The Walpolean

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

Staff Present: Sarah Downing (Manager of Administration); Richard Kreissle (Administrator of Finance); Ben Hoy (Recycling Director); Helen Dalbeck (Hooper Institute Executive Director); Jane Malmberg (Library Director); Meghan Hansson (Town Clerk/Tax Collector); Mike Rau (Road Agent)

Excused: Kraig Harlow (Recreation Director); Justin Sanctuary (Police Chief)

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of staffto order at 5:00 PM in the Walpole Town Hall. There were no members of the public present.

Mr. Dalessio started the meeting with a few comments. December 9^th is day for departmental budget meetings with the Selectboard. This is the time to make your pitch to the Selectboard with special requests. Major purchases require three quotes. Mr. Dalessio said that discretionary spending should be stopped due to cash flow issues at the end of the year. The Town is in good shape. However, with the delay in tax billing, there is more pressure on cash flow.

Everyone should pay attention to the health insurance packets that are being distributed for open enrollment stated Mr. Dalessio. The Town is changing its health care plan. Mr. Dalessio encouraged staff to attend the HealthTrust presentation on Dec. 20^th at noon. Pizza will be offered to the attendees.

Mr. Dalessio called upon Mr. Ben Hoy to give his departmental report.

RECYCLING: 

Mr. Hoy contacted Clear Span (pole barn) supplier to give us a quote on storage possibilities. Our trailers are in very rough shape.

Christine Burchstead is going to help coordinate an arts and crafts activity at the recycling center with professional scrap artist Michael Albert.

The DES is conducting inspections across the state at transfer stations. We recently had the safety committee sweep Walpole recycling for infractions. Important to be prepared for an inspection at any time. (they may condemn more of our trailers).

Reuse volunteers would like to have a party at Walpole recycling. I am self-appointed to the party planning committee and would like to get together with this group on a Friday afternoon at Walpole recycling with the selectboard’s approval. I would like to recognize the amazing efforts of our volunteers, who literally do not leave a shift open at any time that we are open. It is, in my opinion, the best reuse center in the state of New Hampshire with the help of our volunteers.

Mr. Dalessio asked what DES is allowed to look at? There was a discussion if the NH DES would be conducting a safety inspection. Mrs. Pschirrer asked what was the advantage of the pole barn design? It is very open to snow, wind, and water. Mr. Hoy would like a back wall and partial side walls on the front. 

Mr. Dalessio questioned the arch roof which may not work as well with square shaped storage items. There was a general discussion of clean-up to occur before the DES inspection.

HIGHWAY:

Mr. Rau stated that winter is here. The seventy-degree weather will be missed. On 11/16/2022, there was a winter weather call out. The following also occurred in the past month:

• Finished paving in cuts prior to asphalt plant closing for season.

• Paving has been completed. Shouldering of these roads has been done successfully with the use of the new shouldering machine. Lots of positive feedback has been received. The new machine saves time and material. It also prevents breakdowns. 

• Roadside ditching on gravel roads will begin next week.

• Sand piles have been placed out in various locations in Walpole and North Walpole for residence use throughout the winter. The locations are the Town Shop, the Old Town Garage, the junction of Watkins Hill and County Road, and the Recycling Center.

Winter blend vehicle fuel has increased $.70 cents per gallon. The Highway Department is still involved with FEMA regarding disaster funding. NH DES had a reminder call from FEMA that they are waiting for their documentation. The Town has handed in all its documentation.  The department is waiting for $100,000 in total funding from FEMA for three projects.

FINANCE:

Mr. Kreissle deferred discussion on the particulars of the budget to the board. He highlighted a couple of items:

• The meeting with the department managers is 12/9 – Sarah is handling the scheduling.

• Every year the budget presents certain challenges.  This year is no different than others and to further facilitate the board’s decision-making process, I expanded my Excel knowledge by incorporating a drop-down box in one part of the format along with learning how to use the IFS function.   

In regard to Tax Rate Setting:

• The signed MS-535, which is a report generated by our auditors for the DRA, has been signed and uploaded to the DRA’s portal.

• Walpole, North Walpole, and the Walpole Fire District have uploaded all the necessary documents to their portal. (Just waiting for the school district to finish uploading their documents.)

• Once all the documents have been uploaded, the DRA will issue a preliminary tax rate which will be submitted to the board for their review.

➢ The board will determine how much to allocate for Abatements (called an Overlay on the tax rate form) and how much of the Unassigned Fund Balance to use to either a) reduce taxes or b) fund warrant articles

• These amounts are entered into the portal and the DRA issues a final tax rate.

HOOPER INSTITUTE:

Mrs. Helen Dalbeck gave a recap which included the following activities.

School Programs and School Gardens: Raptor migration is center stage in 5^th grade and about to wrap up with migration maps. Tree id in the pond ecosystem with 7^th grade has been in the forefront as well as data collection and defining pond habitats for wildlife. I move into teaching 6^th grade earth sciences, beginning Dec. 2. School gardens are tidied and prepped for winter with spinach now growing in the high tunnel. My plan is to cover the bed inside the tunnel to increase the chance of not freezing this winter. For the younger grades tree and leaf ID, cider making, seed collecting, apple dissecting (and eating), pumpkin carving and garlic planting and more thanks to Becky Whippie.

