brad Nash for painting and organizing the move in and out of the Selectboard Office.  Additional thanks to Jodi Daigle who organized the carpeting purchase and assembled her desk.  Other small improvements are occurring to improve office function.

The Town Hall cupola was painted.  Since a new roof install is planned for late October, the painting of the cupola was a priority.

Three trees have been removed and their stumps ground on the Common.  The trees were a safety issue and had to be removed.  Hartmann Tree & Garden has trimmed trees on the east side of the Common.  With higher utility poles being installed on the west side/Elm Street of the Common, the final trimming may wait until after the poles are installed.

A large new tax map binder with updated maps is now available on the map table in the hallway of the Town Hall.  Much thanks to Jodi Daigle for ordering the cover which was complicated and took some time to be produced.

Assessing:

On July 25^th, Avitar began a field review as part of revaluation process.  The Dept. of Revenue Administration (DRA) conducted a survey of properties to audit Avitar for their accuracy in property assessment at the end of July and beginning of August.

The final phase of the revaluation process is to begin soon with updated assessments being mailed to property owners.  During this time, there will be an opportunity to have phone meetings with the assessors to discuss questions and concerns.

Human Resources:

The Employee Appreciation Meal is in process of being scheduled.  More information to follow regarding the date.  The meal will be a soup/salad/sandwich that can be a “grab and go” or eat-in the Town Hall. 

Walpole Police Department:  Police Chief Sanctuary was unable to attend this meeting.  A report was provided with Police Stats from July 30, 2022 through August 15, 2022. 

The total calls were 340.

• Criminal Investigations – 85
• Public Safety – 186
• Motor Vehicle – 69

Total Monthly Calls:

• Last Month for the period of 06/16/2022 – 07/15/22 – there were 328 calls;
• This Month for the period of 07/16/2022 – 08/15/22 – there were 340 calls.

Walpole Town Library:

Mrs. Jane Malmberg was unable to attend this meeting.  Following is her report dated August 2022.

Mark McGill’s subcontractor came down in mid-July to look at the front door and take measurements.

Friends:

The dates for book donation this summer have been set:

Wednesdays, August 17 and 24, 10:00 am to noon.

Thursdays, August 18 and 25, 4:00 to 6:00 pm.

The book sale will take place at the Walpole School gym on the weekend of October 28-30.

North Walpole:

Numbers have continued to increase in North Walpole, both visits and number of materials checked out.

Programming:

Summer Reading was a success.  They had 100 people participate, double the number last summer.  32 people participated in Geocaching and the Grafton Museum’s weekly science programs were quite popular this year.  Twenty-five people came to their Ice Cream Party on July 30^th.

They are taking a break from Wiggle Times and Story Times during the month of August as many people are away this month and it gives Julie a well-deserved break and opportunity to recharge.

Technology:

They have a new digital resource available on their website.  It is provided free from the Public Library Association and AT&T.  Here is a brief description:

DigitalLearn.org offers a variety of courses that build digital literacy skills and confidence using technology.  The online courses are freely available to everyone and teach basic skills such as: tips for getting started with email, navigating websites and commonly used apps, operating search engines, mastering cybersecurity and more.

Monthly Library Statistics – Bridge Memorial Library and the North Walpole Library are available in the Selectboard office.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mr. Dalessio thanked everyone who attended this meeting.  He adjourned this meeting at 5:56 PM. Respectfully submitted, Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:01 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and via Zoom.  This meeting was being recorded.

