The Walpolean

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Public Hearing on the 2022 Annual Budget via Zoom to order at 5:30 PM.  The Selectboard members are in three separate locations.  This meeting was being recorded.

Ms. Mayberry called for a voice roll call of the Selectboard present:  Steven Dalessio was present at the Walpole Town Hall; Peggy Pschirrer was present at her home and Cheryl Mayberry was present at her office in Langdon.  Also attending this meeting was Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, at the Walpole Town Hall and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary, at a separate location.  The following Town employees were in attendance:  Richard Kreissle, Manager of Finance; Jane Malmberg, Walpole Library Director; Police Chief Justin Sanctuary; Mike Rau, Road Agent and Helen Dalbeck, Executive Director of Hooper Institute.  Walpole residents in attendance were:  Amy Howard, Jeff and Beth Colley, Leroy and Cheri Watson, and Ray Boas. 

Ms. Mayberry read the following Notice of Public Hearing on 2022 Annual Budget: 

“You are hereby notified that the Walpole Selectboard will host a public meeting on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at 5:30 PM for a presentation of the 2022 Annual Budget and Warrant Articles.  This meeting will take place virtually online via Zoom.

The Selectboard Meeting shall follow after the conclusion of the Public Hearing.

For Zoom invitation information, visit http://www.walpolenh.us/town-news for the online meeting link and dial-in phone number, meeting number and password.  For assistance assessing the meeting, call 603-756-3672 or email sdowning@walpolenh.us.  If the public is unable to gain and maintain access, the hearing will be adjourned and rescheduled.

Check walpolenh.us for updates.”

Ms. Mayberry reported that overall the 2022 Budget that is being recommended has a 4.96% increase.  They added $150,000 for engineering consultants and added $100,000 for Emergency Management.  They hope to recoup some Emergency Management funds from FEMA.  Inflation is running at about a 6% increase. Therefore, they plan to give all employees a 6% increase.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted the Liability insurances went down a little over 8%.  Ms. Mayberry said the HealthTrust also went down; some of this amount will be returned to the employees.

Mr. Boas asked if they would be going over the proposed budget line-by-line; he had specific questions.  Ms. Mayberry replied it was not their intent to go line-by-line but rather by questions that came up during the discussion.  Mr. Boas questioned why the Selectboard was saying the budget increased by 4.96% when the copy of the budget he had showed a decrease of 8.45%.  Mr. Kreissle replied that once individual warrant articles are approved at Town Meeting, they become a part of the operating budget.  The 2021 Total General Fund budget figure that Mr. Boas was looking at includes warrant articles voted in in 2021’s Town Meeting.  If you back out those warrant articles you arrive at a $4,151,887 which, when compared to 2022’s proposed budget of $4,357,505 results in an increase of 4.96%.  Mrs. Pschirrer reported the Selectboard decided to spend $500,000 of the Unassigned Fund Balance this year. A majority of the articles are covered by this amount.  There is a new article that will establish a Capitol Reserve Fund for Municipal Buildings in the amount of $15,000.  This will give them the money when needed for an emergency.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned they cannot assume that any and/or all articles will be passed by the voters. 

Ms. Mayberry read the following:

“To the inhabitants of the Town of Walpole qualified to vote in Town Affairs:

You are hereby notified to meet at the Town Hall, 34 Elm Street, Town of Walpole, on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 7:00 AM to act on Articles 1-2.  Articles 1 and 2 will be voted on at the polls.  Polls at the Walpole Town Hall and at North Walpole St. Peter’s Church will be open at 7:00 AM and remain open until 7:00 pm.  Following the closing of the polls and counting of the ballots, the meeting will be adjourned until Saturday March 12, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Walpole Elementary School Gymnasium on Main Street, at which time the balance of the Articles will be acted upon.”         

ARTICLE 1:  To elect the necessary Town Officers for their respective terms.

