The Walpolean

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Of Lessons and Carols

December 24 at 7:00 p.m.

Due to the surge of new COVID 19 cases in our area, will only be accessible through Zoom out of an abundance of caution, due to larger expected attendance.

To join the Zoom service, use the link below.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year.

Regular Sunday worship will continue in person until further notice.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87236977806?pwd=YkxyK2FwY1oyTCt5cXYzREZwL1lxdz09

Only the choir, musicians, Candle lighters, liturgist and other readers who will be leading the service will be allowed in the sanctuary for this service. 

JANUARY 2022 CLARION – CLOSING DATE – DECEMBER 22by Ray Boas It snuck up on us again, and I know you have other things to think about, but with the closing date just a tad over a week away I need your inputs and ads Wednesday, December 22 – if not sooner. It is upsetting that COVID is continuing to cause disruption to our lives, shortening some, and changing others. I have decided not to get out and expose myself even having my shots and booster. But, life goes on, and I have started your January 2022 issue of the CLARION. I welcome your inputs (and any new ads) soon.If you have any questions, do contact me. The email address is at the top right of any page on the CLARION website. Stay safe and stay well, HAPPY HOLIDAYS.Yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

LAST CHANCE TO COMPLETE ONE OF YOUR HOLIDAY CHORES!

ORDER SOME COOKIES FOR HOME OR FOR GIFTING.

Homebaked cookies from the folks at St. John’s Church are available this year by ordering our prepackaged boxes.  Whether to be enjoyed by you or given as a hostess gift, we hope you will partake of our holiday fundraiser.  Thank you.

1. The Adult Box with a wide variety of more delicate cookies for $12 per 1 lb. box.

2. The Kids/Hefty eaters Box with a smaller variety of more “familiar” cookies for $10 per 1 lb. box.

Order by Monday, December 13th

Place your order online at:   orders@stjohnswalpole.org.

Pickup on:     Saturday morning, December 18th from 9-12

St. John’s (Elm and Westminster St.)

Cash or Check

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  This meeting was being recorded.  Also present was Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  There were three members of the public in attendance; Mrs. Jan Leclerc, Ms. Jenny Plante and her daughter, Becca.

PUBLIC HEARING:  Ms. Mayberry called this Public Hearing to order at 6:31 PM.  She read the Notice of Public Hearing as follows:

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NH

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

December 2, 2021 at 6:30 PM

‘Pursuant to RSA 31:95-b the Selectboard will hold a public meeting to receive public comment concerning the acceptance and expenditure of unanticipated revenues from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 assistance for local government.

You are hereby notified that the Walpole Selectboard will host a public meeting on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall to discussing accepting funds received from the State of New Hampshire under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

The public is encouraged to attend and provide suggested uses for the funds received.

The Selectboard Meeting will follow the public hearing.”

Mrs. Leclerc questioned what ARPA is. Ms. Mayberry explained the American Rescue Plan Act is funding provided by the Government, similar to an extension of the CARES Act.  This one focuses mostly on infrastructure improvements.  In some cases COVID related and some are not.  There is some flexibility in how the monies can be used.  They are still trying to find out all the potential uses for the funding but they would like to use it for infrastructure.  Mr. Dalessio said the Town received $55,771.83.  Mrs. Leclerc asked if some of it will be used for the damaged roads.  Mr. Dalessio said in the previous allocation they had to comply with the Clean Water Act; that was mostly with water and sewer lines.  This will probably be more in line with roads.  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the Town had a lot of damage this year.  It is probably where some of it will end up but possibly not all of it.  Mr. Dalessio advised there is a meeting with FEMA coming up.        

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard accept the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) funding in the amount of $55,771.83.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry announced that with no additional public comments the Public Hearing will be declared closed at 6:34 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting began at 6:34 PM.

NEW BUSINESS:

Walpole Players and Poster Display:  Ms. Jenny Plante is on the Board of the Walpole Players.  They have a request related to the north entrance stairwell.  When she goes to various performances at other locations, she notices their displays of past performance pictures and posters.  The Walpole Players have about 30 years of history; they average about two plays a year.  She displayed some framed posters that are very light.  Would it be possible to hang them up in the north entrance stairwell?  They would have to be above shoulder height.  A lot of people in the community have been involved in their shows.  Ms. Mayberry asked how many do they have.  Ms. Plante said right now they only have a few framed pictures.  At this time they thought they would just present it to the Selectboard.  She would come back with an approximate number. Mrs. Pschirrer remembered when Mr. Boas came to them about this; he ended up putting them on moveable platforms upstairs.  They were only on display when people were in-house for a play.  Ms. Plante mentioned they could display them on the window sills. She was sure there was something they could do so it would not damage the walls or paint.  Mr. Dalessio’s question was about the mounting of them; they do not want holes in the wall.  No decision was made at this meeting.              