Mr. Dalessio called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Peggy Pschirrer was present; Cheryl Mayberry was present; and Steven Dalessio, Chair, was present.  Also present was Mrs. Jodi Daigle, Water & Sewer Clerk and Administrative Assistant.  Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, is present via Zoom.  There were no members of the public in attendance. 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: 

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $649,193.39 for checks issued August 19, 2022.  This includes a monthly payment in the amount of $529,226.92 to the Fall Mountain School District.  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 August 13, 2022, in the amount of $33,115.93 dated August 19, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,494.28.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 11, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 11, 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 – August 11, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 11, 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 District Board of Commissioners Meeting – July 26, 2022;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – August 2, 2022;
• Walpole Conservation Commission Meeting – August 1, 2022;
• Walpole Planning Board Meeting – August 9, 2022.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

MAP and LOT #010-033-001:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Veterans’ Tax Credit for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #010-033-001.  There was a name change of the property owner therefore a new PA-29 form was needed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ELDERLY EXEMPTION:

MAP and LOT #007-026-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Elderly Exemption for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #007-026-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

MAP and LOT #003-003-000 and MAP and LOT #003-018-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a Notice of Intent To Cut Wood or Timber for the owner(s) of the following Map and Lot numbers:

• MAP and LOT #003-003-000;
• MAP and LOT #003-018-000;

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

OLD BUSINESS:

School and Union Streets Drainage Project:  Mr. Dalessio requested that this agenda item be tabled until the next meeting to allow him time to write a response letter to Mr. MacClaren.

Treasurer Appointment Notice:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the appointment of Stephen Varone as the Town Treasurer for a period of seven (7) months, August 18^th through Town Meeting, March 2023.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Common Tree Maintenance Reimbursement:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Trustees of Trust Funds draw a check to the Town of Walpole in the amount of $4,826.00 from the Quinton Fund to reimburse the Town for the cutting of trees on the Town Common.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Pending Further Actions:

Generators, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood:

Houghton Brook Bridge: The legal work is in the process for the Houghton Brook Bridge.

Reservoir Dam:  The engineering work is in the process for the Reservoir Dam.

NEW BUSINESS:

FY 2023 Highway Block Grant:  Mr. Dalessio clarified that this is not a Highway Block Grant but rather a One Time Highway Payment in the amount of $118,998.11.  Some of the expenses in the Highway Department cannot be covered by this funding.  Ms. Mayberry felt they could use some of this money to cover the over-expenditure of a few projects.  She also mentioned the Recreation Department wanting another court.  This will be discussed with Mr. Kreissle.       

Savings Bank of Walpole (SBW) “Bill-Pay” Date:  A notice was received from the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s office advising that the SBW Bank Policy is that the date the check is issued is the date it hits the mail.  Each check requested has to have a mail date on the request.  Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Walpole Selectboard feel it is appropriate to honor the SBW policy and therefore use the check date on their Bill Pay checks as the posted date.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.   With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.   

2021 Cyclical Monitoring Inspection Report:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a letter from the NH Department of Revenue Administration (DRA) and the final results of the monitoring activity of the 2021 cyclical inspections for the Town.  Only property record cards with points and/or comments have been included.  A copy of the Monitoring Inspection Report was sent to the Avitar Associates of New England for their review.

Cemetery Reimbursement: Mrs. Pschirrer explained that the Trustees of Trust Funds were asked to pay a bill to move a tree in the cemetery.  Michael Collier asked for two checks; one was supposed to come from their budget and the second check from their second Trustee account.  The money came out of the first Trustee account.  Mr. Kreissle is trying to correct this by reimbursing the cemetery.  They have two Trustee accounts for the cemetery.  The purpose of this expenditure was to reimburse CEM Trust #1 for the amount paid to Wilcox Tree Service that should have been paid out of the General Fund from encumbered funds.      

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard approve this request.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Ray Boas came into the meeting. 

