The Walpolean

Starting at 6:30 PM on Zoom

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $47,496.86 for checks issued 1/21/2022

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $29,535.64 dated 1/21/22 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,765.17

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Meeting – January 13, 2022
• Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – January 13, 2022

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – November 10, 2021
• Walpole Fire District Monthly Meeting – December 1, 2021
• North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – December 28, 2021
• North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – January 4, 2022
• Library Trustees Meeting – January 11, 2022
• Planning Board Meeting – January 11, 2022

OLD BUSINESS

• 2022 Budget Hearing
• Town Meeting Location
• 2022 Warrant Articles
• Town Report Cover Ideas
• E & W Salvage Response Letter

Pending Further Actions

Wastewater Line under the Vilas Bridge, Generators, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters, Reservoir Dam, Houghton Brook Bridge, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood

NEW BUSINESS

• Savings Bank of Walpole Account Forms
• 2021 Landfill Post-Closure Report
• SWRPC Winter 2022 Meeting

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

Hooper Trustees Meeting – January 6, 2022

HOOPER BUSINESS

• December 2021 Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Educational Fund
• December 2021 Reimbursement to the Town of Walpole from the Hooper Maintenance Fund

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

SELECTBOARD MEETING – continued

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

Dear Library Community,
Just a brief note to let you know about library program plans for February 2022.  As we are still seeing a large number of Covid cases in our area, the library will continue its suspension of in-person programming through February.  

• . We will offer the following virtual and take-home programs:
  • Walpole Library Bake-Off.  This is a virtual program. This time the theme will be cookies. Details will be posted on the library website, Facebook, Instagram and in the e-newsletter.   
  • Crafternoon will be a take-home program this month with kits available for pickup on Friday, February 11th at both library branches.
  • Sneak Peek Saturday and the Carolyn Show are virtual programs on Facebook and the library’s YouTube channel.  
  • Wiggle Time and Story Time will be virtual on Facebook and the library’s YouTube channel.
• We also encourage you to request curbside service or our home delivery service if coming into the library is not feasible. 

As always, thank you for your understanding and support of the library. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Jane Malmberg
Library Director
603-756-9806
jmalmberg@walpoletownlibrary.org

Notice to Walpole Residents
(Walpole, North Walpole, Drewsville)
Town Officers to be elected on Tuesday, March 8th, 2022:

Number Officer Term Length
1 Selectman 3 years
1 Town Moderator 2 years
1 Trustee of Trust Funds 3 years
1 Treasurer 1 year
2 Zoning Board 3 years
2 Planning Board 3 years
1 Cemetery Trustee 3 years
1 Supervisor of Checklist 6 years
3 Library Trustee 3 years
1 Library Trustee 1 year
1 Library Trustee 2 years

Filing period for these offices is January 19 through January 28, 2022.
Please file during office hours at the Walpole Town Clerk’s office. Per state law the Town Clerk’s office will be open on Friday, January 28, from 3 pm to 5 pm, for filing only.

From the beginning, our intentions at Home Away From Home have always been to offer quality, state licensed child care in a home-like setting. Throughout the 14 years we have been quietly operating HAFH, located at 11 Maplewood Circle in Walpole, it has grown into a thriving and reputable childcare business within Cheshire County. The original business protocols and day to day operations in place have not changed since 2008. 

Our waitlist is full until spring of 2023, and we thank you for your continued support. Questions? Please email Jenny Plante at  HAFH2008@gmail.com.

As coordinators of the “Giving Tree Project”, we would once again like to thank everyone who participated in any way. This project provides gifts for children in our communities whose families need a little extra help during the holiday season, and it definitely “takes a village” to make it happen. Again the undertaking was a bit more challenging this year due to continued health concerns, but we were still able to make it happen in a way that was safe for everyone.

This project wouldn’t have happened without the support of SO MANY! The congregations of the First Congregational Church of Walpole and St. John’s Episcopal Church took tags, purchased gifts, and gave many donations. The Savings Bank of Walpole, Mascoma Bank, the Walpole Public Library, The Hungry Diner, and Spencer’s Place also displayed tags, and many employees and community members purchased gifts or gave donations. The “Toys for Tots” program donated approximately 150 gifts so that parents could choose 2 more gifts for each child, plus we received a donation of hand-knitted hats, scarves, mittens, and booties from Priscilla Rodgers. The “Walpole Firefighters’ Auxiliary” and “The Community Fund” both made generous monetary donations, and Ocean State Job Lot and Mr. G’s donated wrapping paper, tags, and tape so that parents could wrap the gifts for their children. The “Chaos and Kindness” store also donated sweatshirts for 2 young people who specifically requested them. Last but not least, Jana Sellarole, Janet Frances, Colby Smith, and Becca Bates volunteered their time to help us sort, organize, and bag up the gifts prior to parent pickup day; this is a very big job and their help was very much appreciated. Any remaining toys were delivered to the Fall Mt. Food Shelf, and any remaining wrapping paper or donation $ has been set aside for next year.

