The Walpolean

Present: Board members Chair Jan Leclerc, Vice-chair Myra Mansouri, Clerk Tom Murray, Ernie Vose, Pauline Barnes. Alternates: Judy Trow and Dave Edkins. Absents: Alternate Don Sellarole.

The meeting started at 7 pm.

New Business:

 Expansion of a Non-Conforming Use: Chair Leclerc presented an application for an Expansion of a Non-Conforming Use for her daughter, Jennifer Jones. The home was built in 1962 before a zoning ordinance was adopted. Her daughter is requesting a public hearing for an Expansion of a Non-Conforming Use for a 14-foot-by-24-foot two-story addition on the west side of the house for a dining room and a bedroom at 15 Ford Ave. Tax Map 19, Lot 9, Residential B. The addition is 57 feet from the center of the road, not 65 feet. but has all the proper 20-foot setbacks on the side and rear, Ms. Leclerc said. The roof line will be continued and there will a dormer off the back on the second floor. After a presentation to the rest of the Board, Mr. Vose made a motion to hold a public hearing for the application. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Purpose of workshop. In September, Ms. Leclerc presented two amendments to the Planning Board to be approved and then, if approved, presented to the public on the March, 2022 warrant. Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio immediately asked about putting out a sign with the word “Open” on it. And what about the American flag? he asked. Is that wind activated? Mr. Perron pointed out that the words “wind-activated” was a problem. So the Planning Board suggested continuing the meeting to the next month – October. The goal of this workshop meeting was to discuss feather flags and reword the amendments, go back to the Planning Board, attend its regular October meeting and present any changes.

As promised at the meeting, Mr. Dalessio sent a suggestion for an ordinance to the Zoning Board regarding flags and signs. It says “Under this chapter of the ordinance, a flag is defined as a sign that is supported on one side by a ridged member and whose construction is such that causes its motion to be random. Flags which are mounted on (a) vertical pole greater than 14 feet and has a means of being raised or lowered are exempt from this ordinance. All flags are to be considered temporary signs.”

Mr. Edkins said it is not in the purview of the Zoning Board to be writing ordinances, the Planning Board should be doing that. Why is the Select Board asking the Zoning Board to write an ordinance? The Zoning Board is an appeals board. The Planning Board is a regulatory board. The Zoning Board interprets regulations, it doesn’t make regulations. The Planning Board should be the board writing ordinances. Ms. Leclerc said traditionally Planning Boards write ordinances but we mistakenly got involved in a feather flag dispute after a person came to a regular meeting of the Zoning Board and the board got involved in a feather flag discussion and subsequently wrote a letter to the Select Board. Ms. Leclerc checked with the New Hampshire Municipal Association, which said the Zoning Board was allowed to write an ordinance, Ms. Leclerc said.

Sources used in the discussion of the amendments were:

          –  A Select Board letter to Ms. Leclerc responding to a written request from the Zoning Board of Adjustment explaining why the Select Board would not enforce the Zoning Board’s request to write a letter to Jiffy Mart asking to remove several feather flags from along Route 12. The Select Board letter said, “Consequently, in multiple conversations, we agreed that rather than writing a letter asking Jiffy Mart to move its feather flags further away from the road, avoiding the issue, which is really that we do not want to permit feather flags, we suggest the ZBA prepare an amendment to the sign ordinances in commercial zones to prohibit feather flags, as well as define temporary signs. …… We will support your efforts in amending the ordinances.”

– Two documents from the New Hampshire Municipal Association titled:

                        “The First Amendment and Your Town’s Sign Regulations”

                        “Municipal Sign Ordinances after Reed v. Town of Gilbert Do’s & Don’ts.”

Some of the points brought up during the discussion were:

            The ZBA cannot determine what a sign says.

            Political signs are within the purview of the state, not the town.

            Add “may include but not are not restricted to” to the temporary sign amendment, which means that we are not covering content.

            The board was asked to cover feather flags, so how do flags in general pertain to the ordinance?

            You can’t say American flags are exempt.

            Someone on the Planning Board suggested just saying “feather flags” and drop the wind-activated.

            Oscillating and rotating are pretty similar to wind-activated. And it’s already in the ordinance.

            The board can’t dictate what a person puts on a sign, even the word “open.”

Mr. Edkins thought the biggest problem with signs right now were “trash signs” or signs that said things like “We’re Hiring.” They are all over the state and people put these signs up and then they don’t remove the signs, he said. They become litter. Mr. Edkins referred to few local companies. His house is across from the triangle at the end of Main Street and during a political contest, that area is covered, Mr. Edkins said. Ms. Leclerc said they are supposed to have permission of the owner of the property before putting up a sign.

Ms. Barnes suggested the Select Board make a list with telephone numbers of trash signs and they should enforce it. One round of calls from the Select Board might be a gentle nudge that might work.

Ms. Leclerc said when she and Ms. Mansouri went to the Select Board and brought up the issue of feather flags never coming before the Zoning Board, it didn’t seem to make any difference. I don’t know why that aspect of the ordinance is not important.  All businesses in commercial zone are supposed to come before the Zoning Board before putting up a sign. Article IV section D.2 says “All new non-residential signs require review by the Zoning Board of Adjustment (ZBA), for compliance with the ordinance only.” Trash signs should theoretically come before this board if they are in the business or commercial district.