Infrastructure Meeting: Mr. Boas asked if the Selectboard was familiar with the Vermont Digger newspaper. He said they had an interesting article on July 28^th which talked about the loss of local newspapers.  The most powerful statement at the end of this article was that without local news sources, it is bad for democracy.  People do not know what is going on and if they do not know what is going on, it is hard for them to become involved and engaged.  With the Clarion being published for eleven (11) years, Mr. Boas thinks he has gotten people engaged and involved.  During the concert on August 7^th, Mr. Dalessio mentioned having the Infrastructural Meeting with the community.  At that time, he said that is a great idea. They would be talking about some major projects that will require funding.  Mr. Boas mentioned when scheduling this meeting, please keep in mind the Clarion deadlines so he can let the community know and they can get involved.  Mr. Dalessio seemed to agree.  Last Friday he saw an email that indicated the meeting was scheduled for Monday, August 29^th, 2022.  He then started contacting Mr. Dalessio because it did not work with the Clarion deadline.  If you want the community involved and so they understand what is being proposed they need to get them involved in the beginning.  He has 2,000 copies that get mailed and 1,400 people read it online.  Considering the projects that are listed and if there will be grant monies or a bond, he feels strongly if they wait a week, the article will be on the front page.  Mr. Dalessio explained the Selectboard members had calendar problems.  He noted the earliest he could do a meeting would be September 19^th or 26^th. 

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve changing the Infrastructure Meeting from Monday, August 29^th to Tuesday, September 20^th at 7:00 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.            

Mr. Boas thanked the Selectboard for understanding.  He requested a separate article for the Clarion from one of the Selectboard members.  Mr. Dalessio volunteered to write it.  In the future they will try to be more mindful of meeting dates.    

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 6:41 PM.

The Selectboard meeting reconvened at 6:44 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

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

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:14 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 18, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry 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 7:15 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Present: Chair Jan Leclerc, Clerk Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes, Judy Trow, Tom Winmill. Alternates  Don Sellarole, Carolyn Vose, Myra Mansouri. Absent: Dave Edkins. Also attending the meeting were Marcia Galloway, Cindy Westover and Shane O’Keefe.

Minutes: Written by Marilou Blaine. This meeting was recorded. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the September 2022 meeting for corrections, and additions and/or omissions.

Call to order: Ms. Leclerc called the meeting at 7:01 pm. A full board was present so there was no need to ask an alternate to fill in.

Minutes of July 2022 minutes: Ms. Trow made a couple of corrections. On page 3, third paragraph, she added the word “in” to the word “with”; on page 4 under the section titled Adjournment it should read “Ms.” Trow, not Mr. Trow. Mr. Murray made corrections on page two 2. In the third paragraph from the bottom the word “be” should be added after the word “would” and Carbone should have an “e” at the end of his name. At the end of the sentence, add “than the previous distance” Ms. Trow made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion.

Mr. Windmill said he had quite a few corrections. He began by saying the July 22 minutes had no mention of the agenda item that he requested regarding the establishment of procedures plan for creating the agenda. The secretary interrupted to state that items discussed in a nonpublic session could not be stated in a public meeting. Mr. Winmill replied, “let’s just see” and continued reading aloud. Mr. Winmill began reading his five points for the plan. Mr. Murray vehemently opposed point 3 by saying the board can’t do that. Point 3 said that the agenda must be distributed to all board members and alternates 72 hours before the meeting for comments. Mr. Murray said that first of all the board members and alternates are not supposed to be contacting each other about board business. Board business should only be discussed at an official open meeting. Mr. Winmill objected to Mr. Murray’s comments and kept on reading aloud. Ms. Leclerc said Mr. Winmill was out of order but he continued to read on. Mr. Murray made a motion to not put Mr. Winmill’s statements in the minutes. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and four members voted aye. Mr. Winmill’s motion was never seconded and not discussed at the meeting. 

A vote on the motion to approve the minutes was finally taken and the minutes were approved as corrected by four members with one member voting no.

Clarion article for September: Mr. Edkins was not at the meeting so discussion of the application for Non-Conforming Uses will be discussed next month. 

​

Request for a public hearing for an Appeal from Administrative Decision

Ms. Leclerc said the board had received an application for a request for a public hearing and the board needs to vote to accept the application. She explained that the application was an appeal being made by Ms. Jennifer Plante, owner of the day care center, Home Away From Home. Ms. Plante is appealing the decision made by the Planning Board that the day care center’s site plan be approved on the condition that she get a variance from the ZBA. The appeal is on the conditional part of that decision. 

