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 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.There was one member of the public present, Mr. Ray Boas.

TREES ON THE COMMON:

Mr. Boas had seen in the December 5^th Selectboard Minutes a discussion about replacing two trees on the Common. There was a consensus that there was a plan to replace three trees. Mr. Boas wished to discuss the esthetics and funding of the replacement trees. Mr. Boas likes seeing activity on and around the Common. Mr. Boas recounted past Clarion articles related to trees on the Common. There was a discussion as to how many trees were removed since the summer. There were three trees removed on the east side, and one large tree on west side. A small, dead dogwood was also removed. Mr. Boas said if one squared off the Common, there are 6 trees on the east side and 5 trees on the west side. There is a tree across from 46 Elm Street in poor condition. Mr. Dalessio explained that the Town had hired an arborist. A staged process with removal and replacement was recommended.  Mr. Boas felt this plan was unbalanced and not pleasing. He would like to recommend planting 3 trees on the west side of the Common. Then there would be 8 trees on the east side and 7 trees on the west side of the Common.

Mr. Boas wished to discuss funding and quotes. Mr. Dalessio explained that they had terrible luck finding an arborist. The arborist hired provided a very good proposal. Mr. Boas was interested in the contractual procedures. There was a discussion if the funding would be sought through a warrant article. Mr. Boas suggested using the unassigned fund balance to purchase trees. He also felt that donations could be sought. Mr. Boas would be interested in donating money to a tree in his wife’s memory.

The Selectboard reviewed the quote for the replacement trees and the care of current trees. Ms. Mayberry commented that an arborist was hired for balance and continuity. Mr. Dalessio said that the Selectboard viewed this as a long-term project. Mr. Boas is interested in balancing out the trees on the Common. Mr. Dalessio said the three proposed trees were 2.5 inches in diameter and 10 -12 feet tall. Mr. Boas felt that the quote was too much money. The group reviewed the quote of $4,705 for purchasing trees, planting, transport, labor, compost, fertilizerand mesh protection. The quote to care for two Norway maples is $4,180. Ms. Pschirrer said that two tupelo trees and one Jefferson elm tree were recommended by the arborist. Mr. Dalessio asked if the arborist could provide a quote for the larger 4.5-inch trees. There was a watering plan included in the quote. Mr. Boas would like to see all the trees, for both sides of the Common, purchased at one time.

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2023 TOWN BUDGET HEARING:  The Selectboard had planned the budget hearing for Thursday, February 9^th. However, there is a meeting conflict with the Fall Mountain Regional School District Deliberative Session night. There was a consensus to move the Town’s budget hearing to Wednesday, February 8^th at 5:30 PM with the Selectboard Meeting to follow.

Mr. Boas departed the meeting at 7:03 PM.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 24, 2022, in the amount of $30,747.28 dated December 30, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $6,470.35.  Seconded by Mrs.Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 22, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 22, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs.Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 22, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 22, 2022, 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:

The following reports were acknowledged by the Selectboard:

VETERANS’ CREDIT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Veterans’ Credit application for map and lot# 029-005-00. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the veterans’ credit was approved.

TIMBER INTENTS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Intent to Cut for:

• Map and Lot# 009-006-000

• Map and Lot# 009-008-000

• Map and Lot# 010-034-000

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs.Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

2022-50, Map and Lot# 003-077-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept Building Permit# 2022-50 for Map and Lot# 003-077-000 to add a 488 square foot roof mount solar array.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

OLD BUSINESS:

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

Termination of Service Letter with The Standard: Ms. Mayberry moved for the Chair to sign the Termination of Service Letter with The Standard.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Cold River Riverbank Approval for Repair Letter: Ms. Pschirrer moved to sign the letter of approval to the NH DOS for the repair of the Cold River riverbank washout.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

NEW BUSINESS:

Walpole USPAP Review Report: There was a consensus that the letter from the NH DRA was a notice that everything was done correctly for report. No follow-up was needed said Mr. Dalessio.

Thank You Notes: From the Library Staff for their holiday gift cards, Peggy Pschirrer for get well flowers and the Nash family for a bereavement donation.

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 7:18 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

Dear Walpole community:

Thanks to so much generosity from so many people, the 2022 Community Giving Tree provided a brighter holiday season for almost 30 local families and almost 100 local children. 

We would like to thank The Congregational Church of Walpole, St. John’s Church, St. Peter’s Church, The Hungry Diner, Spencer’s Place, the Walpole and North Walpole Libraries, Mascoma Bank, and The Savings Bank of Walpole on Westminster Street for displaying tags and collecting gifts.  We would like to also thank the “Toys for Tots” program based at The Savings Bank of Walpole in the Shaw’s plaza for providing many extra toys so that parents could choose 2-3 more gifts besides those that they requested.  The staff at the Westminster St. Savings Bank of Walpole also provided wrapping paper and tape for the parents.  We thank everyone who sent us donations, as we purchased over $600 worth of gifts for tags that were not taken.  Finally, we want to thank EVERYONE who chose tags and purchased gifts.  A special thanks also to the “Women of Walpole” who chose many tags and purchased many gifts. 

This whole project is a perfect example of small town holiday spirit.  THANK YOU SO MUCH to all who helped in any way! HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours!  We hope that 2023 brings you peace, joy, and good health!

Thank you again,

Sincerely,Jeanne Cloues and Marcia Weil

Giving Tree Project coordinators

Good news! Thanks to the efforts of Marilou Blaine, Janet Chamberlin, and myself, we are able to resume AIM classes. Janet Chamberlin (you may know her from the clinic) will be our instructor. 

Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 to 10:00 AM downstairs at the Town Hall starting January 17th. The cost is $3.00 each time you participate. You will be asked to get a release form filled out by your doctor. That paper can be picked up in the 17^th or whenever you are ready to start.

Please share this news with your friends and neighbors. Many of you participated back in the Pre-COVID days and we hope to see you again. This is a fun way to build strength and flexibility and is designed especially for Seniors.

Selectboard Present:  Steven Dalessio, Chair was in the Selectboard Office with Mrs. Pschirrer participating by speaker phone.

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM in the Walpole Town Hall.There were no members of the public 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 6:30 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 6:58 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $650,329.89 for checks issued December 23, 2022.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. It included a $353,063.62 payment to All States Construction for highway asphalt.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending December 17, 2022, in the amount of $36,213.84 dated December 23, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $7,499.62.  Seconded by Mrs.Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – December 15, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of December 15, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs.Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – December 15, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of December 15, 2022, 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:

The following reports were acknowledged by the Selectboard:

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners’ Meeting – December 6, 2022;

REFUNDS:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the following property tax refunds: 

• Map and Lot# 029-019-000 for $7.00 due to overpayment.

• Map and Lot# 012-024-000 for $3,266.00 due to a duplicate payment.

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the property tax abatements were approved.

TIMBER TAX WARRANT:

Map and Lot# 011-045-000, Op# 24-461-04-T: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Timber Tax Yield Certification and Warrant for Map and Lot# 011-045-000, Op# 24-461-04-T.  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 accept the following Solar Energy Exemptions: 

• Map and Lot# 022-014-000

• Map and Lot# 012-044-010

Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer. With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the property solar energy exemptionswere approved.

TIMBER INTENTS:

Map and Lot# 011-003-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Timber Intent for Map and Lot# 011-003-000.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Motion was approved. The intent to cut was for the Hooper Forest.

OLD BUSINESS:

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

NEW BUSINESS:

NH DOT One Time Bridge Payment: A payment of $100,849.86 was received. Mr. Dalessio recommended saving the monies to use as part of the matching funds to pay for the Houghton Brook Bridge. There was an agreement by consensus to this plan.

2023 Budget Hearing Date: The meeting must be before 2/17/2023. There was a consensus to hold the meeting on Thursday, 2/9/2023 at 5:30 PM. The snow date would be the following Thursday, 2/16/2023.

Community Forestry Survey: The Board requested the survey be sent to Alicia Flammia and Peter Palmiotto of the Conservation Commission for completion.

Legislative Delegation Meeting: The meeting is to be held in Keene on January 4^th at 6:30 PM stated Mr. Dalessio. Unfortunately, Mrs. Pschirrer has a meeting conflict that night. Both Mr. Dalessio and Ms. Mayberry plan to attend. An RSVP will be sent.

January 12, 2023, Selectboard Meeting: Mr. Dalessio requested that the January 12, 2023, Selectboard meeting be moved to Wednesday, January 11^th.  The Fall Mountain Budget Hearing is on January 12^th. Mr. Dalessio must attend the meeting since he is a committee member. There was an agreement to change the Selectboard meeting date to 1/11/2023 with the usual start time of 6:30 PM.

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 7:12 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

And, at the post offices to deliver tomorrow to Walpole, North Walpole, and Drewsville. Smaller issue than usual with less going on, and fewer advertisements, but browsing through my hardcopy now (benefit of being the publisher and picking up at the printer) I hope you enjoy the nice mix of articles from MOOver; Eagle Scouts, weasels, and our school contributors. You may click on this link to read on-line, or on the page one image below.

Happy New Year — RAY BOAS, Publisher

WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD 

Town of Walpole, NH 03608

PUBLIC NOTICE 

You are hereby notified of the following Public Hearing to be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at 7 pm in the Walpole Town Hall. 

Public Hearing: Recommendation of two petitions to the Walpole Zoning Ordinance to be placed on the 2023 Town of Walpole warrant. The articles will be voted by the public at the polls on Tuesday, March 14 2023. 

Article 1:

To see if the Town will vote to amend ARTICLE XIV of the Zoning Ordinance of theTown of Walpole, New Hampshire, to read as follows:

Penalty

Any person who violates any provision of the ordinance shall be subject to penalties in accordance with RSA 676:17, or any successor statute as may then be in effect,provided that the amount of the civil penalties to be assessed in accordance with such statute shall be determined in the discretion of the Selectboard.

Article 2:

To see if the Town will vote to amend the Article IV “General Provisions” of the Walpole Zoning Ordinance to include regulations regarding Formula Businesses by adding the following as Section P:

P. Formula Businesses – This Section establishes standards to limit the concentration of businesses that are homogeneous and visually obtrusive for thepurpose of preserving the unique and distinctive appeal of the Town’s character and commercial development. These standards are aligned with the purpose ofthese Zoning Regulations as described in Article I and are vital to the continuation of the Town’s ability to attract both residents and visitors.

1. A Formula Business is a business, including but not limited to retail sales, hotels,and restaurants, that both (a) maintains two or more of the following fivestandardized features: (1) array of services, menus, or merchandise, with 50% ormore of in-stock merchandise bearing uniform markings; (2) trademark, logo, orservice mark; (3) architecture, facade, or exterior design; (4) decor or color scheme; (5) uniform (other than name tags); and (b) shares the same or substantially the same two or more features as 10 or more other businesses, regardless of ownershipor location.

2. The total number of Formula Businesses in the Town of Walpole at any one timeshall be limited to 12. When this limit is reached, no new Formula Businesses may beestablished unless an existing Formula Business closes, adapts so that it no longer qualifies as a Formula Business, or relocates outside of the Town boundaries.

3. If a business in current operation becomes a Formula Business by means ofadditional locations being established, this business shall count toward the totalnumber of Formula Businesses but shall not be considered as a Formula Business being established.

4. Formula Businesses shall not include post offices, places of worship, schools, government facilities, banks, gasoline fueling stations, professional offices, or health care facilities.

Marilou Blaine

WPB Secretary