The Walpolean

The Walpole Historical Society will open for visitors on Saturday, August 14, from noon to 4 pm with new exhibits in newly refurbished galleries. All visitors are welcome and, as always, there is no charge to visit the museum.

Visitors will be met with some of the most interesting and distinctive objects representing the heritage of the Walpole community.  The museum has been the scene of much activity during the quiet months of this past winter and spring, so that the amazingly varied holdings in the collections can be presented. The first floor galleries have been plastered, painted, and polished.  Artifacts have been conserved and display systems updated.

Objects on display range from the 1700s to the present day – made of wood, silver, china, paint, paper, steel, silk, cotton, and iron – fashioned into furniture, musical instruments, weapons, clothing, plates, cutlery, tools, paintings, and statues. The thousands of objects in the collections recount the commercial, agricultural, governmental, residential, artistic, literary, and religious history of Walpole in both flourishing and challenging times.

The shop at the museum will also be open during museum hours, offering candles and napkins, maple syrup from the McGill Farm, as well as postcards, pictures, books and other items.  There are also some surprise additions and great values for the home, children, and gifts.

The Walpole Historical Society will remain open every Saturday from August 14 through October 9. Visits at other times can be arranged by contacting walpolehistoricalsociety@gmail.com. Updated information can always be found at www.walpolehistory.com.  Volunteers to help staff the museum are always welcome. Parking is available behind the museum. 

Alyson’s Farm Stand Opens with Pick Your-Own Peaches on Saturday, July 31st

Here is the news you all have been waiting for!   The Farm Stand at Alyson’s Orchard will open on Saturday for the season — daily from 9AM-6PM  — and we have Peaches!   The farm store will be stocked with apple, blueberry & peach pies, chicken pot pies, and lots of local goodies like maple syrup, jam, honey, and cheese.  A mask is now optional but the number of guests in the store at one time is limited to 8.   As in the past, we are doing everything we can to keep you safe.

You can pick-your-own Peaches for $10/ ½ peck, $20/peck or $40/ half bushel box.   Also available are pre-picked peaches at the farm stand by the 2-quart box for $12.99, or by the pound for $2.69.  There won’t be any “seconds” available for a few weeks.   PYO Blueberries are also available for $3/pint or pre-picked for $4.50/pint.  It’s easy picking and many bushes are a “kid friendly” height.

Bring your family and enjoy the beauty of the orchard while you pick, or pick-up, some healthy, delicious fruit.  Check out the farm stand, take a walk, enjoy the children’s playground, and visit the little goats.  Alyson’s Orchard is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a day outdoors with friends & family… be sure to visit us soon! 

by Ray Boas

The summer is almost gone it appears, but it is time to share another issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION on-line with you. August can now be read and enjoyed by CLICKING THIS LINK, or the front page below.

Roll Call: Present: Chair Jan Leclerc, Vice-Chair Myra Mansouri, Clerk Tom Murray, Board Member Pauline Barnes. Absent: Board Member Ernie Vose, Alternates Don Sellarole, Judy Trow and Dave Edkins.

Minutes: Recording Marilou Blaine. This meeting was recorded. These minutes are unapproved and will be approved at the August 2021 meeting for correction, additions and/or omissions.

Meeting Opened:  Chair Jan Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.

Minutes: Ms Barnes had four corrections. At the bottom of page one, last sentence Ms. Barnes said she did not say this and couldn’t remember who did say it. It was changed to “a Board member said.’ The word “breaks” should be changed to “brakes” in two places – page two last paragraph and page 3, third sentence. On page 4, sixth paragraph Ms. Barnes said she was comparing the ordinances in Conway and Walpole concluding that both towns had permissive ordinances, but that wasn’t what was conveyed in the minutes. It was decided to strike the last eight lines from that paragraph.

Old Business:

Mark Stevens, Watkins Hill Road, former home of John and Peggy Stevens, salvaging and/or demolition.

Six months ago it was voted by the ZBA Board that Mr. Stevens could have six more months to get rid of everything in the house, as well as demolish it. The house has been vacant for 10 years and he has built another one on the property. Zoning ordinance allows only one dwelling on a lot. Last week he sent an email to the Board asking for another extension and a spot on the Board’s July meeting agenda.

 He wrote “I regret to say that we won’t be able to meet the July 20 deadline for demolition of my parents’ house. An expert friend and I have put in three solid months, at least 35 hours a week apiece, on the job of stripping the surfaces down to the salvageable materials. We wrapped up that work a few days ago (leaving only the roof shingles in place to keep out the rain). Our hope now is to find someone who would disassemble the entire standing structure. People have been coming to look it over for three weeks now, but we haven’t yet gotten an offer, so this week we’ll put an ad up on Craigslist. I hope the board will appreciate that we’ve done our best, though it’s certainly taken longer than anyone anticipated.“

Mr. Stevens said the home was built in 1774. It is a cape-style house and later a barn – either built in 1774 or shortly before – was added to the back of the house to make it larger. Stevens’ grandmother lived there and the John and Peggy Stevens family moved to that location when Mark Stevens was 15 years old. The family had been living in the Peter Kosen home on Alstead Center Road. Mr. Stevens sent three photographs of what he and his friend had accomplished. However, the photos showed an old post and beam house that had a lot of beams and boards that were in very good condition and might be worth something to someone. So now the thought is to try and find someone who would like to purchase the boards and if that’s not possible, the home will be demolished.

Mr. Stevens said he reached out to the person who did the work on removing the barn on North Main

Street but he wasn’t interested. Ms. Barnes suggested he contact NH Preservation Alliance saying that group may know someone who would be interested. He has contacted Chris Parker, who advertises in the Clarion, and that person is going to meet him this weekend. Ms. Mansouri said if that doesn’t work out then maybe he should put something in the classified section of local papers as well as The Hartford Courant.

Mr. Murray asked if he was still paying taxes on the place. Mr. Stevens said he was. Ms. Mansouri suggested he go to the Select Board and explain the situation so the taxes could be lower or removed since the house is now uninhabitable and no has been living there.

Ms. Leclerc asked if a time frame of one year from the meeting for removing the structure was suitable. Mr. Stevens said yes and Mr. Murray made a motion to extend the time frame for total removal of the former John and Peggy Stevens home on Watkins Hill Road for one year. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Ms. Mansouri made a motion to go into nonpublic session. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion passed. The Zoning Board went into nonpublic session at 7:20 pm. Ms. Mansouri voted to come out of nonpublic session at 7:40 pm. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Rooms and Meals Tax: Ms. Barnes said at the last meeting she was charged with looking up the status of House Bill No. 15 regarding collecting rooms and meals tax for internet transactions of short-term rentals and car rentals. She equated reading the bill to reading a foreign language so she contacted Lucy Weber, one of four representatives for District 2 in the NH Legislature. Ms. Weber helped her sort it out telling her that the bill has passed both houses of the legislature, but must go through the signing process before becoming law. The Secretary of State’s office is responsible for overseeing this process. It is now on the Speaker of the House’s desk who can sign it or not sign it. There is no time limit. If it’s signed, it then goes to the President of the Senate. That person may sign it or not sign it. If the bill is signed, it then goes to the governor who may sign it or not. If Mr. Chris Sununu doesn’t sign it or doesn’t veto it, the bill automatically becomes law after five days. Ms. Weber doesn’t know the governor’s intention but judging by the voting pattern in the legislature she said she thinks it has an even chance of becoming law.

Mr. Murray explained how renting cars worked, not from companies such as Avis or National, but from local people. He said there are apps for companies doing this and individuals sign up for these apps to rent their cars. It is the app company, not the individual, who is responsible for paying the tax to the state.

Webinar – Natch Greyes and Stephen Buckley

Ms. Barnes attended a Right to Know webinar attached as a webinar. Attendees were reminded that emails are government records. In a recent superior court case personal emails from a former board member were requested during the trial because they could contain board business that is pertinent to the case. The lawyers suggested it might be a good idea for boards to set up a separate email account solely for board business. 

Two ordinances to be placed on the warrant:

Last winter when boards were either canceling their meetings or meeting via zoom due to Covid, the Zoning Board voted to approve two ordinances that they want added to the signage section of the Walpole Ordinances document. The first of those ordinances was prompted by the Select Board. The ordinances are:

No. 1   Article lV

            D. Signs.

            3. Limitations

            Replace final paragraph with the following.

            Inflatable sings; wind-activated signs like 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.

            No. 2. This is a new ordinance and will be Article No. IV General Provisions, D. Signs,  No. 9, and ordinance Special Exceptions will move to No. 10.

            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 include announcement signs; real estate signs; community or civic event signs; political campaign signs pursuant to RSA 66d4; 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.

Two or three board members will attend the August 10 Planning Board and request a public hearing in September for the two sign ordinances.

Ms. Barnes made a motion to adjourn. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion passed.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

ZBA secretary

Posted: Minutes posted inside Town Hall, on the bulletin board outside the post office, The Walpolean, www.walpolenh.us

cc: ZBA, WPB, Town Offices.

The First Congregational Church will be having their much enjoyed Chicken BBQ on August 8th.  

Tickets are $7 for half chicken and $12 for a dinner which includes half chicken, potato salad, bean salad, roll and beverage.  

Pick up time is 5:00-6:00.   Tickets can be purchased at Galloway Real Estate or by calling Betty Prentiss 603-313-4801

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

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

Excused:           Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance)

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 by the Town.

Walpole Town Library:  Mrs. Jane Malmberg, Library Director, presented the following report dated July 2021:

They are continuing to see an uptick in visits to the library and materials checked out.  Their first two weeks at the North Walpole Library went well – they were open for 33 hours and had 40 visitors.  Circulation of items was 73.

Programming:

Summer Reading has gotten off to a good start.  They have 55 people registered for the reading challenge as of July 13^th.  They are still seeing the effects of Covid as far as program attendance goes.  Their most popular programs have been story times, the weekly Grafton Science Museum visits, Wildlife Adventures and the Teddy Bear Picnic.  They have not had a lot of interest in their Thursday and Saturday craft/activities.  Their final Adult Take & Make went out last week – they will be transitioning to a monthly in-person craft program starting in September.

They posted their first Facebook history mystery challenge last week, with Tina Galloway correctly guessing the identity/location of the object in the photo.  Their second photo will be posted on Thursday.

Lil DeCoste’s knitting group has resumed meeting in the library on Monday afternoons.  They will have a new Social Justice Discussion Group meeting on Wednesday evenings, once a month.

North Walpole Library:

They have a new rug for North Walpole.  The printer that was in the branch is in pretty rough shape.  She was able to get a laser printer that scans and copies from another library who was giving it away.  It prints nicely but only in black and white.  They are using that printer for staff, and the old printer is currently hooked up to the public PC.  She would like to purchase a new color ink jet printer to replace the old one – they do not need another laser jet – and they are not too expensive.  She did purchase a new bar code scanner to use in the branch as well.  She would also like to purchase a water cooler for patron and staff use.

Brad replaced an old lightbulb outside with a new LED bulb, as it was getting very hot and had melted the plastic cover over it.  He was able to replace the plastic cover as well with materials he had on hand.  There are two window handles that appear to be stripped and they are not able to open those windows.  She has informed NW Commissioners of this.

ARPA Grant: 

Their ARPA grant application was approved – notification was sent out at the end of June.  They have been awarded $3101 – $2101 for new Launchpads and $1,000 for the Universal Class subscription.  She has placed an order for the new Launchpads and will be ordering the Universal Class this week.  Once staff has had a chance to become familiar with this new service, (within the next week), she will issue a press release announcing the grant.

Friends of the Library:

The Friends of the Library plan to hold their book sale this fall and will begin taking donations at the chicken coop behind the Hungry Diner in August.

Policy/Procedures:

She has revised the Meeting Room Policy and the Disruptive Behavior Policy.  The revisions have been distributed to the members of the Board of Trustees for their approval.

Mrs. Downing has a color printer that they will not be using. The Selectboard felt it would be a good idea to donate it to the Library.  

Monthly Library Statistics for June 2020 and June 2021 were attached. 

Ms. Mayberry asked if there was a children’s section in North Walpole.  Mrs. Malmberg replied “yes” and they are adding more books.  Ms. Mayberry questioned if residents can use the Universal Class only at the Library.  Mrs. Malmberg said it will be accessible through the internet in homes as long as they are a Library card holder.   

Walpole Recreation Department:  Mr. Kraig Harlow, Recreation Director, had submitted the following report dated July 14, 2021:

Pool:

• The pool opened on Saturday, June 18^th;
• 14 lifeguards are returning and they have hired one new lifeguard.
• First sessions of swim lessons were all filled and they are offering a second session mid-July.
• The yard games that were added have been used a lot and been used by many children who are attending the basketball games.

Pool Maintenance & Repairs:

• The pool meter and hot water tanks were replaced by E.E. Houghton.
• They have purchased a new ADA pool chair at the price of $5,745 and it will be installed immediately.
• The pool cover has been quoted for repair at $4,176.  Repairs will cover 14 squared being replaced and 18 patches to cover small holes no less than 3” and one strap.

Summer Basketball:

• Grades K-2 Skill Development Basketball has been happening on Monday nights from 5:30 pm-6:45 pm at North Walpole School.  They currently have 25 children signed-up for this program.
• Grades 3-4 3v3 Basketball League has been happening on Thursday nights from 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm outside of the Walpole Elementary School and have 12 children signed up for this program.
• Grades 5-8 Walpole Summer Basketball League and games have been played on Monday and Wednesday nights at Whitcomb Park.  They currently have 66 children signed up for this program.

Soccer Camp:

• Coach Ray Curren has been coaching soccer camp this week from 9am to 12:30pm at the soccer fields at the Walpole Elementary School.
• The camp has 16 children signed up for grades PK-2, 4 children for grades 3-5, and 6 children for grades 6-8.

Community Events:

• The Recreation Department is hoping to show its first movie this August and one more in September.
• July 14^th is the last day the Recreation Department will be collecting athletic equipment for Zimbabwe.  The Church will pick up all the equipment tomorrow. 

Relative to the pool cover, Mrs. Pschirrer said another quote came in for less than $4,000.  To replace it would be about $8,000.  It was estimated that the cover is about five years old.  Ms. Mayberry suggested Mr. Harlow check with Mr. Cassarino to see when he bought it and where so they can look it up.  Mr. Rau explained that the cover is extremely heavy.  The bucket loader is used to move it to the shop for storage.  It should be stored on-site.  There is space between Route 12 and the pool.  Ms. Mayberry suggested talking to the Recreation Committee about this.  Mr. Dalessio felt they should talk to the pool company to find out if they could store the cover and, if so, what is the cost.   

Walpole Highway Department:  Mr. Mike Rau, Road Agent/Highway Department, had submitted the following report dated July 2021.

            With the large amount of rain, they have been getting and will continue to receive, the Highway Crew has been kept busy with water issues which has caused us to be off schedule with summer projects.  They were able to resurface about 95% of the gravel roads in town.  Chlorine is not put down on all the gravel roads.  On an average they put down 2-inches of gravel on the roads each year.  In between rain storms they were able to pave in the cuts of the culverts that have been replaced.  They did the one on North Road where they did the drainage project.  Rain has been a big factor on doing the Elm Street project.  He explained some of the work that still needs to be done at the sound end of the Common.  One more service to a house needs to be done.  Mr. Dalessio asked Mr. Rau to send this detailed update on Elm Street to Laura at E.E. Houghton as people call there looking for information.   

Hooper Institute:  Mrs. Helen Dalbeck, Executive Director, submitted the following report dated July 15, 2021.

            The work that they do at the Hooper Institute and in their schools and community is informed and inspired by their mission to provide educational and scholarship programs to the youth and citizens of Walpole in the following focus areas: agriculture, forestry, botany, soils and environmental science.

School Programs and School Gardens: Gardens are all water logged and growing like crazy.  Lots of leaves, not much fruit, yet.  They need some sunshine.

High School Work Program:  10 students accepted, 10 working, a total of 1005 hours has been awarded.  The average award is 110 hours.  Five of the students worked as camp counselor/leaders for the Hooper Camp first then went off to the job sites by July 5.  Work sites are Abenaki Springs Farm, Malnati Farm, Walpole Recycling Center, Walpole Veterinary Clinic and Alysons Orchard.

CAMP Hooper Summer Camp for grades 1-2 and 3-4, 26 kids attended.  Adventure Camp grades 5-8 Week 1 and 2, 15 students attended.  Camps ran between June 21 and July 1.  Woodworking Camp, with 9 kids registered, begins July 19 and will be taught by Steve Dalessio, Helen assists.

She would like to thank the community members that agreed to host or be part of the 2021 Adventure Camps; Matt Cole and Shawn Keniston of Great River Hydro, Michael Nerrie of Distant Hills, Aumands Furniture for parking, Bellows Falls Chamber of Commerce for the tour and Becky Sethi, for being an awesome sub and leading the Kingsbury Hill day.

Outreach and Marketing:  June and July Clarion plus many, many Facebook posts, camp flyers and garden presentation posters.

Facility and Land:  Extra landscaping and mowing happening around community garden for tick control.

Administration:  FOHI members are meeting and planning a Fall Festival at the Hooper Institute, now on September 25.  On a July 7, a newly formed Development Committee met to focus on an accelerated plan to fundraise for the future of the Hooper Institute education and scholarship programs, above and beyond school, public and community programs.  JULY 28 will be a presentation night for board members, parents, students, staff and friends to attend.  Scholarship recipients plus all high school work program students are invited to present.  They will meet at 7pm, Walpole Town Hall.  Refreshments provided.

Walpole Community Garden:  The WCG (with FOHI) is hosting four garden talks/presentations this year.  Next one is July 31 on “Pollinators” presented by her, 10 am, in the community garden. 

Walpole Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office:  Mrs. Meghan Hansson, Walpole Town Clerk/Tax Collector, had submitted the following report dated July 15, 2021.

• The due date for property taxes (July 1^st) has come and gone.  The warrant was for almost 6 million and they have collected over 5 and a half million.  Additional payments will continue to trickle in.
• Have passed the 100 boat milestone!  More people, including those in other towns, are realizing they register boats.  (Corresponds to about $1,560 for the town.)
• In the first half of the year, the clerks registered 2977 vehicles and collected for the town $472,000 for the town.  It has been busy.  She does not anticipate as many vehicles in the second half of the year.
• They received the new printer, a Kyocera, they purchased from All Service to replace an aging Motor Vehicle printer.  This two-drawer printer will print out all of her vehicle registrations.
• They are looking forward to the new copier coming via the contract negotiated by the financial manager, Rich.  Their 5 year contract is just coming due on the old copier (which was used when they got it).
• The order has been placed for the cabinets with which the office will be renovated.  This early order allowed them to receive a sale price.
• Other renovation materials will be ordered before long.  Still waiting for an estimate on labor.

Selectboard Office:  Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, submitted the following report dated July 15, 2021.

Office Update:

Brownfields Clean-up of the former Central Plating Site stakeholders had a pre-construction and a public meeting within the first two weeks of July.  More people showed up for the public meeting than she expected; it was a hybrid meeting.  Jodi Daigle continues to support the Community Power Committee.  The office also handles extra deposits in the summer due to pool monies collected.  Being the summer, which is a popular time for vacations, the office staff are covering for each other to complete essential duties such as payroll, etc.

Facilities Update:

Due to the rainy weather of the last few weeks. Contracted work is yet again delayed.  Roof and chimney repairs and the replacement of the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office rear door should occur this year.

Human Resources:

A reminder to department managers in regards to time cards that “New Hampshire law requires employers to pay employees for a minimum of two (2) hours of work at their regular rate of pay if they report or show up to work at the employer’s request, regardless of how few hours they work.  An employer is not required to pay an employee show up pay if it has made good faith, but unsuccessful, efforts to inform employees they do not need to report for a scheduled shift.”

Wellness Initiative:

All regular part and full-time employees have received large red or blue water bottles with suggested daily water intake along with an informational flyer.  The funding for these bottles was from a HealthTrust stipend.  Once the new drinking fountain is installed in the Town Hall hallway, staff and visitors will be able to fill their bottles at this water station.

Police Department:  Police Chief Justin Sanctuary submitted a graph with Police Stats from June 16, 2021 through July 14, 2021.  Total Calls: 327.  These were broken down as follows:  Criminal Investigations 65; Public Safety 167; Motor Vehicles 95. 

Chief Sanctuary reported they hope to have a new officer by September 1^st.  Hopefully, the new cruiser will also be here about that same time.  They completed some annual training and getting a lot of requirements done but are still working on some of them.  The speed sign has been by the Unitarian Church.  They were getting complaints about Main Street.   

Walpole Recycling Center:  Mr. Ben Hoy, Recycling Director, distributed copies of their July report.

• Em Cook and Luke Bowen are working at the Recycling Center through the Hooper Institute High School Summer Program.  They look forward to working with them through the summer.
• NRRA is hosting a recycling meeting at Walpole Reuse Center on September 8^th.  Solid waste operators and facility managers from around the state are interested in the happenings at Walpole Recycling.
• Walpole Highway built a new cobblestone retaining wall for their concrete pad project.  They picked up super heavy blocks and trucked them to Walpole Recycling.  They also set the blocks with the loader.
• Walpole Recycling finished site work for the concrete pad project.  They are waiting for concrete contractors to pour the slab.

• Along with highways help, Cold River Materials donated 2 full tri axle loads of hard pack free of charge for their concrete pad project.  They needed the hard pack to mold a precise base for the concrete and retaining wall.
• Walpole Recycling recently completed a video detailing the process of how they recycle plastics at Walpole Recycling.  The video was filmed by Walpole resident, Eric Merklein, who invested a lot of time, effort and fancy New York City photography equipment to make it all possible.

Mr. Merklein will need at least a week before it will be shown.  This video will be available for viewing on the Recycling Center website and Mr. Merklein thought possibly on YouTube.   

Finance Office:  Mr. Richard Kreissle, Administrator of Finance, was not able to attend this meeting but had submitted the following July 15, 2021, report.

Vacation Edition:

Quiet times here in the old bean-counting office hence, he has taken a week off.  If you’re reading this then that probably means you’re not on vacation (but I’m sure your time will come…

The highlights are few but here they are:

Payroll processing has increased significantly due to the summer help at the pool and Hooper.

The new printers/copiers have been ordered and will (hopefully) arrive/be installed during the week of 6/19 – 6/23.

The NH GOFERR application for the town’s portion of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) completed and submitted.

2022 Preliminary Budgets:

Ms. Mayberry reported that 2022 Preliminary Budgets are due on September 3^rd, 2021.  The Selectboard plan on having their initial meeting on September 10^th, 2021.  She requested that all Department Managers try to level fund.  Mr. Dalessio would like to have a list for Capital Items.  They will have time to get actual quotes together.

Next Staff Meeting:  The next Staff Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 5:00 pm in the Town Hall.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry thanked everyone for attending.  She adjourned this Staff Meeting at 5:52 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Borden, Recording Secretary

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Ms. Mayberry, Chair of the Selectboard, called this meeting to order at 6:31 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.  This meeting was being recorded.  There were two members of the public in attendance:  Mr. Tom Goins, Town Treasurer, and Mr. Dominic Perkins, Savings Bank of Walpole. Also present was Mrs. Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration, and Mrs. Regina Borden, Recording Secretary.

COLLATERALIZATION OF THE GENERAL FUND:  Tom Goins, Town Treasurer, and Dominic Perkins of the Savings Bank of Walpole were present to discuss a change in the collateralization policy of the Town’s General Fund.  Several years ago when Mr. Goins became the Town Treasurer one of the things that had not been done was collateralization of the General Fund for a balance in excess of the FDIC insured limit of $250,000.  It has become progressively harder for the SBW to continue to set aside the collateralized amount of $500,000 when the funds could be made available to the community.  Mr. Perkins wanted to make the town aware of a new program that will free up the funds but still provide the needed collateralization for the Town. For several years now the Town has been very active in the Public Deposit Investment Pool (PDIP).  Mr. Perkins noted that PDIP was a great solution as the bank did not have to move money between PDIP and the SBW too often.  With collateralization, the SBW sets aside funds with the Federal Bank of Boston and five years ago the interest rates were relatively good.  Over the years SBW has been using Insured Cash Sweep (ICS).  It creates a pool with 3,000 other banks to ensure all the funds are available and fully insured.  FDIC likes and recommends the ICS process.  He explained how the bank currently uses the ICS process daily and that the Town would still be fully FDIC insured.  The benefit to the Town is the protection is unlimited.  The Town would get two statements each month: one from the SBW plus an ICS statement.  Mr. Goins felt Mr. Kreissle and the Town Auditors would approve this program.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked what needs to be done to make this change. Mr. Perkins replied they would need the agreement, identify the other banks and set up a target threshold.  SBW creates the ICS accounts and operations checks daily balances, etc.  Mr. Perkins would recommend keeping PDIP in place as their interest rates are currently higher making them a better investment option.        

Mr. Dalessio moved to accept the ICS proposal from the Savings Bank of Walpole after a discussion with Mr. Rich Kreissle and getting his approval.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.       

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $5,630.18 for checks issued July 16, 2021.  This includes three (3) refund checks that were approved last week.  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 July 10, 2021, in the amount of $31,715.19 for checks dated July 16, 2021, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,019.64.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved. 

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MINUTES – July 8, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of July 8, 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 – July 8, 2021:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 8, 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:

• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – June 15, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting – June 22, 2021;
• North Walpole Village District Board of Commissioners Meeting– June 29, 2021.

OLD BUSINESS:

Letters to Spencer’s Place and Burdick and Burns LLC:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve and sign the letters to Spencer’s Place and Burdick and Burns LLC.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

Brownfields Cleanup of Former Central Plating Site Update:  Mrs. Pschirrer reported there was a pre-construction meeting.  Mr. Dalessio, Ransom Consulting, Green Site Services, the Environmental Protection Association (EPA) and NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) attended.  They discussed the final details of the project and the Public Meeting that was to be held that following week.  They had many more in-person people attending than anticipated. Ms. Mayberry felt the set-up worked well but the audio could have been better.  Ms. Shelley Tamis, Project Manager from Green Site Services, spoke clearly and very well about the scope of the project and what they should expect.  Mr. Buck Adams is the sub-contractor.  He is local and well-known.  Mrs. Pschirrer noted that everyone got the information they were looking for as questions were answered.  They have now met a term of the grant.      

Streetlight LED Conversion Project:  Mr. Dalessio spoke with Mr. Steve Grenier about the Streetlight LED Conversion Project.  Liberty Utilities will install low wattage lights but there will be some high intensity lights where required.  Some people will not have an option.  They will have to meet State requirements on Route 123, Route 12 and Prospect Hill.  They are waiting for another shipment of low wattage lights. Elm Street will be done tonight.  Mr. Dalessio encourages people to be patient.  The lights will be changed over.  It all takes time.   

Pending Further Actions:

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

Complete Streets:  Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned Mr. J.B. Mack had sent them material about this quite some time ago.  It is due September 24^th and SWRPC would be happy to help us in any way they can. Is there anything they want to apply for?  Lisa at SWRPC just finished some work on the Walpole Master Plan; Transportation and Housing.  They feel we need sidewalks to the school.  If we did basic work, it is something we could apply for.  Ms. Mayberry mentioned they had talked about Safe Routes to School in the past.  Mr. Dalessio does not think it is viable to consider a sidewalk from Shaw’s to the Elementary School.  Mrs. Pschirrer questioned if they could get enough money to do all the sidewalks in Town because so many of them are falling apart all over the Town.  We have not had much in the budget for at least three years.  Before that they had been putting in $10,000/year for sidewalks.  Colonial Drive up to South Street and the sidewalk in front of this building are all in bad shape.  They are not great anywhere.  Mr. Dalessio noted they would not need any engineering.  He will ask Mr. Rau to get an estimate on all the sidewalks plus maybe two additional miles.  Mrs. Pschirrer pointed out that there are many elderly residents who walk plus walkers of all ages.  Many have to walk in the street.  Ms. Mayberry will talk to Mr. Mack about this to see what he thinks.  Mr. Dalessio attended the Community Economic Development Strategy meeting.

Southwest Regional Planning Commission:  Mr. Dalessio gave back the contract for SWRPC to continue doing the Master Plan updates.  Mr. Jeff Miller is to stop by SB Office to sign the document.

NEW BUSINESS:

Deputy Forest Fire Appointment Forms:  Mrs. Pschirrer moved to approve the Deputy Forest Fire Appointment of Jason Colburn.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

US Flag/Bunting for US Holidays Citizen Comment:  Ms. Mayberry reported there was a complaint from a resident who is concerned about the lack of US flags/buntings for US Holidays.  Every other town had their flags out.  Walpole itself did not have anything.  Mrs. Downing spoke to Mr. Whit Aldrich about this.  He is going to check into this comment and will respond. 

Mr. Dalessio asked Mrs. Downing why they would fill out a Comment Form for this complaint yet they did not fill out Comment Forms for the LED lights.  It is a question of process.  Ms. Mayberry stated they want to be consistent.  Mrs. Downing mentioned the first two gentlemen who complained about the LED lights came into a meeting rather than going to the office.

Cheshire County Shooting Sports Education Fund Request to Use the Town Hall:  The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of a memo of the Cheshire County Shooting Sports Education Foundation to use the Walpole Town Hall on September 18, 2021, for a fundraiser as they are building an indoor shooting range in Keene.  Following a discussion, Ms. Mayberry stated the answer is “no” as their policy is to only allow free use of the Town Hall for non-profit groups located in the Town of Walpole.

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 7:41 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 7:45 PM.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel and (c) Reputations.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved at 7:46 PM.

The regular Selectboard meeting resumed at 8:15 PM.

Mr. Dalessio moved that the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of July 15, 2021, will be sealed.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Mr. Dalessio, Mrs. Pschirrer and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the motion was approved.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mr. Dalessio.  Ms. Mayberry asked if there was any discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry in favor, the meeting adjourned at 8:16 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 $777,483.66 for checks issued 7/23/21

PAYROLL• Payroll Register totaling $32,484.99 dated 7/23/21 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,215.91

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES• Selectboard Minutes – July 15, 2021• Non-Public Selectboard Session Minutes – July 15, 2021• Staff Meeting Minutes – July 15, 2021

COMMITTEE REPORTS• Conservation Committee Meeting – July 12, 2021• Planning Board Meeting – July 13, 2021

LAND USE CHANGE TAX• Map and Lot# 021-025 and 026-000

DEMOLITION PERMITS• 2021-29 for Map and Lot# 019-068-000• 2021-30 for Map and Lot# 020-063-000

OLD BUSINESS• Recreation Rev. Fund Request• Community Power Coalition• Brownfields Cleanup of former Central Plating Site Update• Rescheduling Arborclimb Meeting on Common• Rescheduling E.C. Warmington Visit

Pending Further Actions• Mill Pond Dam Inspection, Vilas Bridge, Houghton Brook Bridge, Generators, Three Phase Power for Industrial Avenue and Bensonwood, US Flag/Bunting for US Holidays Citizen Comment

NEW BUSINESS• 5 Town Joint Meeting re: FMRSD• Purchase Order for One-Ton Truck for Highway Dept.• Notice of Appointments for Conservation Commission• Granite Park Bench Donation Request

NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS: RSA 91-A:3 II

**Any recording, audio or visual, and/or other devices must be declared at the beginning of the meeting**

No offense, Lucy but I really didn’t want to hear from you again on this topic. – Lil

COVID by the Numbers-July 20 Edition

Today, New Hampshire reached the milestone we knew was coming.  As of today, there have been more than 100,000 confirmed cases of COVID in the state—100.025 to be exact—since the first case at the start of the pandemic.  It has also been just a month since the last time I wrote.  Then, the news was all good.  Now, although the numbers are still relatively low here in NH, there are some disturbing trends.

Here in Walpole, we had just gotten down to 0 confirmed case a month ago.  We kept that up until yesterday, but we now have 1 reporteded active case in town.

In Cheshire County, we were at “Low Risk” a month ago, with a seven day average of confirmed cases at 0.8 cases a day.  We were down to a low of 0.4 cases a day from July 3 to July 6^th, but today we are back up to 2.4 average cases per day.  Any number higher than 1.0 puts  us back in the “Moderate Risk” category.  A month  ago, there were only 4 currently active cases in the county.  Today we are up to 11 active cases—still a low number, but not going in the right direction.

Statewide, the seven day average of confirmed cases got to a low of 1.1 on July 6^th.  As of today, it is back up to 2.1.  That number will go up tomorrow, when the 61 new cases reported today are factored into the average.  The number of currently active cases  statewide was 196 a month ago.  It was down to 169 on July 1, but as of today, there are 270 currently active cases instate.  The number of hospitalizations statewide got down to 12 on July 7, but that number is back up to 24 as of today.  We have lost 6 more citizens of the state since the 1^st of July.

The more virulent Delta variant has been relatively slow to arrive in NH, but it is here now.  Even vaccination does not guarantee that you will not get the virus, but it does make it less likely you will contract the virus, and more likely that if you do get it, it will be a relatively mild case.  Still, please continue to be careful, especially in crowded indoor spaces.

Take good care, stay well, and keep dry.

~Rep. Lucy McVitty Weber
217 Old Keene Road
Walpole  NH  03608

Cell: 603-499-0282
lwmcv@comcast.net

Vice Chairperson Sarah Vogel opened the meeting at 6:07. Present: Craig Vickers, Joe Levesque, Shelly Andrus, Rebecca Sethi, Mary Henry

Guests: Jamie Teague, Billy Stahl, Jeremy Wood, Bill Rescsanski

Approval of Minutes-(Levesque/Vickers) to approve meeting minutes from 6.14.2021.

Joe Levesque notes a change in the discussion of Right to Freedom from Discrimination Act from “option” to opinion.

Roll Call Vote- Mary Henry abstains, Vickers, Levesque, Andrus, Sethi approve

Reports of Administrators

     Superintendent Report

        End of year celebrations went well. Shares names of various award recipients. Special award to all school nurses

Business Update

Lori met with Jim to get up to speed on immediate needs. Feels able to handle things well. Currently at a Superintendents conference.

Board Business

Discussion about the summer schedule for workshops and book reads. Email availability to Misty. Goal is to have most people, most of the time. July 1 session is cancelled.

Action Agenda

1. Motion (Vickes/Levesque) To accept the resignation of Michael Herrington.

Discussion- Michael is thanked for his years of service.

Unanimous approval of motion.

Sarah distributes a proposal for the process to replace the At Large Board vacancy as well as relevant district policies.

“Replacement of Vacant School Board Position

The position that is open is an At Large Position. Therefore, it is proposed that a notice be sent out to all of the towns of the district asking for letters of interest from people who would be interested in filling the position. The letters should come to the Superintendent and/or the Board Chair.

Letters of interest will be accepted for 3 weeks, at which time the School Board will meet to review the interested people. The Board will vote on who will fill the position based on a majority vote as per Policy BBE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER – UNEXPIRED TERM FULFILLMENT.

This position will be filled until the next Annual Meeting as per RSA 197:26.  At that time the position will be voted on for the remainder of the term (2 years).”

Motion(Henry/Sethi) to accept the proposed process.

Discussion:

Craig asks if the timeline lines up with an existing meeting- yes. Sethi states a preference to replace with someone from Charlestown but understands that is inappropriate in a motion and can be reflected in members voting when the time comes. It is clarified that there is precedence for having appointed members from different towns and that at-large seats have not always been balanced. Further, it is inappropriate to limit the at-large seats to any single town.

Shelly states that she believes the Board needs to be mindful of the recent withdrawal process. Craig endorses the discussion but believes it would be better to have these conversations when we have applicants for the seat.

Public comments

• Will previous candidates be contacted?
• Alejandra, Walpole, via Zoom- Encourages the Board to be sensitive to the residency issue.
• Jamie Shand, Charlestown, via Zoom- Thanks Michael for his work on behalf of the district and Charlestown.  Reviews the handling of Charlestown resident Scott Bushway’s Board resignation and his personal impressions when a previous Board member from Walpole was present during the acceptance of that resignation. Concerned that once again, that Board member is present and has expressed an interest in the seat in writing when no one else in the communities knew which Board member had resigned. Requests that the process be extended from two to three weeks to give adequate time for word to get out and candidates to express interest. Jamie also shares that during the withdrawal committee meetings, he was never able to get meeting minutes that reflected conversations about Board representation from each town.

Becky Sethi states that she had the notification of the resignation posted on the Walpolean.

Reporter, via Zoom, asks for clarification on who has resigned and who is currently Board chair.

Sarah states she is vice chair and that the next agenda item is discussion of the chair position.

Mary suggests that no one make statements about what town they are supporting candidates from. As Board members we are all representing the district, not individual towns.

Board discusses the merits of two weeks vs three weeks. Motion is amended to three weeks.

Notifications to the public will go through Selectboards and online postings.

Motion passes.

2. Discussion of SB Policy for Election of School Board Chairperson

Sarah Vogel distributes Fall Mountain’s policy- the seat gets filled at our discretion. NHSBA policy recommendation is that the Vice Chair becomes Chair.

Mary suggests that the Board wait until a new member is appointed so that we don’t have a 3/3 split vote.

Motion(Henry/Sethi) to allow Sarah Vogel to continue as Acting Chair, provided no contracts are signed with the Superintendent, until a new member is appointed.

Craig notes that it is very challenging for a new member to vote on a Board chair.

Motion passes unanimously.

Motion(Sethi/Vickers) to move into non public at 7:05. Passed unanimously.

91-A:3, II(c): Matters which, if discussed in public, would likely affect adversely the reputation of any person, other than a member of this board, unless such person requests an open meeting. This exemption shall extend to include any application for assistance or tax abatement or waiver of a fee, fine or other levy, if based on inability to pay or poverty of the applicant.

91-A:3,II (l): Consideration of legal advice provided by legal counsel, either in writing or orally, to one or more members of the public body, even where legal counsel is not present.

Board returned from non public at 7:43.

Motion: (Anders/Levesque) to adjourn at 7:44. Unanimous pass.

Submitted by Rebecca Sethi,Board Secretary

Approved 7.19.21