When all was said and done, we provided many holiday gifts for 25 local families (approximately 75 children). THANK YOU to everyone who helped with this amazing project. You made a lot of children very happy and made their 2021 holiday a lot brighter! This is a clear demonstration of the true meaning of the holiday season, and a wonderful testament to the generosity of our community. Thank you all so very much!

We wish you all an enjoyable holiday season and a healthy, happy, and peaceful year in 2022!

Jeanne Cloues and Marcia Weil Walpole Community Giving Tree

Present (by roll call attendance) were: Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Jean Kobeski, Susan Johnson, Bill Ranauro, Tim Lester, Sarah Mann, Jane Malmberg (Library Director), Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Liason)

Amy Howard called the Zoom meeting to order at 4:32 p.m. This meeting was being recorded.

Amy welcomed Sarah Mann to the library board and thanked her for jumping in and getting involved right away. Sarah was given a few minutes to introduce herself to the board.

Approval of Minutes: Gail moved to approve the November, 2021 minutes. Susan seconded, and all voted by roll call to accept the November minutes as written.

Treasurer’s Report: Kathy reported that we did not receive the $1900 balance expected from the Trustees of the Trust Fund. She will look into this. She also stated she did not enter the amount spent on the Treasurer’s report. She will fix this and email the corrected report to the board for email approval. Income on the report is correct and she stated we spent less than we took in.

Bills: Jane previously emailed copies of the bills for board review. She stated that book orders could look higher this month because backordered books arrived. She said she was $42 over on Hoopla because she needed to keep the account active and will need to make another deposit in January. She wants to keep Hoopla active because patrons are using it. Amy asked if that had been put in the budget. Jane responded that there wasn’t a specific line for it but there is plenty of money in the book or technology budget to take care of it. Amy said she thinks it would make sense to have a separate line for it to track of physical vs. online books. Jane said she could combine Libby and Hoopla. Jane also reported that the library did not get the grant for Overdrive but she thinks it would be a good idea to still purchase some of our own more popular titles for Overdrive. She said she could take some money from technology and move it into that column. She will keep track of the amount and report it to the board. With no further questions or comments about the bills, Amy moved and Gail seconded that the board approve the bills. By roll call vote, bills were approved.

Budget: Jane met with the Selectboard to discuss the library budget and had usual expenses approved. She also put in to change a part-time staff position to full-time, pending approval at Town Meeting. She will send a copy of the budget to board members.

Peggy read a warrant article she drafted for the library for repair of the chimney and replacement of the front door. The money will come from the unassigned fund balance rather than taxation. She included  $40,000 based on estimates she has received so far for the work. Peggy explained to the board that amounts spent cannot exceed was is approved in the warrant. Tim asked if the warrant article should include the $1800 for signage; Amy stated that could be covered by the library.

Amy suggested getting a door that is in keeping with the historic nature of the library. Perhaps a custom door could be made. Tim responded by saying faux historical doors are made but safety and compliance are necessary. The door must open out and there needs to be a crash bar. Jane is waiting for final estimates from Adam Vose and Mark McGill. Adam asked if the library wants an automatic open button; he will include the price of one in his estimate.

Amy asked Peggy if there would be a public budget hearing. Peggy stated it hasn’t been announced but should be in early February, possibly the 10th.

Old Business

Goals for the Long Range Plan: Jane emailed a copy of the revised Strategic Plan to board members. On it she she crossed off what has ben done and added a few goals, such as creating the logo for the library. Amy said she doesn’t think a Strategic Plan needs to be as specific. It can evolve over time.

Logo and Branding: Amy asked Sarah to lead this discussion since she had sent her thoughts in an email to the board prior to this meeting. Amy said she thinks it’s a good process to go through and to have a recognizable logo. Sarah said it would be helpful to have some background on where the request for a logo came from. Jane replied by saying she and Julie feel that the library needs a consistent brand to use on social media and other promotional materials. They would like to see a common branding that reflects both libraries and the services they offer. Sarah said the drawing of the library that has been used in the past can be considered when creating a new logo.

Sarah asked what the next step should be. Does the board want to create a smaller group to work on this? Amy said in a case like this, a smaller committee is usually formed, which meets, comes up with ideas, then presents them to the whole group. Jean thanked Jane for sending examples of logos from other libraries to give an idea of the direction we may want to go with our logo. Jane stated we want to be modern and relevant. Tim stated he can see the desire to go fresh and modern but he would hate to see the old drawing of the library mothballed. He thinks there is still a place for that, as well.

