Selectboard Present:   Peggy L. Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry       Excused: Steve Dalessio

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

CALL TO ORDER: Ms. Pschirrer called the staff meeting to order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. There were no members of the public present. She introduced the new Recording Secretary, Jordan Cannon to the staff members in attendance.

Ms. Pschirrer called upon Mr. Kraig Harlow to give his departmental report.

RECREATION:

Hockey Rink

• The hockey rink extension was delivered on 2/7/2023.
• Unfortunately, due to the warm weather all winter we asked the highway department to store it for us until spring.
• He discussed the winter weather being warm, and thus not good for hockey.

Soccer

• Recreation Committee approved the purchase of 4 new soccer goals for $3,280 to replace the old goals that are 15-years old.

Age in Motion

• Recreation Committee endorsed the support of Age in Motion program. Classes begin 2.2.2023 in Town Hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 10am.
• We had 34 people attend the first week and 24 people attend the second week.

Winter Basketball

• We had 90 children who signed up for basketball from grades 1st-6th grade. This is almost 40 more children than last year.
• Our last game was held on Monday, 2/13/2023 with most teams having wrapped up their season on 2/11/2023. All participants received a certificate and medal for their participation.
• We had Diamond Pizza, EE Houghton, ServPro, Hubbards LLC, Home Away From Home, Kelly Lawn Care, Latham Electric and WW Building, all sponsoring teams this season. All of the sponsors received a plaque with their team photo.

  Pickleball/Tennis

• Recreation is working with David Kuniholm and Toni McDougal on ways we can expand the use of our facilities to include more pickleball courts.
• The recreation committee agreed to paint two pickleball courts on the already existing tennis courts.
• We are currently discussing times and usage for both tennis and pickleball for the upcoming summer and a sign-in to collect data on who is using the courts.

  Recreation Committee

• The recreation committee last met on Saturday, 2/11/2023.
• We’ll be hosting another meeting in March; the time and date is still to be determined.

FINANCE:

Mr. Kreissle highlighted items from his report:

• He stated that all employees should have received their W-2s.
• Accounting software (AccuFund) updated promptly in the 1^st week of January with the intention of getting employees W-2s out shortly thereafter.
• He stated there was a software problem involving organizations who issue W-2s to two states. This problem wasn’t resolved until the weekend of 1/28-1/29. AccuFund had to be updated on 1/30 before it could be successfully run.
• 1095s: Information return simply showing that employees have health insurance for the year. No tax implication. Due 3/2/23. AccuFund is trying to figure out why I can’t run the 1095s.
• Entered the Town’s budget into the Department of Revenue’s portal. Fixed all issues as indicated by the DRA.
• Worked on the exposures for Primex for unemployment and workers’ compensation. They go towards the determination of future rates.
• Dental: All questions involving dental claims should now come to Richard Kriessle.

RECYCLING:

Mr. Hoy stated that the Walpole Recycling truck passed inspection. The Bobcat is going to be serviced this month. Slow business at the recycling center in the winter, so we are catching up on some interior painting, cart repair, and basic machinery maintenance.

   Northstar Pulp and Paper in Springfield, MA was purchased by Casella. They provide us with extra pallets    

   and gaylords on top of what Mr. G’s can give us. We have a large stockpile of gaylords and pallets, enough.       

   where we can use them as sleds for the Hooper kids’ program.

New York City artist, Michael Albert is putting on a crafting experience open to the public at Walpole Reuse Center on Saturday, 3/4/2023. Mr. Hoy stated they were shipping plastics load to TABB plastics this month in Michigan. Metal prices are going up, as aluminum is up to .45/lb. Last year we were able to ship aluminum at $1.08/lb. Cardboard prices are down, we are currently making $1,000 per baled truckload of cardboard to APC Paper in Claremont. Last summer our cardboard truckload was going out for $4,500 per truckload.

Our Walpole trash bag order from Boxes and Bags Unlimited is going to be available soon.

LIBRARY:

Mrs. Jane Malmberg presented her report.

Building and Grounds: A letter was sent to Mark McGill informing him of the Selectboard’s cancellation of our agreement/request for the return of our deposit, due to his not completing the work in a timely manner. The check was received this week and remitted to Town Hall. The building subcommittee reached out to Terry Cox, Adam Vose, and Grant Taylor to invite them to submit proposals for a new door. Terry Cox submitted a proposal, but Grant Taylor declined to submit. Adam Vose submitted a revised quote.

