Selectboard Present: Peggy Pschirrer, Chair; Cheryl Mayberry; Steve Dalessio
Staff Present: Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration
Others Present: Ron Rosko, Tom Winmill, Cindy Westover, Mike Hayes
CALL TO ORDER: Mrs. Pschirrer called this Selectboard meeting to order at 6:30 PM. She introduced herself, Peggy Pschirrer, Selectboard Chair, Steve Dalessio, Sarah Downing, Manager of Administration. Mrs. Pschirrer commented that the meeting would be recorded, as no Recording Secretary was present.
NEW BUSINESS:
Speed Radar Trailer Findings: Mrs. Pschirrer asked Mr. Rosko what he wished to discuss at the meeting. Mr. Rosko stated he was from the Eagle Times. However, he was attending the meeting as a citizen. Mr. Rosko stated he would represent himself, but asked why he couldn’t represent both the Eagle Times and as a citizen. Ms. Mayberry commented that guests are usually taken first on the agenda. Mrs. Pschirrer commented on Mr. Rosko’s presence at previous meetings regarding speed items. Mr. Rosko asked for additional information regarding speeding. Mr. Rosko commented that he discussed the findings of the speeding with Chief Sanctuary. Mrs. Pschirrer clarified that the speed limit is 30 mph, and the majority of vehicles fell between 30-35 mph. There were some who were speeding 40-45 mph and were stopped. Mr. Rosko commented that he was advised that 14,000 cars a week go up and down Prospect Hill Road. Mr. Rosko added that he has observed 9 out of 10 cars going 40 mph down the hill. He does not necessarily agree with Chief Sanctuary but gave a description of his conversation. Mr. Rosko stated that speeders have a disregard for child safety, given the locations of speeding cars within Town. He spoke at length regarding his observations and thoughts on speeding. Mr. Rosko stated that there should be police officers at different places at different times to catch speeders. Mr. Rosko stated that he would be happy to pay his share in tax increase for two additional police officers upon questioning by Mr. Dalessio. Mrs. Pschirrer commented on the increase in calls for service for suicides, substance use, and domestic violence. Mr. Rosko spoke his respect of police officers, but also to his observations of practices of other municipalities concerning the policing of speeding. Ms. Mayberry commented that if an area is not safe to pull cars over, such as Prospect Hill Road, it may be a safety concern for the police. It would be safer to pull speeders over on connecting streets such as Main Street. Ms. Mayberry clarified the errors in Mr. Rosko’s formula for raising funds from the issuance of speeding tickets. Ms. Mayberry stated her advocacy for adding a police officer, and that she would speak to the police chief on the topic of police vehicle placement.
Recreation Committee: Mrs. Pschirrer commented that Tom Winmill had joined the meeting. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that she would divide the matter into topics: 1st, the Recreation Committee and 2nd, the issues related to pickleball. Mike Hayes introduced himself. Mrs. Pschirrer started discussing the topic of the Recreation Committee. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that RSAs do not typically talk about committees, but recreation commissions. There are 457 RSAs which mention recreation. She described the Town’s recreation committee and stated that there are methods by which to ask a volunteer to leave a voluntary position. Mrs. Pschirrer spoke about the availability of State resources to increase leadership skills. Cindy Westover introduced herself. Mrs. Westover spoke to questions about a Recreation Committee member’s residency. She had sold a home in Charlestown to a member who also registered to vote in that town. Discussion over the process of applying to be a Recreation Committee member occurred. Mrs. Westover expressed her disappointment about the resignation of Diane Hardy as a member. Mr. Hayes spoke about his confusion about who the voting and non-voting members of the committee were. Ms. Mayberry confirmed that the Recreation Director and the Selectboard liaison are not voting members. Ms. Mayberry listed the five voting members of the Recreation Committee. Mrs. Westover spoke about the lack of official methods in the administration of Recreation Committee meetings. She asked the Selectboard’s thoughts on how soon the minutes should be completed. Mr. Dalessio stated that per State law the draft minutes must be completed within five (5) days.
Tennis and Pickleball Courts: Mrs. Westover commented that she played pickleball in the past couple days and observed vandalism at the courts with the court tape and nets being removed. Mr. Hayes stated that the previous time he went to play pickleball, the tape had not been put down. There was a discussion about the pickleball court tape being removed after being re-applied. A discussion of the courts’ condition took place at length, with varying comments and inquiries. Mr. Dalessio stated that a trial with tape and portable nets demonstrated that pickleball and tennis can exist on the same court. Permanent pickleball lines could be considered in the following year as a potential option for co-occupation on the courts. Mr. Dalessio stated that these two sports can co-exist. He urged both sides to put aside differences and work together on a compromise.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Accounts Payable totaling $211,110.71 dated 10/20/23, to include a $77,576.54 third quarter sewer usage/bond payment to the Village of Bellows Falls. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. Mr. Dalessio noted issues with the pole barn invoice. The barn has not been finished. Ms. Mayberry believed that the invoice was for materials only. She will review the invoice.
PAYROLL: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Payroll Register totaling $32,202.65 dated 10/20/23 and the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer of $6,725.10. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:
SELECTBOARD MEETING– October 12, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Meeting Minutes of October 12, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
SELECTBOARD NON-PUBLIC SESSION – October 12, 2023: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the Minutes of the Selectboard Non-Public Session of October 12, 2023. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved. The minutes will remain sealed.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Mr. Dalessio brought to the chair’s attention the following committee reports:
• Recreation Committee Meeting– September 13, 2023
• Planning Board Meeting – October 10, 2023
Mrs. Pschirrer acknowledged these minutes.
BUILDING PERMITS:
2023-36, Map and Lot# 012-004-004: Mr. Dalessio moved to approve the building permit for Map and Lot# 012-004-004 to construct a 58’ x 27’ 6-inch modular home with a 24’ x 24’ 2-car garage. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
OLD BUSINESS:
Trustee of Trust Funds Request Letter: Ms. Mayberry motioned to approve the request from the Walpole Conservation Commission to receive $5,000 in Fanny Mason Funds per the committee chair to support the recreation trail program. The $5,000 represents a 20% match requirement for drainage work. Mrs. Pschirrer stated that this would be sent to the Trustee of Trust Funds. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Postage Machine Agreement: Mr. Dalessio motioned to allow the chair of the Selectboard to sign the Pitney-Bowes postage machine agreement. The expense will be shared between the Selectboard office, the Town Clerk, and the Tax Collector budgets. Ms. Mayberry questioned if this would be based on use or split equally. Mrs. Downing replied that it will be based upon use. Mrs. Downing commented on Mrs. Daigle’s helpful research work on this project. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
HealthTrust 2024: Mrs. Pschirrer stated that there is a 15.6% increase in the cost of medical care coverage for Town employees. Mrs. Downing said that the Selectboard could sign the transmittal if they agree to remaining with the same plan. Mr. Dalessio motioned to allow the chair of the Selectboard to sign the HealthTrust agreement for the calendar year 2024. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mr. Dalessio, Ms. Mayberry and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Water Shut Off Agreement Letter: Ms. Mayberry commented that she went to the North Walpole Commissioners meeting yesterday. Patrick Kiniry is going to talk to Shirley Capron about the right of way/easement and selling it to the Village. She stated that 11 Merchant Street was discussed, and they vocalized their concern over the use of rat bait. Mrs. Downing noted that rat bait is also being used at a neighboring property. Ms. Mayberry requested that she be copied of correspondence between the Town and the commissioners. Ms. Mayberry stated that she spoke to the commissioners about sewer billing and having the leverage of shutting off water when residents do not pay their bills. Ms. Mayberry motion to approve the signing of a letter to the commissioners under PSC 703.03 that North Walpole Village can discontinue water service in lieu of sewer charges owed to the Town of Walpole. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor the motion was approved.
Streetlight on Kilburn Street: Mrs. Pschirrer asked when a light shield would be installed. Mr. Dalessio stated that he was not certain. They are still working with Liberty Utilities on getting the shield they bought installed. Mr. Dalessio stated that one came in, but it has not been put in yet.
NEW BUSINESS:
Draft AFP for Assessing Services: Mrs. Pschirrer spoke to a draft for General and Data Verification Assessing Services, a request for proposal. Mrs. Pschirrer advised Mrs. Downing to send this draft.
ABC Letter to the Selectboard: Mrs. Pschirrer stated the Town was in possession of a letter from a citizens’ group from Claremont asking for support in their efforts to deny a transfer station coming in and dumping potentially contaminated material. Mr. Dalessio commented that the existing area under discussion was already a potential contamination site. Mrs. Pschirrer stated she would draft something that could be looked at next week.
HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Hooper Trustees meeting at 8:05 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 8:07 PM.
Mr. Rosko departed the meeting.
NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS RSA 91-A:3 II (a):
Ms. Mayberry moved to enter into Non-Public meeting at 8:08 PM. Mr. Dalessio seconded. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
The meeting reconvened at 8:33 PM.
Ms. Mayberry moved to seal the non-public minutes. Seconded by Mr. Dalessio. With Ms. Mayberry, Mr. Dalessio, and Mrs. Pschirrer in favor, the motion was approved.
ADJOURNMENT:
Mrs. Pschirrer declared the meeting adjourned at 8:34 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Ahmad Esfahani, Recording Secretary
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