Amy said they could proceed by forming a committee to work on the logo. She said she would be interested – Sarah and Jane, as well. Jane would like to include Julie. Susan also volunteered. Bill said that is probably as many as are needed. They can meet and report back to the whole group. Amy will reach out for a time for the five to connect.

New Business

Signage: Tim stated exit signs are needed inside the library. Jane said they were ordered and are already up.

Amy asked what the process for the outside sign is. She said she would like to see an example of what Tim and Jane have discussed. Tim said it would be a sign like you see at the Congregational and UU Church in Walpole and the Catholic church in North Walpole. Tim said signs would cost between $1,000-1,800. They would be weatherproof, have changeable letters, and glass panels that lock. They have not chosen a vendor yet. Gail suggested they check with the Walpole School because they just erected a similar sign. Jane said they would try to find someone local. Tim and Jane will do the research and present a proposal with 2-3 options at the next meeting.

Amy asked if we need to go to Zoning or Planning Board for approval before putting up such a sign. Peggy said we should look at the Zoning Board’s restrictions on signs. She suggested contacting Myra Mansouri or Jan LeClerc, who are both very knowledgeable about signage

Policy Update for Materials Challenges: Jane sent the board a draft of a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials. She noted that there have been many materials challenges around the country and was advised to have a policy and means by which patrons could present a challenge to the library. She created the draft for board approval. Amy moved to accept the Reconsideration Policy and Form. Gail seconded, and all voted to approved in a role call vote.

Covid 19 Plan: The library will continue to stay open and offer curbside delivery but will continue virtual programming through February.

Old Home Day: Amy stated that Old Home Day is scheduled for this year and asked the board to think about how the library can participate. Kathy said that a few years ago the library created a float.

Operations: Jane said they will be doing more passive programming, such as take home crafts, the bake-off, in addition to virtual programs. She also said she is very encouraged by the numbers of library visits and check-outs over the last two months.

Buildings and Grounds:

Light: Tim spoke to Houghton’s for a third time about the urgency of installing the new light outside the front of the library. It is a serious safety issue. Laura said the work would be done soon.

North Walpole Bench: Peggy will talk to Cheryl about getting the bench painted when the weather permits.

Other Business: Amy reminded Jean, Gail, Tim, and Sarah to go to Town Hall to sign up to be on the ballot to run for another term.

Jane thanked everyone again for their support during her recent illness.

Adjournment: Gail moved to adjourn the meeting. Tim seconded, and all voted in favor. Amy closed the meeting at 5:46 p.m.

The next virtual meeting will be February 8, 2022, at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary.

***These minutes are in draft form until approved at the February 8, 2022 meeting

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer, Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting via Zoom to order at 6:30 PM.  She expects Ms. Mayberry, Chair, to arrive shortly.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, at the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, at a separate location.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were two members of the public in attendance:  Mr. David Adams and Ms. Jenny Plante.  Ms. Mayberry arrived at the Zoom meeting.

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present.   Steven Dalessio was present at his home; Peggy Pschirrer was present at her home and Cheryl Mayberry was present at her home.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Appointment Notice for Treasurer:  Ms. Mayberry reported that the Selectboard had asked Mr. David Adams if he would be interested in being appointed as the Interim Town Treasurer due to the resignation of Mr. Thomas Goins.  Mr. Dalessio asked if Mr. Adams had met with Mr. Goins.  Mr. Adams replied they would meet next Tuesday.  Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Rich Kreissle have provided quite a lot of information to Mr. Adams. Therefore, he will be better prepared with his meeting with Mr. Goins. 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Town of Walpole Selectboard approve the appointment of Mr. David Adams as Treasurer for a period of three (3) months, January 2022 through Town Meeting in March 2022.  He must be elected to fill the uncompleted term of Mr. Thomas Goins; that term will extend to 2023.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was unanimously approved.

Ms. Jenny Plante:  Ms. Mayberry asked Ms. Plante if there was something specific that she would like to discuss.  Ms. Plante responded that she did not. 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $580,656.76 for checks issued January 7, 2022.  This includes a monthly payment in the amount of $529,226.92 to the Fall Mountain Regional School District.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 1, 2022, in the amount of $29,082.41 dated January 7, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,766.20.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 30, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 30, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION MINUTES – December 30, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 30, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

MAP and LOT #009-012-002:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $149.00 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #009-012-002.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refunds for the owner(s) of the following properties:

• MAP and LOT #015-002-000 in the amount of $41.00;
• MAP and LOT #002-005-000 in the amount of $101.99;
• MAP and LOT #029-019-000 in the amount of $8.00;
• MAP and LOT #003-007-002 in the amount of $10.45;
• MAP and LOT #027-001-006 in the amount of $168.78   

Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Power Committee Public Hearing:  Ms. Mayberry reported the date for the Power Committee Public Hearing is Tuesday, January 25, 2022.  Mr. Dalessio said that is not a good date as there is a Planning Board Workshop and they are working on the Master Plan.  Mrs. Pschirrer said every other date is filled-in as well.  She will check with the other members of the Power Committee to see if Wednesday, January 26, 2022, is a good date for them. 