ARTICLE 2:  The Planning Board recommends this Article. (6 Yes, 0 No, 1 Abstain)   

ARTICLE 3:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of five million, forty-one thousand seven hundred fifty-one dollars ($5,041,751) which represents four million, three hundred fifty-seven thousand, eight hundred five dollars ($4,357,805) for the Town Operating Budget to be raised from general taxation; one hundred ninety-one thousand, two hundred two dollars ($191,202) for the Water Fund Operating Budget and four hundred ninety-two thousand, seven hundred forty-four ($492,744) for the Sewer Operating Budget which includes two hundred thirty thousand dollars ($230,000) for bond assessments.  Such sum does not include special or individual articles or bonds found in the warrant.

The Selectboard recommends this article. (X Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

ARTICLE 4:  To see if the Town will vote to adopt the Walpole Community Power Electric Aggregation Plan, which authorizes the Selectboard to develop and implement the Walpole Community Power Plan as described therein *(pursuant to RSA 53-E:7).

*The Walpole Electrical Aggregation Plan is on the Town Website.

Majority vote required.

The Selectboard recommends this article. (X Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

ARTICLE 5:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of two hundred fifteen dollars ($215,000) to replace the Town Hall Roof and repair the chimneys on the Town Hall roof.  The said funds to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance.

The Selectboard recommend this article.  (X Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

ARTICLE 6:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) to establish a Capitol Reserve Fund for Municipal Buildings.  The said sum to come from taxation.

The Selectboard recommends this article.  (X Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

ARTICLE 7:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of one hundred seventy thousand dollars ($175,000) for a sidewalk snowblower.  The said funds of eighty-five thousand dollars ($85,000) to come from the unassigned fund balance and eighty-five thousand dollars ($85,000) to come from the Highway Capitol Reserve Fund.

The Selectboard recommends this article.  (X Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

(It was noted that in parenthesis the ($175,000) will be corrected to ($170,000)

ARTICLE 8:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the Highway Capitol Reserve Fund.  The said funds to come from taxation.

The Selectboard recommends this article.  (X Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

ARTICLE 9:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for a commercial shredder for use at the Recycling Center.  The said funds to come from the unassigned fund balance.

The Selectboard recommends this article. (X Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

ARTICLE 10:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) for the repairs of the Town swimming pool and pool house.  The said funds to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance.

The Selectboard recommends this article.  (X Yes, 0 No,0 Abstain)

ARTICLE 11:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of forty thousand dollars ($40,000) to repair the chimney and replace the front door of the Bridge Library.  The said funds to come from the Unassigned Fund Balance.

The Selectboard recommends this article.  (X Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

ARTICLE 12:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of forty-five thousand dollars ($45,000) for a vehicle for the Walpole Police Department.  The said funds to come from the unassigned fund balance.

The Selectboard recommends this article.  (X Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

ARTICLE 13:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for equipment in the new police vehicle.  The said funds to come from the unassigned fund balance.

The Selectboard recommends this article.  (X Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

ARTICLE 14:  To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for the Police Department Capitol Reserve Fund.  The said funds to come from general taxation.

The Selectboard recommends this article.  (X Yes, 0 No, 0 Abstain)

ARTICLE 15:  To transact any other business that may legally come before the meeting.

Ms. Mayberry opened the meeting for Questions and/or Comments.  There were none.

There being no other discussion, Ms. Mayberry closed this Public Hearing on the 2022 Proposed Budget at 5:54 PM. 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

The Walpole Community Power Committee will be hosting a public informational meeting via Zoom Wednesday 2/23/22 at 7:00 P.M. to discuss the Walpole Electric Aggregation Plan.

See Zoom link below

That link for the Paquette family did not seem to work Try this.

https://gofund.me/c5bc9b49

Sad news from the Mike Paquette family but here’s how you can help.

Mike’s wife Amy,  who has also been a Para educator in our Walpole school district for many years became ill while visiting their daughter in FL.  She is in the hospital fighting a dangerous infection and was also diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic  melanoma. 

A gofundme page has been established to help with the medical and travel expenses for the family. Here is the link.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/tbczfc-medical-and-travel-expenses?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer

Present: Board members: In-person Chair Jan Leclerc, Vice-Chair Myra Mansouri, Clerk Tom Murray,  Ernie Vose. Alternates: In-person Don Sellarole, Dave Edkins. Board member Pauline Barnes was on Zoom at her home. Absent: Alternate Judy Trow. Zoom technician Jeremiah Phaneuf was also at the meeting.

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

Call to Order: Ms. Leclerc called the meeting to order a few minutes after 7 pm.

Minutes: Review minutes of January 2022 meeting. Ms. Barnes corrected on page 2 discover to discovered, us to use. On page 3, she corrected Ms. to Mr., and member to members. Mr. Murray mentioned the heading should be minutes not agenda. Mr. Vose made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

Bruce Blanchette, 8 Prospect Hill Road, Residential A. Home business.

Mr. Blanchette has an art studio on his property. He would like to change what is now the studio into a studio/gallery so he can have occasional art shows. He mentioned a previous art gallery on Main Street called The Barn, which was owned by Cynthia Reeves. About four times a year, he will invite the public to attend late afternoon openings of his work as well as contributing local artists work. There would be walk-in viewing as well. He plans to make a few cosmetic changes in order to make the place more pleasing to the public. The work would not be structural but include something like addition of panels to hang art work. He will also add hand rails for safety concerns to accommodate the public. The barn is already handicap accessible with a ramp. If things go well, he may add a protective roof over the entrance. The gallery will have minimal impact on my neighbors and traffic would be less than a yard sale would attract, he said. The openings would be for about three hours late in the afternoon. In addition he would like to put up a modest sign at the driveway entrance.

The idea for a sign would go along with whatever the parameters are for a modest-size sign mentioning gallery hours. The post for the sign would be on the house side of the driveway and also close enough to the road so people can see it. Since 2003, he had a few small shows for his own work but would like to  engage other artists in the region and make it a more interesting place.

Mr. Murray asked about the Studio 8 sign that is already on the side of the barn. Mr. Blanchette said  that that sign is going to be removed. Mr. Murray then asked about other signage on the building, for example, on the north side of the building. Mr. Blanchette said it was a piece of his art work that he took down.

Ms. Leclerc said that the difference between Cynthia Reeves’ gallery and his proposed space was that she was in a commercial zone and had adequate parking on the property. That’s a requirement for a home business in Residential A. Mr. Blanchette said he’s had people come into the studio before. In the driveway he has parking for about 10 cars. He also owns the grass area below the house. People could park there and he estimates it could accommodate another half dozen cars.

There’s also a potential for other businesses in town, Mr. Blanchette said. People could come to an opening and then go to a restaurant and eat at a local spot before or after the show and park on Main Street.

Ms. Mansouri said there is no parking on-street on Prospect Hill. Mr. Blanchette said he would definitely not allow that but mentioned that cars could park on Main Street. Ms. Mansouri asked who would monitor that. Mr. Blanchette said in the past he’s just had a few people and that he’s been trying to think of all the possibilities. The studio/gallery is on the corner of Prospect Hill and Main Street – and parking on Main Street would be allowable. Ms. Leclerc asked if he was going to have employees. Mr. Blanchette said no. The ordinance for Residential A permits a home business and the ordinance states that there shall not number more than two employees in addition to the owner.

The opening would just be me and my wife, and other artists, Mr. Blanchette said. It would just be for a couple of hours four times a year. This is the first time he’s doing it so he’s trying to figure out how to go about it. Ms. Leclerc said as a home business this is allowed but it can have no more than two employees and adequate off street parking mustn’t be overlooked. So as long as you follow the ordinance, it is allowed. Mr. Blanchette said parking is something we could put in our advertising or invitation guest list. He could put where the parking would have to be. That would be in the driveway, below the house, where he would have temporary parking signs, and on Main Street.

Mr. Murray said the size of the sign is okay. Ms. Leclerc said it must be 10 feet from the lot lines – front, back and sides. Ms. Mansouri said if you add another sign over the entry, you cannot have two signs that hang within 100 feet of one another. Ms. Leclerc said that is only in the commercial district.

The gallery was permitted because of the ordinance, but Mr. Blanchette will need to come back when he finalizes exactly what the sign will look like and exactly where he will put it so the board knows it conforms.