OLD BUSINESS:

Home Away from Home Day Care Parking and Dumpster Complaint:  Ms. Jenny Plante was present to discuss the on-street parking and overflowing dumpster complaint from an abutter.  Ms. Mayberry asked Ms. Plante to explain the parking as they have an area for people to park off the street but they are choosing to park on the street.  Ms. Plante replied it is their property even though it is on the street.  About a year ago the neighbor asked that they not park across from her driveway.  She feels this has become a personal issue because the neighbor asked about child care three times but was told there were no vacancies at those times.  She had contacted Mr. Dalessio to question if they are not allowed to park on the street across from the neighbor’s driveway.  He replied it could become an issue if she does not have adequate parking.  She has adequate parking and displayed pictures of where the cars were parking on the side of the road.  Tires are not in the street.  Mrs. Pschirrer observed four cars that she felt were parked on the street.  Ms. Plante said there is 20-feet from where their cars are parked to the end of the neighbor’s driveway. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned the dumpsters are at the very end of the driveway; they are usually put off the street and screened behind a fence or other structure.  Ms. Plante said the dumpsters have been there for 13 years and there never had been a problem with them.  She would prefer to have them out in the back. Unfortunately, they have to be where they can be emptied easily.  They are on her property.  There is plenty of room to get in-and-out of the driveway.  The road is two-lanes and the cars are actually on her property.  Their driveway has always been as it is now.  Mr. Dalessio agreed that some cars are parked in the field.  No ordinance says they cannot park across from the driveway.  He had Police Chief Sanctuary look at the area; he indicated there are no violations. Two cars can pass each other and there is adequate room for emergency vehicles.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked about the zoning approval when she appeared before that Board.  Ms. Plante said it was never their intention to park in the driveway.  Their lot is plowed in the winter to allow for parking. There would probably be 5-to-6 cars parked there during a normal work shift.  Mrs. Leclerc pointed out that in the meeting minutes Ms. Plante stated that all cars would be parked on her property.  The neighbor has to drive over a berm to get out of her driveway and she comes home from work several times a day.  Ms. Mayberry feels the pictures show they are parking off the roadway.  Mr. Dalessio asked why all the cars could not park in the lot.  Ms. Plante explained that depending on the season the ground could be soft in spots/slushy.  She worries about people falling. She will be happy to screen the dumpsters from public view.  The Selectboard was agreeable to waiting until the spring for her to make this change.  Mrs. Pschirrer felt Ms. Plante should have a copy of the original Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting minutes for her information.  Mrs. Downing will provide her with a copy.  Mr. Dalessio would like a copy of the Zoning Ordinance being used when Ms. Plante appeared before the Zoning Board.  Ms. Plante left the meeting.                   

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $106,529.23 for checks issued December 3, 2021.  This includes a payment in the amount of $43,310.15 to the Health Trust.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  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 November 27, 2021, in the amount of $31,109.41 for checks dated December 3, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,253.86.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES – November 24, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 24, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SESSION SELECTBOARD MINUTES – November 24, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 24, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

WARRANTS:

Supplement Warrant for Map and Lot #003-020-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Supplement Warrant for Map and Lot #003-020-000 for $500 due to a Veterans’ Tax Credit applied in error and should not have applied.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Supplement Warrant for Map and Lot #029-036-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Supplement Warrant for Map and Lot #029-036-000 for $500 due for a Veterans’ Tax Credit that was not due to this property.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant the following Property Tax Refunds:

• Map and Lot #008-101-000 for $66.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #003-071-000 for $58.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #029-031-000 for $36.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lots #027-004-001 and #001-003-006 for $63.00.
• Map and Lot #030-072-000 for $93.30.
• Map and Lot #022-013-000 for $49.00.
• Map and Lot #019-003-000 for $40.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #004-021-000 for $18.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #004-002-000 for $46.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #012-022-000 for $64.00.  This home recently sold.
• Map and Lot #006-013-001 for $43.14.  This vacant parcel was gifted recently to a family member.

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

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CUT WOOD OR TIMBER:

Map and Lots: #008-060-000, #008-061-000, and #008-062-000:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Notice of Intent to Cut Wood or Timber for Map and Lots #008-060-000, #008-061-000 and #008-062-000 which are the Hooper Golf Course properties.  The Monadnock Conservancy has reviewed and approved the Forest Management Plan.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

South Street Drainage Issue: Mr. Dalessio reported that Mr. Mike Rau, Highway Department/Road Agent, spoke to Mr. Chas Street to advise South Street is a State road.  Mr. Rau will go there during a rain storm to check on it.

Tree Care and Replacement Plan for the Common:  Ms. Mayberry acknowledged receipt of a proposal from Long View Forest.  The proposal does not provide for a determination of the condition of the trees.  We have a lot of residents who are concerned about preservation. Therefore, they still need to find an arborist. 

Pending Further Actions:

Houghton Brook Bridge, Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood

Vilas Bridge:  Ms. Mayberry talked to Mr. Tim Murphy at the Southwest Region Planning Commission. He was concerned that the State viewed the sewer problem as the Town of Walpole’s.  He thought there was some recourse; that the Vilas Bridge did not have to come off the Ten-Year Transportation Plan if the 93% was not approved.  There could be some leverage to keep it on the plan still at 50%.  We will just have to wait to see what happens with the Executive Counselors and decide if there is any further action that we could take. With infrastructure funding there could be a chance to move forward with the Vilas Bridge.  