Health Trust Domestic Partner Rider:  Ms. Mayberry advised this was discussed last week.  This Health Trust Domestic Partner Rider will become effective February 1^st, 2022.  Mrs. Downing was asked to share this information with the other employees.

Pending Further Actions:

Vilas Bridge, Generators, Tree Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters

Houghton Brook Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio reported the Department of Environmental Services (DES) was going to begin working on the permitting package.  Fuss & O’Neill will be sending in a contract format. 

They should be meeting on January 11^th at 9:30 AM to talk about the Water and Sewer projects. 

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio advised they are trying to coordinate a meeting with the DES and with their new hire the Project Manager.  There will be a lot of material coming out in the next week or so.

NEW BUSINESS:   

Request for ACH Payments for Property Taxes:  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged receipt of a letter from a property owner regarding a request for ACH payments on property taxes.  Mrs. Pschirrer would like the sentiment of the Selectboard but she is happy to write to the property owner.  Mr. Dalessio felt they should consider ACH payments; they are different than credit card payments.  It is usually convenient for businesses.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted someone will have to speak to Mr. Rich Kreissle about doing the research as to what is required.  Ms. Mayberry believes there are some transactional things that need to be worked out.  She does not see it as a burden but if there is a request for it and/or a need, she sees a request for that.  She would like to know how many people are asking about ACH payments other than the one they are aware of.  There are more details to be documented.  It has to be done correctly.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned if they charge a fee property owners might not be that excited about it.  She will speak to Mr. Kreissle about ACH payments.         

Air Quality Issue on North Road:  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged receipt of copies of the email Mr. Merklein sent to the NH DES Air Resources Division about his complaint.  Has anyone else noticed it in Walpole? Mrs. Pschirrer lives a block away and has not seen anything.  Mr. Dalessio followed up with Mr. Eric Merklein on that whole conversation. At first it looked like ice pellets.  Mr. Merklein said it is hard to see in the grass but it shows up in his water troughs.  That is a big concern with his horses.  He also said it was on Mrs. Pauline Barnes property as well.  Mr. Dalessio felt with all the construction going on it might be some sort of material that got blown around in the strong winds.  It looks like some type of plastic pellet.  It is getting some attention from the Department of Environmental Services (DES).   

Parking Ordinance:  Last week Mrs. Pschirrer had agreed to work on the Parking Ordinance text.  Unfortunately, she did not have time to do it this last week. Therefore, this agenda item will be tabled for another week.  Mrs. Pschirrer suggested it be added to the “Pending Further Actions” and she will let them know when it is completed. 

RECESS SELECTBOARD MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to recess this Selectboard meeting.  The Selectboard will enter into a meeting as the Hooper Trustees.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 6:58 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:01 PM.

Ms. Mayberry thanked Mr. Dave Adams and Ms. Jenny Plante for sitting through this meeting with them.

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 Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:02 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:40 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of January 6, 2022, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:42 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry, Chair of the Walpole Selectboard, called this meeting via Zoom to order at 6:30 PM.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  Also attending this meeting is Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, at the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, at a separate location.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were three members of the Power Committee in attendance:  Mr. Paul Looney, Mr. Dennis Marcom and Mr. Andrew Dey.

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present.  Steven Dalessio was present at his home; Peggy Pschirrer was present at her home and Cheryl Mayberry was present at her home.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Power Committee Presentation:  Mr. Looney presented the following:

“Walpole Community Power Aggregation Plan”

Summary

What is Community Power?

The State of NH has enacted laws that allow towns, cities, and counties to buy power in bulk for their citizens and businesses.  A requirement from the state is that a municipal Aggregation Plan be created.

The typical home uses about 10 kilowatt-hours (k Wh) in a year.  Collectively our town uses about 2,600 times that or 26,000 megawatt-hours.  If we pool our buying power – and potentially pool it with other towns – our buying power grows considerably, as does the potential for lower electrical costs.

The Aggregation Plan asks the Selectboard to find and contract with suppliers/vendors to deliver cheaper power and provide more options for power from more sustainable sources.  Additionally, it asks the Selectboard to do this for all residents, including those that produce power at their location (Through net metering often used by solar array owners).