Ms. Leclerc asked if he was going to spend more than $10,000 on the renovations. Absolutely not, he said. The only change to the structure would be to add an overhang over the entryway and he already has materials and so he could do that himself. No other interior work will be done except the panels. Ms. Leclerc said if you should change your mind and do some structural work you must come back to the board and explain what you plan to do. Does the board agree that other than the sign, the gallery conforms? The board agreed. Mr. Blanchette doesn’t need a variance or special exception but he needs to come back to finalize signage.

Signage at the library. Librarian Jane Malmberg presenting.

Ms. Malmberg said the sign at the library needs to be replaced. It will be no larger than the one already there. Currently the hours on the sign are incorrect. Its replacement will be approximately the same size and in the same place. It will be replaced with a letter-board sign so the librarians could change things on the sign if needed. It will also include information about special events. She sent a picture of the current sign and the proposed sign and the board had copies of these.

Mr. Malmberg said she received an email from Selectman Steve Dalessio who said that the library doesn’t have to get permission from the Zoning Board because we are on Town property. Mr. Sellarole asked about the color of the frame. Ms. Malmberg said it would be blue. Mr. Sellarole said it would be more appropriate and subtle than the bright blue in the picture.

She asked the board if anyone knew a sign maker. Ms. Mansouri suggested Signworks in North Walpole owned by the Wolberts. That shop has closed but the business may be some place else.

Ms. Barnes mentioned that the signs at Edward Jones are new. The sign maker was from Keene. You might inquire there, she suggested.

Mr. Edkins said he didn’t believe that town-owned properties can bypass the local ordinance. It was his understanding that unless the ordinance specifically states that town properties are exempt from the ordinance, the town has to follow the ordinance.

Mr. Vose said when the fire department was talking about the sign at the Main Street station, they said it was exempt. Vose said why not follow the rules that everyone else in town has to follow and that’s what was decided. Mr. Edkins repeated what he said before that town-owned properties are not exempt if it’s not mentioned in the ordinance and that the town has to follow the ordinance just like everybody else. Ms. Leclerc suggested it might be a good thing to find out.  Mr. Edkins said he didn’t think there’s an RSA that says that but the courts have said towns are not exempt from following their own ordinance.

Reappoint Don Sellarole as alternate.

Ms. Leclerc said Town Administrator Sarah Downing said it has been three years since Don Sellarole has been an alternate and he needs to be reappointed by the board. He said he didn’t think it was that long ago. After a search of several years of minutes, Mr. Sellarole’s name was first mentioned in the June 2018 minutes. Mr. Vose made a motion to have Don Sellarole continue as an alternate. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the board voted unanimously that Mr. Sellarole be reappointed as an alternate.

 Warrant Article

On Tuesday, March 8, 2022, Walpole’s registered voters will go to the polls to cast their votes for several town officials – one Select Board member, Planning and Zoning Board members, town treasurer, etc. Voters will also vote for Article 2 on the warrant, which asks voters to approve two amendments to the Walpole Zoning Ordinance. Ray Boas, editor of The Clarion, will be publishing a preview of the what going on the warrant. Mr. Boas asked Zoning Board of Adjustment Chair, Jan Leclerc, to explain what Article 2 is all about and why the Planning Board is proposing that the sign ordinance be amended.

Ms. Leclerc said that the Zoning Board received a complaint about feather flags that appeared at Jiffy Mart and other places in town. The complaint was that feather flags were distracting to drivers, were an eyesore and did not conform to the ordinance. Since the Zoning Board has no enforcement powers, Ms. Leclerc went to the Select Board who generally agreed with her about the feather flags but said that feather flags aren’t mentioned in the ordinance. The Select Board recommended that the Zoning Board write an amendment that specifically mentions feather flags. They also recommended that an amendment be written concerning temporary signage since that also was not currently addressed. The Zoning Board had a public hearing before the Planning Board and received approval from the Board to place Article 2 on the warrant. So look for Ms. Leclerc ‘s explanation in the March edition of The Clarion.

Clarion article on Special Exceptions

For the past two months three Zoning Board members have collaborated on short articles explaining what the Zoning Board does. It was decided that this month’s article, which was about special exceptions, will appear in April instead of March so that there is no confusion with the monthly article and the information on Article 2 on the warrant.