Ms. Leclerc wanted to know who was going to be able to be at the meeting and who was going to recuse himself or herself. So the people who were planning to recuse themselves from the hearing sat in the audience. Hearing the appeal needs a quorum of five people. Ms. Leclerc and Mr. Murray recused themselves. So that left Ms. Barnes, Ms. Trow, Mr. Windmill, Mr. Sellarole and Ms. Vose to vote on the motion to hold a public hearing for the appeal. 

Ms. Trow stepped up as vice-chair and took up this portion of the meeting. She asked Ms. Vose and Mr. Sellarole to take part as board members in this portion of the meeting. Ms. Trow asked if the application was in order and if all fees had been paid. The answer was yes. Ms. Barnes made a motion to approve the request for a public hearing to be held in September for an Appeal from Administrative Decision. Mr. Sellarole seconded the motion and the motion carried with no one opposing the motion. 

Nomination of an alternate

Ms. Leclerc asked Shane O’Keefe, who was in the audience, if he would like to be an alternate. Mr. O’Keefe said yes. He was familiar with zoning boards, he said. He served as town administrator in Bellows Falls and Newport, Vermont. He has spent much of his 31-year career in municipal government and planning including writing administrative reports. He has a master’s degree in city and regional planning.

Ms. Trow made a motion to appoint Mr. O’Keefe as an alternate. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and said you certainly seem quite qualified. Mr. Winmill asked Mr. O’Keefe how he heard about the board needing an alternate. Ms. Leclerc called me up, Mr. O’Keefe said. “She knows I have been in this kind of work and she knows I ran for a Planning Board seat last year. I can add my experience to my home town,” he said. 

Mr. Murray also had a possible candidate. He said Katy Beam, who is a real estate agent at Galloway Realty, also expressed interest in being on the board as an alternate. Mr. Winmill said the Fall Mountain school board has had a recent vacancy and they put it out on the web that the board is seeking letters from those who are interested in the vacant seat so if someone wanted to serve on the school board, that person could write them a letter. Mr. Winmill suggested the Walpole Zoning Board do something similar.

Ms. Barnes said the board is facing a time constraint with this upcoming hearing. Mr. Sellarole will not be at the hearing in September because he is going on vacation abroad. A motion was made by Mr. Sellarole, seconded by Ms. Barnes and the board voted that Mr. O’Keefe become an alternate. The vote was 4 ayes, and 1 nay.

Gravel pit inspections assignments

RSA 155 E states that gravel pits must be inspected yearly and for the last few years this has been done by the members and alternates of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. 

This year’s gravel pit assignments are:

Tim Graves on Wentworth Road – Tom Murray and Don Sellarole

Hodgkins on Old Drewsville Road – Judy Trow and Pauline Barnes 

Cold River Materials on Brewery Road – Carolyn Vose and Jan Leclerc.

The inspection forms are due at the October meeting.

​

Nonpublic session

At 7:40 pm Ms. Trow made a motion to go into nonpublic session to review the minutes of the nonpublic meeting last month. At 8:50 pm the board came out of non public session.

Ms. Leclerc Clarion article

Since last month’s meeting with Town Counsel Jeremy Hockensmith, there have been changes on how the Zoning Board of Adjustment will operate. The Board has been informed that the job of the ZBA does not include answering questions about zoning and about zoning applications. So in the future, if anyone has a question about a potential project or needs help in understanding the application process, the Town is asking you to call Mr. Ernest Vose at 603-756-3589. Mr. Vose has been a long-time member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and is thoroughly familiar with the Walpole Zoning Ordinance. He can direct you to the application forms you will need and explain the application process to you. When the ZBA receives the application, the board will set a public hearing for the following month if the application is filled out properly and fees paid. See the complete article attached at the end the minutes.