It allows (but doesn’t require) the Selectboard to join with other New Hampshire communities to buy electricity together for more buying power, resulting in lower prices for everyone.

Liberty Utilities will continue to deliver power and bill us, but the “Power Service,” the actual charge for the electricity, will be based on a contract entered into by the Selectboard for the town residents.

Residents and businesses can opt out and continue to buy their power directly from Liberty.  Residents that already purchase power from a source other than Liberty can continue to do so or opt into Walpole Community Power if and when their agreements allow.

Why Community Power?

• A primary reason to create the Aggregation Plan is to provide less expensive electricity, give Walpole citizens more choice, and potentially allow us to buy power from renewable providers.
• Long-term, it could present opportunities for new options such as time of day use and battery storage.  These are just a few options as examples.

What’s Next?

1. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) must issue rules for implementing Community Power.
2. A warrant will be presented at Town Meeting to allow the Selectboard to implement this plan, if and only if they can find an option that provides power at a lower cost or is at least competitive with the Liberty default rate.
3. If approved in the upcoming 2022 Town Meeting, a Request For Proposal (RFP) would be issued for implementing the Walpole Aggregation Plan to vendors for competitive bidding.
4. Review the options and the Selectboard recommended vendors at a public hearing.
5. Execute a contract with the recommended vendor to implement Walpole Community Power.
6. Notify the residents of the expected rate 30 days before implementation, including instructions to opt out if they choose.

What the Walpole Community Aggregation Plan is Not!

It is not a commitment/contract to work with any specific organization/vendor.

It is not a financial burden to taxpayers.  It will not incur a financial commitment for the Town or taxpayers other than incidental costs such as the recently completed town survey, minimal office supplies, and a final legal review.

Mr. Looney reviewed the summary as presented above.  He asked if anyone had questions about this.

Mr. Dalessio referred to the six steps.  How can they present the Warrant if the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) does not publish their rules by that time?  Mr. Looney replied that Harrisville has already had their Aggregation Plan approved.  It is a good question. 

Ms. Mayberry asked for people that do not already have Liberty Utilities is there a cost to switch over.  Mr. Looney replied “no”.  The Town buys it from a third party.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that Eversource does not deliver in Town.  Mr. Looney said there are some third party suppliers for businesses.  He displayed a website of New England and explained some information on it.  Right now a megawatt of power costs $38.29.  Some lines indicated the power needed yesterday and others what is being used today.  We paid $8.36; $83 per megawatt.  The rates change every fifteen (15) minutes. 

Mr. Dalessio said when he read the plan, he felt like we should put a cap on it.  Mr. Looney reached out to two contacts about the cost.  We would not be involved in that cost at all.  Once CPCNH and Walpole had an agreement, any costs would be handled by the vendor that they choose.  Mr. Dalessio stated the Town would need a budget for this.  Would the cost be $2,000 or $20,000?  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned we were never told it would cost that much.  Walpole already paid Attorney Hockensmith because he read the contract one time.  We would want him to read any new contracts that possibly could come out of the regular legal expenses.  They never were led to believe there would be other costs.  Mr. Looney thinks there is only one contract.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that in the next year, the Town is going to be faced with many infrastructure projects.  In the contract they talk about sustainable and renewable energy.  What if community nuclear is one of the best options?  Mr. Looney wanted to talk about this.  Most of the other towns have a Sustainability Committee and they have goals.  Harrisville has green power as a future goal, as does Nashua and Keene.  The Walpole Committee had talked about sustainable resources.  Mr. Dalessio felt if it was going to be something that affected all the taxpayers in Town, then they need more input.  Mr.  Dey said the goal is to bring the lowest cost energy into Town.  People are putting community nuclear plans in place out west now.  Each individual buyer has the option to choose.  A lot of groundwork has already been done by other towns. 

Mr. Dalessio read through the document and it looks like the Power Committee has to maintain this program somehow.  He has concerns with longevity and changes of people on the Boards.  If three Select Board members no longer feel this is worthwhile, they can turn the key and that is the end of it.  Mr. Looney felt the Joint Powers Agreement was set up so it would survive changes in Selectboards.  The final contract they would sign has to take this into consideration.  Our community felt it important to reach out to other vendors when the get down to implementing this.  Mrs. Pschirrer said that is what they talked about.  Mr. Looney displayed a powerpoint he had on his computer.  There was information about a coalition and how a great deal of money was saved in Ohio.  There is other information on a cooperative going up $17.05 on December 1^st.  One of the pros of the CPCNH models is that Walpole would be able to calculate their reserves. 