Short-term rentals

Ms. Leclerc received an article from the Town Offices, written by someone in the New Hampshire Municipal Association regarding a Superior Court case on owner-occupation requirements in local zoning ordinance limiting the impact of short-term rentals on the local real estate market. Last year, the board spent several months looking at short-term ordinances in other towns and thinking about what might be right for Walpole. Then the court got involved in a case in the city of Conway and the board was waiting for a decision on that case before it went ahead. The article was written about a court case in Kersage.

Ms. Barnes said that currently there is a discussion in the Legislature on short-term rentals and there appears to be bipartisan support that the legislature will vote to approve short-term rentals and take the decision out of a town’s hands. Towns would be allowed to charge a fee for registration of short-term rentals and may also charge a fee for inspection of the property, but they will not have a say in whether or not they are allowed. Ms. Barnes said that the legislature may vote on this within the week.

This being the case, the Walpole Zoning Board will hold off on any further discussion until it finds out what actually transpires.

Mr. Edkins said New Hampshire is not a home rule state and the legislature has done this before.

Zoning maps

Mr. Sellarole said he would contact Peter Palmiotto and see if he could get a copy and then make copies for the entire board.

Nonpublic session

A couple of minutes after 8 pm, Ms. Mansouri made a motion to go into nonpublic session. Mr. Vose seconded the motion and the vote carried. Ms. Mansouri made a motion to come out of nonpublic session about 8:20 pm. Mr. Vose seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Adjournment

Mr. Vose made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

cc: ZBA, WPB, Town Offices, The Walpolean.

Posted: Inside the Town Offices, on the bulletin board outside the Post Office.

Please review the links below for more information about a recall of infant formula due to potential bacterial contamination. Providers should check to ensure they are not distributing recalled infant formula, and report any Cronobacter infections that occur in infants to the NH Division of Public Health Services (DPHS) at 603-271-4496. 

Abbott Recall Notice

FDA Investigation Announcement

CDC Information on Cronobacter Infection and Infants

Distributed by the NH Health Alert Network
DHHS.Health.Alert@dhhs.nh.gov
February 19, 2022 Time 1330 (1:30PM EDT)
NH-HAN 20220219 – Advisory 

Thank you,
New Hampshire Health Alert Network

Starting at 6:30 PM on Zoom

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $558,775.76 for checks issued 2/18/2022

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $30,632.62 dated 2/18/22 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,164.49

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Public Hearing 2022 Annual Budget – February 9, 2022
• Selectboard Meeting – February 9, 2022
• Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – February 9, 2022
• Selectboard Meeting – February 11, 2022
• Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – February 11, 2022

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners Meeting – January 25, 2022
• Conservation Commission Meeting – February 7, 2022
• Planning Board Meeting – February 8, 2022
• Library Trustees Meeting – February 8, 2022

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT

Map and Lot# 020-039-000

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION

Map and Lot# 005-065-000

BUILDING PERMITS

2022-05 Building Permit, Map and Lot# 019-009-00000

OLD BUSINES

• Streetlight Conversion Project

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

• Appointment Notice to Conservation Commission
• Appointment Notice to Recreation Committee
• Forest Fire Warden Appointment Form
• Aerial Photographs in Town Hall Basement

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING

HOOPER TRUSTEES MINUTES

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,

Some good news about library programs.  Beginning in March, we will again offer in-person library programming for all ages.  This decision was made in response to the drop in numbers of cases of Covid-19 after the surge of the past few months.  In order to provide a safe space for all, masks will continue to be required in the library for all visitors ages 2 and up until further notice.  

We continue to offer curbside service or our home delivery service if coming into the library is not feasible. 

As always, 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

Walpole Grange #125 will be hosting its annual Meet the Candidates Night for candidates for Walpole municipal and Fall Mountain Regional School District offices on Monday February 21 at 7:00pm. The meeting will be conducted entirely as a ZOOM conference meeting. There will be no in person site for this event.

This is not a debate. It is an opportunity for candidates for public office at this year’s election to introduce themselves and take a limited number of questions from the voters. Each candidate will be given two minutes to introduce themselves to the voters and explain why they are seeking their respective office. Once all candidates for similar office have spoken, the moderator will ask for questions from the voters to be addressed to all the candidates for that office. Each candidate will be given 1 minute to respond.