After a lengthy discussion with everyone on the board either making a recommendation or suggestion on feather flags and temporary signs, the Board agreed and voted to change the wording in both amendments. In amendment No.1, the words “wind-activated signs like” will be removed. In amendment No. 2, in the seconded paragraph the words “may include but are not restricted to” will be inserted.

Amendment No. 1 will now read:

 “Inflatable signs, feather flags; oscillating, rotating, flashing, neon or other tubular gas signs; or signs with blinking, changing or moving illumination are not permitted. These prohibitions do not apply to signs used for safety purposes by a government entity.

Amendment No. 2 will now read:

Temporary Signs

            A temporary sign is any sign not permanently attached to the ground, a wall or a building that is intended to be displayed for a short to limited amount of time.

            Examples of temporary signs may include but are not restricted to announcement signs; real estate signs; community or civic event signs; political campaign signs pursuant to RSA 664; garage or yard signs or signs for other special events that occur for a limited period of time.

            All temporary signs shall be removed within ten (10) days following the event or activity being    promoted.

The changes in amendments will be sent to Planning Board members and the public hearing on amendments will be continued at the October 12^th meeting.

Educate the public on zoning ordinances.

Ms. Leclerc has said often and she stated it at the September Planning Board meeting that all signs in the commercial district need Zoning Board approval, but over and over that is not happening. Ms. Trow suggested the board should educate the public and take one part of the zoning ordinance and explain it and ask the editor of The Walpole Clarion if the article could appear in print. Instead Ms. Barnes suggested an article on the responsibilities of the Zoning Board of Adjustment be the focus of the article. Both Ms. Barnes and Ms. Mansouri volunteered to write an article.

Gravel Inspection Assignments.

RSA 155-E requires a town board to inspect gravel pits yearly. In the past few years it has been done by the Zoning Board of Adjustment during the fall months and before daylight savings time ends. This year the assignments are:

Hodgkin: Old Drewsville Road – Tom Murray and Dave Edkins

Eurovia: Cold River Materials – Jan Leclerc and Myra Mansouri

Tim Graves; Wentworth Road – Judy Trow and Pauline Barnes

Industrial Park: now owned by Cold River Bridges  – Ernie Vose. In an email from Sarah Downing she said the excavation intent was closed out on 8/10/2020. Cold River Bridges did not file an intent to finish out last year and haven’t filed an intent to excavate this year.

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

ZBA Secretary

cc: ZBA, WPB, Town Offices, The Walpolean

Posted: Inside Town Hall, on the bulletin board outside the Post Office, http://www.walpolenh.us                                                                               Next regular meeting October 20, 2021.                  

WALPOLE COMMUNITY POWER COMMITTEE

Will be holding a 

PUBLIC MEETING

OCTOBER 13, 2021 @ 7 P.M. 

WALPOLE TOWN HALL

The Walpole Community Power Committee be giving a presentation to discuss: CHEAPER POWER, CLEANER POWER & LOCAL CONTROL.

Walpole Town Clerk’s Office

Will be CLOSED

Wednesday, October 13^th and Thursday, October 14^th

SAVE THESE DATES

CUB SCOUT PACK 299 & BOY SCOUT TROOP 299

SCOUTING FOR FOOD DRIVE

November 6^th 2021 from 8 am to 12 pm we will be handing out information tags at the following locations:

  Walpole Post Office

Walpole Recycling Center

Tractor Supply

Shaw’s

November 13^th 2021 from 8 am to 12 pm we will be at the above locations collecting non-perishable food items (NO GLASS PLEASE) and monetary donations.  Pet food is also greatly appreciated.

All food and monetary donations go directly to the Fall Mountain Food Shelf.

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

Staff Present:                Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Justin Sanctuary (Police Chief); Ben Hoy (Recycling/Reuse Center Director); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director); Jane Malmberg (Library Director); Meghan Hansson (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); Regina Borden (Recording Secretary)

Staff Excused:   Michael Rau (Road Agent/Highway Department); Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director);

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Staff Meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  She thanked everyone for attending.  We are all back to wearing masks again. Therefore, everyone was asked to speak loudly.  This meeting was being recorded.

Police Department:  Police Chief Justin Sanctuary had sent in their usual draft for the period of August 16, 2021, through September 15, 2021.  They had 458 Total Calls; Criminal Investigations – 127; Public Safety – 195; Motor Vehicle – 136.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked what a typical call for service example is.  Chief Sanctuary explained it is any call that is for service; it is needed for police but not an emergency.  Emergency calls are responded to but are “911”.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned the titles do not agree. At the top of the box it states, “Calls for Service” but at the bottom it states, “Total Public Safety CFS”.  Chief Sanctuary reported they are trying to utilize the radar unit more this year.  They are trying to make sure the officers are in prime locations at the busy times.  On Old Main Street coming toward the Village, 71% of all vehicles were traveling under 25 MPH; 4% were more than 35 MPH. They had a lot of complaints about County Road near the Surry line.  It will be up there for another week.  It averages 548 cars a day.  Eight percent (8%) were traveling more than 45 MPH.  They have issued tickets and there were several DUIs.  One 80 MPH vehicle was in a 35 MPH posted area.  Sixty percent (60%) of the vehicles were traveling between 25 and 35 MPH.  They are currently on Prospect Hill.  Mr. Dalessio noted the question is what do they do?  Chief Sanctuary replied they have officers on County Road during certain hours.  Mrs. Pschirrer had a comment on Old North Main Street.  People were coming to a “Stop” sign, so they slowed down; put it on the other side of the road when people are going out of Town, plus there is truck traffic.     