Donations: We received a donation of Kindle from a patron that we hope to be able to circulate to patrons. A patron from the North Walpole Branch has donated two books in memory of her neighbor’s dog who died recently.

Programming: Saturday, 2/4/23 was “Take your child to the library day”. We had special goodie bags to hand out to kids in celebration of the day. One of our patrons, Bob Grenier, will be leading a singalong program featuring 20^th Century French songs on 2/15/23. We are hoping this will be the first in a series. The library will host a virtual Roblox program for kids in grades K-5 during winter break on 2/24/23. Our stress reduction program was rescheduled to 2/13/23, due to snow.

We are running a Winter Challenge in February and March. Patrons can pick up a bookmark with a list of library related challenges: attending a program, reading a newspaper from NewsBank, borrowing a museum pass, taking a class through Universal Class, etc. Anyone who completes all of the challenges will win a gift certificate for a hot chocolate at Burdick’s.

Staff: The Library staff have begun to work on their self-evaluations. I expect to have them all in hand by the end of the week and to finish up the evaluation process by the end of February/beginning of March.

TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE:

Mrs. Meghan Hasson presented her report.

• Abatements from negative tax bills due to reassessment have proven to be complicated in terms of proper procedure. Much research has been done and much discussion with veteran tax collectors and with the following people weighing in on the topic: Loren of Avitar, Jamie Dow of DRA, and Bernie Campbell attorney for NHTCA.
• Delinquent notices were sent out 1/25/2023, which brought in a lot of payments.
• Of the 2022 fall tax warrant, only about 224K remains to be collected, which is about 3% of the warrant. For ALL warrants the amount outstanding is 506K.
• There is steady interest in being able to pay taxes with a credit card.
• Next important tax date is 3/30 when we send out the Intent to Lien notices.
• Since our last meeting, the Town Clerk has collected over 98K, 75K belonging to the town and 23K belonging to the State.
• We have processed about 63 online registrations since the last meeting.
• So far this year we have licensed 84 dogs. By this time last year, we registered 78, and the year before that 53.
• We continue to prepare for the upcoming election 3/14/23. The Accuvote card has been sent back to LHS for programming for the Town Election. We have had several absentee ballot requests so far.

 

HOOPER INSTITUTE:

Mrs. Helen Dalbeck gave a recap which included the following activities.

School Programs and School Gardens: To date in gr. 5, winter wildlife has been featured with the three strategies for survival plus a lesson on the three true hibernators we have in NH. Black Bear study was next with a comparative look at life cycle, anatomy, natural history of the other two North American bears, the brown bear and polar bear. The natural history of raccoon and opossum, fisher and porcupine was taught. The weasel lesson focused on river otter, mink, and ermine plus we created in class a wiggly weasel craft. NH wild dogs were this week’s classes. Sixth grade has been all about the Earth Sciences with the study of the 4 earth spheres, a geological timeline, earth origins and modeling plate tectonics with wooden blocks and Oreo cookies. Most recently we made super continent party flags and Pangea puzzles which brought home the work of Alfred Wegener (continental drift theory) and plate tectonics. Exploring the difference between an island and a continent was the lead into the amazing drift of the Indian plate into the Asia plate, creating the Himalayan Mountains lo these 50 mya.

Becky Whippie has been focusing on winter animal behavior (hibernating, migrating, being active or dormant), bear studies in pre-K, farming in K, 2, and 4th with a 4th grade visit to Malnati Farm 2/2/23. There have been tracking activities in 3rd and 1st plus butter making in K and 4th. Soon she will be tapping a maple tree or two at the Primary School and visiting a Sugar House with 4th grade. Lucky students!

Outreach and Marketing: Clarion, flyers, Facebook, school newsletter, school posters, Town Report

Administration: Ongoing, in every way. Our 2023 budget has been Board and Trustee approved. Two new board members are pending as we wait for their letters of interest (Brad Nash and Will Grossman). Liz Collinsworth is completing her term on both the Hooper Scholarship Committee and the Hooper Institute board this March. She will be missed. The TOWN REPORT article for the Hooper Institute was submitted as well as some fun photos from the year. My theme for 2022 was gratitude.

Special Events, Programs, Scholarship and Friends: Winter Fun Day, February 11, 2023 @ 2pm – 5pm. We had 50 or so people attend, with lots of young children and their parents. Board members and volunteers helped with refreshments, sled making, the sled hill, judging and awarding prizes. Cardboard was delivered thanks to the Recycling Center. Duct tape was provided by the Walpole Parent/Teacher Group. The popcorn maker was loaned from the schools and all else donated by Hooper board and staff members. We had a sunny day, a bluebird sky, sufficient snow, with moderate temps. The day was a success! Thanks to all.

NEW!: We are planning to be a community partner with the Walpole Library this fall as they host a BIG READ around the novel “The Bear”. The Hooper Institute has offered to teach a bear-based natural history program for adults and a children’s program with crafts. More details to follow.

Planning prep has begun for the 2023 Flower CSA and school gardens, the high tunnel repair project and the high school work program. My plan for the high school program is to hire students for Malnati Farm, Abenaki Springs, and Hooper Camps and introduce a new opportunity for a Garden Assistant to help with the school gardens and the Flower CSA. I’ve reached out to Carol Malnati and Bruce Bickford to gauge interest and I’m sure I will hear from them soon.

Development/Fundraising: Lend a Hand gifts and some end of year 2022 donations spilled over into 2023. I am gearing up to begin again with a spring campaign in April. Looks like we will host a Dahlia Day in May at the Hooper Institute to celebrate GL Hooper’s Birthday and support our programs. This is a community led project with up to 100 pots of dahlias grown to be sold.

Scholarship The total awarded for the school year 2022-23 is $15,000.

Other news: Our building was closed on Dec. 22 for the winter and will reopen late March, weather dependent. I’ve noticed some of the trim is lifting off the east side of the building, right below the roof line; an upcoming maintenance project.

HIGHWAY:

Mr. Rau stated this year there has been minimal snow. On l/20, 1/23, 1/26, 2/7, there were winter weather call outs. The following was also included in his report:

• Winter weather call outs: 1/20, 1/23, 1/26, 2/7.
• Winter vehicle maintenance and repairs: Throughout winter operations, vehicles and equipment experience excessive workloads and harsh conditions. After most winter call outs, there is usually the need for repairs of all types and sizes. We do our best to care for these repairs in the shop. Each unit is also routinely maintained after use which includes greasing to help prolong the life of the truck or piece of equipment.
• Cold patching: As winter continues, we see an increase in potholes in various locations in town. We care for these holes with a special mixture that we obtain as needed that can be applied to the road at any temperature. When patching is needed, we do our best to pick dry and sunny days to help the material cure correctly and help the mix set and harden. Unfortunately, the cold patch is a temporary fix.
• Roadside brush, tree, and debris chipping and clean up: After heavy winds, the need to clear and chip brush on roadsides was needed. This keeps ditches clear and creates more room for snow plowing when the time comes.
• Fixed gravel roads experiencing muddy conditions. With warming conditions during the day, gravel roads are becoming muddy in areas that receive a lot of sunlight and then freeze at night. This causes less than desirable driving conditions.

 

 

SELECTBOARD OFFICE:

Facilities Update

• A solar power light for the flagpole was ordered to reduce light pollution to residences bordering the Common. A strapping kit was ordered since the pole is wider than the strapping provided with the lighting package. The current floodlight will be shut off as soon as possible. The request was made to Liberty Utilities
• The card reader scanner for Elm Street door was replaced.
• The painting of the Town Hall hallway has been completed. The map table height was adjusted since the floor is now higher after the new tile was installed.
• The Town Hall’s elevator failed its inspection due to a lack of a “flashing hat” sensor. This violation will be corrected as soon as possible. There is a new State elevator inspector.

Assessing

• The deadline for filing property tax abatements is approaching quickly. The deadline for filing is March 1st
• • The Selectboard Office is expecting increased submission activity as the deadline approaches.
• There are two warrant articles for changes to the Elderly Property Tax Exemption and the Veterans’ Tax Credit.

Human Resources

• Paid Family Medical Leave or PFML open enrollment ended on February 15th. There was low interest in the optional insurance.

Town Meeting

• Town Meeting is being held on March 18, 2023, at 1:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. Department managers are expected to be in attendance.
• The Town Report is almost ready to be sent to the printers. The goal is to have printed copies on or before March 7th.

POLICE DEPARTMENT:

Mr. Sanctuary presented his report.

• Increase in mental illness calls. We try to watch someone until services can be utilized.
• A parade was held for a deceased K-9 this past week at Drewsville and ended at the Charlestown Animal Shelter.
• The K-9 program has been voted down in Bellows Falls, Vermont.
• Ms. Pschirrer stated butts of cannabis are being consumed by dogs and this is affecting their health.
• Ms. Pschirrer stated that she was told by a resident that the police were visible in town where people were speeding.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 6:01 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Selectboard Present:  Steven Dalessio, Chair; Peggy Pschirrer and Cheryl Mayberry

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:34 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $129,795.01 for checks issued February 10, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. This includes a payment of $31,299.01 to the NH Retirement System.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending February 4, 2023, in the amount of $29,552.20 dated February 10, 2023, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,773.07.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 26, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to correct and amend the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 26, 2023, clarifying that the abatements for map and lot#s 088-066-000 and 030-012-000 were denied and this was not clearly worded in the minutes.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 19, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 19, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – January 19, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of January 19, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

The following reports were acknowledged by the Selectboard:

• Walpole Power Committee – January 4, 2023
• North Walpole Commissioner’s Meeting – January 10, 2023
• North Walpole Commissioner’s Meeting – January 17, 2023
• North Walpole Commissioner’s Meeting – January 24, 2023
• North Walpole Commissioner’s Meeting – January 31,2023

REFUND:

Map and Lot# 011-036-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a property tax refund for Map and Lot# 011-036-000, with $7.84 due to overpayment.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 026-012-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a property tax refund for Map and Lot# 026-012-000 with $19.26 due to the overpayment of interest.  Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 005-021-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a property tax refund for Map and Lot# 005-021-000 with $24.48 due to the overpayment of interest.  Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

2023-03, Map and Lot# 016-005-00MH01:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a building permit for Map and Lot# 016-005-00MH01, to place a new 58’ x 16’ mobile home on an existing pad off of Hogan Lane. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Mascoma Bank Parking Lot Light: Mr. Dalessio raised the question as to the owner of the utility pole light at Mascoma Bank. Mr. Dalessio stated that he would go over and confirm. If it does not have a number on it, then Mascoma will have to be responsible for the light. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that if the light does not have a number, she would speak to Katie Dearborn at the bank. Mr. Dalessio stated that from speaking to Liberty Utilities, the options for the streetlights are either on or off.

Pool Repairs: Ms. Mayberry brought forward a discussion concerning the repairs to the pool. Ms. Mayberry stated that approximately $2,000 in additional funds would address the repairs to the pool. Mr. Dalessio advised her to inquire as to the total estimated cost of the pool repair. Mrs. Downing stated she would place this item on the agenda for next week’s meeting. Ms. Mayberry stated she would speak to Mark Houghton regarding this matter.

NEW BUSINESS:

Mailboxes and Structures in Town Right of Way Policy: Mr. Dalessio said that Mike Rau has updated the Mailbox and Structures in Town’s Right of Way Policy. Mr. Dalessio stated that new residents have placed their mailboxes by federal standards, and that the Town’s policy is different. Mr. Dalessio commented that the post office has agreed to the Town policy concerning mailbox placement. He stated that numbering the policies should occur for revision control.

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

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) at 6:51 PM. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. These minutes are to remain sealed.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 7:22 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting at 7:22 PM.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion. There was none. Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Respectfully submitted, Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

TOWN OF WALPOLE

PUBLIC HEARING ON 2023 ANNUAL BUDGET

FEBRUARY 8, 2023

Selectboard present:   Steven Dalessio (Chair) and Peggy Pschirrer

Staff Present:    Mike Rau, Road Agent; Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration

                          Meghan Hansson, Town Clerk-Tax Collector; Jane Malmberg, Library Director

                          Richard Kreissle, Finance Manager; Justin Sanctuary, Police Chief

Public Present:  Tom Aldrich, Ray Boas, Richard Malmberg, Pauline Barnes and Adrian Basora

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called the Town 2023 Budget Hearing at 5:30 PM.  Mr. Dalessio introduced himself and Mrs. Pschirrer.

Mr. Dalessio commented upon the headwinds of high inflation, supply chain problems, and damaged infrastructure that were faced when developing the 2023 town budget. Mr. Dalessio stated to those in attendance that the 2023 budget was $4,537,202, with an increase of 4.29%. He stated that last year’s increase was 5.6%. Mr. Dalessio said that in 2022, a salary survey was conducted. It found that the Town’s most employees were compensated at comparable rates to similar jurisdictions. However, due to the survey, compensation for a few department managers would be adjusted given the findings of this survey. Mr. Dalessio informed those in attendance that there has been a 11.7% increase in the cost of medical benefits. He stated to offset this increase, the Town adjusted the medical benefit plan from zero-dollar deductible plan to a $1,000 per person, $3,000 per family deductible plan, and increased the employee contribution from 12.5% to 15%.

Selectboard member, Cheryl Mayberry joined the meeting.

Mr. Basora inquired if the budget reflected the Fall Mountain Regional School District. Mr. Dalessio clarified that the budget under discussion was the Town’s operating budget, and that the school was not included. Mrs. Pschirrer encouraged the public to attend the scheduled Deliberative Session at Fall Mountain High School on February 9^th.

Mr. Dalessio began a review of the warrant articles beginning with Article #5. He commented upon the Selectboard’s recommendation of raising and appropriating $15,000 to the Municipal Building Capital Reserve Fund. Mr. Dalessio then moved on to Article #6, raising and appropriating $250,000 for the purchase of a 6-wheel truck for the Highway Department. Mr. Aldrich asked, “does a vehicle purchase go out to bid?”. Mr. Rau responded that the Town utilizes quotes instead of bids. Mr. Rau stated that the purchase would go through Reed Trucking, a national dealer, which already has the state pricing for the vehicle. Mr. Dalessio stated his confidence that the Town will not overpay for the vehicle. Mr. Dalessio spoke to Article #7, raising and appropriating $25,000 for the Highway Capital Reserve Fund. He then moved on to Article #8, raising and appropriating $75,000 to construct storage at the Recycling Center. He spoke about the present issue with the Recycling Center using old tractor trailers for storage, three of which have been deemed unsafe. Mr. Dalessio said that the plan would be one of two things, which are to build a pole barn or replace the current containers with some other form of container. Mr. Basora commented that the capacity for storage is important to the financial viability of the Recycling Center. Mr. Dalessio spoke to Article #9, raising and appropriating $47,000 for a vehicle for the Walpole Police Department. He stated that there is a rotation plan for police vehicles. Chief Sanctuary added that over the years, three hybrid vehicles have been purchased for the Walpole Police Department, and they all have experienced significant electrical issues. Chief Sanctuary commented that the Police department is moving away from hybrids until the electrical issues are addressed by the manufacturer.

Mr. Aldrich stated there is a pattern of using unassigned funds and commented that last year a lot of warrant articles used unassigned funds. Mr. Aldrich wondered if department managers inflate their budgets to increase the unassigned fund balance. In response, Mr. Dalessio reviewed the budget process. In September, budget documents are prepared with everything level funded except for things that the Town has no control over. He stated that in December, the department managers present their budgets to the Selectboard. Mr. Dalessio added that if a budget line is being drastically underspent or overspent, the Selectboard questions and requests evidence to support the proposed changes. Mr. Dalessio stated that department managers watch their budgets carefully and are responsible for the services that are provided.                           

Mr. Dalessio then spoke to Article #10, raising and appropriating $16,500 for equipment in the new police vehicle. He stated that this article will only pass if Article #9 passes. Mr. Aldrich wondered if old equipment could be used in a new vehicle. Chief Sanctuary stated that by the time the vehicles are rotated, the equipment does not fit. Mr. Aldrich stated that the manufacturers do not think of making the equipment adjustable. Chief Sanctuary replied that there is constant change with the equipment. Mr. Aldrich then stated that he hopes the Highway Department’s approach to vehicle repair would also apply to the Police Department. Chief Sanctuary stated that the consoles and the cages must fit appropriately, and consideration given for liability and safety when it comes to police vehicle equipment. 

Mr. Dalessio spoke to Article #12, raising and appropriating $115,000 for the reconstruction of Middle Street to include upgrading drainage and roadway improvements to come from unassigned fund balance. Mr. Dalessio invited Mrs. Downing to speak about Articles #13 and #14. Mrs. Downing stated that Article #13 would allow for more a larger pool of people who could apply for elderly tax exemptions and would increase the amount of the exemption at different age levels. She stated that it is hoped that with the change, more residents would apply for the exemption. Mrs. Downing then discussed Article #14; the state legislature passed a bill to allow individuals presently serving in the military to qualify for the Veterans’ Tax Credit. However, Walpole has a credit amount that is higher than the minimum. She stated that this article is more for housekeeping, to ensure compliance. Mr. Dalessio closed the public hearing at 5:59 PM.

Respectfully Submitted, 
Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Roll Call: Board present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Jeff Harrington, Joanna Andros, Bill Carmody, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio. Alternate: Trevor MacLachlan. Absent: Alternate Travis Adams.

Recording: Marilou Blaine. These minutes were recorded. They are unapproved and will be reviewed next month for additions, corrections and omissions.

Call to Order: Mr. Miller called the meeting to order at 7 pm.

Minutes: Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the minutes as written. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

Chuck Shaw, Subdivision, one lot into two lots, 6 Walker Road, Map 10, Lot 2-1, Rural/Ag district,Veterinary Clinic, request for a public hearing in March. 

Dr. Shaw wants to divide his property on Route 12, where his veterinary clinic is, into two lots. Lot 1 would be 5.02 acres and Lot 2 would be 7.94 acres. There is a right of way just off of Route 12 to Lot 2. He requested a public hearing for the March meeting. Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public for Dr. Shaw in March for the subdivision. Mr. Marcom seconded it and the motion carried.

In order to register the subdivision at the Cheshire County Registry of Deeds, Dr. Shaw needs a Mylar. Since the survey was done in 1994 and the surveyor William J. Fitzgerald is no longer in business, surveyor Joe DiBernardo, who was at the meeting about another matter, was asked if he could help out. Mr. DiBernardo said he would try. Dr. Shaw said talked to a surveyor in 2019 about the subdivision but nothing more was done at that time. 

Good news! Mr. DiBernardo tracked down the previous surveyor and Mr. DiBernardo said he will have a Mylar ready for the March meeting.

Old Business:

Public Hearings continued.

MBP Management Group, Dunkin 2,000 square-foot coffee shop and drive-thru site plan. Tax Map 12, Lot 13-3, Route 12, 234.8 feet on Main Street, Commercial district, pond and wetlands to the south.

Public Hearing

Subdivision/Condo Lots: Avanru Development Group LLC:

Tax Map 12, Lot 13-3 into 3 parcels.

Since this matter has been on the agenda since October and concerns about condo lots has been more recently on the agenda and affects this parcel of land, both parties agreed to re-notify abutters of this public hearing.

Mr. Chad Branon, a civil engineer with Fieldstone Land Consultants from Milford, NH., was the presenter. He began by saying that Avanru Development Group LLC was withdrawing its request for a subdivision. Therefore, the surveyed map, which is the map of record and was approved at a previous meeting was being used in Tuesday night’s discussion. The three condo lots are actually only one lot and Lot 12-3 is now 3.32 acres.

Mr. Branon said the site plan application that was presented for MBP Management Group to build a Dunkin building that had been submitted in the last couple of months met all the requirements of Walpole’s site plan and should be approved. The lot now has 70 percent green space. Branon then presented a copy of the notification from the NH Department of Transportation approving the Route 12 cut. He also had a letter from Fire Chief Mark Houghton saying he approved of the project for fire, water & sewer. He still needs to see building specifics to sign off on that building, but in a recent email Mr. Houghton said he doesn’t expect any problems.

Regarding the land, Avanru Development Group will own the land and Dunkin will own the building, parking lot, green space. The driveway around the parking lot to the drive-thru will be for common use, Branon said. Mr. Miller said Walpole’s site plan says two buildings can be built on that one lot. 

George Delegas, the architect for the project, was also at the meeting. He said the inside layout has remained the same but the outside will now look like a barn. It reflects its surroundings, Mr. Delegas said. There’s a barn across the street and an exit road is called Red Barn Lane and the barn look seems fitting for this rural New Hampshire town. The siding of the building will be board and batten in a gray color. The windows are now glazed giving them a different effect. Landscaping will not change. Signage will include two signs on the building.

There being no more questions Mr. Marcom made a motion to approve the site plan as presented. Mr. Perron second the motion and the Board unanimously approve the motion.

New Business:

Adam Naeck, Lot Line Adjustment, 107 Merriam Road, Tax Map 3, Lots 55 (15.63 acres) and Lot 56 (1.66 acres) Lot 55 – 200 feet road frontage, Lot 56 – 322.28 feet road frontage, Rural/Ag district. Property is in current use. Request for a public hearing in March.

Surveyor Joe DiBernardo represented Mr. Naeck. He said this is a simple lot line adjustment. It creates a second lot that is 1.66 acres in front of an existing lot with a home and some outbuildings on the property. Road frontage on Merriam Road, which is a Class 5 road, is 322.28 feet in the rural/agricultural district. Lot 55 would end up with 15.63 acres and has the required 200 feet of road frontage. 

Mr. Perron made a motion to hold a public hearing for the lot line adjustment in March for Mr. Naeck.  Mr. Marcom seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Barry Bellows, Potato Barn 9 new apartment units – there are three floors in the Potato Barn, apartments on each floor. Tax Map 24, Lot 6, 42 Potato Barn Lane. Request for a public hearing in March. Owner Steve Rudek.

Barry Bellows is the contractor on this project. He is just about completed creating 3 apartments in the piggery section, which is behind the barn. These apartments are called units one, two and three. Bellows explained that the main barn had three floors with the top floor being the event space with a bridge out to Homestead Avenue. Work will be confined to the interior of the building with the exception of replacing windows, making them larger. The building is already entirely sprinkled and attention was paid to fire protection when the building was redone several years ago. Units four, five and six will be on the first floor of the barn and be 800 square feet, 972 square feet and 575 square feet.  All will be one-bedroom units. The middle portion of the barn will have three units: 1,521 square feet, 773 square feet and 600 square feet with a one two-bedroom unit and two one-bedroom units. The top floor will have four units – two two-bedroom units at 1,068 and 1,236 square feet respectively and two units 830 and 810 square feet for two one-bedroom units.  

Mr. Bellows has spoken with Fire Chief Mark Houghton and Mr. Houghton wants him to put in an alarm system tied into firehouse, which can easily be done working off the existing system. Mr. Bellows also said the market for these apartments are for older people who are downsizing.

On the middle floor there is quite a lot of additional space that may be used in the future as a common area for the residents. The future for this space is to be determined later depending on the clientele. It may be a woodworking station, fitness area, pickle ball court. 

One other thing is that they are putting in poles for electricity to carry 1,200 amp service.

Mr. Bellows asked for a public hearing in March. Mr. Marcom made a motion to have a public hearing in March for the addition of nine units to the Potato Barn. Mr. Perron seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Workshop 

Reminder: there is a 4^th-=-Tuesday workshop with Lisa Murphy to finish work on the Master Plan and also work on an ordinance in the basement conference room.

Adjournment

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

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary

I am having a hard time comprehending that it is time again, and a “baker’s week” away to the closing date for the March CLARION onTuesday, February 21. I will need your inputs by 5 PM Walpole time to be included in this next issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION. 

A reminder that this is “your community resource” to share information about your group and its activities that events residents will enjoy attending. And, having a nice mix of articles for readers, I welcome “feel good” news of past local events, stories and accomplishments to share. All subject to space, of course, space that is made possible by the CLARION’s supporting advertisers. We all owe them a big “thank you.”

If you have any questions, or interest in placing an advertisement, reaching over 1900 Walpole, North Walpole and Drewsville addresses, I welcome your inquiries, so please do get in touch with me. All contact information is on the CLARION website.

Thank you, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Tonight! Second Saturday Potluck Supper
Fellowship Hall, First Congregational Church of Walpole
5:30 PM
Bring a main dish, side, salad, bread, or dessert to share. And bring a friend!
A goodwill offering will be collected for World Central Kitchen efforts in Ukraine.
Second Saturday Potluck Suppers have raised over $1,000 for food aid to date! Thank you!