Changes to zoning board procedures

Beginning August 23, changes will occur on how these boards will operate regarding approvals and denials of requests. Many members and alternates attended a Webinar on Zoom August 10. It was presented by the NH Municipal Association and the presenter were lawyers with the Association. According to one presenter about 500 individuals signed up for the Webinar. Check the town website for a look at the forms that will need to be filled out and kept by the ZBA.

Email reminders

Chair Leclerc passed out the following reminders to the board and alternates at this meeting.

1. NO discussion about minutes via email. All discussion about minutes must take place at a public meeting  that has been properly noticed.

2. No sending emails to all board members. NEVER “reply all” to any emails received.

3.  If you want to make a statement to go into the minutes verbatim you must follow these steps:

​a. Write your brief, respectful statement down on PAPER.

​b. READ your brief, respectful statement ALOUD at a public meeting.

​c. Hand your paper with your brief, respectful statement on it to the secretary immediately after you ​ have read it aloud at the public meeting.

Nomination of a vice-chair

As was mentioned in the July 2022 minutes, long-time Walpole Zoning Board member Ernie Vose resigned from the board. Mr. Vose was currently vice-chair of the Zoning Board. Mr. Vose was a member who was respected for his good judgment, knowledge of Walpole’s zoning regulations and has a memory of years and years of applications and applicants. He was thoughtful about each presentation, polite in his manner of questioning. He leaves a huge, empty hole in landscape of the board. Ms. Leclerc said his position had to be filled and asked for nomination. Mr. Murray made a suggestion of Judy Trow. Ms. Trow has served the Walpole Zoning Board in many different ways. Originally, for 14 years she was recording secretary. She has also served as a member of board or alternate for 16 years. She is extremely knowledgeable about the Walpole Zoning Ordinance. Mr. Murray made a motion to appoint Ms. Trow. Ms. Barnes seconded the  motion and the motion carried.

Zoning maps

Board members and alternates received copies of two zoning maps of Walpole. One map showed the entire town. The other focused on the village and its surrounding areas. The different colors show the commercial, industrial, Residential A, Residential B, Rural-Agricultural areas in Walpole and Drewsville and  other colors showed the North Walpole Commercial, North Walpole Industrial and North Walpole Residential A & B districts.. 

The maps were prepared by Emily Horton at Antioch University New England for the Town of Walpole Planning Board in 2012. Peter Palmiotto modified the maps for the Zoning Board of Adjustment in 2022 to conform to the town’s current zoning districts. The Town will be hanging a larger version of these maps on a wall in the entry way of the Town Offices soon. The Board thanks Mr. Palmiotto for his time and effort in creating these useful, colorful zoning maps. 

​

Adjournment

Ms. Trow made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried. It was 9:10 pm.

​

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

ZBA Secretary

cc: ZBA, WPB, Town Offices, The Walpolean

Posted: Inside the Town Offices, on the bulletin board outside the Post Office, http://www.walpolenh.us

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall and via Zoom

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $14,723.29 for checks issued 8/26/2022

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $34,144.74 dated 8/26/22 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,864.39

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Meeting – August 18, 2022
• Staff Meeting – August 18, 2022
• Non-Public Session Selectboard – August 18, 2022

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – August 17, 2022

TIMBER INTENTS

• Map and Lot# 011-045-000
• Map and Lot# 013-054-000
• Map and Lot# 013-034-003

BUILDING & DEMOLITION PERMITS

• 2022-34, Map and Lot# 005-042-000
• 2022-35 (Demolition), Map and Lot# 012-011-000
• 2022-36, (Building), Map and Lot# 012-011-000
• 2022-37, Map and Lot# 009-034-000

OLD BUSINESS

Pending Further Actions

• Generators, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Reservoir Dam, School and Union Streets Drainage Project

NEW BUSINESS

• Saving Bank of Walpole Account Forms
• National Election Pool Inquiry

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

• Hooper Trustees Meeting – August 18, 2022

HOOPER TRUSTEES PUBLIC BUSINESS

• Court Order on the Consent Decree

HOOPER TRUSTEES NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II

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

Selectboard Present:​Steven Dalessio (Chair); Peggy L. Pschirrer; Cheryl Mayberry

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:33 PM in the Walpole Town Hall and via Zoom.  This meeting was being recorded.  