Wooden Chairs in the Town Hall:  Mrs. Downing reported that nothing was done on the Wooden Chairs.  There was a question about selling them and, if so, for what price.  Should they go to the Recycling Center to see if they would sell there?  Ms. Mayberry felt they should think about it some more.

Walpole Players (Continued):  Mrs. Pschirrer thought it was about five years ago when Mr. Boas talked to them about posters, but they were bigger and much heavier.  The Selectboard told him they could put them up when they were having a play but then remove them.  They were upstairs on something with wheels (moveable) in the hallway and in the theatre itself.  The Selectboard did not want them permanently left on the walls. No decisions were made at this time.

NEW BUSINESS:

FEMA Recover Scoping Meeting:  A FEMA Recover Scoping Meeting is scheduled for December 14^th, 2021, starting at 1:30 pm in the Town Hall main meeting room.  Mr. Dalessio, Mr. Mark Houghton and Mr. Mike Rau will be attending.

Brownfields Project:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the Brownfields Committee of Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) has used its grant and ran out of money.  They are applying for other funding.  She hopes they can start it up again.   

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.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:32 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:47 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.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:47 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:11 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 2, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mr. Dalessio moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $115,478.47 for checks issued 12/10/21

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $30,729.13 dated 12/10/21 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,895.20

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Meeting – Dec. 2, 2021
• Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – Dec. 2, 2021

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• North Walpole Village Commissioners’ Meeting – Nov. 16, 2021

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS & ABATEMENTS

• Map and Lot# 028-039-000
• Map and Lot# 028-120-000
• Map and Lot# 003-082-CL8

PROPERTY TAX REFUNDS

• Map and Lot# 029-010-000
• Map and Lot# 019-049-000

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION

Map and Lot# 009-048-000

OLD BUSINESS

• Tax Anticipation Note (TAN)
• Houghton Brook Bridge Permit Plans and Wetlands Permit Application

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

NEW BUSINESS

• PILOT payment to North Walpole Village
• Recreation Committee Appointment Letter and Notice
• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Liaison Meeting Request

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

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Selectboard meeting to order at 8:30 AM in the Walpole Town Hall.  This meeting was being recorded.  Also present was Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  There was one member of the public in attendance:  Mr. Ray Boas.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

There was no Accounts Payable Check Register due to the short week. 

PAYROLL:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending November 20, 2021, in the amount of $28,483.10 for checks dated November 26, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,588.34.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

PHONE CALL With Executive Counselor Cinde Warmington:  This call is to discuss the Vilas Bridge and the Ten-Year Transportation Plan. Mrs. Warmington advised they conducted a hearing in Keene, heard feedback about the Vilas Bridge and the desire to have that bridge rehabilitated.  That item is currently in the Ten-Year Plan #41720. It was entered with a total cost of $17,786,000.  The problem is the assumption that New Hampshire (NH) would fund 50% of the bridge replacement and the other 50% would come from other sources presumably Vermont (VT).  She proceeded to have discussions with the Department of Transportation (DOT) about whether VT had agreed to fund this bridge at 50% and the response she got was “No, they had not”.  They believe that VT would be willing to fund the bridge at 7% based on where the state line is on their side of the River.  There is a significant gap between 50% and 93%; her question was how is this bridge ever going to be built if they do not increase the funding?  She thinks everyone she was talking to at the VT DOT felt like that was a legitimate question to ask. It did not seem like that 50% was forthcoming. Therefore, while this project was in the Ten-Year Plan, it was not going to get built.  She then asked for the historic documents documenting the original agreement for NH to maintain that bridge and also asked for the justification that the department is using for the 50% funding number.  She reviewed that information and then sat down with the department last week to say she really does not think there is any legitimate reason why NH is not funding this bridge at 93%.  There is no justification for the 50% number.  The department does understand.  They take the position that VT and Bellows Falls in particular, benefit from this bridge and has vigorously advocated for the bridge repairs. However, there is no legal reason why VT would be responsible for 50% of the funding for the bridge.  She asked why not now, while we have some additional funding in the budget, increase the allocation for funding the Vilas Bridge to 93%? They said they would be willing to put that in as a proposed change to the draft of the Ten-Year Plan. The way the process works is the department meets with the Executive Counselors who take into consideration all of the projects they want done.  There is a list with the changes that comes back to the counselors, and they are voted on.  If there is enough money to fund all the changes, there is a greater likelihood that the council will approve all changes, but not necessarily.  The council can opt to approve the changes all together or take them line-by-line.  Historically, Councilor Wheeler, who is Chair, has wanted to take them line-by-line.  If we ask for and are allocated additional money in the Ten-Year Plan, it will bring attention to this item and the Council will have the opportunity to vote on it; that result could be the item is taken out all together from the Ten-Year Plan.  That is the risk with proceeding to ask for full funding and it would be deleted all together from plan by a vote of the council.  That is likely if there is not enough funding to cover all of the projects that are proposed by all the Executive Counselors.  At the time she met with the DOT, she was the second counselor to meet with them.  They still did not know what the total cost would be of all the counselors’ preferred projects.  Her response was would they put it in there at least for the sake of calculating whether there is enough money or not and once they have met with all the Counselors would they contact her to let her know so she can make a final decision; it would give her the opportunity to discuss it with the Town of Walpole Selectboard to see what they want to do.  Her sense is it is good to have the Vilas Bridge in the Ten-Year Plan. However, if only funded at 50% it would likely never be built.  She thinks with the infrastructure money they have coming this is the best chance they have of getting 93% funding for this project. It is up to the Selectboard to decide whether or not they want to take the risk that it may get deleted all together from the plan.  It is much different than having it on the plan at 50% but she understands that people are glad to have it at least recognized in the plan.  It is up to the Selectboard to decide if they wish to move forward.  She wants their input on this question.  Would they like her to request that the full funding be in the Plan?  She does not yet know what the numbers are.  She would like to keep the sewer line separate for the moment. 

Mr. Dalessio advised that whether it is in at 93%, 50% or even 10%, he believes that Walpole should continue to look at the options of putting in a bypass sewer line or maybe even a permanent fix for that.  This is the biggest impact on that bridge.  If the sewer line fails, they would have a regional environmental catastrophe.  It would be an enormous burden for the people all of a sudden.  Ms. Mayberry noted the question Mrs. Warmington is asking is if they are okay with her putting it in at the 93% with the risk that it might come off the plan all together. 

Mrs. Pschirrer is in favor of Mrs. Worthington trying to put it in at 93% but, like Mr. Dalessio, if it goes in at 93% or if it gets dropped, their mission is to get those sewer pipes out from underneath that bridge.  The 93% demonstrates to Bellows Falls that they have made an honest effort to try to do something to restore that bridge.  As good neighbors they understand their desperate need to have this bridge repaired/replaced.  She knows at 50% it will never be done; at 93% NH might never repair that bridge. 

Mrs. Warmington stated there is infrastructure money now.  The NH DOT does not prioritize this bridge because they feel this bridge is redundant as there is another bridge a short distance up the road.  From a transportation perspective, they feel this bridge would not rise to the priority in competition with the many transportation needs in the state.  She agrees this would not be considered a priority bridge.  With the extra funding now available this may be the best time to try to get it funded.  Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry all agreed with this statement.  Even with the risk, it may come out all-together. 

Mrs. Worthington began the discussion about the sewer line. She had some discussion with DOT, but they indicated the sewer line was not their problem.  The Town of Walpole needs to take care of that.  They said if they rebuild the bridge, the Town will have to re-route the sewer line anyway.  She asked them when they usually rebuild a bridge with utilities on it what do they do.  They said they could do a number of things including building a temporary bridge that just carries the utilities across the River while they do the bridge work and then put the utilities back on the rebuilt bridge.  Even if it gets funded it is scheduled for 2028/2029 construction at this time.  She does think there is money available for water and sewer infrastructure projects through ARPA and this new Infrastructure Bill.  It may be a good opportunity for the Town to take a look to see if there is any funding available that would allow them to reroute that sewer line a different way over to Bellows Falls. 

Mrs. Pschirrer asked for clarification.  When Mrs. Warmington said the people at NH DOT said this is not their problem but the Town’s problem, the Town will need permission from the DOT to go up Route 12 to move the line.  She does not have a problem with accepting this as the Town’s problem and finding the money to do it. Will DOT cooperate with the proper permitting?  In talking with folks, Mrs. Warmington feels it will be very difficult to reroute that line up to the next bridge.  She heard feedback about there being a lot of ledge, blasting, etc.  She asked DOT about what if it is cost prohibitive for Walpole to run that line up the road.  They asked if Walpole had done any engineering or looked at options and, if so, they would like to see that and work with them.  It is up to the Town to come up with the solution and then talk to them so it is too soon to say will they cooperate.  Mr. Dalessio replied that the Town has done survey work and is considering a bypass line.  As long as the Vilas Bridge line is capable, they would continue to use that line. Only if it should fail would they switch over to the bypass line.  There are other options to move that line in a permanent way.  That might be to move that line over to the railroad bridge that is next to the Vilas Bridge.  We are not at that phase yet, but they need to start looking for money to do the engineering phase.  They have been funding the survey work from surplus funds in the Sewer Fund.  It is not sustainable to continue doing that.  There is still a lot of engineering work to be done before they go to the DOT or whatever bureau they should go to.  Mrs. Warmington said there are funds available for the kind of engineering work he is talking about.  She does not know all the details of ARPA or the Infrastructure money.  She suggested going to Mr. Bob Scott at DOT next to ask for someone to work with the Town to look at what the options are.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned they are looking to hire someone from the Municipal Resources group (MRI) to help the Town navigate through the opportunities.  Mrs. Warmington said it is the people who are ready that will get the funds.  Do not miss this opportunity to move forward.  In her district there are some projects that people are not in agreement on and that is frustrating.  They will miss the opportunity.  Mrs. Warmington will make the call to Mr. Scott.  The Selectboard would designate Mr. Mark Houghton, Director of Water and Sewer plus the Emergency Management Director and Fire Chief /EMS Director as the Town’s contact person.  If all five counselors’ projects add up to more money than they have available, do they still want to go forward with the 93%?  Vilas Bridge could be a target to be cut.  If they have enough funding, it is clear they should go forward.  If there is not enough funding do the Selectboard members want her to keep the Vilas Bridge in at 50% or go ahead with the 93% and take our chances?  Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry stated to go ahead with the 93% and see what happens. The Selectboard thanked Mrs. Warmington for this information and wished her a happy holiday.                                                            

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (d) Acquisition, Sale or Lease of Real or Personal Property.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 8:53 AM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 9:16 AM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 24, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Mr. Ray Boas left the meeting.  Mr. Richard Kreissle came into the meeting.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES – November 18, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 18, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION MINUTES – November 18, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 18, 2021, as submitted.  These Minutes will remain sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the Minutes were approved.

STAFF MEETING MINUTES – November 18, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of November 18, 2021, as submitted.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  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 – October 19, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – October 26, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – November 2, 2021;
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes – November 17, 2021.

OLD BUSINESS:

2021 Preliminary Tax Rate:  Mr. Kreisslehad distributed information regarding last year’s decisions to the Selectboard.  He reviewed those calculations.  North Walpole has their own tax rate.  Ms. Mayberry pointed out that the Selectboard needs to make a decision on the Overlay for the Abatement amount and the fund balances so it can be sent to the Department of Revenue Administration (DRA).  Mr. Kreissle noted the DRA will not allow spending more than what is voted on by the voters.  Mrs. Pschirrer said they are looking at the $1,832,805 figure.  She would not take any money out of the Unassigned Fund balance to reduce their tax rate because people should know what things cost.  The abatement requests come because people get their tax bills and they feel they are being taxed excessively. They sold a lot of property this year.  Mrs. Pschirrer feels the Overlay (Abatement) figure should be set at $65,000.  They over-spent the Highway Department budget because they had not included the $80,000 for paving Elm Street.  This amount will be taken out of other line balances.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned their responsibility is not to over-spend the total budget.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that last year they put in money to paint the Town Hall, etc. but they were not able to do all the projects so they are encumbering those funds.  What would they be doing next year that they potentially would have spent out of the Unassigned Fund balance?  The Library has chimney problems that need to be taken care of, a new roof is needed on the Town Hall, the Highway Department needs a new sidewalk plow and the Police will need a new vehicle. The pool repair is a potential as they do not know where that leak is coming from.  Tennis courts were repaired temporarily this year but eventually they will need to be replaced.  Mr. Kreissle advised the DRA likes towns to maintain the Unassigned Fund balance between 7% and 17%.            

Mr. Dalessio moved to make the following changes to the preliminary tax rate:  Change the Overlay figure (Abatements) to $65,000 and move $500,000 from the Unassigned Fund Balance for Capital Projects in 2022.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.   

Reservoir Dam Meeting Update: Mr. Dalessio reported the Reservoir Dam has been reclassified as a High Hazard Dam.  That requires certain modifications to the dam but there are options: 1) modify the dam structure in a way that they can reduce the level of the dam and still maintain the recreational properties.  That is what they are pursuing at this point; and 2) they contacted an engineering company; Fuss & O’Neill, who will work up a proposal and cost estimate to bring the Dam into compliance but keep the recreational aspect.  It will be determined by cost and what the voters will want to see happen.

Mill Pond Dam:  Mr. Dalessio advised the Town received the Letter of Deficiencies on the Mill Pond Dam.  It will be tied into the Mill Pond Bridge.          

Pending Further Actions:

Houghton Brook Bridge, Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood, Tree Plan for Common, Wooden Chairs in Town Hall

Bench On The Common:  Ms. Mayberry mentioned when the Selectboard was walking with Arborclimb they talked about where the bench would be placed.  A decision was made to put it on the far end of the Common near the Church in line with Middle Street; the bench will face the Common.  Following this meeting the Selectboard will meet with Mr. Brad Nash to put a stake in the ground where the bench will be placed. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Memo re: Drainage Deficiencies on South Street:  A memo was received from Mr. Chas Street regarding drainage deficiencies on South Street.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that South Street is a State road.  They repaved that street so should take care of this problem.  The Town now plows that street which is the State’s responsibility.  Ms. Mayberry noted he did send a copy to the State.  Should the Town follow-up with the State to advise it is their problem? Mr. Dalessio suggested they ask Mr. Rau to take a look at the area before contacting the State.         

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any other discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 10:02 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

by WalpolePlayers

Ticket sales are in full swing, so get yours now! You don’t want to miss this holiday classic, performed live right here in Walpole!

The Walpole Players are excited to be returning to the Helen Miller Theater in the Walpole Town Hall with a live holiday performance of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play by Joe Landry. This well-loved holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast, with a small ensemble of actors playing dozens of characters as the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds until one fateful Christmas Eve.

There will be two performances: Friday, Dec. 17, and Saturday, Dec. 18, both at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:15. The audience will be seated in dinner theater style and should bring their own food and drink. Seating is limited, with six persons to a table and a total of ten tables each night, so make your plans now to attend! Why not get the whole family or a group of friends together and reserve an entire table just for your group?

Tickets can be purchased and table reservations made at Galloway Real Estate at 47 Main Street in Walpole. Tickets are $15 each ($10 under age 12). Please email WalpolePlayers@gmail.com or call (603) 756-2535, for more information or to make reservations over the phone.

For the safety of our audience members, actors, and our community at large, everyone in attendance will be required to wear a mask upon entering the building. Once you are seated at your table, you may remove your mask, but your mask must be worn if you leave your seat at any time for any reason. We also request that audience members be fully vaccinated. We will not be requiring proof of vaccination status, but we will be checking temperatures at the door. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4°F or higher will be asked to leave, and a full refund will be given

HOLIDAY COOKIES by PRE-ORDER

Our famous variety of homemade cookies from the folks at St. John’s Church are available this year by ordering our prepackaged boxes.

Whether to be enjoyed by you or given as a hostess gift, we hope you will partake of our holiday fundraiser. Thank you.

1. The Adult Box with a wide variety of more delicate cookies for $12 per 1 lb. box.

2. The Kids/Hefty eaters Box with a smaller variety of more “familiar” cookies for $10 per 1 lb. box.

E. Plum pudding at $12. (ONLY 4 LEFT)!!

Place your order online at orders@stjohnswalpole.org.

Order by Saturday, December 11th

Pickup on Saturday morning, December 18th from 9-12

St. John’s (Elm and Westminster St.)

Cash or Check

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

Staff Present:                Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Justin Sanctuary (Chief Police Department); Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Department); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director); Jane Malmberg (Library Director); Meghan Hansson (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); Regina Borden (Recording Secretary)

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  This meeting was being recorded.

Walpole Town Library: Mrs. Malmberg, Library Director, submitted this November 2021 Report:

Outreach:

The blanket squares are coming in fast and furious – they have 58 so far.

Their North Walpole Open House was a success – they had 24 visitors, many of whom had not been in the branch since they reopened.  Many thanks to Susan Johnson, Deb Kelsey, Julie Rios and Peggy Pschirrer for their donations of time, banners, balloons and food.

They are once again a location for the Walpole Giving Tree.  Unfortunately, they are out of tags at this time, but folks can come in to leave a donation if they wish.

Programming:  Their November author talk with Bill Ranauro is this Thursday night at 6 pm.

Coming up in December is their Saturday book club, on December 11 at 9 am.  They will be reading books with a Jane Austen theme – Sense and Sensibility, as well as two modern retellings of that title by Joanne Trollope and Sonali Dev.  They will meet once a month with a different theme each time and a choice of 3-4 titles to read.

On December 10^th, they will be hosting an afternoon concert of Celtic Holiday Music with musician Jeff Snow at 4 pm.

Staff Development:  5 out of 7 of their staff have completed the online harassment training.  She anticipates that the other two will finish soon.

Building/Grounds:   They have ordered a replacement streetlamp for the front of the main library.  Tim Lester (board member) will coordinate with Houghton’s to have it installed once it arrives at the library.

They have been having issues with their front door – the spring in the handle appears not to be working making it very difficult to keep the door latched.  Brad Nash contacted Countryside who came out and took photos of the lock.  They are researching a replacement that is in keeping with the character of the current lock.  They might eventually have to replace the door with new safety requirements. 

They have been working with Barry Bellows to get an estimate for repair to their chimney which has been leaking into the office.

They were having trouble with water seeping into the book return in North Walpole.  They moved the return to the other side of the door where is it sitting on asphalt, not ground.  So far, so good.

Board of Trustees:   They currently have two open positions on the board:  Shirley Capron resigned after more than 50 years of dedicated service, and Jeanne Ramey moved out of state.  They have one candidate who is definitely interested in joining and another who is considering from North Walpole.

Friends’ Book Sale:  The book sale was a big success.  They made over $6,500 before expenses.  Many thanks to the Friends and their team of volunteers.

The Monthly Library Statistics – Bridge Memorial Library and the Monthly Library Statistics – North Walpole Library for October 2020 and October 2021 are available in the Selectboard Office.    

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Helen Dalbeck, Executive Director, submitted this November 17, 2021, report.

School Programs and School Gardens:  They are really busy teaching in the schools and putting the gardens to bed for the winter.  The late fall harvest of carrots has been really fun at the North Walpole School and spinach, kale, arugula are sprouting and growing once again in the high tunnel.  She participated in a day-long event with the 6^th grade when they hosted “Natures Classroom” at the Middle School.

Outreach and Marketing:  November Clarion plus many Facebook posts, school newsletter, wreath making posters.

Facility and Land:  The building interior was inspected on 10/28.  She is thinking ahead to closing the building mid-December.  It takes some planning on her part as the Hooper Institute is her office and workspace.

Administration:  They are looking for new board members.  The HI Board has approved the budget for 2022 and the next step is to meet with the Hooper Trustees in December.

Special Events, Programs, Friends:  Wreath-making Dec 3 and Dec 4.  This year she could have as many as 20 wreath makers!  Twelve signed up.  Sign up soon if you wish to make one.

Development/Fundraising:  They have begun to plan for “The Year of the Hooper Institute” in 2022.

Police Department:  Police Chief Justin Sanctuary had submitted their Police Stats from October 16, 2021 through November 15, 2021.  At this meeting he handed out a new graph.  From their regular monthly stats report they took one piece of it and broke out the “Crimes Against A Person”.  Total number is 54.  This gives people a better understanding of the types of calls they receive.  The format is also different.  A question was on Welfare Checks.  Chief Sanctuary replied it is usually someone calling as they are concerned with the welfare of someone else.  They will go out to check on the house, apartment or car.  A lot are home checks when a neighbor might see mail piling up, etc.  They took back about 40 pounds of narcotics recently; usually they take back about 100 pounds a year.  They could end up doing a graph like this for each of the lines.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there is anything they could do pro-actively to reduce these numbers.  Chief Sanctuary noted this is all reactionary.  They cannot reduce this sort of thing.  Mr. Hoy mentioned getting reports of dumping in various parts of the town.  Mrs. Pschirrer had a complaint through the Conservation Commission about the dumping of trash near French Road.  They probably know where it is coming from but now some trash is going over to forest land that is under Conservation Commission observation.  She will send Chief Sanctuary some pictures.  Chief Sanctuary said they can try following-up on who is responsible.  Ms. Mayberry pointed out that they can put up a few signs about not dumping trash.   

Finance Office:  Mr. Richard Kreissle, Administrator of Finance, provided the following report dated November 18, 2021.

Tax Rate:  He has been working very intensely with their auditors to assist them in completing the audit so they can upload one remaining form to the Department of Revenue’s (DRA) portal.  In the seven years he has worked for the Town it never was this late.  Once accomplished, a preliminary rate is established and submitted to the board.  The board decides how much to allow for abatements in the coming year and how much of the unassigned fund balance to use.  These decisions are passed along to the DRA who finalizes the rate.  When they receive the final rate, the tax warrant can be executed and bills sent out.

Tax Anticipation Note (TAN):  Because of the lateness of the tax rate and the effects on their cash reserves resulting from repairs due to this summer’s flooding, the taking out of a tax anticipation note (TAN) is a possibility.  A TAN is a short-term note.  If they need to take out a TAN, they should be able to pay it back no later than January 31, 2022.  Ms. Mayberry noted it has taken six-plus months for the Town to get their audit.

Budget:  The meeting with department managers is set for Friday, December 10^th.  In addition to discussing their operating budget, discussion will be had about any individual warrant articles they wish to have.

Walpole Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office:  Mrs. Meghan Hansson submitted the following report dated November 16, 2021.

• Since the September meeting, Town Clerk collected about $77,042, out of which Walpole receives $57,154.  This involved 333 vehicle registrations.
• Over $10,000 worth of tax payments have arrived against a tax warrant that doesn’t exist.  Normally, this would have been deposited and applied to the property owner’s balance once the warrant came out.  Due to questions regarding pre-payment of taxes, the money (checks) is sitting in her office.
• Renovation began last week (attached were pictures) with removal of everything in the back half of the office.  The old carpets were ripped up in a day, and the first coat of paint was applied.  New flooring was applied, and the heavy safe was moved to a new location.  Also, the new window countertop was inserted on Saturday.  Due to a delay in the arrival of the cabinets that go under the countertops, the front of the office will not be completed until probably a couple of weeks from now.
• They are prepared to import the warrant as soon as it becomes available, print bills, and then mail them out to the property owners.

Walpole Recycling Center:  Mr. Ben Hoy, Recycling Director, submitted their November 2021 report.

Mr. Hoy was voted into the NRRA Northeast Resource Recovery Association Board of Trustees at the annual meeting for members last week.

The NRRA helps communities throughout New England find the best possible recycling solutions for each town, and brings communities together to get the best possible return on their town’s investment in recyclables.

The Walpole trash bag order is in progress from Boxes and Bags Unlimited in Lewiston, Maine.  They are hoping to receive the shipment in early December.  They shipped $10,000 in Walpole bags to Shaws this week, and have just enough bags remaining to get them through the next bag order.

They are digging out the boxes of bags that have been sitting for a long time in their overseas storage trailer, and finding that the boxes are getting some moisture damage from the temperature changes and poor ventilation within the trailer.

They are considering storing the Town of Walpole yellow bags across the street in their locked storage shed to free up room for more recyclable product on site at Walpole recycling, and prevent damage to their bag boxes going forward.

Tom Donovan has completed training in welding course through Keene Community Education at Filtrine, and is excited to begin needed welding projects at the recycling center.

He has been alerted to several major trash deposits around Walpole, from couches dumped on Old Drewsville Road to tires and trash rolled down the hill on Halls Crossing Road.  He is conducting a cleanup of Whitcomb Road on Wednesday, November 24^th at 8am starting at the recycling center.

Walpole Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent/Highway Department, submitted their November 2021 report.

• Elm Street:  Finally paved, and shouldering is scheduled to be complete this week.  The road will not be lined this year. 
• Summer Floods:  Repairs and the new culvert on Cold River Road that washed out is close to completion.  Crews have been working on paving in washouts on several roads before the asphalt plant closes for the season.  All other flood damage from this past summer will need to be put on hold until spring.  They have submitted all paperwork for the next step in receiving funding from FEMA and are still waiting to hear back from them to continue the lengthy process.
• Leaf Clean Up:  With most of the leaves down now, they will be out doing leaf clean up on town properties.
• Grading:  Dirt roads in town will be graded one last time for the year.
• Equipment:  Trucks and equipment have been getting prepped for winter use.  This includes winter tire change over, on spots, plow hook-ups, etc.  They want to be ready to go when winter does arrive.

Walpole Recreation:  Mr. Kraig Harlow, Recreation Director, submitted the following November 18, 2021, report.

Pool:

• Walpole Recreation just purchased a 10 ft. by 20 ft. shed from LaValley’s for $6,094 from the revolving fund to store recreation equipment.

Winter Basketball:

• They have roughly 50 children signed up for basketball from grades PK-6^th grade.
• The program generated about $1,350 through registration and signups.
• They currently have a one PK team, two 1^st grade teams, two 2^nd grade teams, two girls ¾ teams, two boys ¾ teams, and one girls 5/6 team.
• Games will be held on Saturday mornings at Walpole Elementary School from 10 am – 3 pm and at North Walpole School from 10 am – 3 pm.

• Practices will be held at North Walpole School for one hour between 5–6 pm and 6-7 pm.
• They have Diamond Pizza, McGill Woodworking, Houghton, and Craig Vickers Insurance sponsoring teams this season.

Hockey Rink:

• Walpole Recreation just purchased an EZ Ice Rink for Westminster St. Field for $4,311 from the revolving fund.  The rink is 30 ft x 60 ft and they can purchase additional rink walls to increase its size if it becomes heavily used.  Ms. Mayberry suggested he consider having broom hockey.

Mrs. Pschirrer reported that members of St. John’s Church discussed that they would like to participate in some way.  The church will be open so the bathrooms can be used.  They could have hot chocolate and other snacks providing they are kept informed of the open hours for the Ice Rink.    

Community Events:

• Currently, they do not have any community events scheduled until after January 2022.

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, submitted their November 18, 2021, report.

Human Resources:

Many departments are working with their staff to complete the online Harassment Awareness Training module.  The deadline for completing the training is December 31, 2021.  Primex training certificates are to be sent to the Selectboard Office after the training module is completed.  For employees that do not have work or personal email addresses, there is a workaround to allow an employee to register using a faux email address.

Yearly Open Enrollment and coverage notice forms from Health Trust have been distributed.  If an employee wishes to change their coverage due to family changes or to move insurance to a spouse’s plan, a new enrollment form needs to be completed and sent to the Selectboard Office by December 17, 2021.

Health Insurance costs to the Town will be decreasing by 8.1% for 2022.  Rich Kreissle is working on the cost breakouts which will be announced in year-end benefit info packet to employees.  The packet will be distributed in December.  The Town is also expecting a Return of Surplus check which will also help lower healthcare costs for the Town and employees.

BCBS Anti-Trust Settlement:  A class action suit was brought against Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS).  The Town has completed an application to be part of the settlement.  Employees received a mailing from BCBS to apply.  To receive a payment, one must have filed a claim by November 5, 2021.  Per the settlement website, “The Final Approval Hearing has been held.  The Settlement is pending Court order.” 

Year-end Holidays:  The upcoming holidays or paid days off for benefitted employees include Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving, December 24 (Christmas) and December 31^st (New Year’s Day).  When a holiday falls on a weekend, the holiday then moves to either the prior Friday or the following Monday.

Assessing:

Fall Tax Warrant:  Once the final tax rate is set, the fall tax warrant will be created and signed by the Selectboard as soon as possible.  The Tax Collector sets the final payment date based on when the tax bills can be posted in the mail.

Abatement, Veterans’ Tax Credit, Elderly Tax Credit and Solar System Exemption application forms can be accepted after the fall tax bills have posted in the mail.

Selectboard Meeting:  Mrs. Pschirrer announced that the Selectboard will be meeting next Wednesday, November 24^th at 8:30 AM because Thanksgiving Day falls on Thursday.  They will be meeting a day early.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry reminded the Department Managers that the Selectboard will be meeting with each of them individually on December 10^th, 2021.  This is to go over their proposed 2022 Budget and go over their “Wish List” for items for the Warrant.  She wished everybody has a “Happy Thanksgiving Day”.  This meeting was adjourned at 5:52 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary