The Walpolean

Thanks to Lucy for sharing this information. Numbers yes, but not COVID – Lil

Looking for Election Results?

Because of some posts on social media, I decided to take a look at voter turnout from Tuesday. The Secretary of State’s web site is not the easiest to navigate, so here is an overview of the numbers in my new State Representative district, Cheshire District 05—Surry and Walpole,

The statewide turnout for the last midterm election, in 2018, was 580,214. If I recall correctly, the Secretary of State predicted that turnout this year statewide would top 590,000. Actual turnout was 626,823. 451Surry voters went to the polls; 1893 ballots were cast in Walpole. By comparison, Surry voters cast 397 ballots in 2018; in Walpole the number was 1776.

Midterm numbers are always less than the presidential year turnout. In 2020, 819,499 ballots were cast statewide; 567 of those in Surry and 2349 in Walpole.

Here is the link to election results is below for those who want to take a deeper dive into the numbers, and the results for each individual candidate.

https://www.sos.nh.gov/elections/elections/election-results

For those who want a quick reference for the more locally elected officials, here are ours:

State Senator:  Donovan Fenton 

State Representative, Cheshire District 5:  Lucy Weber

State Representatives, Cheshire District 15:  Amanda Elizabeth Toll and Renee Monteil

Sheriff: Eli Rivera

County Attorney:  Chris McLaughlin

County Treasurer:  Chuck Weed

Register of Deeds:  Anna Tilton

County Commissioner:  Jack Wozmak is completing his 4 year term; Bob Englund has been elected to the two year term.

As of this writing, the state Senate has remained steady at 14 Rs and 10 Ds.  The state House is in an historic position.  As of this writing, there are 203 Rs and 197 Ds.  Many recounts are scheduled for next week.  Think your vote does not count?  The closest race has the Democrat losing to the Republican by 1 vote; the second closest has the Dem losing by 4 votes.  There are numerous races which have been decided by fewer than 10 votes.  Stay tuned.

Best part of hanging out at the polls on Tuesday?  Seeing how many parents brought their children with them to the polls.  So glad the next generation of voters is already being introduced to the election process.

And thank you to all the election workers who once again did a great job making the election process run smoothly.

~Representative Lucy Weber

LWMcV@comcast.net

603-499-0282

Members Present:  Alicia Flammia (Chair), John Peska, Peter Palmiotto, Lew Shelley, Laura Hayes, Steven Dumont,    

Members Absent:  France Menk

Alternates Present:  Wendy Grossman

Visitors Present:  Cheryl Mayberry (Selectboard liaison), Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary)

Call to Order:  Alicia called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  The meeting was recorded.

Review and Approval of Minutes:  Peter moved to accept the October 3, 2022, minutes as written.  Laura seconded, and all voted to approve. 

Public Business

Report from the Chair:  Alicia reported that she talked to Christian Gowdy about the Ballam Farm.  He said he is working with NRCS to keep the hedgerows open along the edges of the fields.  Because he is certified organic he cannot use pesticides, so he is mowing to keep the invasives down.  Laura asked who owns the property.  Alicia answered that Gowdys own it and the town has a conservation easement on it.

Alicia announced she will not seek the position of Chair of the Commission for next year. She wants to remain a member but not serve as Chair. She asked commissioners to think about who would like to take over the role.

Treasury:​​Conservation Savings Acct.​ $191,583.69

​​​​​       Forestry       $23,449.01

​​​​​      Gateway         $1,983.56

​​                 Mason Non-Expendable       $18,003.20

​​​​ Mason Expendable     $383,487.87

New Business

2023 Budget: This year, taking out the $50,000 for consulting work that was not expended but expected to possibly be used in 2023, there was $8,473 budgeted but just $6,624 used. 

The Easement Monitoring Committee has discussed the possibility of hiring an intern to help with the monitoring.  Alicia asked Cheryl how the inclusion of a paid intern should appear on the 2023 budget. Cheryl said they could level fund, create a line item for the intern, and move money from another line item they do not expect to expend.  Peter stated a stipend of $2500 would be a reasonable amount for 225 hours of work over an academic year. Wendy also reminded commissioners they will receive the $1000 bond refund, which can be put back into the general fund.  Peter moved to create a line item in the 2023 budget for an intern to help develop a systematic easement tracking and monitoring program.  John seconded the motion, and all voted in favor. The motion carried.

Steven asked if the $1500 line item for Rail Trail maintenance would be added. Alicia said she already added that to the budget, asking for extra money, not level funding

Old Business

Hooper Forest:  Alicia has not received an update from Alex. Wendy asked if hiking and biking trails would be marked before cutting begins.  Alicia said trees to be cut are marked, as are clearly visible trails. Alex plans to have a public walkabout to explain the work to be done, and at that time, anyone who uses the trails can suggest alternate plans.  Peter said he walked the cut with Alex two weeks ago with his forest management class and said they did pretty good job.  They went to High Point where Alex suggested thinning and creating an overlook.

Lew was in touch with Rick Brackett of the Conservancy, which is planning to do some logging on the Skofield property.  They are interested to know what the Commission’s plans for logging the Hooper Forest are for timing and how the road landings might be shared.

Lew also mentioned that Rick found trails being leaf blown on that property and the Conservancy doesn’t want trails leaf blown on their properties.  He hopes to be in contact about the trails on that land, as well, and to know more about who has made them and maintains them.

Commission Website: Alicia said Kelli is waiting for pictures and content.  A few commissioners said they have had some difficulty adding comments. Steven suggested a new deadline of the December meeting for comments, pictures, and other information.  Steven said he would start writing a piece about the Trail Subcommittee.  Alicia said other information can be found on Google Drive;  Kelli has access to that. Alicia will invite Kelli to the January meeting, after Kelli has had a chance to see comments.

Other Business 

Trail Subcommittee Report:  Steven, Kara, and Becky cleared the Fanny Mason Trail. France took pictures.  It still needs some clearing near the old shed and parking area on the other side. 

Lew cut the big tree at the Mill Pond.

Wendy said she and Will walked the Rail Trail, and it looks good.  She said the Snowmobile Club has chainsawed two trees and Lew reports they brush hogged the trails last weekend.

Steven said a maintenance plan for next year will be discussed and scheduled at the next subcommittee meeting.

Easement Monitoring:  Alicia said the committee (Alicia, John, Laura, and Peter) met before the regular Commission meeting.  It was decided that 14 properties will be monitored each year using a template that has been created.  Four of the properties need to be monitored with other organizations’ forms;  they will start with those. They discussed hiring an intern to help grab all the information about the property.  They will check with Sarah Downing annually to see if there has been any change to the properties (ownership). If not, they will use existing paperwork as a starting point.  The committee will come up with a scope of work for the intern and advertise it.

Reservoir Dam:  Cheryl stated that it is her understanding they are looking into repairing the dam. The cost difference between repairing the dam and taking it down is not significant and they have secured 100% of the cost.

Other

Laura announced that the Hooper Institute Board needs 3-4 new members.

Cheryl has been asked for information about hiking, biking, and especially climbing trails behind the old Jiffy Mart.  There was a discussion about the many “unofficial” trails that exist and who owns the property.  The only trail the Commission has mapped is the Table Rock Trail.  Lew told Cheryl if she knows someone who wants to know more about climbing in that area, she can refer that person to Lew, who will direct them to the climbers he knows who climb there.

Lew announced that the new Fish and Game officer has moved into town.

The next meeting will be on Monday, December 5, 2022.

Respectfully Submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

** These minutes are in draft form until approved at the December 5, 2022 meeting.

First Congregational Church of Walpole, UCC

15 Washinghton St.

This Sunday, at 10:00 a.m. we will honor the service and sacrifice of veterans in our annual Veterans Sunday. As in the past, this worship service will be arranged around poems by combat veterans. There will be poems from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, and wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Names of many Walpole veterans, living and deceased will be read at the end of the service, followed by the playing of Taps, honoring veterans who are now deceased. 

Present:  Walpole:  Steve Dalessio, Peggy Pschirrer, Cheryl Mayberry; Alstead:  Joel McCarty, Joseph Levesque, Matthew Saxton; Acworth:  Kathi Bradt; Charlestown:  Jeremy Wood, Nancy Houghton, Bill Rescsanski; Jean Kobeski (Recording Secretary)

Call to Order:  Steve Dalessio called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. This meeting was recorded.  Steve Dalessio welcomed the selectboard members and asked them to introduce themselves.

Approval of Minutes:  Jeremy Wood moved to accept the May 28 and August 5, 2022,minutes as written.  Joel McCarty seconded the motion, and all voted in favor. Motion carried.

Perambulations:  Prior to the meeting, the Charlestown Selectboard asked that perambulations of the town lines, which are by RSA to be done every seven years, be put on the agenda. Mr. Dalessio asked that they lead that discussion.  Jeremy Wood stated they are starting with the Acworth/Unity line, but it is difficult finding the markers. He said the last time the survey was done was in 1797 by the Masons, though the Conservation Commission has done some boundary marking.  Mr. Wood said they will most likely use a surveyor, who has told them the markings left by the Masons are probably the most accurate.

Mr. Dalessio said he did a survey when he first got on the board. They carried over the work that was done seven years prior, believing the lines hadn’t changed. Ms.Houghton said there is a discrepancy in Charlestown.  Mr. Wood explained that a gentleman purchased property with uncertain boundaries and wants clarification of his property lines. 

Joel McCarty said he might be able to help by recommending a surveyor, whom he has used in the past. According to Mr. McCarty the surveyor was quick, efficient, and inexpensive because he used a GPS system.  Mrs. Pschirrer asked the name of the surveyor; Mr. McCarty did not readily know his name but will email it. He also suggested that, as a five-town consortium, they could afford to hire someone and make a multi-year project out of this. Mrs. Pschirrer agreed this could be a good idea. The group discussed how rough maps, particularly those used by FEMA, can and have caused problems for towns.   

Fuel Oil, Gas, Shelters, Housing Assistance this Winter:  Matt Saxton introduced the topic of the high price of heating oil and gas this winter. He explained that a postcard was sent to all Alstead addresses giving residents needing assistance with oil and electricity the phone number and website address of SW Community Services. It also states that anyone who wishes to do so may make a tax-deductible donation to a fund for Alstead residents only.  Mr. Saxton said that could add an additional layer of resources for those in need. He said they are very worried about carbon monoxide and house fires this winter.

Mrs. Pschirrer stated the welfare officer in Walpole has already received several calls since September for oil, gas, and apartments.  In Walpole there are no available places to move. Jeremy Wood said their welfare office got a notice stating there would be no housing assistance this winter.  Mrs. Pschirrer said there is state money available for rental assistance, and the welfare officer has referred many people to the state. Mr. Saxton said that the state has said that anyone receiving up to 75% of the median income will qualify for assistance. He also said that SWCS is understaffed. They ask people to leave messages.  They will not run out of money, but processing applications for assistance will be very slow. 

Mrs. Pschirrer asked if anyone has shelters in their towns; none do. Walpole’s closed last year.  Mr. Wood said Charlestown goes to Claremont for temporary housing. Mr.Saxton explained that they lost renters to Keene because, with the price of gas, people could not afford to travel to Keene for a job that paid minimum wage. A discussion continued about subsidized housing and how people pay for it.  They also talked about the need for workforce housing.

FEMA:  Steve Dalessio asked how the towns are doing with their FEMA funding.  Charlestown has received money.  Langdon and Walpole have received some money. Alstead has not. Ms. Bradt said all site visits were done a month ago in Acworth, but they don’t expect money before the end of the year because of the lengthy processing procedures. 

Reservoir Dam:  Joel McCarty ask about the status of the Reservoir Dam.  Steve Dalessio responded that they have been approved for funding.  No formal decision has yet been made, but the dam most likely will be repaired rather than taken out. Ms.Bradt asked about the funding. Mr. Dalessio explained that the state had $15 million for dam repair, $10 million of which was spent on state dams.  That left $5 million for the next level.  Because the Reservoir Dam is designated a high hazard dam, Walpole was approved for roughly $800,000. Mr. Dalessio continued to explain problems with the dam and repairs that need to be made.  He said it will probably be repaired because it would cost roughly the same as removing it, and it has recreational value for the town. 

Other

Vilas Bridge:  Mr. Dalessio reported that engineering work continues to remove the waste line under the Vilas Bridge. A bypass line will be put in.

Brownfields Project:  The Brownfields site is just about finished in Walpole.  Mrs. Pschirrer reported that drainage will be done this fall but paving will wait until spring.  Southwest Region Planning Commission (SWRPC) paid for the testing and helped write the EPA grant. Ransome Consulting has done most of the work. The Walpole Foundation has purchased two double electric charging stations for the parking area.

Selectboard Rules and Procedures:  Kathi Bradt asked if each town has adopted a set of rules and procedures for selectboards.  She was directed to contact each town’s selectboard office for a copy of their documents.

Bridge Repair in Alstead:  Alstead has secured funding to repair two small bridges.  An engineering firm has been secured. The money is administered by the DOT.  Mr. McCarty would be happy to provide the name of the man in charge of the program.

There was a brief discussion about town budgeting and pay increases.

The next 5-town meeting will be held on January 27, 2023, in Langdon.

The meeting adjourned at 5:34.

Respectfully submitted,

Jean Kobeski, Recording Secretary

These minutes are in draft form until approved at the January 27, 2023, meeting.

Today is Election Day. Polls are open from now until 7:00 PM.

Tomorrow phone calls stop and commercials go back to normal.

Drive-by Food Collection

First Congregational Church

 Sat. Nov 12 —.10 am to 12:30

Fall Mt. Food Shelf Thanksgiving baskets

CALL TO ORDER:  Mr. Dalessio called this meeting of the Selectboard to order at 6:30 PM PM in the Walpole Town Hall.One member of the public, Steve Varone, the Town Treasurer was 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 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 7:26 PM.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Accounts Payable Check Register in the total amount of $682,387.87 for checks issued October 28, 2022.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. The payables included a $529,226.88 payment to Fall Mountain Regional School District (FMRSD).

PAYROLL:

Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Payroll Check Register for the week ending October 22, 2022, in the amount of $29,806.73dated October 28, 2022, and for the 941 Payroll Tax Transfer in the amount of $5,770.08.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

SELECTBOARD MEETING MINUTES:

SELECTBOARD MEETING – October 20, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Selectboard meeting of October 20, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessioin favor, the Minutes were approved.

NON-PUBLIC SELECTBOARD SESSION – October 20, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Non-Public Selectboard Session of October 20, 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.

STAFF MEETING – October 20, 2022:  Ms. Mayberry moved to accept the Minutes of the Staff Meeting of October 20, 2022, as submitted.  Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the Minutes were approved.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

The Selectboard acknowledged receipt of the following Committee reports:

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners’ Meeting – October 4, 2022;

• North Walpole Village District Commissioners’ Meeting – October 11, 2022;

• Zoning Board of Adjustment Meeting – October 19, 2022

WARRANTS:

Collection of Walpole Water Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve to the Collection of Walpole Water Fees in the amount of $49,834.90. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Collection of Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve the Collection of Walpole Sewer Fees in the amount of $82,159.44. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Collection of North Walpole Sewer Fees: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve to the Collection of North Walpole Village Sewer Fees in the amount of $71,329.23. Seconded by Mrs. Pschirrer.  With Ms. Mayberry, Mrs. Pschirrer and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

BUILDING PERMITS:

2022-46, Map and Lot# 005-051-000: Ms. Mayberry moved to approve building permit 2022-46 for Map and Lot# 005-051-000, to install a 37’ x 13’ ground 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, Three Phase Power for Industrial Park Drive and Bensonwood,School and Old North Main Bridges/Culverts, Streetlights on Kilburn and Spruce Streets:

School and Union Streets Drainage Project: Mr. Dalessio stated the stream was determined to be a seasonal stream unless the Town can prove it was a man-made gully. A seasonal stream is a more complicated process for permitting. The engineers from Fuss and O’Neill will review before any decisions are made. The Fuss and O’Neill contract amendment will be tabled until next week.

Sewer Easement Agreement: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to sign the Sewer Easement Agreement with that will allow Pinnacle View to connect to the sewer system. Seconded by Ms. Mayberry.  With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved.

Walpole Community Power: Mrs. Pschirrer explained the new rule requirements and the two new documents that are required. The first document registers the Town with the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The second document allows Walpole to demand data from Liberty Utilities. Templates were sent to create both documents. Mrs. Pschirrer would like to postpone signing the documents until next week.

Reservoir Dam: The application for 100% funding is being worked on per Mr. Dalessio.

Houghton Brook Bridge: A paper copy of the plans were left at the Selectboard Office for review and filing.

NEW BUSINESS:

Donation to Pinnacleview 4-H Club: Mrs. Pschirrer moved to donate $200 to Pinnacleview 4-H club for planting and maintaining the flowers at the Town Hall and the fountain. Ms. Mayberry seconded. With Mrs. Pschirrer, Ms. Mayberry, and Mr. Dalessio in favor, the motion was approved. Next year, this donation will be added to donation budget line.

Calendar Items: The Selectboard Meeting for Thanksgiving will be moved to 8 AM on the Wednesday November 23^rd. The Budget Meetings with department managers will be held on Friday, December 9^th in the basement conference room. On Saturday, December 3^rd. there is a tentative Active Shooter training event on the Common that is being organized by Walpole Fire and EMS.

MOOver Bus: The Walpole Foundation is negotiating anagreement to have the MOOver bus stop at Abenaki Springs, Shaws Plaza, the Walpole Clinic and one other location. The Walpole Foundation and Mascoma Bank are sponsoring the bus route for one year. There is also a matching grant for the service from the State of Vermont. Ridership will be tracked.

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 7:50 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Sarah Downing, Recording Secretary Pro Tempore