Mr. Looney said since he got involved in this committee, he also became interested in climate change.  Going after sustainable energy is a good idea.  Mr. Dalessio feels options are good.  Walpole’s water and sewer users’ biggest cost is electricity.  Locally we are using old technology.  They should be looking at newer technology going forward.  Mr. Looney said Peterborough has a solar field and works with a company.  Right now most of our power is generated by natural gas. 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Walpole Selectboard approve the Warrant for the Walpole Power Committee to bring the Walpole Community Power Aggregation Plan to Town Meeting in March 2022.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.     

Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mrs. Downing to save the Meeting Room for a Public Hearing on Monday, January 10, 2022.   Mr. Looney, Mr. Marcom and Mr. Dey left the meeting.

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 25, 2021, in the amount of $33,572.50 for checks dated December 31, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $7,659.18.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 23, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 23, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION MINUTES – December 23, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session Minutes of December 23, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry 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 – November 23, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – November 30, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – December 7, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – December 14, 2021;
• Planning Board Meeting – December 14, 2021.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

MAP and LOT #019-063-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the Property Tax Refund in the amount of $41.21 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #019-063-000.  This is due to the property being sold in the last year.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PROPERTY TAX ABATEMENT:

MAP and LOT #003-034-001:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to deny this Property Tax Abatement as recommended for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #003-034-001.  The record data was correct for the 2021 tax year.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Purchase Order for MRI Wage and Classification Study: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Purchase Order dated January 1, 2022, to MRI for the Wage and Classification Study, for a down payment in the amount of $5,000.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Purchase Order for MRI Professional Consulting Services:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Purchase Order dated January 1, 2022, to MRI for Professional Consulting Services in the amount of $50,000.  This will be in the Emergency Management 2022 budget.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, motion was approved.  

Town Hall Use re: Covid-19:  A private group, Tai Chi, asked if the Selectboard would be keeping the Town Hall open for use considering Covid-19.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt this was a good question given the increased number of cases.  Mr. Dalessio stated if they shut it down, it would be for everybody.  Zoom meetings could be a hardship as some boards/committees which do not have a technician to run them.  The Tai Chi class is a small group. Therefore, there was a consensus to let it continue as is for now.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted they would have to continue wearing masks and keep a distance.       

Pending Further Actions:

Vilas Bridge, Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall, Trees on the Common, Walpole Players Posters, Home Away from Home Day Care Parking and Dumpster Complaint Letter:

Home Away from Home Day Care Parking and Dumpster Complaint Letter:  Mr. Dalessio spoke with Mr. Jeff Miller about this complaint that was brought before the Selectboard.  At this time, Ms. Plante is writing a letter to the Selectboard.  Mr. Miller plans to discuss scheduling a Site Plan Review with Ms. Plante.

Houghton Brook Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio reported that the five packages the Town had were sent back to the Department of Environmental Services (DES).  Now they are waiting to hear from the NH DES.  

Reservoir Dam:  Mr. Dalessio noted they are still trying to put together a meeting to discuss what the DES will approve and not approve.  They do not want to do the engineering work and then not have the DES approve it. 

FEMA:  February 10^th, 2022 is the FEMA cut-off date for everything that has to be submitted.

NEW BUSINESS:

Appointment Notice for Library Trustee:  A notice was received from the Library Trustees recommending the appointment of Sarah Mann.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Sarah Mann to fill the vacancy on the Library Trustees Board for a period of three (3) months, January 1, 2021 through Town Meeting, March 2022.   She will run for the remainder of the term in March 2022.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Appointment Notice for Recreation Committee:  A notice was received from the Recreation Committee recommending the appointment of Marilou Blaine.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to appoint Marilou Blaine to the Recreation Committee for a period of three (3) years, December 2021 through Town Meeting, March 2024.   Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Treasurer Resignation Notice:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the resignation of Mr. Thomas Goins as the Town Treasurer as he is planning to move.  Mrs. Pschirrer advised he was a terrific Treasurer and extra-ordinarily helpful to the Selectboard.  They will miss him.  It will be an open position in March 2022.  They would consider appointing someone for three months.  There was a consensus of the Selectboard to have Mrs. Downing put a vacancy notice in the February issue of the Clarion. 

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.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:32 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:03 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 30, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS (Continued):

HealthTrust:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to add a Domestic Partner rider to the Town’s HealthTrust agreement.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  On a voice roll call vote with Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Roll Call: Present were Board members Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Bill Carmody, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio and Alternates Trevor MacLachlan and Travis Adams. Board member Joanna Andros was absent. Mr. Miller asked the board’s new alternate member, Travis Adams, to sit in for her.