Candidates will generally be called on in the order that their offices and names appear on the ballot, but every attempt will be made to accommodate any candidate who has a schedule conflict and must leave early or arrive late. Fall Mountain Regional School District candidates will go first, followed by the Walpole municipal office candidates.

Questions or comments about this event may be directed to Leroy Watson, Vice President , Walpole Grange #125. (603) 903 9012 (cell) or lawatsonjd@aol.com

Walpole Grange is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Walpole Grange Meet the Candidates Night 2/21/22Time: Feb 21, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/82756304044

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us06web.zoom.us/j/82756304044?pwd=bnBpQ3ZuQmowcU9XeW83ZzdqTS92UT09
Meeting ID: 827 5630 4044Passcode: 007073One tap mobile+16465588656,,82756304044#,,,,*007073# US (New York)+13017158592,,82756304044#,,,,*007073# US (Washington DC)
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Present (By roll call attendance):  Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, Tim Lester, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director), Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Liaison)

Members Absent:  Bill Ranauro

Call to Order:  Amy called the meeting to order by roll call at 4:33 via Zoom. This meeting was recorded.

Amy welcomed Erin Bowen to the Board and gave Erin the opportunity to introduce herself.

Approval of Minutes:  Gail moved to accept the January 11, 2022 minutes as written.  Tim seconded, and all voted in favor.  The motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report:  Kathy sent a copy of the Treasurer’s Report to the Board for review prior to this meeting. 

Bills:  Jane noted an error that she will correct.  In Subtotals, Programs shows an expenditure of $527.92. Children’s books were inadvertently combined with Programs. The bulk of that subtotal is for children’s books.

In reference to bills, Susan asked how we share a magazine subscription with Plainfield.  Jane said they get the full amount, then send half of the copies by van to Walpole.

Amy moved to approve the December Treasurer’s Report and Bills (which was not done in January). Gail seconded. All voted to approve.  With Jane’s correction to the January bills, Amy moved to accept the January Treasurer’s Report and Bills.  All voted to approve.

Old Business

Logo/Branding:  Amy stated the committee has met twice and made good headway.  Jane said there is nothing official to report yet, but at some point they would like Board input on what they think of when they think about the library and the town.  Sarah suggested waiting until the committee has completed a cohesive survey that the Board can pilot. She feels it can be done digitally before the next meeting so the committee can compile the feedback and present it in March.

Sarah said another topic to discuss is the Board’s comfort level with exploring naming options. Right now the library is known as the Walpole Town Library, the umbrella name for the Walpole/North Walpole Library system.  We also use Bridge Memorial Library for the main town library and North Walpole Library for the branch.  Sarah asked if we are open to changing the name to encompass both. 

Amy said the main library is named Bridge Memorial Library for its benefactors, the Bridge Family.  Jean stated it is important to keep this name because of its historic significance.  Our library is listed on the NH Registry of Historic Places as Bridge Memorial Library.  Susan agreed this is important and we should be mindful of how the community feels about this. The survey of patrons will be helpful.  She stated we don’t want whatever we come up with to be detrimental to the end result.

Peggy said when she hears “Walpole Town Library” she calls up an image of the Bridge Library, as most do.  Her question to the Board was, how do we call up an image of the North Walpole Library?  All agree that it is important to find a way to incorporate N. Walpole in the branding. Kathy suggested naming the umbrella system the Walpole Town Libraries.  Jane and Sarah said the committee will continue to research other libraries so they can give the Board examples. 

Sarah stated the committee should be able to send a copy of the survey to Board members to pilot prior to next month’s meeting. No decisions need to made at this time.

Signage:  Amy suggested waiting to make a decision about the sign until the new logo (if there is one) has been established. Tim said that it may not be necessary; a logo could be added to the top of the sign later. He said a two-door sign, depending on size, will range from between $840 and $1200. It should be installed as soon as the weather is conducive;  the current sign is chipping and should be replaced as soon as we can. Susan asked if the sign Tim is thinking of has the name of the library on it. It does not. That could be added with the removable letters that come with the sign.