Mr. Dalessio called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Peggy Pschirrer was present; Cheryl Mayberry was present; and Steven Dalessio, Chair, was present.  Also present was Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  There were two members of the public in attendance:  Judy Epstein and Jan Galloway-Leclerc.  

OLD BUSINESS:

School and Union Streets Drainage Project:  Ms. Epstein was present for an update on School and Union Streets.  Mr. Dalessio reported that on either August 30^th or 31^st they will be meeting with the Department of Environmental Services (DES) onsite to have a technical discussion.  They want to put something upstream to prevent the flooding from happening again.  They do have the engineering done on Main Street.  He does not believe they will cut across the Epstein yard.  The Town is at a standstill until they know what DES wants.  The Town was turned down for one grant but other grants are available. He thinks this is a 2024 project.  In the meantime, they will keep the area cleaned-out for good drainage.      

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $55,960.16 for checks issued August 12, 2022.  This includes a payment in the amount of $31,639.34 to E.E. Houghton.  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 August 6, 2022, in the amount of $34,623.54 dated August 12, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,795.36.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – August 4, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of August 4, 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 – August 4, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 4, 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.

OLD BUSINESS:

School and Union Streets Drainage Project:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the e-mail from Jon MacClaren and neighbors.  The residents gathered together on Friday, July 29, 2022, to observe the anniversary of the deluge which flooded their yards with rocks and silt.  They look forward to an engineered solution to reduce the future threat of flooding.  They know the Town officials are working on this and they look forward to hearing an update.    

Letter of Understanding for 2021 Audit With Vachon, Clukay and Company PC:  A Letter of Understanding for the 2021 Audit with Vachon, Clukay and Company PC was received.  This is to provide these services to the Town of Walpole, NH, for the year ended December 31, 2021.  

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign this Letter of Understanding dated June 22, 2022.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.  

Pending Further Action:

Generators, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood:

Houghton Brook Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio advised that while they are waiting for a response from the attorneys. Fuss & O’Neill was told to go out for bid, and they hope everything will come together.  

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio reported that they submitted one grant application that was accepted.  They will go forward with the cost analysis with the understanding that they will stop work if it looks like the project will fail.  The cost is estimated at about the same amount of money as it would be to tear it down.  The recreation value is high.

NEW BUSINESS:

FY 2023 Highway Block Grant:  A letter was received from the NH Department of Transportation (DOT) advising that the State Highway Block Grant Aid available to Walpole in State Fiscal Year 2023 (July 1, 2022 thru June30, 2023) is based on estimated revenues through June 30, 2022.  The total amount is $141,392.39; July 2022 Actual Payment is $42,417.72.  This will be talked about during the next budget sessions.  

Bear Bait Permit on Town Land:  Mrs. Pschirrer advised that Bear Bait Permits on Town Land was discussed during the last Conservation Commission meeting.  When someone applies, the Selectboard makes the final decision.  It is too late this year to take any action. It will be tabled but it will probably be brought up again next year.     

Wantastiquet Local River Subcommittee 2022 Social Invitation: An invitation was received from the Wantastiquet Local River Subcommittee to attend their 2022 Social on Saturday, October 1^st, 2022, from 11am to 2pm; Rain date is October 8^th.  All guests must RSVP.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 6:54 PM.

The Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:00 PM.

Ms. Mayberry moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of August 11, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Preliminary 2023 Budget Meeting:  The Selectboard will begin their preliminary review of the proposed 2023 Budget on Friday, September 9^th, 2022, at 8:30 AM.  

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 8:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary