The Walpolean

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.

DATE CHANGE! Hooper Forest Timber Harvest Event

Because recent warmth has softened the soil, the logging machines will NOT be working in Hooper Forest today.  The public timber harvest viewing event will NOT take place this afternoon, January 30.

The Walpole Conservation Commission has rescheduled the event for Monday, February 6,  at 3 pm, to take advantage of the coming freeze-hardened ground.

As previously planned, participants should meet at the end of the maintained portion of Reservoir Road.

We hope to see you then!

France Menk

WCC/WTC

DATE CHANGE!

Because recent warmth has softened the soil, machines will not be working in Hooper Forest on the 30th.

Our event has been rescheduled for Monday, February 6, to take advantage of the coming freeze-hardened ground.

France Menk

WCC/WTC

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.There was one member of the public present, Mr. Ray Boas.

PUBLIC HEARING: Pursuant to RSA 31:95-b, the Selectboard will hold a public hearing to receive public comment regarding the acceptance and expenditure of unanticipated revenues from the special one-time bridge payment from the NH Department of Transportation (DOT) in the amount of $100,849.86. Ms. Mayberry asked what is the requirement for the expenditure of these monies? Mr. Dalessio confirmed that the monies would be used for the Houghton Brook Bridge Project. Mrs. Pschirrer moved that the Selectboard accept the one time bridge payment from the NH Department of Transportation in the amount of $100,849.86. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. Dalessio closed the public hearing for the one time bridge payment at 6:32 PM. The regular Selectboard Meeting followed, beginning with new business.

PROCUREMENT POLICY: When the Selectboard reviewed the draft warrant articles last week, Mr. Boas had some concerns with some of the monetary articles and how the figures were developed. Mr. Boas confirmed that the Purchase Order Policy of 2022 and Purchasing Directive, updated in 2012 were emailed to him as requested. Mr. Boas recounted his work history with the Navy in procurement which is why he is interested in how tax dollars are spent. Regarding the Recycling warrant article, Mr. Boas thought this would be a perfect project for a Request for Proposal (RFP) since it appears the type of storage area has not been decided upon. The Selectboard confirmed that the Police Department vehicle and associated equipment numbers were based on a State contract. Mr. Boas was comfortable with this situation since tax payers are getting the right price and service. For the Middle Street paving project, Mr. Boas thought this should involve a competitive bid process. Mr. Boas asked if the 6-wheel truck purchase was a State contract? Mr. Boas wondered if we are buying equipment that is larger than needed. Mr. Boas requested to view the purchasing file for the trailer used to move the sidewalk snowmachine. He thought that an RFP should have been used. Mr. Boas has reviewed what was involved with a competitive purchasing process. He visited the NHMA website for information regarding the guidelines for a purchasing policy and reported his findings. Mr. Boas was worried that the Town was not saving taxpayers’ dollars by not using an RFP process. Mr. Boas was willing to work with the Finance Manager to create a sample procedure. Mr. Dalessio stated that the Selectboard would take some of Mr. Boas’ ideas under advisement. The Selectboard currently requests 2-3 bids for warrant article purchases from department managers. It is not a formal bid process. For Warrant Article #8 for storage at the Recycling Center, quotes were obtained. The Town may need to wait another year for the article to be included in the warrant. Mr. Boas was not against the creation of storage at the Recycling Center. The Middle Street project had quotes provided but not through a formal process per Mr. Dalessio. The Houghton Brook Bridge rebuilding project will include an RFP. Mr. Dalessio said it would be at the Finance Manager’s discretion if assistance was needed with creating the policy.

WALPOLE 2022 LANDFILL CLOSURE REPORT: Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any recommendations regarding the closure report. Mr. Dalessio said there were none. Ms. Mayberry moved for the Chair to sign the 2022 Landfill Closure Report. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $1,016,607.03 for checks issued January 20, 2023.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. This includes a $700,531.13 monthly payment to the Fall Mountain Regional School District and a $223,610 payment to the North Walpole Village District for their portion of tax monies collected.

Mr. Boas departed the meeting at 6:50 PM.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending January 14, 2023, in the amount of $30,549.76dated January 20, 2023, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,765.88.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – January 11, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of January 11, 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 11, 2023:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of January 11, 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/commission meeting minutes:

• Conservation Commission Meeting – January 9, 2023;

• Library Trustees Meeting – January 10, 2023;

• Planning Board Meeting – January 10, 2023

The chair so recognized.

PROPERTY TAX REFUND:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the property tax refund for map and lot# 008-087-000 for $4,408.00 due to a double payment. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

TIMBER INTENTS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the timber intents for map and lot# 012-068-000 for a property off of Old Drewsville Road and map and lot# 008-062-000 for a section of the Hooper Golf Property. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

The application for map and lot# 007-021-000 was tabled. Additional information was required regarding the building’s dimensions in relation to square footage. An additional sketch with an elevation view of the garage is needed.

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

Streetlights on Kilburn, Spruce and Old North Main Streets: Mr. Dalessio said that he is working with Liberty Utilities in regard to installing light shields. He is trying to find the right contact person.

2023 Draft Warrant Articles: There were no changes to articles 1-2. For article three, the Planning Board did not recommend the article. The numbers are to be changed with 1 yes and 6 no to match the text in the warrant.  Article 4 for the 2023 Town budget, it needs the updated numbers from Mr. Kreissle per Ms. Mayberry. For article 12, the $150,000 will be reduced to $115,000 per Mr. Dalessio. The text was discussed and finalized by the Selectboard for article 12 regarding the Middle Street project.

Walpole Community Power: Paul Looney has volunteered to be the contact for media and public relations for Walpole Community Power per Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:

Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into a Hooper Trustees Meeting.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 7:05 PM.

The Selectboard Meeting resumed at 7:13 PM.

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 7:13 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 7:45 PM.

The Selectboard discussed the need for a purchasing procedurefor grant applications. Separate procedures for federal and town funds may be required.

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 7:47 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

Ray Boas

Jan 26

And, at the post offices tomorrow for delivery to Walpole, North Walpole, and Drewsville hopefully on Saturday. Back up to 20 pages with past events, news, and some “fun reads.” Please note on page 3, AGE IN MOTION. Submitted incorrectly, and not caught, it starts THURSDAY, February 2. Please remember that it is our advertisers that make it possible to get your hardcopy CLARION into your hands, so please thank them with your words or business.

Catch you next month – it comes too quickly – click on this link, or the cover below to see the February issue. Yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

Present: Chair Jeff Miller, Vice-Chair Dennis Marcom, Clerk Jason Perron, Select Board Representative Steve Dalessio, Board Member Joanna Andros.

The meeting started at 7 pm.

Mr. Miller discussed writing an ordinance about condominiums in the commercial district to be presented to the public in 2024. Should it be a short addition to the current zoning, such as Article VI Commercial District, Part C under Uses Permitted? Or should it be longer such as in the Peterborough and Claremont ordinances? Expect future workshops on this topic.

Regarding the issue that came up at the regular meeting about separate ordinances for the village precinct and Route 12,  Mr. Miller said he wanted to see what happened in March.

The meeting ended at 8 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary

Watch the Hooper Forest Timber Harvest – as it happens!!!

Monday, January 30, at 3pm

The Walpole Conservation Commissioninvites members of the public to watch the cut as processed. Ask questions and tromp around in the snow. (Need we suggest snowshoes? ;-))

Our town forester, Alex Barrett of Long View Forest, has made this learning experience possible.

Hikers, mountain bikers, and others who use the trails in Hooper Forest, are especially encouraged to attend.

Participants should meet at the end of the maintained portion of Reservoir Road. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged.

Proceeds from the timber harvest will benefit the Hooper Institute.

We hope to see you there on Monday!!

France Menk WCC and WTC

Roll Call: Present: Chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc, Vice-Chair Judy Trow, Clerk Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes, Tom Winmill. Alternates Don Sellarole and Myra Mansouri. Absent: Alternates Carolyn Vose, Dave Edkins and Shane O’Keefe.

Recording: Secretary Marilou Blaine. These minutes were recorded and are unapproved. They will be reviewed at the February 2023 meeting for corrections, additions or omissions.

Called to order: Ms. Galloway-Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7 pm. A full board was present so an alternate was not needed to fill in.

Minutes of November 2022: On page 2, the paragraph before the section on unsealing minutes, Ms. Barnes said the number of the RSA is 91. Ms. Trow made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Old Business:

Updating Bylaws 

The updated Bylaws are a combination of the previous ZBA Bylaws and suggested rules of procedure by the State of New Hampshire. The Board worked on these Bylaws at the November meeting and Ms. Trow recorded all the changes. After adding them to the working updated bylaws document, she sent them to the Board for corrections. When the corrections were made, the Board, member by member, read the edited version aloud. 

Bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the members provided that such amendments are read at two successive meetings. A final vote will be taken at the February 2023 meeting.

Reviewing sealed minutes

Beginning in October 2022, the ZBA began reviewing sealed nonpublic minutes to see whether or not they could be unsealed. Tonight, after making and passing a motion to go into nonpublic session, the board considered unsealing two previous sealed minutes –  the unsealed nonpublic minutes of April 17, 2019, and the unsealed nonpublic minutes of June 17, 2020. After a short discussion of each of the minutes, the Board voted to come out of nonpublic session. In individual motions, Ms. Trow made two separate motions to continue to keep the sealed minutes sealed to protect the reputation of the participants mentioned in the minutes. Ms. Barnes seconded both motions and both motions carried.  

Mr. Murray made a motion to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Ms. Barnes and the motion carried. It was 8:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine



 On January 4th the Walpole Community Power Committee recommended that the Walpole Select Board move forward with Community Power Coalition of New Hampshire (CPCNH). It was recommended  over other vendors because  the committee feels that CPCNH is a better long term opportunity. On January 11th the Select Board unanimously  agreed with the committee’s recommendation and signed the necessary documents to move forward with CPCNH.    

CPCNH will be negotiating the purchase of power and setting rates between January 30th and February 16th.  Our Energy Aggregation Plan approved at the 2022 Town meeting  requires that we only launch Walpole Community Power if we can meet or beat the Liberty default rate, that is still the requirement. 

We have scheduled a informational meeting at Town hall on 2/22/23 @ 6:30.

We will provide the next update in the March Clarion and on the Walpolean