Jane contacted the Zoning Board about our sign and sent examples of what we are looking at.  They asked her to come to next week’s meeting to discuss this sign and answer questions. Jane also talked to Justin Cassarino at the Walpole School about the sign that was purchased to honor Sam Jacobs.  He said theirs was made by Keene Signworx, and the company is good to work with.  Jane also spoke to some other libraries that have similar signs, and they, too, were made by Keene Signworx, a company they all recommended.

Jane thought it might be good to work with a local company so we can see the sign as it is being made.  Kathy stated we would be working with Peter Poanessa, who also made the new sign at Hooper Institute.  He could make a nice wooden sign with a logo to which you might be able to attach the windows with removable messages.  Peggy asked what the library’s budget is.  Wooden signs are expensive. 

Tim reported that a 4’x5’ sign from his source would cost $1200.  Jane said we cannot have a sign larger than what we now have.  Tim responded by asking Peggy if we could ask the Zoning Board for a variance.  She said yes, depending on the size you are requesting.  They have various sizes listed within the ordinance.  Jane said she would ask the Zoning Board about that.  Peggy suggested looking on the town website prior to the meeting under documents. You will find the ordinance in there.

Erin said she will be attending a Walpole PTG meeting soon, so she can ask the price of the Walpole School sign.

New Business

Jane sent the Zoom link to the town budget meeting to Board members.  Amy and Jane will attend.  Jane said it would be good to have someone there who could answer questions about the chimney.  Peggy pointed out that this is an informational meeting;  voting on the budget will take place March 12.

Peggy reminded the group that the school district deliberative session would take place on Thursday.  That is an important meeting because school budget, which is going up considerably, will be discussed. That is also where Warrant #10 will be discussed, the article pertaining to the storage of teaching materials in local libraries.  After a brief discussion Sarah volunteered to craft a letter (for the Clarion) making a motion to vote this article down. She said she would have it ready tomorrow and send it to Amy. Amy stated that anyone uncomfortable with this decision could talk with Amy privately about it.

Door and Chimney:  Gail asked if someone who would be able to answer questions about the chimney and door could attend Town Meeting in response to the the library warrant article.  She fears someone may ask why it wasn’t taken care of during the renovation. Amy said she would be able to speak to it;  she said she could talk to Carole Cramer to get more information. A brief discussion about the problem was held.  Kathy said the problem centers around the old chimney, and this problem is not a result of shoddy construction.

Amy said the door issue is a no brainer. The age of the door and locking issues make it necessary to replace.  Susan asked who decides which estimate is selected.  Gail responded that the Board decides.  Even though the town is paying for it, the Board is responsible for taking care of the library.  Peggy responded by saying the Selectboard would be happy to let the Board choose our contractor, as long as we stay within the amount of the warrant article.  Gail said she would like to wait to see if Mark McGill could give us a rendering of his door proposal.

Jane stated we do not have to install an automatic door opener.  Gail asked if it is something we could add at a later date. Jane thinks we could but will ask for a definite answer.  We should be ready to take a vote after Town Meeting to see if the warrant article passes. Peggy said we could choose our contractor beforehand, and after Town Meeting, if the article passes, a check for the deposit could be cut.

Jean asked why Barry wasn’t approached about the door.  Kathy actually discussed the door with Barry.  She said this is not work he does; he is in construction.  If we gave him the job, he would hire someone to build the door.

Operations: Jane is thinking of resuming in-person programs in the library in March.

Jane attended a North Walpole Commissioners’ meeting and communication issues were worked out.

Buildings and Grounds: At the Commissioners’ meeting Jane said she got permission to paint the bench in front of the library.  We have the paint and Brad will do the painting as soon as weather permits.

Other Business:  Amy pointed out that the second Tuesday next month is March 8, voting day. She suggested changing the meeting date to the next week.  All agreed that March 14 would work.

Susan asked if the employee background check information that Jane sent to the Board should be discussed today.  Jane said she wants to get more information before we discuss it.

Adjournment:

The next meeting will be Monday, March 14, 2022 at 4:30 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary ** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the March 14, 2022 meeting.