Chief Sanctuary requested that people call them if they have complaints.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned having more signs showing the speed limit in Town. It is 35 MPH other than where posted differently.       

Finance Office:  Mr. Rich Kreissle submitted the following report dated September 23, 2021.

Budget:

The budget meeting was held on September 10 to establish a base line budget.  It went well.  During the remainder of the year, it will be tweaked as discussions continue and numbers are firmed up.  For example, the amounts for various insurances and professional association dues for the following year usually determined at in the 4^th quarter of the year.

One result of the meeting was a request by the board for him to create an encumbrance “cheat sheet” to provide written guidance as to what encumbrances are and what’s required for funds to be encumbered.

Peterborough:

As most of you have heard Peterborough suffered a cyber-attack which cost them $2.3 million.  In a series of e-mails claiming to be from the Conval School District and the contractor working on a major bridge repair project, Finance personnel for the town gave were told that Conval had changed their bank routing number.  A payment of $1.2 million to Conval was stolen along with payments to the bridge contractor.  Peterborough discovered the theft when Conval called looking for payment.

The upshot of it all:

• Peterborough failed to follow their own procedures in confirming when a vendor changes banks.
• Though they have recovered just under $700,000, their insurance may not cover the rest.
• There are only two vendors that Walpole pays electronically because we are required to.
• Sarah and he participated in a Zoom meeting sponsored by Cheshire County to further educate ourselves about cyber-security.

Encumbering Funds

What is Encumbering:

Encumbering funds is a means by which budgeted items from the current year can be expended in the following year.  When funds are encumbered, the expenditure is recognized in the current year even though the funds are disbursed in the following year.  Funds are encumbered as the Town approaches the end of its budget year.

What can be Encumbered.

Encumbrances are limited to those purchases for which some type of contract (quotes, proposals, etc.) are used to initiate purchase.  They are not typically used for regular expenditures found within the operating budget (wages, office supplies, utilities, etc.). The reliance upon contract gives evidence that the transaction was committed to in the current budget year but will not be completed until the following year.

How long can funds be Encumbered.

Unless an individual warrant article is treated as non-lapsing article, funds can only be encumbered for one year.  Non-lapsing warrant articles can be encumbered up to five years.

What is needed to Encumber funds.

Because the encumbering of funds is restricted to larger purchases the following documents are required before those funds can be encumbered:

• A purchase order signed by both the department manager and the Selectboard

The purchase order must contain the following information

            Name of vendor

            What’s being purchased

            The estimated amount of the item being purchased

            Any deposit requirement

            The general ledger account against which the item is to be posted

                        (Finance can supply this number for you)

            The amount by which the item cannot exceed

A written indication that the manager wishes to have this purchase encumbered

against the current budget

• The quote or proposal signed by both the vendor and department manager
• Any purchase order/quote/proposal without a specific dollar amount will not be encumbered.

Any questions regarding the encumbering of funds should be directed to finance.

Ms. Mayberry explained the benefit of encumbering funds is so that you can still spend the dollars in the year in which they are allocated even if you can’t get the project done that year. Encumbering carries funds into the next fiscal year. It allows you to use the funds that were appropriated in prior year in the following year. The deadline is December 31st. It is good to know that this will allow you to allocate those funds without including them in the next year’s budget because they will not be approved until the following March after Town Meeting.

Walpole Library:  Mrs. Jane Malmberg presented their September 2021 Report:

Collection Development:

They have been using Better World Books to sell/recycle books they weed from their collection.  This service seems set up to work best for larger libraries who do much more weeding than they do as they have not been able to send them enough saleable titles to earn any kind of rebate check (their minimum requirement is $50 resale value each quarter which they never meet).  She has signed them up for a new program from Baker & Taylor for selling/recycling their discarded titles that will give them 15% credit for every book they resell.  There is no minimum requirement, they can easily track the credit they have earned and apply it to future orders. There is no cost for shipping.  So far, they have earned $20 of credit.

Programming:

Storytimes continue outdoors weather permitting.  Monday’s knitting continues to have good attendance.  They did not have any takers for this month’s Friday adult craft program, but plan to ramp up their advertising for next month.  The Thursday morning Library Book Club resumes on September 30, at 12 noon.  Future plans include Coding Club for kids in grades 2-5 on Tuesdays in North Walpole and Wednesdays at the main library (starting in October), a mini-pumpkin decorating contest in October, and three author talks: Anders Morley on October 5^th, Alice Fogel on October 25^th, and Bill Ranauro in November (TBD).  They also plan to resume their Saturday Book Club where the participants have the choice to pick from 3-4 books with a central theme.  Several staff members will take turns leading this book group – they will begin in November.

North Walpole:

They continue to have anywhere from 2-6 visitors most days and have seen three families with children.  They have not made plans for story time yet – they are planning to see what happens with Coding Club first.  The fire extinguisher has been replaced.

ARPA Grant:

She submitted her final report for the ARPA grant they received.  Feedback from patrons has been positive so far and statistics show increased circulation of Launchpads and good use of the Universal Class service.  She has applied for a grant from the Association of Small and Rural Libraries seeking funding for them to purchase their own additional copies of downloadable books and audiobooks on Overdrive so that more of the new and popular books will be available without such long wait times.

Policy:

The Library has adopted a new policy for photography/filming in the library.  It can be found on the library’s website.  Due to the increased spread of Covid in the past month, they have decided to again require masks for everyone, regardless of vaccination status, inside the library.  They feel that this is the only way they can continue to offer programs and services inside safely.

Their Monthly Library Statistics – Bridge Memorial Library – Library Visits & Hours Open for August 2020 and August 2021 plus % Change were attached. 

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Helen Dalbeck presented the Director’s Report for September 2021.

School Programs and School Gardens:  School has started.  Mrs. Whippie is working four days a week in the classrooms and Mrs. Dalbeck is working three days.  They are harvesting each week and delivering what they have grown to the Walpole Elementary School Kitchen, which then serves all three schools. 

Harvest and gardening lessons have begun in pre-K – 4, 5^th grade is all about late season pollinators and migration.  The 7^th grade focus is new this year is with an “Ecosystem Series”, based at the Mill Pond, their outdoor classroom.

High School Work Program:  The final, final numbers are in.  Their 9 students worked 914 hours between 6/21 – 8/21/21 costing $6,855.  This summer, the NH Charitable Foundation granted them $3,000 towards this program.

Outreach and Marketing:  September, October Clarion plus many, many Facebook posts, school families, Fall Festival, and garden presentation posters.  Marketing distribution lists are expanding to include the conservation and farm to table community, community gardeners statewide, The Shopper listings and ads with added help from their Library, their schools, and friends at Distant Hill.

Facility and Land:  A group of volunteers have done some major clean-up of the Hooper front yard and gardens, building, and shed edges.  Thanks to Jackie Caserta and Sue Nadeau who led this effort and the over dozen volunteers that happily did the work.  The new sign work is ongoing.  They have settled on the design, size, placement, and she is waiting on an estimate.

Administration/Special Events and Programs and Friends:  It’s been all about the 1^st Annual FALL FESTIVAL with the help FOHI, Community Garden members, HI staff, HI board members, generous community donors, the Women of Walpole, and the Firehouse cook-out crew.  She could still use some volunteers the day of the event.  If you would like to be part of the fun, please call 756-4382.

Development:  Ongoing, on all fronts.  She is hoping 2022 will be the breakthrough year they need to support all their mission driven and exceptional programs.

Walpole Community Garden:  The “Garden Tour and Seed Saving” talk was held on September 11.  Next up is “Garlic Planting with Fritze Till”, October 16, 10 am.

Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office:  Mrs. Meghan Hansson submitted the following report dated September 23, 2021.

• Tax payments continued to come in ($34,654) – most were late payments on 2021 tax

bills (-$25,000).  Also, one supplemental warrant was collected for land use change ($8,500).

• Town Clerk collected about $88,066, out of which Walpole receives $67,833.
• 407 vehicles were registered since our last meeting.  Only 4 more boats were registered!
• The Deputy and Mrs. Hansson attended NHCTCA Town Clerk training September 8-10 in North Conway, NH.  Training covered the departments of VV, Title, Elections, and Vital Records.  They also saw vendor displays and were able to network with others.
• Software modules were installed on the server to service the Motor Vehicles computers, making them faster and providing access to updated information on vehicles, which can affect the amount of money the town gets during a vehicle’s registration process.
• They are also looking at the possibility of accepting payment for taxes by credit card.  The vast majority of towns in NH do accept credit card payment.
• Have created the first draft of her department budget for the upcoming year.
• They are considering changes to their office hours in the near future that will notably extend their late day hours.  (At least one morning a week the office will open to the public at 7 am.)
• The back door to the office has been replaced. In the process a great deal of rot was discovered, which required replacement of siding, sill, flooring, in addition to the door jamb.

Ms. Mayberry thanked Mrs. Hansson for considering some flexible hours opening earlier one morning and staying later one night.  Some residents will be very appreciative.  She is also looking forward to having a mail slot for payments on the outside of the building. 

Recycling/Reuse Center:  Mr. Ben Hoy submitted his September Staff Meeting Report.

They hosted an NRRA meeting with several solid waste operators from around the state September 8^th.  NH the beautiful Recycling Grant application information submitted to us for the acquisition of new storage trailer(s).  Town of Walpole must provide a minimum of 50% of total cost for new recyclable commodity trailer(s) if grant is approved.

Walpole recycling plastic video is complete and had many views on you tube and NRRA website.  Thanks to Eric Merklein and Tara Sadd for helping get the word out about how they recycle plastic in Walpole!  They would like to post the plastic recycling video on the Town of Walpole website.  Ms. Mayberry posted the video link on the North Walpole Forum. It was wonderful.

Concrete pad has been poured giving them a much easier work area to move and alternate heavy trash trailers with the bobcat. 

Their daily weights are about 30,000 pounds more than the average daily weight three years ago.  Right now, cardboard is worth more than steel.  NRRA made lots of suggestions on options.    

Selectboard Office Report:  Mrs. Sarah Downing submitted a report dated August 19, 2021.

Facilities Update:

• The new water fountain with a water bottle filler was installed in the Town Hall first floor hallway on the last day of August.
• The install of the exterior back door of the Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office is occurring.
• A large area of rotten siding with sill decay was discovered when the TC-TC office door was being installed.  Emergency repairs are occurring.  The back entry deck will be removed and replaced with individual stairs to reduce future moisture damage this area.
• A small utility trailer has been purchased to haul items such as fall leaves and debris.  It is stored at the Recycling Center and can be used by Town departments.
• LED replacement lights were installed in the south stairway to the second floor.
• The handrails for the south entrance ramp and stairs were repainted.

Many thanks to Brad Nash for assisting or completing the above projects.

Human Resources:

On Tuesday, October 12^th, the Aflac insurance representative will be meeting with employees that need assistance with claim submissions.  He will also be hosting a lunch for employees interested in hearing about optional insurances including life, serious medical, gap insurance for short and long-term disability and additional vision coverage.

Planning for an Appreciation Lunch for employees and a virtual presentation by Health Trust to review health insurance coverage/programs and wellness offerings are in process.  The tentative date for the Appreciation Lunch is Tuesday, Oct. 19^th.  The tentative date for the Health Trust hybrid presentation is Friday Nov. 12^th.  The presentation will be displayed on the large LED screen in the main meeting room to an in-person group.

The deadline date to complete the online Harassment Awareness Training module is December 31, 2021.  Each employee will need to register on the Primex website.  An instruction sheet will be sent to all employees.  The Selectboad Office has an extra computer station and a headset for those that need assistance during worktime hours to complete the training.  The online training takes approximately 60 minutes.  Primex training certificates are to be sent to the Selectboard Office when the training module is completed.

Highway Department:  Mr. Michael Rau was unable to attend but submitted the following September 2021 report:

            While highway crews continue clean up and repair efforts from the end of July floods; many phone calls, meetings, and paperwork have been taking place in hope to receive federal funding for the storm damages to help offset costs.  We had FEMA join us for two days to evaluate all damage in town to determine if Walpole qualifies for relief funds.  Emergency permits were applied for to repair major structural damage to roads that have been temporarily fixed in or order to allow travel.  This process has many layers involved to be sure that the proper steps are taken to withstand future events, but also maintain the integrity of the environment around the damaged area.  This is an ongoing process that involved meeting with the Army Corp Engineer to evaluate and formulate a blueprint for proper construction.

            They are hoping to wrap up the Elm Street Road construction project within the next few weeks.  With limited time between now and winter, some projects that had to be delayed, as well as fall and winter preparations will need to be done prior to snow fall.

Recreation Department:  Mr. Kraig Harlow was unable to attend but submitted the Update 9/23/21.

Pool:

• The pool closed on Saturday, August 28^th.
• The pool house had its water heaters and meter pit replaced through a warrant article this year.
• The ADA Chair was replaced, and the cost of replacement was $5,745.
• The pool cover was also repaired over the summer which cost $4,167.
• Eric Franklin is replacing the pool roof which costs $15,200, through a warrant article this year.

Soccer:

• Soccer season started on September 13^th.
• The program has two PK teams, three U6 teams, three U8 teams, and two U11 teams.
• There are about 80 children signed up to play and teams are organized as co-ed teams.
• Teams were sponsored by Home Away from Home, EE Houghton Co., Craig Vickers State Farm Insurance Agency, Salon 488, Latham Electric, ServePro, WW Building, and Walpole Savings Bank.
• Practices and games will be held at Walpole Primary School and Walpole Elementary School.
• This year they provided portable toilets in with Walpole Elementary School through Allard’s Portable Toilets in Charlestown.
• This year the program generated roughly $1,200 this year.

Tennis Court:

• Wilson & Lawrence came and repaired their tennis courts for $6,924 and was covered through encumbered funds from last year.

Community Events:

• Walpole Recreation will be showing the movie Tom and Jerry on September 24^th (rain date October 1^st) at Whitcomb Park and the movie Coco on October 15^th (rain date October 22^nd) at North Walpole Park.

Masks:  Replying to a question from an employee regarding the wearing of masks during the workday, Ms. Mayberry advised that last week the Selectboard agreed that for all public meetings and events inside the Town Hall, masks are required to be worn inside the building. They agreed that at this time they would not require masks to be worn by all employees while at work but that they would encourage it especially if they are in tight quarters and cannot distance well.  Masks are now required at all public meetings and gatherings within the Town Hall. They encourage everyone to wear masks as the COVID count is increasing in the County. They will let the staff know if there are any changes to the mask requirement.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry thanked everyone for attending this meeting.  The next Staff Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 21, 2021, at 5:00 PM.  She looks forward to seeing everyone then.  She adjourned this meeting at 5:58 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Public Hearing to order at 6:01 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  Also present was Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were three members of the public in attendance. 

Ms. Mayberry advised that this Public Hearing is to Request Funds from the Unassigned Fund Balance to Repair Roadways, Bridges and related Infrastructure.  The Notice of Public Hearing was read as follows:

TOWN OF WALPOLE, NH

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 AT 6:00 PM

To Request Funds from the Unassigned Fund

Balance to Repair Roadways, Bridges and

Related infrastructure

You are hereby notified that the Walpole Selectboard will host a public meeting on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall to discuss the proposal to use the unassigned fund balance to fund necessary roadway repairs due to the stormwater damage from the July 29^th storm.

Ms. Mayberry opened the Public Hearing for comments or questions.

A resident noted that the work on Cold River Road needs to be done before it snows.  Mr. Dalessio replied it will be done before it snows.  They are waiting for material to come in as there is a 6-to-8 week lead time which takes the Town into the end of October to mid-November.  They are doing that with current existing funds.  

Mr. Jody Spivey mentioned the funding.  There is a lot of damage throughout the area.  How is that going to work with disbursing funds?  Ms. Mayberry advised they have a list of identified projects and are waiting for some FEMA money.  They need to determine how much funding they will have.  Now they are fixing the immediate roadways that have to be done.  Mr. Dalessio pointed out that this is federal money.  Within the last week or so the Governor just declared this a federal emergency disaster and requested that the federal government release money for that.  FEMA declared $2.3 million dollars of damage in Walpole.  How much of that comes back is a question.  We want to take some of the Unassigned Fund Balance now so they can get started on some of the major repairs. They know for example that School Street/Union Street/Main Street area is a disaster by itself.  That is what they are trying to do with the Unassigned Fund Balance.  Some of it may come back or it may not but they want to get started with engineering work now rather than waiting for FEMA funds. It might take six months to a year to come back.  Mr. Dalessio noted they will be trying to hire a consultant to help them identify and apply for programs that are out there.  It will be a challenge to find and hire an engineering consultant.  He has called some firms who simply told him to call back sometime next year as they are already busy working on projects.  The purpose of the meeting tonight is to authorize the Selectboard to move forward with using the Unassigned Fund Balance. Mr. Spivey said that “makes sense”. Mr. Dalessio said it will not cost much money to borrow it. 

Mrs. Pschirrer reported that when FEMA was here two weeks ago, they said it would be months before they finished their report and made the money available to the Town.  They talked about the process and expected us to get an emergency permit to repair a road such as Mill Road, which they are already working on, and then apply for money to mitigate the problem so that it does not happen again.  That is a separate amount of money.  It is complicated and frustrating.

Ms. Mayberry advised that our goal is not just to repair and mitigate later, but rather to try to mitigate as a part of the repair process and pay for it all at one time even if it will cost a little bit more. Address the problem the first time around and not do a patch job or temporary fix only to take it apart and do it over.  It seems like a waste of resources and money.  Mrs. Pschirrer thinks that is what we are doing on Cold River Road.  Mr. Dalessio said that is specific to Cold River Road; fix it right.  Ms. Mayberry said for the additional $2,000 we would rather fix it right the first time.

Pamela O’Hara advised that the Cold River Road culvert has a rough life with all the sand and gravel trucks traveling on it.  Mr. Dalessio mentioned they should be fixing the guardrail if they have not done it already.  Ms. O’Hara said they are working on the old school bus stop right now.  Mr. Dalessio advised the culvert was on their list of projects to do before the July 29^th storm.  The storm was ahead of them about two weeks.  They then decided to upgrade the culvert by making it bigger. 

Ms. Mayberry asked if there were any other comments or clarifications.  There were none. 

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize this Board to sign the letter to the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue Administration indicating that no one has objected to our using the Unassigned Fund Balance. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Public Hearing.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, Ms. Mayberry declared this Public Hearing closed at 6:13 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  Also present was Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.  This meeting was being recorded. 

PUBLIC HEARING:  Ms. Mayberry advised that the first Agenda item is a Public Hearing to “Request Funds from the Unassigned Fund Balance for the Repair of Roadways, Bridges and Related Infrastructure.”  The Minutes of this meeting are separate as they will be sent to the Department of Revenue Administration Commissioner. They are also available to the public.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (b) Hiring.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 6:15 PM.

This meeting resumed at 6:42 PM.

Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 23, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

Ms. Mayberry continued this Selectboard meeting at 6:43 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  There were eleven members of the public in attendance.

PUBLIC BUSINESS:

Whipple Hill Road Petition and Access Concerns:  Ms. Mayberry read the following Petition that was received on September 22, 2021, and was signed by twelve (12) Town residents.

Petition to the Walpole Selectboard

“We the listed residents owning property along Whipple Hill Road in Walpole, object to the privately installed gates placed within the public right-of-way of Whipple Hill Road.  As these gates were installed without authorization of the Walpole Selectboard, are unsightly and interfere with public use of the Town highway, we implore the Walpole Selectboard to immediately remove or compel the removal of the gates.

Thank you for your anticipated attention to this reasonable request for action.”

Ms. Mayberry opened this portion of the meeting to the public for comments.

Mr. Larry Leclerc lives at 721 County Road.  It is a farm owned by Jan Galloway-Leclerc, Joan Galloway, himself plus other family members.  They have property on Rapids Road that is accessible by Whipple Hill.  The gates are a big hindrance especially with farm equipment. They are set-up so they look like they are locked.  He has had people tell him they tried to go from Whipple Hill to Rapids Road and the gates are locked.  It is unacceptable. People want to use that road for horseback riding so they would have to get off their horse, open the gate, pull it forward and then close the gate.  One gate is right at the end of the Spivey driveway.  There is a bridge on Rapids Road where the approach for the bridge got washed out on the July 29^th rain storm.  He talked to Mr. Rau this morning who said it was okay to fix it so people could use Rapids Road. Mr. Rau suggested he check with the Selectboard for the go-ahead.   Cold River Materials will donate the materials to fix the access to the bridge.  On the Pelsue Road there is a big berm that was put there with the approval of the Selectboard or Road Agent.  It was hard to get over it with a snowmobile, etc.  It is also a Class VI Road.  Mr. Leclerc would like to talk to Mr. Rau about what the Snowmobile Club has to do on the Pelsue Road   How far back do they have to go to cut brush from the center right-of-way of the Class VI road.  Nothing else will be affected.   Ms. Mayberry advised they will have to get back to Mr. Leclerc.

Mr. Jason Perron stated that none of these Class VI roads are subject to gates and bars; right. Mrs. Pschirrer replied “not that they are aware of”.  Mr. Perron said then none of this should have been done on this road.  Historically for recreation, Fish & Game would stock game in that area but because of him they no longer do this.  He is trying to end this classic Town.  Ms. Mayberry commented under the “Right to Know” or the “Freedom of Information Act” any resident at any time can ask for that information. It is not one person that has made that request of the Town.  She would caution him to be kind in his words and to be factual.  Mr. Perron understands that but this was his opinion.

Mr. Lew Shelley said that a few questions that come up for him are: Do all the abutters have to agree to having gates installed on a Class VI road?  It is a long road with access from two ends.  Mr. Dalessio said a lot of his questions asked tonight are the same ones the Selectboard is waiting for answers from the Town attorney.  They are not responding because of Attorney-Client communications.  Ms. Mayberry noted they just want to give the public an opportunity to say what is on their mind.  She communicated with the attorney yesterday. There is a similar case that he would like the opportunity to see what the judgment was.  He is trying to get that information.  They appreciate hearing their comments and questions.  Mr. Shelley made a few other comments.  As farmers face the challenge of moving machinery through the gates, it should also be noted that rescues may be impacted if access is a concern.  Following upon the previous question, winter access cannot be impeded according to the laws regarding gates and bars.  Should the gates remain, the law states that the road must remain passable all year long.  He is concerned that snow will be plowed in such a way that the gate can’t be opened or closed properly. Mr. Dalessio said that the road needs to remain open year round.  People go in there with snowmobiles and emergency vehicles need access if someone gets hurt.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted it is a public road.  Mr. Shelley’s concern is if this continues it may set a precedent for other people living on class VI roads to follow.  Ms. Mayberry noted we are still looking into this.  They want to be fair and thorough according to the law.  At this time we need to wait before they make any firm decisions.   

Mr. Larry Leclerc stated that Walpole is a unique place, a wonderful Village that people love to come to.  We have a big network of all kinds of different people.  He believes Walpole has the most dairy farms left in the State. There is hunting and walking on the Class VI roads.  We do it for everyone to enjoy.  These bars and gates are taking the character out of Walpole.  Mr. Leclerc asked if they can fill in the ramp/approach for the bridge he previously mentioned. They need to get it fixed for access.   Mrs. Pschirrer has no problem with them fixing it especially after she saw pictures of the damage.   The Selectboard approved this request to fix the access to the bridge.               

Veterans’ Memorial on the Common:  Mr. Bruce Martin wanted to discuss moving the inscription process to the Town.  The American Legion has dissolved in Walpole.  There are not many applications; this year there was one application. They have given the Town all of their money.  The applications could go into the Selectboard Office and the staff will have to determine how they want to process them.  He could spend some time working with them explaining how he did it.  Mrs. Pschirrer had a question as to how they verify if an individual was from Walpole and if they deserve to be on that monument.  Mr. Martin felt they could call on the people who lived here all their lives to confirm information.  Mrs. Downing noted they might have some information on file.  Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry agreed to take over the responsibility of the Veterans’ Memorial on the Common.  Ms. Mayberry thanked Mr. Martin for having done this over all the years; it is appreciated.   Mrs. Pschirrer expressed her sorrow that the dogwood tree did not last by the Memorial.  They are waiting for the tree report from the arborist.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the amount of $129,729.59 for checks issued September 24, 2021.  This includes a payment in the amount of $50,610.00 to the Fuzzy Brothers for repairs to Mill Road which experienced stormwater damage.  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 September 18, 2021, in the amount of $28,619.07 for checks dated September 24, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,541.09.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – September 16, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of September 16, 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 – September 16, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of September 16, 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.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• Conservation Commission Meeting Minutes – September 13, 2021;
• Planning Board Meeting Minutes – September 14, 2021;
• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting Minutes – September 15, 2021.

BUILDING PERMITS:

Permit #2021-36 – MAP and LOT #001-008-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit #2021-36 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #001-008-000 to construct a “36’ by 32’ Garage”.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs.  Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Permit #2021-37 – MAP and LOT #007-011-000:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to grant Building Permit #2021-37 for the owner(s) of Map and Lot #007-011-000 to add a “16’ by 10’ Front Porch”. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

ARPA Municipal Supplement:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to authorize Mr. Richard Kreissle, Manager of Finance, to be an authorized representative to sign the Cheshire County ARPA Municipal Supplement form.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Mill Pond and Other Town Dam Inspections: Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer attended the Dam Inspections.  Mr. Dalessio reported that Mill Pond is moving forward.  However, there are lots of issues with Reservoir Dam.  He expects to see a report in about a month. 

Discretionary Preservation Easement Deed:  Ms. Mayberry advised this is for Tax Map 5, Lot 1 owned by the Caserta Trust.  Mrs. Pschirrer feels it is a good Discretionary Preservation Easement Deed.  After it is signed, the Town will record it in the Registry of Deeds.  It will be assessed at 50% of its value.  It does not automatically renew.  The Selectboard acknowledged and approved the Discretionary Preservation Easement Deed for the Caserta Trust.   

Arborclimb Quote for Trees on Common/Town Hall Properties:  The Selectboardis anxious to see the quote from Arborclimb.  Ms. Mayberry summarized the discussion by stating that if the report is not here by Friday, Oct. 1^st, Mrs. Downing will follow-up with them.

Masksin Municipal Buildings’ Public Spaces:  Ms. Mayberry reported that last week the Selectboard agreed to require the wearing of masks during public meetings.  She asked if they want to be renting out the Town Hall.  If so, they should charge a cleaning fee.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted one rental request that came in is from a family who rent the Town Hall each year for a holiday family gathering.  Mr.  Dalessio pointed out it is the size of the group.  Mrs. Pschirrer would charge them a clean-up fee but also request that they sign a Waiver of Liability.  They will be required to wear masks.  Ms. Mayberry advised that masks will be required for any group being in the Town Hall and should be distanced where appropriate.  There will be a cleaning fee for families who rent the Town Hall plus they will be required to sign a Waiver of Liability.  Boy Scouts and other groups can continue to use the Town Hall but they have to meet the mask requirement.     

Pending Further Actions:

Vilas Bridge, Houghton Brook Bridge, Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Avenue and Bensonwood:  There were no updates at this meeting.

NEW BUSINESS:

Cemetery Deed D536:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the sale and to sign the Cemetery Deed for Lot D536.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Recreation Department Revolving Fund Request – Hockey Rink:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Recreation Department’s Revolving Fund Request to purchase a EZ Hockey Rink for the amount of $4,790.  This will provide winter activities for the community such as hockey and skating.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Recreation Department Revolving Fund Request – Storage Shed:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Recreation Department’s Revolving Fund Request to purchase a 10 ft by 20 ft Storage Shed for the amount of $6,094.  This will be used to hold equipment such as basketballs, soccer goals, soccer balls and other outdoor equipment that their sport programs use. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.  

NH DOT Public Hearings for Ten (10) Year Plan:  There will be a NH Department of Transportation Public Hearing for the Ten (10) Year Plan on Tuesday, October 5^th, 2021, at 7:00 PM in Keene at the Recreation Center.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) is going to meet on Monday to talk about the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Intermodal Transportation (GACIT) meetings.  People will be able to go to speak on the transportation concerns they have.

Farmers’ Market on Common:  There will be a Farmers’ Market on the Common on Saturday, November 20, 2021.  The Town Hall bathroom access will be available from 10:00AM to 2:00PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry, the meeting was adjourned at 7:41 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

SELECTBOARD MEETING AGENDA

September 30, 2021

Starting at 6:30 PM in the Town Hall

SELECTBOARD MEETING

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

• Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $502,602.60 for checks issued 10/01/21

PAYROLL

• Payroll Register totaling $29,532.20 dated 10/01/21 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $5,795.64

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES

• Selectboard Public Hearing – September 23, 2021
• Staff Meeting – September 23, 2021
• Selectboard Minutes – September 23, 2021
• Non-Public Session Selectboard Minutes – September 23, 2021

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Library Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes – September 14, 2021

OLD BUSINESS

• NH DRA Approval Letter for Emergency Expenditures
• Quitclaim Deed for Map and Lot# 009-024-000
• Quitclaim Deed for Map and Lot# 024-005-000
• Request for Encumbrance for $89,500 for Painting of Town Hall
• Request for Encumbrance for $15,900.00 for Repair of 2^nd Floor Ceiling in Town Hall
• Community Power Coalition Public Meeting Notice
• Meeting with the Trustee of Trust Funds
• The Restaurant at Burdicks Outdoor Dining Request

Pending Further Actions

Vilas Bridge, Houghton Brook Bridge, Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Avenue and Bensonwood

NEW BUSINESS

• Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Change of Office Hours
• Tax Deeding Protocol
• NH Agency Directors’ Presentation re: Funding Opportunities for Storm Water Disaster Recovery & Mitigation
• Walpole Schools’ Halloween Parade and Elm Street
• NHMA Conference
• Avitar Notice for 2022 Utility Rates

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