Library Trustees Meeting Minutes – 4/11/23

LIBRARY TRUSTEES 04/24/2023 Leave a comment

Present:  Amy Howard (Chair), Kathy Nerrie (Treasurer), Gail LaHaise, Susan Johnson, Bill Ranauro, Tim Lester, Sarah Mann, Erin Bowen, Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary), Jane Malmberg (Library Director), Peggy Pschirrer (Selectboard Liaison)

Visitor:  Leslie Kanerva

Amy called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. in the North Walpole branch.  This meeting was recorded. Amy welcomed Leslie Kanerva to the meeting.

Approval of Minutes:  Gail made a motion to accept the March 21, 2023, minutes as written. Tim seconded, and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Election of Officers:  Gail nominated Amy for Chair of the Board of Trustees.  Erin seconded, and all voted in favor.  Amy will continue as Chair of the Board.

Amy nominated Jean for Secretary of the Board.  Gail seconded, and all voted in favor.  Jean will remain as Secretary of the Board.

Gail nominated Kathy for Treasurer of the Board.  Amy seconded, and all voted in favor.  Kathy continues as Treasurer of the Board.

Kathy pointed out that sometimes (depending upon direction from the Secretary of State) names of candidates appear on the ballot in the order of registration. She recommended that incumbents in the future register as soon as registration for library trustee opens.

Treasurer’s Report:  Kathy emailed a copy of the Treasurer’s Report to the Board prior to the meeting.  She reported that all is running smoothly, as expected.

Bills: Jane emailed a copy of the bills to the Board prior to the meeting.  She reported that she and Kathy got a Debit Master Card at the Savings Bank of Walpole, with Kathy and her as co-signers.  At the meeting it was decided to add Amy as a co-signer.  Kathy will take care of that.

Amy moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Bills, and Gail seconded.  The Board voted to accept the reports.

Old Business

Canvas Tote Bags:  Amy showed a picture of what the L.L. Bean tote bags will look like.  She said she would send an email to the board members to place orders.  Leslie asked if the public could purchase these bags.  Amy explained that a different bag will be made available to patrons by donation.  Gail moved to approve funds for the purchase of the canvas totes;  Tim seconded, and all voted to approve.

Chimney:  Jane emailed photos of the choices Don Newcomb has for the exterior of the chimney.  The Board agreed that stone is the best choice because it will look much like the current chimney.  Newcomb will take the chimney down below the roof line then rebuild and cap it.

Leslie suggested a new synthetic product called GenStone, which might be used as a cost saver.

Kathy expressed a concern that if the work done to the chimney does not solve the leakage problem, then what?  Sarah stated the work should come with a written guarantee or warranty.  Jane said that she would ask for that when she talks with Newcomb.

Amy moved that we accept the bid (with guarantee) from Don Newcomb.  Gail seconded, and all voted in favor.  Motion carried.

Front Door Status:  Jane emailed the front door replacement agreement from Adam Vose to board members prior to the meeting.  Amy stated we want to approve the final design of the door and see the color of the wood. She would like to know if any of the current hardware can be salvaged. 

Jane said she would work with Adam on dates in order to coordinate door and roofing work, as well as the bench dedication.

Bench Dedication:  Jane said the Cookes would like to have a small reception in the library after the bench dedication.  She solicited the names of caterers, which the board members provided.  She will pass those to the Cookes.

Operations:   Jane reported the following increases from the same time last year:

​​​Library Visits – 24%

​​​Libby Use – 11%

​​​Attendance at Children’s Programs – 39%

​​​Visits to NW Branch – 49%

Jane said visitors from Keene, Swanzey, and Alstead have been attending children’s story times. She also said attendance for the Great Decisions and Hundred Nights was good.

Jane reported that Julie is now doing outreach at the North Walpole School.  She said children getting off the bus from NW have come into the library looking for books Julie talked about.

Grant money from the state has come through so our library will be able to sponsor the All Community Read in the Fall.

Buildings and Grounds:  Tim said he would like to meet Jennifer Burr, so Jane said she would set up a meeting for them.  Kathy reminded Tim to tell Jennifer that we want to stay within a $1,000 budget this year. 

Friends of the Library:  Amy said she attended last week’s meeting.  The Friends will give the library $10,000. 

Peggy announced that she is stepping down as Selectboard Liaison to the Library Board.  Cheryl Mayberry will take her place.  The Trustees thanked Peggy for all she has done with the Board during the past seven years.

Adjournment: Gail moved to adjourn.  Amy adjourned the meeting at 5:32 p.m.

The next meeting will be May 9, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. at the main branch.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the May 9, 2023 meeting.

Hydrant Flushing – 4/26 & 4/27/23

EVENTS 04/24/2023 Leave a comment

Important information. Be sure you get the whites washed before then. – Lil

Hydrant flushing will be performed this week, Wednesday 4/26 and Thursday 4/27.

Zoning Board of Adjustment – 4/19/23

ZONING BOARD 04/23/2023 Leave a comment

Roll Call: Present: Board members Chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc, Clerk Tom Murray, Tom Winmill, Dave Edkins. Alternates: Don Sellarole, Myra Mansouri. Absent: Board member Pauline Barnes, Alternates Carolyn Vose and Shane O’Keefe. Also at the meeting were Lindsay Miller and Benji Thurber who live at 186 Barnett Hill. The couple had fire damage to their house on March 18th of this year. Also Bill Carmody who had an application for a farm-style porch at his home on Pleasant Street. 

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

Called to order: Ms. Galloway-Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Alternate Myra Mansouri was asked to fill in for the absent board member and she agreed.

Election of Officers: Mr. Murray made a motion to elect the current chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc as chair. Mr. Edkins seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Ms. Galloway-Leclerc made a motion to elect Mr. Edkins vice-chair. Ms. Mansouri seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Mr. Mansouri made a motion to elect Mr. Murray as clerk. Mr. Edkins seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Review of Minutes of March 2023: Mr. Murray made a motion that the March 2023 minutes be approved as printed. Mr. Edkins seconded the motion and the motion carried.

New Business:

186 Barnett Hill Road

Kim Wilson of American Mobile Homes Inc. contacted Chair Galloway-Leclerc about a couple looking to set up a temporary mobile home about a week ago. Ms. Wilson wrote that the Miller family suffered a fire on March 18, 2023, which left their home not livable. The Millers would like to install a temporary mobile home to be use as living quarters while the family rebuilds their fire-damaged home. They will need the mobile home for 6 to 12 months. 

Lindsay Miller and Benji Thurber were at the meeting to ask the board for temporary placement of a mobile home on their Barnett Hill Road property while repair work is done at their home. Ms. Miller explained their circumstances stated above. 

Mr. Winmill asked if they had an application. Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said they didn’t need an application because there is an ordinance pertaining to their request. She directed the board to look at Article IV, General Provisions, Section F. Trailers and Mobile Homes. 

Number 3 says “The Board of  Adjustment may grant a permit for the temporary use of a trailer or mobile home to be maintained as living quarters, by a person employed in adjoining construction of a timber harvest or for whom a permanent residence is under construction, or as an office, storeroom or shop in connection with active construction of the premises that such use will conform to the sanitary requirements of this Article Section C. In granting such permits the Board of Adjustment shall attach reasonable time limits for the removal of such mobile home or trailer.”

Mr. Edkins asked if they would be hooking up the mobile home to their septic system and well and for how long. Ms. Miller said yes to hooking up to their current utilities and they were told it would take 6 to12 months. 

In the letter from Mr. Garrity of American Mobile Homes, he wrote “The utility connections for the mobile home will be connected to existing utilities on the property. A licensed plumber will be making the water connection at the well head outside and build an outside well hut to protect if from the outside elements and connecting the drain line from the mobile home to the existing sewer line clean out. The electrician will make a connection to the existing temporary service on the property to feed the mobile home. Permits will be pulled by both and utility connections will be inspected by the plumbing & electrical inspectors.”

Mr. Winmill said this request was not on the agenda. Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said she was just recently informed of this situation.

Ms. Mansouri asked where on Barnett Hill did they live. Ms. Miller said they have 18 acres and it’s up the hill and near the Alstead line. She then asked where would mobile home be placed. Ms. Miller said in the current driveway. 

Mr. Edkins made a motion to grant the temporary mobile home at 186 Barnett Hill Road for a period not to exceed a year. Ms. Mansouri amended the motion to add that in 10 months Ms. Miller report back to the Zoning Board of Adjustment on the current progress to the house. Mr. Murray seconded the amended motion and it carried with a voice vote. 

Mr. Winmill asked if abutters were notified. Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said there is no requirement to notify abutters.  

New application

Bill Carmody, 31 Pleasant Street, Residential B district, add a farm-style porch to front of the house.

Mr. Carmody had talked to Mr. Ernie Vose, Walpole’s zoning administrator.

There was discussion about whether Mr. Carmody needed a Variance or Expansion of a Non-conforming Use application. The board eventually decide Mr. Carmody needed a Variance and the reason was because the house was too close to the center of the road. “Article V, Residential District A and B, Land Standards, No. 2. No building may be erected closer than sixty-five (65) feet to the center line of the abutting right-of-way nor closer than twenty feet to any side or rear property line.”  

Mr. Winmill said Mr. Carmody is not on the agenda. Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said he is submitting the application tonight and you will get a copy of the application before the next meeting. Then Mr. Winmill got up, put on his jacket, put his computer in his back pack and left the room. It was about 7:40 pm. 

Mr. Carmody asked about abutters and he was told he needed to include those across the street including the street behind him., which is Westminster Street. He added two abutters to his list and filled out a check. A motion was made and seconded to hold a public hearing for Mr. Carmody’s request for a variance at the May meeting and the motion carried.

Tribute for Judy Trow

Ms. Trow was secretary for the Zoning Board of Adjustment for 16 years before she became a member of the board. She also served almost as many years as a board member. During those two terms of service to the community, she became an expert in knowing the ordinances and application processes. She treated every applicant with the utmost respect. She is missed by the remaining board at every meeting for her gentle manner and her expertise. She also has a great sense of humor.

Nonpublic session 

Ms. Mansouri made a motion to go in nonpublic session. Mr. Edkins seconded the motion and the motion carried. The board went into nonpublic session at 8 pm and came out at 8:20 pm.

Mr. Edkins made a motion to come out of nonpublic session. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried.  Aftershock coming out of nonpublic sessions Mr. Edkins made a motion to keep all the minutes discussed sealed. Mr. Murray seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Maps

Mr. Winmill had previously asked Ms. Galloway-Leclerc about locating some old maps. Board members didn’t seem to know where the maps he referred to were. However, there is a reference to maps in the Ordinance in Article III Purpose. “For the purpose of this ordinance, the Town of Walpole is divided into the following districts as shown on the Zoning Map filed with the Town Clerk and dated January 11, 1966 and amended March 7, 1972. 

The Zoning Board, within the last year, had printed a colorful up-to-date zoning map created by Antioch New England students. That map is now on the wall outside the meeting hall. It was wondered if the board had to mention in this ordinance when the board amended a zoning map. There being no l answer at this meeting, it is food for thought at another meeting.

Adjournment

Mr. Murray made a motion to adjourn. Mr. Edkins seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine, Secretary

Selectboard Meeting Minutes – 4/13/23

SELECTBOARD 04/21/2023 Leave a comment

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

Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Jordan Cannon

Others Present: Craig Vickers, Leroy Watson, Steve Varone, Wes Vickers, Roberta Nelson, Carol Lent, Greg Lent, Andrew McIntyre, Beth Vickers, Lil DeCoste

CALL TO ORDER:  Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. 

NEW BUSINESS

Walpole Schools: Ms. Pschirrer welcomed those gathered in attendance to speak. Mr. Wes Vickers began to discuss the possible formation of Walpole Committee for a K-8 school district for Walpole.  He reflected on the FMRSD meeting Monday night wherein the school budget was discussed.  He reviewed the three “tiers” of the FMRSD being site-base, school board, and budget committee.  The budget committee used Jaffrey/Rindge school district as a baseline by the Budget Committee. This school district has the lowest budget of any school district. Mr. Wes Vickers distributed cost-per-pupil documentation to the Selectboard and to those in attendance. Conval and Monadnock were identified by Mr. Wes Vickers as “more accurate” comparisons. He then distributed documentation regarding enrollment data, student/teacher ratios, total Walpole student attendance, and Rindge school class sizes. Mr. Wes Vickers stated that there is a “fixed asset” problem and not a “variable asset” problem. He reflected on school withdrawal being on the 2019 ballot in Charlestown. He stated that the Selectboard would be asked to set up a committee to establish a K-8 school board. Mr. West Vickers expressed concern with the rise in school shootings nationwide, the importance of adhering to Homeland Security recommendations and the possibility of adding a school resource officer at Walpole Schools. He then stated that the school should be renamed in honor of Samuel Jacobs.

Mrs. Pschirrer reflected upon Mr. Wes Vickers’ comments. She stated that school resource officers can be extremely valuable. Mr. Dalessio commented on the limited capacity of Walpole Police to supply a school resource officer to the Walpole school. Mr. Dalessio urged the hiring of an attorney prior to forming a committee to leave the district. Ms. Mayberry stated that Walpole schools were awarded a safe grant for $170,750, wherein most of that money was for door locks, window film, and beacons.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked if there were any plans in the schools of what to do in case of unforeseen dangerous events. Ms. Roberta Nelson stated that in North Walpole they have an active shooter protocol. Mr. Craig Vickers then began discussing the petition that was put forth as being a litmus test. He stated that it became clear to him from being on the school board that the term “equity” is being used inappropriately in the FMRSD. Mr. Craig Vickers reflected on the differences between the terms “equality” and “equity”. In Mr. Craig Vicker’s opinion, people move to Walpole because of the quality of the schools. He wanted Walpole to remain in the Fall Mountain High School but wanted autonomy from FMRSD regarding K-8. Mrs. Pschirrer stated there is no extra money to pay for a committee, as the budget has already passed. Mr. Dalessio stated that RSAs require every town to belong to a SAU. Ms. Carol Lent stated that her children are starting a fundraising committee to keep a math teacher at Walpole Elementary School.

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

Mr. Dalessio moved to enter into Non-Public Session pursuant to RSA 91-A:3 II (a) (c) at 7:42 p.m. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

The meeting was reconvened at 9:15 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $36.978.21 for checks issued April 14, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. This includes a payment of $4,466 to the AAA Police Supply for the ammunition.

PAYROLL:

Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Check Register in the amount of $58,127.66 dated April 14, 2023, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $14,493.20.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – April 06, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of April 6, 2023.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – April 6, 2023:  Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of April 6, 2023.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes are to remain sealed.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Mr. Dalessio called attention to the minutes of:

Conservation Commission Meeting- April 3, 2023

Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged the minutes.

SOLAR ENERGY EXEMPTION:

Map and Lot# 017-013-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the solar exemption for Map and Lot# 017-013-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

Map and Lot# 008-015-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the solar exemption for Map and Lot#008-015-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

VETERAN’S TAX CREDIT:

Map and Lot# 009-033-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Veteran’s tax credit for Map and Lot# 009-033-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

EXCAVATION INTENT:

Map and Lot# 012-073-000: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the excavation intent for Map and Lot# 012-073-000. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

Pearl Street:  Mrs. Downing stated that Mike Rau, the Road Agent, met with the Pearl Street residents. Mrs. Downing found there is an easement through the properties for access. Mr. Dalessio stated that if the residents who have deed easements are willing to pay for half of the paving costs, the Town would be willing to pave in the summer. Mr. Dalessio stated that Mr. Rau would go to the residents in the coming weeks and would discuss this matter with them. The paving would be an option for this year only, and then upon confirmation by Mr. Rau, the Selectboard would finalize the agreement.

Procurement Policy: Mr. Dalessio motioned signing the Procurement Policy for Projects Using State or Federal Funds. Ms. Mayberry seconded the motion. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

MEDC Event: Mrs. Pschirrer brought attention to an event the Monadnock Economic Development Committee is hosting on 4/19/2023. No member of the Selectboard stated their intention to attend.

Mrs. Pschirrer asked if the Selectboard completed their list of items to address in 2023. Ms. Mayberry requested this be tabled for the following week, given the lateness of the meeting. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that this item would be postponed until 4/20/2023. Mr. Dalessio briefly pointed to his list of items: being more aggressive in establishing policies and procedures, ticketing, infrastructure projects, and Vilas Bridge.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer called the Selectboard meeting adjourned at 9:34 PM. 

Respectfully submitted,

Jordan Cannon, Recording Secretary

Walpole Players Present – 5/12-5/20/23

EVENTS 04/21/2023 Leave a comment

Annual Walpole Clean Up Day – 4/22/23

EVENTS 04/21/2023 Leave a comment

Tomorrow (Saturday, April 22) the great people of Walpole will once again join together to tidy up the highways and byways of our beautiful town for our Annual Walpole Clean Up Day.

At 8:00 am, we will be ready at the Walpole Recycling/Transfer Station with blue bags, gloves, coffee and donuts, plus suggestions of the best routes for trash-picking. Coffee and donuts will be consumed, strategies set, and off the volunteers will go in a race to see who can collect the most trash.  By 11:00 am, volunteers will bring their booty back to the Transfer Station, where it will be counted.  Keep in mind that yard waste will be counted toward our totals!  

Our Clean Up Day, in addition to being good for the town, is a great way to have fun with a group of friends on a Saturday morning in Spring – plus you have the whole rest of the day for chores and leisure-time activities.  Gather a group from work, church or neighborhood–the more the merrier!

So everyone please join us for three hours on Saturday, April 21st for this fun event, and help keep Walpole the prettiest town in New England!  

Happy Earth Day!

– Kara Dexter and Tara Sad

Investment Group of Walpole     IGROW 

EVENTS 04/20/2023 Leave a comment

Invitation for new members to join our investors group that has been active since December 1997.  The purpose of the group is to invest the assets of the partnership solely in public traded equities for the education and benefit of the partners.  Monthly meetings are held at the Walpole Library on the third Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. for approximately one hour.  Requirements include members have an interest in learning & sharing knowledge about investing.  Monthly minimum investment is $30.

Please join us for one meeting to see if it is a good fit for all involved.   Email Carol Malnati @ carolmalnati@yahoo.com  with questions and available times to attend a meeting.

Easter Egg Hunt

Uncategorized 04/18/2023 Leave a comment

I missed Debbie’s beautiful picture of all the “hunters”. – Lil

From the Cub Scouts

Uncategorized 04/18/2023 Leave a comment

Cub Scout Pack 299

We would like to Thank everyone that made our annual Easter Egg Hunt a huge success. Also a huge Thank you to Rob and Barbara Kasper for the Creamery donations.

Next a special Thank you the gentleman who handed me a monetary donation.

Walpole Cub Scout Pack 299

Debbie Pawelczyk

Cub Scout Committee Chair

Clarion Deadline – 4/22/23

EVENTS 04/15/2023 Leave a comment
Apr 14

Yes, finish up your taxes, and then get your May CLARION submissions to me by next Saturday the 22nd – now eight days away. If possible, by next Friday the 21st even better. As usual, I already have a number of submissions, so the sooner you get me your articles, announcements or advertisements, the proverbial better for proper placement and design work.

As I have said, this is “your community resource” to share information about your group – its activities and events that 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