Outreach and Marketing: Clarion, flyers, Facebook. Vital Communities Andrew Deaett visited with me, Mrs. Ronning and her 5^th grade on 10/17. He was thrilled to see the kids in the gardens and to learn more about the Hooper Institute’s programs and mission. A wreath-making invitation and save the date was published in the November Clarion.  Plans are in the works with the WPTG for a Winter Fun Day in Feb, 2023. I meet with them on 11/16.

Administration: Ongoing, in every way. Budget, Total Return Policy, reports, communication, maintenance, fundraising, land, building and gardens

Special Events, Programs, Scholarship and Friends: Garlic Saturday was 10.22 and I am setting up at the Thanksgiving Farmers Market on November 19^th, making a free bird craft and selling make your own hula hoops. Wreath making is Dec 2 and 3. Save the date for Winter Fun Day, February 11, 2023

Development/Fundraising: This has been “The Year of the Hooper Institute”. The Lend a Hand postcard was printed, processed and mailed. I had 1500 copies made via Vista Print. Friends of Hooper Institute will cover both the printing and postage cost for the appeal. The fall campaign is called “Lend a Hand to the Hooper Institute”. A GoFundMe campaign via Hooper Facebook is being organized as I write this.  

Scholarship The total awarded for the school year 2022-23 is $15,000.

Other news: Hooper Institute logo cloth tote bags are available, yours for a $10 donation.

Mrs. Dalbeck noted that wastewater pipe remains unrepaired. She is waiting for a return call from the contractor. There was a discussion about replacing the high tunnel at Walpole Elementary School. 

LIBRARY:

Mrs. Jane Malmberg stated that October was a strong month for visits and circulation at both libraries.

Art Exhibit: We have a new art exhibit at the North Walpole Library of paintings by local artist Alice Maurer.   

Building Maintenance: Progress on our front door has been slow due to the sub-contractor’s involvement in an automobile accident.  We have requested weekly status updates from our contractor until the project is complete.  

Friends: The Friends of the Library have reported that they made $6,448 from the book sale this year, which is $749 more than last year.

Programming: We had a good turnout for our children’s concert with Lisa Nichols on Saturday, November 5^th.  Staff and patrons alike enjoyed the music and audience participation.  On December 7, we will host an author talk with Dr. Eric Cervini, who wrote The Deviant’s War, about a pioneering astronomer who fought for gay rights a generation before Stonewall in partnership with NH PBS and the Nashua Public library. Jasmine Allen of NH PBS will moderate the discussion.  In January, we will offer “Step Into the New Year with Less Stress”, led by Naomi Hall, Ed D.

Staff Development: I attended many informative and engaging workshops at the NHLA/NELA conference in Manchester.  The highlights were sessions on grant writing, sustainable thinking for small/medium size libraries, conducting diversity audits for small/medium size libraries, media manipulation and media literacy, and communicating with the press about book challenges.  The keynote speaker on Tuesday was Chris Bohjalian, who gave a fantastic talk!

Volunteer Dinner: The library Board of Trustees hosted a lovely dinner last week for volunteers and staff.  We enjoyed delicious food and lively conversation.

Mrs. Malmberg added that the chimney is to be wrapped. She is checking with the contractor. There was a discussion about finding a new therapy dog since Toby has passed away. A showing of the “Elf “ movie will be a December afternoon event.

TOWN CLERK-TAX COLLECTOR’S OFFICE:

Mrs. Meghan Hasson stated that since the last meeting, the Town Clerk has collected about $67,000, and about $50,000 of that belongs to the Town. Additional updates included: 

• Online transactions continue to stream in.  There were about 100 last month.  We average about 100 registrations a week; so, about 25% of registrations are done online.  (It has been 4 weeks since the last meeting.)

• We continue to get requests from people to be able to pay property taxes with a card either online or in person.

• The State General Election was held on November 8th.  There was a high voter turnout and a matched a high number of requests for absentee ballots.  The election went quit smoothly.  The total number of ballots cast was 1,893.  (187 of these were absentee ballots.)

• There is Town-wide concern about the assessing update.  Some people are going ahead and putting their houses on the market to sell them, figuring if their assessment has doubled, their tax bills will double as well.  We encourage residents to talk to the assessing department (Selectboard Office).

We wonder if perhaps the Town could have notified residents that the re-assessment was happening and educate them as to what a dramatic change in a Town-wide assessment would mean to their tax bills.  An enclosed letter with the assessment notice?  An article in the Walpole Clarion?

• We have collected only about ten thousand dollars’ worth of property taxes this last month.  We have all our supplies ready for printing tax bills as soon as we have a warrant.  Regardless of when we receive the warrant and can get it printed out and stuffed into envelopes and mailed through the post office, the property owners will have 30 days from the mailing date in which to pay their bills.

SELECTBOARD OFFICE:

Facilities Update: Mrs. Sarah Downing reported that the Town Hall Roofing project has been completed. On Veterans’ Day, the staging was removed along with other construction equipment and materials. Much thanks to Brad Nash for sweeping the yard area with a magnet to gather fallen nails and screws. Melansonwill return to shingle the Elm Street door entry roof, at no cost to the Town.

• The south entrance door has been experiencing locking issues. Repairs are ongoing. The north door on Westminster Street is sticking. The card scan/door locking contractor has been contacted to remedy that issue.

• The painting of the Town Hall hallway has been on hold this past month. The project will continue as time allows.

• New tiles will be installed in the Town Hall hallway, bathrooms and kitchen area. The current tile is over 23 years old and is breaking and cracking. The installation is to begin on Wednesday, December 14th. The installation will take 5 business days to complete.

Assessing

• Once the Town tax rate is set, a tax warrant will be created. The Town’s reporting has been submitted to the DRA Portal as noted by Rich Kreissle. The tax rate is expected to drop given the overall increased Town valuation.

• There have been inquiries regarding property tax abatements. There are printed copies of the abatement form available in the Town Hall near the map table. The forms can also be downloaded from the Document Center page on http://www.walpolenh.us. Abatement forms will be accepted at the Selectboard Office AFTER the final 2022 tax bill is mailed.

• Veterans, Elderly, and Solar Energy property tax exemption forms (PA-29) will also be accepted after the 2022 tax bill is mailed. They are available at the same locations as the property tax abatement form.

Human Resources

• Open enrollment for healthcare is beginning. There has been a change in the health care plan offered to employees. Packets of information are being created and should be ready on Friday, November 18th.

• With the change in the health care plan, a HealthTrust presentation is scheduled for Tuesday, December 20th at noon. Free pizza and salad will be served to attendees. Benefited employees are highly encouraged to attend this presentation to learn more about the AB15/40IPDED Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO plan.

• The lasagna and salad employee appreciation lunch isscheduled for Tuesday, December 12th from 11:45 AM to 1 PM. We are hoping for good weather so all can attend.

Mr. Kraig Harlow who could not attend the meeting submitted the following report.

RECREATION: 

Whitcomb Park

• All park equipment down at Whitcomb Park was picked up on November 15th and stored in the shed and the pool house.

• Bob Whyte from Basketball Courts MA, LLC came down to the park on October 22nd and repaired the hole in the tiles. Work was done for a written formal recommendation.

Pool

• The Recreation Department will be asking for an encumbrance on last year’s Article 10 for Pool and Pool House Repairs.

• The Recreation Department would like to extend it’s the time to use the monies next season to hire a pool specialist under the guidance of Mark Houghton to repair the pool. We are hoping to use just this one company on any issues with the pool.

Hockey Rink

• Our hockey rink will be put up next week out on the field by St. John’s Church. Members in the community have reached out to the recreation department and the select board in increasing the size of the rink.

• We are hoping to upgrade our 30ft x 60ft rink to the recommended recreational size of 80ft X 120 ft.

Winter Basketball

• We have 90 children signed up for basketball from grades 1st-6th grade. This is almost 40 more children from last year.

• We currently have three 1st & 2nd grade team, two girls 3/4 teams, two boys 3/4 teams, one girls 5/6 team, and one boys 5/6 team.

• Games will be held on Saturday mornings at Walpole Elementary School from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and at North Walpole School from 10 a.m. -3 p.m.

• Practices will be held at North Walpole School for one hour between 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. We have Diamond Pizza, Houghton, ServPro, Hubbards LLC, Home Away From Home and WW Building sponsoring teams this season.

ADJOURNMENT:

Ms. Mayberry moved to adjourn this Staff 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 5:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

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

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 8:00 AM in the Walpole Town Hall.There were no members of the public present.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE: Due to the short work week, there were no accounts payable.

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending November 19, 2022, in the amount of $31,367.34 dated November 25, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,988.58.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 17, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 17, 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 – November 17, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 17, 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 Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners’ Meeting – October 25, 2022;

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners’ Meeting – November 1, 2022;

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners’ Meeting – November 8, 2022;

• Library Trustees’ Meeting – November 8, 2022

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – November 15, 2022

OLD BUSINESS:

Pending Further Actions:  Generators, Parking Ordinance, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood,School and Old North Main Bridges/Culverts, School Street Drainage Project, Ice Rink

Streetlights on Kilburn and Spruce Streets: Ms. Mayberry attended the prior night’s North Walpole Commissioners’ Meeting. She heard from Celeste Aumand that she was not interested in shutting off the streetlight on Kilburn Street. It’s a dark area with people walking on the street. Mr. Dalessio said that going forward that streetlight complaints in North Walpole Village will be sent to the commissioners first. If action is to be taken, they will notify the Selectboard.

Petition Warrant Article to Change Section P of the Zoning Ordinance: Signatures will be verified. Following a confirmation of 25 or more valid signatures, the text will be sent to Atty. Hockensmith for review. Mr. Dalessio encouraged everyone to take the time to read the article. There was a brief discussion about “formula businesses”.

Tax Rate: Mr. Kreissle reported that the DRA continues to wait for the Department of Education assessment form to be approved for the school district. Mrs. Pschirrer mentioned that citizens are concerned that the tax rate has not been set and the bills have not been mailed. Mr. Dalessio stated that the tax bill due date will run into the next year. Mrs. Pschirrer continued that there is also a concern with tax bills increasing dramatically. Although property tax assessments have increased, any tax increases will be relative to budget increases from the school district, town, county and fire district budgets. The percentage increase in property valuation will not correspond directly to the amount of a tax bill increase. However, if School District/Town/County/Fire & EMS budgets increase, property taxes will most likely increase. Taxes are based on the Town’s combined funding obligation divided by the Town’s overall property value assessment.

New Parking Lot: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that Green Site Services has requested assistance from the Town Highway Department with unloading and moving some large concrete structures that will be used in the drainage system. Ms. Mayberry asked if this would help save money. Mrs. Pschirrer replied that there would be some cost and time savings for the project. There was a consensus by the Board to approve the request.

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 8:20 AM.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With 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 8:25 AM.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 AM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

Friday, December 9 @ 7:30 pm Alyson’s Orchard, Walpole 
Concert of Piano Favorites with Nicholas Burns 

• Mendelssohn – Prelude & Fugue in E minor, Op.35 No.1 
• Schubert – Sonata in A minor, D.784 
• Beethoven – Sonata in F minor, Op.57, “Appassionata” 
• Chopin – Ballade No.1 in G minor, Op.23 

Ashuelot Concerts continues its new series of classical concerts at Alyson’s Orchard on Friday, December 9 at 7:30pm. British Concert Pianist, Nicholas Burns will perform a program of solo piano favorites by Mendelssohn, Schubert, Beethoven & Chopin on a beautiful concert Steinway that will be shipped in for the occasion. Burns has recorded four, critically acclaimed albums for Nimbus and Lyrita and has performed throughout the UK, Europe, Canada, USA and China. 

“Our first concert at Alyson’s in October was a huge success,” says Ashuelot Concerts Program & Artistic Director Louisa Stonehill. “We are excited to be returning for this very special concert of works for solo piano. From the brilliance of Mendelssohn’s Prelude & Fugue, to the poetic expressive tones of Schubert’s A minor Sonata, the drama of Beethoven’s Appassionata and the sheer virtuosity of Chopin’s 1st Ballade, there really is something for everyone in this program.” 

“This is a very special program for me,” says Nicholas Burns “as I am performing some of the pieces that first inspired me to pursue a career as a concert pianist. Alyson’s has a wonderful acoustic, a welcoming atmosphere and the Ashuelot Concerts Steinway sounds incredible in the Orchard Room.” 

Ashuelot Concerts is a young nonprofit that seeks to grow the audience for classical music in our area through its international concert series, extensive school performances and occasional lecture series. This is the second of three concerts that will take place at Alyson’s this year and Ashuelot Concerts’ musicians will be visiting many of the area’s public schools to perform and talk to 5000 children this academic year. 

Tickets are $30 and available to book in advance on Ashuelot Concerts’ website ashuelotconcerts.org. Young adults, aged 18-30 can attend for just $10 and children are welcome to attend for free. 

Yes, and tomorrow the hardcopy will be at the Post Offices for delivery to you. But now I have this last twenty page issue for 2022 on-line for you to enjoy. PLEASE NOTE: The Live Nativity on Christmas Eve has been changed to 5:30 PM, and there will be a disaster drill in the village the Saturday, December 3.

 You may click on this link, or the image below to view and read this twenty page issue.

And, if searching for the best Walpole Holiday Gifts — remember my two books: AS IT WAS…AND STILL IS… and my compilation of ten years of Did You Know That history articles. Both are available for $20 each, or $30 for both. I also have in stock sets of the two volume Frizzell HISTORY OF WALPOLE. Email or call me.

Have an enjoyable Holiday Season, and stay safe and well, yours, RAY BOAS, Publisher

WALPOLE PLANNING BOARD 

Town of Walpole, NH 03608

PUBLIC NOTICE 

You are hereby notified of the following Public Hearings to be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022, at 7 pm in the Walpole Town Hall. The following formally submitted applications will be reviewed by the Board for completeness and, if complete, accepted by the Board and a Public Hearing held.

Public Hearing: Site Plan. NGP Management Group, Dunkin 2,000 square-foot coffee shop and drive-thru. Tax Map 12, Lot 13-3, Route 12, 234.8 feet on Main Street, pond and wetlands to the south.

Public Hearing: Lot Line Adjustment: Dale and Bonita Woodward and Judith Epstein, Tax Map 19, Lots 53-1 and 54. Lot 53.1 to gain 0.01 acre. Flat and School Streets. 

Public Hearing: Subdivision/Condo Lots: Avanru Development Group LLC: Tax Map 12, Lot 13-3 into 3 parcels, Unit 1A, Unit 2B, Unit 3C. 

All abutters and interested parties are encouraged to attend. To be heard on this matter, you must either attend the hearing in person or by duly authorized agent or you may submit your comments in writing, prior to the hearing to the Walpole Planning Board, PO Box 729, Walpole, NH 03608. 

If final action is delayed or the hearing continued, the application will remain on the agenda for the following Planning Board meeting, or until a decision is reached, without further notice. The applications and maps are available for public inspection at the Town Offices. Meeting minutes and public notices are posted inside the Town Hall and on the bulletin board outside the Post Office, and on the Town website, http://www.walpolenh.us

WPB Secretary
Marilou Blaine

One of the many reasons to be thankful to live in Walpole. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! – Lil

Like    Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail eNews: Thanksgiving 2022Happy Thanksgiving!There is Much to be Thankful for this ThanksgivingSam Jaffe and The Caterpillar Lab came to Distant Hill twice in 2022!I’m Thankful for the Return of Workshops and Group EventsAfter a two-year hiatus due to Covid, 2022 brought the return of educational workshops, talks, and group events to Distant Hill. And we had LOTS of them!Antioch University ‘Nature Based Leadership’ class – October 2022Pollinator Habitat Workshop led by Molly Jacobson – July 2022I’m Thankful for the Story Walk® Books on Distant Hill Nature TrailA big THANK YOU to Julie Rios from the Walpole Town Library for keeping the Story Walk books coming, month after month!Julie has been posting a new children’s book, page-by-page, every month on Distant Hill Nature Trail since August of 2020. That’s over 2 years! The Story Walk® is a big hit with families, with many returning every month.“Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives.”—Thomas BerryThanks to all the volunteers who helped with trail building in 2022!I’m Thankful to All Who Volunteered at Distant Hill in 2022!To all of you who volunteered at Distant Hill in 2022 – those who helped with the building of the new wheelchair and stroller-friendly Geology Trail, or helped with invasive plant control or trail maintenance, or the many presenters for the educational workshops and events at Distant Hill, and more…A BIG THANK YOU!“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”—Sherry AndersonThanks to you, we were able to build another 2,000 feet of wheelchair and stroller-friendly trail at Distant Hill.I’m Thankful to Have Finished the Accessible Half of our Distant Hill Geology TrailInspired by David Hudgik, a frequent user of the accessible trails at Distant Hill, making Distant Hill Geology Trail wheelchair and stroller friendly was high on my list of planned projects for 2022. (See more on David below)To fund the purchase of the gravel and other materials needed to do the work, we participated in the NH Gives 2022 online fundraiser.I’m happy to say that, thanks to your generous donations, we were able to finish the project in early November. We now have almost a mile and a half of wheelchair and stroller friendly trail!And we finished with no room to spare – we installed the last tractor bucket of gravel just one day before our first snow!An aerial view of a section of the newly completed wheelchair and stroller-friendly trail at Distant Hill.“I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees.”— Henry David ThoreauThis is from our June/July Newsletter. I thought it was appropriate to re-post it for Thanksgiving. I recently spoke to David and he can’t wait for the snow to melt so he can try out the new accessible Geology Trail!INSPIRING WORDS FROM A FREQUENT USER OF DISTANT HILL NATURE TRAIL“I am a C4-C5, wheelchair-bound quadriplegic living in Keene, NH, and I have never experienced life outdoors quite like I have at Distant Hill Nature Trail.”“Before my accident, I spent much of my free time skiing, hiking and enjoying being close to nature. After my accident, I lost most of my mobility and ability to access the outdoor world. I have struggled to find an outdoor wheelchair accessible place where I could get around independently. Distant Hill Nature Trail is just such a place, where I feel welcome and free; a place where people of all ability levels can appreciate and connect with nature, and escape the daily stresses of life. I would love more accessible trails at Distant Hill to explore!”Thank you for the freedom, David H.“I would love more accessible trails at Distant Hill to explore!”Thank you for your continued support. It is greatly appreciated!Michael Nerrie  _CEO (Chief Environmental Observer)  Distant Hill Gardens and Nature Trail_DONATE The ‘Ironing-Board Flower’ at the entrance to the Nature Play Area on Distant Hill Nature Trail.Distant Hill Nature Trail on ‘Trail Finder.com’ Distant Hill Nature Trail is open seven days a week, dawn to dusk, Free of Charge… and dogs are welcome on leash!“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking.”― Friedrich Nietzsche  ©2022 Distant Hill Gardens | 507 March Hill Road, Walpole, NH 03608Web Version  Preferences  Forward  Unsubscribe     Powered by Mad Mimi®A GoDaddy® company

Selectboard Present:​Steven Dalessio, Chair; Peggy L. Pschirrer; 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 were no members of the public present.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $642,860.49 for checks issued November 18, 2022.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The AP included a $529,226.62 payment to the Fall Mountain Regional School District (FMRSD).

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending November 12, 2022, in the amount of $31,034.48 dated November 18, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,773.61.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – November 10, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of November 10, 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 – November 10, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of November 10, 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 Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• Conservation Commission Meeting (unapproved) – November 7, 2022;

• Planning Board Meeting – November 8, 2022

TIMBER INTENTS:

Map and Lot# 012-067-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Timber Intent for Map and Lot# 012-067-000 on Old Drewsville Road and Stowell Lane.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

2022-47, Map and Lot# 012-044–500: Ms. Mayberry moved to accept Building Permit# 2022-47 for Map and Lot# 012-044-500 to add a 24’ x 25’ kitchen/living room addition with a bathroom and two porches.  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, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood,School and Old North Main Bridges/Culverts, School Street Drainage Project

Ice Rink: Ms. Mayberry had a conversation with Mr. Kraig Harlow regarding expanding the rink.  Mr. Harlow sent a note to the Recreation Committee. There was some concern regarding the funding of the rink expansion. Mrs. Pschirrer would like to know the cost. There was a discussion regarding Recreation Department priorities. Mr. Rosko was proposing an ice hockey sized rink.

Penalty Warrant Article: The penalty warrant article was received from Mr. Tom Winmill. It was sent to Atty. Hockensmith for review.  The Planning Board will need to hold a public hearing for this warrant article.

NEW BUSINESS:

Veterans and All Veterans Tax Credit: A new warrant is required to renew the credit due to a change in law per Mr. Dalessio. Mrs. Downing will create the warrant article text.

Walpole Attendance Area School Invitation: The Selectboard is invited to the Thanksgiving Feast on Tuesday, November 22^ndfrom 12:30 to 1:30 PM in the Walpole Elementary School Gym. Selectboard members were to RSVP by November 18^th.

HOOPER TRUSTEES MEETING:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to enter into a Hooper Trustees Meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberryand Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved at 6:44 PM.

The Selectboard Meeting resumed at 6:58 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 (c) Reputations and (e) Legal.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With 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 7:06 PM.

Hooper Forest Timber Tax: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to waive the timber tax for the Hooper Forest cut.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

MOOver Bus: Mrs. Pschirrer reported that the MOOver bus will be starting a Walpole route the day after Thanksgiving or November 25, 2022. Signs will be placed around Town. Both banks are supporting the effort. Mr. Dalessio saw MOOver stop sign at Shaws. Mrs. Pschirrer said that there will be stops at Abenaki Springs and at the Walpole Clinic. It may take a bit of time for people to become aware of the service. When the new parking lot is finished, people will be able to be picked up there too. That will not be until spring, said Mrs. Pschirrer.

ADJOURNMENT:

Mrs. Pschirrer moved to adjourn this Selectboard meeting.  Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  Mr. Dalessio asked if there was any additional discussion.  There was none.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 7:11 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore

Roll Call: Present: Chair Jan Galloway-Leclerc, Vice-Chair Judy Trow, Clerk Tom Murray, Pauline Barnes. Alternates: Don Sellarole, Carolyn Vose, Shane O’Keefe and Myra Mansouri. Absent: Board member Tom Winmill and alternate David Edkins. Alternate Ms. Vose was asked to sit in for the absent board member and she agreed.

Minutes: Written by Marilou Blaine. This meeting was recorded. These minutes are unapproved and will be reviewed at the December 2022 meeting for corrections, additions and/or omissions.

Call to order: Ms. Leclerc called the meeting to order at 7:03 pm. 

Minutes of October 2022:

Mr. O’Keefe referred to page 3 saying it did not include his last name in the third to to last paragraph.  Also, at the end of the same paragraph it should say “Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said she would bring it up.” On the same page, fifth paragraph from the bottom, add “not” at the end of the second paragraph. It should read, “He thought worrying about someone’s computer getting hacked is not a reason to not get information.” Ms. Trow made a motion to approve the minutes as amended. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Responses from the NH Municipal Association:

At the October 2022 meeting two questions came up and Chair Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said she would check with the NH Municipal Association. 

The first question was “Is there a recommended way for board members to receive advice from the town attorney?” Our town attorney has requested that the ZBA communicate with him only through the chair, but one of the board members would like the attorney to email his concerns. However, this may make it more difficult to keep his advice confidential. Generally when the chair receives a response from the association, she brings the response to a regular meeting for discussion with the rest of the board.

Jonathan E. Cowal, Esq. emailed the chair, “In situations like this, our advice is always to defer to your town attorney. Whatever they think works best for them and the town is what should be followed.” 

Question No. 2: Our ZBA recently heard an appeal that was somewhat controversial. Because there was concern that if the board wasn’t careful, it could end up in court, “I asked the town attorney to attend a meeting prior to the hearing and discuss with the board the rules surrounding who should recuse oneself. We did it in a nonpublic consultation with counsel.

“At our next meeting we entered a nonpublic session and discussed the advice we had received. We did not discuss the appeal. We discussed what we understood the attorney to have said regarding the general procedure of recusing oneself. For example, the rule that each member must make the decision for him/herself, but that perhaps some personal relationships might be considered too close and may be grounds for an appeal in certain situations. After we came out of nonpublic session we sealed the minutes. 

“At this time the appeal before the board has been decided. When the time limit for appealing that decision has passed, will it be appropriate to unseal the minutes of the nonpublic session? One opinion is that because the matter discussed was advice given by counsel that the minutes be unsealed because they only pertain to discussion of procedure in a general manner with no reputations involved, and for purposes of transparency we should not keep them sealed. What is your advice?” 

Mr. Cowal wrote “Unfortunately, I cannot answer this question for you. I can only point you to the law and the board will need to decide what they think is right for themselves. What I can tell you is that any actual discussions with your attorney would be protected by the attorney client privilege and would never need to be disclosed unless by a court order. However, minutes from the nonpublic session where the board simply discussed the attorney’s advice and the attorney was not present should be evaluated under RSA-A:3 III which states the criteria for unsealing minutes. The board should review that criteria and vote for what they think is appropriate.”

Unsealing minutes

The Zoning Board has several sealed minutes that are held by the chair and it was decided at the previous October meeting that some of them should be unsealed. Ms. Trow made a motion to go into nonpublic session. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried. The time was 7:20 pm. Ms. Trow made a motion to come out of nonpublic session at 7:40 pm for consideration of whether to disclose minutes of a nonpublic session due to a change in circumstances under paragraph III. However, any vote on whether to disclose minutes shall take place in public session. Ms. Barnes seconded the motion and the motion carried.

The purpose of the nonpublic session was to review the sealed minutes of two nonpublic meetings March 18, 2020 and August 17, 2022. A motion was made, seconded and approved unanimously by the board to unseal both of these nonpublic session minutes. These nonpublic minutes will now become part of the permanent record of minutes in the appropriate binders in the locked ZBA files.

Bylaws

At the October meeting the board decided it would be a good idea to review the ZBA bylaws. They planned to do it at the November meeting. The board would also look at the Suggested Rules of Procedure for Local Boards of Adjustment. So the board spent the next hour and 20 minutes going over the current Bylaws line by line. Ms. Barnes asked what’s the difference between Bylaws and Rules of Procedure and Ms. Galloway-Leclerc said she asked the Municipal Association that same question. She said they are the same thing. Attached is what the board is working on. It is a work in progress. The process will continue at the December meeting and there will be a vote on accepting or not accepting the new Bylaws.

At 9 pm Mr. Murray made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Trow seconded the motion and the motion carried. 

Respectfully submitted,

Marilou Blaine

ZBA Secretary

cc: ZBA, WPB, Town Offices, The Walpolean

Posted: Inside the Town Offices, on the bulletin board outside the Post Office.

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TOWN OF WALPOLE

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

BYLAWS

ARTICLE I. ​AUTHORITY

Section 1.​These bylaws are adopted under the authority of New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated Chapter 676:1 and the ​Zoning Ordinance of the Town of Walpole, New Hampshire.

ARTICLE II.​OFFICERS

Section 1. ​​A Chairperson shall be elected annually at the first meeting ​​​​​​following the ​town meeting by a majority vote of the board. The ​​​​​Chairperson shall serve for one year and shall be eligible for re-election. ​​​​The Chairperson shall preside over meetings and hearings, appoint such ​​​​committees as directed by the Board, and shall affix his/her signature in ​​​​the name of the Board.

Section 2.​​ A Vice-Chairperson shall be elected annually at the first meeting​​​​​ following the town meeting by majority vote of the Board. The Vice-​​​​Chairperson shall preside in the absence of the Chairperson and shall ​​​​have full powers of the Chairperson on matters which come before the ​​​​Board during the absence of the Chairperson.

Section 3. ​A Clerk shall be elected annually at the first meeting following the town meeting by a majority vote of the Board. The Clerk shall serve for one year and shall be eligible for re-election. In the absence of the Recording Secretary, the Clerk shall maintain a record of all meeting, transactions, and findings of the Board and shall perform such other duties as the Board may direct including the affixing of his/her signature in the name of the Board.

Section 4.​In the absence of the Chairperson and Vice-chairperson, the board may vote to appoint a member to serve in the position of Chairperson.

ARTICLE III.​ALTERNATES

Section 1. ​Up to five alternate members shall be appointed, as provided for by the local legislative body, and should attend all meetings to familiarize themselves with the workings of the board to stand ready to serve whenever a regular member of the board is unable to fulfill his/her responsibilities. The terms of the alternates is for a period of three years each (RSA 673:6, II-a) and shall be reviewed annually at the first meeting following the town meeting.

Section 2. ​In the absence of a regular member, an alternate will be appointed to serve. If a scheduled hearing is not concluded during the meeting, the alternate will continue in all related subsequent hearing. At meetings of the ZBA, alternates who are not activated to fill the seat of an absent or recused member or who have not been appointed by the chair to temporarily fill the unexpired term of a vacancy, may participate with the board in a limited capacity. During a public hearing, alternates may sit at the table with the regular members and may view documents, listen to testimony, ask questions and interact with other board members, the applicant, abutters and the public. Alternates shall not be allowed to make or second motions. Once the board moves into deliberations, alternates shall no longer participate with the board and may remove themselves from the table and/or room. During work sessions or portions of meetings that do not include a public hearing, alternates may fully participate, exclusive of any motions or votes that may be made. At all times, the chair shall fully inform the public of the status of any alternate present and identify the member who shall be voting on the application.

Section 3. ​Members must reside in the community and are expected to attend each meeting of the board to exercise their duties and responsibilities. Any member unable to attend a meeting shall notify the chairperson as soon as possible. Members, including the Chairperson and all officers, shall participate in the decision-making process and vote to appr0ve or disapprove all motions under consideration.

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ARTICLE IV.​ MEETINGS

Section 1. Regular Meetings

​

Regular meetings shall be held at the Walpole Town Hall at 7 PM on the third Wednesday of the month. Other meetings may be held on call of the Chairperson provided public notice is given and notice to each member at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the meeting in accordance with RSA 91-A:2, II.

Section 2. Quorum​

​

A quorum for regular business shall consist of three (3) members. If a ​​member disqualifies himself/herself or cannot act in a particular case the ​​member shall notify the Chairperson to appoint an alternate who shall ​​have all the powers and duties of a regular member in regard to the ​​appeal or appeals under consideration on which the regular member is ​​unable to act (RSA 674:33 Powers of Zoning Board of Adjustment. III). ​​The concurring vote of three (3) members of the Board shall be ​​​necessary to reverse any action of the administrative official or to decide ​​in favor of the applicant on any matter on which it is required to pass.

If there are less than five members (including alternates) present, the Chairperson shall give the option to proceed or not to the applicant. Should the applicant choose to proceed with less than five members present, that decision shall not solely constitute grounds for a rehearing should the application fail.

If the applicant opts to postpone due to less than a full board present, the board shall announce the time, date and location of the continued hearing. If the board cannot determine the time, date and location of the continued hearing, the board shall provide new notice to all parties pursuant to RSA 676:7.

Section 3. Order of Business​

The order of business for regular meetings shall be as follows:

1. Roll call.

2. Minutes of the previous meeting.

3. Disposition of appeals under consideration. 

4. Hearing of new appeals.

5. New Business.

NOTE:​​The formal observance of the order may be waived by mutual and ​​​​​unanimous consent of the members of the Board to better expedite the ​​​​business of the meeting.

Section 4.​Public Hearing

​​The conduct of public hearings shall be governed by the following rules:

a. The Chairperson shall call the meeting to order and call for the Clerk’s report ​on the first case.

b. The Recording Secretary shall read the application and report on the manner in which the public notice and personal notice were given.

c. The applicant shall be called to present his/her appeal and those appearing in favor of the appeal shall be allowed to speak.

d. Those in opposition to the appeal shall be allowed to speak.

e. Those in favor shall be allowed a rebuttal.

f. Those in opposition shall be allowed a rebuttal.

g. The hearing on the appeal shall be declared closed.

h. Voting on Variances: The Board will discuss each of the five criteria separately, but have one vote on the decision for the application for a Variance.

i. At any point during the hearing, if any party to that hearing, after being cautioned by the Chairperson, continues to act in a disruptive manner, the Chairperson may accept a motion to recess the hearing and upon majority vote in favor of such motion shall declare the hearing recessed.

General Rules

j. Any member of the Board, through the Chairperson, may request any party to the case to reappear.

k. Each person who appears shall be required to state his/her name and address and indicate whether he/she is a party to the case or an agent orcounsel of a party to the case.

l. Any party to the case who desires to ask a question of another party to case must do so through the Chair.

m. Any person who desires the Board to compel the attendance of a witness shall present his/her request in writing to the Chair no later than three (3) days prior to the hearing.

n. All complaints must be submitted in writing to the Board and signed by the complainant in order for the Board to act upon the complaint.

Section 5.​Joint Hearings

​​The Zoning Board of Adjustment may hold joint meetings or hearings with other town “land use boards”, including the Planning Board, the Historic District Commission and the inspector of buildings, and that each board shall ​​​have discretion as to whether or not to hold a joint meeting with any other land ​​use board. When there is a joint meeting with the Planning Board, the Planning ​​Board will chair the hearing; if not, the Zoning Board will chair the meeting.

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ARTICLE V.​APPEALS

Section 1. ​Each application for an appeal shall be made on forms provided by the Board and shall be presented to the Board. The Recording Secretary shall record the date of receipt over the Chairperson’s signature.

Section 2. ​An appeal to the Board on any administrative decision or requirement shall be taken within forty-five (45) days of the date of such decision or requirement.

Section 3. ​The Board shall reject any application not properly filled out and will decide the ​​​time of the hearing for all other applications when received.

Section 4. ​The Board shall decide all cases within thirty (30) days of hearing. Notification ​​​of the decision shall be sent to the applicant and filed in the records of the ​​​Board.

ARTICLE VI.​FORMS

​​All forms and revisions thereof shall be adopted by resolution of the Board and ​​​shall become part of the bylaws.

ARTICLE VII. FEES

​​The Board may, from to time, establish a fee schedule for public hearings, ​​​permits, notices, and other such times or procedures as may be needed. The ​​​fee schedule shall be posted publicly.

ARTICLE VIII. PUBLIC NOTICE

Section 1.​Public notice of public hearings on each appeal shall be given in a local ​​​​newspaper (10) days prior to the meeting and shall be posted at the Town Hall ​​​at least five (5) days prior to the hearing. Such notice shall include the ​​​​name of the applicant, provision of the Zoning Ordinance concerned, the type of ​​appeal being made, and the time and place of the hearing.

Section 2.​Personal notice shall be made by certified mail to the applicant, property owner ​​​and all abutters. Notice shall be given to other parties deemed by the Board to ​​​have special interest. The notice shall contain the same information as the ​​​public notice and shall be made on forms provided for this purpose.

ARTICLE IX. Minutes: RSA 91 “Raw materials: Tapes and notes used to compile meeting minutes are governmental records as long as they are retained: policy to  discard/reuse after minutes are approved is acceptable.” 

ARTICLE X. AMENDMENT

​​These bylaws may be amended by majority vote of the members provided that ​​​such amendment is read at two successive meetings.

​​​​​​​           ​   Revised: November 2022