The Walpolean

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:33 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. Ben Hoy, Manager of the Recycling Center/Transfer Station was also present.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel at 6:34 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. These minutes are to remain sealed.

The meeting reconvened at 7:05 p.m.

The meeting was joined by Ms. Celeste Aumand and Mr. Paul Looney

Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire Agreement: Mr. Looney presented documentation to the Selectboard. Ms. Mayberry questioned if this was a re-signing of an existing document. Mr. Dalessio was presented with a document to re-sign.  Ms. Pschirrer commented that the purpose of re-signing the document is because an individual was incorrectly listed as a “second”. Mr. Looney said he would stop by the Selectboard Office in the morning and ask Mrs. Daigle to email the scanned document to CPCNH.

North Walpole Plowing and Other Concerns: Mr. Dalessio asked if Ms. Aumand was present representing the North Walpole Commissioners. Ms. Aumand said she was. Ms. Aumand queried as to the Walpole procedure of plowing the North Walpole Fire Station. Ms. Aumand stated she has shoveled the fire department this season. Ms. Aumand commented that plowing did not occur with the last snowstorm. Mr. Dalessio stated he would speak to Mr. Mike Rau. Mr. Dalessio provided Ms. Aumand with his cell phone number and stated that when she notices the fire department is not plowed, she should call him.  Discussion was held regarding the process by which the fire department’s snow is removed when a snowstorm occurs. Ms. Aumand then asked if there were parking/towing ordinances for the Town. Ms. Aumand described the process by which school buses are dropping children off at school. Mr. Dalessio commented that the school district needs to address why the school buses cannot drop off appropriately. Mr. Dalessio proposed that the North Walpole Commissioners to send a letter to Mary Henry at the school who oversees facilities and describe the problem regarding the drop-off of children at the school. 

Mr. Dalessio stated that a solar speed sign would be installed in North Walpole in the spring. Mr. Dalessio stated that the sign pole had arrived. Ms. Aumand commented that one of Don Newcomb’s properties has water and it is unclear if his property is metered. Mr. Dalessio requested that Mrs. Daigle confirm there is a sewer bill. Mr. Dalessio stated that the software which reads the meters will be changed because it is outdated. Mr. Dalessio commented that Ms. Pschirrer will follow up with the Police Department concerning signs, and that he will speak to Mr. Rau about the fire department snow removal.

NEW BUSINESS:

Rabid Wildlife: Mr. Dalessio stated that he researched the rabid animal complaint. Ms. Pschirrer commented on a fox den on a property in the village. Mr. Dalessio stated that police will refer to NH Fish and Game animals that they are not able to dispatch. He stated that baby raccoons were captured and sent to a rehabilitation center. Mr. Dalessio was advised by the police department that there are no new problems with wildlife within the Town. Ms. Mayberry commented on the process by which residents can be notified when animal issues arise. Ms. Pschirrer stated there are open compost piles located within the Town. 

SWRPC Winter Meeting:  The meeting will be held on February 14, 2023, at 5:00 PM.

Legislative Delegation Meeting: The meeting will be held on March 1, 2023, and will begin at 6:30 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $13,372.21for checks issued February 3, 2023. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. This includes a $2,912.39 payment to Irving Energy.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 28, 2023, in the amount of $34,188.24 dated February 3, 2023, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $7,178.95.  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 accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 26, 2023, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – January 26, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of January 26, 2023, as submitted. 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:

• Safety Committee – January 19, 2023;

• Planning Board Workshop – January 24, 2023

ABATEMENTS:

Map and Lot# 028-119-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve an abatement for Map and Lot# 028-119-000, with a $381.24 property tax refund. Mrs. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 024-013-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve an abatement for Map and Lot# 024-013-000, with a $2,764.54 property tax refund.  Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 004-028-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to deny an abatement for Map and Lot# 004-028-000.  Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

REFUND:

Map and Lot#0 027-001-006:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a property tax refund for Map and Lot# 027-001-006, with $231.13 due to the overpayment of fall 2022 property taxes.  Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BLIND PROPERTY EXEMPTION:

Map and Lot# 022-017-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a blind exemption for Map and Lot# 022-017-000. Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERANS’ TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot# 030-006-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the All Veterans’ Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 030-006-000, as the applicant served over 90 days of active duty, was honorably discharged during a time of non-conflict. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 030-006-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the All Veterans’ Tax Credit for Map and Lot# 030-006-000, Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The applicant is a veteran and the spouse of the prior applicant.

Map and Lot# 008-024-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a Veteran’s Credit for Map and Lot# 008-024-000. Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The applicant served over 90 days of active duty, was honorably discharged, and served during a time of conflict.

CURRENT USE:

Map and Lot# 009-024-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a current use application for Map and Lot# 009-024-000, Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. It is a ten-acre lot being entered into current use.

Map and Lot# 011-031-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a current use application for Map and Lot# 011-031-000, Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

2023-02, Map and Lot# 007-021-000:  Ms. Mayberry moved to approve a building permit for Map and Lot#007-021-001, to construct a 34’ x 26’ one and a half story garage with a one bed efficiency apartment on the second floor. Ms. Pschirrer seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Houghton Brook Bridge: Mr. Dalessio updated the Selectboard on Houghton Brook bridge. The Town is not going to get the easement that is needed. He stated that potentially the Town will purchase a structure for a temporary bridge. 

School & Union Street Drainage Project: Mr. Dalessio commented upon the Union street and School street drainage project drawings that deal with the drainage. Mr. Dalessio discussed the cleaning of the catch basin. 

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Hooper Trustees Meeting at 8:10 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:36 PM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting at 8:37 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion. There was none. Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary 

20th Century French Songs with Bob Grenier at the Walpole Town Library

In this program, we will listen to a wide range of wonderful French songs by singers such as Brel. Bécaud, Gainsbourg, Goldman, Renaud, Vigneault, Charlebois, Ferrat, Piaf, Aznavour… Each song will be discussed. We will make sure that everyone understands the lyrics. There will be explanations of grammar and vocabulary if the need arises. Texts of the lyrics will be available, and at last, we will all be able to join in and sing along with the featured chanteur.

This program is intended for those who enjoy French music, either know French, or would like to renew the French they have learned and have forgotten, or those who are at various levels of trying to learn French. Songs are a wonderful way to learn and enjoy a foreign language. We are hoping to have a good mix of folks of all ages and levels who can help each other in the learning process.

Program will start February 15, 7:00-8:00, in the Hubbard Meeting Room. If there is enough interest, there will be further sessions.

Roll Call:

Minutes of January 2023.

Old Business:

Final draft of updating ZBA Bylaws. Second of two readings and vote to approve updated Bylaws.

March meeting:

Since Jan will be away in February, we will consider the nonpublic minutes of January 2023 and the unsealing two more sealed nonpublic session in March.

Roll Call: Appointment of alternates if needed.

Minutes: Review minutes of the January 2023 and workshop minutes.

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, pond and wetlands to the south.

Public Hearing continued:

Subdivision/Condo Lots: Avanru Development Group LLC:

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

New Business:

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

Tuesday, February 28: Fourth Tuesday workshop with Lisa.

Alex Barrett sent the following update to France Menk who asked that I share it with you. Don’t forget that you can see it for yourself on Monday, 2/6/23. – Lil

For our walk Monday- let’s park at the first landing area you encounter driving in Reservoir Road. There is a loader parked there- looks like a small log truck with a big crane on it- and some red pine telephone poles. I will get there early to direct traffic. My outback made it there no problem today in terms of height clearance. If people have lower-clearance vehicles, they can park out by the barn, but please stay to the side so log trucks can get by.

Also- people do NOT need snowshoes. We will be walking in skidder roads and even off them, the snow isn’t too bad. I would recommend yak trax or microspikes as a good option, however. But, it should be warm with softer ground than today!

Looking forward to Monday.

Alex

10 year growth increments on a red pine log. You can see the increased growth in the early 1980s when it was thinned- then, it slowed down again. Imagine how big the tree would be if we thinned it again in the 1990’s and 2000’s! And, look how fast it was growing early in its life- so amazing!

They have done a nice job retaining wildlife structures like this snag in one of the larger patch cuts.

Chris is using bridge mats to armor a smushy area along the haul road. These will be removed after the harvest.

The partially cut shelterwood in the red pine- looking down toward Walpole and the River. The snowmobile trail is to the left.

At least for tonight. Mr. Cassarino wanted to let everyone know that it has been cancelled because of the weather. It will be rescheduled and we will let you know as soon as possible. Gives you more time to “study up”! – Lil

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:35 PM in Walpole Town Hall. There was one member of the public present, Mrs. Janet Clough.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Non-Public Selectboard Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II to discuss (a) Personnel at 6:35 PM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. These minutes are to remain sealed.

The regular Selectboard meeting reconvened at 8:09 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $153,284.56 for checks issued January 27, 2023.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. This includes a check for $58,362.50 to Green Site Services for site work at the former Central Plating Brownfields site. The Town will receive a grant reimbursement for this expense.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 21, 2023, in the amount of $32,843.37dated January 27, 2023, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,516.59.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

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

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

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to acknowledge the following board/committee/board meeting minutes:

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – January 18, 2023

The chair so recognized.

WARRANTS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Walpole Water Fee Warrant for $43,830.25. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Walpole Sewer FeeWarrant for $79,430.10. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the North Walpole Sewer Fee Warrant for $61,451.17. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ABATEMENTS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve deny an abatement request formap and lot# 008-066-000. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve deny an abatement request for map and lot# 030-012-000. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the abatement request for map and lot # 012-043-000. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. 

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the solar exemption for map and lot # 010-026-000. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

CURRENT USE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the current use application for map and lot# 012-067-000. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

The owner is adding 3 acres to the 55 acres already in current use on a vacant property.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pending Further Actions:  Generators, School and Old North Main Bridges/Culverts, School Street Drainage Project, Phase 3 Power for Industrial Drive and Bensonwood, Houghton Brook Bridge

2023 Draft Warrant Articles: Mr. Dalessio noted that the Selectboard had no say for Articles 1- 3. Mr. Dalessio read Articles 4-14. The Selectboard voted in favor of recommending each article. There was no vote for Article 15. Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard sign the Town Meeting Warrants. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Streetlights at Kilburn and Spruce Streets and North Road: Mr. Dalessio is following up with a contact at Liberty Utilities to find a shade to force the light downward for each of these locations.

Procurement Policy: Mr. Dalessio has found 3 or 4 sample policies to review. Ms. Mayberry has a sample from the school district. Mr. Dalessio stated that the Reservoir Dam grant requires a procurement policy. Ms. Mayberry clarified that the change would be adding a section regarding federal funds to the current purchasing policy.

NEW BUSINESS:

Recreation Revolving Fund: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the recreation revolving fund to purchase two pairs of soccer goals for $3,280. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The purchase was discussed at the Recreation Committee Meeting and approved per Ms. Mayberry.

Town Report Covers: The Selectboard reviewed front cover samples and approved the suggestion for the dedication page.  A draft of the back cover design was presented.

E.C. Warmington Letter: The Selectboard acknowledgedreceipt of Executive Councilor Warmington’s letter with the promise that she will visit Walpole.

Avitar Utility Rates for 2023: The Selectboard noted the rate for utility assessment will be $185 per hour paid for Avitar services.

Hazard Mitigation Plan: The Selectboard confirmed that SWRPC will be the contractor for assisting with the update. The HSEM form will be completed online on Friday by Mrs. Downing.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:36 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

Peggy Pschirrer sent the following information. Those on Facebook have probably heard but, for those of us who are not, she wanted to share this good advice. – Lil

The Walpole Police Department has reported an increasing number of calls about potentially rabid animals. Within the past month they have put down a skunk and two fox.   In one case a citizen was bitten by a fox.   All three animals were behaving erratically and attacking people or other animals.  Raccoons and skunks are the most common wild animals to contract rabies but obviously foxes, coyotes and domestic dogs and cats can all contract rabies.  Walpole does not have an animal control officer so the Police and/or Fish and Game officers should be called.  Frequently the two departments work together.  Keep your own animals vaccinated and, on a leash, when outside and do not go near a wild animal acting strangely.  Most healthy wild animals will run away from you; if it doesn’t – beware and get away.  If you or a child or a pet is bitten, go immediately for medical assistance  or take the pet to your veterinarian.