Also present were Zoning Board of Adjustment Chair Jan Leclerc, Vice-Chair Myra Mansouri and an abutter of the day care center in Maplewood Circle, Amanda Raney.

Recording: Secretary Marilou Blaine. Meeting minutes are recorded. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the February 2022 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Meeting coming to order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

Minutes: Mr. Harrington had a question about a sentence in the second paragraph on page two. The second sentence reads “Currently removals located along single-phase construction are being deferred.” He wanted to know what the sentence meant. Mr. Marcom said he thought single-phase referred to single-phase power. There being no other questions Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the minutes as amended, Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Recommendation for a Special Exception: Chris Lakin is interested in purchasing a building at 455 March Hill Road for an auto detailing business. Tax Map 11, Lot 54, rural/agricultural district. It is a commercial enterprise in a rural/ag district. Ordinance Article VIII, C Special Exceptions.

Mr. Lakin did not attend the meeting.

Discussion of day care center in Maplewood Circle, Home Away From Home. Commercial District.

For the last couple of months the Zoning Board of Adjustment has been discussing the day care center in Maplewood Circle because there was a complaint from an abutter about too many cars parked in the road making it difficult for her to get in and out of her driveway.

Mr. Miller said he received an emailed letter from the owner of the children’s day care facility and noted that the Select Board has also been discussing this matter. The letter and Select Board minutes, as well as the original minutes approving the day care facility,  were sent to Planning Board members. Mr. Miller then asked Mr. Dalessio, the Select Board representative, if he wanted to comment. Mr. Dalessio said there has been discussion with the owner of the day care center and an abutter. The business has more then doubled in size since 2008, when it opened, and at that time there was no site plan. But since the business has increased in size, it seemed appropriate to bring it to the Planning Board to see if there is indeed a need for a site plan.

Mr. Miller added that the information he received is that it is in a commercial zone. The owner has not changed the footprint of any building and her state license is for 27 children. The owner told Mr. Miller that the information that has been circulating that she is not abiding by her occupancy capacity is not accurate and could be a danger to her business. Mr. Miller said he had two grandchildren that attend the day care center and they’ve been there for a couple of years. “As I’ve gone to pick them up, I’ve never seen a problem,” he said. “Sometimes it gets busy but it’s over in two or three minutes.” He has been there several times and it is very much open. According to my personal knowledge, Mr. Miller said, it’s nothing. Usually with a site plan you have to have changed the footprint. Now that she is aware of the situation, she has recognized that there could be a problem eventually so she is doing everything to accommodate the neighborhood. Administratively Mr. Miller didn’t think there was any reason to have a site plan now.

Mr. MacLachlan said what he noticed was that since 2008 there has been an increase of the staff. Before it was a couple of employees, one to 3, and now it’s one to 6. 

Mr. Carmody said that from his experience a business should have a place for all the employees to park.

Mr. Miller said the owner recently designated a place on the property for employee parking. In the original document it said the driveway would be used. But it’s been part of one of the playgrounds.

Ms. Leclerc said in 2008 Ms. Plante said she was licensed for 27 but she also said she had 18 children and during the summer there might be 24. She might have 27 but she has 45 children registered and up to 24 to 27 every day. Now while her license hasn’t changed, the number of children she has there every day has nearly doubled. At any one time she has up to 6 employees as to when in 2008 she up to 2.  So she didn’t get a different permit, but she did grow her business and she purchased the lot next door. The amount of children and the parking are the problem and the parking has been on the street. The area where the children are dropped off and picked up, as well as the employees, that’s something Ms. Leclerc thought the planning board ought to consider since it’s part of a site plan.

Mr. Miller said, “the parking now is off street and in the last four years in my personal opinion there hasn’t been a problem.”

Ms. Leclerc said she didn’t need a special exception or a site plan review when she came to the zoning board in 2008 because it was considered a home business size operation. But with the changed increasing number of children, as well as now using the house and garage for the children and adding to the size of the property, that changing a lot of things. She originally proposed parking for employees and picking up children with the use of the driveway, which she didn’t use. Because it’s in the commercial district, Ms. Leclerc thought that the Planning Board ought to take a look at the operation. She didn’t need a special exception or a site plan when she came first came to the zoning board. But she did need zoning board approval to get her license and it is not the same as it was in 2008. It’s much larger. If she said at the time everyone was going to park in the road, she would never have gotten approval.

Mr. Miller said, “They are not parking in the street.”

 Ms. Leclerc said, “No, but what’s is there to stop them from going back to that next week if nobody says anything.”

Mr. Perron said normally there should be some kind of change of use. But he doesn’t see it in this situation.

Mr. Marcom said he had been thinking about this a lot and looking at the criteria for requiring a site plan. He went to the Site Plan Scope of View on page 3. This section cites the reasons for a site plan.

1. If the proposal involves new construction of non-residential or multi-family development.

2. If the proposal involves a change of use category, e.g., from residential to commercial or from single

family to multi-family or change of use within the same category.

3. If the proposal involves external modifications or construction including parking lots (except for single family or duplex housing).

4. If the proposal involves expansion of a building or intensification of use that would result in a change in traffic volume or patterns in the area, noise, parking, lighting, etc.

5. If the proposal involves a property that has never received Site Plan Review from the Planning Board for previous non-residential or multi-family use.

Mr. Marcom said sections 4 and 5 refer to intensification of use that result in traffic volume or patterns and if the proposal involves a proper site plan that has never received Site Plan review from the Planning Board for non-residential use. Mr. Marcom said since there is an increase in number of children attending, there is more traffic and the site has never been reviewed by the Planning Board, these seem to apply to this situation. It has intensified.

Mr. Miller said, “they are working within the same footprint as when they started.”

But there is a change in volume of traffic to the area, Mr. Marcom said.

That’s what started all this, Mr. Dalessio said.

We do have an abutter here, Ms. Leclerc said.

Another board member said he hadn’t been following it but based on what he read in the 2008 minutes and what was described as the number of kids going there now, it’s intensified.

Ms. Mansouri said, the day care center is in a commercial district and you need onsite parking for all your employees.

Mr. Carmody said in the last six weeks there’s been a lot of rain so parking on the grass may have been difficult. It was suggested that maybe putting some like gravel on the grass would make it less muddy.

 What are we trying accomplish here? Mr. Harrington asked. Mr. Marcom answered we’re trying to decide if there should be a site plan of the day care center.

Mr. Adams said it mentions the affected party. Who is the affected party here? Is it the Select Board?

Mr. Dalessio said as far as the Select Board’s position is is that the business has intensified since 2008. There has been parking in the right-of-way on the road side. He’s driven by there a number of times and it’s always been that way. Parking is a question. Employee parking has been on the roadside. He thinks the Planning Board should take this up.

Mr. Miller said he will call Jenny Plante, the owner of the day care facility, to see if she wants to come in for a site plan.

Mr. Marcom asked if the board needed to vote on it. Mr.  Miller said no.

Copy of Recommendation for a Special Exception and the web site.

Mr. Marcom said he noticed that the copy of the Application for a Recommendation for a Special Exception in a rural/ag district that was sent to the Board by the secretary and was different than the copy of the web site. Also, on page 2, it says to go to page 4. There was no page 4.

The secretary said she had printed out a copy of the application just that afternoon and that page 4 had the criteria on it. She read the first criterion. “Criterion # 1: Property currently zoned for industrial, manufacturing and commercial operations is either unavailable or inadequate for the proposed use.”

Then Mr. MacLachlan showed the secretary his copy and the number 4 was at the top of the page and on the original the number was at the bottom. His printer had moved the page over one page. Mr. Dalessio called it a formatting problem.

Ms. Leclerc asked how do you put it on the website. Mr. Dalessio said send it to Sarah Downing and she will send it to the person who does that for the town.

Criterion # 2: The proposed use is appropriate and consistent with the Town’s Master Plan.

Workshop:

 Mr. Miller said he would contact Lisa Murphy and check and see if she could come this month or next to work on the Master Plan. He would then let them know the results.

Site Plan

Mr. Miller told Ms. Raney that there would probably be a public hearing in March and she would get, as an abutter, a certified letter inviting her to the meeting.

Adjournment

Mr. Marcom made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted, Marilou Blaine

Ray, please don’t take this personally but it seems like you keep coming back again and again very quickly. It’s just because time flies as you age – not because we are neccessarily having fun doing our best to stay well. – Lil

Another month has sped by, and the closing date for the February CLARION is just a tad over a week away, Friday, January 21. Thought I would give you an extra day, so you could work on your submissions while trying to stay warm as the next cold spell arrives.

I have received a few articles already, and Eloise continues to provide fascinating pieces. Her February, “The Nature of Walpole” is a great read and learning experience. I have another “first in Walpole” to share for my history article, “Did You Know That…” and other pieces are in the works. And “thank you” notes are in to be shared with our giving community.

COVID and OMICRON still raise questions impacting future events, and meetings have returned to at home ZOOM on-screen interactions. But you may still have organizational or personal news to share, so do get your inputs in to me as soon as possible- the earlier before the deadline the better, and always best for our layout work. And, if you something you would like to share in an advertisement – do contact me.

Stay safe and stay well – shots, masks and distancing – I for one am erring on the side of extra caution. Yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher